Multi-carrier use method, and apparatus and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communications. Provided are a multi-carrier use method, and an apparatus and a storage medium, which are used for improving the transmission performance of a wireless communication system. The method comprises: among N carriers that are configured for a first node and that have been activated, simultaneously using, by means of switching, at most M carriers for transmission, wherein M is less than N, and both M and N are positive integers.

Description

Multi-carrier usage methods, devices and storage media

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202510063818.6, filed on January 14, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus and storage medium for using multiple carriers. Background Technology

[0003] In wireless communication systems, multiple carriers can be configured and used simultaneously to support higher peak rates and greater network capacity. However, in some scenarios, the simultaneous use of multiple carriers presents certain problems. For example: frequency band A is located within the duplex gap of frequency band B; the blocking band between the uplink of frequency band B and the downlink of frequency band A is too small; the spacing between the uplink of frequency band A and the downlink of frequency band B is too small; or there is overlap between the downlink of frequency band A and the uplink of frequency band B. Another example is that a terminal with only a single antenna cannot support two frequency bands simultaneously. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a method, apparatus, and storage medium for using multiple carriers.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present disclosure adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, a multi-carrier usage method is provided, the method being applied to a first node, the method comprising:

[0007] Of the N carriers configured and activated for the first node, up to M carriers are used simultaneously for transmission via a switching mechanism. Here, M is less than N, and both M and N are positive integers.

[0008] In a second aspect, a communication device is provided, which is applied to a first node, the device comprising:

[0009] The processing unit is used to simultaneously use up to M carriers for transmission in a switching manner among the N carriers configured and activated for the first node.

[0010] For example, M is less than N, and both M and N are positive integers.

[0011] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a memory and a processor; the memory and the processor are coupled; the memory is used to store instructions executable by the processor; and the processor executes the instructions and performs the method provided in the first aspect above.

[0012] Fourthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which computer instructions are stored, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method provided in the first aspect above; the computer-readable medium includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0013] Fifthly, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product including computing technology program instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the method provided in the first aspect above.

[0014] In this embodiment of the disclosure, multiple carriers are pre-configured and activated for the first node, and then switching is performed between the activated carriers through a switching method, which shortens the carrier switching time and improves the network performance of the wireless communication system. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings are provided to further understand the technical solutions of the present invention and constitute a part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this disclosure to explain the technical solutions of the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a multi-carrier usage method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a dynamic scheduling switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another dynamic scheduling switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a switching pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating another multi-carrier usage method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of carrier handover within a cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of inter-cell carrier switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0027] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprise" and its other forms, such as the third-person singular "comprises" and the present participle "comprising," are interpreted as open-ended and encompassing, meaning "including, but not limited to." In the description of the specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. The illustrative representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic may be included in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0028] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0029] In this disclosure, the terms "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in this disclosure should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the terms "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0030] In addition, the use of "based on" implies openness and inclusivity, because processes, steps, calculations or other actions "based on" one or more conditions or values ​​can in practice be based on additional conditions or values ​​beyond those conditions.

[0031] The technical solutions provided in this disclosure can be applied to various mobile communication networks, such as New Radio (NR) mobile communication networks using 5th generation mobile networks (5G), future mobile communication networks, or multiple communication convergence systems, etc. This disclosure does not limit these applications.

[0032] The network architecture of the mobile communication network (including but not limited to 3G, 4G, 5G, and future mobile communication networks, such as 6G) in this disclosure embodiment may include network-side devices (e.g., including but not limited to base stations) and receiving-side devices (e.g., including but not limited to terminals). In this example, the first node can be a terminal and the second node can be a base station; or, the first node can be a base station and the second node can be a terminal; or, in the downlink carrier (DL carrier), the first communication node (also referred to as the first communication node device, the first node) can be a base station-side device, and the second communication node (also referred to as the second communication node device, the second node) can be a terminal-side device. Of course, in the uplink carrier (UL carrier), the first communication node can also be a terminal-side device, and the second communication node can also be a base station-side device. In device-to-device communication between the two communication nodes, both the first and second communication nodes can be base stations or terminals. The first and second communication nodes can be abbreviated as the first node and the second node, respectively.

[0033] For example, taking a network-side device as a base station and a receiving-side device as a terminal, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes multiple base stations (e.g., base station 100 and base station 101) and multiple terminals (e.g., terminal 110, terminal 111, terminal 112 and terminal 113). For example, the multiple base stations and multiple terminals can be communicatively connected.

[0034] In this disclosure, the base station can be a base station in Long Term Evolution (LTE), Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTEA), or an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB), a base station device in a 5G network, or a base station in a future communication system (e.g., 6). The base station can include various macro base stations, micro base stations, home base stations, wireless remote extensions, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs), routers, Wireless Fidelity (WIFI) devices, or various network-side devices such as primary cells and secondary cells.

[0035] In this disclosure, a terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities that can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable, or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as on ships); and it can be deployed in the air (e.g., on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). The terminal can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal, augmented reality (AR) terminal, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical care, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, etc. The embodiments of this disclosure do not limit the application scenarios. A terminal may also be referred to as a user, user equipment (UE), access terminal, UE unit, UE station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, UE terminal, wireless communication equipment, UE agent, or UE device, etc. The embodiments disclosed herein are not limited.

[0036] In this disclosure, higher-layer signaling includes, but is not limited to, Radio Resource Control (RRC), Media Access Control control element (MAC CE), and other signaling outside of physical layer signaling, such as LPP (LTE Positioning Protocol) higher-layer signaling, NRPPa (NR Positioning Protocol A) higher-layer signaling, and LPPa (LTE Positioning Protocol A) higher-layer signaling. For example, LPP is also used in the NR positioning protocol. Physical layer signaling can also be transmitted between the base station and the terminal, such as transmitting physical layer signaling on the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) and the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH).

[0037] In this disclosure, the indicators for various parameters can also be called indexes or identifiers (IDs). These are completely equivalent concepts and can be used interchangeably. For example, resource identifiers in a wireless system include, but are not limited to, one of the following: a reference signal resource, a group of reference signal resources, a reference signal resource configuration, a Channel State Information (CSI) report, a CSI report set, a terminal, a base station, a panel, a neural network model, a sub-neural network model, a neural network layer, a precoding matrix, a beam, a transmission mode, a transmit mode, a receive mode, a module, a model, a functional module, etc., corresponding to the index. The base station can indicate the identifier of one or a group of resources to the terminal through various higher-layer signaling and / or physical-layer signaling. The terminal can also feed back the identifier of one or a group of resources to the base station through various higher-layer signaling and / or physical-layer signaling.

[0038] In some embodiments, a time slot can be a slot or a mini-slot. A time slot or mini-slot includes at least one symbol. Here, a symbol refers to a time unit within a subframe, frame, or time slot, such as an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, a Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) symbol, or an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) symbol. In most cases, the description uses a time slot as an example, which can be replaced with a time instance.

[0039] In some embodiments, transmission includes sending or receiving. For example, sending data or signals, or receiving data or signals.

[0040] In some embodiments, to improve data transmission rate and increase network capacity, parallel transmission between the terminal and the base station is performed using multiple carriers. In some examples, when multiple carriers transmit in parallel, a blocking band (guard band, guard interval) is configured between adjacent carriers to avoid spectral overlap between adjacent carriers and reduce mutual interference between carriers. An excessively wide blocking band will lead to a waste of spectrum resources, while an excessively narrow band may not be effective in preventing interference.

[0041] In some embodiments, the base station configures and activates carriers / cells for the terminal. In some examples, the base station allocates carrier resources to the terminal based on spectrum resources and the terminal's service requirements, specifically determining parameters such as carrier range, center frequency and bandwidth of each carrier, data transmission rate required by the terminal, latency requirements, and coverage area. Then, it generates carrier configuration information based on the allocated carrier resources, such as carrier identifier, frequency band, bandwidth, modulation scheme, and other key parameters. This carrier configuration information is then sent to the terminal via a wireless interface. In some examples, the terminal receives carrier configuration information from the base station through its radio frequency module, parses the carrier configuration information to obtain the key parameters of the carrier, and then activates the carrier configured by the terminal. In some examples, the base station instructs the terminal on carrier configuration information via higher-layer signaling such as MAC CE. In some examples, the base station initializes the cell, such as setting basic cell parameters like cell ID, frequency band, and bandwidth, and allocates necessary resources to the cell, such as channel and power. Then, based on the terminal's service requirements and network planning, it configures corresponding carrier resources for the cell. In some examples, when activating a cell, the base station sends corresponding indication signaling to the cell, instructing the cell to begin operation. In some examples, when a terminal accesses the network, it selects an appropriate cell for communication and transmits data with the base station.

