Communication method, communication device, and communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communications, and provides a communication method, a communication device, and a communication system. The method comprises: a network device sends first information on the basis of a first period and / or sends second information on the basis of a second period, wherein the first information comprises a first synchronization signal and a first system message, and the second information comprises at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message. By applying the technical solution of the present disclosure, the impact of relatively large overhead caused by sending an SSB can be reduced while ensuring system performance.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment and communication systems Technical Field

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

[0002] Before transmitting data, a terminal must connect to the network through an initial access procedure. This initial access procedure includes stages such as cell search, system information reception, and random access. Cell search is the process by which the terminal uses cell synchronization signals to synchronize downlink time and frequency, and obtains the Physical Cell Identity (PCID). After completing downlink synchronization through cell search, the terminal receives and decodes the physical broadcast channel and the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), which carries the minimum remaining system information, to obtain the system information necessary for subsequent random access. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure proposes a communication method, communication device, and communication system that can be used to solve the technical problem that frequent and intensive transmission of Synchronization Signal Blocks (SSBs) will bring more overhead.

[0004] A first aspect of this disclosure provides a communication method executed by a network device, the method comprising: transmitting first information and second information according to a first period; wherein the first information includes a first synchronization signal and a first system message, and the second information includes at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message.

[0005] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a communication method executed by a terminal, the method comprising: receiving first information and second information; wherein the first information includes a first synchronization signal and a first system message, the second information includes at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message, and the first information and the second information are sent according to a first cycle.

[0006] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a network device, including: a transceiver module configured to transmit first information and second information according to a first period; wherein the first information includes a first synchronization signal and a first system message, and the second information includes at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message.

[0007] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a terminal, including: a transceiver module configured to receive first information and second information; wherein the first information includes a first synchronization signal and a first system message, the second information includes at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message, and the first information and the second information are transmitted according to a first cycle.

[0008] A fifth aspect of this disclosure provides a communication device for performing the method described in the first aspect embodiment or for performing the method described in the second aspect embodiment.

[0009] A sixth aspect of this disclosure provides a communication system, including a network device and a terminal, wherein the network device is configured to implement the method described in the first aspect embodiment, and the terminal is configured to implement the method described in the second aspect embodiment.

[0010] A seventh aspect embodiment of this disclosure provides a communication method, comprising: a network device transmitting first information and second information according to a first cycle, the first information including a first synchronization signal and a first system message, and the second information including at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message; and a terminal receiving the first information and the second information.

[0011] An eighth aspect of this disclosure provides a storage medium that, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the first aspect embodiment, or the second aspect embodiment, or the seventh aspect embodiment.

[0012] A ninth aspect embodiment of this disclosure provides a program product including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein the program and instructions, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in the first aspect embodiment, the second aspect embodiment, or the seventh aspect embodiment.

[0013] The technical solution provided in this disclosure involves a network device transmitting first information and second information according to a first cycle. The first information includes a first synchronization signal and a first system message, and the second information includes at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message. This approach reduces the significant overhead caused by transmitting SSBs while ensuring system performance.

[0014] Additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 1B is an example of an interactive schematic diagram provided by an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 1C is an example of an interactive schematic diagram provided by an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 1D is an example of an interactive schematic diagram provided by an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 3 is an example interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of one embodiment provided in this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of one embodiment provided in this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 4C is a schematic diagram of one embodiment provided in this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 4D is a schematic diagram of one embodiment provided in this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 5A is a structural block diagram of a first network element provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 5B is a structural block diagram of a second network element provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of this disclosure and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0031] This disclosure presents a communication method, communication device, and communication system.

[0032] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a network device, the method comprising: sending first information and second information according to a first cycle; wherein the first information includes a first synchronization signal and a first system message, and the second information includes at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message.

[0033] The technical solution provided in this disclosure involves a network device sending first information according to a first cycle and / or sending second information according to a second cycle. The first information includes a first synchronization signal and a first system message, and the second information includes at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message. This approach reduces the significant overhead caused by sending SSBs while ensuring system performance.

[0034] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the payload of the second system message is less than or equal to the payload of the first system message. The system message in the second message can use a smaller payload, meaning a shorter transmission time, which helps the terminal obtain the necessary system information more quickly. The smaller the amount of data processed and received by the terminal, the less energy is consumed. It also reduces the resource overhead of network devices for broadcasting system messages.

[0035] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the bandwidth occupied by the second information in the frequency domain is less than or equal to the bandwidth occupied by the first information in the frequency domain. The second information can occupy less bandwidth in the frequency domain, reducing potential interference with other wireless communication systems or neighboring cells. For the terminal, the smaller bandwidth makes scanning and detecting the second information easier and faster. The smaller bandwidth requirement simplifies hardware design and also reduces the complexity of software processing, positively impacting cost control and technical implementation.

[0036] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the number of time units occupied by the second information in the time domain is less than or equal to the number of time units occupied by the first information in the time domain. The second information occupies fewer time units in the time domain, saving resources. This allows the terminal to scan and detect the second information more quickly, and the terminal can listen to the second information within a shorter time window. This helps reduce the operating time of its radio frequency module, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending third information; wherein the third information is used to indicate the sending characteristics of the second information. By indicating the sending characteristics of the second information, the terminal can retrieve and receive the second information based on the sending characteristics, thereby improving the success rate of the terminal receiving the second information.

[0038] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, the third information includes at least one of the following:

[0039] A first information field, wherein the first information field is used to indicate the first period;

[0040] The second information field is used to indicate the number of time-frequency resource blocks contained in the second information;

[0041] The third information field is used to indicate the starting point of the time-frequency resource block in the second information.

[0042] The terminal can retrieve and receive the second information based on these sending characteristics, thereby improving the success rate of the terminal receiving the second information.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, the third information is carried by at least one of the following:

[0044] Master Information Block (MIB);

[0045] System Information Block (SIB);

[0046] Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0047] In this way, the transmission of the third information is achieved, enabling the terminal to successfully obtain the third information and thus obtain the sending characteristics of the second information.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, the first synchronization signal includes at least one first signal, which is generated according to at least one of the following:

[0049] ZC sequence;

[0050] m-sequence;

[0051] Gold sequence.

[0052] The first signal can be generated based on at least one of these sequences. Depending on the characteristics of each sequence, the wireless communication system can gain significant advantages in cell identification, synchronization accuracy, anti-interference capability, and resource utilization efficiency.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, the second synchronization signal includes at least one second signal, which is generated according to at least one of the following:

[0054] ZC sequence;

[0055] m-sequence;

[0056] Gold sequence.

[0057] The second signal can be generated based on at least one of these sequences. Depending on the characteristics of each sequence, the wireless communication system can gain significant advantages in cell identification, synchronization accuracy, anti-interference capability, and resource utilization efficiency.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, the time-frequency resource block in the second information carries a second synchronization signal but does not carry a second system message, and the time-frequency resource block includes at least one of the following features:

[0059] The time-frequency resource block occupies one time unit, and the one time unit contains one main synchronization signal or one auxiliary synchronization signal;

[0060] The time-frequency resource block occupies two time units, and the two time units include one main synchronization signal and one auxiliary synchronization signal;

[0061] The time-frequency resource block occupies 4 time units, and the 4 time units contain 2 identical primary synchronization signals and 2 identical secondary synchronization signals.

