Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and provides a communication method and an apparatus. In the method, on the basis of a first radio frame, a terminal may receive downlink information and / or send uplink information. The duration of the first radio frame is 90 ms, and the first radio frame comprises 10 first time units. One first radio frame maps 8 second downlink time units and / or 8 second uplink time units, wherein the duration of each second downlink time unit and the duration of each second uplink time unit are both 1 ms. The 8 second downlink time units belong to one of the 10 first time units, and the 8 second uplink time units belong to another one of the 10 first time units. The downlink information is sent by means of the 8 second downlink time units, and the uplink information is received by means of the 8 second uplink time units. In the method, a first radio frame can adapt to a satellite frame structure, such that a terminal can, in a timely manner, receive downlink information and / or send uplink information.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510127611.0, filed on January 27, 2025, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] Compared to terrestrial networks (TN), satellite communications offer wider coverage and are less susceptible to damage from external forces and natural disasters. Therefore, the integration of satellite and terrestrial communications, leveraging their respective strengths and compensating for their weaknesses, forms a seamless global communication network encompassing land, sea, air, and space. This integrated network aims to meet the diverse and ubiquitous service needs of users and represents a crucial direction for future communication development.

[0004] To achieve the integration of satellite and terrestrial communications, the industry has proposed applying the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard to satellite communications. Currently, some satellites use a frame structure period of 90 milliseconds (ms). This 90ms includes one simple time slot, four uplink time slots (also known as the uplink slot of a frame in satellite communication), four downlink time slots (also known as the downlink slot of a frame in satellite communication), and multiple guard intervals. The simple time slot is used to transmit broadcast information, occupying a duration of 20.32ms. Each downlink time slot occupies the same duration as each uplink time slot, 8.28ms. In contrast, the 3GPP standard uses a frame structure period of one radio frame, i.e., 10ms. One radio frame consists of 10 subframes, each with a duration of 1ms. Therefore, it can be seen that the satellite frame structure differs significantly from the frame structure used in the 3GPP standard. Therefore, how to adapt the 3GPP standard to the satellite frame structure is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that enables 3GPP standards to be adapted to satellite frame structures.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided that can be applied to the terminal side, such as a terminal or a communication module / processing module in the terminal, or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core or a system-in-package (SIP) chip), or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for processing functions (such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), an artificial intelligence (AI) processor, or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)).

[0008] Taking the application of this method to a terminal as an example, the method includes: performing at least one of receiving downlink information or sending uplink information according to a first radio frame. The duration of the first radio frame is 90ms. The downlink information includes one or more of the following: a primary information block, a secondary synchronization signal, a primary synchronization signal, system information block 1, or a paging message. The first radio frame includes 10 first time units and at least one of 8 second downlink time units or 8 second uplink time units, with each second downlink time unit having a duration of 1ms and each second uplink time unit having a duration of 1ms. The 8 second downlink time units belong to one of the 10 first time units, and the 8 second uplink time units belong to the other of the 10 first time units. Downlink information is received through the 8 second downlink time units, and uplink information is sent through the 8 second uplink time units.

[0009] For example, the first time unit includes W second time units, where W equals 9 or 10. The duration of one second time unit is 1 ms. The second time units can be divided into second uplink time units and second downlink time units based on the transmission direction of the information they carry. Specifically, the second uplink time unit carries information sent from the terminal to the access network node, and the second downlink time unit carries information sent from the access network node to the terminal. For example, the first time unit may be a radio frame or a system frame, and the second time unit may be a subframe.

[0010] Based on the method provided in the first aspect above, the duration of the first radio frame is the same as the period of the satellite frame structure, both being 90ms. Within the first radio frame, 8ms (as described in the eight second downlink time units) can be used for the terminal to receive downlink information, and / or, 8ms (as described in the eight second downlink time units) can be used for the terminal to transmit uplink information. The duration of the eight second downlink time units is equivalent to the duration of a downlink period in the satellite frame structure, and the duration of the eight second uplink time units is equivalent to the duration of an uplink period in the satellite frame structure. Furthermore, the first radio frame includes ten first time units, which allows even-indexed and odd-indexed first time units within each first radio frame to be aligned in both number and position. This enables the terminal to use the same strategy to receive information within the eight second downlink time units of each first radio frame, and / or to transmit information within the eight second uplink time units of each first radio frame. Mapping relatively important information to the eight second downlink time units according to the transmission period and mapping rules defined in the 3GPP standard can increase the terminal's chances of receiving this information. Similarly, if relatively important information is mapped onto the aforementioned eight second uplink time units according to the transmission period and mapping rules defined in the 3GPP standard, the opportunity for the terminal to send this information can be increased. Therefore, the aforementioned first radio frame can adapt to the satellite frame structure, and the terminal can also receive downlink information and / or send uplink information in a timely manner, reducing information transmission latency.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the first radio frame includes four downlink time slots, four uplink time slots, and one one-way time slot; eight second downlink time units are mapped to one of the four downlink time slots; and eight second uplink time units are mapped to one of the four uplink time slots.

[0012] For example, the duration of a downlink time slot is 8.28ms, the duration of an uplink time slot is 8.28ms, and the duration of a one-way time slot is 20.32ms.

[0013] Based on the above implementation method, the terminal can receive the aforementioned downlink information in one of the four downlink time periods and send the aforementioned uplink information in one of the four uplink time periods.

[0014] In one possible implementation, (N×L) first time units form a third time unit, where L is an integer greater than 1, N is a positive integer, and (N×L) is less than or equal to 1024.

[0015] For example, (N×L) equals 1020, and the duration of the third time unit is 9180ms. Optionally, the third time unit is a superframe.

[0016] Based on the above implementation method, the number of first time units included in a third time unit can be determined.

[0017] In one possible implementation, (N×L) first time units constitute a third time unit, where L is an integer greater than 1, N is a positive integer, and (N×L) is greater than 1024; the main information block includes first indication information, which indicates the high 5 bits of the index of the first time unit mapped by the main information block.

[0018] For example, (N×L) equals 1130, and the duration of the third time unit is 10170ms. Optionally, the third time unit is a superframe.

[0019] Based on the above implementation, the number of first time units included in a third time unit can be determined. Furthermore, when (N×L) is greater than 1024, the terminal can determine the high 5 bits of the index of the first time unit mapped by the main information block based on the first indication information carried in the main information block.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the duration of a third time unit is an integer multiple of 90ms.

[0021] Based on the above implementation, the first radio frame in each third time unit can be aligned.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the second downlink time unit with the primary information block mapping index of 0; the second downlink time unit with the secondary synchronization signal mapping index of 9; the second downlink time unit with the primary synchronization signal mapping index of 5; and the second downlink time unit with the system information block 1 mapping index of 4.

[0023] Based on the above implementation method, the configuration of the main information block, auxiliary synchronization signal, main synchronization signal and system information block 1 in the 3GPP standard can continue to be used, reducing the impact on the current standard.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the uplink information includes an uplink random access signal with a period of T2, which is an integer multiple of 90ms.

[0025] Based on the above implementation method, the period of the uplink random access signal can be adapted to the period of the satellite frame structure, thereby increasing the probability that the uplink random access signal is mapped to the eight second uplink time units and reducing the terminal access latency.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the period of the paging message is T1, which is an integer multiple of 90ms.

[0027] Based on the above implementation, the period of paging messages can be adapted to the period of the satellite frame structure. Furthermore, when the duration of the third time unit is also an integer multiple of 90ms, the positions of paging messages within different third time units can be aligned.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the indices of the eight second downlink time units are 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0; or, the indices of the eight second downlink time units are 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, and 1; or, the indices of the eight second downlink time units are 8, 9, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; or, the indices of the eight second downlink time units are 9, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

[0029] In the four designs described above, the indices of the eight second downlink time units all include 0, 4, 5, and 9. Typically, the primary information block is mapped to the second downlink time unit with index 0, the secondary synchronization signal to the second downlink time unit with index 9, the primary synchronization signal to the second downlink time unit with index 5, and system information block 1 to the second downlink time unit with index 4. Therefore, the above implementation allows the primary information block, secondary synchronization signal, primary synchronization signal, or system information block 1 to be mapped to the eight second downlink time units, enabling the terminal to receive the data.

[0030] Secondly, a communication method is provided that can be applied to the network side, such as access network nodes on the network side, modules (e.g., processors, circuits, chips or chip systems) in access network nodes, or logical nodes, logical modules or software that can realize all or part of the functions of access network nodes.

[0031] Taking the application of this method to an access network node as an example, the method includes: performing at least one of transmitting downlink information or receiving uplink information according to a first radio frame. The duration of the first radio frame is 90ms. The downlink information includes one or more of the following: a primary information block, a secondary synchronization signal, a primary synchronization signal, system information block 1, or a paging message. The first radio frame includes 10 first time units and at least one of 8 second downlink time units or 8 second uplink time units, with each second downlink time unit having a duration of 1ms and each second uplink time unit having a duration of 1ms. The 8 second downlink time units belong to one of the 10 first time units, and the 8 second uplink time units belong to the other of the 10 first time units. Downlink information is transmitted through the 8 second downlink time units, and uplink information is received through the 8 second uplink time units.

[0032] For example, the first time unit includes W second time units, where W equals 9 or 10. The duration of one second time unit is 1 ms. The second time units can be divided into second uplink time units and second downlink time units based on the transmission direction of the information they carry. Specifically, the second uplink time unit carries information sent from the terminal to the access network node, and the second downlink time unit carries information sent from the access network node to the terminal. For example, the first time unit may be a radio frame or a system frame, and the second time unit may be a subframe.

