Signal transmission method and apparatus, and chip, medium and program product

Abstract

Disclosed in the embodiments of the present application are a signal transmission method and apparatus, and a chip, a medium and a program product. In the method, when a terminal device needs to access an NES cell, a first frequency domain position is determined from among at least one candidate frequency domain position, and a first signal (e.g., a UL WUS) is then sent to the NES cell at the first frequency domain position to request the NES cell to send public information, wherein the public information may include an SSB and / or an SIB. In this way, by sending a first signal at a first frequency domain position determined from among at least one candidate frequency domain position, the transmission of the first signal can be realized. In addition, when the at least one candidate frequency domain position includes a plurality of candidate frequency domain positions, the terminal device can have more opportunities to select an appropriate first reference position to send the first signal, which improves the flexibility of a communication process and can, as much as possible, prevent different terminal devices from sending the first signal on the basis of the same selected frequency domain position, thereby minimizing communication interference.

Description

Methods, devices, chips, media, and software products for signal transmission Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, specifically to a method, apparatus, chip, medium, and program product for signal transmission. Background Technology

[0002] To reduce network power consumption, Network Energy Saving (NES) technology is a key research area for current and future communication technologies (such as post-5G or 6G). Based on NES technology, network devices have two cell states: normal state and NES state. Compared to cells in the normal state (referred to as normal cells), cells in the NES state (referred to as NES cells) reduce the transmission of some common information.

[0003] In existing NES technology, if a terminal device needs to access an NSE cell, it can send a wake-up signal to request the NES cell to send public information, thereby performing cell search and cell access based on the public information. However, there is currently no clear technical solution to achieve the above technical requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a method, device, chip, medium, and program product for signal transmission, which can realize the transmission of signals (such as a first signal or a wake-up signal) used to request NES cells to send public information.

[0005] A first aspect of this application provides a signal transmission method applied to a terminal device. The method includes: transmitting a first signal to a Network Energy Saving (NES) cell at a first frequency domain location, the first frequency domain location including one or more frequency domain locations from at least one candidate frequency domain location, the candidate frequency domain location being used to transmit the first signal, the first signal being used to request the NES cell to transmit public information, the public information including a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) and / or a System Information Block (SIB).

[0006] A second aspect of this application provides a signal transmission method applied to a network device. The method includes: detecting a first signal at at least one candidate frequency domain location, the candidate frequency domain location being used to transmit the first signal, the first signal being used to request a Network Energy Saving (NES) cell to send public information, the public information including a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) and / or a System Information Block (SIB), wherein the first signal is carried at a first frequency domain location, the first frequency domain location including one or more frequency domain locations among the at least one candidate frequency domain location.

[0007] A third aspect of this application provides a signal transmission apparatus, including a transceiver unit, the transceiver unit being configured to transmit a first signal to a Network Energy Saving (NES) cell at a first frequency domain location, the first frequency domain location including one or more frequency domain locations from at least one candidate frequency domain location, the candidate frequency domain location being used to transmit the first signal, the first signal being used to request the NES cell to transmit common information, the common information including a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) and / or a System Information Block (SIB).

[0008] A fourth aspect of this application provides a signal transmission apparatus, including a transceiver unit, the transceiver unit being configured to detect a first signal at at least one candidate frequency domain location, the candidate frequency domain location being configured to transmit the first signal, the first signal being configured to request a Network Energy Saving (NES) cell to send public information, the public information including a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) and / or a System Information Block (SIB), wherein the first signal is carried at a first frequency domain location, the first frequency domain location including one or more frequency domain locations among the at least one candidate frequency domain location.

[0009] A fifth aspect of this application provides a signal transmission apparatus, including a processor coupled to a memory, which can be used to execute instructions in the memory to implement the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect described above. Optionally, the apparatus further includes a memory. Optionally, the apparatus further includes a transceiver, with the processor coupled to the transceiver, wherein...

[0010] The transceiver is configured to: under the control of the processor, transmit a first signal to a Network Energy Saving (NES) cell at a first frequency domain location, the first frequency domain location including one or more frequency domain locations from at least one candidate frequency domain location, the candidate frequency domain location being used to transmit the first signal, the first signal being used to request the NES cell to transmit common information, the common information including a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) and / or a System Information Block (SIB).

[0011] A sixth aspect of this application provides a signal transmission apparatus, including a processor coupled to a memory, which can be used to execute instructions in the memory to implement the method in any possible implementation of the second aspect described above. Optionally, the apparatus further includes a memory. Optionally, the apparatus further includes a transceiver, with the processor coupled to the transceiver, wherein...

[0012] The transceiver is configured to: under the control of the processor, detect a first signal at at least one candidate frequency domain location, the candidate frequency domain location being used to transmit the first signal, the first signal being used to request the Network Energy Saving (NES) cell to send public information, the public information including a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) and / or a System Information Block (SIB), wherein the first signal is carried at a first frequency domain location, the first frequency domain location including one or more frequency domain locations from the at least one candidate frequency domain location.

[0013] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a device, causes the device to implement the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above.

[0014] Eighthly, a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, cause a device to implement the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above.

[0015] A ninth aspect provides a chip comprising: an input interface, an output interface, a processor, and a memory, wherein the input interface, the output interface, the processor, and the memory are connected via an internal connection path, and the processor is configured to execute code in the memory, wherein when the code is executed, the processor is configured to execute a method in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above.

[0016] The signal transmission method provided in this application embodiment involves a terminal device determining a first frequency domain location from at least one candidate frequency domain location when it needs to access an NES cell. The terminal device then sends a first signal (such as UL WUS) to the NES cell at the first frequency domain location to request the NES cell to send common information, which may include SSB and / or SIB. Thus, by sending the first signal from the first frequency domain location determined from at least one candidate frequency domain location, the transmission of the first signal can be achieved. Furthermore, when there are multiple candidate frequency domain locations, the terminal device has more opportunities to select a suitable first reference location to send the first signal, improving the flexibility of the communication process. Additionally, it minimizes the possibility of different terminal devices sending the first signal based on the same selected frequency domain location, thereby reducing communication interference. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 used in the embodiments of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic flowchart of the signal transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the process of switching from an NES cell to a normal cell according to an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the relationship between the frequency domain reference position and the candidate frequency domain position provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0021] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the global frequency grid within the frequency band provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0022] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the channel grid within the frequency band provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the synchronization grid in the frequency band provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the frequency domain reference position and the resources used to transmit the first signal provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 9 is another schematic diagram showing the relationship between the frequency domain reference position and the resources used to transmit the first signal provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0026] Figure 10 is another schematic diagram showing the relationship between the frequency domain reference position and the resources used to transmit the first signal provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0027] Figure 11 is another schematic diagram of the frequency domain reference position and candidate frequency domain position provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0028] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a network device detecting a first signal according to an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the duration of the first signal and the detection cycle of the network device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0030] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the duration of the first signal provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 15 is another schematic diagram of the duration of the first signal provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0032] Figure 16 is another schematic diagram of the duration of the first signal provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0033] Figure 17 is another schematic diagram of the duration of the first signal provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0034] Figure 18 is another schematic diagram of the duration of the first signal provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0035] Figure 19 shows a schematic block diagram of a signal transmission apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 20 shows a schematic structural diagram of the signal transmission apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 used in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes a Radio Access Network (RAN) 100, wherein the RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110), and may also include at least one terminal device (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). The RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). The terminal device 120 is wirelessly connected to the RAN node 110. Terminal devices and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. The communication system 1000 may also include a core network 201. The RAN node 110 is connected to the core network 201 via wireless or wired means. The core network equipment in core network 201 and the RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be independent and different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device that integrates the logical functions of the core network equipment and the logical functions of the RAN node. The communication system 1000 may also include the Internet 2020.

[0039] RAN 100 can be an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) system, a 5th Generation (5G) system, a New Radio (NR) system, or a future 6th Generation (6G) system as defined in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). RAN 100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0040] RAN nodes, also known as Radio Access Network devices, RAN entities, or access nodes, are used to help terminal devices access communication systems wirelessly. In one application scenario, an RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a Transmission Reception Point (TRP), a Next Generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a Next Generation NodeB in a 6G mobile communication system, or a base station in a future mobile communication system. Base stations can be macro base stations (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), and can also be relay nodes, donor nodes, small cells, relay stations, or balloon stations, etc.

[0041] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. Terminal devices can also be referred to as terminals, user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminals, etc. They can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, and smart cities. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the terminal devices.

[0042] The technical solutions of this application embodiment relate to Network Energy Saving (NES) technology. Hereinafter, NES technology will be introduced first.

[0043] Network Energy Saving (NES) is crucial for environmental sustainability, reducing environmental impact (greenhouse gas emissions), and saving operating costs. As 5G becomes more widespread across industries and geographic regions, it is handling more advanced services and applications requiring extremely high data rates (such as extended reality XR), leading to denser networks using more antennas, wider bandwidths, and more frequency bands. The environmental impact of 5G needs to be controlled, necessitating the development of new solutions to improve network energy efficiency; NES technology has emerged to address this need.

[0044] NES technologies, categorized by time, frequency, spatial, and power domains, and their impact on traditional UEs and specifications, are discussed. Techniques in the time and frequency domains primarily aim to reduce power consumption in the dynamic portion by attempting to disable more symbols on one or more carriers to achieve base station micro-sleep, or even reduce the static power consumption portion by increasing the intervals between consecutive active transmission / reception events to achieve base station light / deep sleep. Techniques in the spatial and power domains primarily aim to reduce power consumption in TRX links and PAs by attempting to disable more spatial elements and / or reduce transmit power / power spectral density, or improve power amplifier (PA) efficiency.

[0045] 3GPP Release-18 (Rel-18) introduced protocol network power saving technologies for NR network power saving projects. These technologies are mainly used for RRC connection states, user-specific signals and channels, and low-load scenarios. The technologies specified in Rel-18 mainly include the following: cross-band carrier aggregation (CA) and synchronization signal block (SSB) auxiliary carrier (SCell) operation for co-located cells in FR1; enhanced cell DTX / DRX mechanisms for cell discontinuous transmission (DTX) / discontinuous reception aligned with UE DRX in RRC connected state (RRC_CONNECTED); inter-node information exchange in cell DTX / DRX; techniques in the spatial and power domains to achieve effective adaptation of spatial elements and power offset values ​​between PDSCH and Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS); mechanisms to prevent traditional UEs from camping in cells using NES technology in Rel-18; enhanced Conditional Handover (CHO) procedures; inter-node beam activation and enhanced paging for limited areas; core requirements for Radio Resource Management (RRM) or Radio Frequency (RF).

[0046] The aforementioned NES technology aims to improve the energy efficiency of 5G networks, particularly under connected and low-load conditions, by optimizing signal and channel usage, improving cell energy management, and reducing unnecessary energy consumption. Through these measures, operators can reduce operating costs while minimizing their environmental impact.

[0047] In 3GPP Rel-19, NES technology was further improved, mainly including the following:

[0048] 1. For UEs configured with CA, the procedure and signaling method for on-demand activation of the secondary carrier (SCell) SSB operation in connected mode are defined. This mainly includes: defining triggering methods, such as activating the secondary carrier (SCell) SSB operation by sending a wake-up signal (WUS) through the UE's existing uplink signal or uplink channel, activating or deactivating the secondary carrier (SCell) SSB operation through a returned cell open or close indication, or through SCell activation or deactivation signaling; the on-demand SSB can be used for SCell time synchronization and / or frequency synchronization, for L1 and / or L3 measurements, and for SCell activation.

[0049] 2. For UEs in idle or inactive states, the process and signaling methods for receiving SIB1 are implemented on-demand. This mainly includes: triggering methods for uplink wake-up signals using existing signals or channels; and providing configuration information for wake-up signals to the UE through information exchange between base stations.

[0050] 3. Supports adaptation for specified common signal / channel transmission. This mainly includes: adaptation of SSBs in the time domain, such as adaptive period; adaptation of the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) in the time domain; adaptation of PRACH in the spatial domain, such as non-uniform PRACH resources for each SSB, and specifying them when beneficial; and adaptation to limit paging timing in the time domain.

[0051] In NES technology, the embodiments of this application mainly relate to the cell access process of a terminal device, and particularly to the cell search process within the access process. To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the cell search process and the cell search process based on NES technology are described below. It should be noted that the access process includes the cell search process, which is a crucial part of the access process.

[0052] 1. Community search process

[0053] Cell search is a crucial step in a terminal device's process of finding and connecting to a suitable serving cell in the network when it powers on or needs to re-establish a connection. Using NR as an example, this article provides a brief overview of the NR cell search process.

[0054] Step 1: Frequency modulation

[0055] The terminal device first adjusts to a specific frequency based on the synchronization grid of the specified frequency band and attempts to detect the SSB on the grid at that frequency. For example, the SSB may include the Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS), the Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS), the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH), and the Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) of the PBCH.

[0056] Step 2: Detect PSS and SSS

[0057] The terminal device attempts to detect the PSS and SSS in the SSB. The PSS and SSS have fixed positions in the time-frequency resources of an SSB. By detecting the PSS and SSS, the terminal device can obtain the symbol synchronization and frame synchronization of the network device, and at the same time obtain the Physical Cell Identity (PCI) information.

[0058] Step 3, PBCH Decoding

[0059] After successful synchronization between the terminal device and the network device, the terminal device attempts to decode the PBCH using the information provided by the PSS and SSS. The PBCH carries the Master Information Block (MIB), which the terminal device obtains by decoding the PBCH. The MIB contains key parameters needed to decode other system information.

[0060] Step 4: Obtain SIB1 configuration

[0061] The terminal device determines the relevant configuration of the PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) for scheduling SIB1 (System Information Block Type 1) based on the Control Resource Set 0 (CORESET0) and Search Space 0 information in the MIB.

[0062] Step 5: Blindly check downlink control information (DCI)

[0063] In the search space indicated by the MIB, the terminal device blindly decodes the DCI format 1_0, which is the DCI used to schedule system information block 1 (SIB1).

[0064] Step 6: Obtain DCI 1_0

[0065] Once the terminal device detects DCI 1_0, it will use the System Information-Radio Network Temporary Identifier (SI-RNTI) to further verify and obtain the specific content of DCI 1_0.

[0066] Step 7: Probing and Decoding SIB1 Messages on PDSCH

[0067] Based on the information provided by DCI 1_0, the terminal device acquires and decodes the SIB1 messages carried on the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH).

[0068] Step 8: Decode SIB1 and other SIB messages:

[0069] Since SIB1 contains the key parameters needed to decode other System Information Blocks (SIBs), the terminal device will continue to decode other SIB messages to obtain complete network configuration and access information.

[0070] The above steps together constitute the core part of 5G NR cell search during the access process. After successfully completing these steps, the terminal device can access the cell based on the complete network configuration and access information, and then begin normal data transmission and communication.

[0071] 2. Cell search process based on NES technology

[0072] Based on NES technology, network devices (i.e., RAN nodes mentioned above) have two cell states: normal state and NES state. For ease of description, cells in the normal state will be referred to as normal cells, and cells in the NES state will be referred to as NES cells. Compared to normal cells, NES cells reduce the transmission of public information.

[0073] During cell search, for normal cells, network devices send common cell information, such as synchronization signals, broadcast messages, and system messages, for terminal devices to identify the cell and obtain system messages, thereby allowing them to camp on or access the cell. Taking a 5G system as an example, in a normal cell, the network device sends the cell's synchronization signal block. The PBCH in the SSB carries broadcast messages, and the terminal device can obtain the resource information for scheduling the PDCCH of SIB1 based on these broadcast messages, thereby detecting the PDCCH to receive SIB1.

[0074] During cell search, for NES cells, network devices reduce the transmission of public information. This means that while network devices normally transmit (e.g., periodically) a portion of public information (such as SSB), another portion (such as SIB1) can be acquired on demand. Acquiring public information on demand means that only some public information is transmitted based on the needs of the terminal devices; otherwise, this portion is not transmitted, thus achieving energy savings.

[0075] In the NES technology discussed in 3GPPRel-19, during the on-demand acquisition of public information, the terminal device triggers the network device to send SIB1 by sending an uplink (UL) wake-up signal (WUS). Here, the on-demand acquisition of SIB1 can be denoted as on-demandSIB1. However, there is currently no clear technical solution for achieving the above technical requirements.

[0076] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a signal transmission method. When a terminal device needs to access an NES cell, it determines a first frequency domain location from at least one candidate frequency domain location, and then sends a first signal (such as UL WUS) to the NES cell at the first frequency domain location to request the NES cell to send common information, which may include SSB and / or SIB. Thus, by sending the first signal from the first frequency domain location determined from at least one candidate frequency domain location, the transmission of the first signal can be achieved. Furthermore, when there are multiple candidate frequency domain locations, the terminal device has more opportunities to select a suitable first reference location to send the first signal, improving the flexibility of the communication process. Moreover, it can minimize the possibility of different terminal devices sending the first signal based on the same selected frequency domain location, thereby reducing communication interference.

[0077] It should be noted that the cells involved in the embodiments of this application are described from the perspective of resource management, mobility management, or service units by higher layers. The coverage area of ​​network equipment can be divided into one or more cells, and each cell can correspond to one or more frequency points. In other words, each cell can be regarded as an area formed by the coverage area of ​​one or more frequency points.

[0078] The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 2 to 18.

[0079] Figure 2 is a schematic flowchart of the signal transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0080] In method 200, taking a terminal device and a network device as examples, method 200 is described from the perspective of the interaction between the terminal device and the network device. It should be understood that the network device is also the RAN node mentioned above, and the two can be described interchangeably. It should also be understood that the executing entity of method 200 can also be a processor or chip in the terminal device or a processor or chip in the network device; this application embodiment does not impose any limitations.

[0081] In step S210, the terminal device sends a first signal to the NES cell at the first frequency domain location.

[0082] Here, the terminal device transmits the first signal at the first frequency domain position, which can also be described as the terminal device transmitting the first signal through the first frequency domain position.

[0083] The first frequency domain location includes one or more frequency domain locations from at least one candidate frequency domain location. The candidate frequency domain location is used to transmit a first signal. The first signal is used to request the NES cell to send public information, which includes SSB and / or SIB.

[0084] The first signal can be UL WUS as mentioned above, or it can be any other signal; no restrictions are placed here. For example, an existing reference signal or sequence (such as a preamble) can be used to implement the function of requesting the NES cell to send public information. In this case, the first signal can be an existing reference signal or sequence.

[0085] Public information is used for cell access and includes SSB and / or SIB. For example, public information includes SSB; for another example, public information includes SIB; for yet another example, public information includes both SSB and SIB.

[0086] In embodiments where public information includes SSB, it means that SSB is information that needs to be triggered by a first signal to be sent by the network device, that is, SSB is on-demand SSB, denoted as on-demand SSB, while SIB can be information that the network device sends normally (such as periodically).

[0087] In embodiments where public information includes SIBs, it means that an SIB is information that needs to be triggered by a first signal to be sent by a network device. That is, an SIB is an on-demand SIB, denoted as on-demand SIB, while an SSB can be information that the network device sends normally (such as periodically).

[0088] In embodiments where public information includes SSB and SIB, this means that SSB and SIB are information that needs to be triggered by a first signal to be sent by the network device; that is, SSB and SIB are on-demand SSB and on-demand SIB. In this embodiment, since the network device (or NES cell) does not send any information in the public information, the power consumption of the network device is further saved, achieving ultimate network energy saving.

[0089] For an explanation of SSB, please refer to the relevant description above, which will not be repeated here.

[0090] In some embodiments, the SIB may be SIB1. In other embodiments, the SIB may also be other different SIBs such as SIB2, SIB3, SIB4, etc.

[0091] SIB1 primarily includes information regarding whether a terminal device is allowed to camp on a particular cell, such as a list of Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) and cell selection criteria (e.g., minimum camping level). Additionally, SIB1 includes other critical information such as scheduling information for other SIB messages. Through SIB1, terminal devices can perform PLMN selection and cell selection, and obtain other system information required to access the wireless network.

[0092] In implementation, the terminal device performs cell search during cell access, determines (or selects) one or more frequency domain locations from at least one candidate frequency domain location as the first frequency domain location, and then sends the first signal at the first frequency domain location.

[0093] The aforementioned at least one candidate frequency domain location refers to a candidate frequency domain location within at least one frequency band. This at least one frequency band is at least a portion (partial or all) of a frequency band within a frequency band range (such as a frequency band range used for cell search), within which the terminal device performs cell search. It should be understood that different terminal devices may actually perform cell search on the same or different frequency bands, depending on the specific circumstances.

[0094] In the embodiments of this application, the candidate frequency domain position can be represented by frequency (e.g., 1200MHz) or frequency domain unit, without any limitation.

[0095] Frequency domain units can be used as the unit of measurement for resources in the frequency domain, and the length of a frequency domain unit can be arbitrarily set. For example, a frequency domain unit can be any of the following: a carrier, at least one subcarrier, or at least one resource block (RB). An RB is a resource block composed of multiple resource elements (REs). One RB occupies 12 subcarriers in the frequency domain. In LTE, the bandwidth of each subcarrier (or the default subcarrier spacing) is 15kHz, therefore the bandwidth of one RB is 180kHz. Since RBs do not emphasize the concept of the time domain, they can generally be used to represent the unit of measurement in the frequency domain.

