Communication method, apparatus and system

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method, apparatus and system. For example, the method can be applied to an NTN scenario. In the method, a network device indicates an SSB period to a terminal device by means of sending indication information to the terminal device, such that the terminal device performs SSB blind detection according to the indicated SSB period. The method can avoid the problem of the detection time of a terminal device being excessively long, and reduce an access delay of the terminal device, thereby improving the user experience.

Description

Communication methods, devices and systems

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411999685.5, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on December 31, 2024, entitled "Communication Method, Apparatus and System", and to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510312439.6, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on March 14, 2024, entitled "Communication Method, Apparatus and System", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a communication method, apparatus, and system. Background Technology

[0003] With increasing demands for communication services, more and more application scenarios are placing higher requirements on network coverage, and simple terrestrial cellular communication systems can no longer meet these needs. In recent years, aerospace technology and satellite communication technology have developed rapidly, and satellite communication has become a widely accepted new communication method. However, satellite power is limited. To balance satellite power limitations with achieving greater coverage, one possible solution is to extend the period of the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB). However, this results in significant blind detection delays for terminal devices to ensure SSB reception. Therefore, how to enable terminal devices to quickly access the network and reduce latency has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and system that enables terminal devices to quickly access the network and reduces access latency.

[0005] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a terminal device, or by a component (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) configured in the terminal device, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal device. This application does not limit this approach. The following description uses a terminal device as an example.

[0006] The method includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a first value, the first value being the duration of a first synchronization signal and a Physical Broadcast Channel Block (SSB) period, the first SSB period including time-domain resources for receiving a first SSB burst set and time-domain resources for receiving a second SSB burst set, the beam directions corresponding to the SSBs in the first SSB burst set and the beam directions corresponding to the SSBs in the second SSB burst set being different; and searching for SSBs in the first SSB burst set and the second SSB burst set based on the first SSB period.

[0007] In this method, the network device indicates the SSB period to the terminal device via indication information. The terminal device can clearly understand the current SSB period sent by the network device and complete detection or reception steps according to this period, avoiding the problem of excessive detection time for the terminal device and reducing the access latency of the terminal device, thereby improving the user experience. At the same time, the SSB period includes at least two SSB burst sets, and the beam direction is different in different SSB burst sets, which expands the coverage of the beam transmitting end (such as satellite) and can provide services to more users.

[0008] In one implementation, the first indication information is received on the first global synchronization channel number (GSCN).

[0009] The SSB search based on the first SSB period includes: searching for SSBs in the first SSB burst set and the second SSB burst set on the first GSCN based on the first SSB period.

[0010] In this method, the network device sends indication information on the GSCN that sends SSBs, and the terminal adjusts the blind detection period for searching SSBs on the GSCN. This eliminates the need to wait too long for blind SSB detection, further reducing access latency.

[0011] In one implementation, the first indication information is searched, and the period duration of the first indication information is less than the period duration of the first SSB.

[0012] In this method, the terminal device has a shorter search cycle for the first indication information, thereby reducing the time spent searching for the first indication information on multiple GSCNs and thus shortening the access latency of the terminal device.

[0013] In one implementation, the method further includes: searching for SSBs in the first SSB burst set and the second SSB burst set on the second GSCN based on the duration of the second SSB period, wherein the duration of the second SSB period is less than or equal to the duration of the first SSB period.

[0014] In this method, on a GSCN where the network device does not send an SSB, and when the terminal device does not receive an indication message, the terminal device performs blind SSB detection at a shorter interval (such as the second SSB interval), which further shortens the latency of the terminal device's blind SSB detection.

[0015] In one implementation, the first indication information includes a master synchronization signal (PSS) sequence.

[0016] In one implementation, the PSS sequence includes a first PSS sequence, the value of a first parameter corresponding to the first PSS sequence is used to indicate the duration of the first SSB period, and the first parameter is used to determine the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI).

[0017] In this method, the value of the first parameter can be used for multiple purposes, such as indicating the duration of the SSB cycle, and also for determining the PCI, thus saving signaling overhead.

[0018] In one implementation, the first PSS sequence belongs to a PSS sequence candidate set. The PSS sequences in the PSS sequence candidate set are used to indicate the duration of the SSB period. The duration of the SSB period includes the duration of the first SSB period. The PSS sequence candidate set includes M PSS sequences, which are used to indicate the duration of the M SSB periods. The durations of the M SSB periods are all different. Alternatively, the PSS sequence candidate set includes M subsets, which are used to indicate the duration of the M SSB periods. Each subset of the M subsets includes at least two PSS sequences, wherein the values ​​of the first parameter corresponding to the PSS sequences in the PSS sequence candidate set are all different.

[0019] In this approach, the sequence set and candidate set are merely one way of presenting multiple sequences and are not limited. Similar explanations can be found here in the following text, and will not be repeated here.

[0020] In other words, within a PSS sequence, each PSS sequence can indicate an SSB period. Alternatively, multiple PSS sequences can be used together to indicate a period. The indication methods are diverse and flexible.

[0021] In one implementation, any subset of the M subsets includes 3 PSS sequences. The PCI is determined based on a second value and a first correspondence, where the first correspondence is the relationship between the second value and the PCI. In response to a first parameter value less than 3 corresponding to the first sequence, the second value is the value of the first parameter corresponding to the first sequence itself. In response to a first parameter value greater than or equal to 3 corresponding to the first sequence, the second value is... The This refers to the first parameter.

[0022] This method provides a way to determine the PCI based on the value of the first parameter corresponding to the PSS sequence after adding the PSS sequence, which avoids the situation where the value of the first parameter corresponding to the PSS sequence cannot be interpreted and improves the accuracy of determining the PCI.

[0023] In one implementation, the first indication information includes a secondary synchronization signal (SSS) sequence.

[0024] In one implementation, the SSS sequence includes a first SSS sequence, and the value of the second parameter corresponding to the first SSS sequence is used to indicate the duration of the first SSB period. The second parameter is used to determine PCI.

[0025] It should be understood that the duration of the SSB period is indicated by the value of the second parameter corresponding to the SSS sequence, and the value of the second parameter can be determined by the value of the first parameter corresponding to the PSS sequence. In other words, optionally, the PSS sequence still needs to be transmitted for both network devices and terminal devices.

[0026] In addition to the aforementioned method of indicating the SSB period using the PSS sequence, this implementation also provides a method of indicating the SSB period using the SSS sequence, further enhancing the diversity of SSB period indication. Furthermore, the PSS sequence and SSS sequence are the first pieces of information the terminal device receives after power-on. By utilizing these two methods, the terminal device can obtain relevant information about the SSB period as early as possible, reducing signaling overhead without adding extra signaling, and further shortening the latency for the terminal device to access the network.

[0027] In one implementation, the first SSS sequence belongs to an SSS sequence candidate set. The SSS sequences in the SSS sequence candidate set are used to indicate the duration of the SSB cycle. The duration of the SSB cycle includes the duration of the first SSB cycle. The SSS sequence candidate set includes P SSS sequences. The P SSS sequences are used to indicate the duration of P SSB cycles. The durations of the P SSB cycles are all different, and P is a positive integer.

[0028] In other words, the SSS sequence in this method indicates the duration of the SSB period separately.

[0029] In one implementation, the first indication information further includes a PSS sequence, and the SSS sequence and the PSS sequence are used together to indicate the duration of the SSB period.

[0030] In one implementation, the PSS sequence corresponds to a first parameter, and the SSS sequence corresponds to a second parameter. The values ​​of the first parameter and the second parameter are used together to indicate the duration of the SSB cycle. The first parameter and the second parameter are also used to determine PCI.

[0031] In one implementation, the SSS sequence includes a first SSS sequence, and the first SSS sequence and the PSS sequence are used together to indicate the duration of J SSB cycles, where J is the number of PSS sequences.

[0032] For example, if there are 3 PSS sequences and 1 SSS sequence, then the duration of the 3 SSB cycles can be indicated.

[0033] In this method, the duration of more SSB cycles can be indicated with a smaller number of added SSS sequences, thus saving overhead.

[0034] In one implementation, the first indication information includes the PBCH payload.

[0035] It is understandable that MIB messages in PBCH may fail to be parsed. However, PBCH load generally has a high parsing success rate. Therefore, the PBCH load can be used to indicate the SSB period to the terminal device so that the terminal device can perform blind detection according to the indicated SSB period during SSB retransmission. This can shorten the blind detection delay during the retransmission process and thus shorten the terminal device access delay.

[0036] Secondly, a method is provided, which can be executed by a network device, or by a component (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) configured in the network device, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. This application does not limit this. The following description uses a network device (such as a satellite) as an example.

[0037] The method includes: sending first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a first value, the first value being the duration of a first SSB period, the first SSB period including time-domain resources for sending a first SSB burst set and time-domain resources for sending a second SSB burst set, the beam directions corresponding to the SSBs in the first SSB burst set and the beam directions corresponding to the SSBs in the second SSB burst set being different; and sending the first SSB burst set and the SSBs in the second SSB burst set based on the first SSB period.

[0038] In one implementation, sending the first indication information includes: sending the first indication information on the first GSCN; sending the first SSB burst set and the SSBs in the second SSB burst set based on the first SSB period includes: sending the first SSB burst set and the SSBs in the second SSB burst set on the first GSCN based on the first SSB period.

[0039] In one implementation, the period of the first indication information is shorter than the period of the first SSB. In another implementation, the first indication information includes a master synchronization signal (PSS) sequence.

[0040] In one implementation, the PSS sequence includes a first PSS sequence, the value of a first parameter corresponding to the first PSS sequence is used to indicate the duration of the first SSB period, and the first parameter is used to determine PCI.

[0041] In one implementation, the first PSS sequence belongs to a PSS sequence candidate set. The PSS sequences in the PSS sequence candidate set are used to indicate the duration of the SSB period. The duration of the SSB period includes the duration of the first SSB period. The PSS sequence candidate set includes M PSS sequences, which are used to indicate the duration of the M SSB periods. The durations of the M SSB periods are all different. Alternatively, the PSS sequence candidate set includes M subsets, which are used to indicate the duration of the M SSB periods. Each subset of the M subsets includes at least two PSS sequences. The values ​​of the first parameter corresponding to the PSS sequences in the PSS sequence candidate set are all different.

