Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and an apparatus, capable of reducing signaling overhead and power consumption of a terminal device. The method may comprise: receiving first update indication information, the first update indication information being used for indicating whether an update of a system information block SIB1 is caused by an update of a tracking area (TA) list of a network device or a radio access network-based notification area (RNA) list; and monitoring a new SIB1 on the basis of the first update indication information and reference information, the new SIB1 comprising a new TA list or a new RNA list, and the reference information comprising information related to the time and / or location of the terminal device.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510035513.4, filed on January 9, 2025, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), including satellite communication networks, high-altitude platforms, and drones, offer significant advantages such as global coverage, long-distance transmission, flexible networking, convenient deployment, and independence from geographical limitations. They have been widely applied in various fields including maritime communication, positioning and navigation, disaster relief, scientific experiments, video broadcasting, and Earth observation. The integration of terrestrial 5G and non-terrestrial communication networks, leveraging their respective strengths, forms a seamless global communication network encompassing sea, land, air, space, and ground, meeting the diverse and ubiquitous service needs of users.

[0004] In existing technologies, TN and / or NTN systems manage the location of terminal devices through tracking areas (TAs). A TA is defined as a free-moving area where a terminal device does not need to update services. A TA is uniquely identified by a tracking area code (TA code, TAC), and a TA can include one or more cells.

[0005] For example, due to the wide coverage of NTN nodes, NTN nodes can broadcast a Tracking Area List (TAL), denoted as TAL_net, which includes at least one Tracking Area Containment (TAC) covered by the NTN node. The terminal device itself also maintains a Tracking Area List, denoted as TAL_UE. When the terminal device moves within this TAL_UE, it does not need to perform a Tracking Area Update (TAU) procedure. However, if the terminal device enters a new TA (e.g., when all TACs in the TAL_net broadcast by the network side detected by the terminal do not belong to the TAL_UE), then the TAU procedure needs to be performed.

[0006] However, due to the rapid movement of NTN nodes, the TAL_net broadcast by the NTN nodes also changes frequently, triggering updates to system information (such as SIB1). Consequently, terminal devices need to frequently monitor system information updates to obtain the new TAL_net. Therefore, the signaling overhead is large, and unnecessary power consumption is incurred. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can reduce signaling overhead and save power consumption of terminal devices.

[0008] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which may include: receiving first update indication information, the first update indication information being used to indicate whether an update of a system information block SIB1 is caused by an update of the tracking area (TA) list of a network device or a notification area (RNA) list based on a radio access network; and monitoring a new SIB1 based on the first update indication information and reference information, the new SIB1 including a new TA list or a new RNA list, the reference information including time and / or location-related information of a terminal device.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the method can be executed by a terminal device. For example, the terminal device could be a mobile phone.

[0010] Using the communication method provided in this application, when a terminal device detects the first update indication information, it can determine that the update of SIB1 is caused by an update of the TA list or RNA list of the network device. At this point, it is necessary to further determine whether the reference information of the terminal device meets preset conditions. If it does, the terminal device only needs to monitor the new SIB1 from the network device; otherwise, it does not need to monitor the new SIB1. Therefore, the signaling overhead caused by the update of SIB1 can be reduced, and the power consumption of the terminal device can be lowered.

[0011] In one possible implementation, monitoring a new SIB1 based on the first update indication information and reference information includes: monitoring a new SIB1 if the update of SIB1 is caused by an update of the TA list or RNA list of the network device, and the distance between the location of the terminal device and the cell reference location is greater than or equal to a distance threshold; or, monitoring a new SIB1 if the update of SIB1 is caused by an update of the TA list or RNA list of the network device, and the location of the terminal device is outside a preset area set; or, monitoring a new SIB1 if the update of SIB1 is caused by an update of the TA list or RNA list of the network device, and the difference between the clock of the terminal device and the cell service stop time broadcast by the network device is less than or equal to a time threshold.

[0012] In one possible implementation, before monitoring a new SIB1 based on the first update indication information and the reference information, the method further includes: receiving second update indication information, the second update indication information being used to indicate that the SIB1 has been updated; the monitoring of a new SIB1 based on the first update indication information and the reference information includes: monitoring the new SIB1 based on the first update indication information, the second update indication information and the reference information.

[0013] Using the communication method provided in this application, when a terminal device detects the second update indication information and the first update indication information, it can determine that SIB1 has been updated, and that the update of SIB1 is caused by the update of the TA list or RNA list of the network device. At this point, it is necessary to further determine whether the reference information of the terminal device meets preset conditions. If it does, the terminal device needs to monitor the new SIB1 from the network device; otherwise, it does not need to monitor the new SIB1. Therefore, the signaling overhead caused by the update of SIB1 can be reduced, and the power consumption of the terminal device can be lowered.

[0014] Optionally, the location of the aforementioned terminal device can be a geographical location.

[0015] Optionally, the aforementioned region can be a geographic location region, such as a wave position; or it can be a TA (Transient Aspect).

[0016] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication method, which may include: sending first update indication information, the first update indication information being used to indicate whether the update of system information block SIB1 is caused by an update of the tracking area (TA) list of a network device or the notification area (RNA) list based on a radio access network; and sending a new SIB1, the new SIB1 including a new TA list or a new RNA list.

[0017] Optionally, the network device may send the first update indication information in a variety of ways, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the network device may broadcast the first update indication information.

[0019] In another possible implementation, the network device may send the first update instruction information to a group of terminal devices, which includes the terminal devices.

[0020] In another possible implementation, the network device may send the first update instruction information to the terminal device.

[0021] Optionally, the network device may send the first update instruction information through various means, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the first update indication information is carried in a short message; or, the first update indication information is carried in downlink control information.

[0023] Optionally, the first update indication information may include at least one bit indicating whether the update of SIB1 is caused by an update of the TA list or the RNA list.

[0024] In one possible implementation, before sending the new SIB1, the method further includes sending a second update indication message, which is used to indicate that the SIB1 has been updated.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the method can be executed by a network device. For example, the network device could be a satellite.

[0026] Optionally, the new TA list or the new RNA list may be determined based on ephemeris information used to indicate at least one of the network device’s speed of movement or location.

[0027] It should be noted that the communication method provided in the second aspect is the same process as the communication method provided in the first aspect. Therefore, the detailed descriptions and beneficial effects in the second aspect can be found in the corresponding descriptions in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0028] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication method, which may include: receiving capability indication information, the capability indication information being used to indicate whether a network device supports updating the Tracking Area (TA) list or the Notification Area (RNA) list based on the Radio Access Network (RAN) through System Information Block (SIB1); and based on the capability indication information, monitoring a new target SIB, the new SIB including a new TA list or a new RNA list, the target SIB being different from the SIB1.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the method can be executed by a terminal device. For example, the terminal device could be a mobile phone.

[0030] By using the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, the update of the TA list or RNA list is decoupled from the update of SIB1, and the existing target SIB update TA list or RNA list that needs to be updated for other reasons is reused. This can reduce the frequency of monitoring SIB1 updates, thereby reducing signaling overhead and reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0031] Optionally, the capability indication information may also be used to indicate that the network device supports updating the TA list or the RNA list without updating.

[0032] Optionally, monitoring new target SIBs based on the capability indication information includes: monitoring new target SIBs based on the capability indication information and reference information, wherein the reference information includes information related to the location and / or time of the terminal device.

[0033] For example, if the network device supports updating the TA list or the RNA list without updating, and the distance between the location of the terminal device and the cell reference location is greater than or equal to a distance threshold, then a new target SIB is monitored; conversely, if the network device supports updating the TA list or the RNA list without updating, but the distance between the location of the terminal device and the cell reference location is less than the distance threshold, that is, the terminal device is located near the cell center point, then there is no need to monitor a new target SIB.

[0034] For example, if the network device supports updating the TA list or the RNA list without updating, and the location of the terminal device is outside the preset area set, then a new target SIB is monitored; conversely, if the network device supports updating the TA list or the RNA list without updating, but the location of the terminal device is within the preset area set, that is, the range of movement of the terminal device is small, then there is no need to monitor a new target SIB.

[0035] For example, if the network device supports updating the TA list or the RNA list without updating, and the difference between the clock of the terminal device and the cell service stop time broadcast by the network device is less than or equal to a time threshold, then a new target SIB is monitored; conversely, if the network device supports updating the TA list or the RNA list without updating, but the difference between the clock of the terminal device and the cell service stop time broadcast by the network device is greater than the time threshold, then there is no need to monitor a new target SIB.

[0036] In one possible implementation, monitoring new target SIBs based on the capability indication information includes: monitoring the new target SIBs based on the capability indication information and the update-free region information, wherein the update-free region information is used to indicate target regions for which the TA list or the RNA list does not need to be updated.