[0033] Based on the method provided in the second aspect above, the duration of the first radio frame is the same as the period of the satellite frame structure, both being 90ms. Within the first radio frame, 8ms (as described in the eight second downlink time units above) can be used for the receiving end (e.g., the terminal) to receive downlink information, and / or, 8ms (as described in the eight second downlink time units above) can be used for the access network node to receive uplink information. The duration of the eight second downlink time units is equivalent to the duration of one downlink period in the satellite frame structure, and the duration of the eight second uplink time units is equivalent to the duration of one uplink period in the satellite frame structure. Furthermore, the first radio frame includes ten first time units, which allows the even-indexed first time units within each first radio frame to be aligned in both number and position with the odd-indexed first time units. This enables the access network node to use the same strategy to transmit information within the eight second downlink time units of each first radio frame, and / or to receive information within the eight second uplink time units of each first radio frame. If, according to the transmission period and mapping rules defined in the 3GPP standard, relatively important information is mapped onto the aforementioned eight second downlink time units, the opportunity for access network nodes to send this information can be increased. Similarly, if, according to the transmission period and mapping rules defined in the 3GPP standard, relatively important information is mapped onto the aforementioned eight second uplink time units, the opportunity for access network nodes to receive this information can be increased. Therefore, the aforementioned first radio frame can adapt to the satellite frame structure, and access network nodes can also send downlink information and / or receive uplink information in a timely manner, reducing information transmission latency.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the first radio frame includes four downlink time slots, four uplink time slots, and one one-way time slot; eight second downlink time units are mapped to one of the four downlink time slots; and eight second uplink time units are mapped to one of the four uplink time slots.

[0035] For example, the duration of a downlink time slot is 8.28ms, the duration of an uplink time slot is 8.28ms, and the duration of a one-way time slot is 20.32ms.

[0036] Based on the above implementation method, the access network node can send the aforementioned downlink information in one of the four downlink time periods and receive the aforementioned uplink information in one of the four uplink time periods.

[0037] In one possible implementation, (N×L) first time units form a third time unit, where L is an integer greater than 1, N is a positive integer, and (N×L) is less than or equal to 1024.

[0038] For example, (N×L) equals 1020, and the duration of the third time unit is 9180ms. Optionally, the third time unit is a superframe.

[0039] Based on the above implementation method, the number of first time units included in a third time unit can be determined.

[0040] In one possible implementation, (N×L) first time units constitute a third time unit, where L is an integer greater than 1, N is a positive integer, and (N×L) is greater than 1024; the main information block includes first indication information, which indicates the high 5 bits of the index of the first time unit mapped by the main information block.

[0041] For example, (N×L) equals 1130, and the duration of the third time unit is 10170ms. Optionally, the third time unit is a superframe.

[0042] Based on the above implementation, the number of first time units included in a third time unit can be determined. Furthermore, when (N×L) is greater than 1024, the access network node can indicate the high 5 bits of the index of the first time unit mapped by the main information block through the first indication information carried in the main information block.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the duration of a third time unit is an integer multiple of 90ms.

[0044] Based on the above implementation, the first radio frame in each third time unit can be aligned.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the second downlink time unit with the primary information block mapping index of 0; the second downlink time unit with the secondary synchronization signal mapping index of 9; the second downlink time unit with the primary synchronization signal mapping index of 5; and the second downlink time unit with the system information block 1 mapping index of 4.

[0046] Based on the above implementation method, the configuration of the main information block, auxiliary synchronization signal, main synchronization signal and system information block 1 in the 3GPP standard can continue to be used, reducing the impact on the current standard.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the uplink information includes an uplink random access signal with a period of T2, which is an integer multiple of 90ms.

[0048] Based on the above implementation method, the period of the uplink random access signal can be adapted to the period of the satellite frame structure, thereby increasing the probability that the uplink random access signal is mapped to the eight second uplink time units and reducing the terminal access latency.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the period of the paging message is T1, which is an integer multiple of 90ms.

[0050] Based on the above implementation, the period of paging messages can be adapted to the period of the satellite frame structure. Furthermore, when the duration of the third time unit is also an integer multiple of 90ms, the positions of paging messages within different third time units can be aligned.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the indices of the eight second downlink time units are 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0; or, the indices of the eight second downlink time units are 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, and 1; or, the indices of the eight second downlink time units are 8, 9, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; or, the indices of the eight second downlink time units are 9, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

[0052] In the four designs described above, the indices of the eight second downlink time units all include 0, 4, 5, and 9. Typically, the primary information block is mapped to the second downlink time unit with index 0, the secondary synchronization signal to the second downlink time unit with index 9, the primary synchronization signal to the second downlink time unit with index 5, and system information block 1 to the second downlink time unit with index 4. Therefore, the above implementation allows the primary information block, secondary synchronization signal, primary synchronization signal, or system information block 1 to be mapped to the eight second downlink time units, enabling the terminal to receive the data.

[0053] Thirdly, a communication method is provided that can be applied to the network side, such as access network nodes on the network side, modules (e.g., processors, circuits, chips or chip systems) in access network nodes, or logical nodes, logical modules or software that can realize all or part of the functions of access network nodes.

[0054] Taking the application of this method to an access network node as an example, the method includes: sending downlink information to a terminal (such as a terminal conforming to 3GPP specifications) during a first downlink time period, and receiving uplink information from the terminal during a first uplink time period; wherein, the downlink information includes one or more of the following: a primary information block, a secondary synchronization signal, a primary synchronization signal, system information block 1, or a paging message; the first downlink time period belongs to the first frame, the duration of the first frame is 90ms, the first uplink time period belongs to the second frame, the duration of the second frame is 90ms, the first frame and the second frame are two consecutive frames in the time domain; the first frame also includes 3 downlink time periods, 4 uplink time periods and 1 one-way time slot, and the second frame also includes 3 uplink time periods, 4 downlink time periods and 1 one-way time slot.

[0055] Based on the method provided in the third aspect above, the access network node can send one or more of the following to the terminal during the first downlink time slot of the first frame: a primary information block, a secondary synchronization signal, a primary synchronization signal, system information block 1, or a paging message. In the first uplink time slot of the second frame, it can receive the uplink information sent by the terminal. That is, the access network node can align the first downlink time slot with the time-domain resources defined in the 3GPP standard for sending one or more of the following: primary information block, secondary synchronization signal, primary synchronization signal, system information block 1, or paging message, to promptly send the aforementioned information to the terminal. The access network node can also align the first uplink time slot with the time-domain resources defined in the 3GPP standard for sending uplink information, so that the terminal can send this uplink information in a timely manner.

[0056] It is understood that the terminal receiving downlink information and the terminal sending uplink information can be the same or different. In one implementation, when the two terminals are the same, the access network node can use the downlink information in the first downlink time period to schedule the terminal to send uplink information in the first uplink time period.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the first downlink time period maps the signals of subframes 3 to 9 in the first radio frame and the signal of subframe 0 in the second radio frame; or, the first downlink time period maps the signals of subframes 4 to 9 in the first radio frame and the signals of subframes 0 to 1 in the second radio frame; or, the first downlink time period maps the signals of subframes 8 to 9 in the first radio frame and the signals of subframes 0 to 5 in the second radio frame; or, the first downlink time period maps the signal of subframe 9 in the first radio frame and the signals of subframes 0 to 6 in the second radio frame; wherein the first radio frame and the second radio frame are two consecutive radio frames in the time domain.

[0058] In the 3GPP standard, the main information block is usually mapped to subframe 0, the system information block 1 is mapped to subframe 4, the main synchronization signal is mapped to subframe 5, and the secondary synchronization signal is mapped to subframe 9. Therefore, the above implementation method can enable the terminal to receive the main information block, the secondary synchronization signal, the main synchronization signal, and the system information block 1.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the first downlink period is the first downlink period in the first frame, and the first uplink period is the first uplink period in the second frame; or, the first downlink period is the second downlink period in the first frame, and the first uplink period is the second uplink period in the second frame; or, the first downlink period is the third downlink period in the first frame, and the first uplink period is the third uplink period in the second frame; or, the first downlink period is the fourth downlink period in the first frame, and the first uplink period is the fourth uplink period in the second frame.

[0060] Based on the above implementation methods, access network nodes and terminals can communicate through one of the above methods.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the duration of the first downlink session is 8.28ms; the duration of the first uplink session is 8.28ms.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the uplink information includes an uplink random access signal with a period of T2, which is an integer multiple of 90ms.

[0063] Based on the above implementation method, the period of the uplink random access signal can be adapted to the period of the first frame (or the second frame) to increase the probability of the uplink random access signal being mapped to the first uplink time period and reduce the access latency of the terminal.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the period of the paging message is T1, which is an integer multiple of 90ms.

[0065] Based on the above implementation, the period of the paging message can be adapted to the period of the first frame (or the second frame). Furthermore, when the duration of the superframe is also an integer multiple of 90ms, the positions of the paging messages within different superframes can be aligned.

[0066] Fourthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method provided in the first aspect. This communication device can be a terminal as described in the first aspect, or a communication module / processing module within a terminal, or a circuit or chip within a terminal responsible for communication functions, or a circuit or chip within a terminal responsible for processing functions. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0068] In one possible implementation, a processing module is used to determine a first radio frame; a communication module is used to perform at least one of receiving downlink information or sending uplink information based on the first radio frame. The duration of the first radio frame is 90ms, and the downlink information includes one or more of the following: a primary information block, a secondary synchronization signal, a primary synchronization signal, system information block 1, or a paging message; the first radio frame includes 10 first time units, and the first radio frame includes at least one of 8 second downlink time units or 8 second uplink time units, with each second downlink time unit having a duration of 1ms and each second uplink time unit having a duration of 1ms; the 8 second downlink time units belong to one of the 10 first time units, and the 8 second uplink time units belong to the other of the 10 first time units; the downlink information is received through the 8 second downlink time units, and the uplink information is sent through the 8 second uplink time units.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the first radio frame includes four downlink time slots, four uplink time slots, and one one-way time slot; the eight second downlink time units are mapped to one of the four downlink time slots; and the eight second uplink time units are mapped to one of the four uplink time slots.

[0070] In one possible implementation, (N×L) of these first time units form a third time unit, where L is an integer greater than 1, N is a positive integer, and (N×L) is less than or equal to 1024.

[0071] In one possible implementation, (N×L) of the first time units constitute a third time unit, where L is an integer greater than 1, N is a positive integer, and (N×L) is greater than 1024; the main information block includes first indication information, which indicates the high 5 bits of the index of the first time unit mapped by the main information block.

[0072] In one possible implementation, the duration of this third time unit is an integer multiple of 90ms.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the primary information block mapping index is 0 for the second downlink time unit; the secondary synchronization signal mapping index is 9 for the second downlink time unit; the primary synchronization signal mapping index is 5 for the second downlink time unit; and the system information block 1 mapping index is 4 for the second downlink time unit.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the uplink information includes an uplink random access signal with a period of T2, which is an integer multiple of 90ms.