[0096] In step S210 above, in some embodiments, during the cell search process, the terminal device sends a first signal to the NES cell at a first frequency domain location. Alternatively, during the initial access process, the terminal device sends a first signal to the NES cell at a first frequency domain location. The initial access process includes the cell search process.

[0097] In scenarios where NES cells can be used as the initial access cell, terminal devices cannot rely on normal cells to obtain the relevant configurations for wake-up resources. Therefore, in the above scenario, the terminal device determines the first frequency domain position from at least one candidate frequency domain position, and then sends a first signal to the NES cell at the first frequency domain position to request the NES cell to send public information. This can effectively support the basic requirements of cell search and the initial access process.

[0098] In step S210 of the above-described terminal device transmitting the first signal, in some embodiments, the terminal device transmits the first signal to the NES cell via PRACH at a first frequency domain location. The first signal is carried on PRACH. PRACH is a specific uplink channel used for terminal device access and synchronization, consisting of a cyclic prefix, a preamble sequence, and a guard interval.

[0099] In step S220, the network device detects the first signal at at least one candidate frequency domain location.

[0100] In some embodiments, in step S230, the network device detects a first signal at a first frequency domain location.

[0101] The network device detects a first signal at at least one candidate frequency domain location, and then performs subsequent steps.

[0102] The network device covers at least one NES cell. Since the network device does not know which NES cell the terminal device requests to send public information, for example, the network device can detect the first signal at candidate frequency domain locations within each NES cell. The aforementioned at least one candidate frequency domain location is a candidate frequency domain location in at least one frequency band, which is the frequency band corresponding to the NES cell.

[0103] Upon detecting the first signal, a network device may choose to send public information or not, depending on the actual situation or the network device's policy.

[0104] In cases where network devices do not send public information upon detecting the first signal, such as when the network device is currently performing cell measurements, the network device may choose not to send public information. Another example is if only a small number of terminal devices need to access the NES cell; the network device considers waking up the NES cell for such a small number of devices wasteful of power, therefore, the network device will not send public information, and the NES cell will remain in energy-saving mode.

[0105] If the network device detects the first signal and sends public information, in step S240, in response to the first signal, the network device sends public information. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the public information.

[0106] Based on the received public information, the terminal device obtains the information necessary for the terminal device to communicate with the NES cell and to work normally. This information includes complete network configuration and access information, thereby accessing the NES cell based on a random access procedure.

[0107] It should be noted that if the first signal successfully wakes up the NES cell to send public information, the NES cell will switch to a normal cell. That is, the cell switches from NES state to normal state, and the terminal device communicates with the normal cell.

[0108] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the process of switching from an NES cell to a normal cell according to an embodiment of this application.

[0109] Referring to Figure 3, the terminal device is located in cell 1, which is an NES cell. The terminal device sends a first signal (such as UL WUS) to cell 1, and the network device sends public information. In this way, cell 1 switches from an NES cell to a normal cell, or in other words, cell 1 switches from an energy-saving state to a normal state. A cell in a normal state after the switch can also be called a cell in a wake-up state.

[0110] In some scenarios, the state of a cell can be defined as NES state and normal state. A cell that reduces the transmission of public information is called an NES cell, while a cell that transmits complete public information is called a normal cell.

[0111] In other scenarios, the cell state can be defined as NES state, half-NES state, and normal state. Among them, a cell that does not send any public information is called a cell in NES state, a cell that sends some public information is called a cell in half-NES state, and a cell that sends complete public information is called a cell in normal state.

[0112] Here, the NES state can also be called the hibernation state, and the semi-NES state can also be called the semi-hibernation state, semi-wake-up state, semi-normal state, or intermediate state.

[0113] It should be understood that the definitions of the various cell states above are merely illustrative, and the specific states should be determined based on the specific behavior of the network device (NES cell) in sending public information. It should also be understood that the definitions of the various cell states above are also merely illustrative, and there may be many more states based on the specific behavior of the network device (NES cell) in sending public information. No limitations are imposed here.

[0114] The signal transmission method provided in this application embodiment involves a terminal device determining a first frequency domain location from at least one candidate frequency domain location when it needs to access an NES cell. The terminal device then sends a first signal (such as UL WUS) to the NES cell at the first frequency domain location to request the NES cell to send common information, which may include SSB and / or SIB. Thus, by sending the first signal from the first frequency domain location determined from at least one candidate frequency domain location, the transmission of the first signal can be achieved. Furthermore, having at least one candidate frequency domain location allows the terminal device more opportunities to select a suitable first reference location to send the first signal, improving the flexibility of the communication process. It also minimizes the possibility of different terminal devices sending the first signal based on the same selected frequency domain location, thereby reducing communication interference.

[0115] In some embodiments, the at least one candidate frequency domain position is or belongs to multiple candidate frequency domain positions, and the multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules.

[0116] In this embodiment of the application, multiple candidate frequency domain positions can be replaced with K candidate frequency domain positions, where K is an integer greater than 1.

[0117] In one example, at least one candidate frequency domain location is multiple candidate frequency domain locations, or in other words, the number of at least one candidate frequency domain locations is multiple.

[0118] In another example, at least one candidate frequency domain location belongs to multiple candidate frequency domain locations, or in other words, multiple candidate frequency domain locations include at least one candidate frequency domain location.

[0119] The aforementioned preset rules are mutually agreed upon and known to both the terminal device and the network device. The multiple candidate frequency domain positions determined by these rules are known to both devices and can be obtained without inter-device interaction. Therefore, both the terminal device and the network device can autonomously determine the first frequency domain position from these mutually known candidate positions, and then transmit the first signal at that first frequency domain position. This eliminates the need for the network device to specify the first signal's position in the frequency domain through relevant configuration information, thus better conserving network device power.

[0120] The related technology proposes that the terminal device can obtain the configuration information of the first signal from a normal cell. Based on this configuration information, the terminal device sends the first signal to the NES cell to request the NES cell to send public information, thereby performing cell search and cell access based on the public information. In other words, in this technology, the terminal device needs to rely on a normal cell to access the NES cell, and the NES cell cannot be used as the initial access cell.

[0121] The initial access process refers to the process by which a terminal device needs to access a cell after powering on. In future communication technologies (such as post-5G or 6G), the NES cell itself can serve as the cell for the terminal device to perform cell search and initial access. In this scenario, the configuration information of the first signal cannot be obtained from a normal cell, making it impossible for the terminal device to deterministically send the first signal to access the NES cell. This affects the transmission of the terminal device's first signal. Thus, the technical solutions proposed by related technologies pose a significant challenge to the cell search and initial access processes of the terminal device.

[0122] In contrast, in this embodiment, the multiple candidate frequency domain positions determined by pre-defined rules are known to both the terminal device and the network device, and can be obtained without inter-device interaction. Therefore, the terminal device and the network device can autonomously determine the first frequency domain position from the multiple candidate frequency domain positions known to both parties to send the first signal, without requiring the network device to indicate the position of the first signal in the frequency domain through the configuration information of the first signal as proposed in related technologies. In this way, while the network device can effectively save energy, it can also meet the needs of the terminal device to use the NES cell as the initial access cell during cell search and initial access. The terminal device can successfully send the first signal based on the first frequency domain position to request the NES cell to send public information, thus providing user-friendly support for the basic needs of cell search and initial access.

[0123] In summary, in the above embodiments, since the multiple candidate frequency domain locations determined by the agreed-upon preset rules are known to both the terminal device and the network device, and can be obtained without inter-device interaction, both the terminal device and the network device can autonomously determine the first frequency domain location based on these mutually known candidate frequency domain locations, and then send the first signal at the first frequency domain location. This eliminates the need for the network device to indicate the position of the first signal in the frequency domain through relevant configuration information, thus better saving network device energy consumption. More importantly, while effectively saving energy, the network device can also successfully send the first signal based on the first frequency domain location to request the NES cell to send public information, meeting the terminal device's requirement to use the NES cell as the initial access cell during cell search and initial access. This effectively supports the basic requirements of cell search and initial access processes.

[0124] In some embodiments, the multiple (i.e., K) candidate frequency domain locations are candidate frequency domain locations within a frequency band range (target frequency band range). The frequency band range can be described alternatively as a frequency range, frequency band range, frequency domain bandwidth, etc. The target frequency band range is the frequency band range used for cell search.

[0125] By way of example and not limitation, the target frequency band range can be the frequency band range provided by the operator or the frequency band range specified in the agreement, and the embodiments of this application do not impose any limitations. In one example, the target frequency band range is at least a portion of the frequency band range provided by the operator. For example, the target frequency band range can be a portion of band n41 in a frequency band. In another example, the target frequency band range is at least a portion of the frequency band range specified in the agreement. For example, the target frequency band range is the frequency band range such as band n1, n2, ..., n41 in a band defined in the agreement.

[0126] In the above embodiments, by limiting multiple candidate frequency domain positions to the target frequency band, the network device can detect the first signal within the limited target frequency band, thereby reducing the detection complexity of the network device. Furthermore, the terminal device can successfully use the candidate frequency domain positions within the target frequency band to obtain the first frequency domain position, thus enabling successful transmission of the first signal.

[0127] By way of example and not limitation, this application provides two preset rules for determining (or defining) multiple (i.e., K) candidate frequency domain positions. The following describes these multiple candidate frequency domain positions using the two preset rules as examples, with different scenarios.

[0128] Case 1

[0129] In Case 1, multiple (i.e., K) candidate frequency domain positions are associated with at least one reference frequency domain position, and the multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on at least one frequency domain reference position.

[0130] Based on this, in some embodiments, the aforementioned multiple (i.e. K) candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, specifically including: multiple candidate frequency domain positions are associated with at least one frequency domain reference position, each frequency domain reference position is associated with at least one candidate frequency domain position, and each candidate frequency domain position is determined based on the associated frequency domain reference position.

[0131] The preset rule can be: multiple candidate frequency domain positions are associated with at least one frequency domain reference position, and each frequency domain reference position is associated with at least one candidate frequency domain position.

[0132] It should be understood that the frequency domain reference location is a frequency domain location known to both network devices and terminal devices. Therefore, the frequency domain reference location can be used as an anchor point to determine the candidate frequency domain location. In this way, the candidate frequency domain location determined by these frequency domain reference locations known to both parties is also known to both parties and no network configuration is required.

[0133] For example, a frequency domain reference location is a frequency domain location that is predefined, reserved, or prepared by the system or protocol. For instance, a frequency domain reference location can be various types of grids defined by the system (such as synchronization grids, channel grids, global frequency grids), as described in the relevant descriptions below.

[0134] As an alternative description of this embodiment, K candidate frequency domain positions (i.e., multiple candidate frequency domain positions) are associated with S frequency domain reference positions (i.e., at least one frequency domain reference position), each frequency domain reference position is associated with at least one candidate frequency domain position, and each candidate frequency domain position is determined based on the associated frequency domain reference position, where S is an integer greater than 1.

[0135] It should be understood that each frequency domain reference position is associated with at least one candidate frequency domain position, meaning that there is a correlation between each frequency domain reference position and each candidate frequency domain position. Each frequency domain reference position can be used to determine or indirectly indicate at least one candidate frequency domain position associated with that frequency domain reference position.

[0136] For each frequency domain reference location, each frequency domain reference location may be associated with one or more candidate frequency domain locations. For each candidate frequency domain location, each candidate frequency domain location is associated with one frequency domain reference location. Therefore, each candidate frequency domain location is determined based on an associated frequency domain reference location. It should be noted that the number of candidate frequency domain locations associated with each frequency domain reference location may be the same or different; no limitation is made here.

[0137] For example, frequency domain reference position 1 is associated with two candidate frequency domain positions (candidate frequency domain position 1 and candidate frequency domain position 2), and each candidate frequency domain position is associated with a reference frequency domain position. Candidate frequency domain position 1 (or candidate frequency domain position 2) is associated with frequency domain reference position 1, and candidate frequency domain position 1 (or candidate frequency domain position 2) is determined based on frequency domain reference position 1.

[0138] For example, frequency domain reference position 1 is associated with two candidate frequency domain positions (candidate frequency domain position 1 and candidate frequency domain position 2), and frequency domain reference position 2 is associated with one candidate frequency domain position (candidate frequency domain position 3). For each candidate frequency domain position, each candidate frequency domain position is associated with one reference frequency domain position. Specifically, candidate frequency domain position 1 is associated with frequency domain reference position 1, candidate frequency domain position 2 is associated with frequency domain reference position 1, and candidate frequency domain position 3 is associated with frequency domain reference position 1. Furthermore, the number of candidate frequency domain positions associated with reference frequency domain position 1 is 2, and the number of candidate frequency domain positions associated with reference frequency domain position 2 is 1.

[0139] For the first frequency domain position of the current transmission of the first signal, it is assumed that the first frequency domain position includes K1 candidate frequency domain positions, and the K1 candidate frequency domain positions are related to S1 frequency domain reference positions, where S1 is greater than or equal to 1, and the S1 frequency domain reference positions are at least one of the aforementioned S frequency domain reference positions.

[0140] In a specific example, the first frequency domain location includes a candidate frequency domain location (i.e., K1 = 1) that is associated with a frequency domain reference location (i.e., S1 = 1).

[0141] In another specific example, the first frequency domain location includes at least two (i.e., K1 is greater than 1) candidate frequency domain locations, which are associated with a frequency domain reference location (i.e., S1 = 1).

[0142] In another specific example, the first frequency domain location includes at least two (i.e., K1 is greater than 1) candidate frequency domain locations, which are associated with at least two (i.e., S1 is greater than 1) frequency domain reference locations.

[0143] In the above embodiments, multiple candidate frequency domain positions are associated with multiple frequency domain reference positions, enabling the terminal device (or network device) to obtain the relevant candidate frequency domain positions based on the frequency domain reference positions, thereby determining the first frequency domain position for transmitting the first signal. Since the frequency domain reference positions are known to both the network device and the terminal device, and the candidate frequency domain positions determined through these frequency domain positions are also known to both, determining the first frequency domain position using candidate frequency domain positions obtained from these reference frequency domain positions known to both the terminal device and the network device is easy to implement and has low design complexity, especially in cases where the network device cannot indicate the configuration information of the first signal during initial access to the NES cell.

[0144] Next, the relationship between multiple (i.e., K) candidate frequency domain locations and at least one (i.e. S) frequency domain reference locations will be explained.

[0145] In some embodiments, each of the at least one (i.e., S) frequency domain reference positions corresponds to at least one frequency domain offset; and each candidate frequency domain position is determined based on an associated frequency domain reference position, including: each candidate frequency domain position is determined based on an associated frequency domain reference position and one of the frequency domain offsets corresponding to the frequency domain reference position, wherein the frequency domain offset is the offset between each candidate frequency domain position and the associated frequency domain reference position.

[0146] In this embodiment, the preset rule may specifically be: each of the at least one (i.e. S) frequency domain reference positions corresponds to at least one frequency domain offset, and the relevant candidate frequency domain position can be obtained based on the frequency domain reference position and one of the at least one frequency domain offsets corresponding to the frequency domain reference position.

[0147] For example, the frequency domain offset is a preset or predefined offset by the system or protocol.

[0148] In this configuration, each frequency domain reference position corresponds to at least one frequency domain offset. For the same frequency domain reference position, at least one candidate frequency domain position corresponds to at least one frequency domain offset; that is, for the same frequency domain reference position, each candidate frequency domain position corresponds to one frequency domain offset. Thus, each candidate frequency domain position can be determined based on a relevant frequency domain reference position and a corresponding frequency domain offset value.

[0149] In other words, the relevant candidate frequency domain position can be indirectly indicated or determined by any frequency domain reference position and the associated frequency domain offset.

[0150] In implementation, a candidate frequency domain position is obtained by offsetting a corresponding frequency domain offset from a frequency domain reference position.

[0151] It should be understood that if a frequency domain reference position corresponds to multiple frequency domain offsets, and the frequency domain offsets for the same frequency domain reference position are different, then the relevant candidate frequency domain positions obtained based on the various frequency domain offsets for the same frequency domain reference position will also be different.

[0152] For example, frequency domain reference position 1 corresponds to two frequency domain offsets (frequency domain offset 1 and frequency domain offset 2). Frequency domain offset 1 and frequency domain offset 2 are different. A candidate frequency domain position can be determined based on frequency domain reference position 1 and frequency domain offset 1, and another candidate frequency domain position can be determined based on frequency domain reference position 1 and frequency domain offset 2.

[0153] In the above embodiments, a frequency domain reference position corresponds to at least one frequency domain offset. The frequency domain offset represents the offset between the frequency domain reference position and a related candidate frequency domain position. Based on this, the related candidate frequency domain position can be determined based on the frequency domain reference position and one of the at least one frequency domain offsets corresponding to the frequency domain reference position. In other words, the related candidate frequency domain position can be indirectly indicated by the frequency domain offset and the frequency domain reference position. Since the frequency domain offset indicator occupies few bits, the device can achieve the purpose of indicating the related candidate frequency domain position with a small amount of content, which can save device storage space very effectively. In particular, combining the frequency domain offset with the existing reference frequency domain position in the system to indirectly indicate the candidate frequency domain position can save device storage space even more effectively.

[0154] In the embodiments of this application, when at least one (i.e. S) frequency domain reference positions include multiple (i.e. S greater than 1) frequency domain reference positions, that is, the number of frequency domain reference positions is multiple, and the frequency domain offsets corresponding to each frequency domain reference position can be the same or not completely the same (completely different, or at least partially the same), no limitation is made here.

[0155] In some embodiments, at least one frequency offset corresponding to each frequency reference position in at least one (i.e., S) frequency domain reference positions is the same.

[0156] In other words, each frequency domain reference position corresponds to the same frequency domain offset. This simplifies the implementation and reduces its complexity.

[0157] For example, at least one frequency domain reference position includes three frequency domain reference positions, each corresponding to a frequency domain offset 1, or each frequency domain reference position corresponds to both frequency domain offset 1 and frequency domain offset 2.

[0158] In other embodiments, at least one (i.e., S) frequency domain reference positions are distributed across multiple frequency bands, and in any two frequency bands of at least some of the frequency bands, at least one frequency domain offset corresponding to each frequency domain reference position in one frequency band is not exactly the same as at least one frequency domain offset corresponding to each frequency domain reference position in another frequency band.

[0159] In other words, in at least some frequency bands of multiple frequency bands distributed at at least one frequency domain reference position, there exist frequency domain offsets corresponding to the frequency domain reference positions in different frequency bands that are not completely identical. Here, "not completely identical" means either completely different or partially identical.

[0160] In embodiments where the frequency offsets corresponding to the frequency domain reference positions in different frequency bands are not entirely the same, for example, the frequency offset corresponding to the frequency domain reference position in the high-frequency band can be greater than the frequency offset corresponding to the frequency domain reference position in the low-frequency band.

[0161] For example, frequency band 1 includes five frequency domain reference positions, each corresponding to a frequency domain offset 1 and a frequency domain offset 2. Frequency band 2 also includes five frequency domain reference positions, each corresponding to a frequency domain reference position 1. Thus, the frequency domain reference positions in frequency band 1 and frequency band 2 correspond to the same frequency domain offset 1. In this case, at least one frequency domain offset corresponding to each frequency domain reference position in frequency band 1 and at least one frequency domain offset corresponding to each frequency domain reference position in frequency band 2 are partially identical.

[0162] For example, frequency band 1 includes five frequency domain reference positions, each corresponding to frequency domain offset 1 and frequency domain offset 2. Frequency band 2 includes five frequency domain reference positions, each corresponding to frequency domain reference position 3 and frequency domain reference position 4. Thus, at least one frequency domain offset corresponding to each frequency domain reference position in frequency band 1 is completely different from at least one frequency domain offset corresponding to each frequency domain reference position in frequency band 2.

[0163] When at least some frequency bands include all frequency bands of multiple frequency bands, it means that the frequency domain offsets corresponding to the frequency domain reference positions in any two different frequency bands within the multiple frequency bands are not exactly the same.

[0164] When at least some frequency bands comprise portions of multiple frequency bands, it means that the frequency domain offsets corresponding to the frequency domain reference positions within different frequency bands in that portion of the frequency band are not entirely the same, while the frequency domain offsets corresponding to the frequency domain reference positions within each frequency band in another portion of the frequency band are the same. For example, the aforementioned at least one frequency domain reference position is distributed across four frequency bands. The frequency domain reference positions in frequency bands 1 and 2 each correspond to frequency domain offsets 1 and 2, the frequency domain reference positions in frequency band 3 each correspond to frequency domain offset 1, and the frequency domain reference positions in frequency band 4 each correspond to frequency domain offset 3.