[0042] In one implementation, any subset of the M subsets includes 3 PSS sequences. The PCI is determined based on a second value and a first correspondence, where the first correspondence is the relationship between the second value and the PCI. In response to a first parameter value less than 3 corresponding to the first sequence, the second value is the value of the first parameter corresponding to the first sequence itself. In response to a first parameter value greater than or equal to 3 corresponding to the first sequence, the second value is... The This refers to the first parameter.

[0043] In one implementation, the first indication information includes the auxiliary synchronization signal SSS sequence.

[0044] In one implementation, the SSS sequence includes a first SSS sequence, and the value of the second parameter corresponding to the first SSS sequence is used to indicate the duration of the first SSB period. The second parameter is used to determine PCI.

[0045] In one implementation, the first SSS sequence belongs to an SSS sequence candidate set. The SSS sequences in the SSS sequence candidate set are used to indicate the duration of the SSB cycle. The duration of the SSB cycle includes the duration of the first SSB cycle. The SSS sequence candidate set includes P SSS sequences. The P SSS sequences are used to indicate the duration of P SSB cycles. The durations of the P SSB cycles are all different, and P is a positive integer.

[0046] In one implementation, the first indication information further includes a PSS sequence, and the SSS sequence and the PSS sequence are used together to indicate the duration of the SSB period.

[0047] In one implementation, the PSS sequence corresponds to a first parameter, and the SSS sequence corresponds to a second parameter. The values ​​of the first parameter and the second parameter are used together to indicate the duration of the SSB cycle. The first parameter and the second parameter are also used to determine PCI.

[0048] In one implementation, the SSS sequence includes a first SSS sequence, and the first SSS sequence and the PSS sequence are used together to indicate the duration of J SSB cycles, where J is the number of PSS sequences.

[0049] In one implementation, the first indication information includes the PBCH load. The second aspect is the network device-side implementation corresponding to the first aspect; the explanations, supplements, and descriptions of the beneficial effects of the first aspect also apply to the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0050] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, comprising a processing module and a transceiver module. The transceiver module receives first indication information, which indicates a first value. The first value is the duration of a first synchronization signal and a Physical Broadcast Channel Block (SSB) period. The first SSB period includes time-domain resources for receiving a first SSB burst set and time-domain resources for receiving a second SSB burst set. The beam directions corresponding to the SSBs in the first SSB burst set and the beam directions corresponding to the SSBs in the second SSB burst set are different. The processing module searches for SSBs in the first SSB burst set and the second SSB burst set based on the first SSB period.

[0051] In one implementation, the transceiver module is specifically used to receive the first indication information on the first global synchronization channel (GSCN); the processing module is specifically used to search for SSBs in the first SSB burst set and the second SSB burst set on the first GSCN based on the first SSB period.

[0052] In one implementation, the processing module is further configured to search for the first indication information, wherein the period duration of the first indication information is less than the period duration of the first SSB. In another implementation, the processing module is further configured to search for SSBs in the first SSB burst set and the second SSB burst set on the second GSCN based on the period duration of the second SSB, wherein the period duration of the second SSB is less than or equal to the period duration of the first SSB.

[0053] In one implementation, the first indication information includes a master synchronization signal (PSS) sequence.

[0054] In one implementation, the PSS sequence includes a first PSS sequence, the value of a first parameter corresponding to the first PSS sequence is used to indicate the duration of the first SSB period, and the first parameter is used to determine the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI).

[0055] In one implementation, the first PSS sequence belongs to a PSS sequence candidate set. The PSS sequences in the PSS sequence candidate set are used to indicate the duration of the SSB period. The duration of the SSB period includes the duration of the first SSB period. The PSS sequence candidate set includes M PSS sequences, which are used to indicate the duration of the M SSB periods. The durations of the M SSB periods are all different. Alternatively, the PSS sequence candidate set includes M subsets, which are used to indicate the duration of the M SSB periods. Each subset of the M subsets includes at least two PSS sequences, wherein the values ​​of the first parameter corresponding to the PSS sequences in the PSS sequence candidate set are all different.

[0056] In this approach, the sequence set and candidate set are merely one way of presenting multiple sequences and are not limited. Similar explanations can be found here in the following text, and will not be repeated here.

[0057] In one implementation, any subset of the M subsets includes 3 PSS sequences. The PCI is determined based on a second value and a first correspondence, where the first correspondence is the relationship between the second value and the PCI. In response to a first parameter value less than 3 corresponding to the first sequence, the second value is the value of the first parameter corresponding to the first sequence itself. In response to a first parameter value greater than or equal to 3 corresponding to the first sequence, the second value is... The This refers to the first parameter.

[0058] In one implementation, the first indication information includes a secondary synchronization signal (SSS) sequence.

[0059] In one implementation, the SSS sequence includes a first SSS sequence, the value of a second parameter corresponding to the first SSS sequence is used to indicate the duration of the first SSB period, and the second parameter is used to determine PCI.

[0060] In one implementation, the first SSS sequence belongs to an SSS sequence candidate set. The SSS sequences in the SSS sequence candidate set are used to indicate the duration of the SSB cycle. The duration of the SSB cycle includes the duration of the first SSB cycle. The SSS sequence candidate set includes P SSS sequences. The P SSS sequences are used to indicate the duration of P SSB cycles. The durations of the P SSB cycles are all different, and P is a positive integer.

[0061] In one implementation, the first indication information further includes a PSS sequence, and the SSS sequence and the PSS sequence are used together to indicate the duration of the SSB period.

[0062] In one implementation, the PSS sequence corresponds to a first parameter, and the SSS sequence corresponds to a second parameter. The values ​​of the first parameter and the second parameter are used together to indicate the duration of the SSB cycle. The first parameter and the second parameter are also used to determine PCI.

[0063] In one implementation, the SSS sequence includes a first SSS sequence, and the first SSS sequence and the PSS sequence are used together to indicate the duration of J SSB cycles, where J is the number of PSS sequences.

[0064] In one implementation, the first indication information includes the PBCH payload.

[0065] The third aspect is the implementation on the device side corresponding to the first aspect. The explanations, supplements, and descriptions of the beneficial effects of the first aspect also apply to the third aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0066] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, comprising a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to transmit first indication information, the first indication information indicating a first value, the first value being the duration of a first SSB period, the first SSB period including time-domain resources for transmitting a first SSB burst set and time-domain resources for transmitting a second SSB burst set, wherein the beam directions corresponding to the SSBs in the first SSB burst set and the beam directions corresponding to the SSBs in the second SSB burst set are different; a processing module is configured to transmit the first SSB burst set and the SSBs in the second SSB burst set based on the first SSB period.

[0067] In one implementation, the transceiver module is specifically used to send the first indication information on the first GSCN. The transceiver module is also specifically used to send the first SSB burst set and the SSBs in the second SSB burst set on the first GSCN based on the first SSB period.

[0068] In one implementation, the period duration of the first indication information is less than the period duration of the first SSB.

[0069] In one implementation, the first indication information includes a master synchronization signal (PSS) sequence.

[0070] In one implementation, the PSS sequence includes a first PSS sequence, the value of a first parameter corresponding to the first PSS sequence is used to indicate the duration of the first SSB period, and the first parameter is used to determine PCI.

[0071] In one implementation, the first PSS sequence belongs to a PSS sequence candidate set. The PSS sequences in the PSS sequence candidate set are used to indicate the duration of the SSB period. The duration of the SSB period includes the duration of the first SSB period. The PSS sequence candidate set includes M PSS sequences, which are used to indicate the duration of the M SSB periods. The durations of the M SSB periods are all different. Alternatively, the PSS sequence candidate set includes M subsets, which are used to indicate the duration of the M SSB periods. Each subset of the M subsets includes at least two PSS sequences. The values ​​of the first parameter corresponding to the PSS sequences in the PSS sequence candidate set are all different.

[0072] In one implementation, any subset of the M subsets includes 3 PSS sequences. The PCI is determined based on a second value and a first correspondence, where the first correspondence is the relationship between the second value and the PCI. In response to a first parameter value less than 3 corresponding to the first sequence, the second value is the value of the first parameter corresponding to the first sequence itself. In response to a first parameter value greater than or equal to 3 corresponding to the first sequence, the second value is... The This refers to the first parameter.

[0073] In one implementation, the first indication information includes the auxiliary synchronization signal SSS sequence.

[0074] In one implementation, the SSS sequence includes a first SSS sequence, and the value of the second parameter corresponding to the first SSS sequence is used to indicate the duration of the first SSB period. The second parameter is used to determine PCI.

[0075] In one implementation, the first SSS sequence belongs to an SSS sequence candidate set. The SSS sequences in the SSS sequence candidate set are used to indicate the duration of the SSB cycle. The duration of the SSB cycle includes the duration of the first SSB cycle. The SSS sequence candidate set includes P SSS sequences. The P SSS sequences are used to indicate the duration of P SSB cycles. The durations of the P SSB cycles are all different, and P is a positive integer.

[0076] In one implementation, the first indication information further includes a PSS sequence, and the SSS sequence and the PSS sequence are used together to indicate the duration of the SSB period.

[0077] In one implementation, the PSS sequence corresponds to a first parameter, and the SSS sequence corresponds to a second parameter. The values ​​of the first parameter and the second parameter are used together to indicate the duration of the SSB cycle. The first parameter and the second parameter are also used to determine PCI.

[0078] In one implementation, the SSS sequence includes a first SSS sequence, and the first SSS sequence and the PSS sequence are used together to indicate the duration of J SSB cycles, where J is the number of PSS sequences.

[0079] In one implementation, the first indication information includes the PBCH payload.

[0080] The fourth aspect is the implementation on the device side, which corresponds to the second aspect. The explanations, supplements, and descriptions of the beneficial effects of the second aspect also apply to the fourth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0081] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, including a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and can be used to execute instructions or data in the memory to implement the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect described above. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0082] In one implementation, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0083] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip configured in a terminal device. When the communication device is a chip configured in a terminal device, the communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0084] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and can be used to execute instructions or data in the memory to implement the method in any possible implementation of the second aspect described above. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0085] In one implementation, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0086] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip configured in a satellite. When the communication device is a chip configured in a satellite, the communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0087] In a seventh aspect, a processor is provided, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive signals through the input circuit and transmit signals through the output circuit, causing the processor to execute a method in any possible implementation of any aspect.

[0088] In specific implementation, the processor can be one or more chips, the input circuit can be input pins, the output circuit can be output pins, and the processing circuit can be transistors, gate circuits, flip-flops, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by, for example, but not limited to, a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be, for example, but not limited to, output to and transmitted by a transmitter. Furthermore, the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as both the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0089] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, including a processor and a memory. The processor is used to read instructions stored in the memory, receive signals via a receiver, and transmit signals via a transmitter to execute the method in any possible implementation of any of the preceding aspects.