[0075] In one possible implementation, the period of the paging message is T1, which is an integer multiple of 90ms.

[0076] In one possible implementation, the indices of the eight second downlink time units are 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0; or, the indices of the eight second downlink time units are 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, and 1; or, the indices of the eight second downlink time units are 8, 9, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; or, the indices of the eight second downlink time units are 9, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

[0077] Fifthly, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method provided in the second aspect above. The communication apparatus can be an access network node, a module within an access network node, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of an access network node as described in the second aspect. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means that implement the method described above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0078] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the second aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the second aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0079] In one possible implementation, a processing module is used to determine a first radio frame; a communication module is used to perform at least one of transmitting downlink information or receiving uplink information according to the first radio frame; wherein the duration of the first radio frame is 90ms, and the downlink information includes one or more of the following: a primary information block, a secondary synchronization signal, a primary synchronization signal, a system information block 1, or a paging message; the first radio frame includes 10 first time units, and the first radio frame includes at least one of 8 second downlink time units or 8 second uplink time units, the duration of one second downlink time unit is 1ms, and the duration of one second uplink time unit is 1ms; the 8 second downlink time units belong to one of the 10 first time units, and the 8 second uplink time units belong to the other of the 10 first time units; the downlink information is transmitted through the 8 second downlink time units, and the uplink information is received through the 8 second uplink time units.

[0080] In one possible implementation, the first radio frame includes four downlink time slots, four uplink time slots, and one one-way time slot; the eight second downlink time units are mapped to one of the four downlink time slots; and the eight second uplink time units are mapped to one of the four uplink time slots.

[0081] In one possible implementation, (N×L) of these first time units form a third time unit, where L is an integer greater than 1, N is a positive integer, and (N×L) is less than or equal to 1024.

[0082] In one possible implementation, (N×L) of the first time units constitute a third time unit, where L is an integer greater than 1, N is a positive integer, and (N×L) is greater than 1024; the main information block includes first indication information, which indicates the high 5 bits of the index of the first time unit mapped by the main information block.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the duration of this third time unit is an integer multiple of 90ms.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the primary information block mapping index is 0 for the second downlink time unit; the secondary synchronization signal mapping index is 9 for the second downlink time unit; the primary synchronization signal mapping index is 5 for the second downlink time unit; and the system information block 1 mapping index is 4 for the second downlink time unit.

[0085] In one possible implementation, the uplink information includes an uplink random access signal with a period of T2, which is an integer multiple of 90ms.

[0086] In one possible implementation, the period of the paging message is T1, which is an integer multiple of 90ms.

[0087] In one possible implementation, the indices of the eight second downlink time units are 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0; or, the indices of the eight second downlink time units are 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, and 1; or, the indices of the eight second downlink time units are 8, 9, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; or, the indices of the eight second downlink time units are 9, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

[0088] Sixthly, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method provided in the third aspect above. The communication apparatus can be an access network node, a module within an access network node, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of an access network node as described in the third aspect. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means that implement the aforementioned method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the aforementioned functions.

[0089] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the third aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the third aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0090] In one possible implementation, the processing module is configured to control the communication module to send downlink information to the terminal (such as a terminal conforming to 3GPP specifications) during a first downlink period. The downlink information includes one or more of the following: a primary information block, a secondary synchronization signal, a primary synchronization signal, a system information block 1, or a paging message. The processing module is also configured to control the communication module to receive uplink information from the terminal during a first uplink period. The first downlink period belongs to a first frame with a duration of 90ms, and the first uplink period belongs to a second frame with a duration of 90ms. The first frame and the second frame are two consecutive frames in the time domain. The first frame also includes three downlink periods, four uplink periods, and one unidirectional time slot, and the second frame also includes three uplink periods, four downlink periods, and one unidirectional time slot.

[0091] In one possible implementation, the first downlink time period maps the signals of subframes 3 to 9 in the first radio frame and the signal of subframe 0 in the second radio frame; or, the first downlink time period maps the signals of subframes 4 to 9 in the first radio frame and the signals of subframes 0 to 1 in the second radio frame; or, the first downlink time period maps the signals of subframes 8 to 9 in the first radio frame and the signals of subframes 0 to 5 in the second radio frame; or, the first downlink time period maps the signal of subframe 9 in the first radio frame and the signals of subframes 0 to 6 in the second radio frame; wherein the first radio frame and the second radio frame are two consecutive radio frames in the time domain.

[0092] In one possible implementation, the first downlink period is the first downlink period in the first frame, and the first uplink period is the first uplink period in the second frame; or, the first downlink period is the second downlink period in the first frame, and the first uplink period is the second uplink period in the second frame; or, the first downlink period is the third downlink period in the first frame, and the first uplink period is the third uplink period in the second frame; or, the first downlink period is the fourth downlink period in the first frame, and the first uplink period is the fourth uplink period in the second frame.

[0093] In one possible implementation, the duration of the first downlink period is 8.28 ms; the duration of the first uplink period is 8.28 ms.

[0094] In one possible implementation, the uplink information includes an uplink random access signal with a period of T2, which is an integer multiple of 90ms.

[0095] In one possible implementation, the period of the paging message is T1, which is an integer multiple of 90ms.

[0096] A seventh aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor; the processor being configured to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects by executing a computer program (or computer-executable instructions) stored in a memory, and / or by logic circuitry. The communication device may be a terminal or a communication module / processing module in a terminal as described in the first aspect, or a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for communication functions, or a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for processing functions; or, the communication device may be an access network node, a module in an access network node, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of an access network node as described in the second aspect; or, the communication device may be an access network node, a module in an access network node, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of an access network node as described in the third aspect.

[0097] In one possible implementation, the number of the aforementioned processors can be one or more.

[0098] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory. The processor and memory are integrated together; alternatively, the memory is independent of the processor.

[0099] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices, such as transmitting or receiving data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0100] In one possible implementation, the processor and / or memory also include an artificial intelligence (AI) module for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller (RIC) module. The AI ​​module could be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0101] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0102] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is configured to receive a computer program or instructions and transmit them to the processor; the processor is configured to execute the computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects. The communication device may be a terminal or a communication module / processing module in a terminal as described in the first aspect, or a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for communication functions, or a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for processing functions; or, the communication device may be an access network node, a module in an access network node, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of an access network node as described in the second aspect; or, the communication device may be an access network node, a module in an access network node, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of an access network node as described in the third aspect.

[0103] In one possible implementation, the number of the aforementioned processors can be one or more.

[0104] In one possible implementation, the processor also includes an AI module for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RIC module. The AI ​​module could be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0105] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0106] Ninthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0107] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, enables the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0108] Eleventhly, a communication system is provided, comprising one or more of the following: a terminal-side device for performing the method described in the first aspect, or a network-side device for performing the method described in the second aspect.

[0109] In a twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: a network-side device for performing the method described in the third aspect above, and a terminal (such as a terminal conforming to 3GPP specifications). The terminal is configured to receive downlink information during a first downlink period and transmit uplink information during a first uplink period.

[0110] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspects four through twelfth can be found in the technical effects of any one of aspects one through three above, or different possible implementations of any one of aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0111] Understandably, provided that the solutions do not contradict each other, the solutions in the above aspects can be combined. Attached Figure Description

[0112] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the frame structure used by the satellite;

[0113] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the frame structure adopted by the 3GPP standard;

[0114] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the downlink signals carried on radio frame 0 and radio frame 1;

[0115] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of the communication system architecture provided in this application;

[0116] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of the satellite communication scenario provided in this application;

[0117] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application.

[0118] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the first and second time units provided in this application;

[0119] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the first and second time units provided in this application.

[0120] Figure 4C is a schematic diagram of the first and second time units provided in this application.

[0121] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the mapping relationship between the first wireless frame and the uplink and downlink time periods provided in this application;

[0122] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the mapping relationship between the first wireless frame and the uplink and downlink time periods provided in this application.

[0123] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the mapping relationship between the first radio frame and the uplink and downlink time periods provided in this application.

[0124] Figure 5D is a schematic diagram of the mapping relationship between the first wireless frame and the uplink and downlink time periods provided in this application.

[0125] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the communication method provided in this application (II).

[0126] Figure 7 is a block diagram of the communication device provided in this application;

[0127] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0128] Satellite communication can utilize high-orbit, medium-orbit, and low-orbit satellites to achieve wide-area or even global coverage, providing seamless communication services to users worldwide. In terrestrial communication networks, access network nodes are closer to terminals, resulting in shorter data transmission latency and faster data transmission rates. Therefore, integrating satellite and terrestrial communication can provide users with more comprehensive and higher-quality services.

[0129] For example, in remote areas where terrestrial communication cannot reach, on airplanes, or on ocean-going ships, satellites can provide economical and reliable network services, extending the network to places where terrestrial communication cannot reach. As another example, satellites can provide continuous and uninterrupted network connectivity for users on mobile platforms such as IoT devices, airplanes, ships, trains, or cars. The integration of satellite and terrestrial communication can significantly enhance the service capabilities of terrestrial communication in this regard. Furthermore, satellites have superior broadcast / multicast capabilities, providing efficient data distribution services to users, including those at the network edge.

[0130] In addition, current satellite communications also exhibit the following two characteristics: (1) Satellite access terminals are becoming increasingly smaller. For example, satellites can now support access from terminals including mobile phones. (2) Broadband communication services are becoming more common. For example, in addition to traditional narrowband voice services, satellites can also provide high-speed data services and Internet multimedia communication services.

[0131] In conclusion, the integration of satellite and terrestrial communications, leveraging their respective strengths and compensating for their weaknesses, together form a globally seamless, integrated communication network that covers land, sea, air, and space, meeting users' diverse and ubiquitous business needs. This represents an important direction for the future development of communications.

[0132] To achieve the integration of satellite and terrestrial communications, a scheme applying 3GPP standards to satellite communications has been proposed. Currently, some satellites (such as Iridium satellites) employ the frame structure shown in Figure 1A. In Figure 1A, the satellite frame structure period is 90ms, specifically including one one-way time slot, four uplink time periods (e.g., uplink time period 0 to uplink time period 3), four downlink time periods (e.g., downlink time period 0 to downlink time period 3), and multiple guard intervals. The one-way time slot occupies 20.32ms and can be used for satellite broadcast information. Each uplink time period occupies 8.28ms and can be used for terminal uplink signal transmission. Each downlink time period also occupies 8.28ms and can be used for satellite downlink signal transmission.

