Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a communication method and apparatus, which are applicable to the technical field of communications, such as an NTN (e.g., a satellite communication system). The method comprises: receiving a first message from a network device, wherein the first message comprises SMTC list configuration information, the SMTC list configuration information comprises N pieces of SMTC information, and each of the N pieces of SMTC information is used for indicating a cell list, a measurement period corresponding to the cell list, and an offset corresponding to the cell list, with N being an integer greater than 0; and performing SSB measurement on the basis of the SMTC list configuration information. By means of the present application, the time consumed for SSB measurement can be shortened, thereby improving the efficiency of SSB measurement.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510083481.5, filed on January 17, 2025, with the China National Intellectual Property Administration, entitled “A Communication Method and Apparatus”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] In terrestrial communication systems, user equipment (UE) can implement mobility management by measuring synchronization signal blocks (SSBs). More specifically, the network side configures SSB-based measurement timing configuration (SMTC) information, and then the UE, in idle state or radio resource control (RRC) connected state, searches for and measures SSBs based on the SMTC configuration information.

[0004] Compared to terrestrial communication systems, satellite communication systems offer wider coverage and effectively address internet access issues in areas with limited communication infrastructure. In satellite communication systems, since the arrival delays of serving satellites and neighboring satellites to the UE vary, the network can calculate the arrival delays of different satellites based on their locations and the UE's location. This information is then configured in the SMTC4 configuration information with corresponding satellite cell lists and offsets to ensure that each satellite's SSB (Secure Segment Bus) can be detected by the UE at its corresponding time and location. In practical applications, the network can also flexibly configure the SSB period based on different access requirements. For example, a shorter SSB period can be configured for areas with high access demand, allowing UEs in those areas to complete cell synchronization more quickly; a longer SSB period can be configured for areas with low access demand, saving network-side common channel transmission resources. The measurement period in the SMTC4 configuration information reuses the settings in the SMTC1 configuration information, meaning all cells use the same measurement period. This can lead to situations where the UE performs empty SSB searches or misses many mergeable SSBs during neighbor cell measurements, thus prolonging the time spent on SSB measurements. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can reduce the time spent on SSB measurement and improve SSB measurement efficiency.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a terminal side, such as a terminal device or a communication module within the terminal device, or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip) responsible for communication functions within the terminal device; the method includes:

[0007] Receive a first message from the network device. The first message includes SMTC list configuration information. The SMTC list configuration information includes N SMTC configuration information. Each of the N SMTC configuration information is used to indicate a cell list, the measurement period corresponding to the cell list, and the offset corresponding to the cell list. N is an integer greater than 0. Perform SSB measurement based on the SMTC list configuration information.

[0008] By receiving the first message, the terminal device can learn the list of cells requiring SSB measurement, the corresponding measurement period, and the corresponding offset for each SMTC configuration information in the SMTC list configuration information. This means the network device can configure the measurement period and offset separately for different cell lists, allowing for more flexible and accurate configuration of SMTC configuration information (i.e., measurement period and offset) for different cell lists. This makes the SMTC configuration more adaptable to the access requirements of different cells. When the terminal device performs SSB measurement based on the SMTC list configuration information, it can search and measure the SSBs of cells in the cell list indicated by each SMTC configuration information according to the measurement period and offset specified in that SMTC configuration information. In other words, the terminal device can use its own configured SMTC configuration information (i.e., measurement period and offset) for different cell lists, thus avoiding situations where the terminal device performs an empty SSB search or misses many mergeable SSBs when measuring neighboring cell SSBs. This reduces the time spent on SSB measurement, improves SSB measurement efficiency, and enhances SSB measurement performance in mobility management.

[0009] In one possible design, N is an integer greater than 3. This allows terminal devices to perform SSB measurements on neighboring cells with more diverse access requirements, thereby avoiding situations where terminal devices perform empty SSB searches or miss many mergeable SSBs when measuring neighboring cell SSBs. This reduces the time spent on SSB measurement, improves SSB measurement efficiency, and enhances SSB measurement performance in mobility management.

[0010] In another possible design, the SMTC configuration information also includes satellite information, which indicates whether a cell in the cell list belongs to a serving satellite, or indicates the identifier of the satellite to which a cell in the cell list belongs. This helps the terminal device distinguish the measurement period corresponding to each cell when there is a conflict between the physical cell identifiers of the serving satellite and neighboring satellites.

[0011] In another possible design, based on the measurement period and offset indicated by the first SMTC configuration information, SSBs in one or more cells in the cell list indicated by the first SMTC configuration information are measured. Here, the first SMTC configuration information is one of the N SMTC configuration information sets. Performing SSB measurements on cells in the cell list indicated by the first SMTC configuration information using the measurement period and offset specified by the first SMTC configuration information helps the terminal device avoid empty SSB searches or missing many mergeable SSBs when measuring neighboring cell SSBs, thereby reducing the time spent on SSB measurements, improving SSB measurement efficiency, and enhancing SSB measurement performance in mobility management.

[0012] In another possible design, the first message further includes second SMTC configuration information, which indicates the duration. Based on the measurement period and offset indicated by the first SMTC configuration information and the duration, SSB measurements are performed on the one or more cells. By receiving the second SMTC configuration information in the first message, the terminal device can know the length of the SSB measurement time window. Using the measurement period and offset indicated by the first SMTC configuration information and the duration, SSB measurements are performed on the cells in the cell list indicated by the first SMTC configuration information. This helps the terminal device avoid empty SSB searches or missing many mergeable SSBs when measuring neighboring cell SSBs within the duration, thereby reducing the time spent on SSB measurements, improving SSB measurement efficiency, and enhancing SSB measurement performance in mobility management.

[0013] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to the network side, such as a network device or a communication module within a network device, or a component (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system) within a network device responsible for communication functions; the method includes:

[0014] Send a first message, which includes SMTC list configuration information. The SMTC list configuration information includes N SMTC configuration information. Each of the N SMTC configuration information is used to indicate a cell list, the measurement period corresponding to the cell list, and the offset corresponding to the cell list. N is an integer greater than 0. The SMTC list configuration information is used to measure SSB.

[0015] By configuring SMTC list configuration information in the first message, network devices can configure measurement periods and offsets for different cell lists. This allows network devices to configure their SMTC configuration information (i.e., measurement periods and offsets) for different cell lists more flexibly and accurately, making SMTC configurations more adaptable to the access requirements of different cells. By sending the first message, the terminal device can know the list of cells requiring SSB measurement, the corresponding measurement period, and the corresponding offset for each SMTC configuration information after receiving the first message. It also allows the terminal device to search and measure the SSBs of cells in the cell list indicated by each SMTC configuration information based on the measurement period and offset indicated by each SMTC configuration information. In other words, the terminal device can use its own configured SMTC configuration information (i.e., measurement periods and offsets) for different cell lists, thereby avoiding situations where the terminal device misses many mergeable SSBs or searches for empty SSBs when measuring neighboring cell SSBs. This reduces the time spent on SSB measurement, improves SSB measurement efficiency, and enhances SSB measurement performance in mobility management.

[0016] In one possible design, N is an integer greater than 3. Increasing the number of SMTC configuration information that can be configured by increasing the SMTC list configuration information allows the terminal device to perform SSB measurements on neighboring cells with more different access requirements, thereby reducing the time spent on SSB measurements, improving SSB measurement efficiency, and enhancing SSB measurement performance in mobility management.

[0017] In another possible design, the SMTC configuration information also includes satellite information. This satellite information indicates whether a cell in the cell list belongs to a serving satellite, or it indicates the identifier of the satellite to which a cell in the cell list belongs. Adding satellite information helps the terminal device distinguish the measurement period corresponding to each cell when there is a conflict between the physical cell identifiers of the serving satellite and neighboring satellites.