[0090] Optionally, the processor may be one or more, and the memory may be one or more.

[0091] Ninthly, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), which, when the computer program is run, causes a computer to perform a method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects.

[0092] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects.

[0093] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a chip system including one or more processors for calling and executing instructions stored in memory, causing the methods in any of the above aspects or possible implementations to be executed. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0094] The chip system may include input circuits or interfaces for transmitting information or data, and output circuits or interfaces for receiving information or data.

[0095] In a twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, including the aforementioned terminal device and network device. Optionally, the communication system may further include other devices that communicate with the terminal device and / or network device. Attached Figure Description

[0096] Figure 1(a) is a schematic diagram of a communication system;

[0097] Figure 1(b) is a schematic diagram of another communication system;

[0098] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an access network device;

[0099] Figure 3(a) is a schematic diagram of a time-frequency resource structure of an SSB;

[0100] Figure 3(b) is a schematic diagram of an SSB cycle;

[0101] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a blind detection SSB by a terminal device;

[0102] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0103] Figure 6(a) is a schematic diagram of a first SSB burst set and a second SSB burst set;

[0104] Figure 6(b) is a schematic diagram of the resources occupied by a PSS sequence;

[0105] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0106] Figure 8 is another schematic block diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0107] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0108] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) systems, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, sidelink communication systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems, or new radio access technology (NR). Among these, 5G mobile communication systems can include non-standalone (NSA) and / or standalone (SA) networking. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems. This application does not limit the scope of these applications.

[0109] Figure 1(a) is a schematic diagram of a communication system 100 applied in an embodiment of this application. The communication system 100 may include network devices, such as network device 110 shown in Figure 1(a). The communication system 100 may also include terminal devices, such as terminal device 120 shown in Figure 1(a). Network device 110 and terminal device 120 can communicate via a wireless link.

[0110] Figure 1(a) exemplarily illustrates a network device 110 and a terminal device 120. Optionally, the communication system 100 may also include multiple network devices and / or multiple terminal devices.

[0111] The network equipment in this application can be network-side equipment such as access network equipment and core network equipment. Access network equipment is sometimes also called access node. Access network equipment has wireless transceiver capabilities and is used to communicate with terminals. Access network equipment includes, but is not limited to, base stations, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), transmission reception points (TRPs) in the above-mentioned communication systems, next-generation NodeBs (gNBs) in 5G mobile communication systems, access network equipment or modules of access network equipment in Open RAN (ORAN) systems, satellites in NTN communication systems, base stations in future mobile communication systems, or access nodes in WiFi systems. Access network equipment can also be modules or units that can implement some of the functions of a base station. Access network equipment can be a macro base station (110a in Figure 1(a)), a micro base station or indoor station (110b in Figure 1(a)), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Optionally, the access network device can also be a server, wearable device, or vehicle-mounted device. For example, the access network device in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). Multiple access network devices in a communication system can be base stations of the same type or different types. Base stations can communicate with terminals directly or via relay stations. Terminals can communicate with multiple base stations using different access technologies. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the access network device. In this application, the access network device is referred to as a network device; unless otherwise specified, network device refers to access network device.

[0112] In this application, the means for implementing the functions of a network device can be a network device itself, or a means capable of supporting the network device in implementing those functions, such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system. This means can be installed in or connected to the network device. In the technical solutions provided in this application, the example of a network device being used to implement the functions of a network device is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application.

[0113] The terminal device in this application can be a wireless terminal device capable of receiving network device scheduling and instruction information. The wireless terminal device can be a device providing voice and / or data connectivity to a user, a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. For example, the terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks or the Internet via a radio access network (RAN). The terminal device can also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, or satellite communication, etc. The terminal can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable device, vehicle, drone, helicopter, airplane, hot air balloon, ship, robot, robotic arm, or smart home device, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the form of the terminal device.

[0114] In this application, the apparatus for implementing the functions of a terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or any apparatus capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing those functions, such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system. This apparatus can be installed in or connected to the terminal device. In the technical solutions provided in this application, the example of a terminal device being used to implement the functions of a terminal device is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application.

[0115] Access network devices and / or terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; on water; or on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. This application does not limit the application scenarios of the access network devices and terminals. Access network devices and terminal devices can be deployed in the same or different scenarios; for example, both can be deployed on land simultaneously; or, the access network device can be deployed on land, and the terminal device on water, etc., and so on. Figure 1(b) shows another communication system to which this application is applicable. In this system, the network device is a satellite, and the terminal device is one that can be covered by the satellite's beam.

[0116] In practical applications, multiple network devices can collaborate to assist terminals in achieving wireless access, with different network devices each implementing some of the functions of a base station. For example, network devices can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0117] 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. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, and RU can implement different protocol layer functions.

[0118] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an access network device. As an implementation example, as shown in Figure 2, the access network device may include at least one CU and at least one DU. This design can be referred to as CU and DU separation. One CU can be connected to one or more DUs. CU and DU can be separated according to the protocol layer of the wireless network: for example, the functions of the PDCP layer and above (e.g., RRC layer and SDAP layer, etc.) are set in the CU, and the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer (e.g., RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer, etc.) are set in the DU; or, for another example, the functions of the protocol layers above the PDCP layer are set in the CU, and the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer are set in the DU, without limitation. When the CU includes CU-CP and CU-UP, CU-CP is used to implement the control plane functions of the CU, and CU-UP is used to implement the user plane functions of the CU. For example, when the CU is configured to implement the functions of the PDCP layer, RRC layer, and SDAP layer, CU-CP is used to implement the RRC layer functions and the PDCP layer control plane functions, and CU-UP is used to implement the SDAP layer functions and the PDCP layer user plane functions. This application does not limit the names of CU and DU. The above division of CU and DU processing functions according to the protocol layer is just one example; other methods can also be used.

[0119] The CU can be connected to the core network. Optionally, the CU can have some of the functions of the core network.

[0120] Furthermore, some functions of the DU can be separated. As shown in Figure 2, this function can be implemented by a radio unit (RU). The RU can have radio frequency capabilities. This application does not limit the name of the RU.

[0121] Optionally, any one of CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU can be a software module, a hardware structure, or a combination of software and hardware structures, without limitation. The different entities can exist in the same or different forms. For example, CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, and DU are software modules, and RU is a hardware structure. For the sake of brevity, all possible combinations are not listed here. These modules and the methods they execute are also within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, when the method of the embodiments of this application is executed by an access network device, it can be specifically executed by at least one of CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, or RU.

[0122] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the terminology used in this application will be briefly explained first. Optionally, the explanation of some terms may also refer to the explanations in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard protocol.

[0123] 1. SSB

[0124] In 5G communication, the SSB consists of a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH). It is used to assist user equipment (such as a UE) in initial access and synchronization. It should be noted that in this application, SSS is also referred to as an SSS sequence, and PSS as a PSS sequence. Figure 3(a) is a schematic diagram of the time-frequency structure of an SSB in NR. In Figure 3(a), the horizontal axis represents the time domain, and the vertical axis represents the frequency domain. For example, in the time domain, PSS occupies symbol 0 (sym0), SSS occupies symbol 2 (sym2), and symbol 2 is also used for part of the PBCH transmission. The PBCH also occupies symbols 1 (sym1) and 3 (sym3). In the frequency domain, PSS and SSS occupy 127 resource elements (REs), and the frequency domain resources occupied by the PBCH span 20 resource blocks (RBs).

[0125] The following describes a search process for terminal devices based on SSB:

[0126] The terminal device first searches for the PSS, completes orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol boundary synchronization, coarse frequency synchronization, and obtains the cell identifier.

[0127] After detecting the PSS, the terminal device further detects the SSS and obtains the cell identifier 1.

[0128] Simultaneously, the PBCH is decoded based on the PSS and SSS, and the terminal device receives the physical broadcast channel. For example, it receives the master information block (MIB) message and PBCH payload on the PBCH to obtain the system frame number and half-frame indication, thereby completing radio frame timing and half-frame timing. At the same time, the terminal device determines the time slot and symbol of the current synchronization signal by using the SSB index in the demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) of the PBCH and the pattern of the SSB burst set (i.e., a set including multiple SSB bursts) used in the current frequency band, thereby completing time slot timing (time synchronization).

[0129] Some possible names also refer to SSB as the synchronization signal (SS) / PBCH. In this application, SSB and SS / PBCH can be understood as equivalent.

[0130] 2. SSB cycle

[0131] In NR, a regular SSB period can be understood as a time interval containing an SSB burst set. As shown in Figure 3(b), taking 20 milliseconds (ms) as an example of a regular SSB period, this SSB period includes two radio frames (also called system frames), which consist of four half-frames. The first half-frame contains five slots. Slot 0 includes two SSB transmission opportunities, namely SSB0 and SSB1. Slot 1 also includes two SSB transmission opportunities, namely SSB2 and SSB3. The SSBs transmitted on these four SSB transmission opportunities are collectively referred to as an SSB burst set. This burst set is also called a burst.

[0132] There is also an extended SSB period, configurable to 40ms, 80ms, and 160ms, with the specific period length configured by the higher-layer parameter Serving Cell SSB Period (ssb-periodicityServingCell) information. However, when the terminal device is performing an initial cell search, and when performing a cell search in idle state for mobility, the terminal device searches using the default SSB transmission period of 20ms. This allows the terminal device to know the required dwell time (20ms) for searching for an SSB on a given frequency. If the terminal device does not find a PSS or SSS within this time, it continues searching on the next frequency.

[0133] 3. Physical Cell Identifier (PCI)

[0134] PCI is a unique identifier for a cell at the physical layer, helping terminal devices identify and select the correct cell for communication. PCI is associated with the cell's synchronization signals (such as PSS and SSS), enabling terminal devices to perform time and frequency synchronization. Proper PCI planning can avoid inter-cell interference and improve network performance. PCI is crucial for ensuring effective network operation and optimizing user experience.

[0135] For example, the PCI value can be calculated using the following formula:

[0136] in, For the value of PCI, and Related to SSS Related to PSS.

[0137] Specifically, and The determination of the details can be found in the explanation in the agreement, which will not be elaborated here.

[0138] It should be understood that the technical terms used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and not as limiting. For example, as technology evolves, technical terms may also change, and other technical terms that have the same technical meaning should also apply to this application.

