Reference signal measurement method, reference signal resource deactivation method, and apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a reference signal measurement method, a reference signal resource deactivation method, and an apparatus, which are used for improving the reliability and efficiency of data transmission. The reference signal measurement method provided in the present application comprises: a terminal device receives first signaling, the first signaling being used for instructing the terminal device to hand over from a serving cell to a first cell; then, the terminal device starts to measure a reference signal of the first cell at a first moment to obtain a channel measurement result, the first moment being a moment at which a first duration has elapsed from a first reference moment; and the terminal device sends the channel measurement result. The terminal device measures the reference signal of the first cell in a cell handover process, and sends the channel measurement result. After the terminal device has handed over to the first cell, a network device determines a transmission parameter on the basis of the channel measurement result, and schedules the terminal device on the basis of the transmission parameter, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of data transmission.

Description

Reference signal measurement method, reference signal resource deactivation method and apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411986126.0, filed on December 27, 2024, entitled “Reference Signal Measurement Method, Reference Signal Resource Deactivation Method and Apparatus”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a reference signal measurement method, a reference signal resource deactivation method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Currently, access network equipment can configure reference signal resources (RSS) of one or more candidate cells for terminal equipment. The terminal equipment measures the RSS of these candidate cells and can then report the measurement results. The measurement results for each candidate cell include a RSS index and corresponding signal strength information (e.g., reference signal received power (RSRP)). Therefore, the access network equipment can determine whether the terminal equipment should perform cell handover and which candidate cell (i.e., the target cell) to hand over to based on the measurement results reported by the terminal equipment. However, currently, besides signal strength information, it does not support obtaining more channel state information (CSI) information from candidate cells before or during cell handover. This prevents the access network equipment from using appropriate scheduling methods to schedule data for the terminal equipment in the target cell, thus negatively impacting the reliability and efficiency of data transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a reference signal measurement method, a reference signal resource deactivation method, and an apparatus to improve the reliability and efficiency of data transmission.

[0005] The first aspect of this application provides a reference signal measurement method, which can be used in a terminal-side communication device, for example, executed by a terminal device. The terminal device can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus with integrated circuits, or a chip, chip system, module, or control unit in the aforementioned devices or apparatuses; specific details are not limited in this application. It should be noted that in this application, the term "terminal device" can refer to the terminal device itself, or to the chip, functional module, or integrated circuit within the terminal device that performs the method provided in this application; specific details are not limited in this application. In the first aspect and its possible implementations, the method is described using the execution of the method by a terminal device as an example. The method includes: the terminal device receiving a first signaling instruction, the first signaling instruction being used to instruct the terminal device to switch from a serving cell to a first cell. Then, the terminal device begins measuring the reference signal of the first cell at a first moment, obtaining a channel measurement result, the first moment being the moment when the first reference moment has elapsed for a first duration. The terminal device transmits the channel measurement result. It should be noted that the first moment refers to the measurement behavior of the reference signal of the first cell, that is, the moment when the terminal device begins measuring the reference signal of the first cell.

[0006] In the above technical solution, after receiving the first signaling, the terminal device begins measuring the reference signal of the first cell at the first instant. It can be understood that the terminal device measures the reference signal of the first cell during cell handover and transmits the channel measurement results. In other words, the terminal device is located in the serving cell, and during the handover process to the candidate cell, it measures the reference signal of the candidate cell. This facilitates the network device in determining transmission parameters based on the channel measurement results after the terminal device hands over to the first cell, and scheduling the terminal device using these transmission parameters. This improves the reliability and efficiency of data transmission.

[0007] The second aspect of this application provides a reference signal measurement method, which can be used in a network-side communication device, for example, executed by a network device. The network device can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus with integrated circuits, or a chip, chip system, module, or control unit in the aforementioned device or apparatus; specific details are not limited in this application. It should be noted that in this application, the term "network device" can refer to the network device itself, or to the chip, functional module, or integrated circuit within the network device that performs the method provided in this application; specific details are not limited in this application. In the second aspect and its possible implementations, the method is described using the example of it being executed by a network device. The method includes: the network device sending a first signaling instruction to instruct a terminal device to switch from a serving cell to a first cell; the network device sending a reference signal for the first cell at a first moment, where the first moment is the moment after a first duration has elapsed; and the network device receiving a channel measurement result obtained by the terminal device from the reference signal of the first cell at the first moment.

[0008] In the above technical solution, after the network device sends the first signaling, it sends a reference signal for the first cell at a first moment. The first moment is the moment when the first reference time has elapsed for a first duration. The network device receives the channel measurement results, which are obtained by the terminal device from the reference signal of the first cell at the first moment. This facilitates the network device in determining transmission parameters based on the channel measurement results after the terminal device switches to the first cell, and scheduling the terminal device through these transmission parameters. This improves the reliability and efficiency of data transmission. Optionally, the first signaling is cell handover signaling or handover signaling; specifically, this application does not limit the name of the first signaling.

[0009] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first reference moment includes any of the following:

[0010] The terminal device receives the first downlink control information (DCI) at the receiving time, and the first DCI is used to schedule the first signaling;

[0011] The moment when the terminal device receives the first signaling;

[0012] The timing of the terminal device sending feedback signaling; the feedback signaling is the signaling that responds to the first signaling.

[0013] The time when the terminal device sends the feedback signaling after the second duration has elapsed;

[0014] The terminal device sends the feedback signaling at the time when the second and third time intervals have passed; or,

[0015] The moment when the first cell handover is completed is the moment when the terminal device completes the cell handover; the third duration is the duration of the cell handover interruption, or the duration of the first cell handover interruption performed by the terminal device.

[0016] The above illustrates some possible implementations of the first reference time, thereby defining the time at which the terminal device begins measuring the reference signal of the first cell. This allows the terminal device to acquire the channel measurement results of the first cell during cell handover. The network device can then determine the transmission parameters of the first cell based on these channel measurement results, thereby improving transmission performance.

[0017] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the third duration is determined by one or more of the following: the time for the terminal device to parse the configuration information of the first cell; the time for the terminal device to process the configuration information of the first cell; the time required for the terminal device to perform precise timing tracking of the first cell and obtain the timing information of the first cell; or, the processing time for the terminal device to measure the synchronization signal block or synchronization signal-broadcast channel (SSB) of the first cell. Precise timing tracking can be understood as precise synchronization.

[0018] Optionally, before the terminal device receives the first signaling, the terminal device receives the first DCI, and at the moment the terminal device receives the first DCI, the terminal device begins to measure the reference signal of the first cell.

[0019] Optionally, after receiving the first signaling, the terminal device sends a feedback signaling, and at the moment the terminal device sends the feedback signaling, the terminal device begins to measure the reference signal of the first cell.

[0020] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the terminal device begins measuring the reference signal of the first cell at a first moment to obtain channel measurement results. This includes: the terminal device begins measuring the reference signal of the first cell at the first moment through a first transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state to obtain channel measurement results. The first TCI state is the TCI state corresponding to the TCI state identifier indicated in the first signaling; or, the first TCI state is the TCI state associated with reference signal resources configured by the network device, where the reference signal resources are used to carry the reference signal of the first cell. In this implementation, the beam used by the terminal device to receive the reference signal of the first cell is specified, thus facilitating the implementation of the scheme.

[0021] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the terminal device receiving a second signaling instruction, the second signaling instruction being used to instruct the terminal device to measure the reference signal of the first cell and / or report the channel measurement results. This triggers the terminal device to begin measuring and reporting the reference signal of the first cell.

[0022] Based on the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the network device sending a second signaling message, the second signaling message being used to instruct the triggering terminal device to measure the reference signal of the first cell and / or report the channel measurement results. This triggers the terminal device to begin measuring and reporting the reference signal of the first cell.

[0023] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the second signaling includes at least one of the following: trigger state information, report configuration identifier, reference signal resource identifier, or reference signal resource set identifier; wherein, the trigger state information is used to indicate a first trigger state, the first trigger state is associated with one or more report configurations of the serving cell, the one or more report configurations are associated with reference signal resources of the first cell, and the reference signal resources are used to carry reference signals; the report configuration identifier is used to indicate one or more report configurations, the one or more report configurations are associated with reference signal resources of the first cell; the reference signal resource identifier is used to indicate one or more reference signal resources, the one or more reference signal resources are used to carry reference signals; the reference signal resource set identifier is used to indicate one or more sets of reference signal resources, the reference signal resources in the one or more sets of reference signal resources are used to carry the reference signals. In this implementation, the second signaling includes some content, thereby indicating the reference signal resources of the second cell, so as to facilitate the terminal device to measure the reference signal resources of the second cell.

[0024] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the terminal device receiving first configuration information, the first configuration information being used to configure one or more reporting configurations. In this implementation, the terminal device can be configured with one or more reporting configurations for the serving cell, so that the terminal device can report the channel measurement results of the first cell through the reporting configuration of the serving cell.

[0025] Based on the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the network device sending first configuration information, which is used to configure one or more reporting configurations. In this implementation, the network device configures one or more reporting configurations for the serving cell, so that the terminal device can report the channel measurement results of the first cell through the reporting configuration of the serving cell.

[0026] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, one or more report configurations are associated with reference signal resources of the first cell; or, each of the one or more report configurations is associated with a resource configuration, and the resource configurations associated with the one or more report configurations include the reference signal resources of the first cell. Two implementations of associating report configurations with reference signal resources are provided.

[0027] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first signaling and the second signaling are the same signaling. For example, cell handover signaling is used to trigger the terminal equipment to measure the reference signal of the first cell. This helps reduce signaling indication overhead.

[0028] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the terminal device receiving capability information, wherein the capability information includes at least one of the following: whether the terminal device supports reporting the measurement results of the reference signal and / or channel measurement of the first cell before receiving the first signaling; whether the terminal device supports reporting the measurement results of the reference signal and / or channel measurement of the first cell during the handover of the first cell; whether the terminal device supports reporting the measurement results of the reference signal and / or channel measurement of the first cell after receiving the first signaling and before completing the handover of the first cell; whether the terminal device supports the acquisition of the channel measurement results of the first cell triggered by the serving cell of the terminal device; whether the terminal device supports the acquisition and reporting of the channel measurement results of the first cell triggered by the serving cell; the maximum number of candidate cells that the terminal device supports for acquiring channel measurement results before or during the handover of the first cell; or, the maximum number of candidate cells that the terminal device supports for simultaneously triggering the acquisition of channel measurement results before or during the handover of the first cell. This facilitates the network device in configuring the corresponding resources and reporting for the terminal device.

[0029] Based on the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the network device sending capability information, wherein the capability information includes at least one of the following: whether the terminal device supports reporting the measurement results of the reference signal and / or channel measurement of the first cell before receiving the first signaling; whether the terminal device supports reporting the measurement results of the reference signal and / or channel measurement of the first cell during the handover of the first cell; whether the terminal device supports reporting the measurement results of the reference signal and / or channel measurement of the first cell after receiving the first signaling and before completing the handover of the first cell; whether the terminal device supports the acquisition of the channel measurement results of the first cell triggered by the serving cell of the terminal device; whether the terminal device supports the acquisition and reporting of the channel measurement results of the first cell triggered by the serving cell; the maximum number of candidate cells that the terminal device supports for acquiring channel measurement results before or during the handover of the first cell; or, the maximum number of candidate cells that the terminal device supports for simultaneously triggering the acquisition of channel measurement results before or during the handover of the first cell. This facilitates the network device in performing corresponding resource configuration and reporting configuration for the terminal device.

[0030] The third aspect of this application provides a reference signal resource deactivation method, which can be used in a terminal-side communication device, for example, executed by a terminal device. The terminal device can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus with integrated circuitry, or a chip, chip system, module, or control unit in the aforementioned device or apparatus; specific details are not limited in this application. It should be noted that, in this application, the term "terminal device" can refer to the terminal device itself, or to the chip, functional module, or integrated circuit within the terminal device that performs the method provided in this application; specific details are not limited in this application. In the third aspect and its possible implementations, the method is described using the example of execution by a terminal device. The method includes: a terminal device activating the reference signal resources of a second cell at a second time, wherein the second cell is a candidate cell of the terminal device; wherein the second time includes any of the following: the time at which the terminal device receives a first DCI, the first DCI being used to schedule a first signaling, the first signaling being used to instruct the terminal device to hand over to the first cell; the time at which the terminal device receives the first signaling; the time at which the terminal device sends feedback signaling, the feedback signaling being signaling in response to the first signaling; the time at which the time at which the time at which the terminal device sends the feedback signaling elapses after a second duration; the time at which the time at which the time at which the terminal device sends the feedback signaling elapses after the second duration and the third duration; the time at which the handover to the first cell is completed; or, the time at which the channel measurement results corresponding to the reference signal resources are reported after the terminal device receives the first signaling; wherein the third duration is the duration of the cell handover interruption.

[0031] In the above technical solution, for the reference signal resources of the candidate cell of the terminal device, the terminal device deactivates the reference signal resources of the candidate cell at a second time. This enables channel measurement of the candidate cell before cell handover, allowing the network device to know the channel measurement results of the candidate cell in advance. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for the network device to send corresponding deactivation signaling, reducing indication overhead.

[0032] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the third duration is determined by one or more of the following: the time parameter for the terminal device to parse the configuration information of the first cell; the time parameter for the terminal device to process the configuration information of the first cell; the time required for the terminal device to perform precise timing tracking of the first cell and obtain the timing information of the first cell; or, the SSB processing time of the terminal device for the first cell. Precise timing tracking can be understood as precise synchronization.

[0033] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, when a first condition is met, the terminal device deactivates the reference signal resources of the second cell. The first condition includes that the terminal device does not receive a deactivation signaling after receiving the first signaling, whereby the deactivation signaling is used to indicate the deactivation of the reference signal resources of the second cell. In this implementation, since the terminal device does not receive a deactivation signaling after receiving the cell handover signaling, the terminal device can actively deactivate the reference signal resources of the second cell. This eliminates the need for the network device to send corresponding deactivation signaling, reducing indication overhead.

[0034] The second aspect mentioned above can be described as follows: the terminal device receives a first DCI, the first DCI is used to schedule a first signaling, and the first signaling is used to instruct the terminal device to switch to the first cell; at the moment when the terminal device receives the first DCI, the terminal device deactivates the reference signal resources of the second cell.

[0035] Alternatively, the second aspect above can be described as follows: the terminal device receives a first signaling instruction, which instructs the terminal device to switch to a first cell; at the moment the terminal device receives the first signaling instruction, the terminal device deactivates the reference signal resources of the second cell. Optionally, if the terminal device does not receive a deactivation signaling instruction after receiving the first signaling instruction, the terminal device deactivates the reference signal resources of the second cell.

[0036] Alternatively, the second aspect above can be described as follows: the terminal device receives a first signaling message, which instructs the terminal device to switch to the first cell; the terminal device sends a feedback signaling message, which is a signaling message that responds to the first signaling message; at the moment the terminal device sends the feedback signaling message, the terminal device deactivates the reference signal resources of the second cell. Optionally,

[0037] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the first condition specifically includes: no deactivation signaling was received before the terminal device received the first signaling, and the first cell indicated by the first signaling and the second cell are not the same cell; or, no deactivation signaling was received before the terminal device received the first signaling, and the first cell indicated by the first signaling and the second cell are the same cell, and the first signaling is also used to indicate a reference signal for deactivating the first cell. For example, the first signaling includes a first field, which is used to indicate the reference signal resources for deactivating the first cell.

[0038] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the first signaling also includes a reference signal resource identifier for the first cell, or an identifier for the set of reference signal resources to which the reference signal resources of the first cell reside. This instructs the terminal device to switch to the first cell.

[0039] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, before the terminal device deactivates the reference signal resources of the second cell, the method further includes: before the terminal device receives the first signaling, the terminal device receives a first activation signaling, which is used to activate the reference signal resources of the second cell. In this implementation, the terminal device first receives the activation signaling to determine that the network device is activating the reference signal resources of the second cell. Then, the terminal device measures the reference signal resources of the second cell. This enables the measurement of the reference signal resources of the second cell before cell handover.