[0133] The 3GPP standard uses a frame structure period of 10ms, meaning that the duration of a radio frame (also known as a system frame) is 10ms. A radio frame can include 10 subframes, such as subframes 0 to 9, and the duration of each subframe is 1ms. For example, Figure 1B shows radio frames 0 to 8, a total of 9 radio frames, and the 10 subframes contained in radio frame 0.

[0134] As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the frame structure used by the satellite differs significantly from that of the 3GPP standard. If the satellite uses the 3GPP standard to communicate with the terminal, it will have a significant impact on uplink and downlink communication. For example, in downlink communication, some downlink signals require the terminal to wait through multiple frame structure cycles (i.e., multiple 90ms) to receive them, resulting in downlink data transmission delay. In uplink communication, some uplink signals lack the resources to be transmitted within multiple frame structure cycles (i.e., multiple 90ms), leading to uplink data transmission delay. The specific reasons are explained below.

[0135] Satellite systems typically configure a frame structure period (90ms as shown in Figure 1A) with one downlink segment and one uplink segment for communication with the terminal, and no communication with the terminal during the remaining segments. Under this configuration, within a 90ms frame structure period, the terminal has 8.28ms to receive downlink signals and 8.28ms to transmit uplink signals. However, 3GPP standards, such as the Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) communication standard, usually use 1ms subframes as a basic scheduling time unit. Therefore, within 90ms, the terminal actually has 8ms to receive downlink signals and 8ms to transmit uplink signals.

[0136] For downlink communication, according to the 3GPP standard, some downlink signals are transmitted on every radio frame, while others are transmitted only after a one-radio-frame interval. Therefore, the signals transmitted by access network nodes on radio frames with even-numbered indices are not entirely the same as the signals transmitted on radio frames with odd-numbered indices. Radio frames with even-numbered indices can include radio frames 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, ..., 1020, 1022, etc., while radio frames with odd-numbered indices can include radio frames 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, ..., 1021, 1023, etc.

[0137] For example, on radio frames with even-numbered indices, the access network node can transmit the master information block (MIB), system information block (SIB) 1, primary synchronization signal (PSS), and secondary synchronization signal (SSS). On radio frames with odd-numbered indices, the access network node can transmit the MIB and PSS. System information block 1 can also be referred to as system message 1.

[0138] For example, Figure 1C illustrates the signals transmitted by the access network node on radio frames 0 and 1. In Figure 1C, for radio frame 0, the access network node transmits MIB on subframe 0, SIB1 on subframe 4, PSS on subframe 5, and SSS on subframe 9. For radio frame 1, the access network node transmits MIB on subframe 0 and PSS on subframe 5.

[0139] If downlink time period 0 as shown in Figure 1A is used for the terminal to receive downlink signals, and the start position of downlink time period 0 is mapped to the start position of radio frame 1 as shown in Figure 1C, then the terminal can receive downlink signals in the first 8ms of radio frame 1 (e.g., subframes 0 to 7), but cannot receive downlink signals in the last 2ms of radio frame 1 (e.g., subframes 8 and 9). This is because, as mentioned earlier, the terminal actually has 8ms of time to receive downlink signals within the 90ms period, and subframes 0 to 7 in radio frame 1 just happen to map to these 8ms. In this case, the terminal can receive MIB and PSS, but cannot receive SIB1 and SSS. If downlink time period 0 in multiple frame structure periods is mapped to radio frames with odd indices, then the terminal will not receive SIB1 and SSS for a long period of time.

[0140] Similarly, if downlink time period 0 shown in Figure 1A is used for the terminal to receive downlink signals, and the start position of downlink time period 0 is mapped to the start position of radio frame 0 shown in Figure 1C, then the terminal can receive downlink signals in the first 8 ms of radio frame 0 (e.g., subframes 0 to 7), but cannot receive downlink signals in the last 2 ms of radio frame 0 (e.g., subframes 8 and 9). In this case, the terminal can receive MIB, SIB1, and PSS, but the terminal still cannot receive SSS.

[0141] For uplink communication, according to the 3GPP standard, some uplink signals are sent according to a certain period. If these periods do not match 90ms, it cannot be guaranteed that these uplink signals can be mapped to the 8ms period used for uplink signal transmission within the 90ms frame structure. Taking uplink random signals as an example, their periods are usually 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, 160ms, etc. According to this period, the terminal can only send one uplink random signal after several frame structure cycles, which will lead to a large terminal access delay.

[0142] In summary, how to adapt the 3GPP standard to the satellite frame structure is an urgent problem that needs to be solved.

[0143] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a communication method and apparatus. The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0144] The method provided in this application can be used in various communication systems. For example, the communication system can be a long-term evolution (LTE) system, a 5th generation (5G) communication system, a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, a 3GPP-related communication system, a communication system evolving after 5G, or a system integrating multiple systems, etc., without limitation. Among them, 5G can also be referred to as new radio (NR). The method provided in this application will be described below using the communication system 10 shown in Figure 2A as an example. Figure 2A is only a schematic diagram and does not constitute a limitation on the applicable scenarios of the technical solution provided in this application.

[0145] Figure 2A shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 10 provided in this application. In Figure 2A, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one access network node (110a and 110b in Figure 2A, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 2A, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other access network nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 2A). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to access network node 110. Access network node 110 is wirelessly or wiredly connected to core network 200. The core network equipment in core network 200 and access network node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0146] RAN 100 can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a 4G, 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system. RAN 100 can also be an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a WiFi system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0147] Access network node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN node, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple access network nodes 110 in the communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types.

[0148] In one possible scenario, access network nodes can be base stations, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), next-generation eNBs (ng-eNBs) in LTE, base stations (gNodeBs or gNBs) in NR, access points (APs), transmission reception points (TRPs), base stations in future mobile communication systems, or access nodes in WiFi systems. Access network nodes can be macro base stations (as shown in Figure 2A, 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (as shown in Figure 2A, 110b), relay nodes or donor nodes, or radio controllers in CRAN scenarios. Access network nodes can also be network equipment in mobile switching center non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems, such as those deployed on low-altitude platforms, high-altitude platforms, or satellites. Optionally, access network nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, the access network equipment can be a roadside unit (RSU). In some scenarios, the roles of access network node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, a helicopter or drone that is usually configured as a terminal can also be configured as a mobile base station, and a device that accesses the RAN via a helicopter or drone is configured as a terminal.

[0149] In another possible scenario, multiple access network nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each access network node performing some of the functions of the base station. Specifically, the access network nodes can be centralized units (CU), distributed units (DU), or radio units (RU), etc.

[0150] In this application, the CU can implement the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) layer and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer in the 3GPP standard. The CU can also implement the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer. The DU can implement the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer and the medium access control (MAC) layer in the 3GPP standard. The DU can also implement some or all of the physical layer functions, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception functions. The CU and DU can be set up separately, or they can be included in the same network element, such as in the baseband unit (BBU). It is understood that the CU can be classified as a network device in the access network or a network device in the core network; no limitation is made here. Furthermore, the CU can be further divided into the CU-control plane (CP) and the CU-user plane (UP). The CU-CP implements the functions of the RRC layer and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer. The CU-UP implements the functions of the SDAP layer and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0151] In this application, the RU can be included in a radio frequency (RF) device or RF unit, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). The RU can implement some physical layer functions and RF functions in the 3GPP standard. The physical layer functions implemented by the RU include one or more of the following: fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the physical random access channel (PRACH).

[0152] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0153] Terminal 120 can be a device or module that is connected to the aforementioned communication system 10 and has corresponding communication functions. Terminal 120 can be deployed on land, including indoors, outdoors, handheld, or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as on ships); and it can also be deployed in the air (such as on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). A terminal can also be called a terminal device, which can be user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), or any device used to provide voice or data connectivity to a user. UE includes handheld devices with wireless communication functions, vehicle-mounted devices (e.g., cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains), wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers), or computing devices. For example, a UE can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, PDA, mobile internet device (MID), satellite terminal, or computer with wireless transceiver capabilities. UE can also be a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless modem, a point-of-sale (POS) machine, customer-premises equipment (CPE), a smart robot, a robotic arm, workshop equipment, smart home devices (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in autonomous driving, a wireless terminal in telemedicine, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in intelligent transportation, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, an in-vehicle terminal, an RSU with terminal functionality, or flying equipment (e.g., a smart robot, a hot air balloon, a drone, an airplane), etc. A terminal can also be other devices with terminal functionality; for example, a terminal can be a device that acts as a terminal in device-to-device (D2D) communication.

[0154] By way of example and not limitation, in this application, the terminal can be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into a user's clothing or accessories. For example, wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also devices that achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include devices that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as devices that focus on only one type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0155] In this application, the terminal can be a terminal in an Internet of Things (IoT) system, such as a terminal in an NB-IoT system conforming to 3GPP specifications. IoT is an important component of future information technology development, and its main technical characteristic is connecting objects to networks through communication technologies, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and machine-to-machine interconnection. The terminal in this application can be a terminal in machine-type communication (MTC).

[0156] The terminal in this application can be an on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip, on-board unit (OBU), or telematics box (T-BOX) built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the methods of this application through the built-in on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip, on-board unit, or T-BOX. The terminal can also be a complete vehicle device. Therefore, this application can be applied to vehicle networking, such as V2X, long-term evolution vehicle (LTE-V) communication technology, and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication.

[0157] In one embodiment, the above-described communication system 10 can be applied to satellite communication scenarios, for example, to the satellite communication scenario shown in Figure 2B.

[0158] The satellite communication scenario shown in Figure 2B includes terminal 202, satellite 201 communicating with terminal 202 via air interface, ground station communicating with satellite 201 via NG interface, core network communicating with ground station via NG interface, and data network communicating with core network. This satellite communication scenario also includes satellite 203 communicating with satellite 201 via Xn interface and terminal 204 communicating with satellite 203 via air interface.

[0159] In Figure 2B, both satellites 201 and 203 function as base stations. For example, satellite 201 (or satellite 203) can provide wireless access services, allocate wireless resources to the accessing terminal 202 (or terminal 204), and provide reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols, etc.