[0018] In another possible design, the measurement period and offset indicated by the first SMTC configuration information are used to measure SSBs in one or more cells in the cell list indicated by the first SMTC configuration information, wherein the first SMTC configuration information is one of the N SMTC configuration information. This helps the terminal device avoid empty SSB searches or missing many mergeable SSBs when measuring neighboring cell SSBs, thereby reducing the time spent on SSB measurement, improving SSB measurement efficiency, and enhancing SSB measurement performance in mobility management.

[0019] In another possible design, the first message further includes second SMTC configuration information, which indicates the duration. The measurement period and offset indicated by the first SMTC configuration information, along with the duration, are used to measure SSBs in the one or more cells. By configuring the second SMTC configuration information in the first message, the terminal device can avoid empty SSB searches or missing many mergeable SSBs when measuring neighboring cell SSBs during the duration, thereby reducing the time spent on SSB measurement, improving SSB measurement efficiency, and enhancing SSB measurement performance in mobility management.

[0020] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device configured to implement the methods and functions described in the first aspect. The communication device is implemented in hardware / software. It includes modules corresponding to the aforementioned functions. The communication device can be a terminal device, a communication module within the terminal device, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the aforementioned methods in the terminal device, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions.

[0021] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device configured to implement the methods and functions described in the second aspect. The communication device is implemented in hardware / software. It includes modules corresponding to the aforementioned functions. The communication device can be a network device, a communication module within a network device, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the aforementioned methods in a network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device.

[0022] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including one or more processors. The one or more processors enable the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect described above.

[0023] In one possible design, the communication device may further include an interface circuit, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0024] In another possible design, the communication device may further include a memory. The memory stores part or all of the computer program or instructions necessary to implement the functions described in the first aspect above. The one or more processors can execute the computer program or instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect above.

[0025] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including one or more processors. The one or more processors enable the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the second aspect described above.

[0026] In one possible design, the communication device may further include an interface circuit, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0027] In another possible design, the communication device may further include the memory. The memory stores part or all of the computer program or instructions necessary to implement the functions described in the second aspect above. The one or more processors can execute the computer program or instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the second aspect above.

[0028] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system comprising at least one first device and at least one second device, wherein the first device is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect, and the second device is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect.

[0029] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described above.

[0030] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described above.

[0031] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip including a processor and a communication interface for communicating with external or internal devices, the processor enabling the chip to implement the methods described in the above aspects.

[0032] In one possible design, the chip may further include a memory storing computer programs or instructions, which the processor executes, either from the stored computer programs or instructions or derived from other programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the processor causes the chip to implement the methods described above.

[0033] In another possible design, the chip can be integrated into terminal devices or network devices. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the background art, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application or the background art will be described below.

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to the communication method of this application embodiment;

[0036] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another network architecture applicable to the communication method of this application embodiment;

[0037] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another network architecture applicable to the communication method of this application embodiment;

[0038] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the SSB measurement process;

[0039] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another SSB measurement process;

[0040] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an SSB scanning beam;

[0041] Figure 7 is an example of SSB measurement in an NTN scenario;

[0042] Figure 8 is an example diagram of a wave position distribution;

[0043] Figure 9 is an example of another wave position distribution;

[0044] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 11 is an example diagram of satellite coverage provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 12 is an example diagram of an SSB pattern provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 13 is an example diagram of another SSB pattern provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The following explanations of some of the terms used in this application are provided to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0054] (1) Mobility management: mainly refers to the measurement process related to radio resource management (RRM) and the mobility signaling process triggered based on the measurement results.

[0055] (2) Non-terrestrial networks (NTN): refers to networks that use radio frequency resources on satellite platforms (including low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) satellites), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms, or high altitude platform stations (HAPS) platforms to provide communication services.

[0056] (3) Synchronization signal block (SSB): It is a key signal used for downlink synchronization in the 5th generation (5G) network, including the primary synchronization signal (PSS), the secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and the PBCH.

[0057] (4) SSB-based measurement timing configuration (SMTC): refers to the network side configuring intervals in the time domain according to a certain period (minimum period is 5ms, maximum period is 160ms), and its measurement window maintains a fixed duration (minimum 1ms, maximum 5ms).

[0058] (5) Beam: refers to the main lobe of the directional array pattern.

[0059] (6) Coverage range: refers to the projection range of the beam on the ground. The network side adjusts the antenna weights so that the transmitted beam can point in different directions and have different coverage ranges. As the satellite moves and the weights are adjusted, the coverage range will change.

[0060] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] It should be understood that in the description of this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. In addition, the words "first," "second," etc., unless otherwise stated, are used only for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order.

[0062] It should be understood that in the description of this application, the indication includes direct indication (also known as explicit indication) and implicit indication. Direct indication information A refers to information A being included; implicit indication information A refers to information A being indicated through the correspondence between information A and information B, and the direct indication information B. The correspondence between information A and information B can be predefined, pre-stored, pre-burned, or pre-configured.

[0063] It should be understood that, in the description of this application, information C is used to determine information D, including both situations where information D is determined solely based on information C and situations where it is determined based on information C and other information. Furthermore, information C can also be used to determine information D indirectly, for example, where information D is determined based on information E, and information E is determined based on information C.

[0064] Furthermore, in this application, "device A sends information A to device B" can be understood as device B being the destination of information A or an intermediate device in the transmission path between the destination and device B, which may include sending information directly or indirectly to device B. Similarly, "device B receives information A from device A" can be understood as device A being the source of information A or an intermediate device in the transmission path between the source and device A, which may include receiving information directly or indirectly from device A. Information may undergo necessary processing, such as format changes, between the source and destination, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted in a similar way and will not be elaborated further here.

[0065] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5G mobile communication systems or new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, future communication systems, or integrated systems of multiple systems. The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to NTN communication systems, or scenarios where NTN and terrestrial networks (TN) are integrated. The NTN system can be an NTN system integrated with 4G, 5G, and any future generation of communication systems, such as NR NTN, IoT NTN, etc. The NTN communication system can be, for example, a satellite communication system, or it can include drones, HAPS, and other airborne access network equipment; this application does not limit this. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems or other communication systems.

[0066] In a communication system, one network element can send signals to or receive signals from another network element. Signals can include information, signaling, or data; a network element can also be replaced by an entity, network entity, device, communication equipment, communication module, node, or communication node. For example, a communication system can include at least one terminal device and at least one network device, whereby the network device can send downlink signals to the terminal device, and / or the terminal device can send uplink signals to the network device.

[0067] The terminal side in the embodiments of this application may include a terminal device, which may also be referred to as a UE, access terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user equipment.

[0068] Terminal devices can be devices that provide voice / data, such as handheld devices with wireless connectivity, in-vehicle devices, etc. Currently, some examples of terminals include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving cars, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, smartphones, wireless data cards, MTC terminals, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). The embodiments of this application do not limit this to personal assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks or terminal devices in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs).

[0069] Terminal equipment can also be a communication module with satellite communication capabilities, a satellite phone or its components, or a satellite communication terminal. Examples include very small aperture (VSAT) terminals (commonly referred to as VSAT terminals), portable stations, fixed stations, vehicle-mounted or airborne satellite communication terminals, etc. It should be understood that satellite communication terminals can serve as micro base stations to further provide data interfaces to accessed user equipment.

[0070] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself; it can also be a communication module within the terminal device; it can also be a device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip, chip system, or processor; or it can be a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal device. This device can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In this application embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices. This application embodiment only uses the terminal device as an example to illustrate the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device, and does not constitute a limitation on the solution of this application embodiment.

[0071] The network side in this application embodiment may include network devices, which include devices for communicating with terminal devices. These network devices include access network devices or radio access network devices, such as base stations, transmitting and receiving points (TRPs); or operation administration and maintenance (OAM) devices or core network (CN) devices. In this application embodiment, the access network device may refer to a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects the terminal device to the wireless network. A base station can broadly encompass, or be replaced by, various names including: NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), next-generation node B (gNB), relay station, access point, TRP, transmitting point (TP), master station, auxiliary station, motor slide retainer (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), radio unit (RU), positioning node, etc. A base station can be a macro base station, micro base station, relay node, donor node, or a combination thereof. A base station can also refer to a communication module, modem, or chip installed within the aforementioned equipment or apparatus. Base stations can also be mobile switching centers, devices that perform base station functions in D2D, V2X, and M2M communications, and devices that perform base station functions in future communication systems. Base stations can support networks using the same or different access technologies. Optionally, RAN nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, access network equipment in V2X technology can be roadside units (RSUs). The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or equipment forms used in the network devices.