[0037] For example, if the network device supports updating the TA list or the RNA list without updating, and the terminal device is located outside the target area, then the terminal device needs to monitor new target SIBs; conversely, if the network device supports updating the TA list or the RNA list without updating, but the terminal device is located within the target area, then the terminal device does not need to monitor new target SIBs.

[0038] Optionally, the terminal device can obtain the update-free area information in various ways, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0039] In one possible implementation, since the updates to the TA list or RNA list are decoupled from the updates to SIB1, the SIB1 can include the update-free region information. In other words, the update-free region information can be carried within the SIB1.

[0040] In one possible implementation, before monitoring the new target SIB based on the capability indication information and the update-free area information, the method further includes: sending location information to the network device, the location information indicating the location of the terminal device; and receiving the update-free area information from the network device.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the target SIB is pre-agreed; or, the target SIB is indicated by the capability indication information.

[0042] Fourthly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication method, which may include: sending capability indication information, the capability indication information being used to indicate whether a network device supports updating the Tracking Area (TA) list or the Notification Area (RNA) list based on the Radio Access Network (RAN) through System Information Block (SIB1); and sending a new target SIB, the new target SIB including a new TA list or a new RNA list, the target SIB being different from the SIB1.

[0043] Optionally, the network device may send capability indication information in a variety of ways, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the network device may broadcast the capability indication information.

[0045] In another possible implementation, the network device may send the capability indication information to a group of terminal devices, which includes the terminal devices.

[0046] In another possible implementation, the network device can send the capability indication information to the terminal device.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the capability indication information is also used to indicate that the network device supports updating the TA list or the RNA list without updating.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the SIB1 includes update-free region information, which is used to indicate target regions for which the TA list or the RNA list should not be updated.

[0049] In one possible implementation, before sending a new target SIB, the method further includes: receiving location information from a network device, the location information indicating the location of the terminal device; and sending the update-free region information to the terminal device, the update-free region information indicating the target region for which the TA list or the RNA list is not updated.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the method can be executed by a network device. For example, the network device could be a satellite.

[0051] Optionally, the new TA list or the new RNA list may be determined based on ephemeris information used to indicate at least one of the network device’s speed of movement or location.

[0052] It should be noted that the communication method provided in the fourth aspect corresponds to the communication method provided in the third aspect. Therefore, the detailed descriptions and beneficial effects in the fourth aspect can be found in the corresponding descriptions in the third aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0053] Fifthly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication method, which may include: receiving network coverage area information and a mapping relationship, wherein the network coverage area information is used to indicate at least one area covered by a network device, and the mapping relationship is used to indicate a first set of areas corresponding to a Tracking Area (TA) list and a second set of areas corresponding to a Notification Area (RNA) list based on a radio access network, wherein the number of areas included in the first set of areas is greater than or equal to the number of areas included in the second set of areas; sending an update request to the network device based on the network coverage area information and the mapping relationship, wherein the update request is used to request an update to the set of areas corresponding to the TA list or the set of areas corresponding to the RNA list; and monitoring, based on the update request, a new set of areas corresponding to the TA list or a new set of areas corresponding to the RNA list from the network device.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the method can be executed by a terminal device. For example, the terminal device could be a mobile phone.

[0055] Using the communication method provided in this application embodiment, since the network device has a large coverage area, the function of distinguishing between TA and RNA is not obvious. Therefore, the TA list and RNA list can be mapped to the region set through the mapping relationship, and the region sets corresponding to the TA list and RNA list are different. This can reduce the signaling overhead caused by the frequent updates of the TA list and RNA list due to the separate design of TA and RNA, and reduce the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0056] In one possible implementation, if none of the at least one region belongs to the first region set, the update request is used to request an update to the region set corresponding to the TA list; or, if none of the at least one region belongs to the second region set, the update request is used to request an update to the region set corresponding to the RNA list.

[0057] Optionally, before monitoring the region set corresponding to a new TA list or a new RNA list from the network device based on the update request, the method further includes: sending Radio Resource Control (RRC) status information to the network device, the RRC status information indicating the RRC status of the terminal device, the RRC status including a deactivated state or an idle state.

[0058] In one possible implementation, if the update request is used to request an update to the region set corresponding to the TA list, and the RRC state of the terminal device is in an inactive state, then the network device sends a new region set corresponding to the TA list; or, if the update request is used to request an update to the region set corresponding to the RNA list, and the RRC state of the terminal device is in an idle state, then the network device sends a new region set corresponding to the RNA list.

[0059] Optionally, the network device may send the region set corresponding to the new TA list or the region set corresponding to the new RNA list in various ways, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the network device can send a new SIB1, which includes the region set corresponding to the new TA list or the region set corresponding to the new RNA list.

[0061] In another possible implementation, the network device may send a new target SIB, which includes the set of regions corresponding to the new TA list or the set of regions corresponding to the new RNA list, and this target SIB is different from SIB1.

[0062] Optionally, the location of the aforementioned terminal device can be a geographical location.

[0063] Optionally, the aforementioned region can be a geographic location region, such as a wave position; or it can be a TA (Transient Aspect).

[0064] Sixthly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication method, which may include: sending network coverage area information and a mapping relationship, wherein the network coverage area information is used to indicate at least one area covered by a network device, and the mapping relationship is used to indicate a first set of areas corresponding to a Tracking Area (TA) list and a second set of areas corresponding to a Notification Area (RNA) list based on a radio access network, wherein the number of areas included in the first set of areas is greater than or equal to the number of areas included in the second set of areas; receiving an update request from a terminal device, wherein the update request is used to request an update of the set of areas corresponding to the TA list or the set of areas corresponding to the RNA list; and based on the update request, sending a new set of areas corresponding to the TA list or a new set of areas corresponding to the RNA list.

[0065] Optionally, the network device may send network coverage area information and mapping relationships in various ways, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the network device can broadcast the network coverage area information and the mapping relationship.

[0067] In another possible implementation, the network device may send the network coverage area information and the mapping relationship to a group of terminal devices, which includes the terminal devices.

[0068] In another possible implementation, the network device can send the network coverage area information and the mapping relationship to the terminal device.

[0069] Optionally, the network device may send the network coverage area information and the mapping relationship at once; or, the network device may send the network coverage area information and the mapping relationship separately, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0070] Optionally, the network coverage area information can be implemented based on a Fibonacci grid.

[0071] Optionally, before sending the region set corresponding to the new TA list or the region set corresponding to the new RNA list based on the update request, the method further includes: receiving Radio Resource Control (RRC) status information from the terminal device, the RRC status information indicating the RRC status of the terminal device, the RRC status including a deactivated state or an idle state; sending the region set corresponding to the new TA list or the region set corresponding to the new RNA list based on the update request includes: sending the region set corresponding to the new TA list or the region set corresponding to the new RNA list based on the update request and the RRC status information.

[0072] In one possible implementation, the method can be executed by a network device. For example, the network device could be a satellite.

[0073] Optionally, the new TA list or the new RNA list may be determined based on ephemeris information used to indicate at least one of the network device’s speed of movement or location.

[0074] It should be noted that the communication method provided in the sixth aspect corresponds to the communication method provided in the fifth aspect. Therefore, the detailed descriptions and beneficial effects in the sixth aspect can be found in the corresponding descriptions in the fifth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0075] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a communication method, which may include: receiving early paging indication (PEI) information, the PEI information being used to indicate a change in the tracking area (TA) list or the notification area (RNA) list based on the radio access network within a target area, the target area including the area where the terminal device is located; and monitoring the PEI on target time-frequency resources based on the PEI information, the PEI including the new TA list or the new RNA list.

[0076] In one possible implementation, the method can be executed by a terminal device. For example, the terminal device could be a mobile phone.

[0077] Using the communication method provided in this application, PEI information is associated with a region. The terminal device only needs to wake up and monitor the PEI from the network device from the next paging opportunity if the TA list or RNA list within the associated region changes according to the PEI. Therefore, signaling overhead and power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0078] Optionally, the target area may include one or more areas.

[0079] Optionally, the aforementioned region can be a geographic location region, such as a wave position; or it can be a TA (Transient Aspect).

[0080] Optionally, the PEI information may include at least one bit that indicates a change in the TA list or RNA list within the target region.

[0081] Optionally, the target time-frequency resource may include the target paging timing and the target paging frame.

[0082] Optionally, the PEI information may also include wake-up information, which is used to instruct at least one terminal device in the target area to perform cell measurement. The method may further include performing cell measurement based on the wake-up information.

