Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and a communication apparatus. The method comprises: a terminal device receiving resource configuration information, the resource configuration information including information of K resource sets, the K resource sets being in one-to-one correspondence with K coverage levels, and the K resource sets corresponding to M random access channel formats, wherein each resource set corresponds to one of the random access channel formats, the M random access channel formats include a first random access channel format and a second random access channel format, the two formats correspond to different numbers of occupied frequency domain resource units, and K and M are positive integers; the terminal device determining a first coverage level corresponding to the terminal device, the first coverage level corresponding to a first resource set among the K resource sets; and on at least one random access resource in the first resource set, sending a random access request message using a random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set. The method can not only improve resource efficiency, but also ensure the reliability of a communication link.

Description

A communication method and a communication device

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411982426.1, filed on December 27, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0004] In a wireless communication system, in order to establish a connection with a network device, the terminal device first needs to initiate a random access procedure. Through this procedure, a connection is established with the network device's cell, and uplink synchronization or beam failure recovery is obtained. After the random access is completed, the terminal device and the network device can communicate normally.

[0005] Currently, random access procedures include those for narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) communication systems and those for broadband IoT communication systems. However, when a communication system contains both IoT terminal devices requiring deep coverage and those without (e.g., enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) devices), and these IoT terminal devices are deployed at varying distances from the base station, the coverage provided by the base station differs depending on the distance. Currently, the random access procedure does not consider allocating resources based on the coverage conditions of different terminal devices to balance resource efficiency and link reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application proposes a communication method and a communication device for allocating corresponding resources according to the coverage level of the terminal device, so as to balance resource efficiency and link reliability.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a terminal device, or a component of the terminal device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device, or a device that is compatible with the terminal device. Taking the application of this method to a terminal device as an example, the method includes: the terminal device receiving resource configuration information from a network device, the resource configuration information including information on K resource sets, the K resource sets corresponding one-to-one with K coverage levels, the K resource sets corresponding to M random access channel formats, each of the K resource sets corresponding to one of the M random access channel formats, the M random access channel formats including a first random access channel format and a second random access channel format, the number of frequency domain resource units occupied by the random access channel corresponding to the first random access channel format being different from the number of frequency domain resource units occupied by the random access channel corresponding to the second random access channel format; K and M being positive integers; the terminal device determining that the terminal device corresponds to a first coverage level, the first coverage level corresponding to a first resource set among the K resource sets; the terminal device having at least one random access resource in the first resource set, and sending a random access request message to the network device according to the random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set.

[0008] In this embodiment, the K coverage levels can be relative to the terminal device side. For example, a lower coverage level indicates that the terminal device is closer to the network device, and the corresponding network coverage conditions are better; while a higher coverage level indicates that the terminal device is farther from the network device, and the corresponding network coverage conditions are worse. One possible implementation is that the coverage level can be related to the signal strength of the network device; a lower coverage level corresponds to a higher signal strength of the network device, and a higher coverage level corresponds to a weaker signal strength of the network device.

[0009] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the coverage level can be replaced by the repetition level or repetition count of the random access channel. A higher coverage level results in more repetitions of the random access channel, while a lower coverage level results in fewer repetitions.

[0010] In the above method, after determining its corresponding first coverage level, the terminal device can select a first resource set corresponding to the first coverage level from K resource sets provided by the network device. Then, it can randomly select one random access resource from the first resource set and send a random access request message to the network device according to the random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set. Therefore, in this method, the network device allocates one or more resource sets to the terminal device based on the coverage level, and each resource set has a corresponding random access channel format. This allows the terminal device to use the random access resources in the corresponding resource set according to its actual coverage level and initiate a random access request message to the network device according to the corresponding random access channel format. Therefore, in scenarios with terminal devices of different coverage levels, each terminal device can use the corresponding resources and random access channel format to perform the random access process according to its own coverage level. For terminal devices with lower coverage levels, resource waste can be avoided, thus improving resource efficiency. For terminal devices with higher coverage levels, the reliability of their communication links can be ensured.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, one possible implementation involves the terminal device determining its corresponding first coverage level by: the terminal device receiving a reference signal from a network device; and the terminal device determining its own corresponding first coverage level based on a first reference signal received power of the reference signal and at least one received power threshold corresponding to K coverage levels. This implementation allows the terminal device to effectively determine its own corresponding coverage level.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, one possible implementation includes the at least one received power threshold in the aforementioned resource configuration information. Through this implementation, the terminal device can effectively obtain the at least one received power threshold to determine its corresponding coverage level.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the random access channel corresponding to the first random access channel format occupies multiple subcarriers. In conjunction with the first aspect, in another possible implementation, the random access channel corresponding to the second random access channel format occupies one subcarrier and is transmitted using a single subcarrier frequency hopping method.

[0014] In this embodiment, low coverage level corresponds to the first random access channel format, and high coverage level corresponds to the second random access channel format. For the K coverage levels, low and high coverage levels can be distinguished by relative comparison or by a coverage level threshold; this application does not impose specific limitations. For example, the K coverage levels, from low to high, are coverage level 0 to coverage level K-1, with coverage level 0 considered a low coverage level and the others considered high coverage levels. As another example, among the K coverage levels, those below the coverage level threshold are considered low coverage levels, and those not below the threshold are considered high coverage levels. The coverage level threshold can be configured by the network device or negotiated or agreed upon by the network device and the terminal device; this is not limited.

[0015] Based on the above implementation, for multiple terminal devices with low coverage levels, the first random access channel format is adopted, where the random access channel occupies multiple subcarriers for each transmission. This allows the multiple terminal devices to share the frequency domain resources corresponding to the random access channel, thereby avoiding frequency domain resource waste and improving resource efficiency. For terminal devices with high coverage levels, the random access channel repeats more frequently. Therefore, the second random access channel format is adopted, where the random access channel occupies one subcarrier for each transmission, and adjacent transmissions use a single subcarrier frequency hopping method. This not only ensures the coverage performance of the terminal devices but also avoids frequency domain resource waste and improves resource efficiency.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set is a first random access channel format. The method further includes: the terminal device receiving first scheduling information from the network device, the first scheduling information including information of the first time domain resources and / or information of the first frequency domain resources; the first time domain resources support time slot-level scheduling, and the first frequency domain resources support physical resource block (PRB)-level scheduling.

[0017] The first scheduling information can be carried in messages such as downlink control information (DCI) or random access response (RAR).

[0018] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal device selects a random access resource in the first resource set, sends a random access request message to the network device according to the first random access channel format, and successfully accesses the network. For the terminal device, the network device can use a time slot-level scheduling method to allocate the time domain resources (i.e., the first time domain resources) of the corresponding physical uplink shared channel, and use a PRB-level scheduling method to allocate the frequency domain resources (i.e., the first frequency domain resources) of the corresponding physical uplink shared channel.

[0019] With this implementation, the terminal device can determine how the subsequent network device allocates resources for the Physical Uplink Shared Channel based on its own coverage level when it successfully completes random access. That is, it allocates the time domain resources of the Physical Uplink Shared Channel at the time slot level and the frequency domain resources of the Physical Uplink Shared Channel at the PRB level. This eliminates the need to add additional indication information to the scheduling information of the network device to indicate the allocation method of the Physical Uplink Shared Channel resources, thereby reducing the overhead of scheduling information.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set is a second random access channel format. The method further includes: the terminal device receiving second scheduling information from the network device, the second scheduling information including information on second time-domain resources and / or information on second frequency-domain resources; the second time-domain resources support cross-time slot scheduling, and the second frequency-domain resources support sub-PRB level scheduling. The second scheduling information can be carried in messages such as DCI or RAR.

[0021] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal device selects a random access resource in the first resource set, sends a random access request message to the network device according to the second random access channel format, and successfully accesses the network. For the terminal device, the network device can use a cross-time slot scheduling method to allocate the time domain resources (i.e., the second time domain resources) of the corresponding physical uplink shared channel, and use a sub-PRB level scheduling method to allocate the frequency domain resources (i.e., the second frequency domain resources) of the corresponding physical uplink shared channel.

[0022] With this implementation, the terminal device can determine the method by which subsequent network devices allocate resources for the Physical Uplink Shared Channel based on its own coverage level when it successfully completes random access. That is, the time domain resources of the Physical Uplink Shared Channel are allocated according to the cross-time slot level scheduling method, and the frequency domain resources of the Physical Uplink Shared Channel are allocated according to the sub-PRB level. This eliminates the need to add additional indication information to the scheduling information of the network devices to indicate the method of allocating Physical Uplink Shared Channel resources, thereby reducing the overhead of scheduling information.

