Communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

The present application discloses a communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: determining the position of a time domain resource where a system information block 1 narrowband (SIB1-NB) corresponding to a terminal is located; and receiving, on the determined time domain resource, the SIB1-NB sent by a network device, wherein the SIB1-NB is located in a time division duplex (TDD) frame. In this way, it can be ensured that, in a new TDD mode, scheduling of the SIB1-NB is aligned with DL time units as much as possible, thereby effectively improving system communication efficiency and ensuring channel performance.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment, communication systems, storage media and software products Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of communication technology, non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) have gradually become a research hotspot. NTNs can utilize airborne platforms or in-orbit satellites and other non-terrestrial infrastructure to build wireless communication systems. They can effectively enhance network coverage and can also be used for emergency communications. Furthermore, NTNs can play a role in the development of the Internet of Things (IoT) and possess scalability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0004] A first aspect of this disclosure provides a communication method, which is executed by a terminal, and the method includes:

[0005] Determine the location of the time domain resource where the narrowband system information block 1 SIB1-NB corresponding to the terminal is located;

[0006] Receive the SIB1-NB sent by the network device on the determined time domain resources;

[0007] The SIB1-NB is located in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) frame.

[0008] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a communication method, which is executed by a network device, and the method includes:

[0009] Determine the location of the time domain resource where the narrowband system information block 1 SIB1-NB corresponding to the terminal is located;

[0010] The SIB1-NB is sent to the terminal on the determined time-domain resources;

[0011] The SIB1-NB is located in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) frame.

[0012] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a terminal, comprising:

[0013] The processing module is used to determine the location of the time domain resource where the narrowband system information block 1 SIB1-NB corresponding to the terminal is located;

[0014] A transceiver module is used to receive the SIB1-NB sent by the network device on the determined time domain resources;

[0015] The SIB1-NB is located in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) frame.

[0016] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a network device, comprising:

[0017] The processing module is used to determine the location of the time domain resource where the narrowband system information block 1 SIB1-NB corresponding to the terminal is located;

[0018] A transceiver module is used to send the SIB1-NB to the terminal on the determined time domain resources;

[0019] The SIB1-NB is located in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) frame.

[0020] The scheme proposed in this embodiment determines the location of the time domain resource where the narrowband system information block 1 SIB1-NB corresponding to the terminal is located; and receives the SIB1-NB sent by the network device on the determined time domain resource; wherein the SIB1-NB is located in the time division duplex (TDD) frame, which can ensure that the scheduling of the SIB1-NB is aligned with the DL time unit as much as possible in the new TDD mode, effectively improving the system communication efficiency and ensuring the performance of the channel. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or background art of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments or background art of this disclosure will be described below.

[0022] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0023] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the TDD frame structure of an Iridium satellite system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of a resource mapping method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0026] Figures 2B-2K are schematic diagrams of a TDD frame structure provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0031] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0032] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0033] Determine the location of the time domain resource where the narrowband system information block 1 SIB1-NB corresponding to the above terminal is located;

[0034] Receive the SIB1-NB sent by the network device on the determined time domain resources;

[0035] Among them, the aforementioned SIB1-NB is located in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) frame.

[0036] In the above embodiments, it can be ensured that the scheduling of SIB1-NB in ​​the new TDD mode is aligned with the DL time unit as much as possible, which can effectively improve the system communication efficiency and ensure the performance of the channel.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the temporal resource pattern of the aforementioned TDD frame is a combination of a first temporal resource pattern and a second temporal resource pattern;

[0038] Specifically, within the first time-domain resource pattern, the SIB1-NB is located within the time unit occupied by the downlink channel corresponding to the terminal; within the second time-domain resource pattern, the SIB1-NB is located within the time unit occupied by the downlink channel corresponding to the terminal.

[0039] The aforementioned SIB1-NB is transmitted on either odd or even radio frames.

[0040] In the above embodiments, different DL time units can be selected in different TDD patterns to ensure that the scheduling of SIB1-NB in ​​the new TDD mode is aligned with the DL time unit as much as possible, effectively improving system communication efficiency and ensuring channel performance.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the temporal resource pattern of the aforementioned TDD frame is a temporal resource pattern;

[0042] Among them, the SIB1-NB is located within the time unit occupied by the downlink channel corresponding to the terminal.

[0043] In the first period, the aforementioned SIB1-NB transmits on odd-numbered radio frames; in the second period, the aforementioned SIB1-NB transmits on even-numbered radio frames; or,

[0044] In the first period, the SIB1-NB is transmitted on even-numbered radio frames; in the second period, the SIB1-NB is transmitted on odd-numbered radio frames.

[0045] In the above embodiments, by selecting different resource mapping methods within each pattern period, the scheduling of SIB1-NB in ​​the new TDD mode is aligned with the DL time unit as much as possible, which effectively improves the system communication efficiency and ensures the performance of the channel.

[0046] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the temporal resource pattern of the aforementioned TDD frame is a temporal resource pattern;

[0047] Among them, the SIB1-NB is located within the time unit occupied by the downlink channel corresponding to the terminal, and there is a first time interval between every two adjacent time domain resource patterns.

[0048] The aforementioned SIB1-NB is transmitted on either odd or even radio frames.

[0049] In the above embodiments, by inserting a time interval between two adjacent patterns, the scheduling of SIB1-NB in ​​the new TDD mode is ensured to be aligned with the DL time unit as much as possible, which effectively improves the system communication efficiency and ensures the performance of the channel.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the time-domain resource pattern of the TDD frame is a single time-domain resource pattern, or the time-domain resource pattern of the TDD frame is a combination of a first time-domain resource pattern and a second time-domain resource pattern;

[0051] Wherein, the starting position of the total period corresponding to SIB1-NB is offset relative to subframe #0 in system frame SFN#0 by a first offset; the first offset satisfies at least one of the following:

[0052] The position corresponding to the sum of the first offset and the length of n radio frames is after the start position of a downlink time unit within each of the above time-domain resource patterns;

[0053] The position corresponding to the sum of the first offset and the length of n+1 radio frames is before the start position of a downlink time unit within each of the above time-domain resource patterns.