[0072] Network equipment can also be satellites (or satellite base stations) or HAPS (High-Speed ​​Rail System), or base station equipment mounted on satellites / HAPS. Satellites can include at least one of the following: GEO satellites (or geostationary orbit satellites) or non-geostationary earth orbit (NGEO); NGEO can include at least one of the following: MEO satellites or LEO satellites. This application embodiment is not limited in this respect. Furthermore, network equipment can also be gateway stations (or ground stations, earth stations, signaling stations, gateways, or gateway stations), etc.

[0073] In this embodiment, the device used to implement the network-side functions can be a network device; it can also be a communication module within the network device; or it can be a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or hardware circuit plus software module; or it can be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device functions. This device can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device. In this embodiment, the network device is used as an example to illustrate the function of the network device, and this does not constitute a limitation on the solutions of this embodiment.

[0074] Network devices and / or terminal devices can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and satellites. This application does not limit the scenario in which the network devices and terminal devices are located. Furthermore, terminal devices and network devices can be hardware devices, or software functions running on dedicated hardware or general-purpose hardware, such as virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform), or entities that include dedicated or general-purpose hardware devices and software functions. This application does not limit the specific form of the terminal devices and network devices.

[0075] Optionally, the technical solution provided in this application can also be applied to, but is not limited to, transparent forwarding scenarios or regenerative mode scenarios in satellite communication. The transparent forwarding scenario can refer to the bent pipe mode scenario, where direct access to the satellite can be achieved through non-3rd generation partnership project (N3GPP) radio protocols or NR broadcast protocols, with air interface latency twice that of air-to-ground transmission. The regenerative mode scenario allows direct access to the gNB / DU on the satellite through the NR broadcast protocol, with air interface latency one time that of air-to-ground transmission.

[0076] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to the communication method of this application embodiment. Specifically, the terminal device communicates and transmits data with the bent pipe satellite via the N3GPP broadcast protocol. The bent pipe satellite communicates and transmits data with the non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF) network element / satellite hub via the N3GPP broadcast protocol. The N3IWF network element / satellite hub is connected to the 5G core network via a new generation (NG) interface (e.g., N2 or N3 interface). The 5G core network is connected to the data network via the N6 interface.

[0077] As shown in Figure 2, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another network architecture applicable to the communication method of this application embodiment. Specifically, the handheld or IoT device communicates with the curved satellite via the NR broadcast protocol for signaling and data transmission. The curved satellite communicates with the gNB via the NR broadcast protocol for signaling and data transmission. The gNB connects to the 5G core network via the NG interface (e.g., the N2 or N3 interface). The 5G core network connects to the data network via the N6 interface.

[0078] In the network architecture shown in Figures 1 and 2, the satellite only acts as a frequency-converting relay, essentially functioning as an analog radio frequency (RF) repeater. Therefore, the satellite replicates the NR-Uu radio interface signal from the feed link (between the NTN gateway and the satellite) to the service link (between the satellite and the terminal equipment), and vice versa. The satellite radio interface on the feed link transmits the NR-Uu interface signal; that is, the satellite does not terminate the NR-Uu interface signal but rather replicates it. The NTN gateway supports all necessary functions for forwarding the NR-Uu interface signal. Different transmitting satellites can connect to the same terrestrial gNB.

[0079] As shown in Figure 3, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another network architecture applicable to the communication method of this application embodiment. Specifically, the handheld or IoT device communicates with the gNB / DU on the regenerative satellite via the NR broadcast protocol to achieve signaling interaction and data transmission. The gNB / DU on the regenerative satellite is connected to the gNB / CU via the F1 interface. The gNB / CU is connected to the 5G core network via the NG interface (e.g., the N2 or N3 interface). The 5G core network is connected to the data network via the N6 interface.

[0080] In the network architecture shown in Figure 3, the satellite acts as a base station, regenerating signals received from the ground. Specifically, NR-Uu radio interface signals are transmitted on the service link between the terminal equipment and the satellite, and satellite radio interface signals are transmitted on the feeder link between the NTN gateway and the satellite. The Session Initiation Protocol Relay Interface (SRI) is a transmission link between the NTN gateway and the satellite. NG interface signals are transmitted to the NTN gateway via the SRI interface, and then forwarded by the NTN gateway to the ground-based core network equipment.

[0081] The RRM in the embodiments of this application will be further illustrated below.

[0082] In terrestrial communication systems, the movement of terminal devices causes them to select and hand over access between different base stations. The determination of handover-related states generally relies on mobility management (MRM). In MRM, network devices can issue RRM measurement tasks to terminal devices. RRM measurement tasks include two basic measurement configurations: measurement object and measurement reporting. The measurement object specifies the frequency band to be measured, the form of the reference signal, and the time-domain location of the reference signal to be measured; the measurement reporting specifies the conditions for triggering the measurement and the method for reporting the measurement results.

[0083] In NR systems, there are two main types of reference signals that can be used for RRM measurements: SSB and Channel State Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS). For SSB-based mobility management, SSBs are not usually continuous in the time domain. Terminal devices do not need to continuously search for and measure SSBs in the time domain; they only need to operate within the time window where these SSBs are located. Network devices can send SMTC configuration information to terminal devices. Terminal devices in idle or RRC connected states will only search for and measure SSBs within the measurement window corresponding to the SMTC configuration information, assuming that SSBs outside the SMTC configuration information do not exist.

[0084] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of an SSB measurement process. Specifically, the SSB measurement performed by an idle terminal device mainly includes the following steps: S401, the network device sends SMTC configuration information to the terminal device through system information block 2 (SIB2) and / or SIB4. The SMTC configuration information includes the SSB measurement configuration for the serving cell and neighboring cells. S402, the terminal device performs SSB measurement based on the SMTC configuration information to determine the target SSB. S403, the terminal device sends an access request to the network device, which requests access to the cell corresponding to the target SSB.

[0085] The serving cell can refer to the cell where the terminal device is currently located. The SMTC configuration information is primarily configured in SIB2's intraFreqCellReselectionInfo and / or SIB4's InterFreqCarrierFreqInfo. The SMTC configuration information in SIB2 is used for SSB measurements of cells with the same center frequency (i.e., cells with the same center frequency), while the SMTC configuration information in SIB4 is used for SSB measurements of cells with different center frequencies (i.e., cells with different center frequencies).

[0086] Figure 5 illustrates another SSB measurement process. Specifically, the SSB measurement performed by a terminal device in RRC connected state mainly includes the following steps: S501, the network device sends SMTC configuration information to the terminal device via RRC signaling. The SMTC configuration information includes the SSB measurement configuration for the serving cell and neighboring cells. S502, the terminal device performs SSB measurement based on the SMTC configuration information and obtains the measurement result. S503, the terminal device sends the measurement result to the network device.

[0087] The SMTC configuration information here is mainly configured in the measurement object MeasObjectNR in the RRC signaling.

[0088] During RRM measurements, network devices can configure an SMTC configuration message for each SSB measurement frequency. If the center frequencies and subcarrier spacing of the SSBs in two measurement cells are the same, the measurement between these two cells is called an intra-frequency measurement; otherwise, it is called an inter-frequency measurement. For intra-frequency measurements, the SSBs to be measured in multiple cells are all included in the same SMTC configuration message, which is sent from the network device of the serving cell to the terminal device. Furthermore, for individual cells on the same SSB frequency, the network device can also configure another SMTC configuration message with a shorter period, but the duration of the two SMTC configuration messages must be consistent.