[0023] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a network device, or a component of a network device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of a network device, or a device that is compatible with a network device. Taking the application of this method to a network device as an example, the method includes: the network device sending resource configuration information to a terminal device, the resource configuration information including information on K resource sets, the K resource sets corresponding one-to-one with K coverage levels, the K resource sets corresponding to M random access channel formats, each of the K resource sets corresponding to one of the M random access channel formats, the M random access channel formats including a first random access channel format and a second random access channel format, the number of frequency domain resource units occupied by the random access channel corresponding to the first random access channel format being different from the number of frequency domain resource units occupied by the random access channel corresponding to the second random access channel format; K and M are positive integers; the network device receiving a random access request message from the terminal device; the random access request message is at least one random access resource in the first resource set and is sent according to the random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set; the first resource set belongs to the K resource sets, the first resource set corresponds to a first coverage level, and the terminal device corresponds to the first coverage level.

[0024] In this embodiment, the K coverage levels can be relative to the terminal device side. For example, a lower coverage level indicates that the terminal device is closer to the network device, and the corresponding network coverage conditions are better; while a higher coverage level indicates that the terminal device is farther from the network device, and the corresponding network coverage conditions are worse. One possible implementation is that the coverage level can be related to the signal strength of the network device; a lower coverage level corresponds to a higher signal strength of the network device, and a higher coverage level corresponds to a weaker signal strength of the network device.

[0025] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the coverage level can be replaced by the repetition level or repetition count of the random access channel. A higher coverage level results in more repetitions of the random access channel, while a lower coverage level results in fewer repetitions.

[0026] In the above method, the network device allocates one or more resource sets to the terminal device based on different coverage levels. After determining its corresponding first coverage level, the terminal device can select a first resource set corresponding to its first coverage level from the K resource sets provided by the network device. Then, it randomly selects a random access resource from the first resource set and sends a random access request message to the network device according to the random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set. In this method, the terminal device can use the random access resources in the corresponding resource set according to its actual coverage level and initiate a random access request to the network device according to the corresponding random access channel format. Therefore, in scenarios with terminal devices of different coverage levels, each terminal device can use the corresponding resources and random access channel format to perform the random access process according to its own coverage level. For terminal devices with lower coverage levels, this avoids resource waste and improves resource efficiency; for terminal devices with higher coverage levels, it ensures the reliability of their communication links.

[0027] In conjunction with the second aspect, one possible implementation includes incorporating at least one receive power threshold corresponding to K coverage levels into the resource configuration information. This implementation allows the terminal device to effectively obtain the at least one receive power threshold to determine its corresponding coverage level.

[0028] In conjunction with the second aspect, one possible implementation further includes: the network device determining that the random access resource used to send the random access request message is located in a first resource set; and determining a first coverage level corresponding to the terminal device based on the first resource set. Through this implementation, the network device can effectively determine the coverage level corresponding to the terminal device initiating random access.

[0029] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the random access channel corresponding to the first random access channel format occupies multiple subcarriers. In another possible implementation, also in conjunction with the second aspect, the random access channel corresponding to the second random access channel format occupies one subcarrier and is transmitted using a single-subcarrier frequency hopping method.

[0030] In this embodiment, the low coverage level corresponds to the first random access channel format, and the high coverage level corresponds to the second random access channel format.

[0031] Based on the above implementation, for multiple terminal devices with low coverage levels, the first random access channel format is adopted. This means that each transmission of the random access channel occupies multiple subcarriers, allowing the multiple terminal devices to share the frequency domain resources corresponding to the random access channel, thus avoiding frequency domain resource waste and improving resource efficiency. For terminal devices with high coverage levels, the random access channel repeats more frequently. Therefore, the second random access channel format is adopted, where each transmission of the random access channel occupies one subcarrier, and adjacent transmissions use a single subcarrier frequency hopping method. This not only ensures the coverage performance of the terminal devices but also avoids frequency domain resource waste and improves resource efficiency.

[0032] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set is a first random access channel format. The method further includes: the network device sending first scheduling information to the terminal device, the first scheduling information including information about the first time-domain resources and / or information about the first frequency-domain resources; the first time-domain resources support time slot-level scheduling, and the first frequency-domain resources support physical resource block (PRB)-level scheduling. The first scheduling information can be carried in messages such as DCI or RAR.

[0033] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal device selects a random access resource in the first resource set, sends a random access request message to the network device according to the first random access channel format, and successfully accesses the network. For the terminal device, the network device can use a time slot-level scheduling method to allocate the time domain resources (i.e., the first time domain resources) of the corresponding physical uplink shared channel, and use a PRB-level scheduling method to allocate the frequency domain resources (i.e., the first frequency domain resources) of the corresponding physical uplink shared channel.

[0034] With this implementation, the terminal device can determine how the subsequent network device allocates resources for the Physical Uplink Shared Channel based on its own coverage level when it successfully completes random access. That is, the time domain resources of the Physical Uplink Shared Channel are allocated at the time slot level, and the frequency domain resources of the Physical Uplink Shared Channel are allocated at the PRB level. In this way, the network device does not need to add additional indication information to the scheduling information to indicate to the terminal device how to allocate Physical Uplink Shared Channel resources, thereby reducing the overhead of scheduling information.

[0035] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set is the second random access channel format. The method further includes: the network device sending second scheduling information to the terminal device, the second scheduling information including information about second time-domain resources and / or second frequency-domain resources; the second time-domain resources support cross-time-slot scheduling, and the second frequency-domain resources support sub-PRB level scheduling. The second scheduling information can be carried in messages such as DCI or RAR.

[0036] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal device selects a random access resource in the first resource set, sends a random access request message to the network device according to the second random access channel format, and successfully accesses the network. For the terminal device, the network device can use a cross-time slot scheduling method to allocate the time domain resources (i.e., the second time domain resources) of the corresponding physical uplink shared channel, and use a sub-PRB level scheduling method to allocate the frequency domain resources (i.e., the second frequency domain resources) of the corresponding physical uplink shared channel.

[0037] With this implementation, the terminal device can determine how the subsequent network device will allocate resources for the physical uplink shared channel based on its own coverage level when it successfully completes random access. That is, the time domain resources of the physical uplink shared channel are allocated across time slots, and the frequency domain resources of the physical uplink shared channel are allocated according to the sub-PRB level. In this way, the network device does not need to add additional indication information to the scheduling information to indicate to the terminal device how to allocate physical uplink shared channel resources, thereby reducing the overhead of scheduling information.

[0038] Thirdly, this application also provides a communication device, which is a terminal device or a chip corresponding to a terminal device. The communication device has the function of implementing the first aspect and any of its possible implementations. The communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0039] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor configured to support the communication device in performing corresponding functions of the terminal device described above. The communication device may also include a memory coupled to the processor, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device. Optionally, the communication device further includes interface circuitry for supporting communication between the communication device and other communication devices, such as the transmission and reception of data or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0040] In one possible design, the communication device includes corresponding functional modules, each used to implement the steps in the above method. The functions can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0041] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, which can perform the corresponding functions in the above method examples, as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, which will not be repeated here.

[0042] Fourthly, this application also provides a communication device, which is a network device or a chip corresponding to a network device. The communication device has the function of implementing the second aspect above and any of its possible implementations. The communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0043] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor configured to support the communication device in performing corresponding functions of the network device described above. The communication device may also include a memory coupled to the processor, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device. Optionally, the communication device further includes interface circuitry for supporting communication between the communication device and other communication devices, such as the transmission and reception of data or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0044] In one possible design, the communication device includes corresponding functional modules, each used to implement the steps in the above method. The functions can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0045] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, which can perform the corresponding functions in the above method examples, as described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof, which will not be repeated here.

[0046] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device. The processor is used to implement the methods of the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof through logic circuits or execution code instructions.

[0047] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device. The processor is used to implement the methods in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof through logic circuits or execution code instructions.

[0048] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the methods of any one of the first and second aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0049] Eighthly, a computer program product storing instructions is provided, which, when executed by a processor, implements the methods of either the first or second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0050] A ninth aspect provides a chip system including a processor and potentially a memory for implementing the methods of the first and second aspects described above, and any possible implementation thereof. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0051] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system comprising a terminal device and a network device, the terminal device being configured to implement the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, and the network device being configured to implement the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0052] The technical effects that can be achieved by any of the third to tenth aspects or any of the third to tenth aspects can be described with reference to the technical effects that can be achieved by any of the first and second aspects or any of the first and second aspects, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an NB-IoT random access preamble;

[0054] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of random access resource allocation for NB-IoT;

[0055] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the frequency domain location of a physical random access channel;

[0056] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture to which the method of this application is applicable;

[0057] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a method flow of another embodiment provided in this application;

[0059] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of determining the coverage level based on the received power threshold provided in this application;

[0060] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of PUSCH resource allocation corresponding to low coverage level and high coverage level provided in this application;

[0061] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a chip device structure according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0064] The scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0065] To better understand the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, some terms, concepts, or processes involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained below. It should be noted that these explanations are intended to make the embodiments of this application easier to understand and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection claimed by this application.