[0139] One possible scenario is that satellites, a crucial component of satellite communications, operate in space, powered by solar panels. Since satellite energy is finite, network coverage can only be achieved using limited stored energy. Compared to terrestrial cellular communication systems, the coverage area of ​​a single satellite is far greater than that of a single ground base station. Each satellite needs to provide thousands of beams to cover its area, but a satellite cannot activate all beams simultaneously for communication. For example, a satellite with a coverage radius of 871 kilometers on the ground, and a single beam covering an area with a diameter of 50 kilometers (using a simple circular shape as an example), would require 1058 beams to achieve full coverage (this can be calculated by comparing the area of ​​the satellite's coverage area to the area of ​​a single beam's coverage area). Currently, in satellite communication scenarios, limited by satellite power, only 106 beams can be activated per SSB (Secondary Service Bus) transmission opportunity, meaning SSB transmissions are performed using only 106 beams. Meanwhile, in low-frequency satellite communication scenarios, a 20ms SSB cycle contains 4 SSB transmission opportunities. If SSBs are transmitted on all 4 SSB transmission opportunities, only 424 beams can be activated in total (i.e., 424 beams are transmitted, and SSBs are transmitted through these 424 beams to establish a connection with the terminal device; the activation mentioned below can be referred to here), which cannot achieve full coverage.

[0140] One possible implementation is to introduce one or more extended SSB cycles to increase the transmission opportunities of the SSB.

[0141] Extended SSB period refers to an increase (or extension) in the SSB period compared to the regular SSB period. For example, for traditional cell search, the default SSB transmission period for terminal devices is 20ms, while the extended SSB period can be 80ms, 640ms, etc. Network devices send SSBs based on the extended SSB period, and terminal devices perform blind SSB detection according to the extended SSB period.

[0142] It should be noted that the SSB period in the embodiments below includes both the regular SSB period (e.g., 20ms) and the extended SSB period. That is, the embodiments below support configurations of multiple SSB period durations.

[0143] When multiple SSB cycle durations are introduced, the terminal device can perform cell search with the longest SSB cycle duration or perform blind SSB detection with different cycle durations during the cell search phase. However, both methods result in significant access latency. For example, consider two configurations: one with an SSB cycle of 80ms and the other with an SSB cycle of 640ms. The terminal device performs an SSB search with a cycle of 640ms, corresponding to five Global Synchronization Channel Numbers (GSCNs), GSCN1-GSCN5. The network device transmits the actual SSB on GSCN5, with an actual transmission period of 80ms. As shown in Figure 4, the terminal device performs a single-cycle search on a single GSCN with an 80ms cycle, which takes approximately 400ms to find the SSB. If the terminal device searches with a cycle of 640ms, it takes 3200ms, a difference of 2800ms. This time difference is substantial.

[0144] Based on the analysis of the example above, when network devices support multiple SSB transmission period durations, terminal devices can use a longer SSB period for SSB searching to ensure that all SSBs can be found. While this ensures that the terminal device can find the SSBs, it will introduce significant access latency, severely impacting the user experience.

[0145] In view of this, this application provides a communication method that, when the network device supports extended SSB period, enables the terminal device to perform SSB detection according to the actual SSB transmission period, thereby reducing the terminal device access latency.

[0146] The solution provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the corresponding flowcharts. It is understood that the illustrative flowcharts provided in this application primarily use different devices (e.g., terminal devices, network devices) as examples of the execution subjects of this interactive illustration to illustrate the method, but this application does not limit the execution subjects of the interactive illustrations. For example, the devices (e.g., terminal devices, network devices) in the illustrative flowcharts can also be chips, chip systems, or processors that support the implementation of this method on the device, or logic modules or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the device.

[0147] As a general statement, the message or signaling interactions involved in the interaction process of this application embodiment can be standard messages or signaling or newly introduced messages or signaling. This application embodiment does not make specific limitations on this.

[0148] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 500 according to an embodiment of this application. It can be understood that the terminal device in Figure 5 can be any of the terminal devices in Figure 1(a), or it can refer to a device within the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system). The network device can be any of the access network devices in Figure 1(a), or it can refer to a device within the access network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system). As shown in Figure 5, the method 500 includes the following steps:

[0149] S510, the network device sends a first indication information to the terminal device, and the corresponding terminal device receives the first indication information, which is used to indicate the duration of the first SSB period.

[0150] The first indication information can be used to indicate a first value, which is the duration of the first SSB period. The first SSB period includes time-domain resources for both the first and second SSB burst sets. For network devices, the first SSB period includes time-domain resources for transmitting the first and second SSB burst sets; for terminal devices, the first SSB period includes time-domain resources for receiving the first and second SSB burst sets. The beam direction corresponding to the SSB in the first SSB burst set is different from that corresponding to the SSB in the second SSB burst set. For example, the beam direction in the first SSB burst set may be completely different from, or partially different from, the beam direction in the second SSB burst set. It should be understood that the beam direction in the first SSB burst set is the same as the beam direction corresponding to the SSB in the first SSB burst set.

[0151] For example, the direction of the beam corresponding to the SSB in the first SSB burst set is completely different from the direction of the beam in the second SSB burst set. This can also be understood as the direction of the beam corresponding to the SSB in the first SSB burst set having no overlap with the direction of the beam in the second SSB burst set. For instance, the first SSB burst set includes SSB#A, SSB#B, and SSB#C, with corresponding beams A, B, and C respectively; the second SSB burst set includes SSB#D, SSB#E, and SSB#F, with corresponding beams D, E, and F respectively. In this case, beams A, B, and C are different from any two beams in beams D, E, and F, for example, their beam directions are different.

[0152] Another example is that the direction of the beam corresponding to the SSB in the first SSB burst set is partially different from the direction of the beam in the second SSB burst set. This can also be understood as the direction of the beam corresponding to the SSB in the first SSB burst set partially overlapping with the direction of the beam in the second SSB burst set. For example, the first SSB burst set includes SSB#A, SSB#B, and SSB#C, with corresponding beams A, B, and C respectively; the second SSB burst set includes SSB#D, SSB#E, and SSB#F, with corresponding beams A, E, and F respectively. In this case, beams B and C are different from any two beams in beams E and F, for example, their beam directions are different. Beam A is the same beam among the beams corresponding to the SSBs in both burst sets. That is to say, in different SSB burst sets, there can be some beams that are the same, and at the same time, there can be some beams that are different.

[0153] It should be understood that the first and second SSB burst sets are used as examples in this application to illustrate that an SSB cycle includes SSBs corresponding to beams from multiple directions, and the number of SSB burst sets is not limited. For example, the number of SSB burst sets included in SSB cycles of different durations may differ, but all are applicable to this application.

[0154] Figure 6(a) illustrates a first SSB burst set and a second SSB burst set. The duration of the first SSB cycle in the figure is 40m as an example. SSB burst set 1 (an example of the first SSB burst set) is transmitted within the first 20ms, and SSB burst set 2 (an example of the second SSB burst set) is transmitted within the second 20ms. The beam direction in SSB burst set 1 is completely different from the beam direction in SSB burst set 2. The beams in an SSB burst set are all the beams activated within the aforementioned cycle. Within an SSB burst set, it is not limited whether the directions of multiple beams are the same. Figure 6(a) also illustrates the coverage areas of different SSB burst sets, using a circle as an example of the shape of the beam coverage area on the ground. Region A in the figure represents the area covered by the beams in SSB burst set 1 on the ground, and region B represents the area covered by the beams in SSB burst set 2 on the ground. That is, different beam directions result in different locations of the covered areas on the ground. When there are enough beams in different directions, complete coverage of the large circle in Figure 6(a) can be achieved. That is, the large circle in Figure 6(a) can be understood as the satellite's coverage area on the ground in Figure 1(b), while areas A and B are the coverage areas on the ground for certain beams transmitted by the satellite. For example, the network device supports three SSB cycles. Alternatively, it can be said that the network device supports three types of SSB cycles, or that the network device supports three different durations of SSB cycles. Assume these three SSB cycles are SSB cycle #1, SSB cycle #2, and SSB cycle #3, where the duration of SSB cycle #1 is 20ms, the duration of SSB cycle #2 is 80ms, and the duration of SSB cycle #3 is 640ms. The duration of the first SSB cycle can be any of these. The first indication information can indicate this specific duration; for example, if the duration of the first SSB cycle is 80ms, then the first indication information indicates 80ms.

[0155] It should be understood that the SSB burst sets in this application correspond to system frames. For example, all SSBs transmitted in a system frame are collectively referred to as one SSB burst set. Or, in this application, within a period longer than 20ms, multiple SSB burst sets included in one SSB period belong to different system frames. Alternatively, the first SSB burst set corresponds to the first system frame, and the second SSB burst set corresponds to the second system frame. One possible implementation is that the number of SSB burst sets in a system frame is 1. As shown in Figure 6(b), all SSBs transmitted in the system frame identified by system frame number (SFN) 0 are collectively referred to as SSB burst set 1, and all SSBs transmitted in the system frame identified by SFN 2 are collectively referred to as SSB burst set 2.

[0156] It should be understood that, in a specific SSB transmission process, the duration of the SSB transmission cycle by the network device should be one of the SSB cycle durations that the network device can support.

[0157] Optionally, the network device first determines the first indication information.

[0158] The different implementations of the first instruction information will be described in detail below.

[0159] One possible approach is that the first indication information includes a PSS sequence. That is, the network device indicates the SSB period to the terminal device through the PSS sequence (which can be understood as indicating the duration of the SSB period; in this article, "indicating the SSB period" and "indicating the duration of the SSB period" can be understood as equivalent).

[0160] One possible implementation involves a "representation resource pool" for the PSS sequence used to indicate the SSB period. All PSS sequences in this pool can be used to indicate the SSB period. This representation resource pool can also be called a PSS sequence candidate set, PSS sequence candidate group, PSS sequence candidate combination, PSS sequence alternatives, etc., without limitation. This representation resource pool is merely a logical concept for clarity and simplicity in illustrating the scheme of this application; in actual implementation, the entity of this resource pool may not exist.

[0161] This indicates the existence of different sequences within the resource pool, which are used to indicate different SSB cycles. Details are as follows.

[0162] Case A: The candidate set of PSS sequences includes M PSS sequences, which are used to indicate the duration of M SSB cycles. The durations of these M SSB cycles are all different. M is a positive integer.