[0165] In the above embodiments, the frequency domain offsets corresponding to the frequency domain reference positions in different frequency bands are not exactly the same. This is equivalent to configuring different frequency domain offsets for different frequency bands. In this way, the system can flexibly configure different frequency domain offsets in different frequency bands based on actual conditions, thereby improving the flexibility of the solution. For example, the different frequency domain offsets configured in different frequency bands can adapt to different situations, such as different cells and different levels of interference.

[0166] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the frequency domain reference position and the candidate frequency domain position provided in an embodiment of this application. It should be understood that Figure 4 is only an illustrative illustration and does not fully illustrate the frequency domain reference position across the entire frequency band.

[0167] Referring to Figure 4(a), each frequency domain reference position corresponds to a frequency domain offset, namely frequency domain offset 1. By offsetting each frequency domain reference position by frequency domain offset 1, the candidate frequency domain positions can be obtained.

[0168] Referring to Figure 4(b), each frequency domain reference position corresponds to two frequency domain offsets, namely frequency domain offset 1 and frequency domain offset 2. Based on each frequency domain reference position and its corresponding two frequency domain offsets, two candidate frequency domain positions can be obtained. Taking frequency domain reference position 1 as an example, using frequency domain reference position 1 as a reference, offsetting frequency domain reference position 1 by frequency domain offset 1 and frequency domain offset 2 respectively, we can obtain candidate frequency domain position 1a and candidate frequency domain position 1b respectively.

[0169] Referring to Figure 4(c), the frequency offsets corresponding to the reference frequency domain positions in different frequency bands are different, and the frequency offsets corresponding to the reference frequency positions in higher frequency bands are greater than those corresponding to the reference frequency positions in lower frequency bands. For example, frequency reference position 3 is located in frequency band A, while frequency reference positions 1 and 2 are located in frequency band B. It can be seen that the frequency offset 3 corresponds to the frequency reference position in frequency band A (such as frequency reference position 3), while the frequency offsets 1 and 2 correspond to the frequency reference positions in frequency band B. The frequency offsets corresponding to the reference frequency positions in the two frequency bands are completely different. Furthermore, since frequency band A is high-frequency and frequency band B is low-frequency, the frequency offset 3 corresponding to the frequency reference position in frequency band A is greater than the frequency offsets 1 and 2 corresponding to the frequency reference position in frequency band B.

[0170] In the embodiments of this application, the frequency domain offset can be represented in various ways, and no limitation is made in this regard.

[0171] In one example, the frequency domain offset can be represented using at least one frequency domain cell. For instance, if one frequency domain cell is represented by RB, then the frequency domain offset can be represented using N RBs.

[0172] In another example, the frequency domain offset can be represented by the bandwidth. For example, the frequency domain offset is 180 kHz.

[0173] In other examples, the frequency offset can also be represented using at least one grid. For example, the frequency offset can be represented using N synchronization grids, N channel grids, or N global frequency grids. Specific descriptions of each grid can be found in the relevant descriptions below, and will not be repeated here.

[0174] By combining different forms of frequency domain reference position and frequency domain offset, candidate frequency domain positions can be represented by frequency or frequency domain cells. There are no specific limitations on the form of the candidate frequency domain position; it can be handled flexibly based on the actual situation. Furthermore, when the candidate frequency domain position is a specific frequency domain cell, the length of that frequency domain cell can be arbitrary; for example, the length of the frequency domain cell can be one RB or one subcarrier.

[0175] In embodiments where the frequency domain reference position is represented by frequency, in one example, if the frequency domain offset is represented by at least one frequency domain cell, the frequency domain cell where the frequency domain reference position is located can be used as a reference point to offset at least one frequency domain cell. For example, the offset frequency domain cell can be used as a candidate frequency domain position, or the center frequency domain of the offset frequency cell can be used as a candidate frequency domain position. For example, the frequency domain reference position is frequency 1, the frequency domain offset is N RBs, the frequency domain cell where frequency 1 (frequency domain reference position) is located is RB1, and RB2 is obtained by offsetting N RBs with RB1 as a reference point. RB2 is separated from RB1 by N RBs. RB2 can be used as a candidate frequency domain position, or the center frequency domain of RB2 can be used as a candidate frequency domain position, or the subcarrier where the center frequency domain of RB2 is located can be used as a candidate frequency domain position.

[0176] In embodiments where the frequency domain reference position is represented by frequency, in another example, if the frequency domain offset is represented by bandwidth, the bandwidth is offset by the frequency domain reference position itself as the reference point. For example, the frequency obtained after the offset can be used as a candidate frequency domain position, or the frequency domain cell containing the frequency obtained after the offset can be used as a candidate frequency domain position. For example, the frequency domain reference position is frequency 1, and the frequency domain offset is 100kHz. Frequency 2 is obtained by offsetting 100kHz from frequency 1 (frequency domain reference position) as the reference point. Frequency 2 is 100kHz away from frequency 1. Frequency 2 can be used as a candidate frequency domain position, or the frequency domain cell containing frequency 2 (such as the subcarrier containing frequency 2) can be used as a candidate frequency domain position.

[0177] In embodiments where the frequency domain reference position is represented by at least one frequency domain cell, in one example, if the frequency domain offset is represented by at least one frequency domain cell, the frequency domain reference position itself can be used as a reference point to offset at least one frequency domain cell. For example, the offset frequency domain cell can be used as a candidate frequency domain position, or the center frequency domain of the offset frequency cell can be used as a candidate frequency domain position. For example, if the frequency domain reference position is RB1 and the frequency domain offset is N RBs, RB2 is obtained by offsetting N RBs from RB1 as the reference point. RB2 is separated from RB1 by N RBs. RB2 can be used as a candidate frequency domain position, or the center frequency domain of RB2 can be used as a candidate frequency domain position, or the subcarrier where the center frequency domain of RB2 is located can be used as a candidate frequency domain position.

[0178] In an embodiment where the frequency domain reference position is represented by at least one frequency domain unit, in another example, if the frequency domain offset is represented by the bandwidth, for example, the center frequency domain of the frequency domain reference position can be used as the reference point to offset the bandwidth. For example, the frequency obtained after the offset can be used as a candidate frequency domain position, or the frequency domain unit containing the frequency obtained after the frequency offset can be used as a candidate frequency domain position. For example, if the frequency domain reference position is RB1 and the frequency domain offset is 100kHz, and the center frequency domain of RB1 (frequency 1) is used as the reference point to offset 100kHz, frequency 2 is obtained. Frequency 2 is 100kHz apart from frequency 1. Frequency 2 can be used as a candidate frequency domain position, or the frequency domain unit containing frequency 2 (such as the subcarrier containing frequency 2) can be used as a candidate frequency domain position.

[0179] Next, we will introduce the frequency domain reference location in detail.

[0180] In the embodiments of this application, the frequency domain reference position can be represented by various grids, such as a synchronization grid, a channel grid, a global grid, or other newly defined grids.

[0181] Regarding the above-mentioned at least one (i.e. S) frequency domain reference locations, in some embodiments, at least one frequency domain reference location includes at least one of the following: at least one synchronization raster, at least one channel raster, and at least one global frequency raster.

[0182] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the synchronization grid, channel grid, and global frequency grid all represent specific frequencies.

[0183] In embodiments where at least one (i.e., S) frequency domain reference locations include at least one synchronization grid, one frequency domain reference location is one synchronization grid. That is, a synchronization grid is used as a frequency domain reference location, and different synchronization grids are different frequency domain reference locations. Wherein, at least one frequency domain reference location (or at least one synchronization grid) is all synchronization grids defined by the system or a subset of all synchronization grids.

[0184] It is understood that when at least one frequency domain reference position (or at least one synchronization grid) is one of all synchronization grids defined by the system, then at least one frequency domain reference position (or at least one synchronization grid) can be multiple synchronization grids; that is, the number of synchronization grids is multiple. When at least one frequency domain reference position (or at least one synchronization grid) is a subset of all synchronization grids (or channel grids, or global frequency grids) defined by the system, then at least one frequency domain reference position (or at least one synchronization grid) can be one or more synchronization grids, without any limitation here. The explanations regarding at least one channel grid and at least one global frequency grid below are the same as those here and will not be repeated.

[0185] In embodiments where at least one (i.e., S) frequency domain reference locations include at least one channel grid, one frequency domain reference location is one channel grid. That is, a channel grid is used as a frequency domain reference location, and different channel grids are different frequency domain reference locations. Wherein, at least one frequency domain reference location (or at least one channel grid) is all or a subset of all channel grids defined by the system.

[0186] In embodiments where at least one (i.e., S) frequency domain reference locations include at least one global frequency grid, one frequency domain reference location is one global frequency grid. That is, a global frequency grid is used as a frequency domain reference location, and different global frequency grids are different frequency domain reference locations. Wherein, at least one frequency domain reference location (or at least one global frequency grid) is all global frequency grids defined by the system or a subset of all global frequency grids.

[0187] In embodiments where at least one (i.e., S) frequency domain reference locations include any two of the above-mentioned at least one synchronization grid, at least one channel grid, and at least one global frequency grid, that is, at least one frequency domain reference location includes any two types of grids, at least one frequency domain reference location includes multiple (i.e., S greater than 1) frequency domain reference locations, and a portion of the multiple frequency domain reference locations includes at least one type of grid (such as at least one synchronization grid), while another portion of the frequency domain reference locations includes at least one type of grid (such as at least one channel grid). In other words, both types of grids can be used as frequency domain reference locations simultaneously.

[0188] In embodiments where at least one (i.e., S) frequency domain reference locations include the aforementioned at least one synchronization grid, at least one channel grid, and at least one global frequency grid, that is, at least one frequency domain reference location includes three types of grids, and at least one frequency domain reference location includes multiple (i.e., S greater than 1) frequency domain reference locations, a portion of the multiple frequency domain reference locations includes at least one synchronization grid, another portion includes at least one channel grid, and yet another portion includes at least one global frequency grid. In other words, all three types of grids can simultaneously serve as frequency domain reference locations.

[0189] In some embodiments, the at least one (i.e., S) frequency domain reference locations mentioned above include any two or three of the above embodiments, which can be applied to scenarios with multiple systems running. Multiple systems running means that each CPU core runs an independent operating system or an independent instance of the same operating system. Large cores and small cores can run different operating systems, relatively independent of each other and without interference; furthermore, the two cores can communicate and share resources.

[0190] In the above embodiments, the synchronization grid, channel grid, and global frequency grid are all frequency domain locations that have been defined by the system and serve as a reference system for frequency domain locations in NR. The frequency domain locations of any synchronization grid, channel grid, and global frequency grid are known to both the terminal device and the network device. Therefore, using these frequency domain locations known to both the terminal device and the network device as reference locations for determining (or indirectly indicating) candidate frequency domain locations is easy to implement and has low design complexity for cases where the network device cannot indicate the frequency domain resources of the first signal when initially accessing an NES cell. In addition, the synchronization grid, channel grid, and global frequency grid are all existing grids in the prior art, and the system does not need to redefine new frequency domain locations. This not only saves the additional storage space required in the device to define new frequency domain locations, but also allows for better adaptation to existing standard systems.

[0191] The above embodiments will be further described below in conjunction with the three types of grids.

[0192] 1. Global frequency grid

[0193] In 5G NR systems, the global frequency grid is a system-defined frequency domain location used to define frequency domain locations, such as the frequency domain locations of channels, SSBs, and other elements.

[0194] The global frequency grid has a frequency range of 0-100GHz. The system defines multiple global frequency grids within the frequency band, and each global frequency grid is a reference frequency (referred to as the reference frequency, denoted by F). REFEach channel (represented by an NR absolute radio frequency channel number, NR-ARFCN) has a unique identifier, which can be represented by N. REF Represents NR-ARFCN, based on N REF The corresponding global frequency grid (or F) can be obtained. REF ).

[0195] The granularity (i.e., spacing density, or step size) of the global frequency grid is ΔF. Global This represents the step size between two adjacent global frequency grids. The granularity of the global frequency grid varies across different frequency ranges. Table 1 shows the granularity ΔF of the global frequency grid for different frequency ranges. Global For example, the granularity of the global frequency grid is 5kHz in the frequency range of 0-3000MHz, and 15kHz in the frequency range of 3000-24250MHz.

[0196] Table 1

[0197] During cell search, the location of the global frequency grid is known to network devices and terminal devices. Therefore, in order to facilitate the transmission of the first signal, the global frequency grid can be used to define the frequency domain reference location. Specifically, the global frequency grid is used as the frequency domain reference location.

[0198] In some embodiments, all global frequency grids or a subset of all global frequency grids within the system can be defined as a preset global frequency grid. The preset global frequency grid includes X1 frequency domain reference positions (or X1 global frequency grids), where X1 is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In this embodiment, the frequency domain reference positions are global frequency grids; therefore, it can also be said that the preset global frequency grid includes X1 global frequency grids. For example, if 300 global frequency grids are defined within the system, and 50 of these global frequency grids are used as 50 frequency domain reference positions of the preset global frequency grid, these 50 global frequency grids are a subset of the 300 global frequency grids.

[0199] It should be understood that a subset of all global frequency gratings represents a portion of all global frequency gratings.

[0200] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the global frequency grid within the frequency band provided in the embodiments of this application. The difference between (a) and (b) in Figure 5 is that the granularity of the global frequency grid is different.

[0201] Referring to Figure 5, the system defines all global frequency grids within the frequency band (global frequency grids shown by solid and dashed lines). There is a certain step size between two adjacent global frequency grids. The preset global frequency grid includes multiple frequency domain reference positions (global frequency grids shown by dashed lines in Figure 5). These multiple frequency domain reference positions are subsets of all global frequency grids. Global frequency grid 1 in the preset global frequency grid is the frequency domain reference position related to the first frequency domain position of the currently transmitted first signal.

[0202] In some embodiments, the preset global frequency grid is the frequency domain location within the target frequency band range (i.e., the frequency band range used for cell search). For a detailed description of the target frequency band range, please refer to the relevant description above; it will not be repeated here.

[0203] In the above embodiments, the distribution of the X1 reference frequency domain positions (or X1 global frequency grids) within the preset global frequency grid can be arbitrary, and this application embodiment does not impose any limitations.

[0204] In an embodiment where the preset global frequency grid includes multiple (i.e., X1 is greater than 1) frequency domain reference positions (or multiple global frequency grids), and the multiple frequency domain reference positions are subsets of all global frequency grids defined by the system, in all global frequency grids, each interval of one or more global frequency grids constitutes a frequency domain reference position.

[0205] As an alternative description, in all global frequency grids, there are one or more global frequency grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions.

[0206] It should be noted that the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions can be understood as the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions. In this embodiment, the granularity is represented by the number of global frequency grids.

[0207] In the above embodiments, it can be understood that the initial access process is less common compared to cell search and cell access processes in other scenarios. Therefore, defining a subset of all global frequency grids defined by the system as multiple frequency domain reference locations can avoid excessive waste of resources and achieve reasonable utilization of resources.

[0208] In some embodiments, a frequency domain reference location is defined at fixed intervals of global frequency grids across all global frequency grids.

[0209] As an alternative description, in the X1 frequency domain reference positions of the preset global frequency grid, the number of global frequency grids between any two adjacent frequency domain reference positions is the same.

[0210] In other words, the X1 frequency domain reference positions in the preset global frequency grid are equally spaced, the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions in the preset global frequency grid is the same, and the step size between any two adjacent reference frequency domain positions is the same.

[0211] Referring to Figure 5(a), in the multiple frequency domain reference positions of the preset global frequency grid (such as the global frequency grid shown by the dashed line), the step size between any two adjacent frequency domain reference positions is the same, and the interval between them is equal to 2 global frequency grids (such as the global frequency grid shown by the solid line). The granularity of the frequency domain reference position is 2 global frequency grids.

[0212] In other embodiments, the X1 frequency domain reference positions of the preset global frequency grid are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in one frequency band is different from the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in another frequency band.

[0213] In other words, the X1 frequency domain reference positions in the preset global frequency grid are not distributed at completely equal intervals. In at least some frequency bands of multiple frequency bands where the X1 frequency domain reference positions are distributed, the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions in any different frequency band is different, and the step size of two adjacent global frequency grids in different frequency bands is different.

[0214] For example, frequency band 1 includes five frequency domain reference positions with a granularity of 3 global frequency grids, that is, there is a 3-global frequency grid interval between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions. Frequency band 2 includes five frequency domain reference positions with a granularity of 2 global frequency grids, that is, there is a 2-global frequency grid interval between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions. The granularity of the frequency domain reference positions in frequency band 1 is different from that in frequency band 2.

[0215] In the case where at least some of the aforementioned frequency bands include all frequency bands of multiple frequency bands, it means that the granularity of the frequency domain reference position in any two different frequency bands within the multiple frequency bands is different.

[0216] When at least a portion of a frequency band comprises a portion of multiple frequency bands, it means that the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions within different frequency bands within that portion of the frequency band is different, while the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions within each frequency band within another portion of the frequency band is the same. For example, the aforementioned X1 frequency domain reference positions are distributed across 4 frequency bands. The granularity of the frequency domain reference positions in frequency bands 1 and 2 is 3 global frequency grids, the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions in frequency band 3 is 2 global frequency grids, and the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions in frequency band 4 is 1 global frequency grid.

[0217] Referring to Figure 5(b), among the multiple frequency domain reference positions of the preset global frequency grid (as shown by the dashed lines), the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions in frequency band A and frequency band B is different. Following a top-to-bottom order, in the upper frequency band A, the frequency domain reference positions correspond to one granularity of 3 global frequency grids, meaning that any two adjacent frequency domain reference positions are evenly spaced by 3 global frequency grids (as shown by the solid lines). In the lower frequency band B, the frequency domain reference positions correspond to another granularity of 2 global frequency grids, meaning that any two adjacent frequency domain reference positions are evenly spaced by 2 global frequency grids (as shown by the solid lines).

[0218] In the embodiment where at least one (i.e., S) frequency domain reference positions include at least one global frequency grid, the at least one (i.e., S) frequency domain reference positions are all global frequency grids defined by the system or a subset of all global frequency grids. Here, the at least one (i.e., S) frequency domain reference positions are X1 (X1 = S) frequency domain reference positions in a preset global frequency grid. Thus, the at least one (i.e., S) frequency domain reference positions can replace the X1 frequency domain reference positions in the preset global frequency grid.

[0219] In the above embodiments, each frequency domain reference position has the same granularity, that is, each fixed number of global frequency grids at intervals constitutes a frequency domain reference position. This allows the terminal device (or network device) to determine each frequency domain reference position based on the same granularity, thus simplifying the complexity of the implementation process. Alternatively, frequency domain reference positions in different frequency bands can have different granularities, that is, the global frequency grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in different frequency bands are different. This allows the terminal device (or network device) to flexibly use frequency domain reference positions with different granularities in different frequency bands based on actual conditions, improving the flexibility of the communication process. For example, frequency domain reference positions with different granularities in different frequency bands can adapt to different scenarios, such as different cells and different levels of interference. Thus, the above two different methods can generally improve the flexibility of the solution. The description of the effects of using channel grids or synchronization grids as frequency domain reference positions in the following text is the same as here and will not be repeated.

[0220] 2. Channel grid

[0221] A channel grid is a predefined frequency domain location, a concept used in 5G NR technology to define the frequency location of a channel. It can be used to identify the channel's location in both the uplink and downlink. The channel's reference frequency is mapped to resource elements on the carrier.

[0222] The granularity (i.e., spacing density, or step size) of the channel grid is ΔF. Rater ΔFRater Granularity ΔF greater than or equal to the global frequency grid Global In other words, compared to the global frequency grid, the channel grid has a larger granularity and a sparser distribution.

[0223] The granularity of the channel grid varies across different operating bands. It can be represented by a specific number of NR-ARFCNs. Within the system's multiple global frequency grids, each global frequency grid corresponding to a specific interval of NR-ARFCNs is a valid channel grid. For example, in the N1 band, the channel grid granularity is 20 NR-ARFCNs, meaning that there is a 20-NR-ARFCN interval between any two adjacent channel grids. In the N41 band, the granularity of the 15kHz channel grid is 20 NR-ARFCNs, and the granularity of the 30kHz channel grid is 6 NR-ARFCNs.

[0224] During cell search, the location of the channel grid is known to the network equipment and terminal equipment. Therefore, in order to facilitate the transmission of the first signal, the channel grid can be used to define the frequency domain reference location. Specifically, the channel grid is related to the frequency domain reference location.

[0225] In some embodiments, all channel grids or a subset of all channel grids within the system can be defined as a preset channel grid. The preset channel grid includes X² frequency domain reference positions (or X² channel grids), where X² is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In this embodiment, the frequency domain reference positions are channel grids; therefore, it can also be said that the preset channel grid includes X² channel grids. For example, if 100 channel grids are defined within the system, and 50 of these channel grids are used as 50 frequency domain reference positions of the preset channel grid, these 50 channel grids are a subset of the 100 channel grids.

[0226] It should be understood that a subset of all channel grids represents a portion of all channel grids.

[0227] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the channel grid in the frequency band provided in the embodiments of this application. The difference between (a) and (b) in Figure 6 is that the granularity of the channel grid is different.