[0160] The core network 205 may possess one or more of the following functions: user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, or accounting. In one embodiment, the core network 205 includes multiple functional units. For example, the core network 205 may be divided into control plane functional entities and data plane functional entities. Control plane functional entities may include access and mobility management units, such as access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements. AMF network elements may be responsible for at least one function among user access management, security authentication, or mobility management. Data plane functional entities may include user plane units, such as user plane function (UPF) network elements. UPF network elements may be responsible for managing user plane data transmission, traffic statistics, and other functions.

[0161] The ground station in Figure 2B can be responsible for forwarding signaling and service data between satellite 201 (or satellite 203) and core network 205. In addition, the air interface is the wireless link between the terminal and the base station. The Xn interface is the interface between base stations and can be used for signaling exchange such as handover. The NG interface is the interface between the base station and the core network, which can exchange non-access stratum (NAS) signaling of the core network, as well as user service data.

[0162] It is understandable that the access network node 110 in the communication system 10 corresponds to the satellite 201 in Figure 2B and can have the functions of the satellite 201; the terminal 120 in the communication system 10 corresponds to the terminal 202 in Figure 2B and can have the functions of the terminal 202; the core network 200 in the communication system 10 corresponds to the core network 205 in Figure 2B and can have the functions of the core network 205; or, the access network node 110 in the communication system 10 corresponds to the satellite 203 in Figure 2B and can have the functions of the satellite 203; the terminal 120 in the communication system 10 corresponds to the terminal 204 in Figure 2B and can have the functions of the terminal 204; the core network 200 in the communication system 10 corresponds to the core network 205 in Figure 2B and can have the functions of the core network 205.

[0163] It is understood that the communication system 10 shown in Figure 2A is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the technical solutions of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that in specific implementations, the communication system 10 may also include other devices, and the number of access network nodes and terminals can be determined according to specific needs without limitation. Furthermore, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0164] Optionally, each network element or device in Figure 2A of this application (such as access network node 110 or terminal 120, etc.) may also be referred to as a communication device, which may be a general-purpose device or a special-purpose device. This application does not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0165] Optionally, the functions of each network element or device (e.g., access network node 110 or terminal 120) in Figure 2A of this application can be implemented by one device, multiple devices working together, or one or more functional modules within a single device. This application does not impose specific limitations on these functions. It is understood that the aforementioned functions can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0166] The method provided in this application will now be described in conjunction with the communication system 10 shown in Figure 2A above.

[0167] It is understood that the access network node in the following embodiments of this application may be the access network node 110 in the communication system 10, and the terminal in the following embodiments of this application may be the terminal 120 in the communication system 10.

[0168] It is understood that in this application, the terminal and / or access network node may perform some or all of the steps in this application. These steps are merely examples, and this application may also perform other steps or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in different orders as presented in this application, and it is not necessary to perform all the steps in this application.

[0169] It is understood that the methods described below in this application are illustrated using terminals and access network nodes as the execution subjects of the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution subjects of the interaction. For example, the method executed by the terminal in this application can also be implemented by the communication / processing module in the terminal or the circuit or chip (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC chip / SIP chip containing a modem core, or a GPU / AI processor / ASIC) in the terminal responsible for communication / processing functions; the method executed by the access network node in this application can also be implemented by modules (such as circuits, chips, or chip systems) in the access network node, or by logical nodes, logical modules, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network node.

[0170] As shown in Figure 3, a communication method provided in this application may include at least one of the following steps, S301 or S302:

[0171] S301: The access network node sends downlink information based on the first radio frame. Correspondingly, the terminal receives downlink information based on the first radio frame.

[0172] One possible implementation is that the access network node determines the first radio frame and transmits downlink information based on the first radio frame. Correspondingly, the terminal determines the first radio frame and receives downlink information based on the first radio frame.

[0173] For example, the first radio frame is predefined or preconfigured by the protocol, and the access network node and the terminal can communicate based on the first radio frame. For instance, the protocol defines the frame structure corresponding to different frequency points. After the access network node and the terminal determine the frequency point for current communication, they determine the first radio frame based on that frequency point and communicate based on the first radio frame.

[0174] For example, the access network node determines the first radio frame according to the above method and instructs it to the terminal. For instance, the access network node sends second instruction information to the terminal, which indicates the identifier of the first radio frame or the frequency point corresponding to the first radio frame. After receiving the second instruction information, the terminal determines the first radio frame based on the second instruction information.

[0175] In this application, the downlink information includes one or more of the following: MIB, SSS, PSS, SIB1, or paging messages.

[0176] It should be understood that the above are merely examples of downlink information. In specific applications, downlink information may also include other types of information, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0177] S302: The terminal sends uplink information based on the first radio frame. Correspondingly, the access network node receives uplink information based on the first radio frame.

[0178] One possible implementation is that the terminal determines the first radio frame and sends uplink information based on the first radio frame. Correspondingly, the access network node determines the first radio frame and receives uplink information based on the first radio frame. The method by which the terminal and the access network node determine the first radio frame can be referred to the description in S301.

[0179] In this application, the uplink information includes one or more of the following: uplink random access signals, information carried by the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), or information carried by the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH).

[0180] For example, in a two-step random access procedure, the uplink random access signal is message A (MsgA). In a four-step random access procedure, the uplink random access signal is message 1 (Msg1) or message 3 (Msg3).

[0181] It should be understood that the above are merely examples of uplink information. In specific applications, uplink information may also include other types of information, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0182] Furthermore, this application does not restrict the execution order of S301 and S302. For example, S301 can be executed first and then S302, or S302 can be executed first and then S301.

[0183] It should be understood that the names of the various messages or channels in this application may also be other names. For example, the above-mentioned PUCCH, PUSCH, SIB1, MIB, SSS, PSS, etc. may also be called NPUCCH, NPUSCH, NB-SIB1, NB-MIB, NSSS, NPSS in narrowband (NB) systems.

[0184] The first radio frame will be described in detail below.

[0185] In this application, the duration of the first radio frame is 90ms to match the satellite frame structure period (as shown in Figure 1A). 90ms can also be understood as the period of the first radio frame.

[0186] One possible implementation is that the first radio frame includes 10 first time units, each with a duration of 9ms. For example, the first time unit can have the following two designs:

[0187] Design A: A first time unit includes nine second time units, each with a duration of 1 ms. For example, these nine second time units include second time unit 0 to second time unit 8.

[0188] Design B: A first time unit comprises 10 second time units, each with a duration of 1 ms. One second time unit is discarded from each of the 10 first time units. For example, the 10 second time units include second time units 0 through 9. Additionally, one second time unit from 0 to 9, such as second time unit 9, is discarded. It should be understood that one second time unit from 0 to 8 can also be discarded; there are no restrictions.

[0189] In summary, the absolute duration of the 10 first time units is 90ms.

[0190] In one implementation, a second time unit comprises R fourth time units. R is a positive integer. The value of R can be determined based on the subcarrier spacing. For example, R equals 2.

[0191] The "0", "8", and "9" mentioned above are indices for the second time unit, used to indicate the number, sequence, or identifier of the second time unit within a certain first time unit. For example, second time unit 0 is the first second time unit in its first time unit, second time unit 8 is the ninth second time unit in its first time unit, and second time unit 9 is the tenth second time unit in its first time unit. The indices for the second time units can also be 1, 2, 3, 4, etc., and these indices can be understood in a similar way as described above.

[0192] In this application, the indices of the second time units included in the first time unit can be continuous or discontinuous, without limitation. Furthermore, the term "index" in this application can be replaced by number, identifier, or sequence number, etc. For example, the index of the second time unit can be replaced by the sequence number of the second time unit, and the index of the first time unit can be replaced by the sequence number of the first time unit, etc.

[0193] In this application, the second time unit can be divided into a second uplink time unit and a second downlink time unit according to the transmission direction of the information carried on it. The second uplink time unit carries information sent from the terminal to the access network node, and the second downlink time unit carries information sent from the access network node to the terminal. The duration of both a second downlink time unit and a second uplink time unit is 1 ms.

[0194] In one implementation, a first radio frame maps eight second downlink time units and / or eight second uplink time units, or a first radio frame includes eight second downlink time units and / or eight second uplink time units. The downlink information is transmitted through these eight second downlink time units, and the uplink information is transmitted through these eight second uplink time units.

[0195] For example, if the method shown in Figure 3 includes S301 but excludes S302, then the first radio frame maps eight second downlink time units, and the downlink information is transmitted through all or part of the eight second downlink time units. In this case, the terminal can receive the downlink information within 8ms of 90ms (i.e., the time period corresponding to the eight second downlink time units).

[0196] If the method shown in Figure 3 includes S302 but excludes S301, then the first radio frame maps eight second uplink time units, and the aforementioned uplink information is transmitted through all or part of the eight second uplink time units. In this case, the terminal can transmit uplink information within 8ms of a 90ms interval (i.e., the time period corresponding to the eight second uplink time units).

[0197] If the method shown in Figure 3 includes S301 and S302, then the first radio frame maps eight second downlink time units and eight second uplink time units. The downlink information is transmitted through all or part of the eight second downlink time units, and the uplink information is transmitted through all or part of the eight second uplink time units. In this case, the terminal can receive downlink information in one 8ms period within 90ms (i.e., the time period corresponding to the eight second downlink time units) and transmit uplink information in another 8ms period within 90ms (i.e., the time period corresponding to the eight second uplink time units).

[0198] In one implementation, the first radio frame is a time division duplex (TDD) frame structure. Eight second downlink time units and eight second uplink time units are located in different first time units. For example, the eight second downlink time units belong to one of the aforementioned ten first time units, and the eight second uplink time units belong to another of the aforementioned ten first time units.

[0199] Since the terminal receives downlink information in 8 second downlink time units and / or sends information in 8 second uplink time units, for the above design A, among the 9 second time units included in the first time unit, 8 of the second time units are valid time units and may be used to send uplink or downlink information, while the remaining 1 second time unit is an invalid time unit and cannot be used to send uplink or downlink information.

[0200] For example, taking nine second time units including second time units 0 to 8 as an example, second time units 0 to 7 are valid, while second time unit 8 is invalid.

[0201] For the above design B, among the 10 second time units included in the first time unit, 8 of the second time units are valid time units and can be used to send uplink or downlink information, one of the remaining 2 second time units is invalid and cannot be used to send uplink or downlink information, and the other of the remaining 2 second time units is discarded.