[0062] In this way, the content carried by the time-frequency resource block in the second information can be determined according to different needs, thus meeting different practical requirements.

[0063] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by a terminal, the method comprising: receiving first information and second information; wherein the first information includes a first synchronization signal and a first system message, the second information includes at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message, and the first information and the second information are sent according to a first cycle.

[0064] The technical solution provided in this disclosure involves a network device transmitting first information and second information according to a first cycle. The first information includes a first synchronization signal and a first system message, and the second information includes at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message. This approach reduces the significant overhead caused by transmitting SSBs while ensuring system performance.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, the payload of the second system message is less than or equal to the payload of the first system message.

[0066] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the bandwidth occupied by the second information in the frequency domain is less than or equal to the bandwidth occupied by the first information in the frequency domain.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, the number of time units occupied by the second information in the time domain is less than or equal to the number of time units occupied by the first information in the time domain.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0069] Receive third information, the third information being used to indicate the transmission characteristics of the second information;

[0070] The second information is retrieved based on the sending characteristics.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, the third information includes at least one of the following:

[0072] A first information field, wherein the first information field is used to indicate the first period;

[0073] The second information field is used to indicate the number of time-frequency resource blocks contained in the second information;

[0074] The third information field is used to indicate the starting point of the time-frequency resource block in the second information.

[0075] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, the third information is carried by at least one of the following:

[0076] MIB;

[0077] SIB;

[0078] RRC signaling.

[0079] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further includes: retrieving the first information according to a third period; wherein the period value of the third period is a default value or equal to the period value of the first period. The terminal can retrieve the first information according to this third period value, improving the success rate of retrieving the first information.

[0080] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further includes: determining that the first information has not been retrieved after a first time period, and then retrieving the first information according to a fourth period; wherein the period value of the fourth period is different from the period value of the third period. By changing the period value for retrieving the first information, the success rate of retrieving the first information can be improved.

[0081] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, the first synchronization signal includes at least one first signal, which is generated according to at least one of the following:

[0082] ZC sequence;

[0083] m-sequence;

[0084] Gold sequence.

[0085] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, the second synchronization signal includes at least one second signal, which is generated according to at least one of the following:

[0086] ZC sequence;

[0087] m-sequence;

[0088] Gold sequence.

[0089] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, the time-frequency resource block in the second information carries a second synchronization signal but does not carry a second system message, and the time-frequency resource block includes at least one of the following features:

[0090] The time-frequency resource block occupies one time unit, and the one time unit contains one main synchronization signal or one auxiliary synchronization signal;

[0091] The time-frequency resource block occupies two time units, and the two time units include one main synchronization signal and one auxiliary synchronization signal;

[0092] The time-frequency resource block occupies 4 time units, and the 4 time units contain 2 identical primary synchronization signals and 2 identical secondary synchronization signals.

[0093] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device, the network device comprising: a transceiver module configured to transmit first information and second information according to a first period; wherein the first information includes a first synchronization signal and a first system message, and the second information includes at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message.

[0094] Fourthly, this disclosure provides a terminal comprising: a transceiver module configured to receive first information and second information; wherein the first information includes a first synchronization signal and a first system message, the second information includes at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message, and the first information and the second information are transmitted according to a first cycle.

[0095] Fifthly, this disclosure provides a communication device, specifically a network device or a terminal, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor of the network device is configured to execute the method described in the first aspect embodiment, and the processor of the terminal is configured to execute the method described in the second aspect embodiment.

[0096] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including: a network device and a terminal; the network device is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect embodiment, and the terminal is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect embodiment.

[0097] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, comprising: a network device sending first information and second information according to a first cycle, the first information including a first synchronization signal and a first system message, and the second information including at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message; and a terminal receiving the first information and the second information.

[0098] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium that, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the first aspect embodiment, or the second aspect embodiment, or the seventh aspect embodiment.

[0099] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, wherein the program and instructions, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in the first aspect embodiment, or the second aspect embodiment, or the seventh aspect embodiment.

[0100] In a tenth 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 embodiment, or the second aspect embodiment, or the seventh aspect embodiment.

[0101] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described in the first aspect embodiment, the second aspect embodiment, or the seventh aspect embodiment.

[0102] It is understood that the aforementioned network devices, terminals, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, etc., 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.

[0103] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, and communication system. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" can be substituted for "information processing method," "information sending method," and "information receiving method," and the terms "communication device" can be substituted for "information processing device," "information sending device," and "information receiving device," and the terms "information processing system," "communication system," "information sending system," and "information receiving system" can be substituted for each other.

[0104] 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.

[0105] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0109] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “at least one of”, “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0110] The descriptions in this disclosure, such as "at least one of A, B, C..." or "A and / or B and / or C...", include the case where any one of A, B, C... exists alone, as well as the case where any combination of any of A, B, C... exists alone. Each case can exist alone. For example, "at least one of A, B, C" includes the cases of A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B combination, A and C combination, B and C combination, and A and B and C combination. For example, A and / or B includes the cases of A alone, B alone, and A and B combination.

[0111] In some embodiments, the notation "in one case A, in another case B" or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: A is executed regardless of B, i.e., A is executed in some embodiments; B is executed regardless of A, i.e., B is executed in some embodiments; A and B are selectively executed, i.e., A and B are selected for execution in some embodiments; A and B are both executed, i.e., A and B are executed in some embodiments. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0112] 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.

[0113] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0114] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0115] 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”.

[0116] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0117] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0118] 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," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0119] 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", "client", and "narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) device" can be used interchangeably.

[0120] 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 that replace communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals with communication between multiple terminals (e.g., also referred to as 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, uplink link, downlink link, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0121] 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.

[0122] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0123] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0124] In some embodiments, the threshold mentioned in this embodiment may be a numerical value, a constant, or some fixed value.

[0125] 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.

[0126] The correspondences shown in the tables of this disclosure can be configured or predefined. The values ​​of the information in each table are merely examples and can be configured to other values; this disclosure is not limiting. When configuring the correspondences between information and parameters, it is not necessarily required to configure all the correspondences shown in each table. For example, the correspondences shown in some rows of the tables in this disclosure may not be configured. Furthermore, appropriate modifications and adjustments can be made based on the above tables, such as splitting, merging, etc. The names of the parameters shown in the headers of the above tables can also use other names that the communication device can understand, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters can also be other values ​​or representations that the communication device can understand. In the implementation of the above tables, other data structures can also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables, or hash tables, etc.

[0127] The predefined terms in this disclosure can be understood as defined, predefined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-configured, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0128] The communication methods, communication equipment, and communication systems provided in this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0129] Figure 1A shows a structural diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1A, the system architecture may include a network device 101 and a terminal 102.