[0228] Referring to Figure 6, the system defines multiple channel grids within the frequency band (channel grids shown by solid and dashed lines). There is a certain step size between two adjacent channel grids. A portion of the multiple channel grids (channel grids shown by dashed lines in Figure 6) is used as a preset channel grid. Channel grid 1 in the preset channel grid is the frequency domain reference position related to the first frequency domain position of the currently transmitted first signal.

[0229] In some embodiments, the preset channel grid is a frequency domain location within the target frequency band range (i.e., the frequency band range used for cell search). For a detailed description of the target frequency band range, please refer to the relevant description above; it will not be repeated here.

[0230] In the above embodiments, the distribution of the X2 reference frequency domain positions (or X2 channel grids) within the preset channel grid can be arbitrary, and this application embodiment does not impose any limitations.

[0231] In an embodiment where the preset channel grid includes multiple (i.e., X2 is greater than 1) frequency domain reference positions (or multiple channel grids), and the multiple frequency domain reference positions are subsets of all channel grids defined by the system, in the embodiment where each interval of one or more channel grids is a frequency domain reference position in all channel grids.

[0232] As an alternative description, in all channel grids, there are one or more channel grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions.

[0233] It should be noted that the number of channel grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions can be understood as the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions. In this embodiment, the granularity is represented by the number of channel grids.

[0234] In some embodiments, a fixed number of channel grids at intervals constitute a frequency domain reference location in all channel grids.

[0235] As an alternative description, in the X2 frequency domain reference positions of the preset channel grid, the number of channel grids between any two adjacent frequency domain reference positions is the same.

[0236] In other words, the X2 frequency domain reference positions in the preset channel grid are equally spaced, the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions in the preset channel grid is the same, and the step size between any two adjacent reference frequency domain positions is the same.

[0237] Referring to Figure 6(a), in the multiple frequency domain reference positions of the preset channel grid (such as the channel grid shown by the dashed line), the step size between any two adjacent frequency domain reference positions is the same, and the interval between them is equal to 1 channel grid (such as the channel grid shown by the solid line). The granularity of the frequency domain reference position is 1 channel grid.

[0238] In other embodiments, the X2 frequency domain reference positions of the preset channel grid are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of channel grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in one frequency band is different from the number of channel grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in another frequency band.

[0239] In other words, the X2 frequency domain reference positions in the preset channel grid are not perfectly evenly spaced. In at least some frequency bands of the multiple frequency bands where the X2 frequency domain reference positions are distributed, the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions in any different frequency band is different, and the step size of two adjacent channel grids in different frequency bands is different.

[0240] For example, frequency band 1 includes five frequency domain reference positions with a granularity of 2 channel grids, that is, there is a 2-channel grid interval between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions. Frequency band 2 includes five frequency domain reference positions with a granularity of 1 channel grid, that is, there is a 1-channel grid interval between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions. The granularity of the frequency domain reference positions in frequency band 1 is different from that in frequency band 2.

[0241] In the case where at least some of the aforementioned frequency bands include all frequency bands of multiple frequency bands, it means that the granularity of the frequency domain reference position in any two different frequency bands within the multiple frequency bands is different.

[0242] When at least a portion of a frequency band comprises a portion of multiple frequency bands, it means that the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions within different frequency bands in that portion of the frequency band is different, while the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions within each frequency band in another portion of the frequency band is the same. For example, the aforementioned X2 frequency domain reference positions are distributed across 4 frequency bands. The granularity of the frequency domain reference positions in frequency bands 1 and 2 is 2 channel grids, the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions in frequency band 3 is 1 channel grid, and the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions in frequency band 4 is 4 channel grids.

[0243] Referring to Figure 6(b), among the multiple frequency domain reference positions of the preset channel grid (as shown by the dashed lines), the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions in frequency band A and frequency band B is different. Following a top-to-bottom order, in the upper frequency band A, the frequency domain reference positions correspond to one granularity, which is two channel grids; that is, any two adjacent frequency domain reference positions are evenly spaced apart by two channel grids (as shown by the solid lines). In the lower frequency band B, the frequency domain reference positions correspond to another granularity, which is one channel grid; that is, any two adjacent frequency domain reference positions are evenly spaced apart by one channel grid (as shown by the solid lines).

[0244] In the embodiment where at least one (i.e., S) frequency domain reference positions include at least one channel grid, the at least one (i.e., S) frequency domain reference positions are all channel grids or a subset of all channel grids defined by the system. Here, the at least one (i.e., S) frequency domain reference positions are X2 (X2 = S) frequency domain reference positions in a preset channel grid. Thus, the at least one (i.e., S) frequency domain reference positions can replace the X2 frequency domain reference positions in the preset channel grid.

[0245] 3. Synchronization Grid

[0246] The synchronization grid is a preset frequency domain position used by terminal devices to obtain the frequency position of the SSB. In other words, the synchronization grid is used to determine the frequency domain position of the SSB.

[0247] The system defines multiple synchronization grids, each representing a reference frequency. Each synchronization grid could potentially be the frequency domain location of a Service SSB (SSB). In some embodiments, the terminal device can detect the SSB signal and perform downlink time-frequency synchronization based on the operator and the frequency bands supported by the terminal device. Therefore, multiple synchronization grids are defined within the frequency bands supported by the operator and the terminal device.

[0248] Since the locations of the multiple synchronization grids defined by the system are known to both the terminal device and the network device, when the terminal device performs cell search, it can directly search for the SSB on the defined synchronization grids. The synchronization grid where the SSB is detected is the frequency domain location of the SSB. The frequency domain location of the SSB is defined as SS... REF Furthermore, the search range can be limited using the Global Synchronization Channel Number (GSCN). The GSCN is used to identify the channel number of an SSB, with each GSCN corresponding to the center frequency location of an SSB. The GSCN specifies the deployable location of the SSB center frequency, which is synchronized with the synchronization frequency grid, differing only in the 0-3000MHz range.

[0249] Table 2 shows the synchronization grids in different frequency ranges. Each synchronization grid represents a possible frequency domain location of the SSB, and the corresponding synchronization grid can be obtained based on the GSCN for different frequency ranges. The granularity of the synchronization grid in different frequency ranges is represented by the product of N. Compared to the global frequency grid and the channel grid, the synchronization grid has a larger granularity and a sparser distribution. For example, in the 0-3000MHz frequency range, the granularity of the global frequency grid is 5kHz, while the granularity of the synchronization grid is 1200kHz.

[0250] For example, an operator uses the D band and deploys a 5G NR cell with a bandwidth of 100MHz. The corresponding frequency range in the table is 0-3000MHz. Therefore, the GSCN for 100MHz bandwidth is 6312. Thus, GSCN = 6312 = 3N + (M - 3) / 2, resulting in N = 2104 and M = 3. Substituting N and M into the formulas is used to generate the SS. REF In the formula, SS REF =1200*N+50*M=1200*2104+50*3=2524950kHz.

[0251] Table 2

[0252] After determining that the synchronization grid of the SSB has been detected, the frequency domain resources of the SSB are obtained through the mapping relationship between the synchronization grid and the SSB resource element (RE).

[0253] Table 3 shows the mapping relationship between synchronization grids and SSB resource elements (REs). For example, in Table 3, the synchronization grid is located in RE number 0 of PRB number 10 out of the 20 Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) of the SSB.

[0254] Table 3

[0255] During cell search, the location of the synchronization grid is known to the network devices and terminal devices. Therefore, in order to facilitate the transmission of the first signal, the synchronization grid can be used to define the frequency domain reference position. Specifically, the synchronization grid is related to the frequency domain reference position.

[0256] In some embodiments, all synchronization grids or a subset of all synchronization grids within the system can be defined as a preset synchronization grid. The preset synchronization grid includes X3 frequency domain reference positions (or X3 synchronization grids), where X3 is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In this embodiment, the frequency domain reference positions are synchronization grids; therefore, it can also be said that the preset synchronization grid includes X3 synchronization grids. For example, if 80 synchronization grids are defined within the system, and 20 of these synchronization grids are used as 20 frequency domain reference positions of the preset synchronization grid, these 20 synchronization grids are a subset of the 80 synchronization grids.

[0257] It should be understood that a subset of all synchronized rasters represents a portion of all synchronized rasters.

[0258] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a synchronization grid within a frequency band provided in an embodiment of this application. The difference between (a) and (b) in Figure 7 is that the granularity of the synchronization grid differs between the two.

[0259] Referring to Figure 7, the system defines all synchronization grids within the frequency band (synchronization grids shown by solid and dashed lines). There is a certain step size between two adjacent synchronization grids. The preset synchronization grid includes multiple frequency domain reference positions (synchronization grids shown by dashed lines in Figure 7). These multiple frequency domain reference positions are subsets of all synchronization grids. Synchronization grid 1 in the preset synchronization grid is the frequency domain reference position related to the first frequency domain position of the currently transmitted first signal.

[0260] In some embodiments, the preset synchronization grid is a frequency domain location within the target frequency band range (i.e., the frequency band range used for cell search). For a detailed description of the target frequency band range, please refer to the relevant description above; it will not be repeated here.

[0261] In the above embodiments, the distribution of the X3 reference frequency domain positions (or X3 synchronization grids) within the preset synchronization grid can be arbitrary, and this application embodiment does not impose any limitations.

[0262] In an embodiment where the preset synchronization grid includes multiple (i.e., X3 is greater than 1) frequency domain reference positions (or multiple synchronization grids), and the multiple frequency domain reference positions are a subset of all synchronization grids defined by the system, in all synchronization grids, each interval of one or more synchronization grids constitutes a frequency domain reference position.

[0263] As an alternative description, in all synchronization grids, there are one or more synchronization grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions.

[0264] It should be noted that the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions can be understood as the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions. In this embodiment, the granularity is represented by the number of synchronization grids.

[0265] In some embodiments, a fixed number of synchronization grids at each interval serve as a frequency domain reference location in all synchronization grids.

[0266] As an alternative description, in the X3 frequency domain reference positions of the preset synchronization grid, the number of synchronization grids between any two adjacent frequency domain reference positions is the same.

[0267] In other words, the X3 frequency domain reference positions in the preset synchronization grid are equally spaced, the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions in the preset synchronization grid is the same, and the step size between any two adjacent reference frequency domain positions is the same.

[0268] Referring to Figure 7(a), in the multiple frequency domain reference positions of the preset synchronization grid (such as the synchronization grid shown by the dashed line), the step size between any two adjacent frequency domain reference positions is the same, and the interval between them is equal to 1 synchronization grid (such as the synchronization grid shown by the solid line). The granularity of the frequency domain reference position is 1 synchronization grid.

[0269] In other embodiments, the X3 frequency domain reference positions of the preset synchronization grid are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in one frequency band is different from the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in another frequency band.

[0270] In other words, the X3 frequency domain reference positions in the preset synchronization grid are not distributed at completely equal intervals. In at least some frequency bands of multiple frequency bands where the X3 frequency domain reference positions are distributed, the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions in any different frequency band is different, and the step size of two adjacent synchronization grids in different frequency bands is different.

[0271] For example, frequency band 1 includes five frequency domain reference positions with a granularity of 2 synchronization grids, that is, there is a 2 synchronization grid interval between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions. Frequency band 2 includes five frequency domain reference positions with a granularity of 1 synchronization grid, that is, there is a 1 synchronization grid interval between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions. The granularity of the frequency domain reference positions in frequency band 1 is different from that in frequency band 2.

[0272] In the case where at least some of the aforementioned frequency bands include all frequency bands of multiple frequency bands, it means that the granularity of the frequency domain reference position in any two different frequency bands within the multiple frequency bands is different.

[0273] When at least a portion of a frequency band comprises a portion of multiple frequency bands, it means that the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions within different frequency bands within that portion of the frequency band is different, while the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions within each frequency band within another portion of the frequency band is the same. For example, the aforementioned X3 frequency domain reference positions are distributed across 4 frequency bands. The granularity of the frequency domain reference positions in frequency bands 1 and 2 is 2 synchronization grids, the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions in frequency band 3 is 1 synchronization grid, and the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions in frequency band 4 is 3 synchronization grids.

[0274] Referring to Figure 7(b), among the multiple frequency domain reference positions of the preset synchronization grid (as shown by the dashed lines), the granularity of the frequency domain reference positions in frequency band A and frequency band B is different. Following a top-to-bottom order, in the upper frequency band A, the frequency domain reference positions correspond to one granularity, which is two synchronization grids; that is, any two adjacent frequency domain reference positions are evenly spaced apart by two synchronization grids (as shown by the solid lines). In the lower frequency band B, the frequency domain reference positions correspond to another granularity, which is one synchronization grid; that is, any two adjacent frequency domain reference positions are evenly spaced apart by one synchronization grid (as shown by the solid lines).

[0275] In the embodiment where at least one (i.e., S) frequency domain reference positions include at least one synchronization grid, the at least one synchronization grid is all synchronization grids defined by the system or a subset of all synchronization grids. Here, the at least one (i.e., S) frequency domain reference positions are X3 (X3 = S) frequency domain reference positions in the preset synchronization grid. Thus, the at least one (i.e. S) frequency domain reference positions can replace the X3 frequency domain reference positions in the preset synchronization grid.

[0276] Case 2

[0277] Unlike Case 1, in Case 2, the various types of gratings defined by the system can themselves serve as candidate frequency domain locations. The following section focuses on the differences between Case 2 and Case 1, while similar content is only briefly introduced.

[0278] In some embodiments, the multiple candidate frequency domain locations are determined based on preset rules, including: the multiple (i.e. K) candidate frequency domain locations include at least one of the following: multiple synchronization grids, multiple channel grids, and multiple global frequency grids.

[0279] The preset rule can be that at least one of multiple synchronization grids, multiple channel grids, and multiple global frequency grids is associated with multiple candidate frequency domain positions. Thus, multiple candidate frequency domain positions can be determined based on at least one of the multiple synchronization grids, multiple channel grids, and multiple global frequency grids.

[0280] In embodiments where multiple (i.e., K) candidate frequency domain locations include multiple synchronization grids, one candidate frequency domain location is one synchronization grid. That is, a synchronization grid is used as a candidate frequency domain location, and different synchronization grids are different candidate frequency domain locations. The multiple candidate frequency domain locations (or multiple synchronization grids) are all synchronization grids defined by the system or a subset of all synchronization grids.

[0281] In embodiments where multiple (i.e., K) candidate frequency domain locations include multiple channel grids, one candidate frequency domain location is one channel grid. That is, a channel grid is used as a candidate frequency domain location, and different channel grids are different candidate frequency domain locations. The multiple candidate frequency domain locations (or multiple channel grids) are all channel grids defined by the system or a subset of all channel grids.

[0282] In embodiments where multiple (i.e., K) candidate frequency domain locations include multiple global frequency grids, one candidate frequency domain location is one global frequency grid. That is, a global frequency grid is used as a candidate frequency domain location, and different global frequency grids are different candidate frequency domain locations. The multiple candidate frequency domain locations (or multiple global frequency grids) are all global frequency grids defined by the system or a subset of all global frequency grids.

[0283] In embodiments where multiple (i.e., K) candidate frequency domain locations include any two of the aforementioned multiple synchronization grids, multiple channel grids, and multiple global frequency grids, that is, the multiple candidate frequency domain locations include any two types of grids, and a portion of the multiple candidate frequency domain locations include multiple grids of one type (such as multiple synchronization grids), while another portion of the candidate frequency domain locations includes multiple grids of another type (such as multiple channel grids). In other words, both types of grids can be used as candidate frequency domain locations simultaneously.

[0284] In embodiments where multiple (i.e., K) candidate frequency domain locations include the aforementioned multiple synchronization grids, multiple channel grids, and multiple global frequency grids, that is, the multiple candidate frequency domain locations include three types of grids: a portion of the candidate frequency domain locations include multiple synchronization grids, another portion includes multiple channel grids, and yet another portion includes multiple global frequency grids. In other words, all three types of grids can simultaneously serve as candidate frequency domain locations.

[0285] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned multiple (i.e. K) candidate frequency domain positions include any two or three of the above-mentioned embodiments, which can be applied to scenarios in which multiple systems are running. For a description of the scenario in which multiple systems are running, please refer to the specific description of Case 1 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0286] In the above embodiments, the synchronization grid, channel grid, and global frequency grid are all frequency domain locations that have been defined by the system and serve as a reference system for frequency domain locations in NR. The frequency domain locations of any synchronization grid, channel grid, and global frequency grid are known to both the terminal device and the network device. Therefore, using these frequency domain locations known to both the terminal device and the network device as candidate frequency domain locations is easy to implement and has low design complexity for cases where the network device cannot indicate the frequency domain resources of the first signal when initially accessing an NES cell. In addition, the synchronization grid, channel grid, and global frequency grid are all existing grids in the prior art, and the system does not need to redefine new frequency domain locations. This not only saves the additional storage space required in the device to define new frequency domain locations, but also allows for better adaptation to the existing standard system.

[0287] The following describes the embodiments in further detail, using three different grid types as examples.

[0288] In some embodiments, all global frequency grids or a subset of all global frequency grids within the system can be defined as a preset global frequency grid, and the preset synchronization grid includes multiple candidate frequency domain locations (or multiple global frequency grids). In this embodiment, the candidate frequency domain locations are synchronization grids; therefore, it can also be said that the preset synchronization grid includes multiple global frequency grids.

[0289] Continuing with the example shown in Figure 5, the preset global frequency grid includes multiple candidate frequency domain positions (as shown by the dashed lines in Figure 5). These multiple candidate frequency domain positions are a subset of all global frequency grids (as shown by the solid and dashed lines). Global frequency grid 1 in the preset global frequency grid is the first frequency domain position (one of the multiple candidate frequency domain positions) of the first signal currently being transmitted.

[0290] In the above embodiments, the distribution of multiple candidate frequency domain positions (or multiple global frequency grids) within the preset global frequency grid can be arbitrary, and this application embodiment does not impose any limitations.

[0291] In some embodiments, the multiple candidate frequency domain locations are subsets of all global frequency grids defined by the system, and the multiple candidate frequency domain locations are determined based on preset rules, including: in all global frequency grids, each interval of one or more global frequency grids is a candidate frequency domain location.

[0292] It is understood that in this embodiment, the preset rule may be: in all global frequency grids, every interval of one or more global frequency grids is a candidate frequency domain position.

[0293] In one example, a candidate frequency domain location is defined at fixed intervals of a fixed number of global frequency grids across all global frequency grids.

[0294] In another example, the multiple candidate frequency domain positions of the preset global frequency grid are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in one frequency band is different from the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in another frequency band.

[0295] Here, for a detailed description of the multiple candidate frequency domain positions of the preset global frequency grid, please refer to the relevant description of the X1 frequency domain reference positions of the preset global frequency grid in Case 1 above. Simply replace the frequency domain reference positions in Case 1 with the candidate frequency domain positions, and we will not repeat them here.

[0296] In the embodiment described above, where multiple candidate frequency domain locations include multiple global frequency grids, these multiple candidate frequency domain locations are either all global frequency grids defined by the system or a subset of all global frequency grids. Here, these multiple candidate frequency domain locations are simply multiple candidate frequency domain locations within a preset global frequency grid.

[0297] In some embodiments, all channel grids or a subset of all channel grids within the system can be defined as a preset channel grid, which includes multiple candidate frequency domain locations (or multiple channel grids). In this embodiment, the candidate frequency domain locations are channel grids; therefore, it can also be said that the preset channel grid includes multiple channel grids.

[0298] Continuing with the example shown in Figure 6, the preset channel grid includes multiple candidate frequency domain positions (as shown by the channel grid with dashed lines in Figure 6). These multiple candidate frequency domain positions are a subset of all channel grids (as shown by the channel grids with solid and dashed lines). Channel grid 1 in the preset channel grid is the first frequency domain position (one of the multiple candidate frequency domain positions) of the first signal currently being transmitted.

[0299] In the above embodiments, the distribution of multiple candidate frequency domain positions (or multiple channel grids) within the preset channel grid can be arbitrary, and this application embodiment does not impose any limitations.

[0300] In some embodiments, the multiple candidate frequency domain locations are subsets of all channel grids defined by the system, and the multiple candidate frequency domain locations are determined based on preset rules, including: in all channel grids, each interval of one or more channel grids is a candidate frequency domain location.

[0301] It is understood that in this embodiment, the preset rule may be: in all channel grids, every interval of one or more channel grids is a candidate frequency domain position.

[0302] In one example, a fixed number of channel grids at intervals are designated as a candidate frequency domain location across all channel grids.

[0303] In another example, the multiple candidate frequency domain positions of the preset channel grid are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of channel grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in one frequency band is different from the number of channel grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in another frequency band.

[0304] Here, for a detailed description of the multiple candidate frequency domain positions of the preset channel grid, please refer to the description of the X2 frequency domain reference positions of the preset channel grid in Case 1 above. Simply replace the frequency domain reference positions in Case 1 with the candidate frequency domain positions, and we will not repeat them here.