[0089] Up to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Release-16 protocol, three types of SMTC configuration information have been defined: SMTC1, SMTC2, and SMTC3. Details are as follows:

[0090] (1) SMTC1 configuration information: Defined as the main measurement configuration, including three parameters: periodicity, offset, and duration. Among them, periodicity can refer to the frequency at which the terminal device measures SSB; offset can refer to the starting time position of the terminal device measuring SSB, and the maximum cannot exceed the configured periodicity; duration can refer to the length of the time window for the terminal device to measure SSB.

[0091] (2) SMTC2 configuration information: This mainly includes the cell list and the period. The cell list can refer to a list of physical cell identifiers (PCI-list), including at least one physical cell identifier (PCI). Compared to SMTC1 configuration information, SMTC2 configuration information only performs SSB measurements on some specific cells, and the period of SMTC2 configuration information is generally shorter than that of SMTC1 configuration information, but it reuses the same offset and duration as SMTC1 configuration information.

[0092] (3) SMTC3 configuration information: The period, offset, duration and cell list are configured separately. The SSB index to be measured is also specified, but it is generally used in integrated access and backhaul (IAB) scenarios.

[0093] The NTN in the embodiments of this application will be further illustrated by example below.

[0094] Compared to terrestrial cellular networks (e.g., NR systems), NTN offers wider coverage, higher path loss, greater latency, faster speeds, and lower costs. NTN can achieve seamless wide-area coverage, a feat impossible for wired telephone networks and terrestrial mobile communication networks, effectively solving internet access problems in areas lacking communication infrastructure. For example, by deploying a large number of satellites in low Earth orbit, seamless ground coverage can be achieved through strategic constellation construction, and the round-trip latency between satellites and ground terminals can be significantly reduced compared to GEO satellites, reaching levels in the tens of milliseconds. With the use of high-frequency bands, multi-beamforming, and frequency reuse technologies, satellite communication capabilities have been significantly enhanced while reducing unit broadband costs, thus meeting the demands of high-data-rate services. Compared to terrestrial 5G networks and submarine fiber optic cables, NTN also offers significant cost advantages. Modern small satellites have low R&D and manufacturing costs, and software-defined technologies can further extend the lifespan of satellites in orbit. In addition to global coverage (such as remote areas and ocean-going vessels), NTN can also be used in emergency relief (such as disaster monitoring and emergency communications), the Internet of Things, and high-speed mobility (such as high-speed rail and airplanes).

[0095] Terrestrial communication systems can cover the service range of a single base station using a maximum of 8 SSBs (FR1) or 64 SSBs (FR2), while satellite communication systems may require hundreds or even thousands of SSBs. For example, a satellite communication system with an orbital altitude of 600 km can cover hundreds of thousands of square kilometers with a single satellite. To overcome path loss due to transmission distance and ensure communication service quality, satellites generally use large-scale antenna arrays to provide higher array gain, but this also results in narrower beam main lobes. For instance, a coverage radius of only a few dozen kilometers with a 3dB beamwidth covers an area of ​​approximately several hundred square kilometers. Therefore, achieving seamless coverage of a single satellite's service range using narrow beams would require thousands of beams. Furthermore, even with some beam widening, hundreds of beams are still needed to maintain the gain level for coverage. When hundreds of scanning beams are used, a complete scan takes approximately several hundred milliseconds.

[0096] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of an SSB scanning beam. The coverage area of ​​one satellite corresponds to multiple SSB scanning beams, for example, SSB 0, ..., SSB N. Furthermore, the larger the coverage area of ​​a satellite, the more SSB scanning beams are required.

[0097] In NTN scenarios, the arrival times of the serving satellite and neighboring satellites at the terminal device differ. If the same offset configuration is used, the SSB of neighboring satellites may not be measured within the configured duration, leading to measurement failure. Figure 7 illustrates an example of SSB measurement in an NTN scenario. The actual arrival time of the SSB transmitted by neighboring satellites at the terminal device differs from the expected delay. Based on the configured SMTC information, the terminal device can measure the SSB corresponding to the expected delay, but cannot measure the SSB corresponding to the actual delay.

[0098] Among them, the serving satellite can refer to the satellite to which the serving cell (i.e., the cell where the terminal device is currently located) belongs.

[0099] To address this issue, the 3GPP Release-17 protocol added SMTC4 configuration information to accommodate the varying arrival times of different satellites. SMTC4 configuration information includes a cell list and offsets. For each cell list, an offset can be configured, and a single SMTC4 list configuration can include up to three SMTC4 configuration entries. Compared to SMTC1 configuration information, network devices typically calculate the arrival times of different satellites based on their locations and those of the terminal devices, and then configure the corresponding satellite cell lists and offsets in the SMTC4 configuration information to ensure that the SSBs of adjacent satellites can be detected by the terminal devices at their corresponding time and location. The period and duration are shared between the SMTC4 and SMTC1 configuration information.

[0100] In addition to configuring SMTC information, terminal devices can also perform measurements only for specific SSBs, primarily through the network device configuration parameter ssb-ToMeasure. In ssb-ToMeasure, the network device configures the union of the SSB indices of all cells that need to be measured. That is, under current protocol constraints, the indices in ssb-ToMeasure should include the SSB indices of the serving cell and neighboring cells that need to be measured, and the SMTC1, SMTC2, and SMTC4 configuration information for the same frequency point measurement object must share a single ssb-ToMeasure. This significantly limits the flexibility of measurement configuration.

[0101] Furthermore, the satellite's coverage area encompasses diverse environments, including rural areas, cities, oceans, deserts, and mountains, each with significantly different access requirements for NTN. For instance, urban areas have good terrestrial cellular network coverage, resulting in low NTN access requirements; while oceans have virtually no terrestrial cellular network coverage, leading to high NTN access requirements. Additionally, densely populated areas like oceans and tourist islands have high NTN access needs, while uninhabited areas like deserts have lower NTN access requirements.

[0102] In NR systems, the default SSB period is 20ms, but the protocol supports configuring the SSB period to 5ms, 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, or 160ms. The network side can flexibly configure the SSB period according to different access requirements. For example, a shorter SSB period can be configured for areas with high access demand, allowing terminal devices in that area to complete cell synchronization faster; a longer SSB period can be configured for areas with low access demand to ensure coverage, thus making more efficient use of overall resources.

[0103] The SSB cycle can refer to the cycle in which the network side (e.g., a cell or base station) sends an SSB.

[0104] For example, as shown in Figure 8, which is an example diagram of a beam distribution, the satellite coverage shown in Figure 8 includes the coverage area of ​​128 beams (i.e., the coverage area of ​​128 SSB beams). The light gray area represents the coverage area of ​​beams with low access demand, and the dark gray area represents the coverage area of ​​beams with high access demand. The number corresponding to each beam represents the SSB index or the ground beam number. For beams with low access demand, an SSB period of 160ms can be configured; for beams with high access demand, an SSB period of 20ms can be configured. Based on this configuration, areas with high access demand use a shorter SSB period, allowing each beam to receive the SSB faster and correspondingly providing more random access channel occasion (RO) resources, thus meeting the user access requirements of beams with high access demand. Conversely, areas with low access demand use a longer SSB period. UEs in these areas have low access demand and do not require faster network access, saving network-side common channel transmission resource overhead.

[0105] The access demand can be determined based on population density distribution maps, user data heat maps, etc. The ratio of low access demand wavelets to high access demand wavelets in Figure 8 is only an example and can be any ratio in actual applications. This application does not limit this ratio.

[0106] Optionally, the numbers corresponding to different wave positions can be the same or different, and this application does not limit this.

[0107] In a single-satellite multi-cell scenario, the coverage of different cells is different, and the SSB period may also be different. When using SMTC4 configuration information to measure the SSB of neighboring cells, there may be a situation where the SSB period of neighboring cells is inconsistent with the SSB period of the serving cell.