[0130] In some embodiments, network device 101 may include at least one of access network device and core network device.

[0131] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device, including one or more network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of one or more network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the following: Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), and Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0135] In some embodiments, terminal 102 includes, for example, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things 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, and wireless terminal device in smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0136] 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.

[0137] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system or some of the subjects shown in FIG1A, but are not limited thereto. The subjects shown in FIG1A are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the subjects in FIG1A, or may include other subjects other than those in FIG1A. The number and form of each subject are arbitrary. The connection relationship between the subjects is illustrative. The subjects may not be connected to each other or may be connected in any way. The connection may be direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0138] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to satellite communications, 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 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), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and 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, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0139] In some embodiments, before data transmission can occur, the terminal must connect to the network through an initial access procedure. The initial access procedure includes stages such as cell search, system information reception, and random access. Cell search is the process by which the terminal uses cell synchronization signals to perform downlink time and frequency synchronization and obtain the Physical Cell Identity (PCID). After completing downlink synchronization through cell search, the terminal receives and decodes the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) and the PDSCH carrying the remaining minimum system information to obtain the system information necessary for subsequent random access. After obtaining the system information, the terminal performs uplink time synchronization through the random access procedure, transitioning from a non-Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state (such as RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE) to an RRC connected state (RRC_CONNECTED), preparing for uplink and downlink data transmission. The paging procedure is used to help the network page terminals that are in a non-RRC connected state.

[0140] In some embodiments, the synchronization block (SSB) includes a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a PBCH. The PBCH contains a demodulation reference signal (DM-RS). When a terminal accesses the NR system, it first detects the PSS and SSS to obtain downlink time-frequency synchronization and the PCID, and then decodes the PBCH. The PBCH includes the main information block (MIB) and other information related to the SSB transmission time. The MIB carries a portion of the minimum system information required for the terminal to access the NR system. Several SSBs form an SSB burst, which is transmitted periodically.

[0141] In some embodiments, a synchronization signal (SS) / PBCH block, i.e., an SSB, as shown in Figure 1B, consists of three parts, including PSS, SSS, PBCH, and DM-RS. The SSB has the following characteristics in the time-frequency domain:

[0142] Time domain: An SSB occupies 4 consecutive Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols in the time domain. The PSS is in symbol #0, the SSS is in symbol #2, and the PBCH is in symbols #1, #2, and #3. The PBCH contains the DM-RS.

[0143] Frequency domain: An SSB occupies 20 consecutive Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) in the frequency domain.

[0144] In some examples, PSS and SSS are mapped on 127 resource blocks (REs) at the center of PRB#4 to PRB#15 (a total of 12 PRBs) within their respective OFDM symbols. The 17 REs on these 12 PRBs that do not map PSS or SSS are all mapped to 0.

[0145] In some examples, the mappings of PBCH and DM-RS on OFDM symbols #1 and #3 respectively occupy all 240 REs of 20 PRBs, and the mapping on OFDM symbol #2 occupies all 96 REs of the first and last 8 PRBs. Therefore, the mapping of PBCH in an SSB accounts for a total of 576 REs.

[0146] In some examples, the center frequencies of the PSS / SSS and PBCH are aligned, and both use the same subcarrier spacing.

[0147] In some embodiments, the synchronization signal of the SSB includes a primary synchronization signal PSS and a secondary synchronization signal SSS. The PSS has three sequences corresponding to three IDs. One PSS corresponds to 336 SSS sequences, and the ID of the SSS is... NR supports a total of 1008 cell identifiers (PCIDs). The ID of each cell is determined by a combination of the PSS sequence and the SSS sequence.

[0148] NR PSS: The NR PSS sequence is obtained by modulating a 127 m sequence with binary phase shift keying (BPSK). The three PSS sequences are obtained by different cyclic shifts.

[0149] NR SSS: The NR SSS sequence is obtained by BPSK modulation of a 127-length Gold sequence, and 336 SSS sequences are obtained by different cyclic shifts. The Gold sequence exhibits good autocorrelation and cross-correlation properties, and its cross-correlation properties are the same as those of the m-sequence, but its autocorrelation properties are not as good. When using a generator polynomial of the same order, the number of Gold sequences generated far exceeds the number of m-sequences; therefore, the Gold sequence is used for SSS.

[0150] In some embodiments, an SSB burst set is a method of transmitting SSBs using beamforming and beam scanning techniques. A group of multiple SSBs transmitted by a cell in one beam scan (i.e., one round-robin) is called an SSB burst set, as shown in Figure 1C. The reason for using SSB burst sets is that NR systems support the use of higher frequency bands; the higher the frequency, the shorter the transmission distance. Beamforming can increase the transmission distance by concentrating transmission energy, but this leads to a reduction in the transmission coverage angle. To ensure both transmission distance and coverage, beam scanning is used. As the frequency increases, the path loss of wireless signals in space also increases, requiring narrower beams to compensate for the path loss. This means that more beams are needed to achieve coverage of the entire cell area.

[0151] In some embodiments, an SSB burst set contains multiple SSBs. The order of each SSB in the SSB burst set, and the total number of SSBs in an SSB burst set, together determine the location information of an SSB in a radio half-frame. Therefore, within an SSB burst set, each SSB corresponds to an SSB index. The terminal can obtain the location of which four OFDM symbols in which time slot within a radio half-frame based on the received SSB index. Within a radio half-frame, the SSB indexes are ordered from 0 to Lmax-1, where Lmax is the maximum number of SSBs that a cell can transmit within a radio half-frame. Since the maximum number of SSBs in an SSB burst set varies across different frequency ranges, the number of bits required to represent the SSB index also varies. The method for determining the SSB index is shown in Table 1.

[0152] Table 1

[0153] In some embodiments, during initial cell search, the terminal defaults to a SSB burst transmission period of 20ms, which is the length of two radio frames. Therefore, for cells that support initial cell search, the actual SSB transmission period cannot exceed 20ms, and can be configured to 5ms, 10ms, or 20ms, etc.

[0154] In some embodiments, after completing the initial cell search, each serving cell provides the terminal with the transmission period of the SSB burst set (contained in the semi-radio frame) through the configuration parameter ssb-periodicityServingCell. The period value includes 5ms, 10ms, 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, 160ms, etc. If the serving cell does not configure a period value, the terminal will default to a transmission period of 5ms for the SSB burst set. The terminal assumes that all SSB burst sets within the same cell have the same period.

[0155] The protocol specifies the maximum number of SSBs (Lmax, 8, 64) in an SSB burst set within each frequency range. In actual system deployment, the network can configure the actual number of SSBs transmitted in each cell's SSB burst set and their corresponding specific time-domain location / index. That is, the actual number of SSBs transmitted within an SSB burst set must be less than or equal to Lmax. The specific reasons are as follows:

[0156] (1) In actual network deployment, operators can configure the SSBs for each cell's burst-concentrated transmission based on multiple factors such as the size of the cell coverage area, the angular range covered by each SSB beam, the transmit power of the base station equipment, and the number of beams supported by the base station equipment. For example, when deploying macro cells in high-frequency spectrum, more beams are used to combat path loss, and cell coverage is improved through beamforming gain of a single beam; when using low-frequency spectrum, fewer beams can be used to achieve better coverage.