[0163] For example, among the M PSS sequences are PSS sequence 1, PSS sequence 2, PSS sequence 3 and PSS sequence 4. Sequence 1 indicates SSB period #1, PSS sequence 2 indicates another SSB period #2, PSS sequence 3 indicates SSB period #3, and PSS sequence 4 indicates SSB period #4. The durations of SSB period #1, SSB period #2, SSB period #3 and SSB period #4 are different.

[0164] In other words, the durations of the M PSS sequences correspond one-to-one with the durations of the M SSB periods. These M PSS sequences are all distinct; for example, the values ​​of the first parameter corresponding to each of the M PSS sequences may differ.

[0165] One implementation is that the M PSS sequences, each corresponding one-to-one with the duration of the SSB period, indicate a subset of the PSS sequences in the resource pool. Other indication methods may also exist.

[0166] For example, the resource pool indicates that there are three PSS sequences belonging to the first sequence set, which is used to indicate SSB period C. The second sequence set includes one PSS sequence, which is used to indicate SSB period D. The durations of SSB period C and SSB period D are different, and the three PSS sequences included in the first sequence set are all different.

[0167] For example, the indicator resource pool includes PSS sequence 1, PSS sequence 2, PSS sequence 3, PSS sequence 4, PSS sequence 5, PSS sequence 6, and PSS sequence 7. Among them, PSS sequence 1, PSS sequence 2, and PSS sequence 3 indicate SSB cycle #1, PSS sequence 4 indicates SSB cycle #2, PSS sequence 5 indicates SSB cycle #3, and PSS sequence 6 indicates SSB cycle #4. Optionally, the durations of SSB cycle #1, SSB cycle #2, SSB cycle #3, and SSB cycle #4 are all different.

[0168] In this implementation, extended SSB periods can be indicated by adding PSS sequences. For example, PSS sequences 1, 2, and 3 indicate the standard SSB period duration, such as 20ms; PSS sequences 4 to 6 indicate extended SSB periods. In other words, in NTN or other communication scenarios that require multiple SSB periods, adding one PSS sequence indicates one additional SSB period, adding two PSS sequences indicates two additional SSB periods, and the number of additional PSS sequences determines the number of additional SSB periods indicated.

[0169] For example, in NR NTN communication systems, in addition to the 20ms SSB period, two additional SSB periods are needed, namely 160ms and 320ms. The number of PSS sequences increases by two to indicate these two additional SSB periods; that is, the number of PSS sequences increases from three to five, with each sequence corresponding to one SSB period. The possible values ​​of , for example, The value of is expanded from 0, 1, and 2 to 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4.

[0170] In the above text, the PSS sequence is used to indicate the duration of the SSB period. One possible example is that the PSS sequence corresponds to... The value is used to indicate the duration of the SSB cycle.

[0171] For example, sequence set A includes PSS sequence 1, PSS sequence 2, and PSS sequence 3, where PSS sequence 1 corresponds to... The value is 0, corresponding to PSS sequence 2 The value is 1, corresponding to PSS sequence 3. The value is 2, and the sequence set B includes PSS sequence 4, corresponding to... The value is 3, and the sequence set C includes PSS sequence 5, corresponding to... The value is 4. The PSS sequence corresponds to... When the value is 0, 1, or 2, the SSB period is 20ms; the PSS sequence corresponds to When the value is 3, the SSB period is 160ms; the PSS sequence corresponds to When the value is 4, the SSB period is 320ms.

[0172] The aforementioned PSS sequences, such as the first sequence set, can also be used to determine the PCI. The sequence set A corresponds to... The values ​​0, 1, and 2 are used to determine the PCI.

[0173] It is understandable that each PSS sequence corresponds to one The value of . The value of is used to determine PCI. For the specific determination method, please refer to the technical concept section above, which will not be repeated here.

[0174] In this implementation, when the network device sends a simplified SSB (i.e., sends a PSS, but not an SSS or PBCH), the terminal device can determine the SSB period based on this simplified PSS sequence. The network device can send the PSS to the terminal device with a shorter period. For example, the network device can support multiple candidate values ​​for the SSB period, such as 20ms, 80ms, 160ms, 320ms, etc. The network device can send the PSS to the terminal device with a 20ms period. In this way, when the terminal device performs blind detection using the default 20ms period, it can detect the PSS. At the same time, compared to a larger blind detection period, it can save blind detection time. For example, the PSS used to indicate the SSB period can be sent on an SSB occasion.

[0175] Using Figure 6(b) as a schematic diagram of PSS sequence resource usage, the following explains how network devices send PSS sequences.

[0176] In Figure 6(b), the duration of the SSB period is 40ms as an example. The PSS sequence can be transmitted on SSB0 (occasion 1) to SSB7 (occasion 7). The PSS sequence can be transmitted on all eight transmission opportunities shown in the figure, or it can be transmitted on one of the transmission opportunities. Furthermore, the PSS sequence can be transmitted through the beam corresponding to the transmission opportunity. For example, if one transmission opportunity corresponds to 106 beams, the PSS sequence can be transmitted through one or more of these 106 beams.

[0177] The specific number of transmission opportunities used to send PSS sequences within a single cycle depends on implementation requirements. For example, if the satellite's SSS transmission cycle is 160ms, there are 32 transmission opportunities. Each transmission opportunity can activate 106 beams, resulting in a maximum of 3392 active beams. This is far greater than the 1058 beams required for complete satellite coverage. In other words, approximately 2334 (3392-1058=2334) beams are available for other uses, such as transmitting PSS sequences. These 2334 beams occupy approximately 22 transmission opportunities. In other words, network equipment can transmit PSS sequences on 22 of the 32 transmission opportunities, and occupying all beams on these 22 opportunities does not affect the satellite's full coverage requirement.

[0178] Of course, this is under the premise that the SSB period can fully meet the satellite coverage requirements. When the SSB period is small, such as 80ms, a maximum of 1696 beams can be activated, but only 638 beams can be used to transmit the PSS sequence indicating the SSB period. The beam that actually transmits the PSS sequence can be one or more of these 638 beams, and the specific transmission opportunities occupied are not limited.

[0179] Another example is that PSS sequences can be transmitted on non-SSB transmission opportunities. For instance, the resources between SSB1 and SSB2, between SSB0 and SSB1, or between SSB2 and SSB3, or between SSB4 and SSB5 in Figure 6(b), etc., can also be used to transmit PSS sequences. This application does not limit this.

[0180] It should be understood that SSBs, as broadcast messages, are sent periodically. The above describes the time-domain resources within one period. When PSSs are repeatedly sent in a 20ms period, the resources occupied by the PSS sequence in the other 20ms can be the same as or different from the first 20ms in Figure 6(b). In other periods, such as the second 40ms period, the PSS transmission method can be the same as or different from that in Figure 6(b). For example, in the first 20ms of Figure 6(b), the PSS sequence occupies SSB1, and in the second 20ms, the PSS sequence occupies SSB2.

[0181] In other words, the period at which a network device sends the PSS sequence can be different from the period at which it sends the SSB. The period for sending the PSS sequence can be understood as the period during which the PSS sequence is sent without sending the SSS sequence or the PBCH, or simply the period during which only the PSS sequence is sent. The period for sending the SSB can be understood as the period during which the PSS, SSS, and PBCH are sent, i.e., the period during which the complete SSB is sent. For example, the PSS sequence is sent at a period of 20ms, and the SSB is sent at a period of 80ms.

[0182] In other words, this application does not limit the resources used to send the first indication information. The first indication information can occupy the resources of SSB0-SSB7 in Figure 6(b), or it can occupy the resources of non-SSB transmission opportunities. Any resource within a 20ms period shown in Figure 6(b) can be used to send the first indication information. To ensure that terminal devices located at any position within the satellite coverage area can receive the first indication information, the satellite can call all beams in all directions to send the first indication information within 20ms. Furthermore, the satellite can broadcast the first indication information at a period of 20ms, that is, repeatedly send the first indication information at a period of 20ms. It should be understood that this is only an example of sending the first indication information using 20ms; the first indication information can also be sent at other period lengths, such as 40ms, 80ms, etc. Within a 40ms period, the satellite can use a portion of the beams in one direction to transmit the first indication information for 20ms, and another portion in another direction for 20ms. This ensures that regardless of the terminal's location within the satellite's coverage area, it can always find its own first indication information within 40ms. Other periods for transmitting the first indication information are similar and will not be elaborated upon further.

[0183] One possible implementation is that the duration of the first indication information period is shorter than the duration of the first SSB period. For example, the network device sends the first indication information periodically at 20ms, and the terminal device can search for the first indication information according to this 20ms period. The SSB sending period is 40ms, and the terminal device can search for the SSB according to this 40ms period. In this way, on a GSCN that does not send SSBs, the terminal device searches for the first indication information and the SSB at a 20ms period. On a GSCN that sends SSBs, it can first search for the first indication information at a 20ms period. After obtaining the SSB period duration indicated by the first indication information, it searches for the SSB according to this SSB period duration, which can minimize the search time of the terminal device and thus further reduce the access latency of the terminal device.

[0184] Case B: The candidate set of PSS sequences includes M subsets, which are used to indicate the duration of M SSB cycles, and any subset of the M subsets includes at least two PSS sequences.

[0185] For example, in the candidate set of PSS sequences, there are three PSS sequences belonging to sequence subset 1 and three PSS sequences belonging to sequence subset 2. Sequence subset 1 is used to indicate SSB period E, and sequence subset 2 is used to indicate SSB period F. The durations of SSB period E and SSB period F are different. The three PSS sequences included in sequence subset 2 are all different from each other.

[0186] In other words, the PSS sequence candidate set contains several PSS sequences, with each set of three sequences indicating an SSB period. For example, the PSS sequence candidate set includes seven PSS sequences: sequences 1-7, sequences 1-3 indicating SSB period #1, and sequences 4-6 indicating SSB period #2.

[0187] For an explanation of sequence subsets, please refer to the explanation of sequence sets in Case A, which will not be repeated here.

[0188] Furthermore, each of the X sequence subsets is used to indicate one SSB period, and the durations of the X SSB periods indicated by the X sequence subsets are all different. That is, each of the X sequence subsets includes 3 sequences, and each sequence subset is used to indicate one SSB period; the sequences included in these sequence subsets are also different from each other. Different sequence subsets indicate different SSB periods.