[0083] Optionally, before monitoring the PEI on the target time-frequency resource based on the PEI information, wherein the PEI includes a new TA list or a new RNA list, the method further includes: receiving network coverage area information from a network device, the network coverage area information indicating at least one area covered by the network device, the at least one area including the target area; the monitoring of the PEI on the target time-frequency resource based on the PEI information, wherein the PEI includes a new TA list or a new RNA list, includes: monitoring the PEI from the network device on the target time-frequency resource based on the network coverage area information, the PEI information, and terminal area information, wherein the terminal area information indicates the area where the terminal device is located.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the terminal device can determine the region number information of the terminal device based on network coverage area information and the terminal region information. The region number information is used to indicate the region number of the terminal device in the at least one region. Based on the region number information and the PEI information, the PEI from the network device is monitored on the target time-frequency resource.

[0085] Eighthly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication method, which may include: sending Paging Early Indication (PEI) information, the PEI information being used to indicate a change in the Tracking Area (TA) list or the Notification Area (RNA) list based on the Radio Access Network within a target area, the target area including the area where the terminal device is located; and based on the PEI information, sending a PEI on target time-frequency resources, the PEI including the new TA list or the new RNA list.

[0086] Optionally, the network device may send the PEI information in a variety of ways, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0087] In one possible implementation, the network device can broadcast the PEI information.

[0088] In another possible implementation, the network device may send the PEI information to a group of terminal devices, which includes the terminal devices.

[0089] In another possible implementation, the network device can send the PEI information to the terminal device.

[0090] Optionally, the PEI information may also include wake-up information, which is used to instruct at least one terminal device in the target area to perform cell measurement.

[0091] Optionally, the method further includes: sending network coverage area information, which indicates at least one area covered by the network device, the at least one area including the target area.

[0092] In one possible implementation, the method can be executed by a network device. For example, the network device could be a satellite.

[0093] Optionally, the new TA list or the new RNA list may be determined based on ephemeris information used to indicate at least one of the network device’s speed of movement or location.

[0094] It should be noted that the communication method provided in the eighth aspect corresponds to the communication method provided in the seventh aspect. Therefore, the detailed descriptions and beneficial effects in the eighth aspect can be found in the corresponding descriptions in the seventh aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0095] Ninthly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device for implementing the methods described in the above aspects or any possible implementation thereof, the device including units for implementing the methods described in the above aspects or any possible implementation thereof.

[0096] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device, which includes at least one processor and a communication interface. The at least one processor transmits signals and / or data through the communication interface. When the at least one processor executes program code or instructions, it implements the methods described in the above aspects or any possible implementation thereof.

[0097] Alternatively, the communication device may be a chip device.

[0098] In one aspect, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program, the computer program including instructions for implementing the methods described in the foregoing aspects or any possible implementation thereof.

[0099] In a twelfth aspect, this application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed on a computer or processor, cause the computer or processor to implement the methods described in the foregoing aspects or any possible implementation thereof.

[0100] The communication device, computer storage medium, computer program product, and chip device provided in the embodiments of this application are all used to execute the communication method provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the communication method provided above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0101] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system 100 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0102] Figure 2 is another schematic block diagram of the communication system 100 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0103] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of the communication method 200 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0104] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of the communication method 300 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0105] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of the communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0106] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of the communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0107] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of the communication device 600 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0108] Figure 8 is a schematic flowchart of the communication device 700 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0109] Figure 9 is a schematic flowchart of the communication device 800 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0110] Figure 10 is a schematic flowchart of a communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0111] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0112] To facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, some terms and technologies involved in the embodiments of this application are briefly introduced below:

[0113] The technical solution of this application can be applied to NTN systems such as satellite communication systems, high altitude platform station (HAPS) communication, and unmanned aerial vehicles, for example: integrated communication and navigation (ICAN) systems, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and ultra-dense low-Earth orbit satellite communication systems.

[0114] Optionally, the satellite communication system can be integrated with a traditional mobile communication system. For example, the mobile communication system can be a 4th generation (4G) communication system (such as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system), a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, a 5G communication system (such as the new radio (NR) system), or a future mobile communication system.

[0115] For example, an NTN system may include at least one network device and at least one terminal device. The network device can provide communication, navigation, and positioning services to the terminal devices within its coverage area through multiple beams.

[0116] Optionally, the terminal device mentioned in the embodiments of this application may include various handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem with wireless communication functions. The terminal device may be user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. Terminal devices can also be satellite phones, cellular phones, smartphones, wireless data cards, wireless modems, machine-type communication devices, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices or wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, terminal devices in 5G networks or future communication networks, etc.

[0117] Optionally, the network equipment mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be satellite or ground station equipment. Satellites can be low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, non-geostationary earth orbit (NGEO) satellites, etc. Ground station equipment can also be referred to as core network equipment, such as equipment in the core network (CN) of existing mobile communication architectures (e.g., the 3GPP access architecture of 5G networks) or equipment in the core network of future mobile communication architectures. The core network, as the bearer network, provides the interface to the data network, providing user equipment (UE) with communication connections, authentication, management, policy control, and the ability to carry data services. The CN can further include: Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Policy Control Function (PCF), User Plane Function (UPF), and other network elements. Among them, the AMF network element is used to manage the access and mobility of UEs, and is mainly responsible for UE authentication, UE mobility management, UE paging and other functions.

[0118] Optionally, the network equipment may also include, but is not limited to: evolved node B (eNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP), wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP), transmission reception point (TRP), integrated access and backhaul (IAB), or wireless access and backhaul (WAB) in a wireless fidelity (WIFI) system. This network equipment may also be a gNB, TRP, or TP in a 5G system, or one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system. Furthermore, this network equipment may also be a network node constituting a gNB or TP, such as a BBU, or a distributed unit (DU). Alternatively, the network device can also be a device that performs network-side functions in a device-to-device (D2D) communication system, a machine-to-machine (M2M) communication system, an Internet of Things (IoT) communication system, a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication system, or other communication systems.

[0119] Alternatively, based on the operating mode of the payload (such as a beam), communication systems can generally be divided into gaze (earth-fixed or quasi-earth fixed) communication systems and non-gaze (earth-moving) communication systems.

[0120] In a non-staring communication system, the coverage area of ​​the network device's beam moves along with the network device over a period of time; in a staring communication system, the network device dynamically adjusts the beam direction to make the beam approximately cover the same area of ​​the ground over a period of time.

[0121] For example, the following description will use a gaze communication system as an example to illustrate the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0122] Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication system 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the system 100 may include a network device 110 and at least one terminal device (terminal device 120 is shown as an example in Figure 1). The direction of movement of the network device 110 is shown by the arrow in Figure 1.

[0123] As shown in Figure 1, during time period T1, the beam of network device 110 covers TAC1, TAC2, TAC3, TAC4 and TAC5, and terminal device 120 is located within TAC1.

[0124] For example, network device 110 may broadcast SIB1, which includes TAL-net1, which includes TAC1 to TAC5.

[0125] For example, system 100 can be a satellite communication system, the network device in system 100 can be a satellite, and the terminal device can be a mobile station. For example, terminal device 120 can be a mobile station, and network device 110 can be a satellite.

[0126] It should be noted that system 100 only schematically shows network device 110 covering 5 TACs (i.e., TAC1 to TAC5), but the embodiments of this application are not limited to this. Optionally, the network device 111 may cover at least one TAC, and each TAC may include multiple RAN-based notification areas (RNAs).

[0127] It should also be noted that system 100 only schematically shows that TAC 1 includes one terminal device (i.e., terminal device 120), but the embodiments of this application are not limited to this. Optionally, TAC 1 may include multiple (i.e., two or more) terminal devices, or the RNA included in TAC 1 may include multiple terminal devices.

[0128] It should also be noted that only one network device (i.e., network device 110) and one terminal device (i.e., terminal device 120) are schematically shown in system 100, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. Optionally, system 100 may include multiple network devices, and at least one terminal device served by each network device.

[0129] However, as network device 110 moves, TAC4 and TAC5 will move out of the coverage area of ​​network device 110, while TAC6 will enter the coverage area of ​​network device 110.

[0130] Figure 2 shows another schematic block diagram of the communication system 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2, during time period T2, the beam of network device 110 covers TAC6, TAC1, TAC2 and TAC3, and terminal device 120 is located in TAC1.

[0131] For example, network device 110 may broadcast a new SIB1, which includes TAL-net2, which includes TAC6, TAC1, TAC2 and TAC3.

[0132] In the prior art, due to the rapid movement of network device 110, it frequently updates its broadcast SIB1 to inform users of the new TAL_net. For example, during time period T1 as shown in Figure 1, network device 110 can broadcast TAL_net1. As network device 110 moves, during time period T2 (later than T1) as shown in Figure 2, it can broadcast TAL_net2. Correspondingly, terminal device 120 needs to continuously monitor whether SIB1 is updated to obtain the new TAL_net. Therefore, the signaling overhead is large, and the power consumption of the terminal device is also high.