[0042] In some embodiments, the base station deletes or deactivates a carrier / cell for a terminal. In some examples, the Network Management System (NMS) or Operation and Maintenance Center (OMC) receives a task or instruction to delete a cell / carrier and sends a configuration request for cell / carrier deletion to the base station through a specific signaling channel. Upon receiving the configuration request, the base station updates its internal configuration database and sends a notification of cell / carrier deletion to the terminal located within the cell via a radio interface. This notification may be sent via broadcast message or signaling. Upon receiving the notification, the terminal releases the resources associated with the cell / carrier. After confirming the deletion operation, the base station sends a confirmation message to the NMS / OMC indicating successful cell / carrier deletion, causing the NMS / OMC to update its network configuration database to reflect the current network status.

[0043] In related technologies, the network side can avoid the above situation by adding / deleting or activating / deactivating secondary cells for terminals. However, the slow processing time leads to low efficiency, which in turn reduces the network performance of the wireless communication system.

[0044] In some embodiments, the antenna is a physical antenna. In some examples, the antenna is a logical antenna. In some examples, the concepts of port and antenna are interchangeable. In some examples, the antenna is a transmitting antenna. In some examples, the antenna is a receiving antenna. In some examples, the antenna comprises an antenna pair consisting of a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna. In some examples, the antenna can be a uniform linear array. In some examples, the antenna is a uniform planar array, such as an array element / antenna comprising Ng rows and Mg columns, where Ng and Mg are positive integers. In some examples, the antenna is a uniform circular array. In some examples, the antenna can be a non-uniform linear array. In some examples, the antenna is a non-uniform planar array. In some examples, the antenna is a non-uniform circular array. In some examples, the antenna is a directional antenna, and in some examples, the antenna is an omnidirectional antenna. In some examples, the antenna is a dual-polarized antenna. In some examples, the antenna is a single-polarized antenna. In some examples, the terminal has a limited number of antennas, making it impossible to use multiple carriers for transmission simultaneously.

[0045] Next, as shown in Figure 2, this disclosure provides a multi-carrier usage method to improve the transmission performance of a wireless communication system. This method can be applied to a first node and includes the following steps:

[0046] S201: The first node may use up to M carriers simultaneously for transmission through a switching method, either among the N carriers configured and activated for the first node or among the N carriers configured for the first node, where M is less than N and both M and N are positive integers.

[0047] In some examples, N or X carriers are transmitted using a handover-based method, where X is less than N, X is not less than M, and X, M, and N are all positive integers.

[0048] For example, X or N represents the carrier involved in the handover process.

[0049] For example, when N=2, M=1, X=N=2, it means that the switching pattern is configured on two carriers, and these two carriers use a switching method based on the switching pattern for transmission.

[0050] When N=4, M=1, X=N=4, it means that the switching pattern is configured on 4 carriers, and these 4 carriers use a switching method based on the switching pattern for transmission.

[0051] When N=4, M=1, and X=2, it means that the switching pattern is configured on 2 of the 4 carriers, and these 2 carriers use a switching method based on the switching pattern for transmission.

[0052] When N=4, M=2, and X=3, it means that the switching pattern is configured on 3 of the 4 carriers, and these 3 carriers use a switching method based on the switching pattern for transmission.

[0053] In some examples, the cell responsible for primary communication between the first and second nodes is called the Primary Cell (PCell), which is typically active. Additional cells added to the PCell to provide wider network coverage or higher data transmission rates are called Secondary Cells (SCells). SCells provide additional radio resources to the first node, relieving the load on the PCell and improving network performance. A single cell can include multiple carriers; the primary carrier is the carrier that supports the PCell, and the secondary carrier is the carrier that carries additional data transmission tasks.

[0054] In some embodiments, up to M carriers are used for transmission among N carriers because when some carriers overlap in frequency bands or are too close together, they are prone to mutual interference, affecting the quality of information transmission. Therefore, it is not possible to use these carriers for simultaneous transmission. Alternatively, it may be due to hardware limitations of the first node itself, which prevents the simultaneous use of N carriers for transmission. For example, if the first node has 3 antennas, it is not possible to use more than 3 carriers for transmission simultaneously.

[0055] In some embodiments, the N carriers include a primary carrier and a secondary carrier. The M carriers may include both a primary carrier and a secondary carrier, or they may include only a primary carrier or a secondary carrier.

[0056] In one embodiment, the values ​​of M and N and the corresponding cell / carrier handover process include the following cases:

[0057] When N=2 and M=1, the first node switches from using PCell for transmission to using SCell, and then switches back to PCell after the carrier transmission in SCell is complete. When N>2 and M=1, the first node switches from using PCell for transmission to using one of the SCells, and then switches back to PCell after the carrier transmission in SCell is complete.

[0058] When N>2 and M=2, the first node switches from using PCell for transmission to using at most two SCells for transmission. After the SCell transmission is completed, one of the SCells switches back to PCell. Alternatively, PCell always remains in a transmittable state, and at most one SCell is in a transmittable state at any given time, i.e., dynamically switching between all SCells.

[0059] When N>M and M>2, the first node switches from using PCell for transmission to using at most M SCells for transmission. After the SCell transmission is completed, one of the SCells switches back to PCell. Alternatively, PCell always remains in a transmittable state, and at most M-1 SCells are in a transmittable state at any given time, i.e., dynamic switching between all SCells.

[0060] As an example, the above switching process preferably switches SCells with larger indices, while those with smaller indices do not need to be switched.

[0061] For example, an Index refers to a specific index or ID assigned to a SCell, and a SCell with a larger Index is one whose Index value is larger than that of other SCells.

[0062] In some embodiments, the switching method includes at least one of the following methods, but is not limited thereto.

[0063] Method 1: Handover method based on scheduling signaling.

[0064] For example, scheduling signaling is used to instruct switching to M carriers for transmission.

[0065] Optionally, scheduling signaling includes physical layer signaling transmitted on the PDCCH, as well as higher-layer signaling such as MAC CE signaling and RRC signaling. For example, scheduling signaling is Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling transmitted on the PDCCH. For instance, DCI signaling is used to provide the first node with information such as downlink data allocation, uplink scheduling permission, and power control commands, enabling the first node to correctly receive downlink data, send uplink data, and perform power adjustments.

[0066] In some embodiments, dynamic scheduling includes a first dynamic scheduling method and a second dynamic scheduling method.

[0067] For example, the first dynamic scheduling method is used to transmit a first signaling message for scheduling transmission on a first carrier on a primary carrier among N carriers. The second dynamic scheduling method is used to transmit a first signaling message for scheduling transmission on a first carrier, where the first carrier belongs to all carriers other than the primary carrier among the N carriers.

[0068] As an example, the first dynamic scheduling method sends a first signaling message on the primary carrier to schedule different carriers, that is, it performs cell / carrier handover in a cross-carrier scheduling manner, which can flexibly adapt to the handover requirements of different frequency bands / cells, and the reliability of scheduling signaling transmission is higher. For example, scheduling signaling for scheduling SCell is sent on PCell. For example, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a dynamic scheduling handover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the figure, after the first node sends the scheduling signaling message in PDCCH on PCell, it schedules SCell for transmission.

[0069] As an example, the second dynamic scheduling method transmits the first signaling on a carrier other than the primary carrier, i.e., performs cell / carrier handover in a self-scheduled manner. For example, scheduling signaling for scheduling itself is transmitted on the SCell. For example, Figure 4 is a handover diagram of another dynamic scheduling according to an embodiment of this disclosure. In the figure, after the first node transmits the scheduling signaling in the PDCCH on the SCell, it schedules the SCell for transmission.

[0070] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4, the scheduling interval of the scheduling signaling is greater than or not less than the handover gap duration to avoid transmitting data before the carrier handover is completed.

[0071] For example, the scheduling interval refers to the length of time between when a task is triggered and when it is executed. For instance, the scheduling interval is the time interval between the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) and the PDCCH. A gap refers to a time interval reserved for antenna switching during carrier handover.

[0072] As an example, the gap duration is 20us, 35us, or 70us, etc.

[0073] As an example, the gap duration for switching to the secondary carrier is the same as the gap duration for switching back to the primary carrier.