[0054] The above n is a positive integer, and the above SIB1-NB is transmitted on odd or even radio frames.

[0055] In the above embodiments, by setting an overall offset, the scheduling of SIB1-NB in ​​the new TDD mode is aligned with the DL time unit as much as possible. At the same time, the flexibility of the scheme can be improved, more DL time units can be selected, the system communication efficiency can be effectively improved, and the channel performance can be guaranteed.

[0056] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0057] Determine the location of the time domain resource where the narrowband system information block 1 SIB1-NB corresponding to the above terminal is located;

[0058] The aforementioned SIB1-NB is sent to the terminal on the determined time domain resources;

[0059] Among them, the aforementioned SIB1-NB is located in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) frame.

[0060] In the above embodiments, it can be ensured that the scheduling of SIB1-NB in ​​the new TDD mode is aligned with the DL time unit as much as possible, which can effectively improve the system communication efficiency and ensure the performance of the channel.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the temporal resource pattern of the aforementioned TDD frame is a combination of a first temporal resource pattern and a second temporal resource pattern;

[0062] Specifically, within the first time-domain resource pattern, the SIB1-NB is located within the time unit occupied by the downlink channel corresponding to the terminal; within the second time-domain resource pattern, the SIB1-NB is located within the time unit occupied by the downlink channel corresponding to the terminal.

[0063] The aforementioned SIB1-NB is transmitted on either odd or even radio frames.

[0064] In the above embodiments, different DL time units can be selected in different TDD patterns to ensure that the scheduling of SIB1-NB in ​​the new TDD mode is aligned with the DL time unit as much as possible, effectively improving system communication efficiency and ensuring channel performance.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the temporal resource pattern of the aforementioned TDD frame is a temporal resource pattern;

[0066] Among them, the SIB1-NB is located within the time unit occupied by the downlink channel corresponding to the terminal.

[0067] In the first period, the aforementioned SIB1-NB transmits on odd-numbered radio frames; in the second period, the aforementioned SIB1-NB transmits on even-numbered radio frames; or,

[0068] In the first period, the SIB1-NB is transmitted on even-numbered radio frames; in the second period, the SIB1-NB is transmitted on odd-numbered radio frames.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the temporal resource pattern of the aforementioned TDD frame is a temporal resource pattern;

[0070] Among them, the SIB1-NB is located within the time unit occupied by the downlink channel corresponding to the terminal, and there is a first time interval between every two adjacent time domain resource patterns.

[0071] The aforementioned SIB1-NB is transmitted on either odd or even radio frames.

[0072] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the time-domain resource pattern of the TDD frame is a single time-domain resource pattern, or the time-domain resource pattern of the TDD frame is a combination of a first time-domain resource pattern and a second time-domain resource pattern;

[0073] Wherein, the starting position of the total period corresponding to SIB1-NB is offset relative to subframe #0 in system frame SFN#0 by a first offset; the first offset satisfies at least one of the following:

[0074] The position corresponding to the sum of the first offset and the length of n radio frames is after the start position of a downlink time unit within each of the above time-domain resource patterns;

[0075] The position corresponding to the sum of the first offset and the length of n+1 radio frames is before the start position of a downlink time unit within each of the above time-domain resource patterns.

[0076] The above n is a positive integer, and the above SIB1-NB is transmitted on odd or even radio frames.

[0077] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0078] The terminal and network equipment determine the location of the time domain resource where the narrowband system information block 1 SIB1-NB corresponding to the above terminal is located;

[0079] The aforementioned network devices transmit the aforementioned SIB1-NB on the determined aforementioned time domain resources;

[0080] Among them, the aforementioned SIB1-NB is located in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) frame.

[0081] In the above embodiments, it can be ensured that the scheduling of SIB1-NB in ​​the new TDD mode is aligned with the DL time unit as much as possible, which can effectively improve the system communication efficiency and ensure the performance of the channel.

[0082] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, which includes a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the terminal is used to execute the first aspect and optional implementations of the first aspect.

[0083] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device, which includes a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the network device is used to execute the second aspect and optional implementations of the second aspect.

[0084] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device comprising: at least one processor and an interface circuit; wherein the communication device is used to execute the first aspect and optional implementations thereof.

[0085] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device comprising: at least one processor and an interface circuit; wherein the communication device is used to execute the second aspect and optional implementations of the second aspect.

[0086] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system comprising: a terminal and a network device; wherein the terminal is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect and optional implementations thereof, and the network device is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect and optional implementations thereof.

[0087] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect and its optional implementation, as well as the second aspect and its optional implementation.

[0088] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the first aspect and its optional implementation, the second aspect and its optional implementation.

[0089] In one aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the first aspect and its alternative implementations, the second aspect and its alternative implementations.

[0090] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to the first aspect and its optional implementations, the second aspect, and its optional implementations.

[0091] It is understood that the aforementioned terminals, access network equipment, core network equipment, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0092] This disclosure provides a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. In some embodiments, terms such as communication method and information processing method may be used interchangeably.

[0093] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments. In all embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0094] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0095] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0096] In the embodiments of this disclosure, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0097] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0098] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0099] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0100] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0101] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0102] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0103] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0104] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0105] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “network function,” “network device,” “function,” “node,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0106] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0107] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0108] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0109] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0110] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0111] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0112] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0113] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0114] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102.

[0116] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, for example, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) device, satellite communication device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, wireless terminal device in smart home, and red-capped terminal, but is not limited thereto.

[0117] In some embodiments, network device 102 may be a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The network device may include, but is not limited to, nodes such as satellites or drones in non-terrestrial communication networks, evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), next-generation RAN node (NG-RAN node), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), wireless backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in Wi-Fi system.

[0118] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0119] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0120] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0121] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1A, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1A are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1A, or it may include other main bodies outside of FIG1A. The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0122] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Non-terrestrial Networks (NTN), Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Narrow Band-IoT (NB-IoT) systems, Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G New Radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New Radio Access (NX), Future Generation Radio Access (FX), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), and IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX, a registered trademark), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0123] In some embodiments, non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) are increasingly becoming a research hotspot. NTNs can utilize airborne platforms or on-orbit satellites and other non-terrestrial infrastructure to build wireless communication systems. They can effectively enhance network coverage and can also be used for emergency communications. Furthermore, NTNs can play a role in the development of the Internet of Things (IoT) and possess scalability.