[0040] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the reference signal resources of the second cell are semi-persistent reference signal resources.

[0041] The fourth aspect of this application provides a reference signal measurement method, which can be used in a terminal-side communication device, for example, executed by a terminal device. The terminal device can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus with integrated circuits, or a chip, chip system, module, or control unit in the aforementioned device or apparatus; specific details are not limited in this application. It should be noted that, in this application, the term "terminal device" can refer to the terminal device itself, or to the chip, functional module, or integrated circuit within the terminal device that performs the method provided in this application; specific details are not limited in this application. In the fourth aspect and its possible implementations, the method is described using the example of execution by a terminal device. The method includes: a terminal device receiving first configuration information, the first configuration information being used to configure reference signal resources of a second cell, the second cell being a candidate cell of the terminal device; the terminal device measuring the reference signal of the second cell at a third time, the third time being the time at which the first configuration information was received after a fourth time interval, the reference signal being carried on the reference signal resources; the terminal device ceasing to measure the reference signal of the second cell at the fourth time; or, the terminal device ceasing to measure the reference signal of the second cell at the fourth time; or, the terminal device not intending to measure the reference signal of the second cell at the fourth time. The fourth time includes any of the following: the time when the terminal device receives the first DCI, the first DCI being used to schedule the first signaling, and the first signaling being used to instruct the terminal device to hand over to the first cell; the time when the terminal device receives the first signaling; the time when the terminal device sends feedback signaling, the feedback signaling being the signaling that responds to the first signaling; the time when the time when the terminal device sends feedback signaling has elapsed after the second duration; the time when the time when the terminal device sends feedback signaling has elapsed after the second duration and the third duration; the time when the handover to the first cell is completed, or the time when the terminal device completes reporting the channel measurement results corresponding to the reference signal resources after receiving the first signaling; wherein the third duration is the duration of the cell handover interruption.

[0042] In the above technical solution, the terminal device receives second configuration information from the network device. This second configuration information is used to configure the reference signal resources of the second cell. Then, the terminal device measures the reference signal of the second cell at a third time. The third time is the time when the terminal device receives the second configuration information after a fourth time interval. The terminal device stops measuring the reference signal of the second cell at the fourth time. For example, when the terminal device receives cell handover signaling, it can stop measuring the reference signal of the second cell, thereby avoiding unnecessary channel measurements and reducing resource overhead.

[0043] The fifth aspect of this application provides a reference signal measurement method, which can be used in a network-side communication device, for example, executed by a network device. The network device can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus with integrated circuitry, or a chip, chip system, module, or control unit within the aforementioned device or apparatus; specific details are not limited in this application. It should be noted that, in this application, the term "network device" can refer to the network device itself, or to the chip, functional module, or integrated circuit within the network device that performs the method provided in this application; specific details are not limited in this application. In the fifth aspect and its possible implementations, the method is described using the example of execution by a network device. The method includes: a network device sending first configuration information, the first configuration information being used for reference signal resources of a second cell, the second cell being a candidate cell for a terminal device; the network device sending a reference signal of the second cell at a third time, the third time being the time when the first configuration information was sent after a fourth time interval, the reference signal being carried on the reference signal resources; the network device stopping sending the reference signal of the second cell at the fourth time; wherein, the fourth time includes any of the following: the time when the terminal device receives a first DCI, the first DCI being used to schedule first signaling, the first signaling being used to instruct the terminal device to hand over to the first cell; the time when the terminal device receives the first signaling; the time when the terminal device sends feedback signaling, the feedback signaling being signaling in response to the first signaling; the time when the time when the terminal device sends the feedback signaling is the time when the second time interval has elapsed; the time when the time when the terminal device sends the feedback signaling is the time when the second time interval and the third time interval have elapsed; the time when the handover of the first cell is completed, or, the time when the channel measurement results corresponding to the reference signal resources are reported after the terminal device receives the first signaling; wherein, the third time interval is the duration of the cell handover interruption.

[0044] In the above technical solution, the network device sends first configuration information, which is used for reference signal resources of the second cell, and the second cell is a candidate cell for the terminal device. The network device sends the reference signal of the second cell at a third time. The third time is the time when the terminal device receives the second configuration information after a fourth time interval. The network device stops sending the reference signal of the second cell at the fourth time. This avoids unnecessary reference signal transmission and reduces resource overhead.

[0045] Based on the fourth or fifth aspect, in one possible implementation, the third duration is determined by one or more of the following: the time parameter for the terminal device to parse the configuration information of the first cell; the time parameter for the terminal device to process the configuration information of the first cell; the time required for the terminal device to perform precise timing tracking of the first cell and obtain the timing information of the first cell; or, the SSB processing time of the terminal device for the first cell. Precise timing tracking can be understood as precise synchronization.

[0046] Based on the fourth or fifth aspect, in one possible implementation, when the second condition is met, the terminal device begins not to measure the reference signal of the second cell; wherein the second condition includes at least one of the following: the first cell indicated by the first signaling and the second cell are not the same cell; or, the first signaling is further used to indicate stopping the measurement of the reference signal resources of the second cell. For example, the first signaling includes a second field indicating stopping the measurement of the reference signal resources of the second cell. In this implementation, if the first cell and the second cell are not the same cell, the terminal device can measure the reference signal of the second cell, thereby avoiding unnecessary signal measurements and reducing resource overhead.

[0047] Based on the fourth or fifth aspect, in one possible implementation, the reference signal resources of the second cell are periodic reference signal resources.

[0048] A sixth aspect of this application provides a first communication device, comprising:

[0049] Transceiver module, used to receive first signaling, the first signaling being used to instruct the first communication device to switch from the serving cell to the first cell;

[0050] The processing module is used to start measuring the reference signal of the first cell at the first moment and obtain the channel measurement results. The first moment is the moment when the first reference moment has elapsed for a first duration.

[0051] The transceiver module is also used to send channel measurement results.

[0052] A seventh aspect of this application provides a second communication device, comprising:

[0053] The transceiver module is used to send first signaling, which instructs the first communication device to switch from the serving cell to the first cell.

[0054] The processing module is used to send the reference signal of the first cell at the first moment, which is the moment when the first reference time has elapsed for a first duration;

[0055] The transceiver module is also used to receive channel measurement results, which are obtained by the first communication device from the reference signal of the first cell at the first moment.

[0056] Based on the sixth or seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the first reference moment includes any of the following:

[0057] The first communication device receives the reception time of the first DCI, and the first DCI is used to schedule the first signaling;

[0058] The moment when the first communication device receives the first signaling;

[0059] The timing of the first communication device sending feedback signaling, whereby the feedback signaling is a signaling that responds to the first signaling;

[0060] The time at which the first communication device sends the feedback signaling is after the second duration has elapsed;

[0061] The first communication device sends the feedback signaling at the time when the second and third time intervals have elapsed; or...

[0062] The moment when the first cell handover is completed; where the third duration is the duration of the cell handover interruption.

[0063] Based on the sixth or seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the third duration is determined by one or more of the following: the time for the first communication device to parse the configuration information of the first cell; the time for the first communication device to process the configuration information of the first cell; the time required for the first communication device to accurately track the first cell at precise timing and obtain the timing information of the first cell; or, the processing time of the synchronization signal SSB of the first cell by the first communication device.

[0064] Based on the sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the processing module is specifically used to: start measuring the reference signal of the first cell through the first TCI state at a first moment, and obtain the channel measurement result, wherein the first TCI state is the TCI state corresponding to the TCI state identifier indicated in the first signaling; or, the first TCI state is the TCI state associated with the reference signal resources configured by the second communication device, wherein the reference signal resources are used to carry the reference signal of the first cell.

[0065] Based on the sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to: receive a second signaling, the second signaling being used to instruct the first communication device to measure the reference signal of the first cell and / or report the channel measurement results.

[0066] Based on the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to: send a second signaling message, the second signaling message being used to instruct the first communication device to measure the reference signal of the first cell and / or report the channel measurement results.

[0067] Based on the sixth or seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the second signaling includes at least one of the following: trigger state information, report configuration identifier, reference signal resource identifier, or reference signal resource set identifier; wherein, the trigger state information is used to indicate a first trigger state, the first trigger state is associated with one or more report configurations of the serving cell, the one or more report configurations are associated with reference signal resources of the first cell, and the reference signal resources are used to carry reference signals; the report configuration identifier is used to indicate one or more report configurations, the one or more report configurations are associated with reference signal resources of the first cell; the reference signal resource identifier is used to indicate one or more reference signal resources, the one or more reference signal resources are used to carry reference signals; the reference signal resource set identifier is used to indicate one or more reference signal resource sets, and the reference signal resources in the one or more reference signal resource sets are used to carry the reference signals.

[0068] Based on the sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to: receive first configuration information, which is used to configure one or more report configurations.

[0069] Based on the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to: send first configuration information, which is used to configure one or more report configurations.

[0070] Based on the sixth or seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, one or more reporting configurations are associated with the reference signal resources of the first cell; or, each of the one or more reporting configurations is associated with a resource configuration, and the resource configuration associated with the one or more reporting configurations includes the reference signal resources of the first cell.

[0071] Based on the sixth or seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the first signaling and the second signaling are the same signaling.

[0072] Based on the sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to: receive capability information, wherein the capability information includes at least one of the following: whether the first communication device supports reporting the measurement of reference signals and / or channel measurement results of the first cell before receiving the first signaling; whether the first communication device supports reporting the measurement of reference signals and / or channel measurement results of the first cell during the handover of the first cell; whether the first communication device supports reporting the measurement of reference signals and / or channel measurement results of the first cell after receiving the first signaling and before completing the handover of the first cell; whether the first communication device supports the acquisition of channel measurement results of the first cell triggered by the serving cell of the first communication device; whether the first communication device supports the acquisition and reporting of channel measurement results of the first cell triggered by the serving cell; whether the first communication device supports the acquisition of the maximum number of candidate cells for channel measurement results before or during the handover of the first cell; or, whether the first communication device supports the simultaneous triggering of the acquisition of the maximum number of candidate cells for channel measurement results before or during the handover of the first cell.

[0073] Based on the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to: transmit capability information, wherein the capability information includes at least one of the following: whether the first communication device supports reporting the measurement of reference signals and / or channel measurement results of the first cell before receiving the first signaling; whether the first communication device supports reporting the measurement of reference signals and / or channel measurement results of the first cell during the handover of the first cell; whether the first communication device supports reporting the measurement of reference signals and / or channel measurement results of the first cell after receiving the first signaling and before completing the handover of the first cell; whether the first communication device supports the acquisition of channel measurement results of the first cell triggered by the serving cell of the first communication device; whether the first communication device supports the acquisition and reporting of channel measurement results of the first cell triggered by the serving cell; whether the first communication device supports the acquisition of the maximum number of candidate cells for channel measurement results before or during the handover of the first cell; or, whether the first communication device supports the simultaneous triggering of the acquisition of the maximum number of candidate cells for channel measurement results before or during the handover of the first cell.

[0074] The eighth aspect of this application provides a first communication device, comprising:

[0075] The processing module is used to activate the reference signal resources of the second cell at a second time, where the second cell is a candidate cell of the first communication device. The second time includes any of the following: the time when the first communication device receives the first DCI (Distributed Control Information), where the first DCI is used to schedule the first signaling, and the first signaling is used to instruct the first communication device to switch to the first cell; the time when the first communication device receives the first signaling; the time when the first communication device sends feedback signaling, where the feedback signaling is a signaling response to the first signaling; the time when the time when the first communication device sends the feedback signaling has elapsed after a second duration; the time when the time when the first communication device sends the feedback signaling has elapsed after the second and third durations; the time when the handover of the first cell is completed; or, the time when the channel measurement results corresponding to the reference signal resources are reported after the first communication device receives the first signaling; wherein the third duration is the duration of the cell handover interruption.

[0076] Based on the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the third duration is determined by one or more of the following: the time parameter for the first communication device to parse the configuration information of the first cell; the time parameter for the first communication device to process the configuration information of the first cell; the time required for the first communication device to accurately track the first cell at precise timing and obtain the timing information of the first cell; or, the SSB processing time of the first communication device for the first cell.

[0077] Based on the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the processing module is configured to: deactivate the reference signal resources of the second cell when a first condition is met; the first condition includes not receiving a deactivation signaling after the first communication device receives the first signaling, the deactivation signaling being used to instruct the deactivation of the reference signal resources of the second cell.

[0078] Based on the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first condition specifically includes: no deactivation signaling was received before the first communication device received the first signaling, and the first cell indicated by the first signaling is not the same cell as the second cell; or, no deactivation signaling was received before the first communication device received the first signaling, and the first cell indicated by the first signaling is the same cell as the second cell, wherein the first signaling includes reference signal resources for indicating deactivation of the first cell.

[0079] Based on the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first signaling also includes a reference signal resource identifier for the first cell, or an identifier for the reference signal resource set to which the reference signal resources of the first cell reside.

[0080] Based on the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to: receive a first activation signaling before the first communication device receives the first signaling, the first activation signaling being used to activate the reference signal resources of the second cell.

[0081] Based on the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the reference signal resources of the second cell are semi-persistent reference signal resources.

[0082] The ninth aspect of this application provides a first communication device, comprising:

[0083] The transceiver module is configured to receive first configuration information, which is used to configure the reference signal resources of a second cell, the second cell being a candidate cell of the first communication device; measure the reference signal of the second cell at a third time, the third time being the time when the first configuration information is received after a fourth time interval, the reference signal being carried on the reference signal resources; stop measuring the reference signal of the second cell at the fourth time; or, the first communication device stops measuring the reference signal of the second cell at the fourth time; or, the first communication device does not wish to measure the reference signal of the second cell at the fourth time. The fourth time includes any of the following: the reception time of the first communication device receiving the first DCI, the first DCI being used to schedule the first signaling, the first signaling being used to instruct the first communication device to switch to the first cell; the reception time of the first communication device receiving the first signaling; the transmission time of the first communication device sending feedback signaling, the feedback signaling being the signaling fed back to the first signaling; the time at which the transmission time of the first communication device sending feedback signaling has elapsed after the second duration; the time at which the transmission time of the first communication device sending feedback signaling has elapsed after the second duration and the third duration; the time at which the handover of the first cell is completed, or the time at which the channel measurement results corresponding to the reference signal resources are reported after the first communication device receives the first signaling; wherein, the third duration is the duration of the cell handover interruption.

[0084] The tenth aspect of this application provides a second communication device, comprising:

[0085] The transceiver module is used to send first configuration information, which is used for the reference signal resources of the second cell, and the second cell is a candidate cell of the first communication device; and to send the reference signal of the second cell at a third time, which is the time when the time of sending the first configuration information has elapsed for a fourth time period, and the reference signal is carried on the reference signal resources.

[0086] The processing module is configured to stop transmitting reference signals for the second cell at a fourth time; wherein the fourth time includes any of the following: the time when the first communication device receives the first DCI, the first DCI being used to schedule the first signaling, the first signaling being used to instruct the first communication device to switch to the first cell; the time when the first communication device receives the first signaling; the time when the first communication device sends feedback signaling, the feedback signaling being signaling in response to the first signaling; the time when the time when the first communication device sends feedback signaling has elapsed after the second time period; the time when the time when the first communication device sends feedback signaling has elapsed after the second time period and the third time period; the time when the handover of the first cell is completed, or the time when the channel measurement results corresponding to the reference signal resources are reported after the first communication device receives the first signaling; wherein the third time period is the duration of the cell handover interruption.

[0087] Based on the ninth or tenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the third duration is determined by one or more of the following: the time parameter for the first communication device to parse the configuration information of the first cell; the time parameter for the first communication device to process the configuration information of the first cell; the time required for the first communication device to accurately time-track the first cell and obtain the timing information of the first cell; or, the SSB processing time of the first communication device for the first cell.

[0088] Based on the ninth aspect, in one possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to: when a second condition is met, begin not to measure the reference signal of the second cell; wherein the second condition includes at least one of the following: the first cell indicated by the first signaling and the second cell are not the same cell; or, the first signaling is further configured to instruct the cessation of measuring the reference signal resources of the second cell. In this implementation, if the first cell and the second cell are not the same cell, the first communication device can measure the reference signal of the second cell, thereby avoiding unnecessary signal measurements and reducing resource overhead.