[0202] For example, taking 10 second time units including second time units 0 to 9 as an example, second time units 0 to 7 are valid, second time unit 8 is invalid, and second time unit 9 is discarded.

[0203] As can be seen from the above description of the first radio frame:

[0204] (1) The period or duration of the first radio frame is the same as the period of the satellite frame structure, which is 90ms.

[0205] (2) Within the first radio frame, 8 ms can be used for the terminal to receive downlink information, and / or 8 ms can be used for the terminal to send uplink information. This design can meet the following requirements of the satellite frame structure: one downlink period and one uplink period in the satellite frame structure period are used to communicate with the terminal, and the remaining periods are not used to communicate with the terminal.

[0206] (3) The first radio frame includes 10 first time units, which ensures that the number and position of the even-indexed first time units and the odd-indexed first time units are aligned within each 90ms (i.e., each first radio frame). The even-indexed first time unit refers to the first time unit with an even index, such as 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, etc. The odd-indexed first time unit refers to the first time unit with an odd index, such as 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, etc.

[0207] For example, if the index of the first time unit in 90ms is odd, then within each 90ms period, the index of the first time unit is always odd, the index of the second time unit is always even, the index of the third time unit is always odd, the index of the fourth time unit is always even, and so on. Conversely, if the index of the first time unit in 90ms is even, then within each 90ms period, the index of the first time unit is always even, the index of the second time unit is always odd, the index of the third time unit is always even, the index of the fourth time unit is always odd, and so on. Therefore, regardless of whether the index of the first time unit in 90ms is odd or even, within each 90ms period, there are 5 time units with even indices and 5 time units with odd indices; that is, within each 90ms period, the number of time units with even indices and the number of time units with odd indices are the same. Furthermore, within each 90ms, the first time unit of the even-numbered index and the first time unit of the odd-numbered index are arranged alternately in the same order, that is, within each 90ms, the first time unit of the even-numbered index and the first time unit of the odd-numbered index are aligned in position.

[0208] If the even-indexed first time units and the odd-indexed first time units are aligned in both number and position within each 90ms, the terminal can use the same strategy to receive information in the eight second downlink time units within each 90ms, and / or transmit information in the eight second uplink time units within each 90ms. Mapping relatively important information to these eight second downlink time units according to the transmission period and mapping rules defined in the 3GPP standard increases the terminal's chances of receiving this information. Similarly, mapping relatively important information to these eight second uplink time units according to the transmission period and mapping rules defined in the 3GPP standard increases the terminal's chances of transmitting this information.

[0209] Taking downlink communication as an example, MIB and PSS can be mapped to the first time unit with odd-numbered indices and the first time unit with even-numbered indices, but SIB1 and SSS can only be mapped to the first time unit with even-numbered indices and not to the first time unit with odd-numbered indices. Therefore, the first time unit with even-numbered indices can map more information than the first time unit with odd-numbered indices. Thus, if the eight second downlink time units are configured on the first time unit with even-numbered indices within each 90ms interval, the chances of the terminal receiving MIB, PSS, SIB1, and SSS can be increased.

[0210] In summary, the first radio frame can be adapted to the satellite frame structure and enables the terminal to receive downlink information and / or send uplink information in a timely manner, reducing information transmission latency.

[0211] Furthermore, the description of the index of the first time unit can be found in the above description of the index of the second time unit, and will not be repeated here.

[0212] In one implementation, (N×L) first time units constitute a third time unit; that is, a third time unit includes (N×L) first time units. Here, L represents that a third time unit includes L periods (e.g., L first radio frames), and N represents the number of first time units included in each of the L periods. L is an integer greater than 1, and N is a positive integer.

[0213] To align with the first radio frame in each third time unit, the duration of the third time unit can be an integer multiple of 90ms, meaning the duration of the third time unit can be divided by 90ms.

[0214] As an example, (N×L) is less than or equal to 1024. For instance, if (N×L) equals 1020, the duration of the third time unit is 9180ms, L equals 102, and N equals 10.

[0215] As another example, (N×L) is greater than 1024. For example, (N×L) equals 1130, in which case the duration of the third time unit is 10170ms, L equals 113, and N equals 10.

[0216] It should be understood that in specific applications, the duration of the third time unit may not be a multiple of 90ms. For example, the duration of the third time unit is 9216ms, which means that one third time unit includes 1024 first time units, that is, (N×L) equals 1024.

[0217] It should be understood that the above is only an example of (N×L). In specific applications, (N×L) can also be other values, such as 1000, 1010, 1140 or 1150, etc., without restriction.

[0218] It is understood that the first time unit, second time unit, third time unit, and fourth time unit in this application may also have other naming conventions. For example, the first time unit may also be called a radio frame or system frame, the second time unit may also be called a subframe, the third time unit may also be called a hyperframe, and the fourth time unit may also be called a slot.

[0219] In one implementation, the period of the paging message is T1, where T1 is an integer multiple of 90 ms. Thus, when the duration of the third time unit is an integer multiple of 90 ms, the positions of paging messages within different third time units can be aligned. For example, within each third time unit, starting from the first first time unit, paging messages are mapped with a period of T1, and these paging messages can be mapped onto one of the aforementioned eight second downlink time units.

[0220] It should be understood that in practical applications, T1 may not be an integer multiple of 90ms. For example, T1 = P × t, where P represents the number of first time units included in one cycle of the paging message, and t represents the duration of the first time unit, such as 9ms. That is, the cycle of the paging message can be configured according to multiples of t.

[0221] In one implementation, the period of the uplink random access signal is T2.

[0222] Example A: T2 equals 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, 160ms, etc. Alternatively, T2 = Q × t, where Q represents the number of first time units in one period of the uplink random access signal, such as 2, 4, 8, 16, etc., and t represents the duration of the first time unit, such as 9ms. In this example, T2 may not match the period of the first radio frame, so there may not be a valid second time unit for the terminal to send the uplink random access signal in every period.

[0223] Example B, T2 is an integer multiple of 90ms. In this example, T2 is an integer multiple of the duration of the first radio frame, so it can increase the probability of the uplink random access signal mapping to a valid second time unit, reducing terminal access latency.

[0224] In one implementation, if the access demand of the terminal accessing the network is low, the access network node can be configured T2 in the manner of Example A; if the access demand of the terminal accessing the network is high, the access network node can be configured T2 in the manner of Example B.

[0225] In one implementation, in order to continue to use the 3GPP standard for the configuration of MIB, PSS, SSS and SIB1, the MIB mapping index in the downlink information is 0 in the second downlink time unit, the SSS mapping index in the downlink information is 9 in the second downlink time unit, the PSS mapping index in the downlink information is 5 in the second downlink time unit, and the SIB1 mapping index in the downlink information is 4 in the second downlink time unit.

[0226] Understandably, in order for one or more of MIB, PSS, SSS, or SIB1 to be mapped to eight second downlink time units, the index of the eight second downlink time units may include one or more of 0, 4, 5, or 9.

[0227] In one implementation, the index of the eight second downlink time units may not include 2, 3, 7, or 8.

[0228] Example 1: The indices of the eight second downlink time units are 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0. For example, Figure 4A shows the ten first time units included in the first radio frame, such as first time units 0 to 9. Each first time unit includes second time units 3 to 1. For Design A above, in each first time unit, second time units 3 to 0 are valid time units, and second time unit 1 is an invalid time unit. For Design B above, in each first time unit, second time units 3 to 0 are valid time units, second time unit 1 is an invalid time unit, and second time unit 2 (not shown in Figure 4A) is a discarded time unit. The above eight second downlink time units can belong to any one of the first time units 0 to 9.

[0229] Example 2: The indices of the eight second downlink time units are 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, and 1. For example, Figure 4B shows the ten first time units included in the first radio frame, such as first time units 0 to 9. Each first time unit includes second time units 4 to 2. For Design A above, in each first time unit, second time units 4 to 1 are valid time units, and second time unit 2 is an invalid time unit. For Design B above, in each first time unit, second time units 4 to 1 are valid time units, second time unit 2 is an invalid time unit, and second time unit 3 (not shown in Figure 4B) is a discarded time unit. The above eight second downlink time units can belong to any one of the first time units 0 to 9.

[0230] Example 3: The indices of the eight second downlink time units are 8, 9, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. In this case, the descriptions of the first and second time units can be found in Figures 4A and 4B above. The difference is that in this example, each first time unit includes second time units 8, 9, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Second time units 8 through 5 are valid time units, second time unit 6 is an invalid second time unit, and second time unit 7 is a discarded time unit.

[0231] Example 4: The indices of the eight second downlink time units are 9, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. In this case, the descriptions of the first and second time units can be found in Figures 4A and 4B above. The difference is that in this example, each first time unit includes second time units 9, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Second time units 9 through 6 are valid time units, second time unit 7 is invalid, and second time unit 8 is a discarded time unit.

[0232] In one embodiment, the indices of the second time units within the first time unit are numbered in ascending order. The index of the first second time unit within the first time unit can be 0 or 1; this application uses an index of 0 as an example.

[0233] For example, Figure 4C shows 10 first time units included in a first radio frame, such as first time units 0 to 9. Each first time unit includes second time units 0 to 8. For Design A above, in each first time unit, second time units 0 to 7 are valid time units, and second time unit 8 is an invalid time unit. For Design B above, in each first time unit, second time units 0 to 7 are valid time units, second time unit 8 is an invalid time unit, and second time unit 9 (not shown in Figure 4C) is a discarded time unit.

[0234] Understandably, the aforementioned eight second downlink time units can belong to any one of the first time units 0 to 9 shown in Figure 4C. Regarding Figure 4C, the index of the second time unit mapped by MIB, SSS, PSS, or SIB1 in the downlink information can be redefined. For example, it can be determined based on the position of the second time unit mapped by MIB, SSS, PSS, or SIB1 in Examples 1, 2, 3, or 4 above. Here, position refers to the position of the second time unit within its corresponding first time unit.

[0235] If we take the position of the second time unit mapped in Example 1 as a reference, then in Figure 4C, the second downlink time unit with MIB mapping index 7 is the second downlink time unit with SSS mapping index 6 is the second downlink time unit with PSS mapping index 2 is the second downlink time unit with PSS mapping index 2 is the second downlink time unit with SIB1 mapping index 1 in the downlink information.