[0124] In some embodiments, only Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) operation is supported for IoT-NTN systems.

[0125] In some embodiments, it is considered to support Time Division Duplexing (TDD) operation on a dedicated spectrum (1616-1626.5 MHz) allocated to the satellite system, which is currently used by the Iridium proprietary communications system.

[0126] In some embodiments, power consumption saving can also be achieved by introducing a certain period into the TDD band. For example, a period of 90ms can be defined.

[0127] Furthermore, Iridium is pushing to allocate one DL time unit (8.28ms) and one UL time unit (8.28ms) from its 90ms period to the 3GPP TDD mode, using the remaining resources to maintain the operation of its existing proprietary system. This achieves compatibility between the 3GPP IoT-NTN TDD mode and Iridium's proprietary system.

[0128] In some embodiments, the Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) frame structure of the Iridium system can be as shown in Figure 1B.

[0129] Since the current IoT-NTN system only supports FDD operation, the frame structure needs to be considered and redesigned for TDD mode.

[0130] In some embodiments, resource mapping in a TDD system is based on the mapping method in an FDD system.

[0131] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the following effects may also need to be considered when designing a TDD system:

[0132] 1. Considering coexistence with Iridium's proprietary TDD system, x DL time units (8.28ms) within a 90ms period are selected for DL ​​transmission in TDD mode, and x UL time units (8.28ms) within a 90ms period are selected for UL transmission in TDD mode. Therefore, the design needs to rationally allocate the DL and UL time units to ensure that the IoT-NTN TDD requirements are met while reserving operating space for the Iridium system.

[0133] 2. Resource mapping in IoT-NTN TDD mode needs to refer to the mapping methods of Narrow Band Primary Synchronization Signal (NPSS), Narrow Band Secondary Synchronization Signal (NSSS), Narrow Band Physical Broadcast Channel (NPBCH), and Narrow Band Physical Random Access Channel (NPRACH) in FDD mode. To achieve resource consistency with FDD in TDD mode, it is necessary to ensure that the resource locations of NPSS, NSSS, and NPBCH are not covered or omitted.

[0134] 3. For Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems, the round-trip time (RTT) varies depending on the satellite's altitude:

[0135] For example, LEO 600km: RTT is approximately 25.77ms; LEO 1200km: RTT is approximately 41.77ms.

[0136] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the resource mapping method of Narrow Band System Information Block 1 (SIB1-NB) in IoT-NTN TDD mode needs to refer to the resource mapping method in FDD mode.

[0137] In some embodiments, in NB-IoT FDD mode, SIB1-NB is transmitted on the Narrow Band Physical Downlink Control Channel (NPDCCH) and scrambled using the System Information-Radio Network Temporary Identifier (SI-RNTI), with a total scheduling period of 2560ms.

[0138] In some embodiments, a SIB1-NB can be transmitted multiple times, and the number of repetitions (4, 8, or 16) of the NPDSCH carrying the SIB1-NB is obtained by querying a table in the standard using the schedulingInfoSIB1-r13 field of the Narrow Band Master Information Block (MIB-NB).

[0139] The above repetition count refers to the number of repetitions within a 2560ms period, and these repetitions are performed at equal intervals within this period. Each repetition is transmitted on subframe 4, which occurs every other frame (a total of 8 radio frames) within 16 consecutive frames. This equates to a sub-period of 20ms within each repetition transmission.

[0140] In some embodiments, the starting system frame of the first transmission of the NPDSCH carrying the SIB1-NB is determined by the repetition count and the cell ID, and is specified by a table in the standard.

[0141] In some embodiments, neighboring cells can configure different cell IDs to make the starting radio frames of SIB1-NBs of different cells different, thereby ensuring that the SIB1-NBs of different cells are staggered in the time domain and avoiding SIB1-NB transmission interference between cells.

[0142] In some embodiments, when using in-band deployment (in which the first 3 Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols are reserved for a fixed subframe), an example of SIB1-NB mapping to time-frequency resources can be shown in Figure 1C:

[0143] The total period of SIB1-NB is fixed at 2560ms. The period is divided into 16 parts, with 160ms (i.e., 16 consecutive frames) as a unit. The number of repetitions of SIB1-NB is N, which is equivalent to taking 16 parts with equal intervals. In this example, N=4.

[0144] The same Transport Block (TB) corresponding to SIB1-NB (i.e., one repetition of SIB1-NB) will be transmitted on subframe 4 of every other frame in 16 consecutive frames.

[0145] As mentioned earlier, resource mapping in IoT-NTN TDD mode needs to refer to the mapping method of SIB1-NB in ​​FDD mode. In order to realize the frame structure design based on FDD in TDD mode, it is necessary to ensure that the resource locations of SIB1-NB are not covered or omitted.

[0146] Therefore, when designing the TDD frame structure, the time domain position of the NPDSCH channel where SIB1-NB is located should be matched with the selected UL and DL time units as much as possible to ensure that the channel performance is not affected. This will help ensure the complete transmission of the NPDSCH channel and meet the signaling requirements of IoT-NTN.

[0147] However, because the 90ms TDD band period of the 3GPP IoT-NTN TDD mode is not an integer multiple of the 20ms sub-cycle in each repeated transmission of SIB1-NB, and the start time of SIB1-NB may not be aligned with the DL time unit, in some cases when designing the TDD frame structure (especially when compatible with the Iridium system), it is difficult to align the time period occupied by the transmission resources of SIB1-NB to the complete downlink time unit (DL time unit). This results in some SIB1-NB transmission resources exceeding the range of the DL time unit, affecting the transmission efficiency and downlink coverage of SIB1-NB.

[0148] Therefore, it is necessary to consider determining a new SIB1-NB transmission location scheme.

[0149] The communication method and apparatus provided in this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0150] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0151] In step S2101, terminal 101 and network device 102 determine the location of the time domain resource where SIB1-NB is located.