[0074] In some embodiments, when a carrier on one frequency band is switched to a carrier on another frequency band, the first node does not expect to transmit within the gap.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first node receives and decodes scheduling signaling, and receives or transmits data on a specified carrier, time slot, and frequency resource according to the scheduling signaling. For example, after receiving and decoding DCI signaling, if the DCI signaling instructs the first node to receive downlink data on a specific carrier and time slot, the first node will adjust its receiver to receive downlink data on that specific carrier and time slot. Specifically, adjusting its receiver includes configuring relevant parameters of the receiver to ensure that it can correctly receive downlink data. For example, setting the receiver's tuning frequency to the center frequency of the carrier. The receiver is synchronized with the time reference of the second node through a synchronization signal (e.g., a synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SSB)) or other synchronization mechanisms, thereby enabling accurate identification and reception of data within the specified time slot.

[0076] The handover method based on scheduling signaling can improve network performance more efficiently and quickly while switching carriers, and can achieve higher spectrum efficiency.

[0077] Method 2: Switching method based on switching patterns.

[0078] For example, a handover pattern is used to indicate or control the mode or strategy by which a first node switches between multiple carriers. Optionally, the handover pattern includes rules or parameters such as the handover object, handover time, and handover conditions.

[0079] In some embodiments, the switching pattern is used to indicate the usage time of at least one of N carriers. Various switching patterns configured in embodiments of this application are shown below, but are not limited thereto:

[0080] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a switching pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the figure, N=2, M=1, and the first node switches between PCell and SCell based on the switching pattern. When switching to SCell, data is transmitted on SCell, and when switching to PCell, data is transmitted on PCell.

[0081] In some embodiments, the period of the switching pattern is configured to indicate the duration on the primary carrier within the period, with the remaining time on other carriers. Alternatively, it can indicate the duration on the secondary carrier within the period, with the remaining time on other carriers. For example, the switching pattern indicates the duration on the PCell (Pcell duration) / PCell operation duration within a period, with the remaining time using a carrier in the SCell. Alternatively, the switching pattern indicates the duration on the SCell (Scell ​​duration) / SCell operation duration within the period, with the remaining time using a carrier in the PCell.

[0082] In one example, a PCell-based subcarrier spacing (SCS) configuration switching pattern is shown.

[0083] Specifically, the slot length is determined based on the SCS of the PCell, and then the duration of the period is determined based on the slot length. For example, the duration of the period is an integer multiple of the slot length.

[0084] For example, the time slot length is inversely proportional to the SCS, which refers to the frequency difference between adjacent subcarriers.

[0085] In one example, the period is the same as the frame structure period. Alternatively, the period can be an independently configured period, such as a slot length or an integer multiple of a radio frame.

[0086] For example, the frame structure period refers to the repetition period of the frame structure in a communication system. A radio frame is the basic unit of time; in a 5G NR system, the radio frame length is typically 10ms. Each radio frame is divided into 10 subframes, each with a length of 1ms. Subframes are further divided into time slots, the number of which depends on the SCS (Segment Controlled Class). For example, when the SCS is 15kHz, each subframe contains one time slot with a length of 1ms; when the SCS is 30kHz, each subframe contains two time slots with a length of 0.5ms.

[0087] In some embodiments, the switching pattern includes indication information corresponding to each of the multiple time units.

[0088] For example, the indication information of a time unit is used to indicate whether the time unit belongs to the usage time of the primary carrier; or, it is used to indicate whether the time unit belongs to the usage time of the secondary carrier.

[0089] For example, configuring the Pcell duration within a period involves specifying the start position and duration of the Pcell duration by configuring the start slot / symbol and the end slot / symbol; alternatively, the start position and duration of the Pcell duration can be determined by configuring the start slot / symbol and the duration. Optionally, the start slot / symbol can be omitted or not configured, and will be the same as the start slot / symbol for the period.

[0090] In some embodiments, the switching pattern is predefined.

[0091] In other embodiments, the switching pattern is dynamically adjusted based on real-time network conditions or user needs. For example, the switching pattern is dynamically indicated to the first node via scheduling signaling, enabling the first node to transmit data based on different switching patterns.

[0092] As an example, the second node indicates the switching pattern to the first node via scheduling signaling. For instance, the switching pattern is indicated to the first node via DCI scheduling signaling in the PDCCH.

[0093] As an example, the P-cell duration in PCell and the S-cell duration in SCell are indicated in slot / symbol units using a bitmap within the period.

[0094] As an example, the gap duration can be located at the beginning and end of the SCell duration, or at the beginning and end of the PCell duration, or at the beginning of both the PCell duration and the SCell duration, or at the end of both the PCell duration and the SCell duration. Furthermore, the gap duration position can be determined through configuration.

[0095] As an example, there is a gap between the usage time of PCell and the usage time of SCell (the gap is neither within the usage time of PCell nor within the usage time of SCell), or the gap is located at the beginning and / or end of the usage time of PCell and / or SCell (the gap is within the usage time of PCell and / or within the usage time of SCell).

[0096] The handover method based on the handover pattern can provide relatively regular handover paths and strategies in advance, enabling the first node to quickly switch according to the pre-known handover pattern during carrier switching, reducing delay and jitter during the handover process, and thus improving the stability and reliability of the wireless communication system.

[0097] In some embodiments, when handover is performed based on a handover pattern and a semi-static codebook is used for hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ)-acknowledgment (ACK) feedback, the semi-static codebook comprises HARQ-ACK bits when the carrier is in a transmittable state.

[0098] For example, a semi-static codebook refers to a HARQ-ACK codebook whose size does not dynamically change with actual data scheduling. HARQ is a data transmission protocol used in wireless communication for acknowledgment mechanisms of data packets to ensure reliable data transmission. ACK stands for Acknowledgment signal, which is a confirmation message acknowledging successful reception of a data packet.

[0099] In one example, if the receiver fails to receive the data packet correctly, it will send a negative acknowledgment to the sender, requesting a retransmission; if the receiver receives the data packet correctly, it will send an ACK.

[0100] HARQ-ACK bits are a set of bits sent from the receiver to the transmitter to indicate whether the receiver has correctly received the data packet sent by the transmitter. Based on the handover pattern, the handover between carriers follows a certain regularity. Therefore, when handover is performed based on the handover pattern, the semi-static code used for HARQ-ACK feedback should ideally include the HARQ-ACK bits when the carrier is in a transmittable state. Furthermore, including only the HARQ-ACK bits in the transmittable state also reduces the overhead of HARQ-ACK.

[0101] Method 3: Priority-based switching method.

[0102] In some embodiments, up to M carriers are selected for transmission based on the priority of each carrier among the N carriers or the priority of the signal to be transmitted on each carrier.

[0103] In some embodiments, priority refers to the priority assigned to different carriers, or the priority assigned to different cells, or the priority assigned to different signals to be transmitted.

[0104] In some embodiments, application scenarios for priority-based switching include at least one of the following, but are not limited to these.

[0105] Method 1: Configure different priorities for different cells. For example, when N=2 and M=1, the first node uses either PCell or SCell for transmission based on the priority of PCell and SCell. When the priority of SCell is higher, it switches to SCell for data transmission, and when the priority of PCell is higher, it switches to PCell for data transmission.

[0106] Method 2: Configure different priorities for different carriers. For example, when a pair of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) carriers cannot be used simultaneously between cells (e.g., the UL carrier of PCell and the DL carrier of SCell cannot be used simultaneously), data is switched to one of the UL and DL carriers based on their priorities. If the UL carrier has a higher priority, the data is transmitted via the UL carrier; if the DL carrier has a higher priority, the data is transmitted via the DL carrier. Meanwhile, the DL carrier of PCell and the UL carrier of SCell are not restricted and can transmit simultaneously.

[0107] Method 3: The priority of signals to be transmitted is configured on a SCell basis. For example: the priority of signals to be transmitted on all SCells is lower than the priority of signals to be transmitted on PCells. When N=2 and M=1, PCells are used to transmit data; when M>1, while PCells are used to transmit data, M-1 SCells are selected for data transmission based on the priority of the SCells.

[0108] Method 4: The priority of the signal to be transmitted is configured based on the type of the signal to be transmitted. For example: the priority of SSB or PDCCH or CSI-RS on PCell > the priority of SSB or PDCCH or CSI-RS on SCell > the semi-statically configured service channel transmission on PCell > the semi-statically configured service channel transmission on SCell. The first node switches to the carrier / cell corresponding to the higher priority channel / signal to transmit data.

[0109] For example, semi-static configuration of service channel transmission refers to the service channel transmission parameters (such as time and frequency resources, modulation and coding methods, etc.) remaining fixed for a period of time, without the need for dynamic adjustment at each transmission moment.

[0110] In some embodiments, priority is a predefined or preconfigured priority order or priority list.

[0111] In some embodiments, priority can be determined based on signaling indications. For example, priority between carriers / cells can be indicated via DCI scheduling signaling.

[0112] As an example, priorities dynamically adjusted based on scheduling signaling are higher than predefined priorities.