[0089] Based on the ninth or tenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the reference signal resources of the second cell are periodic reference signal resources.

[0090] The eleventh aspect of this application provides a communication device, comprising a processor and a memory. The memory stores computer programs or computer instructions, and the processor is used to call and execute the computer programs or computer instructions stored in the memory, causing the processor to implement any one of the implementation methods of the first to fifth aspects.

[0091] Optionally, the communication device may also include a transceiver, and the processor is used to control the transceiver to send and receive signals.

[0092] The twelfth aspect of this application provides a communication apparatus, including a processor and an interface circuit. The processor is configured to communicate with other devices via the interface circuit and to perform the method described in any one of the first to fifth aspects. The processor may include one or more devices.

[0093] The thirteenth aspect of this application provides a communication device including a processor for connection to a memory, for calling a program stored in the memory to execute the method described in any one of the first to fifth aspects. The memory may be located within or outside the communication device. The processor may include one or more processors.

[0094] In one implementation, the terminal devices of the first, third, and fourth aspects, and the network devices of the second and fifth aspects mentioned above can be chips or chip systems.

[0095] Optionally, the first communication device shown in the first aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the sixth aspect, the eighth aspect, and the ninth aspect, as well as the communication device shown in the eleventh aspect, the twelfth aspect, and the thirteenth aspect, can all be terminal equipment, or communication modules in terminal equipment, or chips in terminal equipment responsible for communication functions.

[0096] The fourteenth aspect of this application provides a computer program product, including a computer program or computer instructions, which, when run on a computer or processor, implement any one of the implementations of the first to fifth aspects.

[0097] The fifteenth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program or computer instructions that, when executed on a computer or processor, implement any one of the implementations of the first to fifth aspects.

[0098] The sixteenth aspect of this application provides a chip device including a processor for calling a computer program or computer instructions in memory to cause the processor to execute any one of the implementations of the first to fifth aspects described above.

[0099] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0100] Optionally, the memory is either built into the chip device or connected to the chip device.

[0101] The seventeenth aspect of this application provides a communication system including a terminal device and a network device; the terminal device is configured to perform the method as shown in the first aspect, and the network device is configured to perform the method as shown in the second aspect. Alternatively, the terminal device is configured to perform the method as shown in the fourth aspect, and the network device is configured to perform the method as shown in the fifth aspect.

[0102] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the terminal device receives the first signaling. The first signaling instructs the terminal device to hand over from the serving cell to the first cell. Then, the terminal device begins measuring the reference signal of the first cell at a first moment to obtain the channel measurement results. The first moment is the time when the first reference moment has elapsed for a first duration. The terminal device then transmits the channel measurement results. Therefore, it can be seen that after receiving the first signaling, the terminal device begins measuring the reference signal of the first cell at the first moment. It is understandable that the terminal device measures the reference signal of the first cell and transmits the channel measurement results during the cell handover process. This facilitates the network device in determining transmission parameters based on the channel measurement results after the terminal device hands over to the first cell, and scheduling the terminal device using these transmission parameters. This improves the reliability and efficiency of data transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0103] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an open radio access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN) system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0104] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of an access network device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0105] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0106] Figure 4 is another schematic diagram of the communication system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0107] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an embodiment of this application;

[0108] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a media or medium access control element (MAC CE) according to an embodiment of this application.

[0109] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the reference signal measurement method of this application;

[0110] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the reference signal measurement method of this application;

[0111] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the reference signal measurement method of this application;

[0112] Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0113] Figure 11 is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0114] Figure 12 is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0115] Figure 13 is a structural schematic diagram of a terminal device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0116] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a network device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0117] This application provides a reference signal measurement method, a reference signal resource deactivation method, and an apparatus to improve the reliability and efficiency of data transmission.

[0118] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0119] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this application mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0120] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or". For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this document is merely a description of 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, and B alone. Furthermore, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple 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.

[0121] It is understood that in this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information to indicate A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0122] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems. For example, 5th generation (5G) systems, new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), future mobile communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems, industrial internet communication systems, or satellite communication systems, etc. The wireless communication systems involved in this application also include, but are not limited to, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems.

[0123] The communication systems to which this application applies include terminal equipment and network equipment. Terminal equipment and network equipment are described below.

[0124] Terminal equipment, also known as user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), fixed wireless access (FWA), customer premises equipment (CPE), etc., refers to devices that include wireless communication capabilities (providing voice / data connectivity to users). Examples include handheld devices with wireless connectivity, in-vehicle devices, and machine-type communication (MTC) terminals. Currently, terminal devices can 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 self-driving (e.g., drones, vehicles), wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, and wireless terminals in smart homes. For example, wireless terminals in self-driving can be drones, helicopters, or airplanes. For example, wireless terminals in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) can be in-vehicle equipment, vehicle-mounted equipment, in-vehicle modules, vehicles, or ships. Wireless terminals in industrial control can be cameras, robots, or robotic arms. Wireless terminals in smart homes can be televisions, air conditioners, robot vacuums, speakers, or set-top boxes. The terminal device can also be a device or module that is connected to the communication system shown above and has corresponding communication functions. The terminal device usually contains a communication module, circuit or chip that performs the corresponding communication function, and the terminal device is also configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication function.

[0125] It should be noted that the terminal device can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus with integrated circuitry, or a chip, chip system, module, or control unit in the device or apparatus shown above; the specific application is not limited to any particular type. It should also be noted that in this application, when referring to a terminal device, it can refer to the terminal device itself, or to the chip, functional module, or integrated circuit within the terminal device that performs the method provided in this application; the specific application is not limited to any particular type.

[0126] A network device is a device deployed in a radio access network to provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. Network devices may also be referred to as radio access network (RAN) entities, access nodes, network nodes, access network equipment, or communication devices, etc.

[0127] Specifically, the network equipment can be access network equipment for cellular systems related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). For example, fourth-generation (4G) mobile communication systems, 5G mobile communication systems, or future mobile communication systems. The network equipment can also be access network equipment in open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN) or cloud radio access network (CRAN). Alternatively, the network equipment can also be access network equipment in a communication system resulting from the integration of two or more of the above communication systems.

[0128] Network equipment 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) in wireless fidelity (WIFI) systems, macro base station, micro base station, wireless relay node, donor node, radio controller in CRAN scenarios, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP) or transmission and reception point (TRP). Network equipment can also be access network equipment in 5G mobile communication systems. For example, a next-generation NodeB (gNB), TRP, TP in a new radio (NR) system, or one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) in a base station in a 5G mobile communication system. Alternatively, network equipment can also be network nodes that constitute a gNB or transmission point. For example, a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. CU and DU can be set up separately or included in the same network element. For example, a BBU. RU can be included in radio equipment or radio units. For example, in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). Alternatively, network equipment can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment, etc. For example, in V2X technology, network equipment can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0129] It should be noted that CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names in different systems, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called an open centralized unit (O-CU) or an open CU, DU can also be called an open distributed unit (O-DU), centralized unit control plane (CU-CP) can also be called an open centralized unit control plane (O-CU-CP) or an open CU-CP, centralized unit user plane (CU-UP) can also be called an open centralized unit user plane (O-CU-UP) or an open CU-UP, and RU can also be called an open radio unit (O-RU). This application does not impose any specific limitations. Any of the units CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0130] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an ORAN system according to an embodiment of this application. The ORAN system includes a core network, access network equipment, and UE. Optionally, the ORAN system may also include other components besides those shown in Figure 1, which is not limited in this application.

[0131] Access network devices can communicate with the core network (CN) via a backhaul link. Access network devices can also communicate with the UE via an air interface. Specifically, the BBU in the access network device communicates with the core network via a backhaul link. The RU in the access network device communicates with at least one UE via an air interface. The BBU communicates with at least one RU via a fronthaul link; the BBU and RU may or may not be co-located.

[0132] A BBU consists of at least one CU and at least one DU, and the CU and DU can communicate with each other via at least one midhaul link.

[0133] In one possible implementation, as shown in Figure 2, the CU is a logical node carrying the radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of the access network equipment. The CU can connect to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces, such as the E2 interface. Optionally, the CU can have some core network functions. The CU (e.g., the PDCP layer and / or higher) connects to the DU (e.g., the radio link control (RLC) layer and lower layers of the DU) through interfaces, such as the F1 interface. Optionally, the F1 interface can provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). F1AP is the application protocol of the F1 interface, defining the signaling procedures of F1 in some examples. The F1 interface supports control plane F1-C and user plane F1-U.

[0134] Optionally, as shown in Figure 2, the CU can be split into CU-CP and CU-UP. CU-CP is a logical node carrying the control plane (PDCP-C) layer, which carries the RRC layer and the Packet Data Convergence Protocol layer, and is used to implement the CU's control plane functions. CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements in the core network can be access and mobility function (AMF) network elements, such as the access and mobility management (AMF) function in a 5G system. The AMF network element is responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as terminal device location updates, terminal device registration with the network, and terminal device handover. CU-UP is a logical node carrying the user plane (PDCP-U) layer, which carries the SDAP layer and the Packet Data Convergence Protocol layer, and is used to implement the CU's user plane functions. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. In the core network, network elements used to implement user plane functions, such as the user plane function (UPF) in a 5G system, are responsible for forwarding and receiving data in terminal devices. The above configuration of CU and DU is merely an example; in practical applications, the functions of CU and DU can be configured as needed. For example, CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or to have only some protocol layer processing functions. For instance, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency, placing functions that need to meet low latency requirements in the DU and functions that do not need to meet such latency requirements in the CU.

[0135] In one possible implementation, as shown in Figure 2, the DU is a logical node carrying the RLC layer, the medium or media access control (MAC) layer, the higher physical layer (Higher PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, the DU can control at least one RU. The DU connects to the RU through interfaces, which can be fronthaul interfaces. In some examples, the Higher PHY layer includes the PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation.

[0136] In one possible implementation, as shown in Figure 2, the RU is a logical node carrying both lower physical layer (PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, the RU may be a 3GPP TRP, a remote radio head (RRH), or other similar entity. In some examples, the Low-PHY includes PHY processing functions such as fast fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, and filtering. The RU communicates with one or more UEs via a radio link.

[0137] The DU and RU can be co-located or not. The DU and RU exchange control plane and user plane information via a fronthaul link through the Lower-Layer Split CUS-Plane (LLS-CUS) interface. LLS-CUS may include a Lower-Layer Split control (LLS-C) interface and a Lower-Layer Split user (LLS-U) interface, providing the control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) respectively. In some examples, the control plane (C-Plane) refers to real-time control between the DU and RU. The DU and RU exchange management information via a Lower-Layer Split management (LLS-M) interface on the fronthaul link; the management plane (M-Plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0138] DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0139] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples.

[0140] It should be noted that network devices can be devices or apparatuses with chips, or devices or apparatuses with integrated circuits, or chips, chip systems, modules, or control units in the devices or apparatuses shown above; this application does not impose any specific limitations. It should also be noted that in this application, the term "network device" can refer to the network device itself, or to chips, functional modules, or integrated circuits within the network device that implement the methods provided in this application; this application does not impose any specific limitations.

[0141] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the following, in conjunction with Figures 3 and 4, illustrates two possible communication systems to which the methods provided in the embodiments of this application are applicable.

[0142] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, the communication system includes at least one network device and at least one terminal device. For example, network device 311, terminal device 321, and terminal device 322 are shown in Figure 3. Network device 311 can transmit data with terminal device 321 and terminal device 322. The technical solution of this application can be executed between network device 311 and terminal device 321 or terminal device 322.

[0143] Figure 4 is another schematic diagram of the communication system according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the communication system may include at least two network devices and at least one terminal device. For example, network devices 411, 412, 413, and terminal device 421 are shown in Figure 4. Terminal device 421 may be provided with communication services by multiple network devices. For example, as shown in Figure 4, network device 411 may transmit with terminal device 421, network device 412 may transmit with terminal device 421, and network device 413 may transmit with terminal device 421. That is, a terminal device may be provided with communication services by multiple network devices simultaneously. The technical solutions of this application can be implemented between terminal device 421 and network devices 411, 412, or 413.

[0144] To facilitate understanding of the technical solution of this application, some technical terms involved in this application will be introduced below.

[0145] 1. Beam: A beam is a communication resource. A beam can be wide, narrow, or other types of beams, and the technology used to form a beam can be beamforming technology or other techniques. Beamforming technology can specifically be digital beamforming technology, analog beamforming technology, and hybrid digital / analog beamforming technology. Different beams can be considered different resources.

[0146] In the NR protocol, beaming can be referred to as a spatial domain filter, spatial filter, spatial domain parameter, spatial parameter, spatial domain setting, spatial setting, quasi-colocation (QCL) information, QCL assumption, or QCL indication, etc. Beaming can be indicated by transmission configuration indicator state (TCI-state) parameters or by spatial relation parameters. Therefore, in this application, beaming can be replaced by spatial domain filter, spatial filter, spatial parameter, spatial parameter, spatial setting, spatial setting, QCL information, QCL assumption, QCL indication, TCI-state (including uplink TCI-state and downlink TCI-state), or spatial relation, etc. The above terms are also equivalent to each other. Beaming can also be replaced with other beaming terms, which are not limited herein.

[0147] The beam used to transmit signals can be referred to as a transmission beam (Tx beam), a spatial domain transmission filter, a spatial transmission filter, a spatial domain transmission parameter, a spatial transmission parameter, a spatial domain transmission setting, or a spatial transmission setting. The transmission beam can also be called a downlink beam. In this application, the transmission beam, downlink beam, channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), TCI State, downlink / joint TCI state, SSB, and tracking reference signal (TRS) are interchangeable. The DL / joint TCI state can also be called a DL-orjointTCI state; that is, the DL / joint TCI state and the DL-orjointTCI state are interchangeable.

[0148] The beam used to receive signals can be referred to as a reception beam (Rx beam), a spatial domain reception filter, a spatial reception filter, a spatial domain reception parameter, a spatial reception parameter, a spatial domain reception setting, or a spatial reception setting. The uplink transmit beam can be indicated by any of the following: spatial relation, uplink TCI-state, or a sounding reference signal (SRS) resource (indicating the transmit beam using that SRS). The receive beam can also be referred to as the uplink beam. In this application, the receive beam, uplink beam, uplink transmission configuration indication state (uplink TCL state, UL TCI state), DL / joint TCI state, sounding reference signal (SRS), CSI-RS, SSB, and TRS can be interchanged.

[0149] The transmitting beam can refer to the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space after a signal is transmitted through an antenna, while the receiving beam can refer to the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space of a wireless signal received from an antenna.

[0150] Furthermore, the beam can be a wide beam, a narrow beam, or other types of beam. The beamforming technology can be beamforming technology or other technologies. Specifically, beamforming technology can be digital beamforming technology, analog beamforming technology, hybrid digital beamforming technology, or hybrid analog beamforming technology, etc.

[0151] Beams are generally associated with resources. For example, during beam measurement, network devices measure different beams using different resources. The terminal device provides feedback on the measured resource quality, allowing the network device to determine the quality of the corresponding beam. Similarly, during data transmission, beam information is also indicated through its corresponding resources. For instance, network devices use the TCI (transmission configuration indication) field in downlink control information (DCI) to indicate the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) beam information of the terminal device.

[0152] In one possible implementation, multiple beams with the same or similar communication characteristics are considered as a single beam. A beam may include one or more antenna ports for transmitting data channels, control channels, and probe signals, etc. The one or more antenna ports forming a beam can also be considered as a set of antenna ports.