[0066] 1. Random access (RA):

[0067] Terminal devices need to search for and connect to the network that serves them to achieve initial access. This involves a cell search and selection process and a random access process. These two processes are the basis for the interaction between the terminal device and the base station. Through these two processes, the terminal device completes network access and enables wireless communication.

[0068] Cell search is the process by which the terminal device achieves downlink synchronization (including time and frequency synchronization) with the cell and detects the cell identifier (ID). After the cell search is completed, the terminal device selects the cell with the best signal to camp on. After selecting a cell to camp on, the terminal device initiates a random access procedure in the current cell. The random access procedure refers to the process from when the terminal sends a random access request to attempt to access the network until a basic signaling connection is established with the network device. For example, the random access request can be a preamble for random access. In the embodiments of this application, random access can also be referred to as a random access procedure or a random access channel (RACH) procedure.

[0069] During random access, the terminal device needs to initiate random access on a specific physical random access channel (PRACH) resource. PRACH resources include time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, and preamble sequence resources. Network devices can configure PRACH resources, including configuring the time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, preamble sequence resources, and power control information.

[0070] The following example uses the 5th generation (5G) random access procedure, which includes the following steps:

[0071] Step 1: The terminal device sends a preamble (Msg1) to the base station on the physical random access channel;

[0072] Step 2: The base station sends a Random Access Response (RAR) (Msg2) to the terminal device through the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH). The terminal device listens to the Physical Downlink Control Channel within the random access response window to receive the RAR. If it successfully receives a RAR that matches the sent preamble, it considers the response successful (or access successful); otherwise, it indicates that the response failed (or access failed).

[0073] Step 3: If the response is successful, the terminal device will send uplink scheduling information (Msg3) through the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0074] Step 4: In contention-based random access, the network device will select one Msg3 from multiple Msg3s for encapsulation and send a contention resolution message through the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The terminal device needs to listen to the PDCCH to confirm whether it has been selected. If it has been selected, the random access process is successful; otherwise, random access needs to be performed again.

[0075] 2. Enhanced coverage:

[0076] Because IoT systems need to support a wide coverage area, the network device scheduling strategies will be completely different for terminal devices in different communication environments. For example, terminal devices located in the center of a cell have better wireless channel conditions, and network devices can establish a reliable communication link with relatively low power. They can also use techniques such as large transmission code blocks, high-order modulation, and carrier bonding to quickly transmit data. However, for terminal devices at the cell edge or in basements, wireless channel conditions are poor. Network devices need to use higher power to establish a reliable communication link, and they need to use techniques such as small transmission code blocks, low-order modulation, multiple retransmissions, and spread spectrum to complete data transmission.

[0077] To ensure communication reliability and conserve network transmission power, it is necessary to differentiate between terminal devices operating under different channel conditions to facilitate network scheduling. Based on this, the concept of coverage enhancement levels is introduced. Terminal devices at the same coverage enhancement level have similar channel transmission conditions, allowing network devices to employ similar scheduling parameters, and their control signaling overhead is also similar.

[0078] Currently, in NB-IoT systems, the concept of coverage enhancement level is introduced for narrowband physical random access channel (NPRACH). In enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC) systems, or long-term evolution machine-type communication (LTE-M or LTE-MTC) systems, the concept of coverage enhancement level is only introduced for PRACH. This coverage enhancement level can also be referred to as coverage level, enhanced coverage level, repetition level, or repetition count.

[0079] Let's take coverage levels as an example. Each random access resource is mapped to a coverage level, numbered starting from 0. For NB-IoT systems, the mapping between random access resources and coverage levels increases with the number of NPRACH repetitions, which is configured by the network device. For eMTC, LTE-M, or LTE-MTC systems, the mapping between random access resources and coverage levels increases with the number of PRACH repetitions, which is also configured by the network device. For example, in an NB-IoT system, if there are three coverage levels: coverage level 0, coverage level 1, and coverage level 2, then the number of NPRACH repetitions in the random access resources associated with coverage level 0 is less than the number of NPRACH repetitions in the random access resources associated with coverage level 1, which is less than the number of NPRACH repetitions in the random access resources associated with coverage level 2. In an LTE-M or LTE-MTC system, if there are four coverage levels: coverage level 0, coverage level 1, coverage level 2, and coverage level 3... The number of PRACH repetitions in random access resources associated with coverage level 0 is less than the number of PRACH repetitions in random access resources associated with coverage level 1, which is less than the number of PRACH repetitions in random access resources associated with coverage level 2, which is less than the number of PRACH repetitions in random access resources associated with coverage level 3. The symbol "<" indicates less than.

[0080] 3. PRB: A PRB is a basic transmission unit in a wireless communication system. A PRB can refer to the resource of 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain. In this article, a PRB can also be referred to as a resource block (RB).

[0081] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects 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, or c can represent: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0082] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," "1," "2," etc. (except in special cases representing numerical values), as well as "a," "b," etc., mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the size, content, order, timing, priority, or importance of multiple objects. For example, "first scheduling information" and "second scheduling information" are only used to distinguish different scheduling information and do not indicate that the size, priority, or importance of these two scheduling information are different.

[0083] It should be noted that, in this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is being described as an example, illustration, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0084] The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in the following description of embodiments of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. Furthermore, the term "for indicating" used in the description of embodiments of this application can include both direct and indirect indication. When describing an indication message for indicating A, it may include whether the indication message directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the indication message carries A.

[0085] The preceding text introduced some terms, concepts, or processes involved in the embodiments of this application. The following text introduces the technical background, application scenarios, and devices involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0086] In wireless communication systems, in order to establish a connection with network devices, terminal devices first need to initiate a random access procedure. Through this procedure, the terminal device can establish a connection with the cell, obtain uplink synchronization, or recover from beam failures. After completing the random access, the terminal device and network devices can communicate normally. Currently, random access procedures include those for narrowband IoT communication systems and those for broadband IoT communication systems.

[0087] 1. As a typical representative of narrowband IoT, NB-IoT's random access signal design is as follows:

[0088] The NB-IoT random access preamble consists of a group of symbols that hop frequency on a single subcarrier. As shown in Figure 1A, the bandwidth of an NB-IoT carrier is 180kHz. One NPRACH preamble occupies one subcarrier. The subcarrier bandwidth of NPRACH preamble format 0 / 1 is 3.75kHz. For preamble format 0 / 1, an NB-IoT carrier can support a maximum of 180 / 3.75 = 48 NPRACH preambles. The subcarrier bandwidth of NPRACH preamble format 2 can also be 1.25kHz. For preamble format 2, an NB-IoT carrier can support a maximum of 180 / 1.25kHz = 144 NPRACH preambles.

[0089] In addition, the system messages of network devices include the time-domain and frequency-domain location information of random access resources. Random access resources for each coverage level are configured independently. Figure 1B illustrates the configuration of NB-IoT random access resources, showing the configuration on six NB-IoT carriers. NB-IoT carrier 2 is configured with random access resources for three coverage levels. Referring to Figure 1B, the horizontal axis represents time or the time-domain axis, and the vertical axis represents frequency or the frequency-domain axis. For the three coverage levels, the longer the length of the rectangle (the horizontal axis shown in Figure 1B), the longer the transmission time, meaning a greater number of repetitions are required. The width of the rectangle (the vertical axis shown in Figure 1B) can contain multiple subcarriers. Taking coverage level 0 as an example, 12 subcarriers are configured, and the random access preamble is repeated four times. The random access preamble has a format of preamble format 0 or preamble format 1. The random access preamble has 4 symbol groups in a repeating unit, each symbol group occupies one subcarrier, and there is frequency hopping between adjacent symbol groups.

[0090] Narrowband IoT communication systems, such as NB-IoT, typically transmit four symbol groups in the PRACH time domain during a single transmission. In deep coverage scenarios, this requires multiple repetitions, resulting in significant transmission latency. Furthermore, they only support frequency division multiplexing, limiting the number of concurrent users they can support.