[0113] As an example, dynamic adjustments are made based on predefined priorities and scheduling signaling. For instance, if the first node does not expect signals of the same priority located on different carriers / cells to be transmitted simultaneously, scheduling instructions are used to instruct that signals to be transmitted on a specific carrier / cell be transmitted with priority.

[0114] Priority-based handover allows the first node to switch according to different carriers / cells and the importance of different signals to be transmitted on the carriers / cells, prioritizing the transmission of information with higher importance.

[0115] The above handover process involves switching among multiple carriers configured and activated for the first node. In other words, the carriers to be switched are pre-activated, so the second node does not need to add / delete, activate / deactivate secondary cells or carriers for the first node in real time during the handover process. This improves the processing efficiency of the handover process, enables efficient and fast handover between cells or carriers, and further improves the transmission performance of the wireless communication system.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first node also receives a second signaling message, which is used to trigger a carrier handover.

[0117] As an example, the second signaling includes scheduling signaling such as DCI signaling and MAC CE signaling.

[0118] For example, the second signaling is the newly introduced indication field in DCI signaling and MAC CE signaling.

[0119] As an example, the second signaling includes at least one of the following:

[0120] The first indication is used to indicate whether to switch to the secondary carrier.

[0121] For example, when N=2, a 1-bit indicator field is introduced as the first indicator in DCI signaling and MAC CE signaling. The 1-bit indicates whether to switch to the carrier in the SCell. When the indicator is 1, it means that the carrier in the SCell has been switched to, and when the indicator is 0, it means that the carrier in the SCell has not been switched to.

[0122] The second indication is used to indicate whether the current carrier is in operation.

[0123] For example, when N=2, a 1-bit indicator field is introduced as a second indicator in DCI signaling and MAC CE signaling. The 1-bit field indicates whether the carrier is in the current carrier. When the indicator is 1, it means that the carrier is in the current carrier. When the indicator is 0, it means that the carrier is not in the current carrier.

[0124] The third indication is used to indicate whether the current carrier is in operation or the carrier switching mode has been switched to.

[0125] For example, when N=2, a 1-bit indicator field is introduced as a third indicator in DCI signaling and MAC CE signaling. The 1-bit field indicates whether the signal is on the current carrier or switched to carrier switching mode. When the indicator is 1, it means that the signal is on the current carrier, and when the indicator is 0, it means that the signal has switched to carrier switching mode.

[0126] As an example, the third indication indicates whether it is on the current carrier or whether it has switched to carrier switching mode.

[0127] For example, when N=2, a 1-bit indicator field is introduced as a third indicator in DCI signaling and MAC CE signaling. This 1-bit field indicates whether the signal is on the current carrier. An indicator of 1 indicates that the signal is on the current carrier, and an indicator of 0 indicates that the signal is not on the current carrier. Another 1-bit field indicates whether the signal has switched to carrier switching mode. An indicator of 1 indicates that the signal has switched to carrier switching mode, and an indicator of 0 indicates that the signal has not switched to carrier switching mode.

[0128] For example, switching to carrier switching mode means that the carrier is in a state where it can be switched, while not switching to carrier switching mode means that the carrier is not switched.

[0129] The fourth indication is used to indicate a switch to one of a plurality of secondary carriers.

[0130] For example, if an N-bit indicator field is introduced as a fourth indicator in DCI signaling or MAC CE signaling, then the fourth indicator can be used to represent a maximum of 2... N A secondary carrier, which is switched to a specific secondary carrier corresponding to the fourth indication by the value of the fourth indication.

[0131] The fifth indicator is used to indicate the switching pattern to be used.

[0132] For example, a 2-bit indicator field is introduced as the fifth indicator in DCI signaling and MAC CE signaling. At this time, the fifth indicator has 4 different values, which can represent 4 different switching patterns, so that the first node can decide which switching pattern to use based on the fifth indicator.

[0133] The sixth indication is used to indicate that one of the primary and secondary carriers is in an active portion of the BWP.

[0134] In one example, the sixth indicator is the BWP indicator, which indicates the identifier of the currently active BWP. For instance, a BWP may have two or three states: active, dormant, or inactive. When a second node needs to switch the carrier of a first node, it sends a DCI signaling message containing the BWP indicator to the first node to achieve the BWP switch. Upon receiving the DCI, the first node determines the carrier to the corresponding BWP state based on the indication of the BWP indicator.

[0135] For example: the PCell carrier is indicated as an active BWP and the SCell carrier is indicated as a dormant BWP, or the SCell carrier is indicated as an active BWP and the PCell carrier is indicated as a dormant BWP. For example, the first node needs to support more than one BWP and support dynamic BWP handover.

[0136] For example, periodic CSI-RS reception is not supported in the dormant BWP state.

[0137] For example, it is not supported to schedule two cells at the same time. The scheduled cell is in an active BWP state, and the other unscheduled cell is in an inactive BWP state.

[0138] In some embodiments, the second signaling is signaling for traffic channel scheduling. For example, the second signaling is scheduling signaling in a handover mode, indicating carrier / cell handover while scheduling or configuring traffic channel transmission on the secondary carrier. For instance, the second signaling is DCI signaling in the PDCCH that schedules the PDSCH.

[0139] In some embodiments, the second signaling is common signaling for a group of first nodes. For example, the second signaling is group common DCI, used to simultaneously indicate the same scheduling information or configuration parameters to multiple first nodes.

[0140] In some embodiments, the second signaling is signaling for configuring at least one of Monitoring Occasion (MO), Configured Grant (CG), and Semi-Persistent Scheduling (SPS) for each carrier.

[0141] For example, MO refers to the point in time or time period for monitoring or inspection, typically used to monitor or inspect control information or signals from the network. For instance, by configuring MO, monitoring the PDCCH in the SCell, and detecting the presence of a PDCCH in the SCell for scheduling indicates a switch to the SCell.

[0142] CG is a scheduling mechanism for uplink carrier transmission. Specifically, when the first node meets certain conditions (such as detecting available uplink resources), it can carry out uplink transmission without waiting for explicit scheduling authorization from the network. Detecting a configured CG indicates that its corresponding carrier is transmitting uplink information, and the first node switches to that carrier.

[0143] SPS is a mechanism for allocating and scheduling downlink transmission resources. When an SPS configuration is detected, it indicates that the corresponding carrier is transmitting downlink information, and the first node switches to that carrier.

[0144] As an example, the second signaling does not support scheduling PDSCH / Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) with time-domain overlap on two cells. In the case of PDSCH / PUSCH with time-domain overlap on two cells, one of them is transmitted / dropped, for example: drop the one with the smaller cell index, or transmit the one with the earlier start symbol.

[0145] As an example, the second signaling may be located only in the DCI signaling that schedules the primary carrier, or in the DCI signaling transmitted on the primary carrier.

[0146] As an example, the second signaling also includes duration indication information, such as indicating the Pcell duration in the PCell.

[0147] As an example, DCI signaling is group common DCI, which is used to simultaneously indicate the same scheduling information or configuration parameters to multiple first nodes.

[0148] As an example, the second signaling is an enhancement of the MAC signaling. For instance, based on fast SCell(de)activation MAC CE, while indicating SCell activation via MAC CE signaling, 1 bit is used to indicate PCell deactivation. Alternatively, while indicating SCell activation via MAC CE signaling, the aperiodic tracking reference signal (A-TRS) is reused to indicate whether PCell is deactivated.

[0149] For example, Fast SCell(De)activation MAC CE is a mechanism for quickly activating or deactivating a SCell through MAC CE signaling. Specifically, the second node sends a specific MAC CE signaling to instruct the first node to change the activation status of the SCell.

[0150] A-TRS is used for channel quality measurement to support the first node's beam selection, switching, alignment, etc. For example, the first node triggers the reception of A-TRS by sending a specific MAC CE signaling. A-TRS contains 8 bits, which can be used to indicate whether the PCell is deactivated.

[0151] In some embodiments, based on the example shown in FIG2, as shown in FIG6, the following steps are further included after step S201:

[0152] S202: After the first node switches to M carriers for transmission, it switches back to the main carrier after a first duration.

[0153] For example, the first duration refers to the time required to switch to M carriers for transmission.

[0154] Optionally, the start time of the first duration includes any of the following: the start position of the service channel, the start position of the time slot in which the service channel is located, the end position of the scheduling signaling, the time domain position determined by the end position of the scheduling signaling and the first time offset, and the time domain position indicated by the signaling.

[0155] For example, a traffic channel (TCH) refers to the communication path between the first and second nodes, used for transmitting data and signaling. Examples include Dedicated Traffic Channel (DTCH), PDSCH, and PUSCH.