[0153] 2. Quasi-Co-location: Quasi-co-location indicates that multiple resources share one or more identical or similar communication characteristics. For multiple resources with quasi-co-location, identical or similar communication configurations can be used. For example, if two antenna ports have quasi-co-location, the large-scale channel characteristics of one port transmitting one symbol can be inferred from the large-scale channel characteristics of the other port transmitting one symbol. Large-scale characteristics can include: delay spread, average delay, Doppler spread, Doppler shift, average gain, receive parameters, terminal equipment receive beam number, transmit / receive channel correlation, receive angle of arrival, spatial correlation of receiver antennas, angel-of-arrival (AoA), average angle of arrival, AoA spread, etc. Specifically, this co-location indication is used to indicate whether at least two sets of antenna ports have a co-location relationship, including: the co-location indication indicating whether the channel state information reference signals transmitted by at least two sets of antenna ports originate from the same transmission point, or the co-location indication indicating whether the channel state information reference signals transmitted by at least two sets of antenna ports originate from the same beamgroup.

[0154] 3. TCI: Also known as TCI state. In both uplink and downlink transmission, correct beamforming is required for proper transmission between network devices and terminal devices. In downlink transmission, the network device needs to indicate its downlink transmit beam to the terminal device. The terminal device can then determine a suitable receive beam to receive information from the network device. In uplink transmission, the network device also needs to indicate to the terminal device which uplink transmit beam it uses to send information. The network device can determine the uplink transmit beam with better signal quality for the terminal device. Both uplink and downlink transmit beams can be indicated by their respective TCI states. Specifically, the downlink transmit beam can be indicated by the downlink TCI state, and the uplink transmit beam by the uplink TCI state.

[0155] In the 3GPP protocol, network devices can indicate the TCI status to terminal devices through the TCI field in the DCI (Digital Channel Identity). The TCI field is 3 bits in size and can be represented by 8 different field values ​​(codepoints). Each field value of the TCI field can be associated with an index of a TCI status. This TCI status index uniquely identifies a TCI status, which can be a downlink TCI status or an uplink TCI status. Each field value of the TCI field can also be associated with two TCI status indices, which uniquely identify two TCI statuses, including one downlink TCI status and one uplink TCI status.

[0156] The downlink TCI status includes several parameters that terminal devices can use to determine information related to the downlink transmit beam, thereby determining the appropriate receive beam to receive information from the network device. The TCI status is configured by the network device for each terminal device, and the structure of the downlink TCI status is shown below:

[0157] Each TCI state includes its own index (tci-StateId) and two quasi-colocation information (QCL-info) entries. Each QCL-info entry includes a reference signal resource, indicating that the downlink transmission for that TCI state should use the same downlink timing, frequency offset, or receive beam as that reference signal resource. This is determined by the type of the QCL-info entry. The QCL type can have four values: {typeA, typeB, typeC, typeD}. When the QCL type is typeA, typeB, or typeC, the downlink transmission should use the same downlink timing and frequency offset as that reference signal resource. When the QCL type is typeD, the downlink transmission should use the same receive beam as that reference signal resource. Of the two QCL-info entries mentioned above, one is typeD, and the other is typeA, typeB, or typeC. The terminal device can determine which receive beam to use to receive the corresponding downlink transmission by using the typeD QCL-info entry. The specific execution steps are as follows:

[0158] Network devices indicate a specific downlink TCI state to terminal devices via DCI. The terminal device identifies a reference signal resource in the QCL information for this downlink TCI state (type D). The terminal device then uses the receive beam of this reference signal resource as the receive beam for downlink transmission. It should be noted that the receive beam of this reference signal resource is obtained by the terminal device in advance through a beam management process. Through this beam management process, the terminal device can determine which receive beam is optimal for receiving the reference signal resource and select that beam as the receive beam for that reference signal resource.

[0159] The uplink TCI state includes a reference signal resource, which indicates that uplink transmissions using this TCI state should employ the same uplink transmit beam as the reference signal resource. The terminal device can determine which transmit beam to use for uplink transmission by using this reference signal resource. In the uplink TCI state, the reference signal resource is not included in the QCL-info and does not distinguish between QCL types, because it does not need to reference uplink timing and frequency offset information; only the uplink transmit beam needs to be referenced. The structure of the uplink TCI state is as follows:

[0160] The specific execution steps are as follows:

[0161] Network devices indicate a specific uplink TCI state to terminal devices via DCI. The terminal device then determines the reference signal resource within that uplink TCI state. The terminal device uses the transmission beam of this reference signal resource as its uplink transmission beam. It should be noted that the transmission beam of this reference signal resource is obtained by the terminal device in advance through a beam management process.

[0162] The following describes the configuration, activation, and indication of TCI status.

[0163] TCI-state configuration: Network devices configure multiple TCI-states to terminal devices via RRC signaling. Each of these TCI-states includes a QCL-Info of type type D. Network devices can also configure TCI-states that do not include a QCL-Info of type type D; however, these TCI-states are not used for data transmission beam indication and will not be discussed further here.

[0164] TCI-state activation: After configuring multiple TCI-states on a network device, eight of them need to be activated via MAC CE. These eight TCI-states correspond one-to-one with the eight values ​​of the TCI field in the DCI. That is, which eight TCI-states correspond to the eight values ​​of the TCI field in the DCI is determined by MAC CE.

[0165] TCI-state indication: Network devices indicate a specific TCI-state through the TCI field in the DCI. For example, if the TCI field value in the DCI sent by the network device to the terminal device is 000, it indicates that the data transmission beam uses the TCI state corresponding to 000. The reference signal contained in the type D QCL-Info within this TCI state is the channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS) with index #1, indicating that the beam used for data transmission is the same as the receiving beam corresponding to CSI-RS with index #1. The receiving beam corresponding to CSI-RS with index #1 can be determined through beam measurement procedures and is known to the terminal device. Therefore, by using the specific value of the TCI field, the terminal device can determine the beam corresponding to the data transmission beam and thus use the appropriate beam to send or receive data.

[0166] It should be noted that the three descriptions of TCI state, TCI-state, and TCI state in this article can be used interchangeably.

[0167] 4. Unified TCI.

[0168] Release 17 introduces Unified TCI, a unified beam indication framework that allows network devices to indicate a common beam for end devices. This common beam can be used simultaneously for multiple channels and / or multiple reference signals. The common beam can be an uplink common beam, a downlink common beam, or an uplink-downlink common beam. The end device can use this common beam in subsequent transmissions. That is, the network device can indicate an uplink common beam for the transmission of multiple uplink channels and / or multiple uplink reference signals. It can also indicate a downlink common beam for the transmission of multiple downlink channels and / or multiple downlink reference signals. Alternatively, it can indicate an uplink-downlink common beam for the transmission of multiple uplink channels and / or multiple uplink reference signals, as well as multiple downlink channels and / or multiple downlink reference signals. In other words, the uplink-downlink common beam can be used for both uplink and downlink transmissions.

[0169] In Release 17 and later, terminal devices can be configured with two TCI states: DL / joint TCI state and UL TCI state. Here, DL stands for Downlink and UL stands for Uplink.

[0170] The terminal can be configured with DL / joint TCI states (up to 128) and UL TCI states (up to 64) simultaneously.

[0171] In the RRC signaling configuration (serving cell config), the network device can configure the TCI mode currently used by the terminal as either joint or separate. In joint mode, it indicates that a joint TCI state can be used for uplink and downlink transmission simultaneously; in separate mode, the network device needs to indicate that the DL TCI state and UL TCI state are used for uplink and downlink transmission respectively.

[0172] When the terminal device receives the TCI state activation signaling indicated by MAC-CE, the activation signaling includes the TCI state identifier (ID). The terminal device determines which TCI is activated by MAC-CE based on the RRC signaling.

[0173] 5. Resources.

[0174] In communication protocols, reference signals are configured in the form of resources. Network devices configure various reference signals to terminals in the form of resources. A resource is a configuration information unit, which usually includes parameters related to a reference signal, such as the time-frequency resource location of the reference signal, the number of ports, the time domain type (periodic / semi-static / aperiodic), etc.

[0175] Resources can be either uplink or downlink signal resources. Uplink signals include, but are not limited to, SRS and demodulation reference signal (DMRS). Downlink signals include, but are not limited to, CSI-RS, cell-specific reference signal (CS-RS), user equipment-specific reference signal (US-RS), demodulation reference signal (DMRS), and synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SS / PBCH block). The SS / PBCH block can be abbreviated as synchronization signal block (SSB). CSI-RS also includes: Non-Zero Power CSI-RS (NZP CSI-RS) and Zero Power CSI-RS (ZP CSI-RS).

[0176] In this application, the terms "reference signal" and "reference signal resource" can be used interchangeably.

[0177] 6. Reference signal.

[0178] The reference signal can be the reference signal of the serving cell. For example, the serving cell can be a primary cell (Pcell), a secondary cell (Scell), or a primary secondary cell (PScell). Among them, a cell with a primary component carrier (PCC) can be called a Pcell, and a cell with a secondary component carrier (SCC) can be called an Scell.

[0179] The reference signal can be the reference signal of the neighboring cells of the serving cell (such as the reference signal of the cell corresponding to the additional physical cell identifier (additional PCI)).

[0180] Reference signals can also be reference signals associated with the handover candidate cell configuration. Handover candidate cells can also be called candidate cells or neighboring cells. Handover candidate cells can be the current serving cell or a non-serving cell. The physical cell identifier (PCI) of the handover candidate cell is different from that of the current primary cell (PCell).

[0181] 7. Reference signal resource index, reference signal resource identifier, reference signal resource indicator.

[0182] Specifically, the network device configures one or more reference signal resources for the terminal device. These reference signal resources are used to carry reference signals. In this application, the terms "reference signal" and "reference signal resource" are interchangeable. During configuration, each reference signal resource corresponds to a reference signal resource index or a reference signal resource identifier (id) for distinguishing reference signal resources. Furthermore, the network device can configure one or more sets of reference signal resources for the terminal device. Each set of reference signal resources includes one or more reference signal resources, and each set corresponds to a reference signal resource set identifier. Within each set, each reference signal resource corresponds to a reference signal resource indicator. A reference signal resource indicator of 0 indicates the first reference signal resource in the set, a reference signal resource indicator of 1 indicates the second reference signal resource, and so on. When the network device indicates a reference signal resource within the set, or when the terminal device reports a measurement result for a reference signal resource within the set, the reference signal resource indicator can be used to indicate the corresponding reference signal resource.

[0183] For example, a network device configures one or more NZP CSI-RS resources for a terminal device. These NZP CSI-RS resources are used to carry NZP CSI-RS signals. The terms "NZP CSI-RS" and "NZP CSI-RS resource" are interchangeable. Each NZP CSI-RS resource corresponds to a non-zero power CSI-RS resource identifier (NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceId) used to distinguish each NZP CSI-RS resource. Furthermore, a network device can configure one or more NZP CSI-RS resource sets. Each NZP CSI-RS resource set includes one or more NZP CSI-RS resources, and each NZP CSI-RS resource set includes an NZP CSI-RS resource set identifier (NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSetId). Within each NZP CSI-RS resource set, each NZP CSI-RS resource corresponds to a CSI-RS resource indicator (CRI). For example, a CRI of 0 indicates the first NZP CSI-RS resource in the NZP CSI-RS resource set, a CRI of 1 indicates the second NZP CSI-RS resource in the same set, and so on. When a network device instructs a network device to measure and report an NZP CSI-RS resource in a specific NZP CSI-RS resource set, or when a terminal device measures and reports an NZP CSI-RS resource in a specific NZP CSI-RS resource set, the CRI can be used to indicate the corresponding NZP CSI-RS resource. The NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceId can be understood as a global identifier among all configured NZP-CSI-RS-Resources, and the CRI can be understood as a local identifier among all NZP-CSI-RS-Resources in the NZP CSI-RS resource set.

[0184] For example, a network device configures one or more ZP CSI-RS resources for a terminal device. These ZP CSI-RS resources are used to carry ZP CSI-RS. The terms "ZP CSI-RS" and "ZP CSI-RS resource" are often used interchangeably. Each NP CSI-RS resource corresponds to a zero-power CSI-RS resource identifier (ZP-CSI-RS-ResourceId) used to distinguish each ZP CSI-RS resource. Furthermore, a network device can configure one or more ZP CSI-RS resource sets. Each ZP CSI-RS resource set includes one or more ZP CSI-RS resources, and each ZP CSI-RS resource set includes a ZP CSI-RS resource set identifier (ZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSetId). Within each ZP CSI-RS resource set, each ZP CSI-RS resource corresponds to a CSI-RS resource indicator (CRI). For example, a CRI of 0 indicates the first ZP CSI-RS resource in the ZP CSI-RS resource set, a CRI of 1 indicates the second ZP CSI-RS resource in the same set, and so on. The ZP-CSI-RS-ResourceId can be understood as a global identifier among all configured ZP-CSI-RS-Resources, while the CRI can be understood as a local identifier among all ZP-CSI-RS-Resources within the ZP CSI-RS resource set.

[0185] For example, a network device may configure one or more Channel State Information Interference Measurement (CSI-IM) resources for a terminal device. These CSI-IM resources are used to carry the Channel State Information Interference Measurement Reference Signal (CSI-IM RS). The terms CSI-IM RS and CSI-IM resources are interchangeable. Each CSI-IM resource corresponds to a CSI-IM resource identifier (CSI-IM-ResourceId) used to distinguish each CSI-IM resource. Furthermore, the network device may configure one or more CSI-IM resource sets. Each CSI-IM resource set includes one or more CSI-IM resources, and each CSI-IM resource set includes a CSI-IM resource set identifier (CSI-IM-ResourceSetId). Within a CSI-IM resource set, each CSI-IM resource corresponds to a CSI-RS resource indicator (CRI). For example, a CRI of 0 indicates the first CSI-IM resource in the CSI-IM resource set, a CRI of 1 indicates the second CSI-IM resource in the same set, and so on. CRI can be used to indicate the corresponding CSI-IM resource when a network device instructs a CSI-IM resource in a set, or when a terminal device measures and reports a CSI-IM resource in a set. CSI-IM-ResourceId can be understood as a global identifier among all configured CSI-IM resources, while CRI can be understood as a local identifier among all CSI-IM resources in a CSI-IM resource set.

[0186] For example, a network device configures one or more SSB resources for a terminal device. These SSB resources are used to carry SSBs. The terms "SSB" and "SSB resource" are interchangeable. Each SSB resource corresponds to an SSB resource index (SSB-Index) used to distinguish each SSB resource. Furthermore, a network device can configure one or more SSB resource sets. Each SSB resource set includes one or more SSB resources, and each SSB resource set includes an SSB resource set identifier (CSI-SSB-ResourceSetId). Within an SSB resource set, each SSB resource corresponds to an SSB resource indicator (SS / PBCH Block Resource indicator, SSBRI). For example, an SSBRI of 0 indicates the first SSB resource in the SSB resource set, an SSBRI of 1 indicates the second SSB resource, and so on. When a network device indicates the SSB resources of a certain SSB resource set, or when a terminal device measures and reports the SSB resources of a certain SSB resource set, the SSBRI can be used to indicate the corresponding SSB resource. SSB-Index can be understood as a global identifier among all configured SSB resources, while SSBRI can be understood as a local identifier among all SSB resources in the SSB resource set.

[0187] For example, a network device configures one or more SRS resources for a terminal device. These SRS resources are used to carry SRS (Service Support Routing). The terms "SRS" and "SRS resource" are interchangeable. Each SRS resource corresponds to an SRS resource index (SRS-ResourceId) used to distinguish each SRS resource. Furthermore, a network device can configure one or more SRS resource sets. Each SRS resource set includes one or more SRS resources, and each SRS resource set includes an SRS resource set identifier (SRS-ResourceSetId). Within an SRS resource set, each SRS resource corresponds to an SRS resource indicator (SRI). For example, an SRI of 0 indicates the first SRS resource in the set, an SRI of 1 indicates the second SRS resource, and so on. When a network device indicates an SRS resource within a specific SRS resource set, or when a terminal device reports an SRS resource within a specific SRS resource set, the SRI can be used to indicate the corresponding SRS resource. SRS-ResourceId can be understood as a global identifier among all configured SRS resources, while SRI can be understood as a local identifier among all SRS resources in the SRS resource set.