[0305] In the above embodiment where multiple candidate frequency domain locations include multiple channel grids, these multiple candidate frequency domain locations are all channel grids or a subset of all channel grids defined by the system. Here, these multiple candidate frequency domain locations are multiple candidate frequency domain locations within a preset channel grid.

[0306] In some embodiments, all synchronization grids or a subset of all synchronization grids within the system can be defined as a preset synchronization grid, which includes multiple candidate frequency domain locations (or multiple synchronization grids). In this embodiment, the candidate frequency domain locations are synchronization grids; therefore, it can also be said that the preset synchronization grid includes multiple synchronization grids.

[0307] Continuing with the example shown in Figure 7, the preset synchronization grid includes multiple candidate frequency domain positions (as shown by the dashed lines in Figure 7). These multiple candidate frequency domain positions are a subset of all synchronization grids (as shown by the solid and dashed lines). Synchronization grid 1 in the preset synchronization grid is the first frequency domain position (one of the multiple candidate frequency domain positions) of the first signal currently being transmitted.

[0308] In the above embodiments, the distribution of multiple candidate frequency domain positions (or multiple synchronization grids) within the preset synchronization grid can be arbitrary, and this application embodiment does not impose any limitations.

[0309] In some embodiments, the multiple candidate frequency domain positions are subsets of all synchronization grids defined by the system, and the multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: in all synchronization grids, each interval of one or more synchronization grids is a candidate frequency domain position.

[0310] It is understood that in this embodiment, the preset rule may be: in all synchronization grids, every interval of one or more synchronization grids is a candidate frequency domain position.

[0311] In some embodiments, a fixed number of synchronization grids at each interval are considered as a candidate frequency domain location in all synchronization grids.

[0312] In other embodiments, the multiple candidate frequency domain positions of the preset synchronization grid are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in one frequency band is different from the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in another frequency band.

[0313] Here, for a detailed description of the multiple candidate frequency domain positions of the preset synchronization grid, please refer to the description of the X3 frequency domain reference positions of the preset synchronization grid in Case 1 above. Simply replace the frequency domain reference positions in Case 1 with the candidate frequency domain positions, and we will not repeat them here.

[0314] In the above embodiment where multiple candidate frequency domain positions include multiple synchronization grids, these multiple candidate frequency domain positions are all synchronization grids defined by the system or a subset of all synchronization grids. Here, these multiple candidate frequency domain positions are multiple candidate frequency domain positions within a preset synchronization grid.

[0315] The above provides a detailed explanation of the methods for determining multiple candidate frequency domain locations, combining scenarios 1 and 2. Next, the relationship between the candidate frequency domain locations and the location of the resources used to transmit the first signal in the frequency domain will be discussed.

[0316] In this embodiment, it should be understood that the resources actually used to transmit the first signal are resources with both frequency and time domain ranges. A candidate frequency domain position is a specifically defined frequency domain position of the resource used to transmit the first signal, located at a specific position in the frequency domain. Thus, in implementation, knowing the candidate frequency domain position and combining it with the bandwidth, a frequency domain range can be obtained, and the first signal is transmitted continuously over a time domain range. Taking the current actual first frequency domain position of the first signal as an example, the first frequency domain position is a specific position in the frequency domain of the resource occupied by the first signal (denoted as the first resource). In implementation, the terminal device determines the first frequency domain position, determines the first frequency domain range based on the first frequency domain position and the bandwidth, and transmits the first signal continuously over a first time domain range, that is, transmits the first signal over the first resource, where the first resource has both a first frequency domain range and a first time domain range.

[0317] In some embodiments, each candidate frequency domain position is the starting position of the resource for transmitting the first signal in the frequency domain.

[0318] In implementation, the terminal device (or network device) can use the candidate frequency domain position as the starting position of the resource for transmitting the first signal in the frequency domain, and expand the bandwidth from the candidate frequency domain position according to the bandwidth size to obtain the frequency domain range of the resource for transmitting the first signal.

[0319] It should be understood that the starting position of the resource used to transmit the first signal in the frequency domain means either the lowest frequency position in the frequency domain range of the resource in order of frequency from low to high, or the highest frequency position in the frequency domain range of the resource in order of frequency from high to low.

[0320] In this embodiment, the starting position can be the center frequency domain of the starting frequency domain unit within the frequency domain range of the resource. The length of the starting frequency domain unit can be arbitrary.

[0321] In one example, the length of the starting frequency domain unit can be the smallest granularity in the frequency domain (such as a subcarrier), so the starting position can be the center frequency domain of the starting subcarrier within the frequency domain range of the resource. For example, the resource used to transmit the first signal includes 6 RBs in the frequency domain, that is, the bandwidth is 6 RBs, and the starting position can be the center frequency domain of the starting subcarrier among the 6 RBs.

[0322] In other examples, the length of the starting frequency domain unit can also be one RB, so the starting position can be the center frequency domain of the starting RB within the frequency domain range of the resource. For example, if the resource used to transmit the first signal includes 6 RBs in the frequency domain, that is, the bandwidth is 6 RBs, the starting position can be the center frequency domain of the starting RB among the 6 RBs.

[0323] Taking the synchronization grid as the frequency domain reference position in Case 1 above as an example, and referring to Figure 8, the relationship between the candidate frequency domain position obtained based on the frequency domain reference position and the resources used to transmit the first signal is explained in detail.

[0324] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the frequency domain reference position and the resources used to transmit the first signal, provided in an embodiment of this application. Each frequency domain reference position corresponds to a frequency domain offset.

[0325] Referring to Figure 8, taking synchronization grid 1 as a reference frequency domain position as an example, the candidate frequency shift position 1 after offset is obtained based on the frequency domain offset. The candidate frequency domain position 1 is the starting position of resource 1 for transmitting the first signal in the frequency domain. For example, this starting position is the center frequency domain of the starting subcarrier of the frequency domain range of resource 1. This starting position is the lowest frequency subcarrier in the frequency domain range of resource 1 in order of frequency from low to high. Assuming that the bandwidth is 3 RBs, the frequency domain range including 3 RBs is obtained by extending 3 RBs from the candidate frequency shift position 1 (or the starting position) in the direction of increasing frequency.

[0326] For the first frequency domain position and first resource of the currently transmitted first signal, for example, the first frequency domain position may include a candidate frequency domain position, as shown in Figure 8(a). The first frequency domain position includes candidate frequency domain position 1. Correspondingly, the first resource occupied by the currently transmitted first signal includes resource 1 having a frequency domain range based on candidate frequency domain position 1. For example, the first frequency domain position may also include multiple candidate frequency domain positions. As shown in Figure 8(b), the first frequency domain position includes two candidate frequency domain positions, candidate frequency domain position 1 and candidate frequency domain position 3. Resource 1 has a frequency domain range based on candidate frequency domain position 1, and resource 3 has a frequency domain range based on candidate frequency domain position 3. Correspondingly, the first resource occupied by the currently transmitted first signal includes resource 1 and resource 3.

[0327] In other embodiments, each candidate frequency domain position is the termination position of the resource used to transmit the first signal in the frequency domain.

[0328] In implementation, the terminal device (or network device) can use the candidate frequency domain position as the end position of the resource used to transmit the first signal in the frequency domain, and expand the bandwidth from the candidate frequency domain position according to the bandwidth size to obtain the frequency domain range of the resource used to transmit the first signal.

[0329] It should be understood that the termination position of the resource used to transmit the first signal in the frequency domain means either the position with the highest frequency in the frequency domain range of the resource in order from low to high frequency, or the position with the lowest frequency in the frequency domain range of the resource in order from high to low frequency.

[0330] In this embodiment, the termination position can be the center frequency domain of the terminating frequency domain unit within the frequency domain range of the resource. The length of the terminating frequency domain unit can be arbitrary. In one example, the length of the terminating frequency domain unit can be the smallest granularity in the frequency domain (such as a subcarrier), thus the termination position can be the center frequency domain of the terminating subcarrier within the frequency domain range of the resource. In other examples, the length of the terminating frequency domain unit can also be one RB, thus the termination position can be the center frequency domain of the terminating RB within the frequency domain range of the resource.

[0331] Taking the frequency domain reference position as the synchronization grid in Case 1 above as an example, and referring to Figure 9, we will explain in detail the relationship between the candidate frequency domain position obtained based on the frequency domain reference position and the resources used to transmit the first signal.

[0332] Figure 9 is another schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the frequency domain reference position and the resources used to transmit the first signal, provided in an embodiment of this application. In this diagram, one frequency domain reference position corresponds to one frequency domain offset.

[0333] Referring to Figure 9, taking synchronization grid 1 as a reference frequency domain position as an example, the candidate frequency shift position 1 after offset is obtained based on the frequency domain offset. The candidate frequency domain position 1 is the termination position of resource 1 used to transmit the first signal in the frequency domain. For example, this termination position is the center frequency domain of the termination subcarrier of the frequency domain range of resource 1. This termination position is the highest frequency subcarrier in the frequency domain range of resource 1 in order of frequency from low to high. Assuming that the bandwidth is 3 RBs, starting from the candidate frequency shift position 1 (or termination position) and extending 3 RBs in the direction of decreasing frequency, a frequency domain range including 3 RBs is obtained.

[0334] For the first frequency domain location and first resource used by the first signal currently being transmitted, the first frequency domain location may include one or more candidate frequency domain locations, as shown in Figures (a) and (b) of Figure 9. For a detailed description of this, please refer to the relevant descriptions in Figures (a) and (b) of Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0335] In other embodiments, each candidate frequency domain position is the middle position of the resource used to transmit the first signal in the frequency domain.

[0336] In implementation, the terminal device (or network device) can take the candidate frequency domain position as the middle position of the resource used to transmit the first signal in the frequency domain, and expand the bandwidth from the candidate frequency domain position according to the bandwidth size to obtain the frequency domain range of the resource used to transmit the first signal.

[0337] In this embodiment, the intermediate position can be the center frequency domain of the intermediate frequency domain unit within the frequency domain range of the resource. The intermediate frequency domain unit refers to the frequency domain unit where the center frequency domain of the resource's frequency domain range is located. Here, the center frequency domain of the resource's frequency domain range and the center frequency domain of the intermediate frequency domain unit may be the same or different, but even if they are different, the distance between them is not large, specifically related to the start or end position in the frequency domain. For example, the frequency domain range of the resource includes one RB, comprising 12 subcarriers. The center frequency domain of this frequency domain range is frequency 1, the intermediate frequency domain unit containing frequency 1 is subcarrier number 5, and the center frequency domain of subcarrier number 5 is frequency 2. Frequency 1 and frequency 2 are not the same, but the distance between them is very small, not exceeding the length of one subcarrier. As another example, continuing with the above example, the center frequency domain of the resource's frequency domain range is frequency 1, the intermediate frequency domain unit containing frequency 1 is subcarrier number 5, and the center frequency domain of subcarrier number 5 is also frequency 1. The center frequency domain of the resource's frequency domain range is the same as the center frequency domain of the intermediate frequency domain unit.

[0338] The length of the intermediate frequency domain unit can be arbitrary. In one example, the length of the intermediate frequency domain unit can be the smallest granularity in the frequency domain (such as a subcarrier), so the intermediate position can be the center frequency domain of the intermediate subcarrier within the frequency domain range of the resource. In other examples, the length of the intermediate frequency domain unit can also be one RB, so the intermediate position can be the center frequency domain of the intermediate RB within the frequency domain range of the resource. Continuing with the example of the synchronization grid in Case 1 above, using the frequency domain reference position as the synchronization grid, and referring to Figure 10, the relationship between the candidate frequency domain positions obtained based on the frequency domain reference position and the resources used to transmit the first signal will be explained in detail.

[0339] Figure 10 is another schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the frequency domain reference position and the resources used to transmit the first signal, as provided in an embodiment of this application. In this figure, one frequency domain reference position corresponds to one frequency domain offset.

[0340] Referring to Figure 10, taking synchronization grid 1 as a reference frequency domain position as an example, the candidate frequency shift position 1 after offset is obtained based on the frequency domain offset. The candidate frequency domain position 1 is the middle position of resource 1 used to transmit the first signal in the frequency domain. For example, this middle position is the center frequency domain of the middle subcarrier of the frequency domain range of resource 1. Assuming that the bandwidth is 3 RBs, 3 RBs are extended from both sides of the candidate frequency shift position 1 (or the termination position) to obtain a frequency domain range including 3 RBs.

[0341] For the first frequency domain location and the first resource for transmitting the first signal, the first frequency domain location may include one or more candidate frequency domain locations, as shown in Figures (a) and (b) of Figure 10. For a detailed description of this, please refer to the relevant descriptions in Figures (a) and (b) of Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0342] It should be understood that the relationship between the candidate frequency domain positions and the resources used to transmit the first signal in the above examples is merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. Other defined relationships between candidate frequency domain positions and resources used to transmit the first signal are also within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0343] In the above embodiments, the candidate frequency domain positions are designed as the starting position, ending position or intermediate position of the resource used to transmit the first signal in the frequency domain. These positions are the most distinctive positions of the resource in the frequency domain. Based on these positions, the frequency domain range of the resource used to transmit the first signal can be obtained simply and flexibly, with low implementation complexity.

[0344] Regarding bandwidth size, for example, the bandwidth size corresponding to each candidate frequency domain position can be a bandwidth size preset (or predefined) by the system or protocol.

[0345] In some embodiments, the bandwidth size corresponding to each of the multiple candidate frequency domain positions is the same.

[0346] It can be understood that the resources used to transmit the first signal are obtained in the frequency domain based on each candidate frequency domain position and the corresponding bandwidth size. Alternatively, a frequency domain range can be obtained based on each candidate frequency domain position and the corresponding bandwidth size, and this frequency domain range is the frequency domain range of the resources used to transmit the first signal.

[0347] In one example, the bandwidth can be represented by the bandwidth occupied by at least one frequency domain unit. For example, if a frequency domain unit is represented by RB, the bandwidth can be represented by the bandwidth occupied by N RBs, that is, the bandwidth is N RBs.

[0348] In another example, the bandwidth size can be represented by a specific bandwidth value. For example, the bandwidth size is 180kHz.

[0349] In other embodiments, multiple candidate frequency domain positions are distributed across multiple frequency bands, and in any two frequency bands of at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the bandwidth corresponding to each candidate frequency domain position in one frequency band is different from the bandwidth corresponding to each candidate frequency domain position in another frequency band.

[0350] In other words, in at least some frequency bands where multiple candidate frequency domain positions are distributed, the bandwidth corresponding to the candidate frequency domain positions in different frequency bands is different.

[0351] For example, the bandwidth corresponding to each candidate frequency domain position in the high-frequency band can be greater than the bandwidth corresponding to each candidate frequency domain position in the low-frequency band.

[0352] For example, frequency band 1 includes five candidate frequency domain positions, each corresponding to a bandwidth of 1, and frequency band 2 includes three candidate frequency domain positions, each corresponding to a bandwidth of 2. Thus, the bandwidth of 1 corresponding to each candidate frequency domain position in frequency band 1 is different from the bandwidth of 2 corresponding to each candidate frequency domain position in frequency band 2.

[0353] When at least some frequency bands include all frequency bands of multiple frequency bands, it means that the bandwidth corresponding to any two different candidate frequency domain positions in multiple frequency bands is different.

[0354] When at least some frequency bands comprise portions of multiple frequency bands, it means that the bandwidth corresponding to the candidate frequency domain positions within different frequency bands in that portion of the frequency band is different, while the bandwidth corresponding to the candidate frequency domain positions within each frequency band in another portion of the frequency band is the same. For example, the aforementioned multiple candidate frequency domain positions are distributed across four frequency bands. Each candidate frequency domain position in frequency band 1 and frequency band 2 corresponds to a bandwidth of size 1, each candidate frequency domain position in frequency band 3 corresponds to a bandwidth of size 2, and each candidate frequency domain position in frequency band 4 corresponds to a bandwidth of size 3.

[0355] In the above embodiments, providing the same bandwidth for each candidate frequency domain location allows the terminal device (or network device) to determine the frequency domain range of resources used for transmitting the first signal based on the candidate frequency domain location using the same bandwidth, simplifying the implementation process. Alternatively, providing different bandwidths for candidate frequency domain locations in different frequency bands allows the terminal device (or network device) to flexibly use different bandwidths in different frequency bands based on actual conditions, improving the flexibility of the communication process. For example, different bandwidths configured in different frequency bands can adapt to different situations, such as different cells or different levels of interference. Thus, both of these different approaches can generally improve the flexibility of the solution.

[0356] Based on the aforementioned multiple candidate frequency domain positions, when the terminal device transmits the first signal, in some embodiments, the terminal device may randomly select one or more candidate frequency domain positions as the first frequency domain position. This provides greater flexibility in randomly selecting candidate frequency domain positions and effectively reduces the probability of different terminal devices selecting the same candidate frequency domain position, thereby better mitigating communication interference.

[0357] In other embodiments, the terminal device can select different candidate frequency domain locations by frequency hopping to send signals for requesting NES cells to send public information.

[0358] Specifically, after the terminal device transmits the first signal using the first frequency domain location in method 200, method 200 further includes: the terminal device transmitting a second signal to the NES cell at a second frequency domain location, the second signal being used to request the NES cell to transmit public information, wherein the second frequency domain location is different from the first frequency domain location. Correspondingly, the network device detects and receives the second signal.

[0359] In some embodiments, the second frequency domain location includes at least one frequency domain location among a plurality of candidate frequency domain locations.

[0360] It should be understood that the second frequency domain position differs from the first frequency domain position in that each candidate frequency domain position in the second frequency domain position is different from each candidate frequency domain position in the first frequency domain position. For example, the first frequency domain position includes candidate frequency domain position 1 and candidate frequency domain position 2 from a plurality of candidate frequency domain positions, and the second frequency domain position includes candidate frequency domain position 3 and candidate frequency domain position 4 from a plurality of candidate frequency domain positions. As another example, the first frequency domain position includes candidate frequency domain position 1 from a plurality of candidate frequency domain positions, and the second frequency domain position includes candidate frequency domain position 3 from a plurality of candidate frequency domain positions.

[0361] It should also be understood that, under normal circumstances, if the terminal device sends the first signal, but the network device does not send public information to the terminal device based on the actual situation, causing the terminal device to be unable to successfully access the NES cell, the terminal device can initiate a signal again (i.e., the second signal) to request the NES cell to send public information.

[0362] It should be noted that in scenarios where a terminal device sends signals (such as the first signal or the second signal) multiple times to request the NES cell to send public information, the NES cells that the terminal device attempts to access multiple times can be the same cell or different cells, depending on the actual situation.

[0363] In the above embodiments, a second signal for requesting the NES cell to send public information is sent at a second frequency domain position different from the first frequency domain position. This realizes the process of sending the signal for requesting the NES cell to send public information multiple times by frequency hopping, so that the frequency domain position of the signal sent each time is different, which can flexibly avoid interference, effectively combat intentional or unintentional interference, and improve communication quality.

[0364] Regarding the second frequency domain position, the terminal device can select at least one candidate frequency domain position as the second frequency domain position from multiple candidate frequency domain positions, or it can obtain the second frequency domain position by offsetting the first frequency domain reference position that was used last time. The obtained second frequency domain position can also include at least one frequency domain position from multiple candidate frequency domain positions.

[0365] In some embodiments, the second frequency domain position is determined based on the first frequency domain position and the first frequency domain offset, where the first frequency domain offset is the offset between the first frequency domain position and the second frequency domain position.

[0366] In implementation, the terminal device offsets the first frequency domain position according to the first frequency domain offset, and uses the frequency domain position obtained after offset as the second frequency domain position.

[0367] It should be understood that in this embodiment, the number of frequency domain positions within the first frequency domain position is the same as the number of frequency domain positions within the second frequency domain position. When the first frequency domain position includes at least two frequency domain positions, the second frequency domain position obtained based on the same frequency domain offset (i.e., the first frequency domain offset) also includes at least two frequency domain positions.

[0368] In an embodiment where the candidate frequency domain position is related to the reference frequency domain position, the first frequency domain offset can be the step size between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions. Thus, the second frequency domain position obtained based on the above method is at least one of the above multiple candidate frequency domain positions.

[0369] Figure 11 is another schematic diagram of the frequency domain reference position and candidate frequency domain position provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0370] Referring to Figure 11(a), a reference frequency domain position corresponds to a frequency domain offset (offset 1). The first frequency domain position is candidate frequency domain position 1a, and the second frequency domain position is candidate frequency domain position 2a. Based on candidate frequency domain position 1a and offset a, candidate frequency domain position 2a can be obtained, where offset a is the step size a between the two frequency domain reference positions (frequency domain reference position 1 and frequency domain reference position 2).

[0371] Referring to Figure 11(b), one reference frequency domain position corresponds to two frequency domain offsets (offset 1 and offset 2). The first frequency domain position includes candidate frequency domain position 1a and candidate frequency domain position 1b, and the second frequency domain position includes candidate frequency domain position 2a and candidate frequency domain position 2b. Candidate frequency domain position 2a can be obtained based on candidate frequency domain position 1a and offset a, and candidate frequency domain position 2b can be obtained based on candidate frequency domain position 1b and offset a. Here, offset a is the step size a between the two frequency domain reference positions (frequency domain reference position 1 and frequency domain reference position 2).