[0152] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 or the network device 102 may determine the location of the time domain resource where SIB1-NB is located in the time domain resource pattern (TDD pattern) corresponding to the terminal based on the agreement of the protocol.

[0153] Optionally, the protocol may specify the patterns of one or more time-domain resources.

[0154] Optionally, the protocol can pre-define a fixed TDD pattern, which is used in different systems, cases, and scenarios.

[0155] Optionally, the aforementioned preset fixed pattern can refer to the pattern examples in any embodiment of this application.

[0156] In some embodiments, the protocol may preset multiple patterns, and the terminal 101 may further determine one of the patterns in an implicit manner (for example, implicitly determining one of the patterns based on ephemeris information broadcast by System Information Block (SIB) messages, or information such as satellite type).

[0157] Furthermore, based on the pattern of the determined time-domain resources, the terminal 101 can repeatedly transmit in the time domain to form a complete TDD frame structure, thereby determining the uplink and downlink resources that the terminal 101 can use.

[0158] In some embodiments, the temporal resource pattern of the aforementioned TDD frame can be a combination of multiple temporal resource patterns. For example, the TDD pattern can be obtained by combining a first temporal resource pattern pattern1 and a second temporal resource pattern pattern2.

[0159] In some embodiments, the time-domain resource pattern of the aforementioned TDD frame is a combination of a first time-domain resource pattern and a second time-domain resource pattern. Specifically, within the first time-domain resource pattern, the SIB1-NB is located within the time unit occupied by the downlink channel corresponding to terminal 101; and within the second time-domain resource pattern, the SIB1-NB is located within the time unit occupied by the downlink channel corresponding to terminal 101. The SIB1-NB is transmitted on an odd or even number of radio frames within every 16 consecutive radio frames.

[0160] In the first time domain resource pattern and the second time domain resource pattern, different downlink (DL) time units (also known as DL time slots, Iridium DL time slots, etc.) are selected for the downlink transmission of terminal 101.

[0161] In some embodiments, the time-domain resource pattern of the aforementioned TDD frame is a single time-domain resource pattern. Specifically, the aforementioned SIB1-NB is located within the time unit occupied by the downlink channel corresponding to terminal 101.

[0162] Optionally, in the first period, the SIB1-NB is transmitted on odd-numbered radio frames; in the second period, the SIB1-NB is transmitted on even-numbered radio frames.

[0163] Alternatively, in the first period, the SIB1-NB is transmitted on even-numbered radio frames; in the second period, the SIB1-NB is transmitted on odd-numbered radio frames.

[0164] It should be noted that the periods in the first and second periods mentioned above refer to the periods of the time-domain resource map.

[0165] The term "time-domain resource pattern" in the TDD frame refers to the fact that each time-domain resource pattern selects the same DL time unit for downlink transmission of terminal 101.

[0166] In some embodiments, the time-domain resource pattern of the aforementioned TDD frame is a single time-domain resource pattern. The aforementioned SIB1-NB is located within the time unit occupied by the downlink channel corresponding to terminal 101, and a first time interval exists between every two adjacent time-domain resource patterns. The aforementioned SIB1-NB can be transmitted on odd or even radio frames within every 16 consecutive radio frames.

[0167] Optionally, the length of the first time interval can be set to an odd number of wireless frames, such as 10ms, 30ms, etc.

[0168] In some embodiments, the temporal resource pattern of the aforementioned TDD frame is a single temporal resource pattern, or the temporal resource pattern of the aforementioned TDD frame is a combination of a first temporal resource pattern and a second temporal resource pattern. The starting position of the total period corresponding to the aforementioned SIB1-NB, relative to subframe #0 in system frame SFN#0, is offset by a first offset; the first offset satisfies at least one of the following:

[0169] The position corresponding to the sum of the first offset and the length of n radio frames is after the start position of a downlink time unit within each of the above time-domain resource patterns;

[0170] The position corresponding to the sum of the first offset and the length of n+1 radio frames is before the start position of a downlink time unit within each of the above time-domain resource patterns.

[0171] The above n is a positive integer, and the above SIB1-NB is transmitted on odd or even radio frames.

[0172] That is, the first offset mentioned above (for example, it can be named SIB1-NB time offset) satisfies at least one of the following:

[0173] The first offset + n*10ms> determines the start position of the DL time unit in the TDD pattern;

[0174] The first offset + (n+1)*10ms < determines the start position of the DL time unit in the TDD pattern.

[0175] As an example, a TDD pattern and the time-domain resource locations of SIB1-NB can be shown in Figure 2B.

[0176] The TDD pattern is obtained by combining two patterns (pattern1 and pattern2). The total period of the TDD frame structure is 180ms, the sub-period is 90ms, and the DL transmission time is 8ms.

[0177] TDD pattern 1 uses the fourth DL slot of the Iridium system for DL ​​transmission of terminal 101 in TDD mode, while TDD pattern 2 uses the third DL slot of the Iridium system for DL ​​transmission of terminal 101 in TDD mode. The same SIB1-NB time-domain resource mapping scheme is used within each 90ms TDD time period: that is, SIB1-NB transmits on odd-numbered frames within every 16 consecutive frames.

[0178] As an example, a TDD pattern and the time-domain resource location of SIB1-NB can be shown in Figure 2C.

[0179] The TDD pattern is obtained by combining two patterns (pattern1 and pattern2). The total period of the TDD frame structure is 180ms, the sub-period is 90ms, and the DL transmission time is 8ms.

[0180] TDD pattern 1 selects the third DL slot of the Iridium system for DL ​​transmission of terminal 101 in TDD mode, and TDD pattern 2 uses the fourth DL slot of the Iridium system for DL ​​transmission of terminal 101 in TDD mode. The same SIB1-NB time-domain resource mapping scheme is used within each 90ms TDD time period: that is, SIB1-NB transmits on even-numbered frames within every 16 consecutive frames.

[0181] As an example, a TDD pattern and the time-domain resource location of SIB1-NB can be shown in Figure 2D.

[0182] The total period of this TDD frame structure is 180ms, the sub-period is 90ms, and the DL transmission time is 8ms.