[0188] The terminal device can be configured with one or more candidate cells, and the configuration of each candidate cell can include the configuration of reference signal resources. The reference signal carried by these reference signal resources can be an SSB (Security Signal Branch), CSI-RS (Central Signal Indicator), etc. This application embodiment mainly uses CSI-RS as an example for illustrative explanation.

[0189] In mobile communication systems, terminal devices measuring signals transmitted by network devices and reporting the measurement results is a common method to help network devices determine transmission parameters. For example, a network device may transmit multiple signals using different time-domain resources or different beams. The terminal device measures these multiple signals and reports the corresponding measurement results for each signal, thereby helping the network device determine the transmission parameters used for communication transmission. These parameters may include beamforming and channel coding rate.

[0190] In scenarios involving terminal devices moving between multiple cells, network devices need to determine, based on the measurement results of reference signals from candidate cells (not only geographically but also logically) fed back by the terminal, whether the terminal device should prepare for cell handover, whether to perform cell handover, or which candidate cell to hand over to. For example, when the network device decides that the terminal device should perform cell handover, the network device sends cell handover signaling to the terminal. Specifically, this involves the following steps:

[0191] Step 1: The network device sends measurement resources and reports configuration information.

[0192] The network device sends a report configuration (ReportConfig) for the serving cell. This report configuration is associated with the reference signal resources of one or more candidate cells. The report configuration also includes the content information to be reported, such as the number of candidate cells L for which the terminal reports measurement results, the number of reference signals M reported by each cell, and whether to report the measurement results of the current serving cell.

[0193] Step 2: The terminal device measures the reference signal and reports the measurement results.

[0194] The measurement results include measurements from L cells, with each cell containing measurements of M reference signals. Each reference signal measurement includes a reference signal resource index (e.g., SSBRI) and corresponding signal strength information (e.g., RSRP or differential RSRP). Currently, only SSB resources of candidate cells are supported for measurement, reporting the SSB's RSRP or differential RSRP (i.e., the difference from the reported maximum RSRP).

[0195] Step 3: The network device sends a cell handover signaling message. This message instructs the terminal to hand over to the target candidate cell. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the cell handover signaling message.

[0196] For example, as shown in Figure 5, the terminal device is located in the serving cell and receives a cell handover signaling message. This cell handover signaling message indicates that the device should hand over to candidate cell #2. The terminal device may then hand over to candidate cell #2.

[0197] The cell handover signaling is an L1 / L2 triggered mobility cell switch command media access control (LTM Cell Switch Command MAC CE) signaling. It should be noted that in this application, the cell handover signaling and the L1 / L2 triggered mobility cell switch command media access control element can be described interchangeably. As shown in Figure 6, the cell handover signaling includes the following information:

[0198] (1) C: Indicates whether the MAC-CE includes contention-free random access (CFRA) related fields (such as Random Access Preamble index, Synchronization Signal Block / Physical Broadcast Channel index, Physical Random Access Channel Mask index, Secondary Uplink / Normal Uplink (S / U), Repetition Number). A value of 1 for the C field indicates inclusion; a value of 0 indicates exclusion.

[0199] (2) Target Config ID: This indicates the candidate target configuration index for cell handover, corresponding to candidate cell index-1 (ltm-CandidateId-1), indicating that the handover should be to the target candidate cell corresponding to ltm-CandidateId-1. The Target Config ID field is indicated by 3 bits.

[0200] (3) TA command: Timing advance (TA) for the target candidate cell. A value of all 1s in this field indicates invalidity (i.e., no valid TA is indicated).

[0201] (4) TCI state ID: Indicates the TCI state of the target candidate cell (indicates one from the TCI-state list in ltm-candidate);

[0202] (5) UL TCI state ID: Indicates the UL TCI state of the target candidate cell (one is indicated from the UL TCI-state list in ltm-candidate). (5) above exists only in separate mode. When the terminal device uses joint mode, it transmits using the TCI state indicated by the TCI state ID in (4) above. When the terminal device uses separate mode, in the downlink direction, it transmits using the TCI state indicated by the TCI state ID in (4) above. In the uplink direction, it transmits using the UL TCI state indicated by the UL TCI state ID in (5) above.

[0203] (6) Random Access Preamble index: Indicates the preamble ID of CFRA, used to trigger CFRA.

[0204] (7) SSB / PBCH index: Indicates the SSB corresponding to CFRA.

[0205] (8) PRACH Mask index: Used to indicate an RO from the random access channel occasion (RACH occasion, RO) associated with the above SSB. When the repetition number is non-zero, the terminal ignores this field.

[0206] (9) Repetition number: The number of times the CFRA preamble is repeated (the field value k indicates that it is sent 2k times, and 0 indicates that it is not sent repeatedly). The length of this field is 2 bits.

[0207] (10) S / U: Indicates the uplink subcarrier of CFRA. 1 indicates supplementary uplink (SUL), and 0 indicates normal uplink (NUL).

[0208] (11)R: Reserved field.

[0209] Currently, it only supports terminal devices measuring SSB to obtain the RSRP of candidate cells before cell handover (this RSRP is generally used to determine one or more beam strengths of candidate cells). It does not support obtaining other CSI information of candidate cells besides RSRP before or during cell handover (such as signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), rank indicator (RI), layer indicator (LI), channel quality indicator (CQI), codebook index i1, etc.). As a result, network devices cannot use transmission parameters to schedule data for terminal devices after cell handover, which is detrimental to the reliability and efficiency of data transmission.

[0210] This application provides a technical solution for network devices to acquire channel measurement results of candidate cells before or during cell handover. This facilitates the network device determining transmission parameters based on the channel measurement results after the terminal device hands over to the first cell, and scheduling the terminal device using these parameters. This improves the reliability and efficiency of data transmission.

[0211] As described above, in this application, the terms "reference signal" and "reference signal resource" can be used interchangeably. For example, the reference signal resource involved in this application can be a CSI-RS resource, CS-RS resource, US-RS resource, DMRS resource, SSB resource, etc. For ease of understanding, the following description will primarily use CSI-RS resources as the reference signal resource and a CSI-RS resource set as the reference signal resource set for illustrative purposes. Optionally, a reference signal resource set can also be called a reference signal resource list; for example, a CSI-RS resource set can also be called a CSI-RS resource list.

[0212] Optionally, in this application, "before cell handover" can be understood as before the terminal device receives the cell handover signaling. "During cell handover" can be understood as after the terminal device receives the cell handover signaling, but before the cell handover is completed. "After cell handover" can be understood as the terminal device receiving the cell handover signaling and completing the cell handover. The phrase "during cell handover" described in this application can also be called "when cell handover is happening," and "after cell handover is completed" can also be called "after cell handover." The cell handover described in this application can also be called handover, or L1 / L2 triggered mobility (LTM) cell handover, etc. RSRP can also be called layer 1 reference signal received power (L1-RSRP), and SINR can also be called layer 1 signal to interference plus noise ratio (L1-SINR).

[0213] In this application, the terms "cell," "serving cell," and "component carrier (CC)" are used interchangeably. A serving cell can be a primary cell (Pcell), a secondary cell (Scell), or a primary secondary cell (PScell). A cell with a primary component carrier (PCC) can be called a Pcell, and a cell with a secondary component carrier (SCC) can be called an Scell. Furthermore, a cell can also configure corresponding candidate cells for the serving cell's neighboring cells (e.g., cells corresponding to additional physical cell identifiers (PCIs), candidate cells, and L1 / L2 triggered mobility (LTM)).

[0214] The technical solution of this application is described below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0215] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the reference signal measurement method of this application. Referring to Figure 7, the method includes the following steps.

[0216] 701. The network device sends the first signaling message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first signaling message from the network device.

[0217] The first signaling instruction is used to instruct the terminal device to switch from the serving cell to the first cell. The first cell is a candidate cell for the terminal device. For example, the first signaling instruction includes a target configuration ID field, which indicates the identifier of the first cell, or indicates the candidate cell index-1 (ltm-CandidateId-1) corresponding to the first cell.

[0218] The first signaling may be called cell handover signaling (LTM Cell Switch Command MAC CE) or handover signaling, etc., and this application does not limit the name of the first signaling. Optionally, the first signaling may be carried on RRC signaling, MAC CE signaling, or DCI signaling.

[0219] A terminal device can be configured with one or more candidate cells, and the configuration of each candidate cell may include the configuration of reference signal resources. The network device transmits reference signals on the reference signal resources in the configuration of each candidate cell. The terminal device measures the reference signals on the reference signal resources in the configuration of each candidate cell and transmits the measurement results of the reference signals of one or more candidate cells to the network device. The one or more candidate cells include a first cell. The network device determines the first cell based on the received measurement results of the reference signals of the one or more candidate cells. For example, the first cell may have better signal quality than the serving cell of the terminal device. The network device may send a first signaling message to the terminal device, thereby instructing the terminal device to switch to the first cell.

[0220] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG7 further includes step 701a.

[0221] 701a. The network device sends a second signaling message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second signaling message from the network device.

[0222] Specifically, the second signaling is used to trigger the terminal device to measure and / or report the channel measurement results of the reference signal of the first cell. Alternatively, the second signaling is used to trigger the terminal device to measure and / or report the channel measurement results of the reference signal resources of the first cell.

[0223] Optionally, the second signaling is carried on RRC signaling, MAC CE signaling, or DCI signaling.

[0224] For example, the second signaling is carried on RRC signaling. This RRC signaling is used to configure the reference signal resources of the first cell. When the terminal device receives this RRC signaling, it is triggered to measure the reference signal of the first cell and / or report the channel measurement results. Alternatively, if the terminal device receives the RRC signaling and the RRC signaling is active, it is triggered to measure the reference signal of the first cell and / or report the channel measurement results.

[0225] For example, the second signaling is carried on a DCI. In one possible implementation, this DCI is used to schedule the first signaling, or to schedule downlink transmissions (this can be called a DL DCI). For example, any one of downlink control information format 1_0 (DCI format1_0), DCI format1_1, DCI format1_2, and DCI format1_3. In another possible implementation, this DCI includes a Channel State Information Request (CSI request) field, and is used to schedule uplink transmissions (this can be called a UL DCI). For example, any one of DCI 0_0, DCI0_1, DCI 0_2, and DCI0_3.

[0226] For example, the second signaling is carried on a MAC CE. In one possible implementation, the MAC CE is the first signaling in step 701 above, i.e., cell handover signaling. When the terminal device receives the first signaling, it triggers the terminal device to measure the reference signal of the first cell and / or report the channel measurement results. In another possible implementation, the MAC CE is used to activate or deactivate the semi-persistent reference signal resource set. For example, the semi-persistent reference signal resource set is a semi-persistent channel state information signal resource set (Semi Persistent CSI-RS Resource Set, SP CSI-RS Resource Set), a semi-persistent non-zero power channel state information signal resource set (Semi Persistent Non-Zero Power CSI-RS Resource Set, SP NZP CSI-RS Resource Set), or a semi-persistent channel state information reference signal interference measurement reference signal resource set (Semi Persistent CSI-IM RS Resource Set). For example, the semi-persistent reference signal resource set includes the reference signal resources of the first cell.

[0227] Optionally, the second signaling includes at least one of the following: trigger status information, report configuration identifier, reference signal resource identifier, or reference signal resource set identifier.

[0228] Trigger status information is used to indicate a first trigger status. The first trigger status is either one of the trigger statuses activated by the network device for the terminal device, or one of the trigger statuses configured by the network device. The first trigger status is associated with one or more reporting configurations of the serving cell. These one or more reporting configurations are associated with the reference signal resources of the first cell. The reference signal resources are used to carry reference signals. The terminal device can determine the reference signal resources of the second cell based on the association between the first trigger status, the reporting configurations, and the reference signal resources.

[0229] The report configuration identifier is used to indicate one or more report configurations of the serving cell. These one or more report configurations are associated with the reference signal resources of the first cell. The terminal device determines the reference signal resources of the first cell based on the report configuration identifier and the association between the report configuration identifier and the reference signal resources.

[0230] The reference signal resource identifier is used to indicate one or more reference signal resources in the first cell. The terminal device determines the reference signal resources of the first cell based on the reference signal resource identifier.

[0231] The reference signal resource set identifier is used to indicate one or more reference signal resource sets of the first cell. The terminal device determines the reference signal resources of the first cell based on the reference signal resource set identifier.

[0232] In one possible implementation, the second signaling may include any of the aforementioned information, thereby enabling the terminal device to determine the reference signal resources of the first cell. In another possible implementation, the second signaling may include multiple types of the aforementioned information. For example, the first signaling may include trigger status information and a report configuration identifier. In this implementation, the report configuration identifier indicates one of one or more report configurations associated with the first trigger status indicated by the trigger status information. The terminal device determines the corresponding report configuration based on the trigger status information and the report configuration identifier. Then, the terminal device determines the reference signal resources of the first cell based on the report configuration and its association with the reference signal resources.

[0233] It should be noted that there is no fixed execution order between steps 701 and 701a, and this application does not impose any restrictions on the specific execution order. For example, step 701 may be executed first, followed by step 701a; or step 701a may be executed first, followed by step 701; or, depending on the circumstances, steps 701 and 701a may be executed simultaneously.

[0234] Optionally, the first signaling in step 701 and the second signaling in step 701a may be the same signaling or different signaling; this application does not specify the specifics.

[0235] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG7 further includes step 701b. Step 701b may be performed before step 701.

[0236] 701b. The network device sends the first DCI to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first DCI from the network device.

[0237] The first DCI is used to schedule the first signaling.

[0238] Optionally, if the embodiment shown in FIG7 further includes step 701a, step 701b may be performed before or after step 701a.

[0239] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG7 further includes step 701c. Step 701c may be performed after step 701.

[0240] 701c: The terminal device sends a feedback signaling message to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the feedback signaling message from the terminal device.

[0241] Feedback signaling refers to signaling that responds to the first signaling. For example, the feedback signaling could be a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledge (HARQ-ACK), which is an acknowledgment (ACK) of the PDSCH feedback carrying the first signaling.

[0242] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG7 further includes step 700a. Step 700a may be performed before step 701.

[0243] 700a. The network device sends the first configuration information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first configuration information from the network device.

[0244] The first configuration information is used to configure one or more reporting configurations for the serving cell. For example, the reporting configuration could be an L1 / L2 triggered mobility channel state information report configuration (LTM-CSI-ReportConfig). This reporting configuration is used to configure the relevant parameters for CSI reporting by candidate cells during cell handover. A reporting configuration can be associated with the reference signal resources of one or more candidate cells. Two possible implementation methods are described below.

[0245] Implementation Method 1: The network device configures one or more resource configurations for the terminal device. Each resource configuration is associated with a report configuration. This resource configuration can be an LTM-CSI resource configuration (LTM-CSI-ResourceConfig). A resource configuration can be associated with reference signal resources of one or more candidate cells; for example, there is a one-to-one correspondence between candidate cell identifiers or indices and reference signal resource identifiers or indices. Alternatively, a resource configuration can be associated with one or more sets of reference signal resources, each set including one or more reference signal resources from a candidate cell. The resource configuration may include reference signal resources from one or more candidate cells. Alternatively, the resource configuration may include a reference signal resource identifier or a reference signal resource set index.

[0246] Implementation Method 2: A report configuration is directly associated with the reference signal resources of one or more candidate cells, or a report configuration is directly associated with a set of reference signal resources of one or more candidate cells. For example, the report configuration includes reference signal resource identifiers for one or more candidate cells. Alternatively, the report configuration includes a set identifier of reference signal resources for one or more candidate cells.

[0247] Optionally, the first configuration information is also used to configure the reference signal resources of one or more candidate cells. Of course, the reference signal resources of the one or more candidate cells can also be configured using other information, which is not limited in this application.

[0248] It should be noted that if the embodiment shown in Figure 7 further includes step 701a, step 700a can be performed before step 701a.

[0249] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG7 further includes step 700b. Step 700b may be performed before step 700a.

[0250] 700b. The terminal device sends capability information to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the capability information from the terminal device.

[0251] The capability information includes at least one of the following:

[0252] 1. Does the terminal device support reporting the reference signal and / or channel measurement results of the first cell before receiving the first signaling? In other words, does the terminal device support reporting the reference signal resources and / or channel measurement results of the first cell before receiving the first signaling?