[0157] (2) Resources not used for transmitting SSBs can be used for transmitting PDSCHs. The protocol stipulates that symbols and PRBs occupied by SSBs cannot be used for transmitting PDSCHs. PDSCHs can be used to carry system messages, RAR response messages, and paging messages, etc. Notifying the terminal of the specific transmission location of the SSB as early as possible allows the terminal to know which resources originally used for transmitting SSBs can actually be used for receiving PDSCHs, thus enabling the terminal to perform correct rate matching when receiving PDSCHs.

[0158] In some embodiments, the terminal is notified of the actual location and number of SSBs transmitted via the higher-level parameter ssb-PositionsInBurst. ssb-PositionsInBurst informs the terminal of the actual bitmap of the SSBs to be transmitted in two ways, and the actual SSB transmission location indication is shown in Table 2 below.

[0159] Table 2

[0160] Method 1: 16 bits in total, indicating relatively low granularity and flexibility, but also low overhead.

[0161] In FR1, when the maximum number of SSB transmissions is 4, the first 4 bits of inOneGroup indicate the transmission status at the 4 SSB candidate positions within an SSB burst set. "1" indicates an SSB is sent, and "0" indicates no SSB is sent. The k-th bit of the bitmap corresponds to the SSB index k-1. When the maximum number of SSB transmissions is 8, the 8 bits of inOneGroup indicate the transmission status at the 8 SSB candidate positions within an SSB burst set, using a similar method. In FR1, the 8 bits of groupPresence have no practical meaning.

[0162] FR2 specifies a maximum of 64 SSB transmissions. The 8 bits of `inOneGroup` divide the 64 SSB candidate positions within an SSB burst set into 8 groups, with each bit corresponding to one group. When the (m-th)th bit in `inOneGroup` is "1", and the corresponding 8 bits in `inOneGroup` within the (m-th)th group are also set to "1", it indicates that an SSB has actually been transmitted at that position. When the (m-th)th bit in `inOneGroup` is "0", the corresponding 8 SSB candidate positions within the (m-th)th group do not transmit an SSB.

[0163] Method 2: 4 bits, 8 bits, or 64 bits in total, providing high granularity and flexibility, but with high overhead for FR2.

[0164] Method 2 directly corresponds to all SSB candidate positions within an SSB burst set, with bit diagrams for the three cases of 4, 8, or 64. For example, a "1" bit at the k-th position indicates that an SSB was actually sent at that position, while a "0" bit indicates that no SSB was actually sent at that position. Furthermore, the k-th bit directly corresponds to the SSB index k-1.

[0165] In some examples, the protocol includes both of the above indication methods. The definition of ssb-PositionsInBurst in method 2 is restricted to "The network configures the same pattern in this field as in the corresponding field in ServingCellConfigCommonSIB". That is, when the network configures the bit map of the actual SSB transmission position through method 2, it must be consistent with the bit map configured in method 1.

[0166] In some embodiments, to minimize the overhead of system resources used for the periodic broadcast PBCH, improve the success rate of PBCH decoding during initial access, and ensure reliable reception with sufficient cell coverage and edge coverage, the basic principle of PBCH design is to minimize the PBCH payload. As shown in the table below, the NR PBCH payload is 56 bits, of which 24 bits come from the higher-layer broadcast channel BCCH-BCH, including 23 bits of MIB; the physical layer provides the remaining 32 bits of the PBCH, including 8 bits of information related to SSB transmission time and 24 bits of CRC. Within an SSB burst set, all SSBs have identical PBCH content except for the SSB index and CRC. The NR PBCH content is shown in Table 3.

[0167] Table 3

[0168] In some embodiments, the maximum period for transmitting SSBs can be 160ms. However, the network typically transmits SSBs at smaller periods (e.g., 20ms) to ensure the synchronization performance of terminals within the network, the speed and reliability of random access, the speed at which terminals acquire system messages, the timeliness of terminal measurements based on SSBs, and cell reselection. However, frequent and intensive SSB transmissions incur additional overhead, including time- and frequency-domain resource overhead, fragmentation of time- and frequency-domain resources, and increased power consumption on both the network and terminal sides.

[0169] To address this, this disclosure proposes a communication scheme in which a network device transmits first information and second information according to a first cycle. The first information includes a first synchronization signal and a first system message, and the second information includes at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message. For example, the network device transmits a fully functional first message and a lightweight second message within a longer cycle. This approach reduces the significant overhead caused by transmitting SSBs while maintaining system performance.

[0170] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the method includes the following steps:

[0171] In step S201, the network device sends the first information and the second information according to the first cycle.

[0172] In some embodiments, the first information may be used for one or more of the following: cell search, timing and frequency synchronization, location and mobility management, access and measurement reference signals, etc.

[0173] In some embodiments, the first information may have the same function as the synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0174] In some embodiments, the first information may include a first synchronization signal and a first system message.

[0175] In some embodiments, the first synchronization signal can be used for the terminal to obtain at least one of downlink time-frequency synchronization, physical cell identity (PCID), etc.

[0176] In some embodiments, the first synchronization signal includes at least one first signal, which can be generated according to at least one of the following:

[0177] ZC sequence; m sequence; Gold sequence.

[0178] For example, the first synchronization signal includes at least one signal generated from the sequence, i.e., at least one first signal. Each first signal can be obtained by modulating and cyclically shifting a ZC sequence, an m-sequence, or a Gold sequence of length N1 (N1>0). For instance, the first signal can be obtained by BPSK modulation of a ZC sequence of length N1 (N1>0), or by BPSK modulation of an m-sequence of length N1 (N1>0), or by BPSK modulation of a Gold sequence of length N1 (N1>0). Multiple first signals can be obtained through different cyclic shifts.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first signal may be a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), or a newly designed synchronization signal, etc.

[0180] In some embodiments, the first system message may include the most important basic information from the network side. For example, random access parameters during initial access, which guide the terminal on how to perform the random access process, may include one or more of the following: the format for sending the preamble, power control parameters, etc.

[0181] In some embodiments, the first system message can be used by the terminal to obtain one or more of the following: network access information, network configuration parameters, security mechanism related information, cell handover related parameters, etc.

[0182] In some embodiments, the first information may include the PBCH, and the first system message may be carried by the PBCH.

[0183] In some embodiments, the first information may occupy one or more consecutive physical resource blocks (PRBs) in the frequency domain. For example, the first information may occupy K (K>0) consecutive PRBs in the frequency domain.

[0184] In some embodiments, the first information may occupy one or more time units in the time domain. In some examples, the time unit may include a symbol, a time slot, a millisecond, a microsecond, etc. For example, the first information may occupy P (P>0) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols in the time domain.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first information includes one or more first time-frequency resource blocks, the first time-frequency resource blocks including a first synchronization signal and a first system message.