[0133] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and apparatus. The method may include receiving first update indication information, which indicates whether an update to a System Information Block (SIB1) is caused by an update to the Tracking Area (TA) list or the Notification Area (RNA) list of a network device. Based on the first update indication information and reference information, a new SIB1 is monitored. The new SIB1 includes a new TA list or a new RNA list, and the reference information includes time and / or location-related information of the terminal device. In other words, when the terminal device detects the first update indication information, it can determine that the update to SIB1 is caused by an update to the TA list or RNA list of the network device. Further determination is needed to determine whether the reference information of the terminal device meets preset conditions. If it does, then the terminal device needs to monitor the new SIB1 from the network device. Therefore, signaling overhead caused by SIB1 updates can be reduced, and the power consumption of the terminal device can be lowered.

[0134] The communication methods provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below. Among them, the embodiments of this application provide four communication methods, and the first communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be introduced first.

[0135] Figure 3 shows a schematic flowchart of a communication method 200 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, the method 200 can be used in the system 100 described above, and the method 200 may include the following steps S201 to S202.

[0136] S201. The network device sends a first update indication message, which indicates whether the update of SIB1 is caused by an update of the network device's TA list or RNA list. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the first update indication message.

[0137] In one possible implementation, the method 200 can be applied to the system 100 described above, the network device can be network device 110 in the system 100, and the terminal device can be terminal device 120 in the system 100.

[0138] For example, the network device can be a satellite, and the terminal device can be a mobile phone.

[0139] Optionally, the network device may send the first update indication information in a variety of ways, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0140] In one possible implementation, the network device may broadcast the first update indication information.

[0141] In another possible implementation, the network device may send the first update instruction information to a group of terminal devices, which includes the terminal devices.

[0142] In another possible implementation, the network device may send the first update instruction information to the terminal device.

[0143] Optionally, the network device may send the first update instruction information through various means, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0144] In one possible implementation, the network device can send a short message that includes the first update indication information. That is, the first update indication information can be carried within the short message.

[0145] In other words, the network device can reuse the target field in an existing short message to send the first update indication information.

[0146] For example, the reserved field can be any one or more bits (fields) in the 5th to 8th bits (fields) of the short message.

[0147] In another possible implementation, the network device can send downlink control information (DCI), which includes the first update indication information. That is, the first update indication information can be carried in the DCI.

[0148] In other words, the network device can send the first update indication information using the newly designed DCI format.

[0149] Optionally, the first update indication information may include at least one bit indicating whether the update of SIB1 is caused by an update of the TA list or the RNA list.

[0150] For example, the first update indication information may include one bit. If the value of this one bit is "1", it indicates that the update of SIB1 is caused by the update of the TA list or the RNA list; if the value of this one bit is "0", it indicates that the update of SIB1 is not caused by the update of the TA list or the RNA list.

[0151] For example, taking the first update indication information as including 2 bits, if the value of these 2 bits is "01", it means that the update of SIB1 is caused by the update of the TA list; if the value of these 2 bits is "10", it means that the update of SIB1 is caused by the update of the RNA list; if the region of these 2 bits is "00", it means that the update of SIB1 is not caused by the update of the TA list or the RNA list.

[0152] Optionally, the new TA list or the new RNA list may be determined based on ephemeris information used to indicate at least one of the network device’s speed of movement or location.

[0153] S202. The network device sends a new SIB1, which includes a new TA list or a new RNA list. Accordingly, the terminal device monitors the new SIB1 based on the first update indication information and reference information, which includes the new TA list or the new RNA list, and the reference information includes relevant information about the terminal device's time and / or location.

[0154] Optionally, the terminal device can monitor the new SIB1 in various ways based on the first update indication information and reference information, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0155] In one possible implementation, if the update of SIB1 is caused by the update of the TA list or RNA list of the network device, and the distance between the location of the terminal device and the cell reference location (such as the center point) is greater than or equal to a distance threshold, that is, the terminal device is located near the cell edge, then a new SIB1 is monitored; conversely, if the update of SIB1 is caused by the update of the TA list or RNA list of the network device, but the distance between the location of the terminal device and the cell reference location is less than the distance threshold, that is, the terminal device is located near the cell center point, then there is no need to monitor a new SIB1.

[0156] In another possible implementation, if the update of SIB1 is caused by the update of the TA list or RNA list of the network device, and the location of the terminal device is outside the preset area set, that is, the range of the terminal device's movement is large, then a new SIB1 is monitored; conversely, if the update of SIB1 is caused by the update of the TA list or RNA list of the network device, but the location of the terminal device is within the preset area set, that is, the range of the terminal device's movement is small, then there is no need to monitor a new SIB1.

[0157] In another possible implementation, if the update of SIB1 is caused by an update of the TA list or RNA list of the network device, and the difference between the clock of the terminal device and the cell service stop time broadcast by the network device is less than or equal to a time threshold, then a new SIB1 is monitored; conversely, if the update of SIB1 is caused by an update of the TA list or RNA list of the network device, but the difference between the clock of the terminal device and the cell service stop time broadcast by the network device is greater than the time threshold, then there is no need to monitor a new SIB1.

[0158] Optionally, the location of the aforementioned terminal device can be a geographical location.

[0159] Optionally, the aforementioned region can be a geographic location region, such as a wave position; or it can be a TA (Transient Aspect).

[0160] Optionally, prior to S202, the method 200 may further include: the network device sending second update indication information, the second update indication information being used to indicate that the SIB1 has been updated. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the second update indication information.

[0161] Accordingly, S202 may include: the terminal device monitoring the new SIB1 based on the first update indication information, the reference information and the second update indication information.

[0162] Using the communication method provided in this application, when a terminal device detects the second update indication information and the first update indication information, it can determine that SIB1 has been updated, and that the update of SIB1 is caused by the update of the TA list or RNA list of the network device. At this point, it is necessary to further determine whether the reference information of the terminal device meets preset conditions. If it does, the terminal device needs to monitor the new SIB1 from the network device; otherwise, it does not need to monitor the new SIB1. Therefore, the signaling overhead caused by the update of SIB1 can be reduced, and the power consumption of the terminal device can be lowered.

[0163] The second communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be introduced below.

[0164] Figure 4 shows a schematic flowchart of a communication method 300 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the method 300 can be used in the system 100 described above, and the method 300 may include the following steps S301 to S302.

[0165] S301. The network device sends capability indication information, which indicates whether the network device supports updating the TA list or RNA list via SIB1. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the capability indication information from the network device.

[0166] In one possible implementation, the method 300 can be applied to the system 100 described above, the network device can be network device 110 in the system 100, and the terminal device can be terminal device 120 in the system 100.

[0167] For example, the network device can be a satellite, and the terminal device can be a mobile phone.

[0168] Optionally, the network device may send capability indication information in a variety of ways, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0169] In one possible implementation, the network device may broadcast the capability indication information.

[0170] In another possible implementation, the network device may send the capability indication information to a group of terminal devices, which includes the terminal devices.

[0171] In another possible implementation, the network device can send the capability indication information to the terminal device.

[0172] Optionally, the new TA list or the new RNA list may be determined based on ephemeris information used to indicate at least one of the network device’s speed of movement or location.

[0173] Optionally, the capability indication information may include at least one bit indicating whether the network device supports updating the TA list or RNA list via SIB1.

[0174] For example, the capability indication information may include one bit. If the value of this one bit is "1", it indicates that the network device supports updating the TA list or RNA list via SIB1; if the value of this one bit is "0", it indicates that the network device does not support updating the TA list or RNA list via SIB1.

[0175] S302. The network device sends a new target SIB, which includes a new TA list or a new RNA list, and this target SIB is different from SIB1. Accordingly, the terminal device monitors the new target SIB based on the capability indication information.

[0176] For example, if the network device does not support updating the TA list or RNA list via SIB1, the terminal device monitors the new target SIB.

[0177] Optionally, the target SIB can be pre-agreed; or the target SIB can be indicated by the capability indication information.

[0178] For example, the target SIB can be SIB19 or SIB31.

[0179] Optionally, the capability indication information is also used to indicate whether the network device supports updating the TA list or the RNA list without updating.

[0180] Accordingly, the terminal device can monitor the new target SIB in a variety of ways based on the capability indication information, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0181] In one possible implementation, S302 may include: the terminal device monitoring new target SIBs based on the capability indication information and reference information, the reference information including information related to the location and / or time of the terminal device.

[0182] For example, if the network device supports updating the TA list or the RNA list without updating, and the distance between the location of the terminal device and the cell reference location is greater than or equal to a distance threshold, then a new target SIB is monitored; conversely, if the network device supports updating the TA list or the RNA list without updating, but the distance between the location of the terminal device and the cell reference location is less than the distance threshold, that is, the terminal device is located near the cell center point, then there is no need to monitor a new target SIB.