[0091] 2. Reduced capability (RedCap), as a typical representative of broadband IoT, has the following design for random access signal multiplexing (NR):

[0092] In LTE systems, the Zadof-Chu (ZC) sequence is used as the uplink synchronization sequence for the PRACH channel. The ZC sequence transmitted on the PRACH channel is also called the PRACH preamble. LTE supports two lengths of ZC sequences, generating multiple sequences through cyclic shifting based on the root index sequence: N ZC =839, N ZC =139.

[0093] The PRACH channel in 5G New Radio (NR) adopts the ZC sequence design of LTE, supports two lengths of ZC sequences, and also generates multiple sequences through cyclic shifting: L RA =839, L RA =139.

[0094] After cyclic shifting, the ZC time-domain sequence set is: x u,v (n)=x u ((n+C v )mod L RA ZC sequence is defined as:

[0095] There are 64 preamble sequences in total. The base station is configured with one logical root sequence index (indicated by the RRC parameter `prach-RootSequenceIndex`). If the preamble sequence generated by cyclically shifting the root sequence corresponding to the logical root sequence index is less than 64, then the root sequence corresponding to the next logical root sequence index is used to continue generating the preamble sequence until all 64 sequences have been generated. The preamble is first pressed by C. V Incrementing, and then numbered from 0 to 63 in ascending order according to the logical root sequence index.

[0096] Temporal position of PRACH: Since the temporal length of PRACH is already determined for different formats, the temporal resources can be completely determined once the start position within the subframe is determined. For example, the OFDM symbol for PRACH timing in the temporal domain is: Where l0 is the starting symbol position, which is obtained from the pre-configured table. L is the PRACH transmission time within the PRACH time slot. RA =139, obtained from the pre-configured table (0 to ), L RA = 839 is fixed at 1; It is obtained based on the PRACH configuration index table; When the random access subcarrier spacing Δf RA When ∈{1.25, 5, 15, 60} kHz, When Δf RA When ∈{30, 120}KHz, according to the pre-configured table: if configured as 1, then In other cases

[0097] PRACH frequency domain location: Current technology defines PRACH frequency domain resources, which are represented by the number of PUSCH RBs with different subcarrier spacings, as shown in Table 1 below:

[0098] Table 1:

[0099] In terms of PRACH frequency domain resources, NR and LTE have similarities: for example, when L... RA =839, with PRACH and PUSCH subcarrier spacing of 1.25 and 15 kHz respectively, the time-domain bandwidth is 839 * 1.25 = 1048.75 kHz. Expressed in terms of RB with a subcarrier spacing Δf = 15 kHz, it requires... One RB. Differences from LTE: NR can configure multiple frequency domain FDM PRACH timings (1 / 2 / 4 / 8, indicated by the higher layer parameter msg1-FDM) in the mid-frequency domain; frequency domain resource offset configuration, LTE is relative to the uplink bandwidth edge, while NR is relative to the uplink initial BWP; * is a multiplication sign.

[0100] The frequency domain location of PRACH is shown in Figure 2, and the number of PRBs it occupies is shown in Table 1 above. In Figure 2, The lowest RB index for the configured uplink initial BWP; This is the starting position of the resource cell; This is the lowest RB index in the BWP for the configured PRACH frequency domain resources, corresponding to RACH-ConfigGeneric->msg1-FrequencyStart. RA ∈{0,1,…,M-1}: M is the number of configured PRACH frequency domain resources, corresponding to RACH-ConfigGeneric->msg1-FDM, with values ​​of {1,2,4,8}.

[0101] PRACH, a broadband IoT communication system represented by RedCap, has a short time occupation in the time domain and supports code division multiplexing, which can support more concurrent users. However, because the bandwidth occupied by a single transmission is 6 RBs, the peak to average power ratio (PAPR) is high, and the time domain does not support a large amount of repetition, it cannot support deep coverage scenarios.

[0102] Based on the above, when a communication system contains both IoT terminal devices requiring deep coverage and those without (eMBB devices), and these IoT terminal devices are deployed at varying distances from the base station, the coverage of IoT devices at different distances will differ. However, current random access procedures do not consider allocating resources based on the coverage conditions of different terminal devices, thus failing to balance resource utilization efficiency and link reliability. For example, if resources are uniformly allocated according to the worst coverage conditions—that is, based on significant overlap, low code rates, or low-order modulation—while link reliability for IoT devices farther from the base station can be guaranteed, resource waste occurs for IoT devices closer to the base station. Conversely, if resources are uniformly allocated according to the best coverage conditions—that is, based on no overlap, no coding, coding with a high code rate, or high-order modulation—resource utilization efficiency is high for IoT devices closer to the base station, but communication link reliability cannot be guaranteed for IoT devices farther away.

[0103] To address the aforementioned problems, this application proposes a communication method and a communication apparatus for allocating corresponding resources based on the coverage level of the terminal device, thereby balancing resource efficiency and link reliability. The method and apparatus are based on the same inventive concept. Since the principles underlying the problems solved by the method and apparatus are similar, implementations of the apparatus and method can be mutually referenced, and repeated details will not be elaborated further.

[0104] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to various mobile communication systems, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), LTE, 5G communication systems (e.g., 5G NR), LTE and 5G hybrid architectures, or new communication systems that will emerge in future communication developments. The communication system can also be a machine-to-machine (M2M) network, machine-type communication (MTC), or other networks.

[0105] For example, Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to the communication method of the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 3, network devices and terminal devices 1 to 6 constitute a communication system. In this communication system, terminal devices 1 to 6 can send uplink data to the network device, and the network device can also send downlink data to terminal devices 1 to 6. Furthermore, terminal devices 4 to 6 can also constitute a communication system. In this case, the network device can send downlink data from terminal devices 4 and 6 to terminal device 5, and terminal device 5 can then forward it to terminal devices 4 and 6.

[0106] In this embodiment, the network device can be an access network device in a wireless network. For example, the network device can be a radio access network (RAN) node that connects terminal devices to the wireless network, and can also be called an access network device. The network device includes, but is not limited to: evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP), wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP), or transmission and reception point (TRP) in a wireless fidelity (WIFI) system, and can also be a network device in a 5G mobile communication system. For example, a next-generation NodeB (gNB), transmission reception point (TRP), or TP in an NR system; or one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G mobile communication system; or, network equipment can also be network nodes that constitute a gNB or transmission point, such as a BBU, or a distributed unit (DU), etc.

[0107] In some deployments, a gNB may include a centralized unit (CU) and a dual unit (DU). A gNB may also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU implements some of the gNB's functions, and the DU implements others. For example, the CU handles non-real-time protocols and services, implementing the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) layer. The DU handles physical layer protocols and real-time services, implementing the functions of the radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layers.

[0108] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the function of the network device can be a network device itself; it can also be a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing the function, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the network device. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the example of a network device being used to implement the function of the network device is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0109] The terminal device involved in the embodiments of this application can be a wireless terminal device capable of receiving network device scheduling and instruction information. The terminal device can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc. Examples of terminal devices include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, device-to-device (D2D) communication terminals, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication terminals, smart vehicles, in-vehicle systems (or onboard transmitters) (telematics boxes, T-boxes), machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC) terminal devices, and IoT terminal devices.

[0110] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself; it can also be a device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the terminal device. In the technical solutions provided by this application embodiment, the terminal device is used as an example to describe the technical solutions provided by this application embodiment.

[0111] In this embodiment, the type of terminal device can include various types, such as legacy terminal devices, RedCap terminal devices, and enhanced RedCap (eRedCap) terminal devices. Legacy terminal devices can be NR release 15 (Rel-15) terminal devices or NR Rel-16 terminal devices, without limitation. eRedCap terminal devices can also refer to R18 eRedCap terminal devices. In this embodiment, the terminal device can be any type of terminal.

[0112] The communication system architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of communication system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems. In the embodiments of this application, "communication system architecture" can be replaced with "network architecture".

[0113] In this application, "send" and "receive" refer to the direction of information / data / signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, and "send information" can include direct transmission or indirect transmission through other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, and "receive information" can include direct reception from YY or indirect reception from YY through other units or modules. Furthermore, "send" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. In other words, "send" or "receive" can occur between nodes / devices, such as a base station and a terminal transmitting or receiving data via an air interface. "Send" or "receive" can also occur within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0114] In this application, the names of the messages (or information) in the following processes are merely examples. As communication technology evolves, the names of the messages (or information, etc.) in the following processes may change. However, regardless of how the names change, as long as their meaning is the same as the function or meaning of the messages (or information, etc.) in this application, they all fall within the protection scope of this application. For example, "coverage level" can be replaced with "repetition level" or "repetition count," etc.