[0186] For example, the first information may contain one or W (W>1) time-frequency resource blocks, wherein a time-frequency resource block occupies K (K>0) consecutive physical resource blocks in the frequency domain and P (P>0) consecutive OFDM symbols in the time domain. When the first information contains W (W>1) time-frequency resource blocks, each time-frequency resource block carries a first synchronization signal and a first system message.

[0187] In some embodiments, the first information is sent according to a first period, wherein the first period is a positive integer, and the value of the first period can be one of the following: {5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280, 2560, 5120...} milliseconds.

[0188] In some embodiments, the second information may include at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message. For example, the first information may be a full-function signal block that includes a first synchronization signal and a first system message, while the second information may be a lightweight functional signal block that includes only the second synchronization signal or the second system message.

[0189] In some embodiments, when the second information includes a second synchronization signal and a second system message, the second information may have the same function as the SSB.

[0190] In some embodiments, the second synchronization signal can be used for the terminal to obtain at least one of downlink time-frequency synchronization, PCID, etc.

[0191] In some embodiments, the second synchronization signal includes at least one second signal, which can be generated according to at least one of the following:

[0192] ZC sequence; m sequence; Gold sequence.

[0193] For example, the second synchronization signal includes at least one signal generated from the sequence, i.e., at least one second signal. Each second signal can be obtained by modulating and cyclically shifting a ZC sequence, an m-sequence, or a Gold sequence of length N2 (N2>0). For instance, the second signal can be obtained by modulating a ZC sequence of length N2 (N2>0) using binary phase-shift keying (BPSK), or by modulating an m-sequence of length N2 (N2>0) using BPSK, or by modulating a Gold sequence of length N2 (N2>0) using BPSK. Multiple second signals can be obtained through different cyclic shifts.

[0194] In some embodiments, the second signal may be a PSS or SSS or a newly designed synchronization signal, etc.

[0195] In some embodiments, the second system message may include the most important basic information from the network side. For example, random access parameters during initial access, which guide the terminal on how to perform the random access process, may include one or more of the following: the format for sending the preamble, power control parameters, etc.

[0196] In some embodiments, the second system message can be used by the terminal to obtain one or more of the following: network access information, network configuration parameters, security mechanism related information, cell handover related parameters, etc.

[0197] In some embodiments, the second information may include the PBCH, and the second system message may be carried by the PBCH.

[0198] In some embodiments, the payload of the second system message may be less than or equal to the payload of the first system message (i.e., the system message included in the first information).

[0199] In some embodiments, the second information may occupy one or more consecutive PRBs in the frequency domain. For example, the second information may occupy L (L>0) consecutive PRBs in the frequency domain. In some examples, the number of PRBs occupied by the second information in the frequency domain may be less than or equal to the number of PRBs occupied by the second information in the frequency domain, such as L<=K, that is, the bandwidth occupied by the second information in the frequency domain may be less than or equal to the bandwidth occupied by the first information in the frequency domain.

[0200] In some embodiments, the second information may occupy one or more time units in the time domain. In some examples, the time unit may include one of a symbol, a time slot, a millisecond, a microsecond, etc. For example, the second information may occupy Q (Q>0) OFDM symbols in the time domain.

[0201] In some embodiments, the number of time units occupied by the second information in the time domain may be less than or equal to the number of time units occupied by the first information in the time domain. For example, the second information occupies Q (Q>0) OFDM symbols in the time domain, and the first information occupies P (P>0) OFDM symbols in the time domain, where Q<=P.

[0202] In some embodiments, the second information may include one or more second time-frequency resource blocks, the second time-frequency resource blocks including a second synchronization signal and a second system message.

[0203] For example, the second information includes one or R (R>1) time-frequency resource blocks, wherein a time-frequency resource block occupies L (L>0) consecutive PRBs in the frequency domain and Q (Q>0) consecutive OFDM symbols in the time domain. When the second information includes R (R>1) time-frequency resource blocks, each time-frequency resource block carries at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message.

[0204] In some embodiments, the time-frequency resource block in the second information carries a second synchronization signal but does not carry a second system message. For example, if the time-frequency resource block only carries a second synchronization signal, then the time-frequency resource block may include at least one of the following features A1 to C1:

[0205] A1. A time-frequency resource block occupies one time unit. This time unit contains one primary synchronization signal or one secondary synchronization signal. For example, when each time-frequency resource block contained in the second information occupies Q (Q>0) consecutive OFDM symbols in the time domain, and each time-frequency resource block only carries the second synchronization signal, if Q=1, then the OFDM symbol occupied by the time-frequency resource block contains one sequence signal, which can be PSS or SSS.

[0206] B1. A time-frequency resource block occupies 2 time units. These 2 time units contain 1 primary synchronization signal and 1 secondary synchronization signal. For example, when each time-frequency resource block contained in the second information occupies Q (Q>0) consecutive OFDM symbols in the time domain, and each time-frequency resource block only carries the second synchronization signal, if Q=2, then the 2 OFDM symbols occupied by the time-frequency resource block contain 2 different sequence signals, such as 1 PSS and 1 SSS.

[0207] C1. A time-frequency resource block occupies 4 time units. These 4 time units contain 2 identical primary synchronization signals and 2 identical secondary synchronization signals. For example, when each time-frequency resource block contained in the second information occupies Q (Q>0) consecutive OFDM symbols in the time domain, and each time-frequency resource block only carries the second synchronization signal, if Q=4, then the 4 OFDM symbols occupied by the time-frequency resource block contain 2 identical PSS and 2 identical SSS. The mapping order on the 4 consecutive OFDM symbols can be PSS-PSS-SSS-SSS, or PSS-SSS-PSS-SSS, or SSS-SSS-PSS-PSS, or SSS-PSS-SSS-PSS.

[0208] In some embodiments, the second information is sent according to a first period, the value of which can be one of the following: {5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280, 2560, 5120...} milliseconds.

[0209] In some embodiments, the period value of the transmission period of the first information is the same as the period value of the transmission period of the second information. For example, the network device transmits the full-featured first information and the lightweight second information according to the first period. In this way, the impact of the large overhead caused by transmitting SSB can be reduced while ensuring system performance.

[0210] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0211] In some embodiments, the network device may send third information, which can be used to indicate the transmission characteristics of the second information, so that the terminal can accurately receive the second information according to the transmission characteristics.

[0212] In some embodiments, the terminal may receive third information and determine the transmission characteristics of the second information based on the third information, and then receive the second information based on the transmission characteristics of the second information.

[0213] In some embodiments, the third information sent by the network device may include at least one of the following A2 to C2:

[0214] A2. First Information Field: The first information field is used to indicate the first period, that is, the sending period of the second information. For example, when a network device sends third information to a terminal, it uses the first information field in the third information to indicate to the terminal the period value of the sending period of the second information, that is, the period value of the first period.