[0183] For example, if the network device supports updating the TA list or the RNA list without updating, and the location of the terminal device is outside the preset area set, then a new target SIB is monitored; conversely, if the network device supports updating the TA list or the RNA list without updating, but the location of the terminal device is within the preset area set, that is, the range of movement of the terminal device is small, then there is no need to monitor a new target SIB.

[0184] For example, if the network device supports updating the TA list or the RNA list without updating, and the difference between the clock of the terminal device and the cell service stop time broadcast by the network device is less than or equal to a time threshold, then a new target SIB is monitored; conversely, if the network device supports updating the TA list or the RNA list without updating, but the difference between the clock of the terminal device and the cell service stop time broadcast by the network device is greater than the time threshold, then there is no need to monitor a new target SIB.

[0185] In another possible implementation, S302 may include: the terminal device monitoring the new target SIB based on the capability indication information and the update-free region information, wherein the update-free region information is used to indicate the target region for which the TA list or the RNA list is not updated.

[0186] For example, if the network device supports updating the TA list or the RNA list without updating, and the terminal device is located outside the target area, then the terminal device needs to monitor new target SIBs; conversely, if the network device supports updating the TA list or the RNA list without updating, but the terminal device is located within the target area, then the terminal device does not need to monitor new target SIBs.

[0187] Optionally, the location of the aforementioned terminal device can be a geographical location.

[0188] Optionally, the aforementioned region can be a geographic location region, such as a wave position; or it can be a TA (Transient Aspect).

[0189] Optionally, the terminal device can obtain the update-free area information in various ways, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0190] In one possible implementation, since the updates to the TA list or RNA list are decoupled from the updates to SIB1, the SIB1 can include the update-free region information. In other words, the update-free region information can be carried within the SIB1.

[0191] In another possible implementation, prior to S302, method 300 may further include: the terminal device sending location information to the network device, the location information indicating the location of the terminal device; and the network device sending the update-free area information to the terminal device based on the location information. That is, the update-free area information can be indicated by the network based on the location of the terminal device.

[0192] By using the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, the update of the TA list or RNA list is decoupled from the update of SIB1, and the existing target SIB update TA list or RNA list that needs to be updated for other reasons is reused. This can reduce the frequency of monitoring SIB1 updates, thereby reducing signaling overhead and reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0193] The third communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be introduced below.

[0194] Figure 5 shows a schematic flowchart of a communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5, the method 400 can be used in the system 100 described above, and the method 400 may include the following steps S401 to S403.

[0195] S401. The network device sends network coverage area information and a mapping relationship, wherein the network coverage area information indicates at least one area covered by the network device, and the mapping relationship indicates a first set of areas corresponding to a Tracking Area (TA) list and a second set of areas corresponding to a Notification Area (RNA) list based on the Radio Access Network (RAN), wherein the number of areas included in the first set is greater than or equal to the number of areas included in the second set. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the network coverage area information and the mapping relationship from the network device.

[0196] In one possible implementation, the method 400 can be applied to the system 100 described above, the network device can be network device 110 in the system 100, and the terminal device can be terminal device 120 in the system 100.

[0197] For example, the network device can be a satellite, and the terminal device can be a mobile phone.

[0198] Optionally, the network device may send network coverage area information and mapping relationships in various ways, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0199] In one possible implementation, the network device can broadcast the network coverage area information and the mapping relationship.

[0200] In another possible implementation, the network device may send the network coverage area information and the mapping relationship to a group of terminal devices, which includes the terminal devices.

[0201] In another possible implementation, the network device can send the network coverage area information and the mapping relationship to the terminal device.

[0202] Optionally, the network device may send the network coverage area information and the mapping relationship at once; or, the network device may send the network coverage area information and the mapping relationship separately, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0203] Optionally, the new TA list or RNA list may be determined based on ephemeris information used to indicate at least one of the network device’s speed of movement or location.

[0204] Optionally, the network coverage area information can be implemented based on a Fibonacci grid.

[0205] Optionally, the location of the aforementioned terminal device can be a geographical location.

[0206] Optionally, the aforementioned region can be a geographic location region, such as a wave position; or it can be a TA (Transient Aspect).

[0207] S402. Based on the network coverage area information and the mapping relationship, the terminal device sends an update request to the network device. This update request requests an update to the region set corresponding to the TA list or the region set corresponding to the RNA list. Accordingly, the network device receives the update request from the terminal device.

[0208] In one possible implementation, if none of the at least one region belongs to the first region set, the update request is used to request an update to the region set corresponding to the TA list; or, if none of the at least one region belongs to the second region set, the update request is used to request an update to the region set corresponding to the RNA list.

[0209] For example, if the at least one region includes region 1, region 2 and region 3, the first region set includes region 1, region 2, region 4, region 5, region 6 and region 7, and the second region set includes region 4 and region 6, then the update request is used to request an update of the region set corresponding to the RNA list, that is, to update the first region set.

[0210] For example, if the at least one region includes region 1, region 2 and region 3, the first region set includes region 6, region 7, region 8 and region 9, and the second region set includes region 1 and region 7, then the update request is used to request an update of the region set corresponding to the TA list, that is, to update the second region set.

[0211] S403. Based on the update request, the network device sends the region set corresponding to the new TA list or the region set corresponding to the new RNA list. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the new TA list or the new RNA list from the network device.

[0212] Optionally, prior to S403, the method 400 may further include: the terminal device sending Radio Resource Control (RRC) status information to the network device, the RRC status information indicating the RRC status of the terminal device, the RRC status including a deactivated state or an idle state; correspondingly, S403 may include: the network device sending the new TA list or the new RNA list based on the update request and the RRC status information.

[0213] In one possible implementation, if the update request is used to request an update to the region set corresponding to the TA list, and the RRC state of the terminal device is in an inactive state, then the network device sends a new region set corresponding to the TA list; or, if the update request is used to request an update to the region set corresponding to the RNA list, and the RRC state of the terminal device is in an idle state, then the network device sends a new region set corresponding to the RNA list.

[0214] Optionally, the network device may send the region set corresponding to the new TA list or the region set corresponding to the new RNA list in various ways, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0215] In one possible implementation, the network device can send a new SIB1, which includes the region set corresponding to the new TA list or the region set corresponding to the new RNA list.

[0216] In another possible implementation, the network device may send a new target SIB, which includes the set of regions corresponding to the new TA list or the set of regions corresponding to the new RNA list, and this target SIB is different from SIB1.

[0217] Using the communication method provided in this application embodiment, since the network device has a large coverage area, the function of distinguishing between TA and RNA is not obvious. Therefore, the TA list and RNA list can be mapped to the region set through the mapping relationship, and the region sets corresponding to the TA list and RNA list are different. This can reduce the signaling overhead caused by the frequent updates of the TA list and RNA list due to the separate design of TA and RNA, and reduce the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0218] The fourth communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be introduced below.

[0219] Figure 6 shows a schematic flowchart of a communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, the method 500 can be used in the system 100 described above, and the method 500 may include the following steps S501 to S502.

[0220] S501. The network device sends a paging early indication (PEI) message, which indicates a change in the TA list or RNA list within a target area, including the area where the terminal device is located. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the PEI message from the network device.

[0221] In one possible implementation, the method 500 can be applied to the system 100 described above, the network device can be network device 110 in the system 100, and the terminal device can be terminal device 120 in the system 100.

[0222] For example, the network device can be a satellite, and the terminal device can be a mobile phone.

[0223] Optionally, the target area may include one or more areas.

[0224] Optionally, the aforementioned region can be a geographic location region, such as a wave position; or it can be a TA (Transient Aspect).

[0225] Optionally, the PEI information may include at least one bit that indicates a change in the TA list or RNA list within the target region.

[0226] For example, if the total number of areas covered by the network device is 5, and the PEI information includes 5 bits, each of which corresponds to one of the 5 areas covered by the network device, then if the value of these 5 bits is "00011", it means that the 4th and 5th areas covered by the network device are the target areas; if the value of these 5 bits is "01010", it means that the 2nd and 4th areas covered by the network device are the target areas.

[0227] Optionally, the PEI information may also include wake-up information, which is used to instruct at least one terminal device in the target area to perform cell measurement.

[0228] Accordingly, the method 500 may include: the terminal device performing cell measurement based on the PEI information.

[0229] Optionally, the network device may send the PEI information in a variety of ways, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0230] In one possible implementation, the network device can broadcast the PEI information.

[0231] In another possible implementation, the network device may send the PEI information to a group of terminal devices, which includes the terminal devices.

[0232] In another possible implementation, the network device can send the PEI information to the terminal device.

[0233] S502. Based on the PEI information, the network device transmits a PEI on the target time-frequency resource, the PEI including a new TA list or a new RNA list. Accordingly, the terminal device monitors the PEI on the target time-frequency resource based on the PEI information.

[0234] Optionally, the target time-frequency resource may include the target paging occasion (PO) and the target paging frame (PF).