[0189] For example, the nine PSS sequences belong to three sequence subsets: subset A includes sequences 1, 2, and 3; subset B includes sequences 4, 5, and 6; and subset C includes sequences 7, 8, and 9. Subset A indicates SSB period 1, subset B indicates SSB period 2, and subset C indicates SSB period 3. The duration of SSB period 1 is 20 ms, the duration of SSB period 2 is 160 ms, and the duration of SSB period 3 is 320 ms.

[0190] Specifically, the aforementioned sequence subset is used to indicate the SSB period, and may be the sequence included in the sequence subset corresponding to... The value indicates the SSB period. For example, sequence subset A includes sequence 1, sequence 2, and sequence 3, which correspond to... The value can be 0, 1, or 2, indicating that the duration of the SSB period is 20ms; the sequence subset B includes sequence 4, sequence 5, and sequence 6, which correspond to... The value of is 3, 4, or 5, indicating that the duration of the SSB period is 160ms; the sequence subset C includes sequence 6, sequence 7, and sequence 8, which correspond to... The value can be 6, 7, or 8, indicating that the duration of the SSB cycle is 320ms.

[0191] Optionally, the above The value is also used to determine the PCI. For example, any PSS sequence in a subset of PSS sequences is used to determine the PCI. The PCI is determined based on the correspondence between the second value and the first correspondence, which is the correspondence between the second value and the PCI. This correspondence can be pre-configured, indicated, or unrestricted.

[0192] For example, if Values ​​less than 3, refer to the current... The second value is the PCI corresponding to the values ​​0, 1, and 2. That is, the second value is the value of the first parameter corresponding to the sequence itself.

[0193] if The value is greater than or equal to 3. (An example of the second value) is used to determine PCI. For example, The value of is 6, 7, or 8. For 0, 1, 2, see reference. The second value corresponds to the PCI values ​​of 0, 1, and 2.

[0194] In other words, scenario B occurs in NTN or other communication scenarios that require multiple SSB cycles. The number of PSS sequences is doubled to indicate one additional SSB cycle, doubled to indicate two additional SSB cycles, and increased by a factor of several to indicate several additional cycles. These increases are compared to the number of sequences in NR communication systems that currently only indicate a single 20ms SSB cycle during the cell search phase. That is, for NR / NTN communication systems, during the cell search phase, in addition to the 20ms SSB cycle, an additional 160ms SSB cycle needs to be indicated, so the number of PSS sequences needs to be doubled, increasing from three sequences to six. The values ​​of are expanded from 0, 1, and 2 to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, with each value corresponding to a PSS sequence, and The values ​​0, 1, and 2 correspond to an SSB period of 20ms. Values ​​3, 4, and 5 correspond to an SSB period of 160ms. Used to determine PCI. Similarly, if two additional SSB cycles of 160ms and 320ms are required, the number of PSS sequences needs to be doubled, from the original 3 sequences to 9 sequences; The values ​​of are expanded from 0, 1, and 2 to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, with each value corresponding to a PSS sequence, and The values ​​0, 1, and 2 correspond to an SSB period of 20ms. Values ​​3, 4, and 5 correspond to an SSB period of 160ms. Values ​​6, 7, and 8 correspond to an SSB period of 320ms. Used to determine PCI.

[0195] It should be understood that the PSS sequence here can be used to determine the PCI, and the terminal device obtains the PCI based on this PSS sequence. The value of can be used to determine the subsequent PCI, or it can be discarded after the content of the first indication information is determined (or its role other than expressing the meaning of the first indication information is ignored, or in other words, PCI does not need to be determined at this stage), and PCI can be determined when the PSS, SSS, and PBCH are received later. In mode 1, the PSS sequence can be sent separately, and the complete SSB can be sent simultaneously according to the period indicated by the first indication information. For example, in Figure 6(b), the complete SSB is sent at positions SSB0-SSB7, and the PSS sequence is sent at other positions within that 40ms. The complete SSB can also be sent after the PSS sequence. For example, if the PSS sequence occupies the first SSB0, then the complete SSB is sent starting from SSB1. This application does not limit this.

[0196] The above describes the implementation of indicating the SSB period through the PSS sequence. The following describes another indication method.

[0197] In one possible approach 2, the first indication information includes an SSS sequence. That is, the SSS sequence indicates the SSB period.

[0198] Scenario C: Network devices can indicate the SSB cycle through the SSS sequence.

[0199] The first SSS sequence belongs to the SSS sequence candidate set. The SSS sequences in the SSS sequence candidate set are used to indicate the duration of the SSB cycle. The duration of the SSB cycle includes the duration of the first SSB cycle. The SSS sequence candidate set includes P SSS sequences. The P SSS sequences are used to indicate the duration of P SSB cycles. The durations of the P SSB cycles are different from each other, and P is a positive integer.

[0200] The description of the candidate set can be found in the previous text and will not be repeated here.

[0201] For example, a subset of SSS sequences corresponds one-to-one with SSB periods. Specifically, Y SSS sequences are used to indicate Y SSB periods, Y SSS sequences correspond one-to-one with Y SSB periods, and the Y SSB periods are all different, where Y is a positive integer.

[0202] For example, there are two SSS sequences, SSS sequence #1 and SSS sequence #2. SSS sequence #1 indicates SSB period #1, and SSS sequence #2 indicates SSB period #2.

[0203] Furthermore, the Y SSS sequences correspond to (Example of the second parameter) is used to indicate the SSB period. Specifically, Y SSB sequences correspond to Y... The possible values ​​of Y The value of corresponds one-to-one with the Y SSB cycles.

[0204] In NTN or other communication scenarios that require multiple SSB cycles, the number of SSS sequences is increased by one to indicate one additional SSB cycle; the number of SSS sequences is increased by two to indicate two additional SSB cycles; and the number of SSS sequences is increased by several to indicate several additional SSB cycles. The "additional" here is in comparison to the current NR system, which only indicates one SSB cycle.

[0205] For example, in an NR NTN communication system, in addition to the required 20ms SSB period, two additional SSB periods are needed: 160ms and 320ms. The number of SSS sequences is increased by two to indicate these two additional SSB periods; that is, the number of SSS sequences can be increased from 336 to 338, with each SSS sequence corresponding to one... The value range is expanded from 0, 1, ..., 335 to 0, 1, ..., 337. The added SSS sequence corresponds to... The values ​​are 336 and 337 respectively. A value of 336 indicates a 160ms SSB period. A value of 337 indicates an SSB cycle of 320ms.

[0206] In this scenario, the terminal device can determine the SSB period through the SSS sequence. This is especially true when network devices send simplified SSBs (referring to sending PSS and SSS), allowing for accurate determination of the SSB period and saving overhead.

[0207] It should be understood that the duration of the SSB period is indicated by the value of the second parameter corresponding to the SSS sequence, and the value of the second parameter can be determined by the value of the first parameter corresponding to the PSS sequence. In other words, optionally, the PSS sequence still needs to be transmitted for both network devices and terminal devices.

[0208] Case D: The first indication information includes the SSS sequence and the PSS sequence.

[0209] That is, the first indication information also includes the PSS sequence, and the SSS sequence and PSS sequence are used together to indicate the SSB period. In other words, the network device indicates the SSB period to the terminal device by combining the SSS sequence and PSS sequence.

[0210] One possible implementation is that the SSS sequence includes a first SSS sequence, and the first SSS sequence and the PSS sequence are used together to indicate the duration of J SSB cycles, where J is the number of PSS sequences. For example, J is 3, that is, the number of PSS sequences is 3, and one SSS sequence and three PSS sequences can indicate three SSB cycles.

[0211] For example, the PSS sequence corresponds to the first parameter, and the SSS sequence corresponds to the second parameter. The values ​​of the first and second parameters are used together to indicate the duration of the SSB cycle. The first and second parameters are also used to determine the PCI.

[0212] For example, it can be obtained through the second sequence. The value corresponds to the PSS sequence. Get the value or The value is used to indicate the SSB cycle.

[0213] The SSS sequence can be an additional SSS sequence. For example, in an NR NTN communication system, in addition to the 20ms SSS period, three additional SSS periods are needed: 80ms, 160ms, and 320ms. The number of SSS sequences increases by one to indicate these three additional SSS periods, meaning the number of SSS sequences increases from 336 to 337. Each SSS sequence corresponds to one... The value of , correspondingly, The value range is expanded from 0, 1, ..., 335 to 0, 1, ..., 336. The PSS sequence is used to determine some parameters of PCI, i.e. The value or The SSS sequence is used to determine the value. The value of .

[0214] The value can be 0, 1, ..., 335, indicating that the SSB period is 20ms; or The value is 0 and The value 336 indicates that the SSB period is 80ms. or The value is 1 and The value 336 indicates that the SSB period is 160ms. or The value is 2 and The value of 336 indicates that the SSB period is 320ms.

[0215] It should be understood that the PSS in this application corresponds to or Values ​​and corresponding SSS sequences The correspondence between the values ​​and SSB periods can be presented in tabular form or through enumeration; there is no limitation on this. This correspondence can be pre-configured, such as being stored in the network device and the terminal device. Alternatively, it can be indicated, for example, by the network device sending indication information A to the terminal device, which indicates this correspondence.

[0216] It should be understood that the PSS and SSS sequences here can be used to determine the PCI, and the terminal device obtains the PCI based on these PSS and SSS sequences. The value can be used to determine the PCI, or it can be discarded after the content of the first indication information is determined (or its role other than expressing the meaning of the first indication information is ignored, or the PCI does not need to be determined at this stage), and the PCI can be determined when the PSS, SSS and PBCH are received later.

[0217] In method 2, the PSS sequence and SSS sequence are sent. The complete SSB can be sent simultaneously according to the period indicated by the first indication information, or the SSB can be sent after the PSS sequence and SSS sequence; this application does not limit this. Alternatively, the PBCH can be sent according to the period indicated by the first indication information, or the PBCH can be sent after the PSS sequence and SSS sequence, with the synchronization information determined by combining the PSS, SSS, and PBCH. This application does not limit this.

[0218] In this scenario, the network device indicates the SSB period through both the SSS and PSS sequences, within the same... With a higher number of possible values, more SSB cycles can be indicated, which helps to save costs.

[0219] It should be understood that, in different situations under Method 2, the way network devices send PSS and SSS can be referred to the description of sending PSS in Method 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0220] In one possible approach 3, the first indication information is carried in the PBCH payload.

[0221] In other words, the two possible methods mentioned above indicate the SSB cycle through PSS and / or SSS, in which the SSB cycle is indicated through the indication field (or field) in the PBCH payload.