[0215] B2. Second information field. The second information field is used to indicate the number of time-frequency resource blocks contained in the second information. For example, when a network device sends third information to a terminal, it indicates the number of time-frequency resource blocks contained in the second information to the terminal through the second information field in the third information.

[0216] In some examples, when the carrier frequency is less than or equal to 3 GHz, the number of time-frequency resource blocks contained in a second piece of information can be one of {0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32}.

[0217] In some examples, when the carrier frequency is greater than 3 GHz, the number of time-frequency resource blocks contained in a second piece of information can be one of {0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128}.

[0218] C2. The third information field indicates the starting point of each time-frequency resource block in the second information. For example, when a network device sends third information to a terminal, the third information field indicates the starting point of each time-frequency resource block in the second information. In some examples, the starting point of each time-frequency resource block can be a symbol index value in an OFDM slot, such as one of {#0,#1,#2,…,#13}.

[0219] In some embodiments, the third information is carried by at least one of the following A3 to C3:

[0220] A3. Master Information Block (MIB), for example, the first information includes PBCH, and the MIB is carried by PBCH. The MIB may include third information to indicate the transmission characteristics of the second information.

[0221] B3. System Information Block (SIB), for example, a SIB carried and transmitted by a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), may include third information to indicate the transmission characteristics of the second information.

[0222] C3. Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, for example, RRC signaling carried by PDSCH. The RRC signaling may include third information to indicate the transmission characteristics of the second information.

[0223] In some embodiments, the terminal receives first information and second information.

[0224] In some embodiments, in order to receive first information sent by a network device, a terminal may retrieve the first information according to a second cycle.

[0225] In some embodiments, the period value of the second period can be a default value. For example, the value of the second period can be one of the following: {5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280, 2560, 5120...} milliseconds.

[0226] In some embodiments, the period value of the second period may be the period value of the first period (i.e., the transmission period of the first information).

[0227] In some embodiments, the cycle value of the second cycle may be obtained from factory settings, protocol predefined values, or network indications.

[0228] In some embodiments, when it is determined that the first information has not been retrieved after a first time period, the terminal may retrieve the first information according to a third period, wherein the period value of the third period may be different from the period value of the second period to increase the probability of retrieving the first information. For example, if the terminal retrieves the first information sent by the network device according to a default second period, and still fails to obtain the first information after a first continuous time period T, the terminal uses the third period value to retrieve the first information.

[0229] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0230] In some embodiments, the period value of the third period can be a default value. For example, the value of the third period can be one of the following: {5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280, 2560, 5120...} milliseconds.

[0231] In some embodiments, the cycle value of the third cycle may be obtained from factory settings, protocol predefined values, or network indications.

[0232] In some embodiments, if the terminal receives first information, it can perform correlation detection on each sequence signal contained in the first synchronization signal in the first information; based on the detection result of at least one sequence signal among the above sequence signals, the terminal obtains at least one of the following information:

[0233] The resource location of the first information in the frequency domain; the start and end positions of the first information in the time domain; the ID information of the network device that sent the first information, etc.

[0234] In some examples, the terminal can measure the received power value based on at least one of the sequence signals described above.

[0235] In some embodiments, if the terminal receives the first information, for the first system message in the first information, the terminal can decode each information field in the first system message and obtain the information carried therein.

[0236] In some embodiments, if the terminal receives the first information, the terminal obtains the indication information in collaboration with the first synchronization signal carried in the first information and the information carried in the first system message.

[0237] In some embodiments, in order to receive the second information sent by the network device, the terminal may retrieve the second information according to a fourth cycle.

[0238] In some embodiments, the period value of the fourth period can be a default value. For example, the value of the fourth period can be one of the following: {5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280, 2560, 5120...} milliseconds.

[0239] In some embodiments, the period value of the fourth period may be the period value of the first period (i.e., the transmission period of the second information).

[0240] In some embodiments, the fourth period may be the same as or different from the second period (the period during which the terminal retrieves the first information).

[0241] In some embodiments, the cycle value of the fourth cycle may be obtained from factory settings, protocol predefined values, or network indications.

[0242] In some embodiments, when it is determined that the second information has not been retrieved after a second time period, the terminal may retrieve the second information according to a fifth period, wherein the period value of the fifth period may be different from the period value of the fourth period to increase the probability of retrieving the second information. For example, if the terminal retrieves the second information sent by the network device according to a default fourth period, and still fails to obtain the second information after a second continuous time period T', the terminal uses the fifth period value to retrieve the second information.

[0243] In some embodiments, the period value of the fifth period can be a default value. For example, the value of the fifth period can be one of the following: {5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280, 2560, 5120...} milliseconds.

[0244] In some embodiments, the period value of the fifth period may be the same as or different from the period value of the third period.

[0245] In some embodiments, the cycle value of the fifth cycle may be obtained from factory settings, protocol predefined values, or network indications.

[0246] In some embodiments, the terminal may receive third information sent by the network device, obtain the transmission characteristics of the second information based on the third information, and use it to receive the second information sent by the network device.

[0247] In some examples, the terminal can obtain the transmission characteristics of the second information based on the third information carried in the MIB of the first information bearer, and use this information to receive the second information. For example, the first information includes a PBCH, which carries the transmission MIB. The MIB may include third information to indicate the transmission characteristics of the second information.

[0248] In some examples, the terminal can obtain the transmission characteristics of the second information based on the third information carried in the SIB sent by the network device, and use this information to receive the second information.

[0249] In some examples, the terminal can obtain the transmission characteristics of the second information based on the third information carried in the RRC signaling sent by the network device, and use this information to receive the second information.

[0250] In some embodiments, if the terminal receives the second information, it can perform correlation detection on each sequence signal contained in the second synchronization signal in the second information; based on the detection result of at least one sequence signal among the above sequence signals, the terminal obtains at least one of the following information:

[0251] The resource location of the second information in the frequency domain; the start and end positions of the second information in the time domain; the ID information of the network device that sent the second information, etc.

[0252] In some examples, the terminal can measure the received power value based on at least one of the sequence signals described above.

[0253] In some embodiments, if the terminal receives the second information, for the second system message in the second information, the terminal can decode each information field in the second system message and obtain the information carried therein.

[0254] In some embodiments, if the terminal receives the second information, the terminal collaboratively obtains the indication information based on the second synchronization signal carried in the second information and the information carried in the second system message.

[0255] This disclosure proposes a communication scheme in which a network device transmits first information and second information according to a first cycle. The first information includes a first synchronization signal and a first system message, and the second information includes at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message. For example, if the network device transmits a fully functional first information and a lightweight second information within a longer cycle, this approach can reduce the significant overhead caused by transmitting SSBs while ensuring system performance.

[0256] Figure 3 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the method includes:

[0257] Step S301: The network device sends third information.

[0258] In some embodiments, the third information can be used to indicate the transmission characteristics of the second information, so that the terminal can accurately receive the second information according to the transmission characteristics.

[0259] In some embodiments, the terminal may receive third information and determine the transmission characteristics of the second information based on the third information, and then receive the second information based on the transmission characteristics of the second information.