[0108] Figure 9 shows an example of another wavelet distribution. Specifically, Figure 9 includes the coverage area of ​​the serving satellite at a certain moment and the coverage area of ​​the neighboring satellites at a certain moment. The SSB period of the serving satellite is 160ms, and the SSB period of the neighboring satellites is 20ms. The dark gray area represents the coverage area of ​​the SSB to be measured. The coverage area of ​​the SSB to be measured includes the coverage areas of wavelet 241, wavelet 240, wavelet 255, wavelet 1, wavelet 0, wavelet 15, wavelet 17, wavelet 16, and wavelet 31. Among them, the coverage area of ​​wavelet 0 is the serving cell of the terminal equipment.

[0109] As can be seen, since the coverage area of ​​wavelet 0 is the serving cell of the terminal device, the neighboring cells of the terminal device can include the coverage areas of wavelet 241, wavelet 240, wavelet 255, wavelet 1, wavelet 15, wavelet 17, wavelet 16, and wavelet 31. Since the SSB period of the coverage area of ​​wavelet 0 is 160ms (i.e., the SSB period of the serving cell is 160ms), while the SSB periods of the coverage areas of wavelet 17, wavelet 16, and wavelet 31 are 20ms (i.e., the SSB periods of the neighboring cells are 20ms), Figure 9 shows a situation where the SSB periods of the neighboring cells are inconsistent with the SSB period of the serving cell.

[0110] However, the existing SMTC4 configuration information reuses the settings of the SMTC1 configuration information, meaning that all cells use the same measurement period. If the SSB period of the serving cell is shorter than that of the neighboring cells, there will be empty SSB searches during neighboring cell measurements, thus affecting merging performance. If the SSB period of the serving cell is longer than that of the neighboring cells, many mergingable SSBs will be missed during neighboring cell measurements, thus prolonging the SSB measurement time and causing a decrease in mobility management performance.

[0111] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the embodiments of this application provide the following solutions.

[0112] As shown in Figure 10, Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication method is applied to the terminal side, such as a terminal device or a communication module within the terminal device, or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core) within the terminal device. The following description uses a terminal device as an example, and the communication method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0113] Step S1001: The terminal device receives a first message from the network device. The first message includes SMTC list configuration information.

[0114] The SMTC list configuration information includes N SMTC configuration information pieces. Each of the N SMTC configuration information pieces is used to indicate the cell list, the measurement period corresponding to the cell list, and the offset corresponding to the cell list. N is an integer greater than 0.

[0115] Furthermore, the SMTC list configuration information here can refer to the SMTC4 list configuration information. Unlike the existing SMTC4 list configuration information configuration method, network devices can configure the corresponding measurement period and offset for N cell lists separately using N SMTC configuration information within the SMTC list configuration information, instead of all configured cells sharing a single measurement period. In other words, network devices can configure cell lists, measurement periods, and offsets individually (or independently) using each SMTC configuration information, enabling more flexible SMTC configuration.

[0116] It should be understood that the measurement period indicated by each SMTC configuration information is associated with all cells in the cell list indicated by that SMTC configuration information; that is, all cells in the cell list indicated by each SMTC configuration information are configured with the same measurement period. Furthermore, all cells in the same cell list have the same SSB period. These cells may belong to the same satellite or different satellites; this application does not limit this.

[0117] The measurement period indicated by each SMTC configuration information is equal to the SSB period of all cells in the cell list indicated by that SMTC configuration information.

[0118] For example, the SMTC list configuration information includes SMTC configuration information 1 and SMTC configuration information 2. SMTC configuration information 1 indicates cell list 1, the corresponding measurement period 1, and the corresponding offset 1. SMTC configuration information 2 indicates cell list 2, the corresponding measurement period 2, and the corresponding offset 2. All cells in cell list 1 have the same SSB period, and all cells in cell list 2 have the same SSB period. Since the measurement period indicated by each SMTC configuration information is associated with all cells in the cell list indicated by that SMTC configuration information, all cells in cell list 1 are configured for measurement period 1, and all cells in cell list 2 are configured for measurement period 2. Furthermore, measurement period 1 is equal to the SSB period of all cells in cell list 1, and measurement period 2 is equal to the SSB period of all cells in cell list 2.

[0119] Optionally, the measurement period values ​​indicated by different SMTC configuration information in the SMTC list configuration information can be the same or different, and this application does not limit this.

[0120] For example, the SMTC list configuration information includes SMTC configuration information 1 and SMTC configuration information 2. The measurement period indicated by SMTC configuration information 1 can be 20ms, and the measurement period indicated by SMTC configuration information 2 can also be 20ms.

[0121] For example, the SMTC list configuration information includes SMTC configuration information 1 and SMTC configuration information 2. SMTC configuration information 1 indicates a measurement period of 20ms, and SMTC configuration information 2 indicates a measurement period of 40ms.

[0122] Optionally, the network device can also configure one or more offsets for each cell list indicated by the SMTC configuration information.

[0123] Optionally, the SMTC configuration information may also include satellite information, which may be used to indicate whether a cell in the cell list belongs to a serving satellite, or to indicate the identifier of the satellite to which a cell in the cell list belongs.

[0124] For example, as shown in Figure 11, Figure 11 is an example diagram of satellite coverage provided in an embodiment of this application. Specifically, Figure 11 includes the coverage area of ​​the serving satellite and the coverage area of ​​neighboring satellites. The coverage area of ​​the serving satellite includes PCI 1, PCI 2, PCI 3, PCI 4, PCI 5, and PCI 6, and the coverage area of ​​the neighboring satellites includes PCI 2, PCI 3, PCI 4, PCI 5, and PCI 6. PCI 1, belonging to the serving satellite, is the serving cell of the terminal device.

[0125] It can be seen that for PCI 1 belonging to a serving satellite, its neighboring cells can include PCI 2 belonging to a serving satellite and PCI 2 belonging to a neighboring satellite. However, the SSB cycles of these two cells may be different. If satellite information is not added to the SMTC configuration information to distinguish them, it will cause confusion for the terminal device and lead to PCI conflicts. Therefore, by adding satellite information to the SMTC configuration information, the terminal device can be helped to distinguish between different satellites with the same PCI, thereby determining the measurement cycle corresponding to each cell.

[0126] For example, a cell list indicated by a certain SMTC configuration information in the SMTC list configuration information includes cell A and cell B. Cell A belongs to satellite A, cell B belongs to satellite B, and the serving satellite is satellite A. The satellite information in this SMTC configuration information can include the satellite information corresponding to cell A and the satellite information corresponding to cell B. The satellite information corresponding to cell A can be "true", and the satellite information corresponding to cell B can be "false". "true" is used to indicate that cell A belongs to the serving satellite, and "false" is used to indicate that cell B does not belong to the serving satellite.

[0127] For example, a cell list indicated by a certain SMTC configuration information in the SMTC list configuration information includes cell A and cell B, where cell A belongs to satellite A and cell B belongs to satellite B; the satellite information in this SMTC configuration information may include the satellite information corresponding to cell A and the satellite information corresponding to cell B, wherein the satellite information corresponding to cell A may include the identifier of satellite A, and the satellite information corresponding to cell B may include the identifier of satellite B.

[0128] Optionally, N can also be an integer greater than 3. Furthermore, the network device can increase the number of SMTC configuration information that can be configured in the SMTC list configuration information, that is, configure 4 or more SMTC configuration information in the SMTC list configuration information, and configure parameters such as cell list, measurement period and offset separately for each SMTC configuration information.

[0129] Step S1002: The terminal device performs SSB measurement based on the SMTC list configuration information.

[0130] Specifically, SSB measurement by terminal equipment can include the following two scenarios:

[0131] Case 1: The terminal device performs SSB measurement based on at least one of the N SMTC configuration information.

[0132] In one possible implementation, the terminal device can measure the SSBs in one or more cells in the cell list indicated by the first SMTC configuration information based on the measurement period and offset indicated by the first SMTC configuration information.

[0133] The first SMTC configuration information is one of the N SMTC configuration information.