[0183] In the first 90ms period, SIB1-NB uses one time-domain resource mapping scheme (i.e., SIB1-NB transmits on even-numbered frames within every 16 consecutive frames), and in the second 90ms period, it uses another time-domain resource mapping scheme (i.e., SIB1-NB transmits on odd-numbered frames within every 16 consecutive frames). Within each 90ms period, the third DL slot of the Iridium system is used for DL ​​transmission in TDD mode.

[0184] As an example, a TDD pattern and the time-domain resource location of SIB1-NB can be shown in Figure 2E.

[0185] The total period of this TDD frame structure is 180ms, the sub-period is 90ms, and the DL transmission time is 8ms.

[0186] In the first 90ms period, SIB1-NB uses one time-domain resource mapping scheme (i.e., SIB1-NB transmits on odd-numbered frames within every 16 consecutive frames), and in the second 90ms period, it uses another time-domain resource mapping scheme (i.e., SIB1-NB transmits on even-numbered frames within every 16 consecutive frames). Within each 90ms period, the fourth DL slot of the Iridium system is used for DL ​​transmission in TDD mode.

[0187] As an example, a TDD pattern and the time-domain resource location of SIB1-NB can be shown in Figure 2F.

[0188] In this example, a first time interval (e.g., which can be named the inter time offset) is inserted between two adjacent TDD 90ms patterns. The total period of this TDD frame structure is 180ms, the sub-period is 90ms, the DL transmission time is 8ms, and the first time interval between two TDD 90ms is 10ms.

[0189] SIB1-NB uses the same time-domain resource mapping scheme in each 90ms period (i.e., SIB1-NB transmits on even-numbered frames within every 16 consecutive frames). Within each 90ms period, the third DL slot of the Iridium system is used for DL ​​transmission in TDD mode.

[0190] As an example, a TDD pattern and the time-domain resource location of SIB1-NB can be shown in Figure 2G.

[0191] In this example, a first time interval (e.g., which can be named the inter time offset) is inserted between two adjacent TDD 90ms patterns. The total period of this TDD frame structure is 180ms, the sub-period is 90ms, the DL transmission time is 8ms, and the first time interval between two TDD 90ms is 10ms.

[0192] SIB1-NB uses the same time-domain resource mapping scheme in each 90ms period (i.e., SIB1-NB transmits on odd-numbered frames within every 16 consecutive frames). Within each 90ms period, the fourth DL slot of the Iridium system is used for DL ​​transmission in TDD mode.

[0193] As an example, a TDD pattern and the time-domain resource location of SIB1-NB can be shown in Figure 2H.

[0194] The TDD frame structure has a total period of 180ms, a sub-period of 90ms, a DL transmission time of 8ms, and SIB1-NB is transmitted on odd-numbered frames within every 16 consecutive frames, with a first offset of 1ms.

[0195] Pattern 1: Within the first 90ms, the second DL slot of the Iridium system is used for DL ​​transmission in TDD mode.

[0196] Pattern 2: Within the second 90ms, the third DL slot of the Iridium system is used for DL ​​transmission in TDD mode.

[0197] In this example, by defining the SIB1-NB time offset as 1ms, the time domain transmission position of the SIB1-NB can fall within the TDD pattern that selects other DL time units, thus obtaining more options for the combination of DL time units in the TDD pattern.

[0198] As an example, a TDD pattern and the time-domain resource location of SIB1-NB can be shown in Figure 2I.

[0199] The TDD frame structure has a total period of 180ms, a sub-period of 90ms, a DL transmission time of 8ms, and SIB1-NB is transmitted on even-numbered frames within every 16 consecutive frames, with a first offset of 2ms.

[0200] Pattern 1: Within the first 90ms, the first DL slot of the Iridium system is used for DL ​​transmission in TDD mode.

[0201] Pattern 2: Within the second 90ms, the second DL slot of the Iridium system is used for DL ​​transmission in TDD mode.

[0202] In this example, by defining the SIB1-NB time offset as 2ms, the time domain transmission position of SIB1-NB can fall within the TDD pattern that selects other DL time units, thus obtaining more options for the combination of DL time units in the TDD pattern.

[0203] As an example, a TDD pattern and the time-domain resource location of SIB1-NB can be shown in Figure 2J.

[0204] The TDD frame structure has a total period of 180ms, a sub-period of 90ms, a DL transmission time of 8ms, and a first offset of 1ms.

[0205] In the first 90ms period, SIB1-NB uses one time-domain resource mapping scheme (i.e., SIB1-NB transmits on odd-numbered frames within every 16 consecutive frames), and in the second 90ms period, it uses another time-domain resource mapping scheme (i.e., SIB1-NB transmits on even-numbered frames within every 16 consecutive frames). Within each 90ms period, the second DL slot of the Iridium system is used for DL ​​transmission in TDD mode.

[0206] In this example, by defining the SIB1-NB time offset as 1ms, the time domain transmission position of the SIB1-NB can fall within the TDD pattern that selects other DL time units, thus obtaining more options for the combination of DL time units in the TDD pattern.

[0207] As an example, a TDD pattern and the temporal resource location of SIB1-NB can be shown in Figure 2K.

[0208] The TDD frame structure has a total period of 180ms, a sub-period of 90ms, a DL transmission time of 8ms, and SIB1-NB is transmitted on even-numbered frames within every 16 consecutive frames, with a first offset of 2ms.

[0209] In the first 90ms period, SIB1-NB uses one time-domain resource mapping scheme (i.e., SIB1-NB transmits on even-numbered frames within every 16 consecutive frames), and in the second 90ms period, it uses another time-domain resource mapping scheme (i.e., SIB1-NB transmits on odd-numbered frames within every 16 consecutive frames). Within each 90ms period, the first DL slot of the Iridium system is used for DL ​​transmission in TDD mode.

[0210] In this example, by defining the SIB1-NB time offset as 2ms, the time domain transmission position of SIB1-NB can fall within the TDD pattern that selects other DL time units, thus obtaining more options for the combination of DL time units in the TDD pattern.

[0211] In step S2102, network device 102 sends SIB1-NB.

[0212] In some embodiments, terminal 101 receives SIB1-NB sent by network device 102.