[0260] In some embodiments, the second information may include at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message.

[0261] In some embodiments, the third information sent by the network device may include at least one of the following A2 to C2:

[0262] A2. First Information Field: The first information field is used to indicate the first cycle, that is, the sending cycle of the second information.

[0263] B2. Second Information Field: The second information field is used to indicate the number of time-frequency resource blocks contained in the second information.

[0264] C2, Third Information Field: The third information field is used to indicate the starting point of the time-frequency resource block in the second information.

[0265] In some embodiments, the third information is carried by at least one of the following A3 to C3:

[0266] A3, MIB.

[0267] B3, SIB.

[0268] C3, RRC signaling.

[0269] In some examples, the terminal can obtain the transmission characteristics of the second information based on the third information carried in the MIB of the first information, and use it to receive the second information.

[0270] In some examples, the terminal can obtain the transmission characteristics of the second information based on the third information carried in the SIB sent by the network device, and use this information to receive the second information.

[0271] In some examples, the terminal can obtain the transmission characteristics of the second information based on the third information carried in the RRC signaling sent by the network device, and use this information to receive the second information.

[0272] Optionally, other possible implementations of step 301 can be found in Figure 2, and will not be elaborated here.

[0273] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0274] This disclosure proposes a communication scheme in which a network device sends a fully functional first message and a lightweight second message within a relatively long period. This approach reduces the significant overhead caused by sending SSBs while maintaining system performance. Furthermore, a third message indicates the transmission characteristics of the second message to the terminal, facilitating accurate reception of the second message by the terminal.

[0275] The following are some exemplary specific solutions proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure:

[0276] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 4A, the following steps are included:

[0277] In step S4101, the network device sends the first information and the second information.

[0278] In some embodiments, the first information may include a first synchronization signal and a first system message.

[0279] In some embodiments, the second information may include at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message.

[0280] In some embodiments, the first information is sent according to a first cycle. In some examples, one cycle contains one piece of the first information.

[0281] In some embodiments, the second information is sent according to the first cycle. In some examples, one cycle contains one piece of the second information.

[0282] For specific examples of the embodiments disclosed herein, please refer to the corresponding descriptions of the embodiments in Figures 1A to 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0283] This disclosure proposes a communication scheme in which a network device transmits first information and second information according to a first cycle. The first information includes a first synchronization signal and a first system message, and the second information includes at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message. This approach reduces the significant overhead caused by transmitting SSBs while ensuring system performance.

[0284] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 4B, the following steps are included:

[0285] In step S4201, the network device sends the first information and the second information.

[0286] In some embodiments, the first information may include a first synchronization signal and a first system message.

[0287] In some embodiments, the second information may include at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message.

[0288] In some embodiments, the first information is sent according to a first cycle. In some examples, one cycle contains one piece of the first information.

[0289] In some embodiments, the second information is sent according to the first cycle. In some examples, one cycle contains four pieces of the second information.

[0290] For specific examples of the embodiments disclosed herein, please refer to the corresponding descriptions of the embodiments in Figures 1A to 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0291] This disclosure proposes a communication scheme in which a network device transmits first information and second information according to a first cycle. The first information includes a first synchronization signal and a first system message, and the second information includes at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message. This approach reduces the significant overhead caused by transmitting SSBs while ensuring system performance.

[0292] Figure 4C is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 4C, the following steps are included:

[0293] Step S4401: The network device sends the first message.

[0294] In some embodiments, the first information may include a first synchronization signal and a first system message.

[0295] In some embodiments, the first information is sent according to a first cycle.

[0296] In some embodiments, a first message may include a time-frequency resource block. In some examples, a time-frequency resource block includes four OFDM symbols, wherein a first synchronization signal occupies the first and third OFDM symbols, and a first system message occupies the second and fourth OFDM symbols.

[0297] In some embodiments, a first message may include four time-frequency resource blocks. In some examples, each time-frequency resource block includes four OFDM symbols, wherein the first synchronization signal occupies the first and third OFDM symbols, and the first system message occupies the second and fourth OFDM symbols.

[0298] For specific examples of the embodiments disclosed herein, please refer to the corresponding descriptions of the embodiments in Figures 1A to 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0299] This disclosure proposes a communication scheme in which a network device transmits first information and second information according to a first cycle. The first information includes a first synchronization signal and a first system message, and the second information includes at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message. This approach reduces the significant overhead caused by transmitting SSBs while ensuring system performance.

[0300] Figure 4D is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 4. As shown in Figure 4D, it includes the following steps:

[0301] Step S4401: The network device sends the second information.

[0302] In some embodiments, the second information may include at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message.

[0303] In some embodiments, the second information is sent according to the first cycle.

[0304] In some embodiments, a second message may include a time-frequency resource block. In some examples, a time-frequency resource block includes two OFDM symbols, wherein the two OFDM symbols include a second synchronization signal, such as two sequence signals; or the two OFDM symbols include a second system message.

[0305] In some embodiments, a second message may include four time-frequency resource blocks. In some examples, each time-frequency resource block includes two OFDM symbols, wherein the two OFDM symbols include a second synchronization signal, such as two sequence signals; or the two OFDM symbols include a second system message.

[0306] For specific examples of the embodiments disclosed herein, please refer to the corresponding descriptions of the embodiments in Figures 1A to 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0307] This disclosure proposes a communication scheme in which a network device transmits first information and second information according to a first cycle. The first information includes a first synchronization signal and a first system message, and the second information includes at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message. This approach reduces the significant overhead caused by transmitting SSBs while ensuring system performance.

[0308] In some embodiments, the network device sends first information and second information using a first period of 160ms.

[0309] Within one cycle, the first information contains 4 time-frequency resource blocks, which can correspond to 4 SSBs. Each SSB occupies 20 consecutive PRBs in the frequency domain and 4 consecutive OFDM symbols in the time domain. An SSB contains a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), which are mapped to two different OFDMs respectively. The SSB contains a PBCH to carry the time domain information of the MIB and the current SSB. The PBCH is mapped to the last 3 consecutive symbols of the 4 symbols.

[0310] Within one cycle, the second information comprises four time-frequency resource blocks (PSBs). Each PSB occupies 12 consecutive PRBs in the frequency domain and two consecutive OFDM symbols in the time domain, used to carry the PSS and SSS respectively. Each PSB contains only two symbols of synchronization signals (SS), and each SS (two consecutive OFDM symbols) corresponds to an independent start index, i.e., the OFDM symbol index value in each time slot. The interval between two adjacent PSBs (SSs) is 0 or Y (Y>0) OFDM symbols.

[0311] Optionally, when the interval between two time-frequency resource blocks (SS) is 0, that is, 4 consecutive OFDM symbols contain two SS (PSS-SSS, PSS-SSS), these two time-frequency resource blocks can be received through the same starting index. That is, the starting index value indicates that the time-frequency resource block starts from symbol #2 in a time slot and occupies 4 consecutive OFDM symbols, containing 2 sets of primary synchronization signals and secondary synchronization signals.