[0235] For example, the target time-frequency resource may include the next PO or multiple consecutive POs of the current PO.

[0236] Optionally, prior to S502, the method 500 may further include: the network device sending network coverage area information, the network coverage area information being used to indicate at least one area covered by the network device, the at least one area including the target area.

[0237] For example, the network coverage area information may include the number of the at least one area in ascending order and / or the number of the at least one area.

[0238] Accordingly, S502 may include: the terminal device monitoring the PEI from the network device on the target time-frequency resource based on the network coverage area information, the PEI information and the terminal area information, wherein the terminal area information is used to indicate the area where the terminal device is located.

[0239] For example, the terminal area information may include the number of the area where the terminal device is located.

[0240] In one possible implementation, the terminal device can determine the region number information of the terminal device based on network coverage area information and the terminal region information. The region number information is used to indicate the region number of the terminal device in the at least one region. Based on the region number information and the PEI information, the PEI from the network device is monitored on the target time-frequency resource.

[0241] For example, if the at least one area covered by the network device is numbered in ascending order as: area 1, area 3, area 4, area 5 and area 6, and the area where the terminal device is located is numbered as area 5, the terminal device can determine that the area where the terminal device is located is the 4th in the at least one area.

[0242] For example, if the terminal device can determine that the region where the terminal device is located is the 4th in the at least one region and the PEI information is "00011", the terminal device can determine that the value of the fourth bit in "00011" is "1", that is, the TA list or RNA list in the region where the terminal device is located has changed. Therefore, it is necessary to wake up and monitor the paging message from the next PO after the current PO.

[0243] Using the communication method provided in this application, PEI information is associated with a region. The terminal device only needs to wake up and monitor the PEI from the network device starting from the next PO if the PEI indicates a change in the TA list or RNA list within the associated region. Therefore, signaling overhead can be reduced, and the power consumption of the terminal device can be lowered.

[0244] The communication method provided by the embodiments of this application has been described above with reference to Figures 3 to 6. The communication device provided by the embodiments of this application will be further described below.

[0245] Figure 7 provides a schematic block diagram of a communication device 600 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8, the device 600 may include a receiving unit 601.

[0246] Optionally, the device 600 may also include a transmitting unit 602.

[0247] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit 601 is configured to receive first update indication information, which indicates whether the update of the system information block SIB1 is caused by an update of the tracking area (TA) list of the network device or the notification area (RNA) list based on the radio access network; based on the first update indication information and reference information, a new SIB1 is monitored, which includes a new TA list or a new RNA list, and the reference information includes relevant information about the time and / or location of the terminal device.

[0248] In another possible implementation, the receiving unit 601 is used to receive capability indication information, which indicates whether the network device supports updating the Tracking Area (TA) list or the Notification Area (RNA) list based on the Radio Access Network (RAN) through System Information Block (SIB1); based on the capability indication information, it monitors for new target SIBs, which include new TA lists or new RNA lists, and these target SIBs are different from SIB1.

[0249] Optionally, the sending unit 602 is used to send location information to the network device, the location information being used to indicate the location of the terminal device; the receiving unit 601 is also used to receive the update-free area information from the network device.

[0250] In another possible implementation, the receiving unit 601 is configured to receive network coverage area information and a mapping relationship. The network coverage area information indicates at least one area covered by the network device, and the mapping relationship indicates a first set of areas corresponding to the Tracking Area (TA) list and a second set of areas corresponding to the Notification Area (RNA) list based on the Radio Access Network. The number of areas included in the first set of areas is greater than or equal to the number of areas included in the second set of areas. The sending unit 602 is configured to send an update request to the network device based on the network coverage area information and the mapping relationship. The update request requests an update to the set of areas corresponding to the TA list or the set of areas corresponding to the RNA list. The receiving unit 601 is further configured to monitor, based on the update request, the set of areas corresponding to a new TA list or a new set of areas corresponding to a new RNA list from the network device.

[0251] In another possible implementation, the receiving unit 601 is configured to receive Paging Early Indication (PEI) information, which indicates a change in the Tracking Area (TA) list or the Notification Area (RNA) list based on the Radio Access Network (RAN) within a target area, the target area including the area where the terminal device is located; and based on the PEI information, monitor the PEI on the target time-frequency resources, the PEI including the new TA list or the new RNA list.

[0252] Optionally, the device 600 can be used in the system 100 described above. Further, the device 600 can be used in the terminal device 120 in the system 100, such as a virtual device formed by software executed by the processor or controller on the terminal device 120.

[0253] It should be noted that the information interaction and execution process between the above-mentioned devices are based on the same concept as the embodiments of methods 200, 300, 400, or 500 of this application. Their specific functions and technical effects can be found in the method embodiment section, and will not be repeated here. In an optional example, the device 600 may specifically be the terminal device in the embodiments of methods 200, 300, 400, or 500 above. The device 600 can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device in the embodiments of methods 200, 300, 400, or 500 above. To avoid repetition, these will not be described again here.

[0254] One or more of the modules in the embodiments shown in Figure 7 can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. The software or firmware includes, but is not limited to, computer program instructions or code, and can be executed by a hardware processor. The hardware includes, but is not limited to, various integrated circuits, such as central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0255] Figure 8 provides a schematic block diagram of a communication device 700 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8, the device 700 may include a processor 701 and a communication interface 702, wherein the processor 701 and the communication interface 702 are coupled.

[0256] In an optional example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 700 can be a terminal device in the embodiments of method 200, method 300, method 400, or method 500 described above, and the device 700 can be the physical hardware structure of the terminal device. The device 700 can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device in the embodiments of method 200, method 300, method 400, or method 500 described above, and will not be repeated here to avoid repetition.

[0257] The processor 701 in this embodiment may include one or more processing units. Optionally, the processing unit may include, but is not limited to, a CPU, a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or any conventional processor.

[0258] For example, the processor 701 is used to receive first update indication information through the communication interface 702. The first update indication information is used to indicate whether the update of the system information block SIB1 is caused by the update of the tracking area (TA) list of the network device or the notification area (RNA) list based on the radio access network. Based on the first update indication information and reference information, the processor monitors new SIB1, which includes a new TA list or a new RNA list. The reference information includes relevant information about the time and / or location of the terminal device.

[0259] For example, the processor 701 is used to receive capability indication information through the communication interface 702. The capability indication information is used to indicate whether the network device supports updating the tracking area TA list or the notification area RNA list based on the radio access network through system information block SIB1. Based on the capability indication information, the processor monitors new target SIBs, which include new TA lists or new RNA lists. These target SIBs are different from SIB1.

[0260] For example, the processor 701 is used to receive network coverage area information and mapping relationship through the communication interface 702. The network coverage area information is used to indicate at least one area covered by the network device, and the mapping relationship is used to indicate a first set of areas corresponding to the Tracking Area (TA) list and a second set of areas corresponding to the Notification Area (RNA) list based on the Radio Access Network. The number of areas included in the first set of areas is greater than or equal to the number of areas included in the second set of areas. Based on the network coverage area information and the mapping relationship, the processor 701 sends an update request to the network device. The update request is used to request an update to the set of areas corresponding to the TA list or the set of areas corresponding to the RNA list. Based on the update request, the processor monitors the new set of areas corresponding to the TA list or the new set of areas corresponding to the RNA list from the network device.

[0261] For example, the processor 701 is used to receive Paging Early Indication (PEI) information through the communication interface 702. The PEI information is used to indicate that the Tracking Area (TA) list or the Notification Area (RNA) list based on the radio access network has changed within the target area, which includes the area where the terminal device is located. Based on the PEI information, the processor monitors the PEI on the target time-frequency resources, which includes the new TA list or the new RNA list.

[0262] Optionally, the device 700 may also include a memory 703.

[0263] The memory 703 may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or both. The non-volatile memory may 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 may 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).

[0264] Specifically, memory 703 is used to store program code and instructions of device 700. Optionally, memory 703 is also used to store data obtained by processor 701 during the execution of the above-described methods 200, 300, 400 or 500, such as first update indication information, capability indication information, network coverage area information and mapping relationship, and paging early indication (PEI) information.

[0265] Alternatively, the memory 703 may be a separate device or integrated into the processor 701.

[0266] It should be noted that Figure 8 only shows a simplified design of the device 700. In practical applications, the device 700 may also include other necessary components, including but not limited to any number of communication interfaces, processors, selectors, memories, etc., and all devices 700 that can implement this application are within the protection scope of this application.

[0267] In one possible design, the device 700 can be a chip. Optionally, the chip may further include one or more memories for storing computer-executable instructions. When the chip device is running, the processor can execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the memories to cause the chip to perform the steps executed by the terminal device in the embodiments of method 200, method 300, method 400, or method 500 described above.