[0222] As described in 38.212v16.0.0, the physical layer adds an 8-bit PBCH payload to the 24-bit MIB information for determining relevant parameters, forming a total of 32 bits of information. The first indication information in this application can utilize the reserved bits in these 8 bits, or a corresponding field can be added directly.

[0223] For example, in low frequencies, bits 7 and 8 of the PBCH load are currently reserved and can be used to indicate the SSB period. In shared spectrum, bits 7 of the PBCH load are currently reserved and can be used to indicate the SSB period. It should be understood that the bit reservations for low frequencies and shared spectrum depend on the configuration, and the 7th and 8th bits mentioned above are merely examples of reservations.

[0224] For example, one bit could be added directly, which would be used to indicate the SSB period. This one bit should be understood as an example.

[0225] Optionally, a field is added to the PBCH payload to indicate the SSB period. This field consists of N bits. N N is the smallest integer greater than or equal to the number of SSB cycles that the network device needs to indicate, or N is the number (or type) of SSB cycles that the network device needs to indicate.

[0226] For example, in NR NTN communication systems, in addition to indicating a 20ms SSB period, three additional SSB periods are needed: 80ms, 160ms, and 320ms. A 2-bit SSB period field is added to the PBCH payload of the SSB sent by the network device to indicate the SSB transmission period: 00 indicates a 20ms SSB period, 01 indicates an 80ms SSB period, 10 indicates a 160ms SSB period, and 11 indicates a 320ms SSB period.

[0227] Alternatively, a 4-bit SSB period field can be added to the PBCH payload included in the SSB sent by the network device. This field is used to indicate the SSB transmission period through a bit map. The most significant bit (MSB) to the least significant bit (LSB) are used to indicate that the SSB period value is 20, 80, 160, and 320 ms, respectively. For example, if the bit map is 0100, it indicates that the SSB period is 80 ms.

[0228] In the example above, a bit value of 1 indicates that the position is valid. It should be understood that the correspondence between bit values ​​and their meanings can be predefined. For example, a bit value of 0 can also indicate that the position is valid, i.e., the bit diagram above is 1011 indicating that the SSB period is 80ms.

[0229] It should also be understood that the correspondence between the above fields and their meanings can be presented in tabular form or through enumeration, without limitation. This correspondence can be pre-configured, such as stored in network devices and terminal devices. Alternatively, it can be indicative, such as when a network device sends indication information B to a terminal device, indicating this correspondence.

[0230] Here is a general explanation: "predefined" and "preconfigured" can be understood as predefined by the protocol, specified by the communication equipment manufacturer, defined by the communication operator, pre-installed in the communication equipment at the time of manufacture, or agreed upon in advance by other means. No specific limitations are made here.

[0231] Method 3 can be applied in a scenario where the PBCH may fail to be parsed during the initial transmission. Specifically, the MIB message in the PBCH may fail to be parsed. However, the PBCH load generally has a high parsing success rate. Therefore, the PBCH load can be used to indicate the SSB period to the terminal device so that the terminal device can perform blind detection according to the indicated SSB period during the SSB retransmission process. This can shorten the blind detection latency during the retransmission process, thereby shortening the terminal device access latency.

[0232] Optionally, the network device sends the first indication information on the first global synchronization channel number (GSCN), and the corresponding terminal device receives the first indication information on the first GSCN.

[0233] It should be noted that, in this application, the network device sending messages on the GSCN (such as sending indication information or sending SSB) can be understood as the network device sending messages on the global synchronization raster. Different global synchronization rasters are numbered to distinguish them; this number is the GSCN. Alternatively, the GSCN is used to mark the channel number of the SSB, and each GSCN corresponds to a frequency domain candidate position of the SSB. For example, the GSCNs are numbered in ascending order of frequency domain.

[0234] S520: Network devices send SSBs to terminal devices.

[0235] That is, the network device sends the SSBs of the first SSB burst set and the second SSB burst set to the terminal device.

[0236] The network device can send an SSB on an SSB occasion. That is, it can send an SSB in SSB0 to SSB7 as shown in Figure 6(b).

[0237] One possible implementation is that the GSCN on which the network device sends the SSB is the same as the GSCN on which it sends the first indication information. That is, the network device only sends the first indication information to the terminal device on the GSCN on which the SSB is sent. The first indication information can also be sent on other GSCNs. However, if the SSB is not sent, the terminal device performs a blind detection according to the minimum cycle. Receiving the first indication information on a GSCN on which the terminal device does not send the SSB has no impact on the blind detection cycle of that GSCN.

[0238] Understandably, before sending an SSB, a network device may have a step to obtain the SSB, such as generating the SSB.

[0239] S530, the terminal device searches for SSB based on the first SSB period.

[0240] In this process, the terminal device searches for (or blindly detects, etc.) SSBs to receive them. These SSBs can be from the first and second SSB burst sets mentioned above.

[0241] For example, the terminal device searches for the SSB on the GSCN that receives the first instruction information according to the period indicated by the first instruction information.

[0242] It should be understood that blind SSB detection by the terminal device requires traversing all configured GSCNs. For example, if a terminal device is configured with five GSCNs, identified by GSCN1-GSCN5, the terminal device can, for instance, start blind detection from GSCN1. If no SSB is found, it jumps to GSCN2 and continues searching, and so on, until an SSB is found. Optionally, the terminal device can search for SSBs on other GSCNs at shorter intervals. For example, when an SSB is sent on GSCN5, the terminal device can search for the SSB on GSCN1-GSCN4 at 20ms intervals until it receives the first indication information on GSCN5, obtains the SSB period, and then searches for the SSB on GSCN5 according to this period, for example, 80ms. This can minimize the search time of the terminal device on GSCNs where no SSB has been sent, further reducing access latency. It should be understood that the duration of the period for the terminal device to search for SSBs on other GSCNs can be less than or equal to the duration of the period for searching for SSBs on GSCN5. That is, the terminal device searches for an SSB on the second GSCN based on the duration of the second SSB cycle, where the duration of the second SSB cycle is less than or equal to the duration of the first SSB cycle.

[0243] It should be understood that in the above example, the terminal device searches for SSBs sequentially from GSCN1 to GSCN5, but this application is not limited to this. For example, the terminal device can also search for SSBs on GSCNs in other orders and in other ways. One example is that the terminal device can search for SSBs sequentially from GSCN5 to GSCN1; or it can search for SSBs on GSCN2 first, then on GSCN1, and then on other GSCNs. Another example is that the terminal device can use prior information, such as probability information, specifically, if the probability of sending an SSB is highest on one or more GSCNs, then the terminal device will prioritize searching for SSBs on those GSCNs. The specific search order or search method depends on the terminal implementation and is not limited here.

[0244] It should be noted that, in addition to indicating the SSB cycle, the first indication information also indicates that an SSB will be sent on the GSCN where the first indication information is located. That is, the first indication information implicitly indicates that an SSB will be sent on the GSCN where the first indication information is located.

[0245] In this method, the network device indicates the SSB period to the terminal device through indication information. The terminal device can clearly define the SSB period and complete the detection and reception steps according to the SSB period, avoiding the problem of excessive detection time for the terminal device and reducing the access latency of the terminal device, thereby improving the user experience. At the same time, the SSB period in this application includes at least two SSB burst sets, and the beam direction is different in different SSB burst sets, which expands the coverage of the beam transmitting end (such as satellite) and can provide services to more users with limited power.

[0246] It should be understood that the numerical values ​​in this application are for illustrative purposes only and not as limitations.

[0247] It should also be understood that the first instruction information in this application is optional in some implementations.

[0248] For example, if a network device sends an SSB at a period of 160ms, and the terminal device performs a search at any search period and happens to find the corresponding SSB, in this case, the network device does not need to send the first indication information, and the terminal device does not need to search for the first indication information. In other words, even if the network device sends the first indication information, the terminal device does not need to continue searching.

[0249] For example, pre-configuring SSB cycles for network and terminal devices can eliminate the need to send instruction information.

[0250] For example, network equipment prioritizes coverage area, while factors such as power consumption and access latency of terminal equipment have lower priority than coverage area. In this case, SSB can be sent according to the extended cycle of this application, and the first indication information can be omitted.

[0251] It should also be understood that the flowcharts or scenario diagrams shown in Figures 1 to 6 are for ease of understanding only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application to the examples shown. In fact, those skilled in the art can make equivalent transformations based on the examples in Figures 1 to 6 to obtain more implementation methods.

[0252] It should also be understood that the communication method of this application can be applied to the Sub6 GHz frequency band, for example, frequency bands less than or equal to 3 GHz. Of course, this application can also be applied to other frequency bands, and is not limited thereto.

[0253] The communication methods provided by the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to Figures 1 to 6. The apparatus embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 7 and 8. It should be understood that the communication apparatus of the embodiments of this application can execute the various communication methods described in the foregoing embodiments of this application; that is, the specific working processes of the various products described below can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0254] In the embodiments described above, the terminal device may execute some or all of the steps in each embodiment; the network device may execute some or all of the steps in each embodiment. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also perform other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments, and it is not necessary to execute all the operations in the embodiments of this application. Moreover, the sequence number of each step does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0255] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 7, the communication device 700 may include a communication module 720. The communication module 720 can implement corresponding communication functions, which can be internal communication functions of the communication device 700 or communication functions between the communication device 700 and other devices. Optionally, the communication module 720 may also be referred to as a communication interface or a transceiver module. Optionally, the communication device 700 further includes a processing module 710. The processing module 710 can implement corresponding processing functions.

[0256] Optionally, the communication device 700 further includes a storage module, which can be used to store instructions and / or data; the processing module 710 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device 700 can implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0257] In one possible design, the communication device 700 may correspond to the terminal device in the above method embodiments, or to a component (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) configured in the terminal device. The communication device 700 can be used to perform the steps or processes performed by the terminal device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0258] For example, the communication module 720 is used to receive first indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate a first value, the first value is the duration of the first synchronization signal block SSB period, the first SSB period includes a first SSB burst set and a second SSB burst set, the beam direction corresponding to the SSB in the first SSB burst set is different from the beam direction corresponding to the SSB in the second SSB burst set.

[0259] The processing module 710 can also be used to determine the SSB period based on the first indication information; the processing module 710 can also be used to search for the SSB based on the first SSB period; the communication module 720 can also be used to receive the SSB; the processing module 710 can also be used to obtain information from the SSB. The communication module 720 can also be used to receive other information, such as indication information A, indication information B, etc.

[0260] The above are merely examples; for detailed steps or procedures, please refer to the descriptions in the foregoing embodiments.