[0213] In some embodiments, network device 102 sends the SIB1-NB to terminal 101 on the determined time domain resources.

[0214] In some embodiments, terminal 101 receives the SIB1-NB sent by network device 102 on the determined time domain resources.

[0215] In some embodiments, the terms “eNB”, “gNB”, “base station”, and “NG-RAN node” can be used interchangeably.

[0216] In some embodiments, the terms "carrier," "band," and "frequency" can be used interchangeably.

[0217] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0218] In some embodiments, the terms "uplink", "uplink", and "physical uplink" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "downlink", "downlink", and "physical downlink", as well as the terms "sidelink", "sidelink", "sidelink communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", and "direct link communication".

[0219] In some embodiments, the terms "repeating pattern", "repeating design", "pattern", "repeating design" and other similar terms may be used interchangeably.

[0220] In some embodiments, the terms “downlink control information (DCI),” “downlink (DL) assignment,” “DL DCI,” “uplink (UL) grant,” and “UL DCI” can be used interchangeably.

[0221] In some embodiments, terms such as "physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)" and "DL data" can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as "physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)" and "UL data".

[0222] In some embodiments, the terms "time domain unit", "time unit", "transmission unit", "Iridium unit", "Iridium system unit", "Iridium system transmission unit", and "time slot" can be used interchangeably.

[0223] In some embodiments, the terms "radio", "wireless", "radio access network (RAN)", "access network (AN)", and "RAN-based" can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, the terms "moment", "point in time", "time", and "time location" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "duration", "segment", "time window", "window", and "time".

[0224] In some embodiments, the terms "component carrier (CC)," "cell," "frequency carrier," and "carrier frequency" can be used interchangeably.

[0225] In some embodiments, the terms “resource block (RB)”, “physical resource block (PRB)”, “sub-carrier group (SCG)”, “resource element group (REG)”, “PRB pair”, “RB pair”, “resource element (RE)”, and “sub-carrier” can be used interchangeably.

[0226] In some embodiments, the terms “frame”, “radio frame”, “subframe”, “slot”, “sub-slot”, “mini-slot”, “symbol”, “symbol”, and “transmission time interval (TTI)” can be used interchangeably.

[0227] In some embodiments, "acquire," "get," "obtain," "receive," "transmit," "bidirectional transmission," and "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, acquiring from protocols, acquiring from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation. Protocols include, for example, at least one of the 3GPP protocol, Wi-Fi protocol, and audio and / or video protocols.

[0228] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0229] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0230] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving on time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data and / or instructions received; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiver to respond to the sent content.

[0231] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2102. For example, step 2101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step 2102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step 2101+2102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0232] In some embodiments, step S2101 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0233] In some embodiments, other alternative implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG2A.

[0234] The following is an exemplary description of the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0235] In some embodiments, to ensure that the time-domain resource location corresponding to SIB1-NB is aligned with the DL time unit in TDD mode, at least one of the following points can be considered in the design:

[0236] Key Point 1: Determine two TDD patterns and combine them into a 180ms TDD pattern: {pattern#1, pattern#2} for transmission. Use the same SIB1-NB time domain resource mapping scheme within each 90ms TDD time period.

[0237] TDD pattern 1 is used for the first 90ms, and TDD pattern 2 is used for the next 90ms. Each repetition of SIB1-NB will be transmitted on subframe 4 of every other frame (a total of 8 radio frames) within 16 consecutive frames. It is necessary to ensure that the time domain transmission position of SIB1-NB falls exactly within the DL time unit selected by pattern 1, 2, in order to ensure the integrity of PDSCH channel transmission and improve resource utilization.

[0238] Specifically, the following two time-domain resource mapping schemes for SIB1-NB can be considered:

[0239] 1) SIB1-NB is transmitted on odd-numbered frames within every 16 consecutive frames, as shown in Figure 2B as an example.

[0240] 2) SIB1-NB is transmitted on even-numbered frames within every 16 consecutive frames, as shown in Figure 2C as an example.

[0241] Key Point 2: Use a fixed TDD pattern for transmission, and employ different SIB1-NB time domain resource mapping schemes within each 90ms TDD time period.

[0242] The same TDD pattern scheme is selected every 90ms, that is, the same DL time unit is selected for SIB1-NB transmission every 90ms, but a different SIB1-NB transmission scheme is used in each 90ms. This process is used to align the SIB1-NB time domain transmission position with the DL time unit, so as to ensure the integrity of PDSCH channel transmission and improve resource utilization.

[0243] Specifically, the following time-domain resource mapping scheme for SIB1-NB can be considered:

[0244] 1) SIB1-NB is transmitted on odd-numbered frames within every 16 consecutive frames.

[0245] 2) SIB1-NB is transmitted on even-numbered frames within every 16 consecutive frames.

[0246] The time-domain resource mapping of SIB1-NB can be achieved by combining the two time-domain resource mapping schemes mentioned above. For example, one scheme can be used for the first 90ms and another scheme can be used for the last 90ms. As an example, it can be shown in Figure 2D-2E.

[0247] In some embodiments, the scheduling system configures a sending window for each SI message based on the SI message period, and the periods of different SI messages are independent of each other. Therefore, the SI message period should also be set to an integer multiple of 90ms TDD Time Period, i.e., si-Periodicity mod 90 = 0.

[0248] As an example, one could consider setting si-Periodicity ENUMERATED{rf81,rf162,rf324,rf648,rf1296,rf2592,rf5184,spare}.

[0249] In the above embodiments, by setting the period of the SI message to an integer multiple of 90ms, it is helpful to match the location of the DL transmission time resource where the SI message is transmitted with the selected DL time unit in the designed TDD frame structure, which will help ensure the complete transmission of scheduling information.

[0250] Key Point 3: Fixed TDD pattern transmission, using the same SIB1-NB time domain resource mapping scheme within each 90ms TDD time period, and considering inserting inter-time offsets between TDD patterns.