[0134] For example, the SMTC list configuration information includes SMTC configuration information 1 and SMTC configuration information 2. SMTC configuration information 1 is used to indicate cell list 1, the measurement period 1 corresponding to cell list 1, and the offset 1 corresponding to cell list 1. SMTC configuration information 2 is used to indicate cell list 2, the measurement period 2 corresponding to cell list 2, and the offset 2 corresponding to cell list 2. After receiving SMTC configuration information 1 and SMTC configuration information 2, the terminal device can measure the SSBs in one or more cells in cell list 1 based on measurement period 1 and offset 1, or measure the SSBs in one or more cells in cell list 2 based on measurement period 2 and offset 2.

[0135] In another possible implementation, the terminal device can measure the SSB in one or more cells in the cell list indicated by the M SMTC configuration information based on the measurement period and offset indicated by the M SMTC configuration information out of the N SMTC configuration information.

[0136] Where M is an integer greater than 1 and less than N.

[0137] For example, the SMTC list configuration information includes SMTC configuration information 1, SMTC configuration information 2, and SMTC configuration information 3. SMTC configuration information 1 is used to indicate cell list 1, the measurement period 1 corresponding to cell list 1, and the offset 1 corresponding to cell list 1. SMTC configuration information 2 is used to indicate cell list 2, the measurement period 2 corresponding to cell list 2, and the offset 2 corresponding to cell list 2. SMTC configuration information 3 is used to indicate cell list 3, the measurement period 3 corresponding to cell list 3, and the offset 3 corresponding to cell list 3. After receiving SMTC configuration information 1, SMTC configuration information 2, and SMTC configuration information 3, the terminal device can measure the SSBs in one or more cells in cell list 1 based on measurement period 1 and offset 1, and measure the SSBs in one or more cells in cell list 2 based on measurement period 2 and offset 2.

[0138] Scenario 2: The terminal device performs SSB measurement based on N SMTC configuration information.

[0139] Specifically, the terminal device can measure the SSB in one or more cells in the cell list indicated by each of the N SMTC configuration information, based on the measurement period and offset indicated by each SMTC configuration information.

[0140] For example, the SMTC list configuration information includes SMTC configuration information 1 and SMTC configuration information 2. SMTC configuration information 1 is used to indicate cell list 1, the measurement period 1 corresponding to cell list 1, and the offset 1 corresponding to cell list 1. SMTC configuration information 2 is used to indicate cell list 2, the measurement period 2 corresponding to cell list 2, and the offset 2 corresponding to cell list 2. After receiving SMTC configuration information 1 and SMTC configuration information 2, the terminal device can measure the SSBs in one or more cells in cell list 1 based on measurement period 1 and offset 1, and measure the SSBs in one or more cells in cell list 2 based on measurement period 2 and offset 2.

[0141] For example, the SMTC list configuration information includes SMTC configuration information 1 and SMTC configuration information 2. SMTC configuration information 1 indicates a cell list including cell 1 and cell 2, with a measurement period of 20ms and an offset of 5ms. SMTC configuration information 2 indicates a cell list including cell 3 and cell 4, with a measurement period of 40ms and an offset of 10ms. After receiving SMTC configuration information 1 and SMTC configuration information 2, the terminal device measures the SSB of cell 1 and / or cell 2 based on the 20ms measurement period and the 5ms offset; and measures the SSB of cell 3 and / or cell 4 based on the 40ms measurement period and the 10ms offset.

[0142] Optionally, the first message may also include second SMTC configuration information, which indicates the duration. Further, the terminal device uses the duration indicated by the second SMTC configuration information as the time window length for measuring the SSB.

[0143] Here, the second SMTC configuration information can refer to the SMTC1 configuration information, and the configuration method of the second SMTC configuration information is the same as that of the existing SMTC1 configuration information.

[0144] Optionally, the terminal device may also measure the SSB in one or more cells indicated by the first SMTC configuration information based on the measurement period, offset, and duration indicated by the first SMTC configuration information.

[0145] For example, the first message includes SMTC list configuration information and second SMTC configuration information. The cell list indicated by the first SMTC configuration information in the SMTC list configuration information includes cell 1 and cell 2. The measurement period indicated by the first SMTC configuration information is 20ms, the offset indicated by the first SMTC configuration information is 5ms, and the duration indicated by the second SMTC configuration information is 10ms. After receiving the SMTC list configuration information and the second SMTC configuration information, the terminal device measures the SSB of cell 1 and / or cell 2 based on the measurement period of 20ms, the offset of 5ms, and the duration of 10ms.

[0146] Optionally, the terminal device can also measure the SSB in one or more cells indicated by each of the N SMTC configuration information, based on the measurement period, offset, and duration indicated by each SMTC configuration information.

[0147] For example, the first message includes SMTC list configuration information and second SMTC configuration information. The SMTC list configuration information includes SMTC configuration information 1 and SMTC configuration information 2. SMTC configuration information 1 indicates a cell list including cell 1 and cell 2, a measurement period of 20ms, and an offset of 5ms. SMTC configuration information 2 indicates a cell list including cell 3 and cell 4, a measurement period of 40ms, and an offset of 10ms. The duration indicated by the second SMTC configuration information is 10ms. After receiving the first message, the terminal device can measure the SSB of cell 1 and / or cell 2 based on the 20ms measurement period, the 5ms offset, and the 10ms duration; and measure the SSB of cell 3 and / or cell 4 based on the 40ms measurement period, the 10ms offset, and the 10ms duration.

[0148] Optionally, the second SMTC configuration information is also used to indicate the second measurement period and the second offset.

[0149] It should be noted that the SMTC list configuration information in the first message can be used for SSB measurements of both the serving cell and neighboring cells.

[0150] For example, as shown in Figure 12, which is an example diagram of an SSB pattern provided in an embodiment of this application. Specifically, the SSB period of PCI 0 belonging to the serving satellite is 320ms, and the subcarrier spacing (SCS) is 30kHz. In Figure 12, “0-31” indicates that the SSB pattern of PCI 0 includes 32 system frame numbers (SFNs), namely SFN 0, SFN1, ..., SFN 31; “0-19” in Figure 12 indicates that each SFN in PCI 0 includes 20 slots, namely slot 0, slot 1, ..., slot 19; “0-13” in Figure 12 indicates that each slot includes 14 orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, namely OFDM symbol 0, OFDM symbol 1, ..., OFDM symbol 13; “2ms, 8 SSBs” in Figure 12 indicates that each slot in the corresponding SFN is 2ms and the SFN is configured with 8 SSBs. In PCI 0, slots 0 to 3 in each SFN carry two SSBs. OFDM symbols 2 to 5 in slot 0 of SFN 0 are used to carry SSB 0, and OFDM symbols 8 to 9 in slot 0 of SFN 0 are used to carry SSB 1. The resource distribution of slots 1 to 3 in SFN 0 can be referenced from the resource distribution of slot 0, and will not be repeated here. The resource distribution of SFN 1 to SFN 31 in PCI 0 can be referenced from the resource distribution of SFN 0, and will not be repeated here either.

[0151] As shown in Figure 13, Figure 13 is an example diagram of another SSB pattern provided in the embodiments of this application. Specifically, the SSB period of PCI1 belonging to adjacent satellites is 20ms, and the SCS is 30KHz. In Figure 13, "0-32" indicates that the SSB pattern of PCI1 includes 33 SFNs, namely SFN 0, SFN 1, ... SFN 32; "0-19" in Figure 13 indicates that each SFN in PCI1 includes 20 slots, namely slot 0, slot 1, ... slot 19; "0-13" in Figure 13 indicates that each slot includes 14 OFDM symbols, namely OFDM symbol 0, OFDM symbol 1, ... OFDM symbol 13; "2ms, 8 SSBs" in Figure 13 indicates that each slot in the corresponding SFN is 2ms, and the SFN is configured with 8 SSBs. SFN 31 in PCI 1 is not configured with an SSB. Other SFNs in PCI 1 besides SFN 31 are each configured with 8 SSBs. The resource distribution of these SFNs can be referred to the resource distribution of SFN 0 in PCI 0 in 10, which will not be repeated here.