[0253] 2. Does the terminal equipment support reporting the measurement results of the reference signal and / or channel of the first cell during the handover process of the first cell? In other words, does the terminal equipment support reporting the measurement results of the reference signal resources and / or channel of the first cell during the handover process of the first cell?

[0254] 3. Does the terminal device support reporting the measurement results of the reference signal and / or channel of the first cell after receiving the first signaling and before completing the handover of the first cell? In other words, does the terminal device support reporting the measurement results of the reference signal resources and / or channel of the first cell after receiving the first signaling and before completing the handover of the first cell?

[0255] 4. Does the terminal device support the acquisition of channel measurement results of the first cell triggered by the serving cell of the terminal device?

[0256] 5. Does the terminal device support the acquisition and reporting of channel measurement results triggered by the serving cell in the first cell?

[0257] 6. Before or during the handover of the first cell, the terminal device supports the acquisition of the maximum number of candidate cells for channel measurement results.

[0258] 7. Before or during the handover of the first cell, the terminal device supports the maximum number of candidate cells that can be simultaneously triggered to obtain channel measurement results.

[0259] It should be noted that, in one possible implementation, if the terminal device reports the capability information, it indicates that the terminal device supports the capability indicated by the capability information. If the terminal device does not report the capability information, it indicates that the terminal device does not support the capability indicated by the capability information. In another possible implementation, if the terminal device reports the capability information, it indicates that the terminal device supports the capability indicated by the capability information. If the terminal device reports that it does not support the capability indicated by the capability information, it indicates that the terminal device does not support the capability indicated by the capability information. In yet another possible implementation, if the terminal device supports some capabilities indicated by the aforementioned capability information, then the terminal device must support other capabilities indicated by the capability information; that is, if the terminal device does not report some of these other capabilities, it also indicates that the terminal device supports these other capabilities. This application does not impose any specific limitations on this.

[0260] 702. The network device transmits the reference signal of the first cell at the first instant. Correspondingly, the terminal device begins measuring the reference signal of the first cell at the first instant to obtain the channel measurement results.

[0261] The first moment is the moment when the first reference moment has elapsed for the first duration.

[0262] Optionally, the network device transmitting the reference signal of the first cell at the first moment can be described as follows: the network device starts transmitting the reference signal of the first cell at the first moment; or, the network device starts transmitting the reference signal resources of the first cell at the first moment; or, the network device starts transmitting the reference signal of the first cell from the first moment; or, the network device starts transmitting the reference signal resources of the first cell from the first moment; or, the network device starts transmitting the reference signal of the first cell from the start time of the transmission of the reference signal; or, the network device starts transmitting the reference signal resources of the first cell from the start time of the transmission of the reference signal.

[0263] Optionally, the process by which the terminal device starts measuring the reference signal of the first cell to obtain the channel measurement result at the first moment can be described as follows: the terminal device starts measuring the reference signal of the first cell at the first moment; or, the terminal device starts measuring the reference signal resources of the first cell at the first moment; or, the terminal device starts measuring the reference signal of the first cell from the first moment; or, the terminal device starts measuring the reference signal resources of the first cell from the first moment; or, the terminal device starts measuring the reference signal of the first cell from the start time of the reference signal measurement. Alternatively, the terminal device starts measuring the reference signal resources of the first cell from the start time of the reference signal measurement.

[0264] First, let's introduce some possible implementations of the first reference time. The first reference time includes any of the following:

[0265] 1. The terminal device receives the first DCI at the designated time. The first DCI is used to schedule the first signaling. The first DCI can be called a DL DCI. For example, the format of the first DCI is any one of DCI format1_0, DCI format1_1, DCI format1_2, and DCI format1_3.

[0266] In one possible implementation, the time slot where the first DCI is located is n, and the first reference time is time slot n. Alternatively, if the network device sends the first DCI, the time slot is n, and the first reference time is time slot n. Another alternative implementation is if the terminal device receives the first DCI, the time slot is n, and the first reference time is time slot n.

[0267] In another possible implementation, the time slot where the first DCI is located is n, and the first reference time is the time slot. Where, μ CSI-RS For configuring the subcarrier spacing for transmitting reference signals (e.g., CSI-RS), μ PDCCHThis configures the subcarrier spacing for the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) used to transmit the first DCI. Alternatively, if the time slot in which the network device transmits the first DCI is n, the first reference time is [time slot number missing]. Alternatively, if the time slot in which the terminal device receives the first DCI is n, then the first reference time is the time slot.

[0268] 2. The moment when the terminal device receives the first signaling.

[0269] In one possible implementation, the time slot where the first signaling occurs is n, and the first reference time is time slot n. Alternatively, if the network device sends the first signaling in time slot n, the first reference time is time slot n. Another alternative implementation is if the terminal device receives the first signaling in time slot n, and the first reference time is time slot n.

[0270] In another possible implementation, the time slot where the first signaling occurs is n, and the first reference time is the time slot. Where, μ CSI-RS For configuring the subcarrier spacing for transmitting reference signals (e.g., CSI-RS), μ PDCCH This configures the subcarrier spacing for the PDSCH used to send the first signaling. Alternatively, if the time slot in which the network device sends the first signaling is 'n', then the first reference time is 'n'. Alternatively, if the time slot in which the terminal device receives the first signaling is n, then the first reference time is the time slot.

[0271] 3. The timing of the terminal device sending feedback signaling. Here, feedback signaling refers to the signaling sent in response to the first signaling. In other words, the first reference time is the time when the terminal device sends either the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) carrying HARQ-ACK or the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) carrying HARQ-ACK. HARQ-ACK is the ACK sent in response to the PDSCH carrying the first signaling.

[0272] In one possible implementation, the time slot where the feedback signaling resides is n, and the first reference time is time slot n. Alternatively, if the network device receives the feedback signaling in time slot n, the first reference time is time slot n. Similarly, if the terminal device sends the feedback signaling in time slot n, the first reference time is time slot n. The time slot where the feedback signaling resides can be understood as either the PUSCH carrying HARQ-ACK or the PUCCH carrying HARQ-ACK.

[0273] In another possible implementation, if the time slot containing the feedback signaling is n, then the first reference time is the time slot. Where, μ CSI-RS For configuring the subcarrier spacing for transmitting reference signals (e.g., CSI-RS), μ HARQ-ACK This configures the subcarrier spacing for sending feedback signaling. Alternatively, if the time slot in which the network device receives feedback signaling is n, then the first reference time is time slot n· Alternatively, if the time slot in which the terminal device sends the feedback signaling is n, then the first reference time is the time slot.

[0274] 4. The time at which the terminal device sends the feedback signaling after the second duration has elapsed. In other words, the first reference time is the time at which the terminal device sends the feedback signaling plus the second duration.

[0275] For example, the second duration is 3ms. Optionally, the second duration is related to one or more of the time required for the terminal device to parse the first signaling and the time required for the base station to process the feedback signaling.

[0276] In one possible implementation, the time slot where the feedback signaling resides is n, and the first reference time is... Alternatively, if the time slot in which the network device receives the feedback signaling is n, the first reference time is... Alternatively, if the time slot in which the terminal device sends the feedback signaling is n, the first reference time is... Configure the subcarrier spacing as μ HARQ-ACK At that time, the number of time slots corresponding to a subframe.

[0277] In another possible implementation, the time slot where the feedback signaling resides is n, and the first reference time is... μ CSI-RS For configuring the subcarrier spacing for transmitting reference signals (e.g., CSI-RS), μ HARQ-ACK Configure the subcarrier spacing for transmitting PUSCH or PUCCH carrying feedback signaling. Configure the subcarrier spacing as μ HARQ-ACK The time slot is the number of time slots corresponding to a subframe. Alternatively, if the time slot in which the terminal device sends feedback signaling is n, the first reference time is time slot n. Alternatively, if the time slot in which the network device receives the feedback signaling is n, then the first reference time is the time slot.

[0278] 5. The time at which the terminal device sends the feedback signaling occurs after the second and third durations. In other words, the first reference time is the time at which the terminal device sends the feedback signaling plus the second and third durations.

[0279] In one possible implementation, the time slot where the feedback signaling resides is n, and the first reference time is... The second duration is 3 milliseconds, and the third duration is x milliseconds. x is greater than or equal to 0. Please refer to the relevant introduction below for details on the third duration. Alternatively, if the time slot in which the terminal device sends the feedback signaling is n, the first reference time is n+3. Alternatively, if the time slot in which the network device receives the feedback signaling is n, then the first reference time is the time slot.

[0280] In another possible implementation, the time slot where the feedback signaling resides is n, and the first reference time is... Alternatively, if the time slot in which the terminal device sends the feedback signaling is n, the first reference time is... Alternatively, if the time slot in which the network device receives the feedback signaling is n, the first reference time is...

[0281] The second duration is described in the preceding section. The third duration is the duration of the cell handover interruption. In other words, it is the duration required for the terminal device to perform the first cell handover. The third duration is determined by one or more of the following:

[0282] a. The time it takes for the terminal device to parse the configuration information of the first cell. For example, this time is T. LTM-RRC-processing T LTM-RRC-processing The time required for decoding the abstract syntax notation 1 (ASN.1) and performing validity / consistency checks on the configuration information of the first cell indicated in the first signaling. LTM-RRC-processing It can be 0 or 10ms. Refer to the communication protocol TS 38.133 for the specific value to use.

[0283] b. The time taken for the terminal device to process the configuration information of the first cell. For example, this time is T. LTM-processing T LTM-processing The processing time for the UE includes the time for applying target cell parameters and the time for layer 1 (L1) / layer 2 (L2) changes. LTM-processing For specific values ​​and definitions, please refer to the communication protocol TS 38.133.

[0284] c. The time required for the terminal device to accurately track and acquire timing information of the first cell. This time is T. first- RS T first-RS It can be 0, or it can be 3ms after the feedback signaling is sent, the time when the first SSB is sent by the first cell.

[0285] d. SSB processing time of the terminal device for the first cell.

[0286] Specifically, if the first signaling indicates a TCI state, but that TCI state has not been activated in advance or has been activated for too long, the terminal device needs to re-receive the SSB of the first cell to obtain synchronization information. This can be understood as the processing time of the terminal device for the SSB of the first cell. This time is T. RS-pro T RS-pro It can be 0 or 2ms. Refer to the communication protocol TS 38.133 for details.

[0287] 6. The time when the first cell handover is completed. For example, the time when the terminal device sends the first uplink message (first UL message) in the first cell. Another example is the time when the cell handover for a random access channel (RACH) procedure is completed, corresponding to the RACH procedure completion time. Yet another example is the time when the terminal device sends the cell reconfiguration completion message.

[0288] It should be noted that the first duration is configured or indicated by the network device, reported by the terminal device based on capability information, or determined by any one or more combinations of communication protocols. For example, the first duration is a time offset value configured by the network device, such as the time offset value configured by the network device to trigger the measurement of a reference signal resource set. This reference signal resource set includes reference signal resources of the first cell. When the network device triggers the measurement of this reference signal resource set, the transmission start time of this reference signal resource set is the first reference time plus the time offset value. For example, the first duration is 0, or the first duration can be jointly determined based on the terminal device's capability information and the network device's configuration. For example, the terminal device reports the minimum supported duration, and the network device configures the first duration based on this minimum duration. For example, the first duration is greater than or equal to the minimum duration.

[0289] Optionally, the unit of the first duration can be Tc, Ts, frame, subframe, time slot, symbol, millisecond, nanosecond, microsecond, or second, etc., and this application does not limit the specific unit. c =1 / (Δf) max ·N f ), Δf max =480·103 Hz, N f =4096; T s =1 / (Δf) ref ·N f,ref )Δf ref =15·10 3 Hz, N f,ref =2048.

[0290] Optionally, step 702 above specifically includes: the terminal device applying or using the first TCI state at a first moment to start measuring the reference signal of the first cell and obtaining the channel measurement result. In other words, the terminal device applying or using the beam corresponding to the first TCI state at a first moment to start measuring the reference signal of the first cell and obtaining the channel measurement result. Two possible implementations of the first TCI state are described below.

[0291] Implementation Method 1: The first TCI state is the TCI state corresponding to the TCI state identifier indicated in the first signaling. This first TCI state belongs to the first cell. Specifically, the terminal device receives the reference signal in the first cell through the TCI state corresponding to the TCI state identifier indicated by the first signaling.

[0292] The first signaling can be the LTM Cell Switch Command MAC CE described above. The first TCI state is the TCI state indicated by the TCI state ID in the LTM Cell Switch Command MAC CE.

[0293] In this implementation, the first cell includes one or more reference signal resources. The terminal device uses or measures the reference signals carried by the one or more reference signal resources based on the TCI state.

[0294] Implementation Method Two: The first TCI state includes multiple TCI states indicated in the first signaling. These multiple TCI states include the TCI state of each of the multiple reference signal resources in the first cell. The terminal device applies or measures the reference signal carried by each reference signal resource using its TCI state. Alternatively, the terminal device applies or measures the reference signal carried by each reference signal resource using the beam corresponding to its TCI state.

[0295] Implementation Method 3: The first TCI state is the TCI state associated with the reference signal resource configured by the network device. This reference signal resource is used to carry the reference signal of the first cell. Specifically, the terminal device receives the reference signal in the first cell through the TCI state associated with the reference signal resource. In this implementation method 3, the first cell includes one or more reference signal resources. The terminal device uses or measures the reference signal carried by the one or more reference signal resources through this TCI state.

[0296] Implementation Method 4: The first TCI state includes the TCI state associated with each of the multiple reference signal resources configured in the first cell by the network device. These multiple reference signal resources are used to carry the reference signal of the first cell. Specifically, the terminal device measures the reference signal carried by each reference signal resource through the TCI state of that reference signal resource. Alternatively, the terminal device measures the reference signal carried by each reference signal resource through the beam corresponding to the TCI state of that reference signal resource.

[0297] Optionally, the aforementioned first TCI state is the TCI state of the first cell.

[0298] Therefore, after receiving the first signaling, the terminal device specifies the transmission time of the reference signal for the first cell sent by the network device and the reference signal for the first cell measured by the terminal device. This ensures the alignment of reference signal resources between the terminal device and the network device.

[0299] As can be seen from the above introduction, the execution order of steps 701, 701a, and 701c with step 702 should be determined according to the definition of the first moment. For details, please refer to the relevant introduction of the first moment above.

[0300] 703. The terminal device sends the channel measurement results to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the channel measurement results from the terminal device.

[0301] Optionally, one or more reporting configurations for the serving cell include a first reporting configuration. The first reporting configuration is associated with the reference signal resources of the first cell. The terminal device sends channel measurement results to the network device according to the first reporting configuration.

[0302] In this embodiment, the terminal device measures the reference signal of the first cell during or after cell handover. When the terminal device is located in the serving cell, it measures the reference signal of the first cell. Then, the terminal device sends the channel measurement results to the network device through the first report configuration of the serving cell.

[0303] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7 above, after receiving the first signaling, the terminal device begins measuring the reference signal of the first cell at the first instant. It is understood that the terminal device measures the reference signal of the first cell during cell handover and sends the channel measurement results. This facilitates the network device in determining transmission parameters based on the channel measurement results after the terminal device hands over to the first cell, and scheduling the terminal device using these transmission parameters. This improves the reliability and efficiency of data transmission.

[0304] In this application, for the semi-persistent reference signal resources (SRS) of a candidate cell of a terminal device, the network device can activate the SRS before the terminal device performs cell handover. Then, the terminal device measures the SRS. This achieves channel measurement of the candidate cell before cell handover. The technical solution of this application is described below with reference to the embodiment shown in FIG8. FIG8 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the reference signal resource deactivation method of this application. Referring to FIG8, the method includes the following steps.

[0305] 801. The terminal device activates the reference signal resources of the second cell at the second moment.

[0306] The reference signal resources of the second cell are semi-persistent reference signal resources. The second cell is a candidate cell for the terminal equipment.