[0251] The same TDD pattern is selected every 90ms, meaning the same DL time unit is chosen for SIB1-NB transmission every 90ms. SIB1-NB transmission is consistently performed on subframe 4 within every other frame (8 radio frames) of 16 consecutive frames. An inter-time offset is introduced between two 90ms intervals to ensure that the SIB1-NB's time-domain transmission position falls precisely within the DL time unit selected by the TDD pattern, guaranteeing the integrity of the PDSCH channel transmission and improving resource utilization.

[0252] Specifically, the inter-time offset can be set to an odd number of radio frames (10ms).

[0253] Setting the inter time offset to 10ms ensures that the SIB1-NB time domain transmission position falls exactly within the DL time unit selected by the TDD pattern. Setting it to an odd number of radio frames greater than 10ms may lead to a decrease in resource utilization. A specific design example with inter time offset = 10ms can be shown in Figure 2F-2G.

[0254] Key Point 4: Define a new overall transmission time offset (SIB1-NB time offset) for Io-NTN TDD mode SIB1-NB transmission.

[0255] That is, in some embodiments, a SIB1-NB time offset relative to system frame #0subframe#0 can be defined for the overall transmission of the SIB1-NB total period of 2560ms.

[0256] Specifically, the SIB1-NB time offset setting must meet at least one of the following requirements:

[0257] SIB1-NB time offset+n*10ms> determines the start position of the DL time unit in the TDD pattern;

[0258] SIB1-NB time offset+(n+1)*10ms<determines the start position of the DL time unit in the TDD pattern.

[0259] Whether n is odd or even depends on the specific transmission design scheme of the aforementioned SIB1-NB.

[0260] As an example, considering point one above, there are two possible examples:

[0261] 1) TDD pattern 1 selects the fourth DL slot of the Iridium system for DL ​​transmission in TDD mode, and TDD pattern 2 selects the third DL slot of the Iridium system for DL ​​transmission in TDD mode. The same SIB1-NB time-domain resource mapping scheme is used within each 90ms TDD time period: SIB1-NB transmits on odd-numbered frames within every 16 consecutive frames. This can be illustrated in Figure 2B.

[0262] 2) TDD pattern 1 selects the third DL slot of the Iridium system for DL ​​transmission in TDD mode, and TDD pattern 2 selects the fourth DL slot of the Iridium system for DL ​​transmission in TDD mode. The same SIB1-NB time-domain resource mapping scheme is used within each 90ms TDD time period: SIB1-NB transmits on even-numbered frames within every 16 consecutive frames. This can be illustrated in Figure 2C.

[0263] As an example, considering point two above, there are two possible examples:

[0264] 1) SIB1-NB uses one time-domain resource mapping scheme in the first 90ms period and another time-domain resource mapping scheme in the next 90ms period. Within each 90ms period, the third DL slot of the Iridium system is used for DL ​​transmission in TDD mode. This can be illustrated in Figure 2D.

[0265] 2) SIB1-NB uses one time-domain resource mapping scheme in the first 90ms period and another in the next 90ms period. Within each 90ms period, the fourth DL slot of the Iridium system is used for DL ​​transmission in TDD mode, as shown in Figure 2E.

[0266] As an example, consider point three above: Specifically, by inserting a 10ms intertime offset between two TDD 90ms, the SIB1-NB time domain transmission position falls exactly within the DL time unit selected by the TDD pattern, as shown in Figures 2F-2G.

[0267] As an example, consider points one and four above: by defining the SIB1-NB time offset as 1 / 2, the time-domain transmission position of the SIB1-NB can fall within a TDD pattern other than the TDD pattern obtained by considering only point one (selecting other DL time units), thus obtaining more options for the combination of DL time units in the TDD pattern. This can be illustrated in Figures 2H-2I.

[0268] As an example, consider points two and four above: by defining the SIB1-NB time offset as 1 / 2, the time-domain transmission position of the SIB1-NB can fall within a TDD pattern other than the TDD pattern obtained by only considering point two (selecting other DL time units), thus obtaining more options for the combination of DL time units in the TDD pattern. This can be illustrated in Figure 2J-2K.

[0269] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0270] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0271] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0272] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Terminal 3100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3A, terminal 3100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 3101, a processing module 3102, etc. In some embodiments, the processing module 3102 is used to determine the location of the time domain resource where the narrowband system information block 1 SIB1-NB corresponding to the terminal is located; the transceiver module 3101 is used to receive the SIB1-NB sent by the network device on the determined time domain resource; wherein the SIB1-NB is located in a time division duplex (TDD) frame. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., step S2102, but not limited thereto) performed by terminal 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module is used to execute at least one of other steps (e.g., step S2101, but not limited thereto) performed by terminal 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0273] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The network device 3200 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3B, the network device 3200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 3201, a processing module 3202, etc. In some embodiments, the processing module 3202 is used to determine the location of the time-domain resource where the narrowband system information block 1 SIB1-NB corresponding to the terminal is located; the transceiver module 3201 is used to send the SIB1-NB to the terminal on the determined time-domain resource; wherein the SIB1-NB is located in a time-division duplex (TDD) frame. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., step S2102, but not limited thereto) performed by the network device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module is used to execute at least one of other steps (e.g., step S2101, but not limited thereto) performed by the network device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0274] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0275] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module.

[0276] In some embodiments, the processing module can be interchanged with the processor, and the transceiver module can be interchanged with the transceiver.

[0277] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 4100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 4100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 4100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0278] As shown in Figure 4A, the communication device 4100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 4100 includes one or more processors 4101. The processor 4101 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 4100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 4101 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 4100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0279] In some embodiments, the communication device 4100 further includes one or more transceivers 4102. When the communication device 4100 includes one or more transceivers 4102, the transceiver 4102 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., step S2102, but not limited thereto) in the above method, such as sending and / or receiving, and the processor 4101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., step S2101, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, sending unit, transmitter, sending circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0280] In some embodiments, the communication device 4100 further includes one or more memories 4103 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 4101 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 4103 to cause the communication device 4100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 4103 may also be located outside the communication device 4100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 4100 may include one or more interface circuits 4104. Optionally, the interface circuit 4104 is connected to the memory 4102 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 4102 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 4102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 4104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 4102 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 4101.