[0372] In embodiments where candidate frequency domain positions are various types of gratings, the first frequency domain offset can be the step size between two adjacent gratings of the same type (such as synchronization gratings). Thus, the second frequency domain position obtained based on the above method includes at least one of the multiple candidate frequency domain positions. For a detailed description here, please refer to the relevant description in Figure 11, which can be compared to gratings of the same type.

[0373] In some embodiments, where the above-mentioned reference frequency domain position is associated with multiple candidate frequency domain positions, both the second frequency domain position and the first frequency domain position are associated with the first frequency domain reference position.

[0374] In other words, each candidate frequency domain position of the second frequency domain position and each candidate frequency domain position of the first frequency domain position are related to the same frequency domain reference position.

[0375] Referring to Figure 11(b), the first frequency domain position is candidate frequency domain position 1a, which is related to the frequency domain reference position 1. Therefore, when transmitting the second signal by frequency hopping, another candidate frequency domain position (candidate frequency domain position 1b) related to the frequency domain reference position 1 is used as the second frequency domain position to transmit the second signal.

[0376] For example, the first frequency domain reference position corresponds to multiple frequency domain offsets, the first frequency domain position is determined based on a portion of the first frequency domain reference position and the corresponding multiple frequency domain offsets, and the second frequency domain position is determined based on another portion of the first frequency domain reference position and the corresponding multiple frequency domain offsets.

[0377] When the first frequency domain reference position corresponds to two frequency domain offsets, the first frequency domain reference position is related to two candidate frequency domain positions. The first frequency domain position includes one of the candidate frequency domain positions and is determined based on the first frequency domain reference position and a corresponding frequency domain offset. The second frequency domain position includes the other candidate frequency domain position and is determined based on the first frequency domain reference position and the corresponding other frequency domain offset. As shown in Figure 11(b), the first frequency domain position is candidate frequency domain position 1a, and the second frequency domain position is candidate frequency domain position 1b.

[0378] When the first frequency domain reference position corresponds to more than two frequency domain offsets, the first frequency domain reference position is associated with more than two candidate frequency domain positions. The first frequency domain position may include a portion of these candidate frequency domain positions, each of which is determined based on the first frequency domain reference position and a corresponding frequency domain offset. The second frequency domain position includes another portion of these candidate frequency domain positions, each of which is determined based on the first frequency domain reference position and a corresponding frequency domain offset. For example, the three frequency domain offsets corresponding to the first frequency domain reference position can yield three candidate frequency domain positions: candidate frequency domain position 1, candidate frequency domain position 2, and candidate frequency domain position 3. For instance, the first frequency domain position may include candidate frequency domain position 1, and the second frequency domain position may include candidate frequency domain position 2. For example, the first frequency domain position may include candidate frequency domain position 1 and candidate frequency domain position 2, and the second frequency domain position may include candidate frequency domain position 3.

[0379] In the above embodiments, transmitting a second signal for requesting the NES cell to send public information at a second frequency domain location different from the first frequency domain location not only realizes the process of repeatedly transmitting the signal for requesting the NES cell to send public information through frequency hopping, but also, since the second frequency domain location and the first frequency domain location are both related to the same frequency domain reference location, the terminal device (or network device) can determine other candidate frequency domain locations as the second frequency domain location for transmitting the second signal based on the previously used frequency domain reference location, avoiding the need to determine the second frequency domain location from other frequency domain reference locations, which can reduce processing time to a certain extent and improve processing efficiency and communication efficiency.

[0380] The above provides a detailed description of the location of the first signal's resources in the frequency domain.

[0381] The duration (i.e., time range) of the first signal's resources in the time domain will be described in detail below, with reference to Figures 12 to 18.

[0382] As mentioned above, the first signal is used to wake up the NES cell to send public information, which includes SSB and / or SIB. In embodiments where the public information includes SSB, it means that the NES cell will not send SSB without the first signal being triggered.

[0383] When a terminal device enters an NES cell, if the NES cell does not transmit a Service Slot (SSB), the terminal device cannot achieve time synchronization with the network via the SSB, including frame synchronization, slot synchronization, and symbol synchronization. The timing of the first signal transmitted by the terminal device is unknown to the network, and the network device needs to continuously detect the first signal by assuming various possible timings. For example, if the first signal is a sequence, the network device's receiver needs to perform correlation operations on the sequence of the first signal by sliding a time window to detect the first signal. If the first signal is a channel carrying information, this channel requires a preamble to be identified and synchronized at the receiver to correctly receive the channel, and the network device still needs to use a similar sliding window correlation method after detecting the channel preamble. Therefore, when the NES cell does not transmit an SSB, there is no time synchronization between the terminal device and the network device, and the terminal device can only transmit the first signal asynchronously. For the network device, the process of detecting the first signal generates significant power consumption, which is detrimental to network energy saving.

[0384] To achieve energy savings during the process of network devices detecting the first signal, network devices can detect the first signal discontinuously.

[0385] In some embodiments, the network device is configured with a detection period for a first signal. Exemplarily, the detection period is periodic. The detection period includes at least one detection opportunity, which is discontinuously distributed, wherein the duration of each detection opportunity is shorter than the duration of the detection period. Thus, the network device can detect the first signal within at least one detection opportunity of the detection period, thereby achieving discontinuous detection of the first signal.

[0386] In one example, a detection period consists of P time units, and a detection opportunity consists of L time units, with the L time units belonging to the P time units. It should be understood that the length of the P time units in the detection period is the length of the detection period itself, and the length of the L time units in the detection opportunity is the length of the detection opportunity. Therefore, when the length of the time units is consistent, the length of each can be represented by the number of time units within the detection period or the detection opportunity.

[0387] A time unit is a unit of measurement for resources in the time domain. The length of one time unit can be arbitrarily set, and this application does not specifically limit it. For example, one time unit may include one or more subframes. Another example is that one time unit may include one or more time slots. Yet another example is that one time unit may include one or more Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols. Yet another example is that one time unit may include one or more Transmission Time Intervals (TTIs).

[0388] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a network device detecting a first signal according to an embodiment of this application. The difference between Figure 12(a) and (b) is that the number of detection opportunities within the detection period is different.

[0389] Referring to Figure 12, the network device detects the first signal through a periodic detection cycle, which includes 8 (i.e., P=8) time units. In Figure 13(a), each detection cycle includes a detection opportunity with 2 (i.e., L=2) time units. In Figure 12(b), each detection cycle includes 2 detection opportunities, and each detection opportunity includes 2 (i.e., L=2) time units. Thus, the network device can detect the first signal within the detection opportunity of each detection cycle.

[0390] In this embodiment, by configuring a detection period within the network device, the network device detects the first signal at at least one detection opportunity within the detection period. The duration of the detection opportunity is shorter than the duration of the detection period, which enables discontinuous detection of the first signal. This reduces the power consumption of the network device during the detection of the first signal, achieving network energy saving in this process. This is particularly suitable for scenarios where the NES cell does not send SSB, causing the terminal device and the network device to be unable to synchronize their time.

[0391] Based on the aforementioned detection mechanism, network devices need to achieve energy efficiency in detecting the first signal while also successfully detecting it. Therefore, it is necessary to agree on some parameters regarding the duration of the first signal. Thus, since the duration of the first signal is agreed upon by both parties, the network device does not need to indicate the relevant time-domain parameters of the first signal through related configuration information, thereby maximizing energy savings for the network device.

[0392] It should be understood that since the embodiments of this application consider the duration of the first signal when the terminal device and the network device are not synchronized in time, the embodiments of this application define some parameters of the duration of the first signal, but do not define the start time and end time of the duration of the first signal. Instead, they define other parameters of the duration of the first signal (such as duration, number of durations, number of first signals sent within the duration, etc.) to ensure that the first signal can be successfully detected while saving energy in the process of network detection of the first signal.

[0393] In some embodiments, the duration of the first signal is greater than or equal to the duration of the network device's detection period for the first signal, and the detection period includes at least one detection opportunity.

[0394] The detection period of the network device for the first signal is the same as the detection period of the discontinuous detection in the example above. For a detailed description, please refer to the relevant description above, which will not be repeated here.

[0395] Generally, the time domain length of a first signal is much shorter than the detection period. Therefore, to facilitate network detection, the terminal device can continuously send the first signal during its duration; that is, send the first signal multiple times or send multiple first signals. It should be understood that continuously sending the first signal means that there is an ongoing act of sending the first signal during its duration, but it does not mean that the first signal is sent continuously.

[0396] For example, during the continuous transmission of the first signal, the terminal device can transmit the first signal continuously or discontinuously; this application embodiment does not impose any limitation. It should be understood that continuous transmission of the first signal means that the time range occupied by two adjacent transmissions of the first signal is continuous, with no interval between them. Discontinuous transmission of the first signal means that the time range occupied by two adjacent transmissions of the first signal is spaced out by a certain amount of time.

[0397] In this embodiment, by making the duration of the first signal greater than or equal to the duration of the detection period, the duration of the first signal will inevitably overlap with the detection opportunity within the detection period, regardless of when the terminal device sends the first signal. This helps the network device to successfully detect the first signal during the overlapping period and increases the probability of successfully detecting the first signal.

[0398] In the example where the duration is expressed as the number of time units, the duration of the first signal comprises M (or more) time units, and the detection period comprises P time units, all of which have the same length, where M is greater than or equal to P. That is, the number of time units M within the duration of the first signal is greater than or equal to the number of time units P within the detection period. Thus, the duration of the first signal is greater than or equal to the length of the detection period.

[0399] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the duration of the first signal and the detection cycle of the network device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0400] Referring to Figure 13, assuming P=8 and M=8, that is, the duration of the first signal is the same as the duration of the detection period. The terminal device can be any of UE1-UE5. It can be seen that no matter when the terminal device sends the first signal, as long as the duration of the first signal is greater than or equal to the duration of the detection period, the duration of the first signal will inevitably overlap with the detection opportunity within the detection period. The network device can detect the first signal during the overlapping period in order to detect the first signal as much as possible.

[0401] In some embodiments, the duration of the first signal comprises M (or more) time units, each time unit carrying at least one (or more) first signals.

[0402] It should be understood that the number of first signals carried in each time unit represents the number of first signals sent by the terminal device in each time unit.

[0403] In this embodiment, by sending at least one first signal in each time unit of each time unit, the terminal device is able to send multiple first signals (or send the first signal repeatedly) within the duration of the first signal. A larger number of first signals can increase the probability that the network device will detect the first signal.

[0404] In one example, in an embodiment where multiple first signals are carried within a time unit, these multiple first signals may be the same or different, and this application embodiment does not impose any limitation. In the example where the multiple first signals are the same, the terminal device repeatedly transmits the same first signal within a time unit. Furthermore, for M time units, the first signals carried in each time unit may be the same or different, and this application embodiment does not impose any limitation.

[0405] In one example, each time unit carries a first signal.

[0406] For example, the duration of the first signal in each time unit can be equal to or less than the duration of the time unit.

[0407] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the duration of the first signal provided in an embodiment of this application. Referring to Figure 14, the duration of the first signal includes 8 (i.e., M=8) time units, each time unit carrying one first signal. The duration occupied by the first signal is equal to the duration of the time unit, that is, the first signal occupies the entire time unit in the time domain. It can be understood that in this example, the first signal transmitted within the duration of the first signal is continuous.

[0408] Figure 15 is another schematic diagram of the duration of the first signal provided in an embodiment of this application. Referring to Figure 15, the duration of the first signal includes 8 (i.e., M=8) time units, each time unit carrying one first signal. The time length occupied by the first signal is less than the time length of the time unit, that is, the first signal only occupies a portion of the duration of its respective time unit in the time domain. It can be understood that in this example, the first signals transmitted within the duration of the first signal are not continuous, and there is a certain time interval between two adjacent first signals.

[0409] In another example, each time unit carries multiple first signals.

[0410] For example, the multiple first signals in each time unit can be continuous or discontinuous, without any limitation here.

[0411] Figure 16 is another schematic diagram of the duration of the first signal provided in an embodiment of this application. Referring to Figure 16, the duration of the first signal includes 8 (i.e., M=8) time units, each time unit carrying 3 first signals. The 3 first signals are transmitted discontinuously, and the time length occupied by each first signal is less than the time length of the time unit. That is, the first signal only occupies a portion of the duration of its respective time unit in the time domain. It can be understood that in this example, the first signals transmitted within the duration of the first signal are discontinuous, and the multiple first signals transmitted in each time unit are also discontinuous.

[0412] Figure 17 is another schematic diagram of the duration of the first signal provided in an embodiment of this application. The difference from Figure 16 is that in Figure 17, the multiple (e.g., 6) first signals carried in each time unit are transmitted consecutively. It can be understood that in this example, the multiple first signals transmitted in each time unit are consecutive, and the first signals transmitted within the duration of the first signal are also consecutive.

[0413] In another example, the number of first signals carried in each time unit can be the same or different.

[0414] In embodiments where the number of first signals carried in each time unit is different, the number of first signals carried in any two time units may be different, or the number of first signals carried in some time units may be different from the number of first signals carried in other time units; no limitation is made in either case.

[0415] Figure 18 is another schematic diagram of the duration of the first signal provided in the embodiments of this application. Referring to Figure 18, one first signal is carried in a portion of the time units, and two first signals are carried in another portion of the time units, and the time units carrying different numbers of first signals are alternately distributed.

[0416] In some embodiments, the duration of each time unit is less than or equal to the duration of the network device's detection of the first signal.

[0417] In this embodiment, since each time unit carries at least one first signal, if the duration of each time unit is less than or equal to the duration of the detection opportunity, when the duration of the first signal overlaps with the detection opportunity, most or all of the time periods of a time unit can fall within the range of the detection opportunity. Thus, it is easier to successfully detect the first signal within the detection opportunity, further increasing the probability of successfully detecting the first signal.

[0418] In one example, the duration of each time unit is less than or equal to half the duration of the detection timing.

[0419] Thus, when the duration of the first signal overlaps with the detection timing, at least one time unit (such as one or two time units) can be fully within the detection timing range, so that the network device can detect at least one first signal within at least one complete time unit, thereby successfully detecting the first signal.

[0420] Referring again to Figure 13, the duration of the first signal comprises 8 (M=8) time units, with each time unit carrying at least one first signal. The detection timing comprises 2 time units, meaning the duration of each time unit is half the duration of the detection timing. The terminal device is any one of UE1-UE5. UE1-UE5 each transmit the first signal at their own timing. As can be seen from the figure, the first signal transmitted asynchronously by the UE has at least one complete time unit falling within the network's detection timing.

[0421] For example, for UE1-4, the detection timing when the first signal's duration fully falls within the network's detection time units of the eight time units is time unit 1, time unit 2, time unit 3, and time unit 4. Thus, the network device can detect at least one first signal within one complete time unit. For UE5, the detection timing when the first signal's duration fully falls within the network's detection time units of the eight time units is time unit 5 and time unit 6. Thus, the network device can detect multiple first signals within two complete time units.

[0422] In some embodiments, the duration of the first signal is one of a plurality of periodic durations, with a preset time interval between two adjacent durations.

[0423] It is understandable that the terminal device can send the first signal using multiple periodic durations. For example, if the network device does not send public information for some reason while sending the first signal using one periodic duration, then, in the absence of receiving public information, the terminal device can continue to send a signal (such as a second signal) to request the NES cell to send public information during another of the multiple periodic durations.

[0424] The above description focuses on the parameters related to the duration of the first signal. It should be understood that the above examples are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. For instance, the parameters related to the duration of the first signal may not need to be agreed upon; the terminal device can autonomously and randomly select any duration to send the first signal when sending it on demand. However, for network devices, continuous detection of the first signal in the time domain is required, and the aforementioned discontinuous detection method is unnecessary.

[0425] The signal transmission method provided in the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above. It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not mean 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.

[0426] Furthermore, the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0427] The signal transmission apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 19 and 20.

[0428] Figure 19 shows a schematic block diagram of a signal transmission apparatus 300 provided in an embodiment of this application. Apparatus 300 may be a network device or a terminal device, or it may be a chip or processor in a network device, or it may be a chip or processor in a terminal device. Apparatus 300 includes a transceiver unit 310.

[0429] In one possible implementation, the device 300 is used to execute the various processes and steps corresponding to the terminal device in the method 200 described above.

[0430] The transceiver unit 310 is configured to send a first signal to a Network Energy Saving (NES) cell at a first frequency domain location, the first frequency domain location including one or more frequency domain locations from at least one candidate frequency domain location, the candidate frequency domain location being used to transmit the first signal, the first signal being used to request the NES cell to send common information, the common information including a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) and / or a System Information Block (SIB).

[0431] In some embodiments, the at least one candidate frequency domain position is or belongs to multiple candidate frequency domain positions, which are determined based on preset rules.

[0432] In some embodiments, the plurality of candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: the plurality of candidate frequency domain positions are associated with at least one frequency domain reference position, each frequency domain reference position is associated with at least one candidate frequency domain position, and each candidate frequency domain position is determined based on the associated frequency domain reference position.

[0433] In some embodiments, each frequency domain reference position corresponds to at least one frequency domain offset; and each candidate frequency domain position is determined based on an associated frequency domain reference position, including: each candidate frequency domain position is determined based on an associated frequency domain reference position and one of the frequency domain offsets corresponding to the frequency domain reference position, wherein the frequency domain offset is the offset between each candidate frequency domain position and the associated frequency domain reference position.

[0434] In some embodiments, at least one frequency offset corresponding to each frequency domain reference position in the at least one frequency domain reference position is the same.

[0435] In some embodiments, the at least one frequency domain reference position is distributed across multiple frequency bands, and in at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the at least one frequency domain offset corresponding to each frequency domain reference position in one frequency band and the at least one frequency domain offset corresponding to each frequency domain reference position in another frequency band are not exactly the same.

[0436] In some embodiments, the at least one frequency domain reference location includes at least one of the following: at least one synchronization grid, at least one channel grid, and at least one global frequency grid.

[0437] In some embodiments, the at least one frequency domain reference location includes the at least one synchronization grid, wherein the at least one frequency domain reference location is a subset of all synchronization grids defined by the system, wherein, among all synchronization grids, a frequency domain reference location is defined every interval of one or more synchronization grids.

[0438] In some embodiments, in all the synchronization grids, a fixed number of synchronization grids at intervals constitute a frequency domain reference location; or,

[0439] The at least one frequency domain reference position is distributed across multiple frequency bands, and in at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in one frequency band is different from the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in another frequency band.

[0440] In some embodiments, the at least one frequency domain reference location includes the at least one channel grid, wherein the at least one frequency domain reference location is a subset of all channel grids defined by the system, wherein, in all channel grids, a frequency domain reference location is defined every interval of one or more channel grids.

[0441] In some embodiments, in all the channel grids, a fixed number of channel grids at intervals constitute a frequency domain reference location; or,

[0442] The at least one frequency domain reference location is distributed across multiple frequency bands, and in at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of channel grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference locations in one frequency band is different from the number of channel grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference locations in another frequency band.

[0443] In some embodiments, the at least one frequency domain reference location includes the at least one global frequency grid, which is a subset of all global frequency grids defined by the system, wherein, among all global frequency grids, a frequency domain reference location is defined every interval of one or more global frequency grids.

[0444] In some embodiments, in all the global frequency grids, a frequency domain reference location is defined at fixed intervals of a fixed number of global frequency grids; or,

[0445] The at least one frequency domain reference position is distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in one frequency band is different from the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in another frequency band.

[0446] In some embodiments, the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations include at least one of the following: a plurality of synchronization grids, a plurality of channel grids, and a plurality of global frequency grids.

[0447] In some embodiments, the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations include the plurality of synchronization grids, wherein the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations are a subset of all synchronization grids defined by the system; and,

[0448] The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: each interval of at least one synchronization grid is a candidate frequency domain position.

[0449] In some embodiments, in all the synchronization grids, a candidate frequency domain location is defined at fixed intervals of a fixed number of synchronization grids; or,

[0450] The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in one frequency band is different from the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in another frequency band.

[0451] In some embodiments, the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations include the plurality of channel grids, wherein the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations are a subset of all channel grids defined by the system; and,

[0452] The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: each interval of at least one channel grid is a candidate frequency domain position.

[0453] In some embodiments, in all the channel grids, a candidate frequency domain location is defined at fixed intervals of a fixed number of channel grids; or,

[0454] The multiple candidate frequency domain locations are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of channel grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain locations in one frequency band is different from the number of channel grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain locations in another frequency band.

[0455] In some embodiments, the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations include the plurality of global frequency grids, wherein the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations are a subset of all global frequency grids defined by the system; and,

[0456] The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: each interval of at least one global frequency grid is a candidate frequency domain position.

[0457] In some embodiments, in all the global frequency grids, a fixed number of global frequency grids at each interval constitute one global frequency grid; or...

[0458] The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in one frequency band is different from the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in another frequency band.