[0115] The solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0116] When the following method flows of this application are applied to the system shown in FIG3, the network device or its modules or chips in FIG3 can execute the methods executed by the network device in the following flows, and the terminal device or its modules or chips in FIG3 can execute the methods executed by the terminal device in the following flows. It is understood that the various embodiments shown below do not particularly limit the specific structure of the execution subject of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application. As long as access can be performed according to the methods provided in the embodiments of this application by running a program that records the code of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, for example, the execution subject can be a terminal device or a functional module in a terminal device that can call and execute a program, or the execution subject can be a network device or a functional module in a network device that can call and execute a program. In the following description, the interaction between the terminal device and the access device is used as an example. The order of the steps in the following flows is only an example. In actual applications, the execution order of the steps in each flow can be adjusted, and all or part of the following steps can be executed adaptively.

[0117] Referring to Figure 4, the method provided in this application embodiment includes the following steps:

[0118] S401: The network device sends resource configuration information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the resource configuration information accordingly.

[0119] The resource configuration information includes information on K resource sets, each corresponding to one of K coverage levels. Each resource set corresponds to one of M random access channel formats, and each of the K resource sets corresponds to one of the M random access channel formats. The M random access channel formats include a first random access channel format and a second random access channel format. The number of frequency domain resource units occupied by the random access channel corresponding to the first random access channel format is different from the number of frequency domain resource units occupied by the random access channel corresponding to the second random access channel format. K and M are positive integers. This application uses the first and second random access channel formats among the M random access channel formats as examples to illustrate the scheme. The implementation method for three or more random access channel formats is similar and will not be repeated. For three or more random access channel formats, the number of frequency domain resource units occupied by the random access channels can be completely different, or partially the same and partially different.

[0120] The following section introduces the K resource sets and their information in the embodiments of this application.

[0121] In the embodiments of this application, each of the K resource sets includes at least one random access resource, and each random access resource includes time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources for random access. The information of the K resource sets may be an index, number, or identifier of the K resource sets, or the information of any one of the K resource sets may include indication information of the corresponding time-domain resource set and / or indication information of the frequency-domain resource set, or the information of any one of the K resource sets may include indication information of the corresponding time-domain resources and / or indication information of the frequency-domain resources. This application does not impose specific limitations in this regard.

[0122] For example, the entire time-frequency resource is pre-divided into multiple time-frequency resource sets, and each of these sets is assigned a corresponding index, number, or identifier. When a network device selects K time-frequency resource sets from these multiple sets for a random access procedure, the network device includes the index, number, or identifier of these K time-frequency resource sets in the resource configuration information and sends this resource configuration information to the terminal device.

[0123] For example, the entire time-domain resources can be pre-divided into multiple time-domain resource sets, and these sets can be assigned corresponding indexes, numbers, or identifiers. Similarly, the entire frequency-domain resources can be pre-divided into multiple frequency-domain resource sets, and these sets can be assigned corresponding indexes, numbers, or identifiers. For a random access process, the network device selects K time-domain resource sets from these multiple time-domain resource sets and K frequency-domain resource sets from these multiple frequency-domain resource sets. Based on these K time-domain and K frequency-domain resource sets, it then obtains K resource sets. In one possible implementation, each resource set includes one time-domain resource set and one frequency-domain resource set. The network device then sends resource configuration information to the terminal device. This resource configuration information includes information about the K resource sets. The information for each resource set includes indication information for one corresponding time-domain resource set (e.g., the number, index, or identifier of the time-domain resource set) and indication information for one corresponding frequency-domain resource set (e.g., the number, index, or identifier of the frequency-domain resource set).

[0124] This application does not limit the specific implementation of how to set up K resource sets and the information of K resource sets to the examples mentioned above. In practical applications, other implementation methods may also be included, which will not be detailed here.

[0125] The following provides an exemplary description of the coverage levels in the embodiments of this application, as well as the relationship between the K coverage levels, the K resource sets, and the M random access channel formats.

[0126] In one possible implementation, the coverage level is related to the signal coverage strength of the network device.

[0127] In this embodiment, a lower coverage level for the terminal device indicates that the terminal device is closer to the network device, has better coverage, and receives a stronger signal from the network device. Conversely, a higher coverage level for the terminal device indicates that the terminal device is farther from the network device, has worse coverage, and receives a weaker signal from the network device.

[0128] For example, taking K=3 and M=2 as an example, the three coverage levels, from smallest to largest, are coverage level 0, coverage level 1, and coverage level 2; and the two random access channel formats are the first random access channel format and the second random access channel format. Coverage level 0 corresponds to resource set #0 and the first random access channel format, coverage level 1 corresponds to resource set #1 and the first random access channel format, and coverage level 2 corresponds to resource set #2 and the second random access channel format. Alternatively, coverage level 0 corresponds to resource set #0 and the first random access channel format, coverage level 1 corresponds to resource set #1 and the second random access channel format, and coverage level 2 corresponds to resource set #2 and the second random access channel format.

[0129] For example, taking K=3 and M=3 as an example, the three coverage levels, from smallest to largest, are coverage level 0, coverage level 1, and coverage level 2; the three random access channel formats are the first random access channel format, the second random access channel format, and the third random access channel format, and the number of frequency domain resource units occupied by the random access channels corresponding to these three random access channel formats are different. Coverage level 0 corresponds to resource set #0 and the first random access channel format, coverage level 1 corresponds to resource set #1 and the second random access channel format, and coverage level 2 corresponds to resource set #2 and the third random access channel format.

[0130] In this embodiment of the application, the frequency domain resource unit occupied by the random access channel can be, but is not limited to, a subcarrier.

[0131] The first random access channel format and the second random access channel format in the embodiments of this application are described below.

[0132] In one possible implementation, the random access channel corresponding to the first random access channel format occupies multiple subcarriers. The random access channel corresponding to the second random access channel format occupies one subcarrier, and this random access channel is transmitted using a single-tone frequency hopping method.

[0133] In this embodiment, the first random access channel format described above can be used for low coverage levels, and the second random access channel format described above can be used for high coverage levels. For example, if the terminal device corresponds to a low coverage level, the terminal device initiates random access to the network device according to the first random access channel format; if the terminal device corresponds to a high coverage level, the terminal device initiates random access to the network device according to the second random access channel format.

[0134] For the aforementioned K coverage levels, low and high coverage levels can be distinguished using relative comparison or based on coverage level thresholds; this application does not impose specific limitations. For example, the K coverage levels, from lowest to highest, are coverage level 0 to coverage level K-1, with coverage level 0 considered a low coverage level and the others considered high coverage levels. As another example, among the K coverage levels, those below the coverage level threshold are considered low coverage levels, and those not below the threshold are considered high coverage levels. The coverage level threshold can be configured by the network device or negotiated or agreed upon by the network device and the terminal device; this is not restricted.

[0135] For example, the three coverage levels, from lowest to highest, are coverage level 0, coverage level 1, and coverage level 2. Coverage level 0 is considered low coverage, while coverage levels 1 and 2 are considered high coverage. Alternatively, coverage levels 0 and 1 are considered low coverage, while coverage level 3 is considered high coverage.

[0136] As shown in Figure 5(a), in the current communication scenario, there are low-coverage-level eMBB devices and IoT devices. The PRACH corresponding to the low-coverage-level eMBB devices and IoT devices occupies multiple subcarriers in the frequency domain. This allows IoT devices and eMBB devices to share PRACH resources, meaning that the frequency domain resources occupied by the PRACH corresponding to the low-coverage-level eMBB devices and IoT devices overlap, thus avoiding PRACH resource waste. As shown in Figure 5(b), in the current communication scenario, there are high-coverage-level IoT devices. Since the PRACH corresponding to high-coverage-level devices repeats more times, the PRACH corresponding to the IoT devices occupies 1 subcarrier in the frequency domain, and the PRACH is transmitted using a single-tone frequency hopping method. This not only ensures the coverage performance of IoT devices but also reduces PRACH resource overhead.

[0137] S402: The terminal device determines its own corresponding first coverage level, which corresponds to the first resource set among K resource sets.

[0138] In one possible implementation, the terminal device determines its own coverage level by: receiving a reference signal from a network device; and determining the first coverage level corresponding to the terminal device based on the first reference signal received power of the reference signal and at least one received power threshold corresponding to K coverage levels.

[0139] In this embodiment of the application, the reference signal received by the terminal device from the network device may be a synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) or tracking reference signal (TRS) or channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) in a 5G NR communication system, or a synchronization signal sent by the network device, and there is no limitation on this.

[0140] In one possible implementation, the number of the at least one received power threshold is the number of resource sets K minus 1, that is, the number of the at least one received power threshold is K-1, where K is an integer greater than 1.