[0152] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the SSB cycle of PCI 1 is much shorter than that of PCI 0. If the terminal device performs SSB measurements on PCI 0 and PCI 1 based on the existing SMTC4 configuration information, it means that the terminal device performs SSB measurements on PCI 0 and PCI 1 based on the same measurement cycle (e.g., 320ms). This measurement method causes the terminal device to miss many mergeable SSBs when measuring PCI 1. If the terminal device performs SSB measurements on PCI 0 and PCI 1 based on the SMTC list configuration information in the first message, it means that the terminal device performs SSB measurements on PCI 0 based on a measurement cycle of 320ms and on PCI 1 based on a measurement cycle of 20ms. This measurement method can avoid the terminal device missing many mergeable SSBs when measuring PCI 1, thereby reducing the time spent on SSB measurements and improving SSB measurement efficiency.

[0153] Optionally, the first message can be carried and transmitted by SIB2 and / or SIB4, or it can be carried and transmitted by RRC signaling. Furthermore, when the terminal device is in idle state, the first message is configured in SIB2 and / or SIB4; when the terminal device is in RRC connected state, the first message is configured in RRC signaling.

[0154] As shown in Figure 14, which is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, the process of an idle terminal device performing SSB measurement mainly includes the following steps: S1401, the network device sends a first message to the terminal device via SIB2 and / or SIB4. S1402, the terminal device performs SSB measurement based on the first message to determine the target SSB. S1403, the terminal device sends an access request to the network device, the access request being used to request access to the cell corresponding to the target SSB.

[0155] The first message in step S1401 is the same as the first message in step S1001 in the above embodiment, and can be referred to step S1001, so it will not be repeated here. In addition, the specific implementation of step S1402 is the same as the specific implementation of step S1002 in the above embodiment, and can be referred to step S1002, so it will not be repeated here.

[0156] Compared to the measurement process in Figure 4, the network device in Figure 14 modifies the SMTC configuration information, specifically configuring the measurement period and offset separately for each cell list indicated by the SMTC configuration information. This allows the idle terminal device to accurately obtain the SSB period of the serving satellite and neighboring satellites in application scenarios where there are multiple SSB periods in the NTN, and perform SSB measurement according to the corresponding measurement period to determine the target SSB. The idle terminal device can improve the efficiency of SSB measurement and accurately perform subsequent mobility management processes such as handover / reselection.

[0157] As shown in Figure 15, Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Specifically, the SSB measurement performed by a terminal device in RRC connection state mainly includes the following steps: S1501, the network device sends a first message to the terminal device via RRC signaling. S1502, the terminal device performs SSB measurement based on the first message and obtains the measurement result. S1503, the terminal device sends the measurement result to the network device.

[0158] The first message in step S1501 is the same as the first message in step S1001 in the above embodiment, and can be referred to step S1001, so it will not be repeated here. In addition, the specific implementation of step S1502 is the same as the specific implementation of step S1002 in the above embodiment, and can be referred to step S1502, so it will not be repeated here.

[0159] Compared to the measurement process in Figure 5, the network device in Figure 15 modifies the SMTC configuration information, specifically configuring the measurement period and offset separately for each cell list indicated by the SMTC configuration information. This allows the terminal device in RRC connected state to accurately obtain the SSB period of the serving satellite and neighboring satellites in application scenarios where there are multiple SSB periods in the NTN, and perform SSB measurement according to the corresponding measurement period to obtain the measurement results. The terminal device in RRC connected state can improve the efficiency of SSB measurement.

[0160] In this embodiment, the network device configures SMTC list configuration information in the first message. Upon receiving the first message, the terminal device can then know the list of cells requiring SSB measurement, the corresponding measurement period, and the corresponding offset for each SMTC configuration information. This means the network device can configure the measurement period and offset separately for different cell lists, allowing for more flexible and accurate configuration of SMTC configuration information (i.e., measurement period and offset) for different cell lists. This makes the SMTC configuration more adaptable to the access requirements of different cells. The terminal device searches for and measures the SSBs of cells in the cell list indicated by each SMTC configuration information according to the measurement period and offset specified in that SMTC configuration information. This means the terminal device can use its own configured SMTC configuration information (i.e., measurement period and offset) for different cell lists, avoiding situations where SSBs are searched in vain or missed during neighbor cell measurements. This reduces the time spent on SSB measurement, improves SSB measurement efficiency, and enhances SSB measurement performance in mobility management. Furthermore, by increasing the number of SMTC configuration information that can be configured in the SMTC list configuration information, the terminal device can perform SSB measurements on neighboring cells with more different access requirements; by adding satellite information, the terminal device can distinguish the measurement period corresponding to each cell when there is a physical cell identifier conflict between the serving satellite and neighboring satellites.

[0161] The methods of the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above, and the apparatus of the embodiments of this application is provided below.

[0162] As shown in Figure 16, Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication device can be a terminal device or a communication module within a terminal device, or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip) responsible for communication functions within a terminal device. This device can be used to implement any method and function of the terminal device involved in any of the foregoing embodiments. The communication device includes a transceiver module 1601 and a processing module 1602. Optionally, the transceiver module 1601 includes a receiving module and / or a transmitting module. The detailed description of each module is as follows.

[0163] The transceiver module 1601 is used to receive a first message from the network device. The first message includes measurement time configuration (SMTC) list configuration information based on synchronization signal block (SSB). The SMTC list configuration information includes N SMTC configuration information. Each of the N SMTC configuration information is used to indicate the cell list, the measurement period corresponding to the cell list, and the offset corresponding to the cell list. N is an integer greater than 0.

[0164] Processing module 1602 is used to perform SSB measurement based on SMTC list configuration information.

[0165] Optional, N is an integer greater than 3.

[0166] Optionally, the SMTC configuration information may also include satellite information, which may be used to indicate whether a cell in the cell list belongs to a serving satellite or to indicate the identifier of the satellite to which a cell in the cell list belongs.

[0167] Optionally, the processing module 1602 is further configured to measure the SSBs in one or more cells in the cell list indicated by the first SMTC configuration information based on the measurement period and offset indicated by the first SMTC configuration information, wherein the first SMTC configuration information is one of N SMTC configuration information.

[0168] Optionally, the first message also includes second SMTC configuration information, which is used to indicate the duration; the processing module 1602 is further used to measure the SSB in one or more cells based on the measurement period and offset and the duration indicated by the first SMTC configuration information.

[0169] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments shown in Figures 10-15, and execute the methods and functions performed by the terminal device in the above embodiments.

[0170] As shown in Figure 17, Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication device can be a network device or a communication module within a network device, or a component (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system) responsible for communication functions within a network device. This device can be used to implement any method and function of the network device involved in any of the foregoing embodiments. The communication device includes a transceiver module 1701. Optionally, the transceiver module 1701 includes a receiving module and / or a transmitting module. The detailed description of each module is as follows.

[0171] The transceiver module 1701 is used to send a first message. The first message includes measurement time configuration (SMTC) list configuration information based on synchronization signal block (SSB). The SMTC list configuration information includes N SMTC configuration information. Each of the N SMTC configuration information is used to indicate the cell list, the measurement period corresponding to the cell list, and the offset corresponding to the cell list. N is an integer greater than 0. The SMTC list configuration information is used to measure SSB.

[0172] Optional, N is an integer greater than 3.

[0173] Optionally, the SMTC configuration information may also include satellite information, which may be used to indicate whether a cell in the cell list belongs to a serving satellite or to indicate the identifier of the satellite to which a cell in the cell list belongs.

[0174] Optionally, the measurement period and offset indicated by the first SMTC configuration information are used to measure the SSB in one or more cells in the cell list indicated by the first SMTC configuration information, wherein the first SMTC configuration information is one of N SMTC configuration information.