[0268] Optionally, the chip device can be a field-programmable gate array, a dedicated integrated circuit, a system-on-a-chip, a central processing unit, a network processor, a digital signal processing circuit, a microcontroller, or a programmable controller or other integrated chip to implement the relevant functions.

[0269] Figure 9 provides a schematic block diagram of a communication device 800 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 9, the device 800 may include a transmitting unit 801.

[0270] Optionally, the device 800 may also include a receiving unit 802.

[0271] In one possible implementation, the sending unit 801 is used to send a first update indication information, which indicates whether the update of the system information block SIB1 is caused by an update of the tracking area (TA) list of the network device or the notification area (RNA) list based on the radio access network; and to send a new SIB1, which includes a new TA list or a new RNA list.

[0272] In another possible implementation, the transmitting unit 801 is used to transmit capability indication information, which indicates whether the network device supports updating the Tracking Area (TA) list or the Notification Area (RNA) list based on the Radio Access Network (RAN) through System Information Block (SIB1); and to transmit a new target SIB, which includes a new TA list or a new RNA list, and this target SIB is different from SIB1.

[0273] In another possible implementation, the sending unit 801 is used to send network coverage area information and a mapping relationship. The network coverage area information is used to indicate at least one area covered by the network device, and the mapping relationship is used to indicate a first set of areas corresponding to the Tracking Area (TA) list and a second set of areas corresponding to the Notification Area (RNA) list based on the Radio Access Network. The number of areas included in the first set of areas is greater than or equal to the number of areas included in the second set of areas. The receiving unit 802 is used to receive an update request from the terminal device. The update request is used to request an update to the set of areas corresponding to the TA list or the set of areas corresponding to the RNA list. The sending unit 801 is also used to send a new set of areas corresponding to the TA list or a new set of areas corresponding to the RNA list based on the update request.

[0274] In another possible implementation, the transmitting unit 801 is configured to transmit Early Paging Indication (PEI) information, which indicates a change in the Tracking Area (TA) list or the Notification Area (RNA) list based on the radio access network within a target area, the target area including the area where the terminal device is located; based on the PEI information, a PEI is transmitted on the target time-frequency resources, the PEI including the new TA list or the new RNA list.

[0275] Optionally, the device 800 can be used in the system 100 described above. Further, the device 800 can be used in the network device 110 in the system 100, such as a virtual device formed by software executed by a processor or controller on the network device 110.

[0276] It should be noted that the information interaction and execution process between the above-mentioned devices are based on the same concept as the embodiments of methods 200, 300, 400, or 500 of this application. Their specific functions and technical effects can be found in the method embodiment section, and will not be repeated here. In an optional example, the device 800 may specifically be a network device in the embodiments of methods 200, 300, 400, or 500 above. The device 800 can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the network device in the embodiments of methods 200, 300, 400, or 500 above. To avoid repetition, these will not be described again here.

[0277] One or more of the modules in the embodiments shown in Figure 9 can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. The software or firmware includes, but is not limited to, computer program instructions or code, and can be executed by a hardware processor. The hardware includes, but is not limited to, various integrated circuits such as CPUs, DSPs, FPGAs, or ASICs.

[0278] Figure 10 provides a schematic block diagram of a communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 10, the device 900 may include a processor 901 and a communication interface 902, wherein the processor 901 and the communication interface 902 are coupled.

[0279] In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 900 may specifically be a network device in the embodiments of method 200, method 300, method 400, or method 500 described above, and the device 900 may be the physical hardware structure of the network device. The device 900 may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the network device in the embodiments of method 200, method 300, method 400, or method 500 described above, and will not be repeated here to avoid repetition.

[0280] The processor 901 in this embodiment may include one or more processing units. Optionally, the processing unit may include, but is not limited to, a CPU, a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or any conventional processor.

[0281] For example, the processor 901 is used to send a first update indication information through the communication interface 902, the first update indication information being used to indicate whether the update of the system information block SIB1 is caused by an update of the tracking area (TA) list of the network device or the notification area (RNA) list based on the radio access network; and to send a new SIB1, the new SIB1 including a new TA list or a new RNA list.

[0282] For example, the processor 901 is used to send capability indication information through the communication interface 902, which indicates whether the network device supports updating the Tracking Area (TA) list or the Notification Area (RNA) list based on the Radio Access Network (RAN) through System Information Block (SIB1); and to send a new target SIB, which includes a new TA list or a new RNA list, and the target SIB is different from the SIB1.

[0283] For example, the processor 901 is used to send network coverage area information and mapping relationship through the communication interface 902. The network coverage area information is used to indicate at least one area covered by the network device, and the mapping relationship is used to indicate a first set of areas corresponding to the Tracking Area (TA) list and a second set of areas corresponding to the Notification Area (RNA) list based on the radio access network. The number of areas included in the first set of areas is greater than or equal to the number of areas included in the second set of areas. The processor 901 receives an update request from the terminal device. The update request is used to request an update of the set of areas corresponding to the TA list or the set of areas corresponding to the RNA list. Based on the update request, the processor 901 sends a new set of areas corresponding to the TA list or a new set of areas corresponding to the RNA list.

[0284] For example, the processor 901 is used to send Paging Early Indication (PEI) information through the communication interface 902. The PEI information is used to indicate that the Tracking Area (TA) list or the Notification Area (RNA) list based on the radio access network has changed within the target area, which includes the area where the terminal device is located. Based on the PEI information, the PEI is sent on the target time-frequency resources. The PEI includes the new TA list or the new RNA list. Optionally, the device 900 may also include a memory 903.

[0285] Memory 903 may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or both. Non-volatile memory may be ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or flash memory. Volatile memory may be RAM, used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, ESDRAM, SLDRAM, and DR RAM.

[0286] Specifically, the memory 903 is used to store the program code and instructions of the device 900. Optionally, the memory 903 is also used to store data obtained by the processor 901 during the execution of the above-described embodiments of method 200, method 300, method 400 or method 500, such as first update indication information, capability indication information, network coverage area information and mapping relationship, and paging early indication (PEI) information.

[0287] Alternatively, the memory 903 can be a separate device or integrated into the processor 901.

[0288] It should be noted that Figure 10 only shows a simplified design of the device 900. In practical applications, the device 900 may also include other necessary components, including but not limited to any number of communication interfaces, processors, selectors, memories, etc., and all devices 900 that can implement this application are within the protection scope of this application.

[0289] In one possible design, the device 900 can be a chip. Optionally, the chip may further include one or more memories for storing computer-executable instructions. When the chip device is running, the processor can execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the memories to cause the chip to perform the steps performed by the communication device as described in methods 200, 300, 400, or 500.

[0290] Optionally, the chip device can be a field-programmable gate array, a dedicated integrated circuit, a system-on-a-chip, a central processing unit, a network processor, a digital signal processing circuit, a microcontroller, or a programmable controller or other integrated chip to implement the relevant functions.

[0291] For example, taking the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application as a RAN chip, the RAN chip may include a CU, a DU, and a RU. The CU is used to perform upper layer (layer 2, L2) and L3 functions; the DU is used to perform L1 and some L2 functions; and the RU is used to perform L1 calculation and RF digital part functions. The midhaul and backhaul interfaces are used to carry traffic between the CU and DU, as well as between the CU and the core network; the fronthaul and backhaul interfaces are used to carry traffic between the RU and DU, as well as between the CU and DU.

[0292] For example, an integrated DU may include the functions of the DU and RU described above.

[0293] Optionally, the CU / DU hardware includes a chassis platform, motherboard, peripherals, and cooling system. The motherboard contains processing units, memory, internal I / O interfaces, and external connection ports. Its hardware accelerator is designed with interfaces, and hardware functional components include: storage for software, hardware, and system debugging interfaces, and a single-board management controller.

[0294] Optionally, the DU system is typically implemented using a multi-core processor and one or more hardware accelerators. Parts of the DU protocol stack can be implemented in software running on the multi-core processor, while computationally intensive L1 and L2 functions can be offloaded to an FPGA / GPU-based hardware accelerator; or all L1 functions can be offloaded to an FPGA / GPU-based hardware accelerator, while other protocol stack components are implemented in software running on the processor; or the entire protocol stack can be implemented in software running on the processor. The hardware accelerator supports interconnection with x86 or non-x86 processors. Similarly, the accelerator has a multi-channel PCIe (peripheral component interconnect express) interface pointing to the CPU and external connections via GbE (gigabit Ethernet) connectivity.

[0295] Optionally, the RU may include three parts: OPU (O-RAN Processing Unit), DPU (O-RU Digital Processing Unit), and O-RU radio frequency (RF) processing unit.

[0296] Optionally, the OPU is used to receive eCPRI frames from the O-RAN fronthaul and perform fronthaul interface, the lowest level L1 (encoding, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding), synchronization, beamforming, and resource unit mapping.