[0141] In one possible implementation, the resource configuration information also includes at least one received power threshold.

[0142] For example, the resource configuration information sent by the network device includes three resource sets and two receive power thresholds. The three resource sets are resource set #0, resource set #1, and resource set #2, and the two receive power thresholds are threshold 1 and threshold 2. As shown in Figure 6, if the RSRP corresponding to the terminal device is less than or equal to threshold 1, then the coverage level of the terminal device is 0, and resource set #0 is used. If the RSRP corresponding to the terminal device is greater than threshold 1 and less than threshold 2, then the coverage level of the terminal device is 1, and resource set #1 is used. If the RSRP corresponding to the terminal device is greater than or equal to threshold 2, then the coverage level of the terminal device is 2, and resource set #2 is used.

[0143] For example, UE1 receives a reference signal sent by the network device and measures the corresponding RSRP#1. If the RSRP#1 is less than the threshold 1, then UE1 determines that it corresponds to coverage level 0, and then UE1 determines to use the resource set #0 corresponding to coverage level 0.

[0144] S403: The terminal device selects at least one random access resource from the first resource set and sends a random access request message to the network device according to the random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set. Correspondingly, the network device receives the random access request message.

[0145] In one possible implementation, the terminal device randomly selects a random access resource from the first resource set and sends a random access channel message to the network device according to the random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set. The random access resource includes time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources.

[0146] For example, a network device can provide a terminal device with three resource sets by sending resource configuration information: resource set #0, resource set #1, and resource set #2. Each resource set includes one or more random access resources.

[0147] Resource set #0 corresponds to coverage level 0 and the first random access format;

[0148] Resource set #1 corresponds to coverage level 1 and the second random access format;

[0149] Resource set #2 corresponds to coverage level 2 and the second random access format.

[0150] The first random access channel format occupies multiple subcarriers. The second random access channel format occupies one subcarrier, and this random access channel uses single-tone frequency hopping for transmission.

[0151] If UE1 determines its corresponding coverage level 0 based on its measured RSRP#1, then UE1 can randomly select a random access resource from resource set #0 (the example of the first resource set mentioned above) and send a random access request message to the network device according to the corresponding first random access format. That is, the random access channel used to carry UE1's random access request message occupies multiple subcarriers.

[0152] In another possible implementation, the terminal device can select random access resources from the first resource set according to a pre-set rule, and send random access channel messages to the network device according to the random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set.

[0153] In one possible implementation, after the network device receives the random access request message from the terminal device, the method of this application embodiment may further include: the network device determining that the random access resource used to send the random access request message is located in a first resource set; and then the network device determining the first coverage level corresponding to the terminal device based on the first resource set.

[0154] After receiving a random access request message from a terminal device, the network device also schedules or allocates PUSCH resources to the terminal device. PUSCH resources include time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources.

[0155] In one possible implementation, if the random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set is a first random access channel format, that is, the terminal device selects a random access resource in the first resource set and sends a random access request message to the network device according to the first random access channel format (the corresponding random access channel occupies multiple subcarriers); after receiving the random access request message, the network device confirms that the terminal device has successfully accessed the network.

[0156] In this embodiment of the application, since the low coverage level corresponds to the first random access channel format, the network device can determine that the first coverage level corresponding to the successful access of the terminal device is the low coverage level.

[0157] In the embodiments of this application, the time-domain resources of the PUSCH corresponding to the low coverage level can be scheduled using a time slot-level scheduling method, and the frequency-domain resources of the PUSCH corresponding to the low coverage level can be scheduled using a PRB-level scheduling method.

[0158] Furthermore, when the first coverage level corresponding to the terminal device is a low coverage level, the method of this application embodiment may further include the following steps: the network device sends first scheduling information to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first scheduling information, the first scheduling information including information on first time-domain resources and / or information on first frequency-domain resources; the first time-domain resources support time slot-level scheduling, and the first frequency-domain resources support physical resource block (PRB)-level scheduling. Exemplarily, this step can be performed after S403.

[0159] In the embodiments of this application, the first time-domain resource and / or the first frequency-domain resource may refer to the resources of PUSCH.

[0160] In this implementation, if the terminal device determines that the first time domain resources are scheduled by the network device according to the time slot level and the first frequency domain resources are scheduled by the network device according to the PRB level based on the first coverage level corresponding to its successful network access, then the network device does not need to add indication information to the scheduling information to instruct the terminal device on how to allocate / schedule the first time domain resources and / or the first frequency domain resources, thereby reducing the overhead of scheduling information.

[0161] In the embodiments of this application, time slot-level scheduling can refer to scheduling time-domain resources with a basic unit of one time slot. PRB-level scheduling can refer to scheduling frequency-domain resources with a basic unit of one frequency block (RB).

[0162] In one possible implementation, if the random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set is the second random access channel format, that is, the terminal device selects a random access resource in the first resource set and sends a random access request message to the network device according to the second random access channel format (the corresponding random access channel occupies 1 subcarrier); after receiving the random access request message, the network device confirms that the terminal device has successfully accessed the network.

[0163] In this embodiment, since the high coverage level corresponds to the second random access channel format, the network device can determine that the first coverage level corresponding to the successful access of the terminal device belongs to the high coverage level.

[0164] In the embodiments of this application, the time-domain resources of the PUSCH corresponding to the high coverage level can be scheduled using a cross-time slot level scheduling method, and the frequency-domain resources of the PUSCH corresponding to the high coverage level can be scheduled using a sub-PRB level scheduling method.

[0165] Furthermore, if the first coverage level corresponding to the terminal device is a high coverage level, the method of this application embodiment may further include the following steps: the network device sends second scheduling information to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second scheduling information, the second scheduling information including information on second time-domain resources and / or information on second frequency-domain resources; the second time-domain resources support scheduling across time slots, and the second frequency-domain resources support scheduling at the sub-PRB level. Exemplarily, this step can be performed after S403.

[0166] In the embodiments of this application, the second time-domain resource and / or the second frequency-domain resource may refer to the resources of PUSCH.

[0167] In this implementation, if the terminal device determines that the second time domain resources are scheduled by the network device according to the cross-time slot level scheduling method and the second frequency domain resources are scheduled by the network device according to the sub-PRB level scheduling method based on the first coverage level corresponding to its successful network access, then the network device does not need to add indication information to the scheduling information to instruct the terminal device on how the network device allocates / schedules the second time domain resources and / or the second frequency domain resources, thereby reducing the overhead of scheduling information.

[0168] In the embodiments of this application, cross-slot-level scheduling can refer to a transmission occupying multiple time slots in the time domain. Sub-PRB-level scheduling can refer to scheduling frequency domain resources in a basic unit that is less than 1 RB, that is, the channel bandwidth of the frequency is less than 1 RB.

[0169] In this embodiment, the first scheduling information (or the second scheduling information) can be carried in messages such as Downlink Control Information (DCI) or Random Access Response (RAR). In this application, "scheduling" can be replaced with "allocation," and "scheduling method" can be replaced with "allocation method."

[0170] For example, as shown in Figure 7, coverage level 0 is a low coverage level and coverage level 2 is a high coverage level. The distribution of time-frequency domain resources corresponding to the low coverage level is shown in Figure 7(a), and the distribution of time-frequency domain resources corresponding to the high coverage level is shown in Figure 7(b).

[0171] As shown in Figure 7(a), in the time-frequency domain resources, the size of the time-frequency domain resources corresponding to each small square is equal. One square represents the smallest granularity or unit of the time-frequency domain resource. One square occupies one RB in the frequency domain, and one RB occupies one time slot in the time domain.

[0172] The network device can then allocate time-frequency domain resources for the corresponding PUSCH at the granularity of a small square or as a unit for UEs with low coverage levels. That is, the allocated time-domain resources are integer multiples of time slots, and the allocated frequency-domain resources are integer multiples of RBs. Accordingly, after the UE determines that its corresponding coverage level belongs to the low coverage level, the distribution of time-frequency domain resources of the PUSCH subsequently scheduled or allocated for it by the network device can be confirmed as shown in Figure 7(a).

[0173] For example, the size of time-frequency resources allocated by the network device to a UE with low coverage can be expressed as: M time slots (an example of the first time domain resource mentioned above) and K RBs (an example of the first frequency domain resource mentioned above), where M and K are positive integers, and the values ​​of M and K may be equal or unequal. Alternatively, the size of time-frequency resources allocated by the network device to a UE with low coverage can be expressed as: L * first time-frequency domain resource unit, where the size of the first time-frequency domain resource unit corresponds to 1 RB in the frequency domain, and this 1 RB corresponds to 1 time slot in the time domain; where L is a positive integer, and * is a multiplication sign.