[0156] As an example, the start time of the first duration is the starting position of the PDSCH on the M carriers, or the starting position of the time slot where the PDSCH is located. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the start time of the first duration 'a' is the starting position of the PDSCH on the SCell.

[0157] Scheduling signaling refers to the scheduling signaling for scheduling service channels. Optionally, the end position of the scheduling signaling is the end position of signaling such as DCI signaling or MAC CE signaling, or the end position of the PDCCH transmitting the scheduling signaling. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the start time of the first duration b is the end position of the DCI signaling for scheduling service channels on the PCell.

[0158] The first offset refers to the offset configured during carrier switching, which is used to reserve time for the first node and reduce problems such as delays in scheduling signaling caused by changes in the transmission environment.

[0159] As an example, the first offset is superimposed on the end position of the scheduling signaling as the start time of the first duration.

[0160] As an example, the first offset can include the gap duration.

[0161] As an example, the time when the end position of the scheduling signaling is superimposed with the first offset is no later than the start position of the scheduled service channel.

[0162] In some embodiments, the end time of the first duration includes any one of the following: the end position of the traffic channel, the end position of the time slot in which the traffic channel is located, the time domain position determined by the end position of the traffic channel and the second offset, the time domain position determined by the end position of the time slot in which the traffic channel is located and the second offset, and the time domain position before the downlink transmission time of the primary carrier.

[0163] As an example, the end time of the first duration is the end position of the PDSCH on M carriers, or the end position of the time slot where the PDSCH is located. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the end time of the first duration b is the end position of the PDSCH on the SCell.

[0164] The second offset also refers to the offset configured during carrier switching, which is used to reserve time for the first node and reduce problems such as delays in the service channel caused by changes in the transmission environment.

[0165] As an example, a second offset is superimposed at the end position of the service channel or the end position of the time slot in which the service channel is located, as the start time of the first duration.

[0166] Downlink transmission time refers to the moment when the second node transmits data to the first node.

[0167] As an example, the second offset can include the gap duration.

[0168] As an example, the end time of the first duration is before the downlink transmission time on the PCell. Optionally, the downlink transmission information includes at least one of the following: SSB, PDCCH, or CSI-RS, etc. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the end time of the first duration b is before the PDCCH on the PCell.

[0169] In some embodiments, the start and / or end times of the first duration are predefined, or the start and / or end times of the first duration are determined by the time domain location indicated by signaling.

[0170] As an example, the time domain location indicated by the signaling is the same as the time domain location indicated by the scheduling signaling, for example: the start time of the first duration is indicated by the DCI signaling.

[0171] In some embodiments, the method of switching back to the primary carrier also includes at least one of the following methods, but is not limited thereto.

[0172] Method 1: After completing the transmission on the secondary carrier, switch back to the primary carrier.

[0173] As an example, switch back to PCell after the transmission scheduled / configured on the SCell carrier is complete. Alternatively, after the transmission scheduled / configured on the SCell carrier is complete, add an additional offset and then switch back to PCell.

[0174] For example, as shown in Figure 3, during the first duration b of SCell, the PDSCH transmission is completed and the system switches back to PCell.

[0175] Optionally, transmission completion refers to the completion of transmission of information such as PDSCH, PDCCH, SSB, or CSI-RS.

[0176] Method 2: Switch back to the primary carrier based on the received signaling indicating a switch back to the primary carrier.

[0177] As an example, the configuration / dynamic indication specifies the end time of the first duration, at which point the system switches back to the primary carrier. For instance, as shown in Figure 3, the system switches back to the PCell at the end of the first duration 'a' of the SCell.

[0178] As an example, switching back to the primary carrier based on instructions from higher-layer signaling. For instance: switching back to the PCell based on instructions from DCI signaling on the SCell.

[0179] Method 3: Switch back to the primary carrier after the timer expires.

[0180] For example, the start time of the timer can be any of the following: the start position of the service channel, the start position of the time slot in which the service channel is located, the end position of the scheduling signaling, the time domain position determined by the end position of the scheduling signaling and the offset, or the time domain position indicated by the signaling.

[0181] As an example, the timer's duration is the first duration.

[0182] As an example, if there is service channel transmission on the secondary carrier before the timer expires, switching back to the primary carrier can be done in several ways, but is not limited to these.

[0183] Method 1: If there is a service channel transmission on the secondary carrier before the timing ends, the timer restarts.

[0184] For example, the timing timer may be a default value or a preset value, but it is not limited to this, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit it.

[0185] Method 2: If a service channel on the secondary carrier has not completed transmission before the timer ends, the transmission of that service channel is discarded and the system immediately switches back to the primary carrier.

[0186] In Method 3, if a service channel on the secondary carrier has not been fully transmitted before the timing ends, the system will switch back to the primary carrier after the service channel has been fully transmitted.

[0187] Method 4: Switch back to the primary carrier based on the switching pattern.

[0188] For example, based on the indicated / configured switching pattern, the system periodically switches to the secondary carrier and then back to the primary carrier. For instance, as shown in Figure 5, it periodically switches between PCell and SCell.

[0189] In some embodiments, the handover method is applied within the same cell or between different cells.

[0190] In some embodiments, the handover method is applied to carrier handover within the same cell.

[0191] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of carrier handover within a cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 includes a Time Division Duplex (TDD) cell Cell 0 and a Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) cell Cell 1.

[0192] For example, both TDD and FDD are techniques that use time division to achieve bidirectional communication.

[0193] Cell 0 uses TDD technology, which means that Cell 0's UL carrier and DL carrier use the same frequency carrier, but transmit in different time slots.

[0194] Cell 1 uses FDD technology, which means that Cell 1's UL carrier and DL carrier use two carriers at different frequencies, with a certain frequency interval between them.

[0195] In some embodiments, uplink and downlink carriers within the same cell cannot be used simultaneously.

[0196] For example, simultaneous use is not supported due to the limited number of antenna ports on the first node, making it impossible to support the simultaneous use of uplink and downlink carriers. Alternatively, uplink and downlink carriers within the same cell are prone to mutual interference, therefore simultaneous use of uplink and downlink carriers is not supported.

[0197] For example, when the frequency interval between the UL carrier and DL carrier in Cell 1 is small, they are prone to mutual interference, so simultaneous use is not supported.

[0198] As an example, in cases where the UL carrier and DL carrier in Cell 1 do not support simultaneous use, the switching method applies to the switching between the UL carrier and DL carrier in Cell 1.

[0199] For example, the UL carrier and DL carrier transmit on different time slots. After the UL carrier occupies the first four time slots for transmission, it switches to the DL carrier for data transmission. The DL carrier occupies one time slot for transmission, and after the transmission is completed, it switches back to the UL carrier for data transmission.

[0200] As an example, the handover method is applied to carrier switching between different cells.

[0201] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of inter-cell carrier handover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 includes two FDD cells, namely Cell 2 and Cell 3.

[0202] As an example, when the UL carrier of Cell 2 and the DL carrier of Cell 3 do not support simultaneous use, the switching method is applied to the switching between the UL carrier in Cell 2 and the DL carrier in Cell 3.

[0203] For example, as shown in Figure 8, the UL carrier in Cell 2 and the DL carrier in Cell 3 transmit on different time slots. After the UL carrier in Cell 2 occupies the first four time slots for transmission, it switches to the DL carrier for data transmission. The DL carrier occupies two time slots for transmission. After the transmission is completed, it switches back to the UL carrier for data transmission.

[0204] In some embodiments, the switching method is applied between carriers in the same link direction or between carriers in different link directions.

[0205] As an example, the handover method is applied between carriers in the same link direction, such as switching between multiple UL carriers in different frequency bands.

[0206] As an example, the handover method is applied between carriers in different link directions, such as switching between a UL carrier and a DL carrier.

[0207] In some embodiments, the handover method includes performing DL carrier handover and UL carrier handover uniformly, or performing DL carrier handover and UL carrier handover independently.

[0208] For example, when performing DL carrier handover and UL carrier handover in a unified manner, when performing DL carrier handover, the UL carrier handover can be implicitly performed simultaneously; or, when performing UL carrier handover, the DL carrier handover can be implicitly performed simultaneously.

[0209] In the case of independently performing DL carrier handover and UL carrier handover. Optionally, independent handover includes DL carrier handover between different cells, and / or UL carrier handover between different cells, and also includes UL carrier handover and DL carrier handover within the same cell. For example, Figure 7 shows the handover of UL carrier and DL carrier in Cell 1. Figure 8 shows the handover of UL carrier in Cell 2 and DL carrier in Cell 3.

[0210] In some embodiments, different switching scenarios exist based on different transmit chains (Tx chain) / receive chains (Rx chain).