[0175] Optionally, the first message may also include second SMTC configuration information, which indicates the duration, and the measurement period and offset indicated by the first SMTC configuration information and the duration are used to measure SSBs in one or more cells.

[0176] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments shown in Figures 10-15, and execute the methods and functions performed by the network device in the above embodiments.

[0177] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device can be a chip or processing system in a communication system or communication device, and can implement any of the methods and functions in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0178] As shown in Figure 18, the communication device includes a processor 1801, which is configured to perform the actions described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the communication device also includes a transceiver 1802. Optionally, the communication device also includes a memory 1803, which is configured to store a computer program. The processor 1801 retrieves and runs the computer program from the memory 1803 to control the transceiver 1802 to transmit and receive signals. Optionally, the communication device may also include an antenna configured to transmit uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 1802 via a wireless signal.

[0179] The processor 1801, transceiver 1802 and memory 1803 can communicate with each other through internal connection channels to transmit control and / or data signals.

[0180] The processor 1801 and the memory 1803 can be combined into a single processing device. The processor 1801 is configured to execute the program code stored in the memory 1803 to achieve the above-mentioned functions. In specific implementations, the memory 1803 can be integrated into the processor 1801 or independent of the processor 1801.

[0181] The transceiver 1802 described above can also be referred to as a transceiver unit or transceiver module. The transceiver 1802 may include a receiver (or receiver circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter circuit). The receiver is configured to receive signals, and the transmitter is configured to transmit signals.

[0182] It should be understood that the communication device shown in Figure 18 can implement the various processes in the method embodiments shown in Figures 10-15. The operation and / or function of each module in the communication device are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0183] The processor 1801 can 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 can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor 1801 can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. The communication bus 1804 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 18, but this does not indicate that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The communication bus 1804 is configured to enable communication between these components. In this embodiment, the transceiver 1802 is configured to communicate with other node devices for signaling or data. Memory 1803 may include volatile memory, such as nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM), phase change RAM (PRAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), etc., and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory devices, such as NOR flash memory or NAND flash memory, semiconductor devices, such as solid-state disk (SSD), etc. Memory 1803 may also be at least one storage device located remotely from the aforementioned processor 1801. Memory 1803 may also store a set of computer program code or configuration information. Processor 1801 may also execute the program stored in memory 1803. Processor 1801 may cooperate with memory 1803 and transceiver 1802 to perform any of the methods and functions involved in the above-described embodiments.

[0184] This application also provides a chip system including a processor for supporting a communication system or communication device to implement the functions involved in any of the above embodiments.

[0185] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 10-15.

[0186] This application also provides a computer-readable medium storing a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 10-15.

[0187] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the communication device, the unit or module within the device described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0188] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., SSD), etc.

[0189] It should be understood that the "and / or" appearing in the embodiments of this application is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0190] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A, and B can be determined based on A. However, it should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean that B is determined solely based on A; B can also be determined based on A and / or other information.

[0191] It should be understood that the symbol " / " appearing in the embodiments of this application can indicate that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship. Additionally, the symbol " / " can also represent a division sign, i.e., performing a division operation. For example, A / B can mean A divided by B.

[0192] It should be understood that some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application may be performed. These steps or operations are merely examples. In the embodiments of this application, other operations or variations of various operations may also be performed. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessary to perform all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0193] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive a first message from a network device. The first message includes Measurement Time Configuration (SMTC) list configuration information based on Synchronization Signal Block (SSB). The SMTC list configuration information includes N SMTC configuration information. Each of the N SMTC configuration information is used to indicate a cell list, the measurement period corresponding to the cell list, and the offset corresponding to the cell list. N is an integer greater than 0. SSB measurement is performed based on the SMTC list configuration information.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, N is an integer greater than 3.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The SMTC configuration information also includes satellite information, which is used to indicate whether a cell in the cell list belongs to a serving satellite, or the satellite information is used to indicate the identifier of the satellite to which a cell in the cell list belongs.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The SSB measurement based on the SMTC list configuration information includes: Based on the measurement period and offset indicated by the first SMTC configuration information, the SSBs in one or more cells in the cell list indicated by the first SMTC configuration information are measured, wherein the first SMTC configuration information is one of the N SMTC configuration information.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first message also includes second SMTC configuration information, which is used to indicate the duration; The SSB measurement based on the SMTC list configuration information includes: Based on the measurement period and offset indicated by the first SMTC configuration information and the duration, the SSB in the one or more cells is measured.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send a first message, the first message including measurement time configuration (SMTC) list configuration information based on synchronization signal block (SSB), the SMTC list configuration information including N SMTC configuration information, each of the N SMTC configuration information is used to indicate a cell list, the measurement period corresponding to the cell list and the offset corresponding to the cell list, where N is an integer greater than 0, and the SMTC list configuration information is used to measure SSB.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, N is an integer greater than 3.

8. The method as described in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The SMTC configuration information also includes satellite information, which is used to indicate whether a cell in the cell list belongs to a serving satellite, or the satellite information is used to indicate the identifier of the satellite to which a cell in the cell list belongs.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, The measurement period and offset indicated by the first SMTC configuration information are used to measure the SSB in one or more cells in the cell list indicated by the first SMTC configuration information, wherein the first SMTC configuration information is one of the N SMTC configuration information.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The first message also includes second SMTC configuration information, which indicates a duration, and the measurement period and offset indicated by the first SMTC configuration information, along with the duration, are used to measure the SSB in the one or more cells.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A receiving module is configured to receive a first message from a network device. The first message includes Measurement Time Configuration (SMTC) list configuration information based on Synchronization Signal Block (SSB). The SMTC list configuration information includes N SMTC configuration information. Each of the N SMTC configuration information is used to indicate a cell list, a measurement period corresponding to the cell list, and an offset corresponding to the cell list. N is an integer greater than 0. The processing module is used to perform SSB measurement based on the SMTC list configuration information.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, N is an integer greater than 3.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The SMTC configuration information also includes satellite information, which is used to indicate whether a cell in the cell list belongs to a serving satellite, or the satellite information is used to indicate the identifier of the satellite to which a cell in the cell list belongs.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that, The processing module is further configured to measure the SSBs in one or more cells in the cell list indicated by the first SMTC configuration information based on the measurement period and offset indicated by the first SMTC configuration information, wherein the first SMTC configuration information is one of the N SMTC configuration information.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that, The first message also includes second SMTC configuration information, which is used to indicate the duration; The processing module is further configured to measure the SSBs in the one or more cells based on the measurement period and offset indicated by the first SMTC configuration information and the duration.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Send a first message, the first message including measurement time configuration (SMTC) list configuration information based on synchronization signal block (SSB), the SMTC list configuration information including N SMTC configuration information, each of the N SMTC configuration information is used to indicate a cell list, the measurement period corresponding to the cell list and the offset corresponding to the cell list, where N is an integer greater than 0, and the SMTC list configuration information is used to measure SSB.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that, N is an integer greater than 3.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The SMTC configuration information also includes satellite information, which is used to indicate whether a cell in the cell list belongs to a serving satellite, or the satellite information is used to indicate the identifier of the satellite to which a cell in the cell list belongs.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 16-18, characterized in that, The measurement period and offset indicated by the first SMTC configuration information are used to measure the SSB in one or more cells in the cell list indicated by the first SMTC configuration information, wherein the first SMTC configuration information is one of the N SMTC configuration information.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that, The first message also includes second SMTC configuration information, which indicates a duration, and the measurement period and offset indicated by the first SMTC configuration information, along with the duration, are used to measure the SSB in the one or more cells.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor that causes the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1-5.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor that causes the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 6-10.

23. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a first device and a second device, wherein the first device is used to perform the method of any one of claims 1-5, and the second device is used to perform the method of any one of claims 6-10.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, causes the method of any one of claims 1-5 or any one of claims 6-10 to be implemented.

25. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes a processor and a communication interface for communicating with external or internal devices, and the processor enables the chip to implement the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-5 or any one of claims 6-10.

26. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1-5 or any one of claims 6-10.

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