[0174] In one possible implementation, the network device sends a DCI or RAR (an example of the first scheduling information mentioned above) to a UE with a low coverage level. The DCI or RAR includes information about first time-domain resources, i.e., information about M time slots, and also information about first frequency-domain resources, i.e., information about K frequency blocks (RBs). After receiving the DCI or RAR, the UE with the low coverage level can determine the specific distribution of the first time-domain resources and the first frequency-domain resources in the DCI or RAR.

[0175] As shown in Figure 7(b), in the time-frequency domain resources, each rectangle corresponds to a time-frequency resource of equal size. One rectangle represents the smallest granularity or unit of that time-frequency domain resource. One rectangle occupies less than one RB in the frequency domain and more than one timeslot in the time domain. Therefore, the network device can allocate corresponding time-frequency domain resources to UEs with high coverage levels using one rectangle as the granularity or unit. Accordingly, after the UE determines that its corresponding coverage level belongs to the high coverage level, the distribution of time-frequency domain resources of the PUSCH subsequently scheduled or allocated to it by the network device can be confirmed as shown in Figure 7(b).

[0176] For example, taking 1 RB occupying 12 subcarriers as an example, a rectangle shown in Figure 7(b) occupies 6 subcarriers in the frequency domain (less than 1 RB), and these 6 subcarriers occupy 3 time slots in the time domain (more than 1 time slot).

[0177] The time-frequency resource size allocated by the network device to a UE with high coverage level can be expressed as: P * 3 time slots (an example of the second time domain resource above) and Q * 6 subcarriers (an example of the second frequency domain resource above), where P and Q are positive integers, and the values ​​of P and Q may be equal or unequal, with * representing multiplication. Alternatively, the time-frequency resource size allocated by the network device to a UE with high coverage level can be expressed as: X * second time-frequency domain resource unit, where the size of the second time-frequency domain resource unit corresponds to 6 subcarriers in the frequency domain, and these 6 subcarriers correspond to 3 time slots in the time domain, where X is a positive integer.

[0178] The network device sends a DCI or RAR (an example of the second scheduling information mentioned above) to a UE with a high coverage level. This DCI or RAR includes information on second time-domain resources, i.e., information on P*3 time slots, and also information on second frequency-domain resources, i.e., information on Q*6 subcarriers. After receiving the DCI or RAR, the UE with a high coverage level can determine the specific distribution of the second time-domain and second frequency-domain resources within the DCI or RAR.

[0179] In summary, in this application's solution, after determining its corresponding first coverage level, the terminal device can select a first resource set corresponding to the first coverage level from K resource sets provided by the network device. Then, it can randomly select one random access resource from the first resource set and send a random access request message to the network device according to the random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set. Therefore, in this method, the network device allocates one or more resource sets to the terminal device based on the coverage level, and each resource set has a corresponding random access channel format. This allows the terminal device to use the random access resources in the corresponding resource set according to its actual coverage level and initiate a random access request to the network device according to the corresponding random access channel format. Therefore, in scenarios with terminal devices of different coverage levels, each terminal device can use the corresponding resources and random access channel format to perform the random access process according to its own coverage level. For terminal devices with lower coverage levels, resource waste can be avoided, thereby improving resource efficiency. For terminal devices with higher coverage levels, the reliability of their communication links can be ensured.

[0180] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the embodiments of this application have been described from the perspective of interaction between various devices. To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments or implementations of this application, the terminal device or network device may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0181] The module division in this embodiment is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division; in actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments or implementations of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0182] Similar to the above concept, as shown in FIG8, this application embodiment also provides a communication device 800 for implementing the functions of the terminal device or network device in the above method. For example, the communication device 800 can be a software module or a chip system. In this application embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices. The communication device 800 may include: a communication unit 801 and a processing unit 802.

[0183] In this embodiment, the communication unit 801, also referred to as the transceiver unit, may include a sending unit and / or a receiving unit, respectively used to execute the sending and receiving steps of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments. The processing unit 802 may be used to read instructions and / or data from the storage module so that the communication device 800 implements the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0184] Optionally, the communication device 800 may also include a storage unit 803, which is equivalent to a storage module and can be used to store instructions and / or data.

[0185] The communication device provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 8 and 9. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, the contents not described in detail can be implemented as shown in Figure 4 above, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0186] The communication unit 801 can also be called a transceiver, transceiver, or transceiver device. The processing unit can also be called a processor, processing board, processing module, or processing device. Optionally, the device in the communication unit 801 used to implement the receiving function can be considered a receiving unit, and the device in the communication unit 801 used to implement the transmitting function can be considered a transmitting unit; that is, the communication unit 801 includes both a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The communication unit can sometimes also be called a transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver unit. The receiving unit can sometimes be called a receiver, receiver, or receiving circuit. The transmitting unit can sometimes be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit.

[0187] When the communication device 800 is applied to the terminal device in the process shown in Figure 4 of the above embodiment: the communication unit 801 is used to receive resource configuration information, which includes information on K resource sets. The K resource sets correspond one-to-one with K coverage levels. The K resource sets correspond to M random access channel formats. Each resource set in the K resource sets corresponds to one of the M random access channel formats. The M random access channel formats include a first random access channel format and a second random access channel format. The number of frequency domain resource units occupied by the random access channel corresponding to the first random access channel format is different from the number of frequency domain resource units occupied by the random access channel corresponding to the second random access channel format. K and M are positive integers. The processing unit 802 is used to determine the first coverage level corresponding to the terminal device. The first coverage level corresponds to the first resource set in the K resource sets. The communication unit 801 is also used to send a random access channel message in at least one random access resource in the first resource set according to the random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set.

[0188] In one possible design, the processing unit 802, when determining that the terminal device corresponds to the first coverage level, may specifically be used for:

[0189] The communication unit 801 receives a reference signal from a network device; then, based on the first reference signal reception power of the reference signal and at least one reception power threshold corresponding to the K coverage levels, it determines the first coverage level corresponding to the terminal device.

[0190] In one possible design, the resource configuration information also includes the at least one received power threshold.

[0191] In one possible design, the random access channel corresponding to the first random access channel format occupies multiple subcarriers.

[0192] In one possible design, the random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set is the first random access channel format, and the communication unit 801 is further configured to: receive first scheduling information, the first scheduling information including information of the first time domain resources and / or information of the first frequency domain resources; the first time domain resources support time slot-level scheduling, and the first frequency domain resources support physical resource block (PRB)-level scheduling.

[0193] In one possible design, the random access channel corresponding to the second random access channel format occupies one subcarrier and is transmitted using a single subcarrier frequency hopping method.

[0194] In one possible design, the random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set is the second random access channel format, and the communication unit 801 is further configured to: receive second scheduling information, the second scheduling information including information on the second time-domain resources and / or information on the second frequency-domain resources; the second time-domain resources support cross-time slot scheduling, and the second frequency-domain resources support sub-PRB level scheduling.

[0195] In one possible design, the coverage level is related to the signal coverage strength of the network device.

[0196] When the communication device 800 is applied to the network device in the process shown in Figure 4 of the above embodiment: the communication unit 801 is used to send resource configuration information, which includes information on K resource sets. The K resource sets correspond one-to-one with K coverage levels. The K resource sets correspond to M random access channel formats. Each resource set in the K resource sets corresponds to one of the M random access channel formats. The M random access channel formats include a first random access channel format and a second random access channel format. The number of frequency domain resource units occupied by the random access channel corresponding to the first random access channel format is different from the number of frequency domain resource units occupied by the random access channel corresponding to the second random access channel format. K and M are positive integers. The communication unit 801 is also used to receive random access request messages. The random access request message is sent by the terminal device according to the random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set, based on at least one random access resource in the first resource set. The first resource set belongs to the K resource sets, corresponds to a first coverage level, and the terminal device corresponds to the first coverage level.

[0197] In one possible design, the resource configuration information also includes at least one receive power threshold corresponding to the K coverage levels.

[0198] In one possible design, the processing unit 802 is configured to determine that the random access resource for sending the random access request message is located in the first resource set; and to determine the first coverage level corresponding to the terminal device based on the first resource set.

[0199] In one possible design, the random access channel corresponding to the first random access channel format occupies multiple subcarriers.

[0200] In one possible design, the random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set is the first random access channel format, and the communication unit 801 is further configured to: send first scheduling information, the first scheduling information including information of the first time domain resource and / or information of the first frequency domain resource; the first time domain resource supports time slot-level scheduling, and the first frequency domain resource supports physical resource block (PRB)-level scheduling.