[0211] As an example, gap duration is required when Rx chain / Tx chain is restricted / shared, but not when Rx chain / Tx chain is unrestricted / shared.

[0212] For example, the Tx chain is used to convert digital signals into analog signals, which are typically transmitted through an antenna. The Rx chain is responsible for receiving and processing the signals received from the antenna.

[0213] Rx chain sharing refers to a situation in a wireless communication network where the first node shares the same Rx chain across multiple bands / carriers for data transmission. Tx chain sharing refers to a situation in a wireless communication network where the first node shares the same Tx chain across multiple bands / carriers for data transmission.

[0214] Tx chain limitation refers to a limitation in the performance or capability of the transmitting link, while Rx chain limitation refers to a limitation in the performance or capability of the receiving link, resulting in a decrease in the quality or power of the transmitted / received signals. For example, if the first node has a limited number of antennas, with only one antenna port, a gap duration needs to be configured during carrier handover to allow time for the handover process of the first node.

[0215] As an example, carrier switching in cases where Rx chain / Tx chain is limited includes different scenarios involving the use of antenna ports.

[0216] For example, for a first node with two antenna ports, if the first node is about to receive a transmission from a DL carrier of one band on port 2, and the previous transmission was received from a DL carrier of another band on port 1 or antenna port 2, then the first node does not expect to receive DL transmissions on any carrier during the gap period. For a first node with one antenna port, if the first node is about to receive a DL transmission from a DL carrier of one band on antenna port 1, and the previous transmission was received from a DL carrier of another band on antenna port 1, then the first node does not expect to receive DL transmissions on any carrier during the gap period.

[0217] As an example, when Rx chain / Tx chain is unrestricted, carrier handover includes the different bands used before and after the handover.

[0218] For example: When a first node is about to receive a DL transmission on a DL carrier in one band, and the previous DL transmission was on a different DL carrier in another band, the first node does not expect to receive DL transmissions on any carrier during the gap period. Similarly, when a first node is about to send a UL transmission on a UL carrier in one band, and the previous UL transmission was on a different UL carrier in another band, the first node does not expect to send UL transmissions on any carrier during the gap period.

[0219] As an example, in the case of DL carrier switching and UL carrier switching, carrier switching includes the different cells used before and after the switching.

[0220] For example, when the first node is about to receive a DL transmission from a cell of a band at antenna ports 1, and the previous DL transmission was received from another cell of another band at antenna ports 1, the first node does not expect to receive DL transmissions on any cell during the gap period.

[0221] As an example, in the case of DL carrier switching and UL carrier switching within the same cell, carrier switching includes the different carrier directions used before and after the switching.

[0222] For example, when the first node is about to receive downlink DL transmissions on a DL carrier in a band / cell, and the previous UL transmission was on the same UL carrier in the same band / cell, the first node does not expect to receive DL transmissions on any carrier during the gap period.

[0223] As an example, in the case of DL carrier handover and UL carrier handover between different cells, carrier handover includes different cell and carrier directions used before and after handover.

[0224] For example, when the first node is about to receive a DL transmission on a DL carrier in one band / cell, and the previous UL transmission was on a UL carrier in another band / cell, the first node does not expect to receive a DL transmission on any carrier during the gap period.

[0225] In some embodiments, the first handover gap between uplink and downlink carriers within the same cell or between different cells satisfies any one of the following:

[0226] The first switching gap is equal to the second switching gap, which is the switching gap between two different uplink carriers.

[0227] As an example, the first node reports the gap duration of the two uplink carriers used by a pair of bands or a pair of cells, and this is determined as the first handover gap. For example, if the gap duration of the two uplink carriers is 16µs, then the first handover gap is 16µs.

[0228] The first handover gap is equal to the third handover gap, which is the handover gap between two different downlink carriers.

[0229] As an example, the first node reports the gap duration of the two downlink carriers used by a pair of bands or a pair of cells, and this is determined as the first handover gap. For example, if the gap duration of the two downlink carriers is 20µs, then the first handover gap is 20µs.

[0230] The first switching gap is equal to the maximum value between the second and third switching gaps. For example, if the second switching gap is 16µs and the third switching gap is 20µs, then the first switching gap is 20µs.

[0231] The first switching gap is equal to the minimum value between the second and third switching gaps. For example, if the second switching gap is 16µs and the third switching gap is 20µs, then the first switching gap is 16µs.

[0232] The first switching gap is equal to the average of the second and third switching gaps. For example, if the second switching gap is 16µs and the third switching gap is 20µs, then the first switching gap is 18µs.

[0233] The first handover gap is configured by higher-layer signaling. For example, the first handover gap can be configured via MAC CE signaling.

[0234] In some embodiments, when switching to a secondary carrier for data transmission, the data transmission method on the primary carrier includes at least one of the following methods, but is not limited thereto.

[0235] Method 1: Do not receive or transmit signals on the main carrier.

[0236] For example, when data transmission is performed on a carrier of SCell, no signal is received or transmitted on the carrier of PCell.

[0237] Method 2: Receive common signals on the main carrier.

[0238] For example, common signals include at least one of the following: SSB, downlink control channel in the Common Search Space (CSS), System Information Block Type 1 (SIB1), and Channel-State Information reference signal (CSI-RS).

[0239] The CSS is used to broadcast system and scheduling information to the first node. For example, it broadcasts SIB1 and PDCCH. SIB1 contains key parameters such as network identifier, tracking area code, and random access channel configuration.

[0240] As an example, when data transmission is performed on a carrier switched to SCell, SSB, PDCCH in the downlink control resource set (CORESET#0), SIB1, or CSI-RS are simultaneously received on the carrier of PCell.

[0241] For example, CORESET refers to a set of resources for downlink control information (such as DCI signaling). CORESET#0 is the lowest-numbered core resource set, used to transmit the most basic control information, such as scheduling information for SSB and PBCH, and initial system access information (such as random access response).

[0242] Method 3: Receive common signals within a specific frequency range of the main carrier.

[0243] As an example, a specific frequency range refers to the frequency range within which the frequency domain does not exceed a first threshold (threshold 1). For instance, when threshold 1 is 20 PRBs, the common signal can be received within a frequency range of no more than 20 PRBs in the main carrier. Correspondingly, when threshold 1 is 30 PRBs or 50 PRBs, the common signal can be received within a frequency range of no more than threshold 1 in the main carrier.

[0244] As an example, a specific frequency range refers to the frequency range where the frequency offset relative to the secondary carrier is not less than a second threshold (threshold 2). For instance, when threshold 2 is 1MHz, a common signal can be received within the frequency range where the frequency offset between the primary carrier and the secondary carrier is not less than 1MHz. Correspondingly, when threshold 2 is 5MHz or 10MHz, a common signal can be received within the frequency range where the frequency offset between the primary carrier and the secondary carrier is not less than threshold 2.

[0245] For example, the frequency offset relative to the secondary carrier is the frequency offset relative to the secondary carrier. This could be an offset relative to the upper boundary of the secondary carrier, or the lower boundary of the secondary carrier, or the center frequency of the secondary carrier or a preset / configured position.

[0246] The threshold 1 and threshold 2 mentioned above are default values, preset values, or configured values, but are not limited thereto. This application embodiment does not specifically limit them.

[0247] Method 4: Data signal transmission is performed in the first sub-band of the main carrier, or data transmission is performed in the frequency domain range of the main carrier excluding the first sub-band.

[0248] For example, the first sub-band is a sub-band divided on the main carrier.

[0249] As an example, the first subband is used for data transmission. As another example, when switching to the SCell for data transmission, one or more first subbands are configured on the PCell, and channels / signals falling within the first subband can be received normally.

[0250] As an example, the first sub-band is used to separate adjacent frequency bands or channels, avoiding interference between them. When switching to SCell for data transmission, one or more first sub-bands are configured on PCell, and channels / signals not falling into the first sub-band can be received normally.

[0251] In some embodiments, the presence of the first subband is dynamically indicated by higher-layer signaling.

[0252] In some embodiments, regardless of whether M carriers are used with carrier handover, a single DCI can schedule PDSCHs on multiple carriers / cells. Alternatively, a single DCI can schedule multiple carriers / PUSCHs.

[0253] For example, when there are four carriers / cells, if scheduling multiple PDSCHs or PUSCHs on a single carrier / cell (i.e., if time-domain one-to-many scheduling is not supported), a single DCI can schedule a maximum of four PDSCHs / PUSCHs, with one PDSCH / PUSCH scheduled per carrier / cell. However, if scheduling multiple PDSCHs or PUSCHs on a single carrier / cell (i.e., if time-domain one-to-many scheduling is supported), a single DCI can schedule more than four PDSCHs or PUSCHs. In this case, it is necessary to limit the maximum number of PDSCHs or PUSCHs that a single DCI can schedule to reduce DCI signaling overhead and complexity, and increase the stability of signaling scheduling.