[0236] If we take the position of the second time unit mapped in Example 2 as a reference, then in Figure 4C, the second downlink time unit with MIB mapping index 6, SSS mapping index 5, PSS mapping index 1, and SIB1 mapping index 0 in the downlink information is the second downlink time unit.

[0237] If we take the position of the second time unit mapped in Example 3 as a reference, then in Figure 4C, the second downlink time unit with MIB mapping index 2 is the second downlink time unit with SSS mapping index 1 is the second downlink time unit with PSS mapping index 7 is the second downlink time unit with PSS mapping index 7 is the second downlink time unit with SIB1 mapping index 6 in the downlink information.

[0238] If we take the position of the second time unit mapped in Example 4 as a reference, then in Figure 4C, the second downlink time unit with MIB mapping index 1, SSS mapping index 0, PSS mapping index 6, and SIB1 mapping index 5 in the downlink information is the second downlink time unit.

[0239] It should be understood that the above are merely examples of the indexes of the second time units mapped by MIB, SSS, PSS, or SIB1. In specific applications, MIB, SSS, PSS, or SIB1 can also be mapped to other second time units without limitation.

[0240] In one implementation, SSS and SIB1 can be transmitted on a first time unit with an even index, and MIB and PSS can be transmitted on both a first time unit with an even index and a first time unit with an odd index.

[0241] For example, if the eight second downlink time units belong to the first time unit 0 in Figure 4A, the access network node sends SIB1 on the second time unit 4 of the first time unit 0, sends PSS on the second time unit 5, sends SSS on the second time unit 9, and sends MIB on the second time unit 0.

[0242] For example, if the eight second downlink time units belong to the first time unit 1 in Figure 4A, the access network node sends a PSS on the second time unit 5 of the first time unit 1 and sends a MIB on the second time unit 0.

[0243] Understandably, the above implementation method enables the terminal to receive important signals such as MIB, SSS, PSS or SIB1 in the first radio frame, thereby enabling synchronization and random access.

[0244] In one implementation, the first radio frame includes four downlink time slots, four uplink time slots, and one one-way time slot. Eight second downlink time units are mapped to one of the four downlink time slots, and eight second uplink time units are mapped to one of the four uplink time slots.

[0245] The aforementioned downlink time slot is used for access network nodes to send downlink signals, the aforementioned uplink time slot is used for terminals to send uplink signals, and the aforementioned one-way time slot is used for access network nodes to send broadcast information. For example, the duration of one downlink time slot is 8.28ms, the duration of one uplink time slot is 8.28ms, and the duration of one one-way time slot is 20.32ms.

[0246] For example, the eight second downlink time units are mapped to the first downlink period of the four downlink periods, and the eight second uplink time units are mapped to the first uplink period of the four uplink periods. For instance, the positions of the eight second downlink time units and the eight second uplink time units can be as shown in Figure 5A.

[0247] For example, the eight second downlink time units are mapped to the second downlink period of the four downlink periods mentioned above, and the eight second uplink time units are mapped to the second uplink period of the four uplink periods mentioned above. For example, the positions of the eight second downlink time units and the eight second uplink time units can be shown in Figure 5B.

[0248] For example, the eight second downlink time units are mapped to the third downlink period of the four downlink periods mentioned above, and the eight second uplink time units are mapped to the third uplink period of the four uplink periods mentioned above. For example, the positions of the eight second downlink time units and the eight second uplink time units can be as shown in Figure 5C.

[0249] For example, the eight second downlink time units are mapped to the fourth downlink period of the four downlink periods, and the eight second uplink time units are mapped to the fourth uplink period of the four uplink periods. For instance, the positions of the eight second downlink time units and the eight second uplink time units can be shown in Figure 5D.

[0250] In one design, downlink time slots 0 to 3 in Figures 5A and 5B belong to one frame (e.g., frame 1), while the unidirectional time slots in Figures 5A and 5B, and uplink time slots 0 to 3 belong to another frame (e.g., frame 2).

[0251] Optionally, the terminal can adjust the timing to advance so that the eight second uplink time units are mapped exactly into one uplink period.

[0252] The above method enables the access network node to send downlink information to the terminal during one of the four downlink time periods, and enables the terminal to send uplink information during one of the four uplink time periods.

[0253] In one implementation, a transport block (TB) of SIB1 comprises four sub-blocks, such as sub-block 0 to sub-block 3. Each of the four sub-blocks maps to a second time unit (e.g., the second time unit with index 4). The sub-blocks included in SIB1 can also be called coded sub-blocks, without limitation.

[0254] For example, the mapping rules for the four sub-blocks in the four cycles of the first radio frame are shown in Table 1. In Table 1, #1 represents the first first time unit in one cycle of the first radio frame, #2 represents the second first time unit in one cycle of the first radio frame, and so on, with #10 representing the tenth first time unit in one cycle of the first radio frame. If the index of the first first time unit is even, then in one cycle, a sub-block can be mapped to the first, third, fifth, seventh, and ninth first time units. As can be seen from Table 1, when the eight second downlink time units are mapped to the first first time unit in each cycle from cycle 1 to cycle 4, the terminal can receive sub-blocks 0 to 4, i.e., the complete SIB1, in four cycles. It should be understood that the same effect can be achieved when the eight second downlink time units are mapped to the third, fifth, seventh, or ninth first time units in each period from period 1 to period 4.

[0255] Table 1

[0256] In one implementation, a transport block of SIB1 includes eight sub-blocks, such as sub-block 0 to sub-block 7. Each of the eight sub-blocks maps to a second time unit (e.g., the second time unit with index 4).

[0257] For example, the mapping rules for the above eight sub-blocks in the eight cycles of the first radio frame are shown in Table 2. If the index of the first first time unit is even, then within one cycle, a sub-block can be mapped to the first, third, fifth, seventh, and ninth first time units. As can be seen from Table 2, when the eight second downlink time units are mapped to the first first time unit in each cycle from cycle 1 to cycle 8, the terminal can receive sub-blocks 0 to 7, i.e., the complete SIB1, within eight cycles. It should be understood that the same effect can be achieved when the eight second downlink time units are mapped to the third, fifth, seventh, or ninth first time units in each cycle from cycle 1 to cycle 8.

[0258] Table 2

[0259] In one implementation, the transmission period of SIB1 is (2×t×n). Here, t represents the duration of the first time unit, such as 9ms, and n represents the number of sub-blocks included in a transport block of SIB1, or the number of second time units mapped to a transport block of SIB1. For example, with n equal to 4, the transmission period of SIB1 is 72ms; with n equal to 8, the transmission period of SIB1 is 144ms.

[0260] In one implementation, a transport block of the MIB includes eight sub-blocks, such as sub-blocks 0 to 7. Each sub-block is mapped eight times, with one sub-block mapped each time in a second time unit (e.g., the second time unit with index 0). The sub-blocks included in the MIB can also be called coded sub-blocks, without limitation.

[0261] For example, the mapping rules for the above 8 sub-blocks in the 7 periods of the first radio frame are shown in Table 3. After the 8 sub-blocks are mapped repeatedly 8 times, a total of 64 first time units can be mapped.

[0262] Table 3

[0263] In one implementation, the MIB transmission period is (8×t×8), or 576ms. One 8 represents 8 sub-blocks, the other 8 represents the number of times each sub-block is repeatedly transmitted, and t represents the duration of the first time unit, such as 9ms.

[0264] In one implementation, the PSS transmission period is 9ms.

[0265] In one implementation, the first time unit is numbered from 0 to K, where K = N × L⁻¹. When the index of the first time unit changes from K to 0, the index of the third time unit is incremented by 1. The index of the third time unit can be represented using 10 bits. The lower two bits of these 10 bits can be indicated by the MIB, for example, by the hyperSFN-LSB-r13 field in the MIB. The higher eight bits of these 10 bits can be indicated by SIB1, for example, by the hyperSFN-MSB-r13 field in SIB1. In this way, the index of the third time unit can be indicated, enabling the terminal to determine the index of the third time unit to which the MIB and SIB1 belong.

[0266] The index of the third time unit is used to distinguish different third time units. The index of the third time unit can be replaced by the number, identifier, or sequence number of the third time unit.

[0267] In one implementation, the terminal determines the index of the first time unit within the third time unit based on the SSS and MIB.

[0268] As mentioned earlier, (N×L) can be less than 1024, equal to 1024, or greater than 1024. When (N×L) is less than or equal to 1024, the index of the first time unit can be represented using 10 bits. SSS is transmitted on the first time unit with an even index, so the transmission period of an SSS is the duration of two first time units, i.e., 18ms. Within eight first time units, such as 72ms, four SSS can be mapped, and these four SSS have different scrambling sequences. After receiving an SSS, the terminal can determine the mapping boundary of the eight first time units (i.e., 72ms) by combining its corresponding scrambling sequence, such as the lower 3 bits of the 10 bits. A transport block of MIB consists of eight sub-blocks, each sub-block is transmitted eight times, one sub-block is transmitted each time on a second time unit, and the scrambling sequence of each of the eight sub-blocks is different. Therefore, by detecting the index of a sub-block, the terminal can determine which 72ms within the 576ms (i.e., the MIB's transmission period) that sub-block belongs to. Then, based on the index of the first time unit within that 72ms obtained from the SSS, the timing up to 576ms can be determined, specifically the lower 6 bits of the 10-bit sequence. Furthermore, the MIB can also indicate the higher 4 bits of these 10 bits using 4 bits, such as the systemFrameNumber-MSB field in the MIB. Through this method, the terminal can determine the index of the first time unit to which the MIB and SSS belong.

[0269] When (N×L) is greater than 1024, the index of the third time unit can be represented using X bits, where X is an integer greater than 10, for example, X equals 11. The method for determining the lower 6 bits of these X bits is similar to the method for determining the lower 6 bits of the 10 bits described in the previous paragraph. The remaining higher bits of these X bits can be indicated by the MIB. For example, the MIB includes first indication information, which indicates the higher (X-6) bits of the index of the first time unit mapped by the MIB. When X equals 11, the first indication information can indicate the higher 5 bits of the index of the first time unit mapped by the MIB, and the first indication information can include 5 bits.