[0261] In one possible design, the communication device 700 may correspond to the network device in the above method embodiments, or to a component (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) configured in the network device. The communication device 700 can be used to perform the steps or processes performed by the network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0262] For example, the processing module 710 is used to determine the first indication information, indication information A, indication information B, SSB, etc.;

[0263] The communication module 720 is used to send the first indication information, indication information A, indication information B, SSB, etc.

[0264] The above are merely examples; for detailed steps or procedures, please refer to the descriptions in the foregoing embodiments.

[0265] Figure 8 is another schematic block diagram of a communication device 800 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 800 may be a chip, chip system, or processor, etc., used by a terminal device or network device to implement the above-described methods. The communication device 800 can be used to implement the methods described in the above-described method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above-described method embodiments.

[0266] As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 800 may include one or more processors 810, which may also be referred to as processing units or processing modules, and can implement certain control functions. The processor 810 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device 800 (e.g., a base station, baseband chip, user, user chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0267] In an alternative design, the processor 810 may also store instructions and / or data that can be executed by the processor 810 to cause the communication device 800 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0268] In another alternative design, the communication device 800 may include a communication interface 820 for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the communication interface 820 may be a transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver. The transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver may be used for reading and writing code / data, or it may be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0269] Optionally, the communication device 800 may include one or more memories 830, which may store instructions that can be executed on the processor 810, causing the communication device 800 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memories 830 may also store data. Optionally, the processor 810 may also store instructions and / or data. The processor 810 and the memories 830 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0270] It should be understood that, in one possible design, the steps in the method embodiments provided in this application can be implemented by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are not provided here.

[0271] In one implementation, the communication device 800 may correspond to the terminal device in the above method embodiments and may be used to execute the various steps and / or processes executed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The processor 810 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory 830, and when the processor 810 executes the instructions stored in the memory, the processor 810 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes of the above method embodiments corresponding to the terminal device.

[0272] In another implementation, the communication device 800 may correspond to the network device in the above method embodiments and may be used to execute the various steps and / or processes executed by the network device in the above method embodiments. The processor 810 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory 830, and when the processor 810 executes the instructions stored in the memory, the processor 810 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes of the above method embodiments corresponding to the network device.

[0273] It should be understood that the aforementioned processing device can be one or more chips. For example, the processing device can be a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system-on-chip (SoC), a central processor unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a programmable logic device (PLD), or other integrated chips.

[0274] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0275] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a chip system, which includes one or more processors for calling and executing instructions stored in memory, thereby causing the method described in the embodiments of this application to be executed. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0276] The chip system may include input circuits or interfaces for transmitting information or data, and output circuits or interfaces for receiving information or data.

[0277] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a communication system, which includes the aforementioned network device and terminal device.

[0278] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes: computer program code, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute the various steps or processes executed by the network device or terminal device in any of the foregoing method embodiments.

[0279] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing program code, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute the various steps or processes executed by the network device or terminal device in any of the foregoing method embodiments.

[0280] The computer-readable storage medium may be the aforementioned volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or it may include both volatile memory and non-volatile memory.

[0281] In the embodiments of this application, the terms and English abbreviations are exemplary examples given for ease of description and should not be construed as limiting the application in any way. This application does not preclude the possibility of defining other terms that can achieve the same or similar functions in existing or future agreements.

[0282] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When these computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated.

[0283] 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 through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0284] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0285] In summary, the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the technical solution of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal device, the method includes: Receive first indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate a first value, the first value is the duration of the first synchronization signal and the physical broadcast channel block (SSB) period, the first SSB period includes time domain resources for receiving the first SSB burst set and time domain resources for receiving the second SSB burst set, the beam direction corresponding to the SSB in the first SSB burst set is different from the beam direction corresponding to the SSB in the second SSB burst set. Based on the first SSB period, search for SSBs in the first SSB burst set and the second SSB burst set. The method of claim 1, wherein The receipt of the first indication information includes: The first indication information is received on the first global synchronization channel number (GSCN). The step of searching for SSBs in the first SSB burst set and the second SSB burst set based on the first SSB period includes: Based on the first SSB period, search for SSBs in the first SSB burst set and the second SSB burst set on the first GSCN. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The method further includes: The search for the first indication information is performed, and the period duration of the first indication information is less than the period duration of the first SSB. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is characterized in that, The method further includes: On the second GSCN, SSBs in the first SSB burst set and the second SSB burst set are searched based on the duration of the second SSB period, where the duration of the second SSB period is less than or equal to the duration of the first SSB period. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first indication information includes the master synchronization signal (PSS) sequence. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The PSS sequence includes a first PSS sequence, and the value of the first parameter corresponding to the first PSS sequence is used to indicate the duration of the first SSB period. The first parameter is used to determine the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI). The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The first PSS sequence belongs to the PSS sequence candidate set, and the PSS sequences in the PSS sequence candidate set are used to indicate the duration of the SSB period, the duration of the SSB period including the duration of the first SSB period. The PSS sequence candidate set includes M PSS sequences, which indicate the duration of M SSB cycles. The durations of the M SSB cycles are all different, or... The candidate set of PSS sequences comprises M subsets, which indicate the duration of the M SSB cycles. Each subset of the M subsets includes at least two PSS sequences. In this context, the values ​​of the first parameter corresponding to the PSS sequences in the PSS sequence candidate set are all different. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Any subset of the M subsets includes 3 PSS sequences. The PCI is determined based on a second value and a first correspondence, where the first correspondence is the relationship between the second value and the PCI. In response to the first parameter corresponding to the first sequence having a value less than 3, the second value is the value of the first parameter corresponding to the first sequence itself. In response to the first parameter corresponding to the first sequence having a value greater than or equal to 3, the second parameter having a value of The This refers to the first parameter. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first indication information includes the auxiliary synchronization signal SSS sequence. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The SSS sequence includes a first SSS sequence, and the value of the second parameter corresponding to the first SSS sequence is used to indicate the duration of the first SSB period. The second parameter is also used to determine PCI. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The first SSS sequence belongs to the SSS sequence candidate set. The SSS sequences in the SSS sequence candidate set are used to indicate the duration of the SSB cycle. The duration of the SSB cycle includes the duration of the first SSB cycle. The SSS sequence candidate set includes P SSS sequences. The P SSS sequences are used to indicate the duration of P SSB cycles. The durations of the P SSB cycles are all different, and P is a positive integer. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first indication information also includes a PSS sequence, and the SSS sequence and the PSS sequence are used together to indicate the duration of the SSB period. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The PSS sequence corresponds to the first parameter, and the SSS sequence corresponds to the second parameter. The values ​​of the first parameter and the second parameter are used together to indicate the duration of the SSB cycle. The first parameter and the second parameter are also used to determine PCI. The method according to claim 12 or 13 is characterized in that, The SSS sequence includes a first SSS sequence, and the first SSS sequence and the PSS sequence are used together to indicate the duration of J SSB cycles, where J is the number of PSS sequences. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to network devices, the method includes: Send a first indication message, the first indication message is used to indicate a first value, the first value is the duration of a first SSB period, the first SSB period includes time domain resources for sending a first SSB burst set and time domain resources for sending a second SSB burst set, the beam direction corresponding to the SSB in the first SSB burst set is different from the beam direction corresponding to the SSB in the second SSB burst set. Based on the first SSB period, the SSBs in the first SSB burst set and the second SSB burst set are sent. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The sending of the first instruction information includes: Send the first indication information on the first GSCN; The step of sending the SSBs in the first SSB burst set and the second SSB burst set based on the first SSB period includes: Based on the first SSB period, the first SSB burst set and the SSBs in the second SSB burst set are sent on the first GSCN. The method according to claim 15 or 16 is characterized in that, The period duration of the first indication information is less than the period duration of the first SSB. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that, The first indication information includes the master synchronization signal (PSS) sequence. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The PSS sequence includes a first PSS sequence, and the value of the first parameter corresponding to the first PSS sequence is used to indicate the duration of the first SSB period. The first parameter is used to determine PCI. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The first PSS sequence belongs to the PSS sequence candidate set, and the PSS sequences in the PSS sequence candidate set are used to indicate the duration of the SSB period, the duration of the SSB period including the duration of the first SSB period. The PSS sequence candidate set includes M PSS sequences, which indicate the duration of M SSB cycles. The durations of the M SSB cycles are all different, or... The candidate set of PSS sequences comprises M subsets, which indicate the duration of the M SSB cycles. Each subset of the M subsets includes at least two PSS sequences. In this context, the values ​​of the first parameter corresponding to the PSS sequences in the PSS sequence candidate set are all different. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, Any subset of the M subsets includes 3 PSS sequences. The PCI is determined based on a second value and a first correspondence, where the first correspondence is the relationship between the second value and the PCI. In response to the first parameter corresponding to the first sequence having a value less than 3, the second value is the value of the first parameter corresponding to the first sequence itself. In response to the first parameter corresponding to the first sequence having a value greater than or equal to 3, the second parameter having a value of The This refers to the first parameter. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that, The first indication information includes the auxiliary synchronization signal SSS sequence. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The SSS sequence includes a first SSS sequence, and the value of the second parameter corresponding to the first SSS sequence is used to indicate the duration of the first SSB period. The second parameter is used to determine PCI. The method according to claim 22 or 23 is characterized in that, The first SSS sequence belongs to the SSS sequence candidate set. The SSS sequences in the SSS sequence candidate set are used to indicate the duration of the SSB cycle. The duration of the SSB cycle includes the duration of the first SSB cycle. The SSS sequence candidate set includes P SSS sequences. The P SSS sequences are used to indicate the duration of P SSB cycles. The durations of the P SSB cycles are all different, and P is a positive integer. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The first indication information also includes a PSS sequence, and the SSS sequence and the PSS sequence are used together to indicate the duration of the SSB period. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The PSS sequence corresponds to the first parameter, and the SSS sequence corresponds to the second parameter. The values ​​of the first parameter and the second parameter are used together to indicate the duration of the SSB cycle. The first parameter and the second parameter are also used to determine PCI. The method according to claim 25 or 26 is characterized in that, The SSS sequence includes a first SSS sequence, and the first SSS sequence and the PSS sequence are used together to indicate the duration of J SSB cycles, where J is the number of PSS sequences. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor and a memory, the processor being configured to read computer programs or instructions stored in the memory to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 27. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed, the computer performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 27. A communication system, characterized in that, Includes the communication device as described in claim 26.

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