[0254] For example, DCI signaling can schedule up to 8 PUSCHs or PDSCHs on each scheduled cell / carrier. DCI signaling can schedule up to 16 PUSCHs or PDSCHs across all scheduled cells / carriers. As an example, the maximum number of PUSCHs or PDSCHs that DCI signaling can schedule across all scheduled cells / carriers depends on the terminal's capabilities.

[0255] In some embodiments, the number of PDSCHs or PUSCHs that can be scheduled for a single DCI is limited in the following ways, but is not limited thereto.

[0256] Method 1: Limit the maximum number of PDSCHs or PUSCHs that can be scheduled per DCI signaling.

[0257] Method 2: Limit the maximum number of PDSCHs or PUSCHs scheduled per carrier / cell, and the corresponding number of carriers / cells. For example, the limit is represented by binary pairs or sets of binary pairs reported by the base station configuration or the terminal.

[0258] As an example, the number of carriers / cells supporting time-domain one-to-many adjustment is limited by the binary pairs configured by the second node or reported by the first node, as well as the maximum number of PDSCH / PUSCHs that can be configured / supported for time-domain one-to-many adjustment per carrier / cell. For example, the maximum number of PDSCH / PUSCHs that can be configured / supported for time-domain one-to-many adjustment per carrier / cell is the same.

[0259] For example, in the binary pair {8,1}, the second element of the binary pair is 1, which means that a cell supports time-domain one-to-many scheduling. The first element of the binary pair is 8, which means that each cell supports scheduling up to 8 PDSCH / PUSCH. In this case, other cells in the cell set do not support time-domain one-to-many scheduling.

[0260] For example, {8,2} indicates that two cells support time-domain one-to-many scheduling, and each of the two cells supports scheduling up to 8 PDSCH / PUSCH. In this case, other cells in the cell set do not support time-domain one-to-many scheduling.

[0261] For example, {4,4} indicates that four cells support time-domain one-to-many scheduling, and each of the four cells supports scheduling up to 4 PDSCH / PUSCH.

[0262] As an example, the maximum number of different PDSCH / PUSCH configurations supporting time-domain one-to-many adjustment is limited by the set of binary pairs reported by the base station configuration or the terminal, as well as the number of carriers / cells supporting the maximum number of PDSCH / PUSCHs for time-domain one-to-many adjustment. For example, the maximum number of PDSCH / PUSCHs supported by each cell for time-domain one-to-many adjustment can be different.

[0263] For example, the set of binary pairs {(8,1),(4,2),(1,1)} indicates that one cell in the cell set supports time-domain one-to-many scheduling, and the cell can schedule up to 8 PDSCH / PUSCH; the other two cells in the cell set also support time-domain one-to-many scheduling, and each of the two cells can schedule up to 4 PDSCH / PUSCH; in addition, there is another cell in the cell set that supports time-domain one-to-many scheduling, and the cell can schedule up to 1 PDSCH / PUSCH.

[0264] For example, {(8,2),(1,2)} indicates that two cells in the cell set support time-domain one-to-many scheduling, and each of these two cells supports scheduling up to 8 PDSCH / PUSCH; the other two cells in the cell set also support time-domain one-to-many scheduling, and each of these two cells supports scheduling up to 1 PDSCH / PUSCH.

[0265] Method 3: Limit the maximum number of PDSCHs or PUSCHs that can be scheduled for each carrier / cell.

[0266] As an example, a multi-element array can be used to limit the maximum number of PDSCH / PUSCHs that can be configured / supported for time-domain one-to-many configurations for each carrier / cell. The maximum number of PDSCH / PUSCHs that can be supported for time-domain one-to-many configurations can be different for each carrier / cell. Optionally, the number of elements in the multi-element array is equal to the number of cells in the cell set.

[0267] For example, the multivariate array {8,1,1,1} indicates that the cell set includes 4 cells, and each cell supports a maximum of 8, 1, 1, and 1 PDSCH / PUSCH scheduling respectively. That is, only 1 of the 4 cells supports time-domain one-to-many scheduling.

[0268] For example, {8,4,4,1} indicates that the cell set includes 4 cells, and each cell supports a maximum of 8, 4, 4 and 1 PDSCH / PUSCH scheduling respectively. That is, 3 out of the 4 cells support time-domain one-to-many scheduling.

[0269] In some embodiments, the maximum number of PDSCHs or PUSCHs that can be scheduled by a single DCI is directly or inversely proportional to the number of cell sets or cells that support time-domain single-to-multiple scheduling. For example, the more cell sets or cells there are, the fewer PDSCHs or PUSCHs that can be scheduled by a single DCI; conversely, the fewer cell sets or cells there are, the more PDSCHs or PUSCHs that can be scheduled by a single DCI.

[0270] In some embodiments, the above-described multi-carrier usage method is applied or configured on a first node, a group of first nodes, or all first nodes within a cell.

[0271] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 9, the communication device includes a processing unit 900.

[0272] The communication device can be the aforementioned terminal or a chip within the terminal. When the communication device is used to implement the functions of the terminal in the above embodiments, the processing unit 900 is specifically used to: simultaneously use up to M carriers for transmission through a switching method among the N carriers configured and activated for the first node, where M is less than N, and both M and N are positive integers.

[0273] In some embodiments, the handover method includes at least one of the following: a handover method based on dynamic scheduling, a handover method based on a handover pattern, and a handover method based on priority.

[0274] In some embodiments, dynamic scheduling includes a first dynamic scheduling method and a second dynamic scheduling method. The first dynamic scheduling method is used to send a first signaling message for scheduling transmission on a first carrier on a primary carrier among N carriers. The second dynamic scheduling method is used to send a first signaling message for scheduling transmission on a first carrier on a first carrier. The first carrier belongs to the other carriers among the N carriers besides the primary carrier.

[0275] In some embodiments, the switching pattern is used to indicate the usage time of at least one of the N carriers.

[0276] In some embodiments, the switching pattern is used to indicate the usage time of the primary carrier and the usage time of the secondary carrier among N carriers within a period.

[0277] In some embodiments, the priority-based switching method includes: selecting up to M carriers for transmission based on the priority of each carrier among N carriers or the priority of the signal to be transmitted on each carrier.

[0278] In some embodiments, the priority of a carrier or the priority of a signal to be transmitted on a carrier is determined based on a predefined, preconfigured, or signaling indication.

[0279] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a receiving unit 901, which is used to receive a second signaling signal to trigger carrier switching.

[0280] In some embodiments, the second signaling includes at least one of the following:

[0281] The first indication is used to indicate whether to switch to the secondary carrier;

[0282] The second indication is used to indicate whether the current carrier is in use;

[0283] The third indication is used to indicate whether the current carrier is in operation or the carrier switching mode has been switched to.

[0284] The fourth indication is used to indicate a switch to one of a plurality of secondary carriers;

[0285] The fifth indicator is used to indicate the switching pattern to be used;

[0286] The sixth indication is used to indicate that one of the primary and secondary carriers is in the active portion of the bandwidth BWP.

[0287] In some embodiments, the second signaling is signaling for traffic channel scheduling.

[0288] In some embodiments, the second signaling is common signaling for a group of first nodes.

[0289] In some embodiments, the second signaling is signaling for configuring at least one of MO, CG, and SPS for each carrier.

[0290] In some embodiments, the processing unit 900 is further configured to: after switching to transmission on M carriers, switch back to the primary carrier after a first duration. For example, the start time of the first duration includes any one of the following: the start position of the service channel, the start position of the time slot where the service channel is located, the end position of the scheduling signaling related to the service channel, the time domain position determined by the end position of the scheduling signaling and the first offset, and the time domain position indicated by the signaling.

[0291] In some embodiments, the end time of the first duration includes any one of the following: the end position of the traffic channel, the end position of the time slot in which the traffic channel is located, the time domain position determined by the end position of the traffic channel and the second offset, the time domain position determined by the end position of the time slot in which the traffic channel is located and the second offset, and the time domain position before the downlink transmission time of the primary carrier.

[0292] In some embodiments, the processing unit 900 is further configured to: switch back to the primary carrier after transmission is completed on the secondary carrier.

[0293] In some embodiments, the processing unit 900 is further configured to: switch back to the primary carrier based on received signaling indicating a switch back to the primary carrier.

[0294] In some embodiments, the processing unit 900 is further configured to: switch back to the primary carrier based on the switching pattern.