[0307] Specifically, before the terminal device performs cell handover, the network device activates the reference signal resources of the second cell. The terminal device measures the reference signal of the second cell. This reference signal is carried on the reference signal resources of the second cell. In other words, the terminal device measures the reference signal resources of the second cell. The terminal device then activates the reference signal resources of the second cell at a second time point. Some possible implementations of the second time point are described below. Optionally, the second time point includes at least one of the following:

[0308] 1. The terminal device receives the first DCI at its reception time. The first DCI is used to schedule the first signaling. The first signaling is used to instruct the terminal device to hand over to the first cell. Please refer to the previous introduction for information on the first signaling. Please refer to the aforementioned introduction for information on the calculation method of the first DCI reception time. Optionally, the first cell and the second cell may be the same cell or different cells.

[0309] 2. The timing of the terminal device receiving the first signaling message. Please refer to the aforementioned explanation for the calculation method of the timing of the first signaling message reception.

[0310] 3. The timing of the terminal device sending feedback signaling. Here, feedback signaling refers to the signaling sent in response to the first signaling. In other words, the second timing is when the terminal device sends either a PUSCH carrying HARQ-ACK or a PUCCH carrying HARQ-ACK. HARQ-ACK is an ACK sent in response to the PDSCH carrying the first signaling. That is, the feedback signaling is carried on either the PUCCH or PUSCH.

[0311] 4. The time at which the terminal device sends the feedback signaling after the second duration has elapsed. For details regarding the second duration and the calculation method for the time at which the terminal device sends the feedback signaling after the second duration has elapsed, please refer to the aforementioned related introductions.

[0312] 5. The time at which the terminal device sends the feedback signaling after the second and third time intervals. Please refer to the aforementioned introduction regarding the second and third time intervals.

[0313] 6. The moment the first cell handover is completed. Please refer to the aforementioned introduction for the moment the first cell handover is completed.

[0314] 7. The time when the terminal device completes the reporting of the channel measurement results corresponding to the reference signal resources of the second cell after receiving the first signaling.

[0315] Optionally, when a first condition is met, the terminal device deactivates the reference signal resources of the second cell. The first condition includes: the terminal device did not receive a deactivation signaling before receiving the first signaling. This deactivation signaling is used to instruct the deactivation of the reference signal resources of the second cell. That is, the network device activated the reference signal resources of the second cell before the terminal device received the cell handover signaling. The terminal device begins measuring the reference signal resources of the second cell. Since the terminal device did not receive a deactivation signaling instructing the deactivation of the reference signal resources of the second cell before receiving the cell handover signaling, the terminal device can deactivate the reference signal resources of the second cell. Alternatively, if the terminal device does not receive a deactivation signaling for the reference signal resources of the second cell during the time interval between receiving the first activation signaling and receiving the first signaling, the terminal device can activate the reference signal resources of the second cell at any of the second times shown above. This eliminates the need for the network device to instruct the terminal device to perform the deactivation operation, reducing the instruction overhead of the network device.

[0316] In one possible implementation, the first condition specifically includes: no deactivation signaling was received before the terminal device received the first signaling, and the first cell indicated by the first signaling is not the same cell as the second cell.

[0317] Specifically, if the network device activates the reference signal resources of the second cell before the terminal device receives the first signaling, and the second cell is not the same cell as the first cell indicated by the first signaling, then if the terminal device does not receive a deactivation signaling before receiving the first signaling, the terminal device can activate the reference signal resources of the second cell at any of the first time points shown above. Alternatively, if the terminal device does not receive a deactivation signaling to deactivate the reference signal resources of the second cell within the time interval between the moment it receives the first activation signaling and the moment it receives the first signaling, the terminal device can activate the reference signal resources of the second cell at any of the second time points shown above. The first activation signaling is used to activate the reference signal resources of the second cell.

[0318] In another possible implementation, the first condition specifically includes: no deactivation signaling was received before the terminal device received the first signaling, and the first cell indicated by the first signaling and the second cell are the same cell. The first signaling includes a first field, which is used to indicate the reference signal resources of the first cell to be deactivated. In this implementation, the network device instructs the terminal device to hand over to the same cell as the first cell and the second cell. Optionally, the terminal device reports the channel measurement results of the second cell to the network device. The channel measurement results of the second cell are obtained by the terminal device measuring the reference signal of the second cell.

[0319] Specifically, if the network device activates the reference signal resources of the second cell before the terminal device receives the first signaling, and the second cell is the same cell as the first cell indicated by the first signaling, the first signaling includes a first field indicating whether to deactivate the reference signal resources of the second cell. If the first field indicates to deactivate the reference signal resources of the second cell, the terminal device can activate the reference signal resources of the second cell at any of the second time points shown above. If the first field indicates not to deactivate the reference signal resources of the second cell, the terminal device does not perform a deactivation operation on the reference signal resources of the second cell. For example, a value of 1 for the first field indicates to activate the reference signal resources of the second cell; a value of 0 for the first field indicates not to deactivate the reference signal resources of the second cell. Alternatively, a value of 0 for the first field indicates to activate the reference signal resources of the second cell; a value of 1 for the first field indicates not to deactivate the reference signal resources of the second cell. Further, optionally, if the first field indicates to deactivate the reference signal resources of the second cell, the first signaling also includes a reference signal resource identifier of the first cell, or an identifier of the reference signal resource set to which the reference signal resources of the first cell belong.

[0320] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG8 further includes step 801a.

[0321] 801a. The network device sends the first signaling message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first signaling message from the network device.

[0322] For information on the first signaling, please refer to the relevant description in the embodiment shown in Figure 7 above.

[0323] Step 801a can be executed before or after step 801, depending on the definition of the second time point mentioned above. For example, if the second time point is the time when the terminal device receives the first DCI, and the first DCI is used to schedule the first signaling, then step 801 is executed before step 801a. Alternatively, if the second time point is the time when the terminal device receives the first signaling, then step 801 is executed after step 801a. Please refer to the relevant description of the second time point for details.

[0324] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG8 further includes step 801b. Step 801b may be performed before step 801.

[0325] 801b. The network device sends a first activation signaling message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first activation signaling message from the network device.

[0326] The first activation signaling is used to activate the reference signal resources of the second cell. For example, the first activation signaling includes at least one of the following: an identifier or index of the second cell, a reference signal resource identifier or index of the second cell, a reference signal resource set identifier of the second cell, a TCI status of the reference signal resources of the second cell, or an indication field. The indication field is used to indicate whether to activate or deactivate the reference signal resources or reference signal resource set of the second cell. Optionally, the identifier or index of the second cell may be a candidate cell identifier corresponding to the second cell (e.g., ltm-CandidateId), or it may be a candidate cell identifier-1 corresponding to the second cell (e.g., ltm-CandidateId-1). Optionally, the TCI status of the reference signal resources of the second cell may include the TCI status of one or more second cells. Optionally, the first activation signaling is carried in MAC CE signaling.

[0327] Specifically, the terminal device receives the first activation signaling, and after the first activation signaling takes effect, the terminal device begins to measure the reference signal resources of the second cell. When the first condition is met, the terminal device deactivates the reference signal resources of the second cell.

[0328] Optionally, step 801b is performed before step 801a.

[0329] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG8 further includes step 801c, which may be performed before step 801a.

[0330] 801c: The network device sends the first DCI to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first DCI from the network device.

[0331] The first DCI is used to schedule the first signaling.

[0332] It should be noted that there is no fixed execution order between steps 801b and 801c. Step 801b can be executed first, followed by step 801c; or step 801c can be executed first, followed by step 801b; or, depending on the circumstances, steps 801b and 801c can be executed simultaneously. This application does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0333] The execution order between step 801c and step 801 should be determined in conjunction with the definition of the second time step, as detailed in the aforementioned introduction to the second time step.

[0334] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG8 further includes step 801d, which can be performed after step 801a.

[0335] 801d. The terminal device sends a feedback signaling message to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the feedback signaling message from the terminal device.

[0336] For information on feedback signaling, please refer to the relevant description in step 801 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0337] The execution order between step 801d and step 801 should be determined in conjunction with the definition of the second time step, as detailed in the aforementioned introduction to the second time step.

[0338] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG8 further includes 800a. Step 800a may be performed before step 801.

[0339] 800a. The network device sends the first configuration information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first configuration information from the network device.

[0340] For information on the first configuration information, please refer to the relevant description of step 700a in the embodiment shown in Figure 7 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0341] It should be noted that there is no fixed execution order between steps 800a and 801a and 801b, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this. For example, step 800a can be executed first, then step 801b, and finally step 801a.

[0342] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG8 further includes step 800b. Step 800b may be performed before step 800a.

[0343] 800b. The terminal device sends capability information to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the capability information from the terminal device.

[0344] The relevant descriptions of step 800b and step 700b in the embodiment shown in Figure 7 above will not be repeated here.

[0345] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8 above, for the semi-persistent reference signal resources (SRS) of a candidate cell of the terminal device, the network device can activate the SRS before the terminal device performs cell handover. Then, the terminal device measures the SRS, thereby achieving channel measurement of the candidate cell before cell handover. The terminal device deactivates the SRS at a second time, thus eliminating the need for the network device to send corresponding deactivation signaling, reducing indication overhead.

[0346] The embodiment shown in Figure 8 above is for a semi-persistent reference signal resource scenario. For periodic resources, the terminal device and network device can execute the embodiment shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the reference signal measurement method of this application. Referring to Figure 9, the method includes:

[0347] 901. The network device sends second configuration information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second configuration information from the network device.

[0348] The second configuration information is used to configure the reference signal resources of the second cell. The reference signal resources of the second cell are periodic reference signal resources. Optionally, the second configuration information is carried in RRC signaling.

[0349] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG9 further includes step 900a. Step 900a may be performed before step 901.

[0350] 900a. The terminal device sends capability information to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the capability information from the terminal device.

[0351] For the capability information, please refer to the relevant description of step 700b in the embodiment shown in Figure 7 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0352] Optionally, the embodiment shown in Figure 9 further includes step 900b.

[0353] 900b. The network device sends the first configuration information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first configuration information from the network device.

[0354] The first configuration information is similar to the first configuration information in the embodiment shown in Figure 7 above. For details, please refer to the relevant description of the first configuration information in the embodiment shown in Figure 7 above.

[0355] Optionally, there is no fixed execution order between step 900b and the aforementioned step 901. For example, step 900b may be executed first, followed by step 901; or step 901 may be executed first, followed by step 900b; or, depending on the circumstances, step 900b and step 901 may be executed simultaneously. This application does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0356] Optionally, the first configuration information in step 900b and the second configuration information in step 901 can be the same configuration information or different configuration information; no specific application is limited in this regard.

[0357] Optionally, step 900b can be performed after step 900a.

[0358] 902. The network device transmits the reference signal of the second cell at the third moment. Correspondingly, the terminal device measures the reference signal of the second cell at the third moment.

[0359] The third time point is the time when the terminal device receives the second configuration information after the fourth time period. Optionally, the fourth time period is the time required for the terminal device to parse the second configuration information. For example, the fourth time period is 2ms or 3ms.

[0360] Optionally, step 902 above can be described as follows: the network device transmits the reference signal resources of the second cell at a third time. Correspondingly, the terminal device measures the reference signal resources of the second cell at the third time.

[0361] 903. The network equipment stops transmitting the reference signal of the second cell at the fourth time. Correspondingly, the terminal equipment stops measuring the reference signal of the second cell at the fourth time.

[0362] The fourth moment is similar to the second moment of step 801 in the embodiment shown in Figure 8 above. For details, please refer to the relevant description of the second moment of step 801 in the embodiment shown in Figure 8 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0363] Optionally, when the second condition is met, the terminal device stops measuring the reference signal of the second cell at the fourth time point. The second condition includes at least one of the following:

[0364] 1. The first cell indicated by the first signaling and the second cell are not the same cell. In this implementation, if the terminal device receives the first signaling, and the first cell indicated by the first signaling and the second cell are not the same cell, the terminal device can stop measuring the reference signal of the second cell at the fourth time. This avoids unnecessary channel measurements.

[0365] 2. The first signaling includes a second field, which indicates that the measurement of the reference signal of the second cell should be stopped, or the second field indicates that the measurement of the reference signal resources of the second cell should be stopped.

[0366] Optionally, the network device ceasing to transmit the reference signal of the second cell at the fourth time can be described as: the network device ceasing to transmit the reference signal resources of the second cell at the fourth time. Similarly, the terminal device ceasing to measure the reference signal of the second cell at the fourth time can be described as: the terminal device ceasing to measure the reference signal resources of the second cell at the fourth time; or, the terminal device ceasing to measure, beginning to cease measuring, or not intending to measure the reference signal of the second cell at the fourth time; or, the terminal device ceasing to measure, beginning to cease measuring, or not intending to measure the reference signal resources of the second cell at the fourth time.

[0367] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG9 further includes step 903a.

[0368] 903a. The network device sends the first signaling message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first signaling message from the network device.

[0369] There is no fixed execution order between step 903a and steps 901 to 902, and this application does not impose any specific restrictions. For example, steps 901 to 902 may be executed first, followed by step 903a.

[0370] The execution order between steps 903a and 903 should be determined in conjunction with the definition of the fourth time step. For details, please refer to the aforementioned introduction to the fourth time step.

[0371] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG9 further includes step 903b. Step 903b may be performed before step 903a.

[0372] 903b. The network device sends the first DCI to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first DCI from the network device.

[0373] There is no fixed execution order between step 903b and steps 901 to 902, and this application does not impose any specific restrictions. For example, steps 901 to 902 may be executed first, followed by step 903b.

[0374] The execution order between steps 903b and 903 should be determined in conjunction with the definition of the fourth time step. For details, please refer to the aforementioned introduction to the fourth time step.

[0375] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG9 further includes step 903c. Step 903c may be performed after step 903a.

[0376] 903c: The terminal device sends a feedback signaling message to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the feedback signaling message from the terminal device.

[0377] The execution order between steps 903c and 903 should be determined in conjunction with the definition of the fourth time step. For details, please refer to the aforementioned introduction to the fourth time step.

[0378] In the embodiment shown in Figure 9 above, the terminal device receives second configuration information from the network device. This second configuration information is used to configure the reference signal resources of the second cell. Then, the terminal device measures the reference signal of the second cell at a third time. The third time is the time when the terminal device receives the second configuration information after a fourth time interval. The terminal device stops measuring the reference signal of the second cell at the fourth time. For example, when the terminal device receives cell handover signaling, it can stop measuring the reference signal of the second cell, thereby avoiding unnecessary channel measurements and reducing resource overhead.

[0379] The following is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Referring to Figure 10, the communication device can be used to execute the process performed by the terminal device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0380] The communication device 1000 includes a transceiver module 1001 and a processing module 1102.

[0381] The processing module 1002 is used for data processing. The transceiver module 1001 can implement the corresponding communication functions. The transceiver module 1001 can also be called a communication interface or a communication module.

[0382] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a storage module, which can be used to store program code, program instructions and / or data. The processing module 1002 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device 1000 can implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0383] The communication device 1000 can be used to perform the actions performed by the terminal device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9. For example, it can be the terminal device, a communication module within the terminal device, or a circuit or chip within the terminal device responsible for communication functions. The communication device 1000 can be the terminal device or a component configurable within the terminal device. The processing module 1002 is used to perform processing-related operations on the terminal device side in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9. The transceiver module 1001 is used to perform receiving-related operations on the terminal device side in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9.

[0384] Optionally, the transceiver module 1001 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9.

[0385] It should be noted that the communication device 1000 may include a transmitting module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 1000 may include a receiving module but not a transmitting module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme executed by the communication device 1000 includes both transmitting and receiving actions. For example, the communication device 1000 is used to execute the actions performed by the terminal device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9, which will not be elaborated here. For example, the communication device 1000 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0386] Transceiver module 1001 is used to receive first signaling, which instructs communication device 1000 to switch from serving cell to first cell;

[0387] Processing module 1002 is used to start measuring the reference signal of the first cell at the first moment and obtain the channel measurement result. The first moment is the moment when the first reference moment has elapsed for a first duration.

[0388] The transceiver module 1001 is also used to transmit channel measurement results.