[0459] In some embodiments, the bandwidth corresponding to each of the plurality of candidate frequency domain positions is the same; or...

[0460] The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the bandwidth corresponding to each candidate frequency domain position in one frequency band is different from the bandwidth corresponding to each candidate frequency domain position in another frequency band.

[0461] The resources used to transmit the first signal are obtained in the frequency domain based on each candidate frequency domain position and the corresponding bandwidth size.

[0462] In some embodiments, the candidate frequency domain position is any one of the following:

[0463] The starting position of the resource used to transmit the first signal in the frequency domain;

[0464] The termination position of the resource used to transmit the first signal in the frequency domain;

[0465] The resource used to transmit the first signal is located at the middle position in the frequency domain.

[0466] In some embodiments, the at least one candidate frequency domain position is a frequency domain position within the target frequency band range.

[0467] In some embodiments, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0468] A second signal is sent to the NES cell at a second frequency domain location. The second signal is used to request the NES cell to send the public information. The second frequency domain location is different from the first frequency domain location.

[0469] In some embodiments, the second frequency domain location includes at least one frequency domain location among a plurality of candidate frequency domain locations, wherein the at least one candidate frequency domain location is or belongs to the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations.

[0470] In some embodiments, the second frequency domain position is determined based on the first frequency domain position and the first frequency domain offset, wherein the first frequency domain offset is the offset between the first frequency domain position and the second frequency domain position.

[0471] In some embodiments, both the second frequency domain position and the first frequency domain position are related to the first frequency domain reference position.

[0472] In some embodiments, the first frequency domain reference position corresponds to multiple frequency domain offsets, the first frequency domain position is determined based on the first frequency domain reference position and a portion of the corresponding multiple frequency domain offsets, and the second frequency domain position is determined based on the first frequency domain reference position and another portion of the corresponding multiple frequency domain offsets.

[0473] In some embodiments, the duration of the first signal is greater than or equal to the duration of the network device's detection period for the first signal, the detection period including at least one detection opportunity.

[0474] In some embodiments, the duration includes a plurality of time units, each time unit carrying at least one of the first signals.

[0475] In some embodiments, the duration of each time unit is less than or equal to the duration of the detection timing.

[0476] In some embodiments, the duration of each time unit is less than or equal to half the duration of the detection timing.

[0477] In some embodiments, the duration is one of a plurality of periodic durations, with a preset time interval between two adjacent durations.

[0478] In some embodiments, the transceiver unit is specifically used to: transmit the first signal to the NES cell at the first frequency domain location during the initial access process.

[0479] In another possible implementation, the device 300 is used to execute the various processes and steps corresponding to the network device in the method 200 described above.

[0480] The transceiver unit 310 is configured to detect a first signal at at least one candidate frequency domain location, the candidate frequency domain location being used to transmit the first signal, the first signal being used to request the Network Energy Saving (NES) cell to send public information, the public information including a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) and / or a System Information Block (SIB), wherein the first signal is carried at a first frequency domain location, the first frequency domain location including one or more frequency domain locations among the at least one candidate frequency domain location.

[0481] In some embodiments, the at least one candidate frequency domain position is or belongs to multiple candidate frequency domain positions, which are determined based on preset rules.

[0482] In some embodiments, the plurality of candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: the plurality of candidate frequency domain positions are associated with at least one frequency domain reference position, each frequency domain reference position is associated with at least one candidate frequency domain position, and each candidate frequency domain position is determined based on the associated frequency domain reference position.

[0483] In some embodiments, each frequency domain reference position corresponds to at least one frequency domain offset; and each candidate frequency domain position is determined based on an associated frequency domain reference position, including: each candidate frequency domain position is determined based on an associated frequency domain reference position and one of the frequency domain offsets corresponding to the frequency domain reference position, wherein the frequency domain offset is the offset between each candidate frequency domain position and the associated frequency domain reference position.

[0484] In some embodiments, at least one frequency offset corresponding to each frequency domain reference position in the at least one frequency domain reference position is the same.

[0485] In some embodiments, the at least one frequency domain reference position is distributed across multiple frequency bands, and in at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the at least one frequency domain offset corresponding to each frequency domain reference position in one frequency band and the at least one frequency domain offset corresponding to each frequency domain reference position in another frequency band are not exactly the same.

[0486] In some embodiments, the at least one frequency domain reference location includes at least one of the following: at least one synchronization grid, at least one channel grid, and at least one global frequency grid.

[0487] In some embodiments, the at least one frequency domain reference location includes the at least one synchronization grid, wherein the at least one frequency domain reference location is a subset of all synchronization grids defined by the system, wherein, among all synchronization grids, a frequency domain reference location is defined every interval of one or more synchronization grids.

[0488] In some embodiments, in all the synchronization grids, a fixed number of synchronization grids at intervals constitute a frequency domain reference location; or,

[0489] The at least one frequency domain reference position is distributed across multiple frequency bands, and in at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in one frequency band is different from the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in another frequency band.

[0490] In some embodiments, the at least one frequency domain reference location includes the at least one channel grid, wherein the at least one frequency domain reference location is a subset of all channel grids defined by the system, wherein, in all channel grids, a frequency domain reference location is defined every interval of one or more channel grids.

[0491] In some embodiments, in all the channel grids, a fixed number of channel grids at intervals constitute a frequency domain reference location; or,

[0492] The at least one frequency domain reference location is distributed across multiple frequency bands, and in at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of channel grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference locations in one frequency band is different from the number of channel grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference locations in another frequency band.

[0493] In some embodiments, the at least one frequency domain reference location includes the at least one global frequency grid, which is a subset of all global frequency grids defined by the system, wherein, among all global frequency grids, a frequency domain reference location is defined every interval of one or more global frequency grids.

[0494] In some embodiments, in all the global frequency grids, a frequency domain reference location is defined at fixed intervals of a fixed number of global frequency grids; or,

[0495] The at least one frequency domain reference position is distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in one frequency band is different from the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in another frequency band.

[0496] In some embodiments, the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations include at least one of the following: a plurality of synchronization grids, a plurality of channel grids, and a plurality of global frequency grids.

[0497] In some embodiments, the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations include the plurality of synchronization grids, wherein the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations are a subset of all synchronization grids defined by the system; and,

[0498] The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: each interval of at least one synchronization grid is a candidate frequency domain position.

[0499] In some embodiments, in all the synchronization grids, a candidate frequency domain location is defined at fixed intervals of a fixed number of synchronization grids; or,

[0500] The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in one frequency band is different from the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in another frequency band.

[0501] In some embodiments, the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations include the plurality of channel grids, wherein the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations are a subset of all channel grids defined by the system; and,

[0502] The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: each interval of at least one channel grid is a candidate frequency domain position.

[0503] In some embodiments, in all the channel grids, a candidate frequency domain location is defined at fixed intervals of a fixed number of channel grids; or,

[0504] The multiple candidate frequency domain locations are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of channel grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain locations in one frequency band is different from the number of channel grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain locations in another frequency band.

[0505] In some embodiments, the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations include the plurality of global frequency grids, wherein the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations are a subset of all global frequency grids defined by the system; and,

[0506] The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: each interval of at least one global frequency grid is a candidate frequency domain position.

[0507] In some embodiments, in all the global frequency grids, a fixed number of global frequency grids at each interval constitute one global frequency grid; or...

[0508] The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in one frequency band is different from the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in another frequency band.

[0509] In some embodiments, the bandwidth corresponding to each of the plurality of candidate frequency domain positions is the same; or...

[0510] The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the bandwidth corresponding to each candidate frequency domain position in one frequency band is different from the bandwidth corresponding to each candidate frequency domain position in another frequency band.

[0511] The resources used to transmit the first signal are obtained in the frequency domain based on each candidate frequency domain position and the corresponding bandwidth size.

[0512] In some embodiments, the candidate frequency domain position is any one of the following:

[0513] The starting position of the resource used to transmit the first signal in the frequency domain;

[0514] The termination position of the resource used to transmit the first signal in the frequency domain;

[0515] The resource used to transmit the first signal is located at the middle position in the frequency domain.

[0516] In some embodiments, the at least one candidate frequency domain position is a frequency domain position within the target frequency band range.

[0517] In some embodiments, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0518] A second signal is detected at a second frequency domain location. The second signal is used to request the NES cell to send the public information. The second frequency domain location is different from the first frequency domain location.

[0519] In some embodiments, the at least one candidate frequency domain position is or belongs to the plurality of candidate frequency domain positions, and the second frequency domain position includes at least one frequency domain position among the plurality of candidate frequency domain positions.

[0520] In some embodiments, the second frequency domain position is determined based on the first frequency domain position and the first frequency domain offset, wherein the first frequency domain offset is the offset between the first frequency domain position and the second frequency domain position.

[0521] In some embodiments, both the second frequency domain position and the first frequency domain position are related to the first frequency domain reference position.

[0522] In some embodiments, the first frequency domain reference position corresponds to multiple frequency domain offsets, the first frequency domain position is determined based on the first frequency domain reference position and a portion of the corresponding multiple frequency domain offsets, and the second frequency domain position is determined based on the first frequency domain reference position and another portion of the corresponding multiple frequency domain offsets.

[0523] In some embodiments, the duration of the first signal is greater than or equal to the duration of the network device's detection period for the first signal, the detection period including at least one detection opportunity.

[0524] In some embodiments, the duration includes a plurality of time units, each time unit carrying at least one of the first signals.

[0525] In some embodiments, the duration of each time unit is less than or equal to the duration of the detection timing.

[0526] In some embodiments, the duration of each time unit is less than or equal to half the duration of the detection timing.

[0527] In some embodiments, the duration is one of a plurality of periodic durations, with a preset time interval between two adjacent durations.

[0528] It should be understood that the device 300 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a proprietary processor, or a group processor, etc.) and memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 300 may specifically be the first network device or first device in the above embodiments. The device 300 may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the first network device or first device in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, these will not be described further here.

[0529] The apparatus 300 of each of the above schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the terminal device, source network device, or target network device in the above methods; the function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions; for example, the transmitting unit can be replaced by a transmitter, the receiving unit can be replaced by a receiver, and other units, such as the determining unit, can be replaced by a processor, which respectively executes the transmission and reception operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0530] Figure 20 shows a schematic structural diagram of a signal transmission apparatus 400 provided in an embodiment of this application. The apparatus 400 includes a processor 410, a transceiver 420, and a memory 430. The processor 410, transceiver 420, and memory 430 communicate with each other via internal interconnection. The memory 430 stores instructions, and the processor 410 executes the instructions stored in the memory 430 to control the transceiver 420 to transmit and / or receive signals.

[0531] In one possible implementation, the device 400 is used to execute the various processes and steps corresponding to the terminal device in the method 200 described above.

[0532] Transceiver 420 is configured to transmit a first signal to a Network Energy Saving (NES) cell at a first frequency domain location, the first frequency domain location including one or more frequency domain locations from at least one candidate frequency domain location, the candidate frequency domain location being used to transmit the first signal, the first signal being used to request the NES cell to transmit common information, the common information including a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) and / or a System Information Block (SIB).

[0533] In another possible implementation, the device 400 is used to execute the various processes and steps corresponding to the network device in the method 200 described above.

[0534] The transceiver 420 is configured to detect a first signal at at least one candidate frequency domain location, the candidate frequency domain location being used to transmit the first signal, the first signal being used to request the Network Energy Saving (NES) cell to send public information, the public information including a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) and / or a System Information Block (SIB), wherein the first signal is carried at a first frequency domain location, the first frequency domain location including one or more frequency domain locations among the at least one candidate frequency domain location.

[0535] It should be understood that the apparatus 400 may specifically be a terminal device or a network device as described in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 430 may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory may also store device type information. The processor 410 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor 410 executes instructions stored in the memory, the processor 410 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes of the above method embodiments corresponding to the terminal device or network device.

[0536] This application embodiment further provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the functions of the terminal device or network device in the aforementioned resource indication method.

[0537] The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may take the form of any combination of one or more computer-readable media. A computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example—but not limited to—an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media (a non-exhaustive list) include: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or flash memory, optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program that may be used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0538] Computer-readable signal media may include data signals propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying computer-readable program code. Such propagated data signals may take various forms, including—but not limited to—electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. Computer-readable signal media may also be any computer-readable medium other than computer-readable storage media, capable of transmitting, propagating, or transmitting programs for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0539] Program code contained on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including—but not limited to—wireless, wire, optical fiber, radio frequency (RF), etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0540] Computer program code for performing the operations described herein can be written in one or more programming languages ​​or a combination thereof, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, and C++, and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as "C" or similar languages. The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In cases involving remote computers, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via any type of network—including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or it can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0541] This application also provides a computer program product that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform some or all of the steps described in the method embodiments above.

[0542] This application provides a chip system including a processor and potentially a memory, for implementing the functions of the terminal device or network device described in the aforementioned methods. The chip system can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0543] This application provides a communication system, which includes the aforementioned terminal device and network device.

[0544] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0545] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or 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 apparatus, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection of apparatus or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0546] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0547] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0548] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they 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 portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0549] 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