[0281] The communication device 4100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 4100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 4100 may not be limited by FIG4A. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data, programs and / or instructions; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0282] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 4200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 4100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 4200 shown in Figure 4B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0283] Chip 4200 includes one or more processors 4201. Chip 4200 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0284] In some embodiments, chip 4200 further includes one or more interface circuits 4202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 4200 further includes one or more memories 4203 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 4203 may be located outside of chip 4200. Optionally, the interface circuits 4202 are connected to the memories 4203, and the interface circuits 4202 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memories 4203 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memories 4203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 4202 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memories 4203 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 4201.

[0285] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 4202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., step S2102, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 4202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 4202 performing data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 4201, the chip 4200, the memory 4203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 4201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., step S2101, but not limited thereto).

[0286] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0287] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0288] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0289] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is executed by a terminal, and the method includes: Determine the location of the time domain resource where the narrowband system information block 1SIB1-NB corresponding to the terminal is located; Receive the SIB1-NB sent by the network device on the determined time domain resources; The SIB1-NB is located in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) frame.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The time-domain resource pattern of the TDD frame is a combination of the first time-domain resource pattern and the second time-domain resource pattern; Specifically, within the first time-domain resource pattern, the SIB1-NB is located within the time unit occupied by the downlink channel corresponding to the terminal; within the second time-domain resource pattern, the SIB1-NB is located within the time unit occupied by the downlink channel corresponding to the terminal. The SIB1-NB is transmitted on either odd or even radio frames.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The time-domain resource pattern of the TDD frame is a single time-domain resource pattern; Wherein, the SIB1-NB is located within the time unit occupied by the downlink channel corresponding to the terminal; In the first period, the SIB1-NB transmits on odd-numbered radio frames; in the second period, the SIB1-NB transmits on even-numbered radio frames; or, In the first period, the SIB1-NB transmits on even-numbered radio frames; in the second period, the SIB1-NB transmits on odd-numbered radio frames.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The time-domain resource pattern of the TDD frame is a single time-domain resource pattern; Wherein, the SIB1-NB is located within the time unit occupied by the downlink channel corresponding to the terminal, and there is a first time interval between every two adjacent time domain resource patterns; The SIB1-NB is transmitted on either odd or even radio frames.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The time-domain resource pattern of the TDD frame is a single time-domain resource pattern, or the time-domain resource pattern of the TDD frame is a combination of a first time-domain resource pattern and a second time-domain resource pattern. Wherein, the starting position of the total period corresponding to SIB1-NB is offset relative to subframe #0 in system frame SFN#0 by a first offset; the first offset satisfies at least one of the following: The position corresponding to the sum of the first offset and the length of n radio frames is after the start position of a downlink time unit within each of the time-domain resource patterns; The position corresponding to the sum of the first offset and the length of n+1 radio frames is before the start position of a downlink time unit within each of the time-domain resource patterns; The n is a positive integer, and the SIB1-NB is transmitted on odd or even radio frames.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a network device, and the method includes: Determine the location of the time domain resource where the narrowband system information block 1SIB1-NB corresponding to the terminal is located; The SIB1-NB is sent to the terminal on the determined time-domain resources; The SIB1-NB is located in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) frame.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The time-domain resource pattern of the TDD frame is a combination of the first time-domain resource pattern and the second time-domain resource pattern; Specifically, within the first time-domain resource pattern, the SIB1-NB is located within the time unit occupied by the downlink channel corresponding to the terminal; within the second time-domain resource pattern, the SIB1-NB is located within the time unit occupied by the downlink channel corresponding to the terminal. The SIB1-NB is transmitted on either odd or even radio frames.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The time-domain resource pattern of the TDD frame is a single time-domain resource pattern; Wherein, the SIB1-NB is located within the time unit occupied by the downlink channel corresponding to the terminal; In the first period, the SIB1-NB transmits on odd-numbered radio frames; in the second period, the SIB1-NB transmits on even-numbered radio frames; or, In the first period, the SIB1-NB transmits on even-numbered radio frames; in the second period, the SIB1-NB transmits on odd-numbered radio frames.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein, The time-domain resource pattern of the TDD frame is a single time-domain resource pattern; Wherein, the SIB1-NB is located within the time unit occupied by the downlink channel corresponding to the terminal, and there is a first time interval between every two adjacent time domain resource patterns; The SIB1-NB is transmitted on either odd or even radio frames.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, The time-domain resource pattern of the TDD frame is a single time-domain resource pattern, or the time-domain resource pattern of the TDD frame is a combination of a first time-domain resource pattern and a second time-domain resource pattern. Wherein, the starting position of the total period corresponding to SIB1-NB is offset relative to subframe #0 in system frame SFN#0 by a first offset; the first offset satisfies at least one of the following: The position corresponding to the sum of the first offset and the length of n radio frames is after the start position of a downlink time unit within each of the time-domain resource patterns; The position corresponding to the sum of the first offset and the length of n+1 radio frames is before the start position of a downlink time unit within each of the time-domain resource patterns; The n is a positive integer, and the SIB1-NB is transmitted on odd or even radio frames.

11. A terminal, characterized in that, include: The processing module is used to determine the location of the time domain resource where the narrowband system information block 1SIB1-NB corresponding to the terminal is located; A transceiver module is used to receive the SIB1-NB sent by the network device on the determined time domain resources; The SIB1-NB is located in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) frame.

12. A network device, comprising: include: The processing module is used to determine the location of the time domain resource where the narrowband system information block 1SIB1-NB corresponding to the terminal is located; A transceiver module is used to send the SIB1-NB to the terminal on the determined time-domain resources; The SIB1-NB is located in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) frame.

13. A terminal, characterized by comprising: include: One or more processors; The terminal is used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1-5.

14. A network device, comprising: include: One or more processors; The network device is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 6-10.

15. A communication device, characterized by The communication device is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1-5 or 6-10.

16. A communication system, characterized by The device includes a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 1-5, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 6-10.

17. A storage medium, the storage medium storing instructions, wherein, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, it causes the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-5 or 6-10.

18. A program product comprising at least one of a program, instructions, characterized in that When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by the communication device, it implements the communication method of any one of claims 1-5 or 6-10.

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