[0389] For other implementation methods, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9 above.

[0390] It should be understood that the specific procedures for each module to perform the above-mentioned corresponding processes have been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0391] Optionally, when the communication device 1000 is a terminal device or a communication module within a terminal device, the processing module 1002 in the above embodiments can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuitry. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip. The transceiver module 1001 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuitry. The transceiver module 1001 may also be referred to as a communication module or communication interface. The storage module can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0392] Optionally, when the communication device 1000 is a circuit or chip in a terminal device responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing module 1002 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processing cores. The function of the transceiver module 1001 can be implemented by the interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the aforementioned chip.

[0393] The following is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Referring to Figure 11, the communication device can be used to execute the process performed by the network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0394] The communication device 1100 includes a transceiver module 1101. Optionally, the communication device 1100 may also include a processing module 1102.

[0395] The processing module 1102 is used for data processing. The transceiver module 1101 can implement the corresponding communication functions. The transceiver module 1101 can also be called a communication interface or a communication module.

[0396] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may further include a storage module, which can be used to store program code, program instructions and / or data. The processing module 1102 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device 1100 can implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0397] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1100 can be used to perform the actions performed by the network device in the above method embodiments. For example, it can be a network device or a communication module within a network device, or a circuit or chip within a network device responsible for communication functions. The communication device 1100 can be a network device or a component configurable within a network device. The processing module 1102 is used to perform processing-related operations on the network device side in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 1101 is used to perform reception-related operations on the network device side in the above method embodiments.

[0398] Optionally, the transceiver module 1101 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments.

[0399] It should be noted that the communication device 1100 may include a transmitting module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 1100 may include a receiving module but not a transmitting module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme executed by the communication device 1100 includes both transmitting and receiving actions.

[0400] For example, the communication device 1100 is used to perform the actions performed by the network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0401] For example, the communication device 1100 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0402] The transceiver module 1101 is used to send a first signaling, which instructs the terminal device to switch from the serving cell to the first cell; send a reference signal of the first cell at a first time, where the first time is the time when the first reference time has elapsed for a first duration; and receive channel measurement results, which are obtained by the terminal device from the reference signal of the first cell at the first time.

[0403] For other implementation methods, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9 above.

[0404] It should be understood that the specific procedures for each module to perform the above-mentioned corresponding processes have been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0405] Optionally, the processing module 1102 in the above embodiments can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuitry. The transceiver module 1101 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuitry. The transceiver module 1101 can also be referred to as a communication module or communication interface. The storage module can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0406] This application embodiment also provides a communication device 1200. Referring to FIG12, the communication device 1200 includes a processor 1210, which is coupled to a memory 1220. The memory 1220 is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 1210 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions and / or data stored in the memory 1220, causing the methods in the above method embodiments to be executed. The communication device 1200 is used to implement the operations performed by the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments.

[0407] Optionally, the communication device 1200 may include one or more processors 1210.

[0408] Optionally, as shown in Figure 12, the communication device 1200 may also include a memory 1220.

[0409] Optionally, the communication device 1200 may include one or more memory 1220s.

[0410] Optionally, the memory 1220 can be integrated with the processor 1210 or set separately.

[0411] Optionally, as shown in Figure 12, the communication device 1200 may further include a transceiver 1230 for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, a processor 1210 is used to control the transceiver 1230 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0412] This application also provides a communication device 1300, which can be a terminal device, a processor in the terminal device, or a chip. The communication device 1300 can be used to perform the operations performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0413] When the communication device 1300 is a terminal device, Figure 13 shows a simplified structural diagram of the terminal device. As shown in Figure 13, the terminal device includes a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The memory can store computer program code, and the transceiver includes a transmitter 1331, a receiver 1332, radio frequency circuitry (not shown in the figure), an antenna 1333, and input / output devices (not shown in the figure).

[0414] The processor is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data; control terminal devices; execute software programs; and process data from software programs.

[0415] Memory is mainly used to store software programs and data.

[0416] Radio frequency (RF) circuits are mainly used for the conversion between baseband signals and RF signals, as well as for the processing of RF signals.

[0417] Antennas are primarily used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves.

[0418] Input / output devices can include touchscreens, displays, or keyboards. They are primarily used to receive user input and output data to the user. It should be noted that some types of terminal devices may not have input / output devices.

[0419] When data needs to be transmitted, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs a baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit then processes the baseband signal and transmits it outwards via an antenna as electromagnetic waves. When data is sent to the terminal device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna. The RF circuit converts the RF signal back into a baseband signal and outputs it to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal back into data and processes the data. For ease of explanation, Figure 13 only shows one memory, processor, and transceiver. In actual terminal device products, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories. Memory can also be called storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory can be independent of the processor or integrated with the processor; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0420] In this embodiment, the antenna and radio frequency circuit with transceiver function can be regarded as the transceiver module of the terminal device, and the processor with processing function can be regarded as the processing module of the terminal device.

[0421] As shown in Figure 13, the terminal device includes a processor 1310, a memory 1320, and a transceiver 1330. The processor 1310 may also be referred to as a processing unit, processing board, processing module, or processing device, etc. The transceiver 1330 may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver device, etc.

[0422] Optionally, the device in transceiver 1330 used to implement the receiving function can be considered a receiving module, and the device in transceiver 1330 used to implement the transmitting function can be considered a transmitting module. That is, transceiver 1330 includes a receiver and a transmitter. A transceiver may also be called a transceiver unit, transceiver module, or transceiver circuit, etc. A receiver may also be called a receiver unit, receiving module, or receiving circuit, etc. A transmitter may also be called a transmitter, transmitting module, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0423] The processor 1310 is used to execute the processing actions on the terminal device side in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9. The transceiver 1330 is used to execute the transmission and reception actions on the terminal device side in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9.

[0424] It should be understood that Figure 13 is merely an example and not a limitation, and the terminal device described above, including the transceiver module and the processing module, may not depend on the structure shown in Figures 10, 12, or 13.

[0425] When the communication device 1300 is a chip, the chip includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor can be a processing module integrated on the chip, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit. The transceiver can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. In the above method embodiments, the sending operation of the terminal device can be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the terminal device in the above method embodiments can be understood as the input of the chip.

[0426] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may also include a memory, which may be a memory built into the chip or a memory connected to the chip.

[0427] This application also provides a communication device 1400, which can be a network device or a chip. The communication device 1400 can be used to perform the operations performed by the network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9.

[0428] When the communication device 1400 is a network device, such as a base station, Figure 14 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a base station structure. The base station includes parts 1410, 1420, and 1430.

[0429] Part 1410 is mainly used for baseband processing and controlling the base station; Part 1410 is usually the control center of the base station, which can be called the processor, and is used to control the base station to perform the processing operations on the network device side in the above method embodiments.

[0430] Section 1420 is primarily used to store computer program code and data.

[0431] Section 1430 is primarily used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals, as well as converting RF signals to baseband signals. Section 1430 is commonly referred to as a transceiver module, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver unit. The transceiver module of section 1430, also known as a transceiver or transceiver unit, includes antenna 1433 and RF circuitry (not shown in the figure), where the RF circuitry is mainly used for RF processing. Optionally, the device in section 1430 that performs the receiving function can be considered a receiver, and the device that performs the transmitting function can be considered a transmitter; that is, section 1430 includes receiver 1432 and transmitter 1431. The receiver can also be called a receiving module, receiver circuit, or receiving circuit, and the transmitter can be called a transmitting module, transmitter, or transmitting circuit.

[0432] Sections 1410 and 1420 may include one or more circuit boards, each of which may include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processors are used to read and execute programs in the memories to implement baseband processing functions and control the base station. If multiple circuit boards exist, they can be interconnected to enhance processing capabilities. As an alternative implementation, multiple circuit boards may share one or more processors, multiple circuit boards may share one or more memories, or multiple circuit boards may simultaneously share one or more processors.

[0433] For example, in one implementation, the transceiver module in section 1430 is used to execute the transceiver-related processes performed by the network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9. The processor in section 1410 is used to execute the processing-related processes performed by the network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9.

[0434] It should be understood that Figure 14 is merely an example and not a limitation, and the network device described above, including the processor, memory, and transceiver, may not depend on the structure shown in Figures 11, 12, or 14.

[0435] When the communication device 1400 is a chip, the chip includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor is an integrated processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit on the chip. The transceiver can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. In the above method embodiments, the transmitting operation of the network device can be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the network device in the above method embodiments can be understood as the input of the chip.

[0436] Optionally, the communication device 1400 may also include a memory, which may be a memory built into the chip or a memory connected to the chip.

[0437] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer instructions or computer programs for implementing the methods executed by a terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments.

[0438] For example, when the computer instruction or computer program is executed by a computer or processor, it can implement the method executed by the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments.

[0439] This application also provides a computer program product containing computer instructions or computer programs, which, when executed by a computer or processor, implement the method executed by the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments.

[0440] This application also provides a communication system, which includes a terminal device and a network device. The terminal device is used to perform some or all of the operations performed by the terminal device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9, and the network device is used to perform some or all of the operations performed by the network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9.

[0441] This application also provides a chip device, including a processor, for calling computer programs or computer instructions stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the method provided in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9 above.

[0442] In one possible implementation, the input of the chip device corresponds to the receiving operation in any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9, and the output of the chip device corresponds to the sending operation in any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9.

[0443] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0444] Optionally, the chip device may also include a memory that stores computer programs or computer instructions.

[0445] 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 for controlling the method provided in any of the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9. 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).

[0446] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the above-mentioned devices can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0447] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units through some interfaces, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0448] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0449] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0450] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the essential contribution of the technical solution of this application, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0451] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A method for measuring a reference signal, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive a first signaling message, the first signaling message being used to instruct the terminal device to switch from the serving cell to the first cell; The reference signal of the first cell is measured starting at the first moment to obtain the channel measurement result. The first moment is the moment when the first reference moment has elapsed for the first duration. Send the channel measurement results.

2. A reference signal measurement method, characterized by, The method includes: Send a first signaling message, the first signaling message being used to instruct the terminal device to switch from the serving cell to the first cell; The reference signal of the first cell is sent at the first moment, where the first moment is the moment when the first reference moment has elapsed for the first duration; The terminal device receives channel measurement results, which are obtained by measuring the reference signal of the first cell at the first moment.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first reference time includes any one of the following: The terminal device receives the first downlink control information (DCI) at the time of reception, and the first DCI is used to schedule the first signaling; The terminal device receives the first signaling at the time of reception; The timing of the terminal device sending the feedback signaling, wherein the feedback signaling is a signaling that is fed back in response to the first signaling; The time at which the terminal device sends the feedback signaling occurs after the second duration; The terminal device sends the feedback signaling at a time that includes the second and third durations, wherein the third duration is the duration of the cell handover interruption; or, The moment when the handover to the first cell is completed.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The process of obtaining channel measurement results by measuring the reference signal of the first cell at the first moment includes: At the first moment, the TCI state is indicated by the first transmission configuration to start measuring the reference signal of the first cell, and the channel measurement result is obtained. The first TCI state is the TCI state corresponding to the TCI state identifier indicated in the first signaling; or, the first TCI state is the TCI state associated with the reference signal resource configured by the network device, and the reference signal resource is used to carry the reference signal of the first cell.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1, 3 and 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device receives a second signaling instruction, which instructs the terminal device to measure the reference signal of the first cell and / or report the channel measurement results.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second signaling message, which is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the reference signal of the first cell and / or report the channel measurement results.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The second signaling includes at least one of the following: trigger status information, report configuration identifier, reference signal resource identifier, or reference signal resource set identifier; Wherein, the trigger state information is used to indicate a first trigger state, the first trigger state is associated with one or more reporting configurations of the serving cell, the one or more reporting configurations are associated with reference signal resources of the first cell, and the reference signal resources are used to carry the reference signal; the reporting configuration identifier is used to indicate one or more reporting configurations of the serving cell, the one or more reporting configurations are associated with reference signal resources of the first cell; the reference signal resource identifier is used to indicate one or more reference signal resources of the first cell, the one or more reference signal resources are used to carry the reference signal; the reference signal resource set identifier is used to indicate one or more reference signal resource sets of the first cell, the reference signal resources in the one or more reference signal resource sets are used to carry the reference signal.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The method further includes: Receive first configuration information, which is used to configure one or more reporting configurations for the serving cell.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein, The method further includes: Send first configuration information, which is used to configure one or more reporting configurations for the serving cell.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The one or more reports are configured to associate with the reference signal resources of the first cell; or, Each of the one or more report configurations is associated with a resource configuration, and the resource configuration associated with the one or more report configurations includes the reference signal resources of the first cell.

11. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that, The first signaling and the second signaling are the same signaling.

12. The method of any one of claims 1, 3-5, 7, 8, 10, 11, wherein, The method further includes: Receive capability information, wherein the capability information includes at least one of the following: The terminal device supports reporting the reference signal and / or channel measurement results of the first cell after receiving the first signaling and before completing the handover of the first cell. The terminal device supports the acquisition of channel measurement results of the first cell triggered by the serving cell of the terminal device; The terminal device supports the acquisition and reporting of channel measurement results of the first cell triggered by the serving cell; or, Before or during the handover of the first cell, the terminal device supports the acquisition of the maximum number of candidate cells for channel measurement results.

13. The method of any one of claims 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, wherein, The method further includes: Send capability information, wherein the capability information includes at least one of the following: The terminal device supports reporting the reference signal and / or channel measurement results of the first cell after receiving the first signaling and before completing the handover of the first cell. The terminal device supports the acquisition of channel measurement results of the first cell triggered by the serving cell of the terminal device; The terminal device supports the acquisition and reporting of channel measurement results of the first cell triggered by the serving cell; or, Before or during the handover of the first cell, the terminal device supports the acquisition of the maximum number of candidate cells for channel measurement results. 14.A method for reference signal resource deactivation, the method comprising: The method includes: The reference signal resources of the second cell are activated at a second time point, where the second cell is a candidate cell for the terminal device; wherein the second time point includes any of the following: The terminal device receives the first downlink control information (DCI) at the time of reception. The first DCI is used to schedule the first signaling, and the first signaling is used to instruct the terminal device to switch to the first cell. The terminal device receives the first signaling at the time of reception; The timing of the terminal device sending the feedback signaling, wherein the feedback signaling is a signaling that is fed back in response to the first signaling; The terminal device sends the feedback signaling at the time when the second duration has elapsed; The time at which the terminal device sends the feedback signaling occurs after the second duration and the third duration, wherein the third duration is the duration of the cell handover interruption; The moment when the handover of the first cell is completed; or, The time when the terminal device completes the reporting of the channel measurement results corresponding to the reference signal resource after receiving the first signaling.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, When a first condition is met, the reference signal resources of the second cell are deactivated; the first condition includes not receiving a deactivation signaling message before the terminal device receives the first signaling message, the deactivation signaling message being used to indicate the deactivation of the reference signal resources of the second cell.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The first condition specifically includes: The terminal device did not receive the deactivation signaling before receiving the first signaling, and the first cell indicated by the first signaling is not the same cell as the second cell; or, The terminal device did not receive the deactivation signaling before receiving the first signaling, and the first cell indicated by the first signaling is the same cell as the second cell. The first signaling is also used to indicate the reference signal resources for deactivating the first cell.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, The first signaling also includes the reference signal resource identifier of the first cell, or the identifier of the reference signal resource set to which the reference signal resource of the first cell is located.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that, Before deactivating the reference signal resources of the second cell, the method further includes: Before receiving the first signaling, a first activation signaling is received, which is used to activate the reference signal resources of the second cell.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that, The reference signal resources of the second cell are semi-persistent reference signal resources.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1, 3 to 5, 7, 8, 10 to 12; or, the communication device includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13; or, the communication device includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 19.

21. A communications device, characterized by The communication device includes a processor for executing a computer program or computer instructions stored in a memory to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 19.

22. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores a computer program or instructions thereon, which, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 19.

23. A computer program product, characterised in that, Includes a computer program or computer instructions that, when executed on a computer or processor, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 19.

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