[0295] In some embodiments, the handover method is applied within the same cell or between different cells.

[0296] In some embodiments, uplink and downlink carriers within the same cell cannot be used simultaneously.

[0297] In some embodiments, the switching method is applied between carriers in the same link direction or between carriers in different link directions.

[0298] In some embodiments, when a carrier on one frequency band is switched to a carrier on another frequency band, the first node does not expect to transmit during the switching interval.

[0299] In some embodiments, the first handover gap between uplink and downlink carriers within the same cell or between different cells satisfies any one of the following:

[0300] The first switching gap is equal to the second switching gap, and the second switching gap is the switching gap between two different uplink carriers;

[0301] The first handover gap is equal to the third handover gap, and the third handover gap is the handover gap between two different downlink carriers;

[0302] The first switching gap is equal to the maximum value between the second and third switching gaps;

[0303] The first switching gap is equal to the minimum value between the second and third switching gaps;

[0304] The first switching gap is equal to the average value between the second and third switching gaps;

[0305] The first handover gap is configured by higher-level signaling.

[0306] In some embodiments, when switching to a secondary carrier for data transmission, no signals are received or transmitted on the primary carrier.

[0307] In some embodiments, when switching to a secondary carrier for data transmission, a common signal is received on the primary carrier, the common signal including at least one of the following: the downlink control channel in the CSS, SIB1, and CSI-RS.

[0308] In some embodiments, when switching to a secondary carrier for data transmission, a common signal is received within a specific frequency domain range of the primary carrier.

[0309] In some embodiments, when switching to a secondary carrier for data transmission, data transmission is performed in the first subband of the primary carrier, or in the frequency domain range of the primary carrier excluding the first subband.

[0310] When the functions of the integrated modules described above are implemented in hardware, this disclosure provides a schematic diagram of a communication device. Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device includes: a processor 1002, a communication interface 1003, and a bus 1004. Optionally, the communication device may further include a memory 1001.

[0311] Processor 1002 may implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with this disclosure. Processor 1002 may be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It may implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with this disclosure. Processor 1002 may also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as including one or more microprocessor combinations, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc.

[0312] Communication interface 1003 is used to connect with other devices via a communication network. This communication network can be Ethernet, wireless access network, wireless local area network (WLAN), etc.

[0313] The memory 1001 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto.

[0314] In some embodiments, the memory 1001 may exist independently of the processor 1002. The memory 1001 may be connected to the processor 1002 via a bus 1004 and may be used to store instructions or program code. When the processor 1002 calls and executes the instructions or program code stored in the memory 1001, it can implement the multi-carrier usage method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0315] In other embodiments, the memory 1001 may also be integrated with the processor 1002.

[0316] Bus 1004 can be an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Bus 1004 can be divided into ground bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, only one thick line is used in Figure 10, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0317] Through the above description of the implementation methods, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above models is used as an example. In practical applications, the above functions can be assigned to different models as needed, that is, the internal structure of the base station or terminal can be divided into different models to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0318] This disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by computer instructions instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be any of the foregoing embodiments or memory. The computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the base station or terminal, such as a pluggable hard drive, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the base station or terminal. Further, the computer-readable storage medium can include both internal storage units of the base station or terminal and external storage devices. The computer-readable storage medium is used to store the computer program and other programs and data required by the base station or terminal. The computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0319] This disclosure also provides a computer program product comprising a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the multi-carrier usage methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0320] Although this disclosure has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments by reviewing the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims in carrying out the claimed disclosure. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce a good effect.

[0321] Although this disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it will be apparent that various modifications and combinations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and are to be considered as covering any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this disclosure. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this disclosure without departing from its spirit and scope. Thus, this disclosure is also intended to include any such modifications and modifications that fall within the scope of the claims of this disclosure and their equivalents.

[0322] The above are merely specific embodiments of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for using multiple carriers, wherein, Applied to the first node, the method includes: Among the N carriers configured and activated for the first node, up to M carriers are used simultaneously for transmission via switching, where M is less than N and both M and N are positive integers.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The switching method includes at least one of the following: a switching method based on dynamic scheduling, a switching method based on switching patterns, and a switching method based on priority.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The dynamic scheduling includes a first dynamic scheduling mode and a second dynamic scheduling mode. The first dynamic scheduling mode is used to send a first signaling message for scheduling transmission on a first carrier on the primary carrier among the N carriers. The second dynamic scheduling mode is used to send a first signaling message for scheduling transmission on a first carrier on the first carrier. The first carrier belongs to the other carriers among the N carriers besides the primary carrier.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The switching pattern is used to indicate the usage time of at least one of the N carriers.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The switching pattern is used to indicate the usage time of the primary carrier and the usage time of the secondary carrier among the N carriers within the period.

6. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The priority-based switching method includes: selecting up to M carriers for transmission based on the priority of each carrier among the N carriers or the priority of the signal to be transmitted on each carrier.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The priority of the carrier or the priority of the signal to be transmitted on the carrier is determined based on a predefined, preconfigured, or signaling indication.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: Receive a second signaling message, which is used to trigger carrier switching.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The second signaling includes at least one of the following: A first indication, wherein the first indication is used to indicate whether to switch to a secondary carrier; A second indication, which is used to indicate whether the current carrier is in operation; A third indication, wherein the third indication is used to indicate whether the current carrier is in operation or the carrier switching mode has been switched to. A fourth indication, wherein the fourth indication is used to indicate a switch to one of a plurality of secondary carriers; The fifth indication is used to indicate the switching pattern used; The sixth indication is used to indicate that one of the primary carrier and the secondary carrier is in an active partial bandwidth (BWP).

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The second signaling is signaling for service channel scheduling, or the second signaling is common signaling for a group of first nodes; or, the second signaling is signaling for configuring at least one of the following: monitoring timing for each carrier, configuration authorization, and semi-static scheduling (SPS).

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: After switching to the M carriers for transmission, the system switches back to the primary carrier after a first duration; wherein the start time of the first duration includes any one of the following: the start position of the service channel, the start position of the time slot in which the service channel is located, the end position of the scheduling signaling related to the service channel, the time domain position determined by the end position of the scheduling signaling and the first offset, and the time domain position indicated by the signaling.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The end time of the first duration includes any one of the following: the end position of the service channel, the end position of the time slot in which the service channel is located, the time domain position determined by the end position of the service channel and the second offset, the time domain position determined by the end position of the time slot in which the service channel is located and the second offset, or the time domain position before the downlink transmission time of the primary carrier.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: switching back to the primary carrier according to one of the following methods: After transmission is completed on the secondary carrier, switch back to the primary carrier; or, Based on the received signaling indicating a switch back to the primary carrier, switch back to the primary carrier; or, Switch back to the primary carrier based on the switching pattern.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The handover method is applied within the same cell or between different cells.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, Uplink and downlink carriers within the same cell cannot be used simultaneously.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The switching method is applied between carriers in the same link direction or between carriers in different link directions.

17. The method according to claim 1, wherein, When a carrier on one frequency band is switched to a carrier on another frequency band, the first node does not expect to transmit during the switching interval.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The first handover gap between uplink and downlink carriers within the same cell or between different cells satisfies any of the following: The first switching gap is equal to the second switching gap, where the second switching gap is the switching gap between two different uplink carriers; The first switching gap is equal to the third switching gap, wherein the third switching gap is the switching gap between two different downlink carriers; The first switching gap is equal to the maximum value between the second switching gap and the third switching gap; The first switching gap is equal to the minimum value between the second switching gap and the third switching gap; The first switching gap is equal to the average value between the second switching gap and the third switching gap; The first handover gap is configured by higher-layer signaling.

19. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: When switching to the secondary carrier for data transmission, no signal is received or transmitted on the primary carrier; or, When switching to a secondary carrier for data transmission, a common signal is received on the primary carrier, the common signal including at least one of the following: SSB, downlink control channel in the common search space, SIB1, CSI-RS; or... When switching to a secondary carrier for data transmission, a common signal is received within a specific frequency domain range of the primary carrier; or... When switching to a secondary carrier for data transmission, data transmission is performed in the first sub-band of the primary carrier, or in the frequency domain range of the primary carrier excluding the first sub-band.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The specific frequency range refers to a frequency range whose frequency is not greater than the first threshold, or the specific frequency range refers to a frequency range whose frequency offset relative to the secondary carrier is not less than the second threshold.

21. A communication device, wherein, include: Memory and processor; Memory and processor are coupled; The memory is used to store instructions that can be executed by the processor; When the processor executes the instructions, it performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-20.

22. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-20.

23. A computer program product, wherein, The computer program product includes computing technology program instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-20.

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