[0201] In one possible design, the random access channel corresponding to the second random access channel format occupies one subcarrier and is transmitted using a single subcarrier frequency hopping method.

[0202] In one possible design, the random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set is the second random access channel format, and the communication unit 801 is further configured to: send second scheduling information, the second scheduling information including information of the second time domain resources and / or information of the second frequency domain resources; the second time domain resources support cross-time slot scheduling, and the second frequency domain resources support sub-PRB level scheduling.

[0203] In one possible design, the coverage level is related to the signal coverage strength of the network device.

[0204] The above are just examples. The processing unit 802 and the communication unit 801 can also perform other functions. For a more detailed description, please refer to the relevant description in the method embodiment shown in Figure 4 above. It will not be repeated here.

[0205] Figure 9 shows a communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device shown in Figure 9 can be a hardware circuit implementation of the communication device shown in Figure 8. This communication device 900 can be applied to the flowcharts shown above to perform the functions of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments. For ease of explanation, Figure 9 only shows the main components of the communication device.

[0206] As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 900 includes a communication interface 901 and a processor 902. The communication interface 901 and the processor 902 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the communication interface 901 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface, or an interface circuit such as a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the communication device 900 may also include a memory 903 for storing instructions executed by the processor 902, or storing input data required by the processor 902 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 902 executes instructions.

[0207] When the communication device 900 is used to implement the method shown in FIG4 above, the communication interface 901 is used to implement the function of the communication unit 801 above, and the processor 902 is used to implement the function of the processing unit 802 above.

[0208] This embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the communication interface 901, processor 902, and memory 903. In Figure 9, the memory 903, processor 902, and communication interface 901 are connected via a communication bus 904, which is represented by a thick line. The connection methods between other components are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. The communication bus 904 can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 9, but this does not indicate that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0209] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip, Figure 10 shows a simplified schematic diagram of the chip's device structure. The chip 1000 includes an interface circuit 1001 and one or more processors 1002. Optionally, the chip 1000 may also include a bus. Wherein:

[0210] Processor 1002 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the aforementioned communication method can be completed through integrated logic circuits in the hardware of processor 1002 or through software instructions. Processor 1002 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods and steps disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0211] The interface circuit 1001 can be used to send or receive data, instructions or information. The processor 1002 can use the data, instructions or other information received by the interface circuit 1001 to process the data, instructions or other information, and can send the processed information out through the interface circuit 1001.

[0212] Optionally, chip 1000 also includes memory 1003, which may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provides operation instructions and data to the processor. A portion of memory 1003 may also include non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM).

[0213] Optionally, the memory stores executable software modules or data structures, and the processor can execute corresponding operations by calling the operation instructions stored in the memory (which may be stored in the operating system).

[0214] Optionally, the chip can be used in the terminal device or network device involved in the embodiments of this application. Optionally, the interface circuit 1001 can be used to output the execution result of the processor 1002. For the communication methods provided by one or more embodiments of this application, please refer to the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0215] It should be noted that the functions of the interface circuit 1001 and the processor 1002 can be implemented through hardware design, software design, or a combination of hardware and software; no restrictions are imposed here.

[0216] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by a terminal device or a network device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0217] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the method executed by the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments.

[0218] This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the method executed by a terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments.

[0219] This application embodiment also provides a chip, including a processor, for calling computer programs or computer instructions stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the communication method of the implementation shown in FIG4 above.

[0220] In one possible implementation, the input of the chip corresponds to the receiving operation in the implementation shown in Figure 4 above, and the output of the chip corresponds to the sending operation in the implementation shown in Figure 4 above.

[0221] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0222] Optionally, the chip may also include a memory that stores computer programs or computer instructions.

[0223] The processor mentioned above can be a general-purpose central processing unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits used to control the execution of a program through a communication method for the implementation shown in Figure 4. The memory mentioned above can be read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, such as random access memory (RAM).

[0224] It should be noted that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant content in any of the communication devices provided above can be referred to the corresponding service node information determination method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0225] In this application, the communication devices may further include a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer running on the operating system layer. The hardware layer may include hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also known as main memory). The operating system layer may be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, such as Linux, Unix, Android, iOS, or Windows. The application layer may include applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software.

[0226] The module division in this embodiment is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in each embodiment of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0227] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. When implemented in software, the above functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium accessible to a computer. For example, but not limited to, computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible to a computer. Furthermore, any connection can suitably be a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of the medium. As used in embodiments of this application, disks and discs include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital video discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, wherein disks typically magnetically copy data, while discs optically copy data using lasers. The combinations above should also be included within the scope of protection for computer-readable media.

[0228] In summary, the above descriptions are merely embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made based on the disclosure of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to terminal devices, including: The system receives resource configuration information, which includes information on K resource sets. Each of the K resource sets corresponds one-to-one with a K coverage level. Each of the K resource sets corresponds to M random access channel formats. Each of the M resource sets corresponds to one of the M random access channel formats. The M random access channel formats include a first random access channel format and a second random access channel format. The number of frequency domain resource units occupied by the random access channel corresponding to the first random access channel format is different from the number of frequency domain resource units occupied by the random access channel corresponding to the second random access channel format. K and M are positive integers. Determine that the terminal device corresponds to a first coverage level, and the first coverage level corresponds to a first resource set among the K resource sets; At least one random access resource in the first resource set, and send random access channel messages according to the random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the first coverage level corresponding to the terminal device includes: Receive reference signals from network devices; The terminal device is determined to correspond to the first coverage level based on the first reference signal received power of the reference signal and at least one received power threshold corresponding to the K coverage levels.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The resource configuration information also includes at least one received power threshold.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The random access channel corresponding to the first random access channel format occupies multiple subcarriers.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set is the first random access channel format, and the method further includes: Receive first scheduling information, the first scheduling information including information on first time-domain resources and / or information on first frequency-domain resources; the first time-domain resources support time slot-level scheduling, and the first frequency-domain resources support physical resource block (PRB)-level scheduling.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The random access channel corresponding to the second random access channel format occupies one subcarrier and is transmitted using a single subcarrier frequency hopping method.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set is the second random access channel format, and the method further includes: Receive second scheduling information, which includes information on second time-domain resources and / or second frequency-domain resources; the second time-domain resources support cross-time slot scheduling, and the second frequency-domain resources support sub-PRB level scheduling.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The coverage level is related to the signal coverage strength of the network equipment.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to network devices, including: Sending resource configuration information, which includes information on K resource sets, each corresponding to one of K coverage levels. Each of the K resource sets corresponds to M random access channel formats, and each of the K resource sets corresponds to one of the M random access channel formats. The M random access channel formats include a first random access channel format and a second random access channel format. The number of frequency domain resource units occupied by the random access channel corresponding to the first random access channel format is different from the number of frequency domain resource units occupied by the random access channel corresponding to the second random access channel format; K and M are positive integers. The terminal device receives a random access request message; the random access request message is sent by the terminal device to at least one random access resource in a first resource set and in accordance with the random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set; the first resource set belongs to the K resource sets, the first resource set corresponds to a first coverage level, and the terminal device corresponds to the first coverage level.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The resource configuration information also includes at least one receive power threshold corresponding to the K coverage levels.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The random access resource used to send the random access request message is determined to be located in the first resource set; Based on the first resource set, the terminal device is determined to correspond to the first coverage level.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The random access channel corresponding to the first random access channel format occupies multiple subcarriers.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set is the first random access channel format, and the method further includes: Send first scheduling information, which includes information about a first time-domain resource and / or information about a first frequency-domain resource; the first time-domain resource supports time slot-level scheduling, and the first frequency-domain resource supports physical resource block (PRB)-level scheduling.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The random access channel corresponding to the second random access channel format occupies one subcarrier and is transmitted using a single subcarrier frequency hopping method.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The random access channel format corresponding to the first resource set is the second random access channel format, and the method further includes: Send a second scheduling message, which includes information about a second time-domain resource and / or information about a second frequency-domain resource; the second time-domain resource supports scheduling across time slots, and the second frequency-domain resource supports scheduling at the sub-PRB level.

16. The method according to any one of claims 9-15, characterized in that, The coverage level is related to the signal coverage strength of the network device.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 16.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory being used to store program instructions, the processor executing the program instructions causing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 to be performed, or causing the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 16 to be performed.

19. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a terminal device and a network device, wherein the terminal device is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, and the network device is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 16.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer-readable program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 to be performed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 16 to be performed.

21. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 16.

22. A chip, characterized in that, The chip is configured to read and execute computer programs or instructions in a memory to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 16.

Images