[0312] In some embodiments, the network side sends the first information and the second information at a period of 320ms.

[0313] Within one cycle, the first information contains 4 time-frequency resource blocks, which can correspond to 4 SSBs.

[0314] Within one cycle, the second information contains 16 time-frequency resource blocks, each of which occupies 2 consecutive OFDM symbols and carries 1 primary synchronization signal and 1 secondary synchronization signal.

[0315] When the network device sends the first message, it uses the primary device to transmit at full power. During the interval between two adjacent messages of the first message, the primary device on the network side enters a power-saving state. During this interval, i.e., within one cycle, the network side uses the secondary device to send the second message. The power consumption of the secondary device sending the second message is lower than the power consumption of the primary device sending the first message. Although the second message occupies more time domain resources, from the perspective of overall system load and power consumption, compared with using the primary device for the entire process and sending the first message in a 20ms cycle, the system load and power consumption of this embodiment are much lower.

[0316] 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.

[0317] 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.

[0318] 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. In addition, it can also be hardware circuits designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as ASICs, such as Neural Network Processing Units (NPUs), Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), and Deep Learning Processing Units (DPUs).

[0319] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The network device is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5A, the network device may include at least one of a transceiver module 5101, a processing module 5102, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 5101 is configured to send first information and second information according to a first cycle; wherein, the first information includes a first synchronization signal and a first system message, and the second information includes at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., step S201, step S301, but not limited thereto) performed by the network device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the network device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0320] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The terminal is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5B, the terminal may include at least one of a transceiver module 5201, a processing module 5202, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to receive first information and second information; wherein the first information includes a first synchronization signal and a first system message, and the second information includes at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message, and the first information and the second information are transmitted according to a first cycle. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module is used to perform other steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0321] 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.

[0322] 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.

[0323] In some embodiments, the processing module can be replaced by the processor, and the transceiver module can be replaced by the transceiver.

[0324] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 6100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 6100 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 6100 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.

[0325] As shown in Figure 6A, the communication device 6100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 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 6100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 6100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0326] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6102. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6102, the transceivers 6102 perform the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 6101 performs other processing steps. In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. 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.

[0327] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6103 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 6103 to cause the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 6103 may also be located outside the communication device 6100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuit 6104 is connected to the memory 6102 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 6102 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 6102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 6104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 6102 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 6101.

[0328] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may not be limited by FIG. 6A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a 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.

[0329] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 6200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 6200 shown in Figure 6B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0330] Chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. Chip 6200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0331] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6203 may be located outside of chip 6200. Optionally, interface circuit 6202 is connected to memory 6203, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from memory 6203 or other devices, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to send data and / or instructions to memory 6203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 6202 can read data and / or instructions stored in memory 6203 and send the data and / or instructions to processor 6201.

[0332] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method. For example, the interface circuit 6202 performing communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers to the interface circuit 6202 performing data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 6201, the chip 6200, the memory 6203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 6201 performs other processing steps.

[0333] 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.

[0334] 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.

[0335] 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.

[0336] 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 in that, Performed by a network device, the method includes: Send the first and second messages according to the first cycle; The first information includes a first synchronization signal and a first system message, and the second information includes at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The payload of the second system message is less than or equal to the payload of the first system message.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The bandwidth occupied by the second information in the frequency domain is less than or equal to the bandwidth occupied by the first information in the frequency domain.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The number of time units occupied by the second information in the time domain is less than or equal to the number of time units occupied by the first information in the time domain.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third message; The third information is used to indicate the transmission characteristics of the second information.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The third information includes at least one of the following: A first information field, wherein the first information field is used to indicate the first period; The second information field is used to indicate the number of time-frequency resource blocks contained in the second information; The third information field is used to indicate the starting point of the time-frequency resource block in the second information.

7. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that, The third information is carried by at least one of the following: Master Information Block (MIB); System Information Block (SIB); Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first synchronization signal includes at least one first signal, which is generated according to at least one of the following: ZC sequence; m-sequence; Gold sequence.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The second synchronization signal includes at least one second signal, which is generated according to at least one of the following: ZC sequence; m-sequence; Gold sequence.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The time-frequency resource block in the second information carries a second synchronization signal but does not carry a second system message. The time-frequency resource block includes at least one of the following characteristics: The time-frequency resource block occupies one time unit, and the one time unit contains one main synchronization signal or one auxiliary synchronization signal; The time-frequency resource block occupies two time units, and the two time units include one main synchronization signal and one auxiliary synchronization signal; The time-frequency resource block occupies 4 time units, and the 4 time units contain 2 identical primary synchronization signals and 2 identical secondary synchronization signals.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, executed by a terminal, includes: Receive the first and second information; The first information includes a first synchronization signal and a first system message, and the second information includes at least one of a second synchronization signal and a second system message. The first information and the second information are sent according to a first cycle.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The payload of the second system message is less than or equal to the payload of the first system message.

13. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 12, characterized in that, The bandwidth occupied by the second information in the frequency domain is less than or equal to the bandwidth occupied by the first information in the frequency domain.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The number of time units occupied by the second information in the time domain is less than or equal to the number of time units occupied by the first information in the time domain.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information, the third information being used to indicate the transmission characteristics of the second information; The second information is retrieved based on the sending characteristics.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The third information includes at least one of the following: A first information field, wherein the first information field is used to indicate the first period; The second information field is used to indicate the number of time-frequency resource blocks contained in the second information; The third information field is used to indicate the starting point of the time-frequency resource block in the second information.

17. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 16, characterized in that, The third information is carried by at least one of the following: Master Information Block (MIB); System Information Block (SIB); Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first information is retrieved according to the third cycle; The period value of the third period is a default value or equal to the period value of the first period.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the first information is not found after the first time period, the first information is retrieved according to the fourth cycle. The period value of the fourth period is different from that of the third period.

20. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that, The first synchronization signal includes at least one first signal, which is generated according to at least one of the following: ZC sequence; m-sequence; Gold sequence.

21. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 20, characterized in that, The second synchronization signal includes at least one second signal, which is generated according to at least one of the following: ZC sequence; m-sequence; Gold sequence.

22. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 21, characterized in that, The time-frequency resource block in the second information carries a second synchronization signal but does not carry a second system message. The time-frequency resource block includes at least one of the following characteristics: The time-frequency resource block occupies one time unit, and the one time unit contains one main synchronization signal or one auxiliary synchronization signal; The time-frequency resource block occupies 2 time units, and the 2 time units contain 1 primary synchronization signal and 1 secondary synchronization signal; the time-frequency resource block occupies 4 time units, and the 4 time units contain 2 identical primary synchronization signals and 2 identical secondary synchronization signals.

23. A communication system, characterized in that, The invention includes a network device and a terminal, wherein the network device is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 10, and the terminal is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 11 to 22.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or 11 to 22.

25. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the method of any one of claims 1 to 10 or 11 to 22.

26. A program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, characterized in that, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by a communication device, it implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 10 or 11 to 22.

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