[0297] Alternatively, the OPU can be implemented as a CPU, FPGA, or ASIC.

[0298] Optionally, the DPU is used to perform synchronization, DDC (Digital Down Converter in UL), DUC (Digital Up Converter in DL), CF (Crest Factor Reduction), and digital pre-distortion (DPD) to improve power amplifier efficiency by reducing the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) / adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) of the RF front end.

[0299] Alternatively, the DPU can be implemented as an FPGA or an ASIC.

[0300] Optionally, the RF processing unit of the O-RU includes a transceiver module, up / down converter, power amplifier (PA), low noise amplifier (LNA), and Tx / Rx filter. All conversions between the analog and digital domains (such as DAC and ADC) are performed within the transceiver module.

[0301] Optionally, the physical and logical partitions within the RF processing unit do not require specific boundaries.

[0302] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, implement the method described in the above method embodiments.

[0303] This application also provides a computer program product that, when run on a processor, implements the method described in the above method embodiments.

[0304] The communication device, computer-readable storage medium, computer program product, or chip provided in the embodiments of this application are all used to execute the corresponding methods provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects described in the corresponding methods provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0305] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes 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.

[0306] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0307] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0308] 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.

[0309] The unit described as a separate component may or may not be physically separate. The component shown as a unit may or may not be a physical unit; that is, it may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0310] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0311] If this function is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0312] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive first update indication information, which is used to indicate whether the update of system information block SIB1 is caused by the update of the tracking area (TA) list of the network device or the notification area (RNA) list based on the radio access network. Based on the first update indication information and reference information, a new SIB1 is monitored, wherein the new SIB1 includes a new TA list or a new RNA list, and the reference information includes relevant information about the time and / or location of the terminal device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The monitoring of new SIB1 based on the first update indication information and reference information includes: If the update of SIB1 is caused by an update of the TA list or RNA list of network devices, and the distance between the location of the terminal device and the cell reference location is greater than or equal to a distance threshold, then a new SIB1 is detected; or, If the update of SIB1 is caused by an update of the TA list or RNA list of network devices, and the location of the terminal device is outside a preset area set, then a new SIB1 is detected; or, If the update of SIB1 is caused by an update of the TA list or RNA list of the network device, and the difference between the clock of the terminal device and the cell service stop time broadcast by the network device is less than or equal to a time threshold, then a new SIB1 is detected.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first update instruction information is carried in the short message; or, The first update indication information is carried in the downlink control information.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Before monitoring the new SIB1 based on the first update indication information and reference information, the method further includes: Receive a second update indication message, the second update indication message being used to indicate that SIB1 has been updated; The monitoring of new SIB1 based on the first update indication information and reference information includes: Based on the first update indication information, the second update indication information, and the reference information, the new SIB1 is monitored.

5. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send a first update indication message, which is used to indicate whether the update of the system information block SIB1 is caused by an update of the tracking area (TA) list of the network device or the notification area (RNA) list based on the radio access network. Send a new SIB1, which includes a new TA list or a new RNA list.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Before sending the new SIB1, the method further includes: Send a second update indication message, which is used to indicate that the SIB1 has been updated.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive capability indication information, which is used to indicate whether the network device supports updating the Tracking Area (TA) list or the Notification Area (RNA) list based on the Radio Access Network (RAN) through System Information Block (SIB1). Based on the capability indication information, new target SIBs are monitored, including new TA lists or new RNA lists, and the target SIBs are different from SIB1.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The capability indication information is also used to indicate that the network device supports updating the TA list or the RNA list without updating.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The monitoring of new target SIBs based on the capability indication information includes: Based on the capability indication information and reference information, new target SIBs are monitored, and the reference information includes information related to the location and / or time of the terminal device.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The monitoring of new target SIBs based on the capability indication information includes: Based on the capability indication information and the update-free region information, the new target SIB is monitored, and the update-free region information is used to indicate the target region for which the TA list or the RNA list does not need to be updated.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The SIB1 includes the update-free region information.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Before monitoring the new target SIB based on the capability indication information and the update-free area information, the method further includes: Send location information to the network device, the location information being used to indicate the location of the terminal device; Receive the update-free zone information from the network device.

13. The method according to any one of claims 7-12, characterized in that, The target SIB is predetermined; or the target SIB is indicated by the capability indication information.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send capability indication information, which is used to indicate whether the network device supports updating the Tracking Area (TA) list or the Notification Area (RNA) list based on the Radio Access Network (RAN) through System Information Block (SIB1). Send a new target SIB, which includes a new TA list or a new RNA list, and the target SIB is different from SIB1.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, Before sending the new target SIB, the method further includes: Receive location information from a network device, the location information being used to indicate the location of the terminal device; The update-free region information is sent to the terminal device. The update-free region information is used to indicate the target region for which the TA list or the RNA list does not need to be updated.

16. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive network coverage area information and mapping relationship, wherein the network coverage area information is used to indicate at least one area covered by the network device, and the mapping relationship is used to indicate a first set of areas corresponding to the Tracking Area (TA) list and a second set of areas corresponding to the Notification Area (RNA) list based on the Radio Access Network, wherein the number of areas included in the first set of areas is greater than or equal to the number of areas included in the second set of areas. Based on the network coverage area information and the mapping relationship, an update request is sent to the network device. The update request is used to request an update of the region set corresponding to the TA list or the region set corresponding to the RNA list. Based on the update request, monitor the region set corresponding to the new TA list or the region set corresponding to the new RNA list from the network device.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, If none of the at least one region belongs to the first region set, then the update request is used to request an update of the region set corresponding to the TA list; or, If none of the at least one region belongs to the second region set, then the update request is used to request an update to the region set corresponding to the RNA list.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, Before monitoring the region set corresponding to the new TA list or the region set corresponding to the new RNA list from the network device based on the update request, the method further includes: The network device sends Radio Resource Control (RRC) status information, which is used to indicate the RRC status of the terminal device. The RRC status includes either a deactivated state or an idle state.

19. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send network coverage area information and mapping relationship, wherein the network coverage area information is used to indicate at least one area covered by the network device, and the mapping relationship is used to indicate a first set of areas corresponding to the Tracking Area (TA) list and a second set of areas corresponding to the Notification Area (RNA) list based on the Radio Access Network, wherein the number of areas included in the first set of areas is greater than or equal to the number of areas included in the second set of areas. Receive an update request from a terminal device, the update request being used to request an update of the region set corresponding to the TA list or the region set corresponding to the RNA list; Based on the update request, send the region set corresponding to the new TA list or the region set corresponding to the new RNA list.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, Before sending the new set of regions corresponding to the TA list or the new set of regions corresponding to the RNA list based on the update request, the method further includes: Receive Radio Resource Control (RRC) status information from the terminal device, the RRC status information being used to indicate the RRC status of the terminal device, the RRC status including a deactivated state or an idle state; The step of sending the region set corresponding to the new TA list or the region set corresponding to the new RNA list based on the update request includes: Based on the update request and the RRC status information, send the region set corresponding to the new TA list or the region set corresponding to the new RNA list.

21. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive Early Paging Indication (PEI) information, which indicates that the Tracking Area (TA) list or the Notification Area (RNA) list based on the Radio Access Network (RAN) has changed within the target area, and the target area includes the area where the terminal device is located. Based on the PEI information, PEI is monitored on the target time-frequency resource, wherein the PEI includes a new TA list or a new RNA list.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The PEI information further includes wake-up information, which is used to instruct at least one terminal device in the target area to perform cell measurement. The method further includes: Based on the wake-up information, cell measurements are performed.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, Before monitoring the PEI on the target time-frequency resource based on the PEI information, wherein the PEI includes a new TA list or a new RNA list, the method further includes: Receive network coverage area information from a network device, the network coverage area information being used to indicate at least one area covered by the network device, the at least one area including the target area; The monitoring of PEI on target time-frequency resources based on the PEI information, wherein the PEI includes a new TA list or a new RNA list, includes: Based on the network coverage area information, the PEI information, and the terminal area information, the PEI from the network device is monitored on the target time-frequency resource, and the terminal area information is used to indicate the area where the terminal device is located.

24. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send Paging Early Indication (PEI) information, which is used to indicate that the Tracking Area (TA) list or the Notification Area (RNA) list based on the Radio Access Network (RAN) has changed within the target area, and the target area includes the area where the terminal device is located. Based on the PEI information, a PEI is transmitted on the target time-frequency resource, the PEI including a new TA list or a new RNA list.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The PEI information also includes wake-up information, which is used to instruct at least one terminal device in the target area to perform cell measurement.

26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send network coverage area information, which is used to indicate at least one area covered by the network device, the at least one area including the target area.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a communication interface, the processor and the communication interface being coupled, the processor being used to perform the method of any one of claims 1-26.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Used to store a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-26.

29. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run on a processor, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-26.

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