A method for signal transmission, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal device, the method includes: A first signal is sent to a Network Energy Saving (NES) cell at a first frequency domain location, the first frequency domain location including one or more frequency domain locations from at least one candidate frequency domain location, the candidate frequency domain location being used to transmit the first signal, the first signal being used to request the NES cell to send public information, the public information including a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) and / or a System Information Block (SIB). The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one candidate frequency domain position is or belongs to multiple candidate frequency domain positions, which are determined based on preset rules. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: the multiple candidate frequency domain positions are related to at least one frequency domain reference position, each frequency domain reference position is related to at least one candidate frequency domain position, and each candidate frequency domain position is determined based on the relevant frequency domain reference position. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each frequency domain reference position corresponds to at least one frequency domain offset; and each candidate frequency domain position is determined based on an associated frequency domain reference position, including: each candidate frequency domain position is determined based on an associated frequency domain reference position and one of the frequency domain offsets corresponding to the frequency domain reference position, wherein the frequency domain offset is the offset between each candidate frequency domain position and the associated frequency domain reference position. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The frequency offsets corresponding to each frequency reference position in the at least one frequency domain reference position are the same. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The at least one frequency domain reference position is distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the at least one frequency domain offset corresponding to each frequency domain reference position in one frequency band and the at least one frequency domain offset corresponding to each frequency domain reference position in another frequency band are not exactly the same. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The at least one frequency domain reference location includes at least one of the following: at least one synchronization grid, at least one channel grid, and at least one global frequency grid. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The at least one frequency domain reference location includes the at least one synchronization grid, and the at least one frequency domain reference location is a subset of all synchronization grids defined by the system, wherein, among all synchronization grids, each interval of one or more synchronization grids constitutes a frequency domain reference location. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, In all the synchronization grids, a fixed number of synchronization grids at each interval constitute a frequency domain reference position; or, The at least one frequency domain reference position is distributed across multiple frequency bands, and in at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in one frequency band is different from the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in another frequency band. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The at least one frequency domain reference location includes the at least one channel grid, and the at least one frequency domain reference location is a subset of all channel grids defined by the system, wherein, among all channel grids, each interval of one or more channel grids constitutes a frequency domain reference location. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, In all the channel grids, a fixed number of channel grids at each interval constitute a frequency domain reference location; or, The at least one frequency domain reference location is distributed across multiple frequency bands, and in at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of channel grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference locations in one frequency band is different from the number of channel grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference locations in another frequency band. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The at least one frequency domain reference location includes the at least one global frequency grid, which is a subset of all global frequency grids defined by the system, wherein, among all global frequency grids, each interval of one or more global frequency grids constitutes a frequency domain reference location. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, In all the global frequency grids, a fixed number of global frequency grids at each interval constitute a frequency domain reference location; or, The at least one frequency domain reference position is distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in one frequency band is different from the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in another frequency band. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The multiple candidate frequency domain locations include at least one of the following: multiple synchronization grids, multiple channel grids, and multiple global frequency grids. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The plurality of candidate frequency domain locations include the plurality of synchronization grids, and the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations are a subset of all synchronization grids defined by the system; as well as, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: each interval of at least one synchronization grid is a candidate frequency domain position. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, In all the synchronization grids, a fixed number of synchronization grids at each interval constitute a candidate frequency domain location; or, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in one frequency band is different from the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in another frequency band. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The plurality of candidate frequency domain locations include the plurality of channel grids, and the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations are a subset of all channel grids defined by the system; and, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: each interval of at least one channel grid is a candidate frequency domain position. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, In all the channel grids, a fixed number of channel grids at each interval constitute a candidate frequency domain location; or, The multiple candidate frequency domain locations are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of channel grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain locations in one frequency band is different from the number of channel grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain locations in another frequency band. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The plurality of candidate frequency domain locations include the plurality of global frequency grids, and the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations are a subset of all global frequency grids defined by the system; as well as, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: each interval of at least one global frequency grid is a candidate frequency domain position. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, In all the global frequency grids, a fixed number of global frequency grids are considered as one global frequency grid; or, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in one frequency band is different from the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in another frequency band. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 20, characterized in that, The bandwidth corresponding to each of the multiple candidate frequency domain positions is the same; or... The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the bandwidth corresponding to each candidate frequency domain position in one frequency band is different from the bandwidth corresponding to each candidate frequency domain position in another frequency band. The resources used to transmit the first signal are obtained in the frequency domain based on each candidate frequency domain position and the corresponding bandwidth size. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that, The candidate frequency domain position is any one of the following: The starting position of the resource used to transmit the first signal in the frequency domain; The termination position of the resource used to transmit the first signal in the frequency domain; The resource used to transmit the first signal is located at the middle position in the frequency domain. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that, The at least one candidate frequency domain position is a frequency domain position within the target frequency band range. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 23 is characterized in that, After sending a first signal to the Network Energy Saving (NES) cell at the first frequency domain location, the method further includes: A second signal is sent to the NES cell at a second frequency domain location. The second signal is used to request the NES cell to send the public information. The second frequency domain location is different from the first frequency domain location. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The second frequency domain position includes at least one of a plurality of candidate frequency domain positions, wherein the at least one candidate frequency domain position is or belongs to the plurality of candidate frequency domain positions. The method according to claim 24 or 25 is characterized in that, The second frequency domain position is determined based on the first frequency domain position and the first frequency domain offset, where the first frequency domain offset is the offset between the first frequency domain position and the second frequency domain position. The method according to claim 24 or 25 is characterized in that, Both the second frequency domain position and the first frequency domain position are related to the first frequency domain reference position. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The first frequency domain reference position corresponds to multiple frequency domain offsets. The first frequency domain position is determined based on the first frequency domain reference position and a portion of the corresponding multiple frequency domain offsets. The second frequency domain position is determined based on the first frequency domain reference position and another portion of the corresponding multiple frequency domain offsets. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 28, characterized in that, The duration of the first signal is greater than or equal to the duration of the network device's detection period for the first signal, and the detection period includes at least one detection opportunity. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that, The duration comprises multiple time units, each time unit carrying at least one of the first signals. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that, The duration of each time unit is less than or equal to the duration of the detection opportunity. The method according to claim 30 or 31 is characterized in that, The duration of each time unit is less than or equal to half the duration of the detection opportunity. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 32 is characterized in that, The duration is one of a plurality of periodic durations, with a preset interval between two adjacent durations. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 33 is characterized in that, Sending the first signal to the network energy-saving NES cell at the first frequency domain location includes: During the initial access process, the first signal is sent to the NES cell at the first frequency domain location. A method for signal transmission, characterized in that, Applied to network devices, the method includes: A first signal is detected at at least one candidate frequency domain location, the candidate frequency domain location being used to transmit the first signal, the first signal being used to request the Network Energy Saving (NES) cell to send public information, the public information including a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) and / or a System Information Block (SIB), wherein the first signal is carried at a first frequency domain location, the first frequency domain location including one or more frequency domain locations from the at least one candidate frequency domain location. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that, The at least one candidate frequency domain position is or belongs to multiple candidate frequency domain positions, which are determined based on preset rules. The method according to claim 36, characterized in that, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: the multiple candidate frequency domain positions are related to at least one frequency domain reference position, each frequency domain reference position is related to at least one candidate frequency domain position, and each candidate frequency domain position is determined based on the relevant frequency domain reference position. The method according to claim 37, characterized in that, Each frequency domain reference position corresponds to at least one frequency domain offset; and each candidate frequency domain position is determined based on an associated frequency domain reference position, including: each candidate frequency domain position is determined based on an associated frequency domain reference position and one of the frequency domain offsets corresponding to the frequency domain reference position, wherein the frequency domain offset is the offset between each candidate frequency domain position and the associated frequency domain reference position. The method according to claim 38, characterized in that, The frequency offsets corresponding to each frequency reference position in the at least one frequency domain reference position are the same. The method according to claim 38, characterized in that, The at least one frequency domain reference position is distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the at least one frequency domain offset corresponding to each frequency domain reference position in one frequency band and the at least one frequency domain offset corresponding to each frequency domain reference position in another frequency band are not exactly the same. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 40, characterized in that, The at least one frequency domain reference location includes at least one of the following: at least one synchronization grid, at least one channel grid, and at least one global frequency grid. The method according to claim 41, characterized in that, The at least one frequency domain reference location includes the at least one synchronization grid, and the at least one frequency domain reference location is a subset of all synchronization grids defined by the system, wherein, among all synchronization grids, each interval of one or more synchronization grids constitutes a frequency domain reference location. The method according to claim 42, characterized in that, In all the synchronization grids, a fixed number of synchronization grids at each interval constitute a frequency domain reference position; or, The at least one frequency domain reference position is distributed across multiple frequency bands, and in at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in one frequency band is different from the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in another frequency band. The method according to claim 41, characterized in that, The at least one frequency domain reference location includes the at least one channel grid, and the at least one frequency domain reference location is a subset of all channel grids defined by the system, wherein, among all channel grids, each interval of one or more channel grids constitutes a frequency domain reference location. The method according to claim 44, characterized in that, In all the channel grids, a fixed number of channel grids at each interval constitute a frequency domain reference location; or, The at least one frequency domain reference location is distributed across multiple frequency bands, and in at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of channel grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference locations in one frequency band is different from the number of channel grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference locations in another frequency band. The method according to claim 41, characterized in that, The at least one frequency domain reference location includes the at least one global frequency grid, which is a subset of all global frequency grids defined by the system, wherein, among all global frequency grids, each interval of one or more global frequency grids constitutes a frequency domain reference location. The method according to claim 46, characterized in that, In all the global frequency grids, a fixed number of global frequency grids at each interval constitute a frequency domain reference location; or, The at least one frequency domain reference position is distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in one frequency band is different from the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in another frequency band. The method according to claim 36, characterized in that, The multiple candidate frequency domain locations include at least one of the following: multiple synchronization grids, multiple channel grids, and multiple global frequency grids. The method according to claim 48, characterized in that, The plurality of candidate frequency domain locations include the plurality of synchronization grids, and the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations are a subset of all synchronization grids defined by the system; as well as, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: each interval of at least one synchronization grid is a candidate frequency domain position. The method according to claim 49, characterized in that, In all the synchronization grids, a fixed number of synchronization grids at each interval constitute a candidate frequency domain location; or, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in one frequency band is different from the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in another frequency band. The method according to claim 48, characterized in that, The plurality of candidate frequency domain locations include the plurality of channel grids, and the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations are a subset of all channel grids defined by the system; and, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: each interval of at least one channel grid is a candidate frequency domain position. The method according to claim 51, characterized in that, In all the channel grids, a fixed number of channel grids at each interval constitute a candidate frequency domain location; or, The multiple candidate frequency domain locations are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of channel grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain locations in one frequency band is different from the number of channel grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain locations in another frequency band. The method according to claim 48, characterized in that, The plurality of candidate frequency domain locations include the plurality of global frequency grids, and the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations are a subset of all global frequency grids defined by the system; as well as, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: each interval of at least one global frequency grid is a candidate frequency domain position. The method according to claim 53 is characterized in that, In all the global frequency grids, a fixed number of global frequency grids are considered as one global frequency grid; or, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in one frequency band is different from the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in another frequency band. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 54, characterized in that, The bandwidth corresponding to each of the multiple candidate frequency domain positions is the same; or... The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the bandwidth corresponding to each candidate frequency domain position in one frequency band is different from the bandwidth corresponding to each candidate frequency domain position in another frequency band. The resources used to transmit the first signal are obtained in the frequency domain based on each candidate frequency domain position and the corresponding bandwidth size. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 55, characterized in that, The candidate frequency domain position is any one of the following: The starting position of the resource used to transmit the first signal in the frequency domain; The termination position of the resource used to transmit the first signal in the frequency domain; The resource used to transmit the first signal is located at the middle position in the frequency domain. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 56, characterized in that, The at least one candidate frequency domain position is a frequency domain position within the target frequency band range. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 57, characterized in that, After detecting the first signal at the at least one candidate frequency domain location, the method further includes: A second signal is detected at a second frequency domain location. The second signal is used to request the NES cell to send the public information. The second frequency domain location is different from the first frequency domain location. The method according to claim 58, characterized in that, The at least one candidate frequency domain position is or belongs to the plurality of candidate frequency domain positions, and the second frequency domain position includes at least one frequency domain position among the plurality of candidate frequency domain positions. The method according to claim 58 or 59 is characterized in that, The second frequency domain position is determined based on the first frequency domain position and the first frequency domain offset, where the first frequency domain offset is the offset between the first frequency domain position and the second frequency domain position. The method according to claim 58 or 59 is characterized in that, Both the second frequency domain position and the first frequency domain position are related to the first frequency domain reference position. The method according to claim 61, characterized in that, The first frequency domain reference position corresponds to multiple frequency domain offsets. The first frequency domain position is determined based on the first frequency domain reference position and a portion of the corresponding multiple frequency domain offsets. The second frequency domain position is determined based on the first frequency domain reference position and another portion of the corresponding multiple frequency domain offsets. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 62, characterized in that, The duration of the first signal is greater than or equal to the duration of the network device's detection period for the first signal, and the detection period includes at least one detection opportunity. The method according to claim 63, characterized in that, The duration comprises multiple time units, each time unit carrying at least one of the first signals. The method according to claim 64, characterized in that, The duration of each time unit is less than or equal to the duration of the detection opportunity. The method according to claim 64 or 65 is characterized in that, The duration of each time unit is less than or equal to half the duration of the detection opportunity. The method according to any one of claims 63 to 66, characterized in that, The duration is one of a plurality of periodic durations, with a preset interval between two adjacent durations. A signal transmission device, characterized in that, The device is a terminal device or configured within a terminal device, and the device includes a transceiver unit; wherein... The transceiver unit is configured to: send a first signal to a Network Energy Saving (NES) cell at a first frequency domain location, the first frequency domain location including one or more frequency domain locations from at least one candidate frequency domain location, the candidate frequency domain location being used to transmit the first signal, the first signal being used to request the NES cell to send common information, the common information including a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) and / or a System Information Block (SIB). The apparatus according to claim 68, characterized in that, The at least one candidate frequency domain position is or belongs to multiple candidate frequency domain positions, which are determined based on preset rules. The apparatus according to claim 69, characterized in that, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: the multiple candidate frequency domain positions are related to at least one frequency domain reference position, each frequency domain reference position is related to at least one candidate frequency domain position, and each candidate frequency domain position is determined based on the relevant frequency domain reference position. The apparatus according to claim 70 is characterized in that, Each frequency domain reference position corresponds to at least one frequency domain offset; and each candidate frequency domain position is determined based on an associated frequency domain reference position, including: each candidate frequency domain position is determined based on an associated frequency domain reference position and one of the frequency domain offsets corresponding to the frequency domain reference position, wherein the frequency domain offset is the offset between each candidate frequency domain position and the associated frequency domain reference position. The apparatus according to claim 71 is characterized in that, The frequency offsets corresponding to each frequency reference position in the at least one frequency domain reference position are the same. The apparatus according to claim 71 is characterized in that, The at least one frequency domain reference position is distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the at least one frequency domain offset corresponding to each frequency domain reference position in one frequency band and the at least one frequency domain offset corresponding to each frequency domain reference position in another frequency band are not exactly the same. The apparatus according to any one of claims 70 to 73 is characterized in that, The at least one frequency domain reference location includes at least one of the following: at least one synchronization grid, at least one channel grid, and at least one global frequency grid. The apparatus according to claim 74 is characterized in that, The at least one frequency domain reference location includes the at least one synchronization grid, and the at least one frequency domain reference location is a subset of all synchronization grids defined by the system, wherein, among all synchronization grids, each interval of one or more synchronization grids constitutes a frequency domain reference location. The apparatus according to claim 75 is characterized in that, In all the synchronization grids, a fixed number of synchronization grids at each interval constitute a frequency domain reference position; or, The at least one frequency domain reference position is distributed across multiple frequency bands, and in at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in one frequency band is different from the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in another frequency band. The apparatus according to claim 74 is characterized in that, The at least one frequency domain reference location includes the at least one channel grid, and the at least one frequency domain reference location is a subset of all channel grids defined by the system, wherein, among all channel grids, each interval of one or more channel grids constitutes a frequency domain reference location. The apparatus according to claim 77 is characterized in that, In all the channel grids, a fixed number of channel grids at each interval constitute a frequency domain reference location; or, The at least one frequency domain reference location is distributed across multiple frequency bands, and in at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of channel grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference locations in one frequency band is different from the number of channel grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference locations in another frequency band. The apparatus according to claim 74 is characterized in that, The at least one frequency domain reference location includes the at least one global frequency grid, which is a subset of all global frequency grids defined by the system, wherein, among all global frequency grids, each interval of one or more global frequency grids constitutes a frequency domain reference location. The apparatus according to claim 79 is characterized in that, In all the global frequency grids, a fixed number of global frequency grids at each interval constitute a frequency domain reference location; or, The at least one frequency domain reference position is distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in one frequency band is different from the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in another frequency band. The apparatus according to claim 69, characterized in that, The multiple candidate frequency domain locations include at least one of the following: multiple synchronization grids, multiple channel grids, and multiple global frequency grids. The apparatus according to claim 81, characterized in that, The plurality of candidate frequency domain locations include the plurality of synchronization grids, and the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations are a subset of all synchronization grids defined by the system; as well as, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: each interval of at least one synchronization grid is a candidate frequency domain position. The apparatus according to claim 82 is characterized in that, In all the synchronization grids, a fixed number of synchronization grids at each interval constitute a candidate frequency domain location; or, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in one frequency band is different from the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in another frequency band. The apparatus according to claim 81, characterized in that, The plurality of candidate frequency domain locations include the plurality of channel grids, and the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations are a subset of all channel grids defined by the system; and, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: each interval of at least one channel grid is a candidate frequency domain position. The apparatus according to claim 84 is characterized in that, In all the channel grids, a fixed number of channel grids at each interval constitute a candidate frequency domain location; or, The multiple candidate frequency domain locations are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of channel grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain locations in one frequency band is different from the number of channel grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain locations in another frequency band. The apparatus according to claim 81, characterized in that, The plurality of candidate frequency domain locations include the plurality of global frequency grids, and the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations are a subset of all global frequency grids defined by the system; as well as, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: each interval of at least one global frequency grid is a candidate frequency domain position. The apparatus according to claim 86, characterized in that, In all the global frequency grids, a fixed number of global frequency grids are considered as one global frequency grid; or, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in one frequency band is different from the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in another frequency band. The apparatus according to any one of claims 69 to 87, characterized in that, The bandwidth corresponding to each of the multiple candidate frequency domain positions is the same; or... The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the bandwidth corresponding to each candidate frequency domain position in one frequency band is different from the bandwidth corresponding to each candidate frequency domain position in another frequency band. The resources used to transmit the first signal are obtained in the frequency domain based on each candidate frequency domain position and the corresponding bandwidth size. The apparatus according to any one of claims 68 to 88, characterized in that, The candidate frequency domain position is any one of the following: The starting position of the resource used to transmit the first signal in the frequency domain; The termination position of the resource used to transmit the first signal in the frequency domain; The resource used to transmit the first signal is located at the middle position in the frequency domain. The apparatus according to any one of claims 68 to 89, characterized in that, The at least one candidate frequency domain position is a frequency domain position within the target frequency band range. The apparatus according to any one of claims 68 to 90, characterized in that, The transceiver unit is also used for: A second signal is sent to the NES cell at a second frequency domain location. The second signal is used to request the NES cell to send the public information. The second frequency domain location is different from the first frequency domain location. The apparatus according to claim 91 is characterized in that, The second frequency domain position includes at least one of a plurality of candidate frequency domain positions, wherein the at least one candidate frequency domain position is or belongs to the plurality of candidate frequency domain positions. The apparatus according to claim 91 or 92 is characterized in that, The second frequency domain position is determined based on the first frequency domain position and the first frequency domain offset, where the first frequency domain offset is the offset between the first frequency domain position and the second frequency domain position. The apparatus according to claim 91 or 92 is characterized in that, Both the second frequency domain position and the first frequency domain position are related to the first frequency domain reference position. The apparatus according to claim 94 is characterized in that, The first frequency domain reference position corresponds to multiple frequency domain offsets. The first frequency domain position is determined based on the first frequency domain reference position and a portion of the corresponding multiple frequency domain offsets. The second frequency domain position is determined based on the first frequency domain reference position and another portion of the corresponding multiple frequency domain offsets. The apparatus according to any one of claims 68 to 95, characterized in that, The duration of the first signal is greater than or equal to the duration of the network device's detection period for the first signal, and the detection period includes at least one detection opportunity. The apparatus according to claim 96 is characterized in that, The duration comprises multiple time units, each time unit carrying at least one of the first signals. The apparatus according to claim 97 is characterized in that, The duration of each time unit is less than or equal to the duration of the detection opportunity. The apparatus according to claim 97 or 98 is characterized in that, The duration of each time unit is less than or equal to half the duration of the detection opportunity. The apparatus according to any one of claims 96 to 99, characterized in that, The duration is one of a plurality of periodic durations, with a preset interval between two adjacent durations. The apparatus according to any one of claims 68 to 100, characterized in that, The transceiver unit is specifically used for: During the initial access process, the first signal is sent to the NES cell at the first frequency domain location. A signal transmission device, characterized in that, The device is a network device or configured within a network device, and the device includes a transceiver unit; wherein... The transceiver unit is configured to: detect a first signal at at least one candidate frequency domain location, the candidate frequency domain location being used to transmit the first signal, the first signal being used to request the Network Energy Saving (NES) cell to send public information, the public information including a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) and / or a System Information Block (SIB), wherein the first signal is carried at a first frequency domain location, the first frequency domain location including one or more frequency domain locations among the at least one candidate frequency domain locations. The apparatus according to claim 102 is characterized in that, The at least one candidate frequency domain position is or belongs to multiple candidate frequency domain positions, which are determined based on preset rules. The apparatus according to claim 103 is characterized in that, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: the multiple candidate frequency domain positions are related to at least one frequency domain reference position, each frequency domain reference position is related to at least one candidate frequency domain position, and each candidate frequency domain position is determined based on the relevant frequency domain reference position. The apparatus according to claim 104 is characterized in that, Each frequency domain reference position corresponds to at least one frequency domain offset; and each candidate frequency domain position is determined based on an associated frequency domain reference position, including: each candidate frequency domain position is determined based on an associated frequency domain reference position and one of the frequency domain offsets corresponding to the frequency domain reference position, wherein the frequency domain offset is the offset between each candidate frequency domain position and the associated frequency domain reference position. The apparatus according to claim 105 is characterized in that, The frequency offsets corresponding to each frequency reference position in the at least one frequency domain reference position are the same. The apparatus according to claim 105 is characterized in that, The at least one frequency domain reference position is distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the at least one frequency domain offset corresponding to each frequency domain reference position in one frequency band and the at least one frequency domain offset corresponding to each frequency domain reference position in another frequency band are not exactly the same. The apparatus according to any one of claims 104 to 108 is characterized in that, The at least one frequency domain reference location includes at least one of the following: at least one synchronization grid, at least one channel grid, and at least one global frequency grid. The apparatus according to claim 108 is characterized in that, The at least one frequency domain reference location includes the at least one synchronization grid, and the at least one frequency domain reference location is a subset of all synchronization grids defined by the system, wherein, among all synchronization grids, each interval of one or more synchronization grids constitutes a frequency domain reference location. The apparatus according to claim 109 is characterized in that, In all the synchronization grids, a fixed number of synchronization grids at each interval constitute a frequency domain reference position; or, The at least one frequency domain reference position is distributed across multiple frequency bands, and in at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in one frequency band is different from the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in another frequency band. The apparatus according to claim 108 is characterized in that, The at least one frequency domain reference location includes the at least one channel grid, and the at least one frequency domain reference location is a subset of all channel grids defined by the system, wherein, among all channel grids, each interval of one or more channel grids constitutes a frequency domain reference location. The apparatus according to claim 111, characterized in that, In all the channel grids, a fixed number of channel grids at each interval constitute a frequency domain reference location; or, The at least one frequency domain reference location is distributed across multiple frequency bands, and in at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of channel grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference locations in one frequency band is different from the number of channel grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference locations in another frequency band. The apparatus according to claim 108 is characterized in that, The at least one frequency domain reference location includes the at least one global frequency grid, which is a subset of all global frequency grids defined by the system, wherein, among all global frequency grids, each interval of one or more global frequency grids constitutes a frequency domain reference location. The apparatus according to claim 113 is characterized in that, In all the global frequency grids, a fixed number of global frequency grids at each interval constitute a frequency domain reference location; or, The at least one frequency domain reference position is distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in one frequency band is different from the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent frequency domain reference positions in another frequency band. The apparatus according to claim 103 is characterized in that, The multiple candidate frequency domain locations include at least one of the following: multiple synchronization grids, multiple channel grids, and multiple global frequency grids. The apparatus according to claim 115 is characterized in that, The plurality of candidate frequency domain locations include the plurality of synchronization grids, and the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations are a subset of all synchronization grids defined by the system; as well as, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: each interval of at least one synchronization grid is a candidate frequency domain position. The apparatus according to claim 116 is characterized in that, In all the synchronization grids, a fixed number of synchronization grids at each interval constitute a candidate frequency domain location; or, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in one frequency band is different from the number of synchronization grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in another frequency band. The apparatus according to claim 115 is characterized in that, The plurality of candidate frequency domain locations include the plurality of channel grids, and the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations are a subset of all channel grids defined by the system; and, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: each interval of at least one channel grid is a candidate frequency domain position. The apparatus according to claim 118 is characterized in that, In all the channel grids, a fixed number of channel grids at each interval constitute a candidate frequency domain location; or, The multiple candidate frequency domain locations are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of channel grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain locations in one frequency band is different from the number of channel grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain locations in another frequency band. The apparatus according to claim 115 is characterized in that, The plurality of candidate frequency domain locations include the plurality of global frequency grids, and the plurality of candidate frequency domain locations are a subset of all global frequency grids defined by the system; as well as, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are determined based on preset rules, including: each interval of at least one global frequency grid is a candidate frequency domain position. The apparatus according to claim 120 is characterized in that, In all the global frequency grids, a fixed number of global frequency grids are considered as one global frequency grid; or, The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in one frequency band is different from the number of global frequency grids between two adjacent candidate frequency domain positions in another frequency band. The apparatus according to any one of claims 103 to 121 is characterized in that, The bandwidth corresponding to each of the multiple candidate frequency domain positions is the same; or... The multiple candidate frequency domain positions are distributed across multiple frequency bands. In at least some of the multiple frequency bands, the bandwidth corresponding to each candidate frequency domain position in one frequency band is different from the bandwidth corresponding to each candidate frequency domain position in another frequency band. The resources used to transmit the first signal are obtained in the frequency domain based on each candidate frequency domain position and the corresponding bandwidth size. The apparatus according to any one of claims 3102 to 122 is characterized in that, The candidate frequency domain position is any one of the following: The starting position of the resource used to transmit the first signal in the frequency domain; The termination position of the resource used to transmit the first signal in the frequency domain; The resource used to transmit the first signal is located at the middle position in the frequency domain. The apparatus according to any one of claims 102 to 123 is characterized in that, The at least one candidate frequency domain position is a frequency domain position within the target frequency band range. The apparatus according to any one of claims 102 to 124 is characterized in that, The transceiver unit is also used for: A second signal is detected at a second frequency domain location. The second signal is used to request the NES cell to send the public information. The second frequency domain location is different from the first frequency domain location. The apparatus according to claim 125 is characterized in that, The at least one candidate frequency domain position is or belongs to the plurality of candidate frequency domain positions, and the second frequency domain position includes at least one frequency domain position among the plurality of candidate frequency domain positions. The apparatus according to claim 125 or 126 is characterized in that, The second frequency domain position is determined based on the first frequency domain position and the first frequency domain offset, where the first frequency domain offset is the offset between the first frequency domain position and the second frequency domain position. The apparatus according to claim 125 or 126 is characterized in that, Both the second frequency domain position and the first frequency domain position are related to the first frequency domain reference position. The apparatus according to claim 128 is characterized in that, The first frequency domain reference position corresponds to multiple frequency domain offsets. The first frequency domain position is determined based on the first frequency domain reference position and a portion of the corresponding multiple frequency domain offsets. The second frequency domain position is determined based on the first frequency domain reference position and another portion of the corresponding multiple frequency domain offsets. A signal transmission device, characterized in that, include: Memory, used to store computer instructions; A processor is configured to invoke computer instructions stored in the memory to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 34, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 35 to 67. A chip characterized in that, The chip includes: Memory: Used to store instructions; A processor for retrieving and executing the instructions from the memory, causing a device having the chip mounted to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 34, or to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 67. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Used to store computer instructions for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 34, or for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 35 to 67. A computer program product, comprising computer program code, characterized in that, When the computer program code is run on a computer, it causes the computer to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 34, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 35 to 67.

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