[0270] In one implementation, the first indication information is carried in the systemFrameNumber-MSB field of the MIB.

[0271] In one implementation, the access network node can retain the method used in the current standard for indicating radio frame indices. For example, the access network node indicates the radio frame index to which the MIB and SSS belong, based on a structure where a superframe includes 1024 radio frames and a radio frame includes 10 subframes. After receiving the MIB and SSS, the terminal can first determine the radio frame index to which the MIB and SSS belong, and then perform calculations based on the first radio frame to obtain the index of the first time unit to which the MIB and SSS belong. This implementation can reduce the impact on the current standard.

[0272] In addition to the method shown in Figure 3, this application also provides a communication method in which the access network node can align the first downlink time period used for communication with a 3GPP-compliant terminal with the time period in the radio frame used to map certain downlink information, according to the transmission period and mapping rules defined in the 3GPP standard. This ensures that the 3GPP-compliant terminal can receive this downlink information in a timely manner. Similarly, the access network node can align the first uplink time period used for communication with a 3GPP-compliant terminal with the time period in the radio frame used to map certain uplink information, ensuring that the 3GPP-compliant terminal can send this uplink information in a timely manner. This will be described in detail below.

[0273] As shown in Figure 6, another communication method provided in this application may include the following steps:

[0274] S601: The access network node sends downlink information to the terminal during the first downlink session. Correspondingly, the terminal receives downlink information from the access network node during the first downlink session.

[0275] The aforementioned terminals include those that comply with 3GPP specifications, such as NB-IoT terminals.

[0276] Downlink information includes one or more of the following: MIB, SSS, PSS, SIB1, or paging messages. It should be understood that the above are merely examples of downlink information; in specific applications, downlink information may also include other types of information, and this application does not impose any limitations.

[0277] S602: The terminal sends uplink information to the access network node during the first uplink period. Correspondingly, the access network node receives uplink information from the terminal during the first uplink period.

[0278] The terminal in S602 can be the same as or different from the terminal in S601.

[0279] In one implementation, when the terminal in S602 is the same as the terminal in S601, the access network node uses the downlink information in S601 to schedule the terminal to send uplink information during the first uplink period.

[0280] Uplink information includes one or more of the following: uplink random access signals, information carried by the PUSCH, or information carried by the PUCCH. Taking a two-step random access procedure as an example, the uplink random access signal is message A (MsgA). Taking a four-step random access procedure as an example, the uplink random access signal is message 1 (Msg1) or message 3 (Msg3).

[0281] It should be understood that the above are merely examples of uplink information. In specific applications, uplink information may also include other types of information, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0282] One possible design is that the first downlink session belongs to the first frame, and the first frame has a duration of 90ms. The first uplink session belongs to the second frame, and the second frame has a duration of 90ms. The first and second frames are two consecutive frames in the time domain. The duration of the first downlink session is 8.28ms, and the duration of the first uplink session is 8.28ms.

[0283] Furthermore, the first frame includes 3 downlink time slots, 4 uplink time slots, and 1 one-way time slot, while the second frame also includes 3 uplink time slots, 4 downlink time slots, and 1 one-way time slot. In other words, both the first and second frames include 4 downlink time slots, 4 uplink time slots, and 1 one-way time slot. That is, the frame structures of the first and second frames are identical. For example, the frame structures of both the first and second frames can be as shown in Figure 1A.

[0284] In one implementation, the first downlink time period can map signals from two radio frames.

[0285] For example, the first downlink time period maps the signals of subframes 3 to 9 in the first radio frame and the signal of subframe 0 in the second radio frame; or, the first downlink time period maps the signals of subframes 4 to 9 in the first radio frame and the signals of subframes 0 to 1 in the second radio frame; or, the first downlink time period maps the signals of subframes 8 to 9 in the first radio frame and the signals of subframes 0 to 5 in the second radio frame; or, the first downlink time period maps the signal of subframe 9 in the first radio frame and the signals of subframes 0 to 6 in the second radio frame.

[0286] The first and second radio frames are two consecutive radio frames in the time domain. The duration of the first and second radio frames is 10ms. Each radio frame consists of 10 subframes, such as subframe 0 to subframe 9, and the duration of each subframe is 1ms.

[0287] Understandably, in the 3GPP standard, MIB is typically mapped to subframe 0, SIB1 to subframe 4, PSS to subframe 5, and SSS to subframe 9. Therefore, the above implementation allows terminals that comply with the 3GPP specification to receive MIB, SIB1, PSS, and SSS.

[0288] In one implementation, the first downlink period is the first downlink period in the first frame, and the first uplink period is the first uplink period in the second frame. Alternatively, the first downlink period is the second downlink period in the first frame, and the first uplink period is the second uplink period in the second frame. Or, the first downlink period is the third downlink period in the first frame, and the first uplink period is the third uplink period in the second frame. Or, the first downlink period is the fourth downlink period in the first frame, and the first uplink period is the fourth uplink period in the second frame.

[0289] For example, taking the uplink and downlink periods shown in Figure 5A as an example, the first downlink period is downlink period 0 in Figure 5A, and the first uplink period is uplink period 0 in Figure 5A; or, the first downlink period is downlink period 1 in Figure 5A, and the first uplink period is uplink period 1 in Figure 5A; or, the first downlink period is downlink period 2 in Figure 5A, and the first uplink period is uplink period 2 in Figure 5A; or, the first downlink period is downlink period 3 in Figure 5A, and the first uplink period is uplink period 3 in Figure 5A.

[0290] In one implementation, the period of the uplink random access signal is T2, where T2 is an integer multiple of 90ms. For details, please refer to the corresponding description in the method shown in Figure 3.

[0291] In one implementation, the period of the paging message is T1, where T1 is an integer multiple of 90ms. For details, please refer to the corresponding description in the method shown in Figure 3.

[0292] The various embodiments mentioned above in this application can be combined without contradiction, and no limitation is imposed.

[0293] The above mainly describes the solution provided in this application from the perspective of interaction between various network elements. Correspondingly, this application also provides a communication device, which can be a terminal as described in the above method embodiments, or a device including the aforementioned terminal, or a component usable in a terminal; or, the communication device can be an access network node as described in the above method embodiments, or a device including the aforementioned access network node, or a component usable in an access network node. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, the aforementioned terminal or access network node includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function.

[0294] Figure 7 illustrates a possible exemplary block diagram of the communication device involved in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 7, the communication device 70 may include modules or units for implementing the method embodiments described above. In one possible design, the communication device 70 includes a processing module 701 and a communication module 702. The processing module 701, also referred to as a processing unit, is used to perform operations other than transmission and reception operations, and may be, for example, a processing circuit or a processor. The communication module 702, also referred to as an interface unit, is used to perform transmission and reception operations, and may be, for example, an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0295] In some embodiments, the communication device 70 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG7) for storing one or more of program instructions, program code or data.

[0296] In some embodiments, the communication device 70 may further include an AI module (not shown in FIG. 7) for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. For example, the AI ​​module includes a RIC module. Optionally, the AI ​​module and the storage module are integrated into one module, or the AI ​​module and the processing module 701 are integrated into one module.

[0297] For example, the communication device 70 can be a terminal-side device in the above embodiments, such as a terminal or a communication module or processing module in the terminal, or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions.

[0298] For example, in one embodiment, processing module 701 is used to determine the first wireless frame.

[0299] The communication module 702 is configured to perform at least one of receiving downlink information or sending uplink information based on the first radio frame. For example, the communication module 702 may be configured to perform at least one of S301 or S302.

[0300] In one possible design, when the communication device 70 is a terminal or a communication module within a terminal, the functionality of the processing module 701 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or a SIP chip containing a modem core. The functionality of the communication module 702 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0301] In one possible design, when the communication device 70 is a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing module 701 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication module 702 can be implemented by interface circuits or data transceiver circuits on the aforementioned chip.

[0302] In one possible design, when the communication device 70 is a terminal or a processing module within a terminal, the functionality of the processing module 701 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a GPU, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a GPU. Alternatively, the processor may include an AI processor, or a SoC or SIP chip containing an AI processor. Or, the processor may include an ASIC, or a SoC or SIP chip containing an ASIC. The functionality of the communication module 702 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0303] In one possible design, when the communication device 70 is a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for processing functions, such as a GPU or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a GPU, an AI processor or a SoC or SIP chip containing an AI processor, or an ASIC or a SoC or SIP chip containing an ASIC, the function of the processing module 701 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication module 702 can be implemented by interface circuits or data transceiver circuits on the aforementioned chip.

[0304] Alternatively, for example, the communication device 70 can be a network-side device in the above embodiments, such as an access network node or a module (e.g., a circuit, a chip, or a chip system) in the access network node.

[0305] For example, in one embodiment, processing module 701 is used to determine the first wireless frame.

[0306] The communication module 702 is configured to perform at least one of transmitting downlink information or receiving uplink information based on the first radio frame. For example, the communication module 702 may be configured to perform at least one of S301 or S302.

[0307] Alternatively, for example, the communication device 70 can be a network-side device in the above embodiments, such as an access network node or a module (e.g., a circuit, a chip, or a chip system) in the access network node.

[0308] For example, in one embodiment, processing module 701 controls communication module 702 to send downlink information to the terminal during the first downlink time period. For example, processing module 701 can be used to execute S601.

[0309] The processing module 701 is also configured to control the communication module 702 to receive uplink information from the terminal during the first uplink period. For example, the communication module 702 may be used to execute S602.

[0310] It is understood that the division of units in the above-described device is merely a logical functional division. One function can correspond to one functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or some units can be integrated onto a single physical entity, or distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the aforementioned functional units can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Whether a function is executed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for specific applications, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0311] It is understood that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units are implemented by software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into a SoC or ASIC, or it can be a separate semiconductor chip. In addition to the core that executes the software instructions for computation or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0312] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, application-specific digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the above method flow independently of software.

[0313] In specific implementations, the terminal-side device or network-side device in the above embodiments can adopt the composition structure shown in FIG8, or include the components shown in FIG8. FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device applicable to this application. It is understood that the communication device 80 includes means of necessary forms such as modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, which are appropriately configured together to execute the solution provided in this application. For example, the communication device 80 includes one or more processors 801 for implementing the method provided in this application.

[0314] Processor 801 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor. For example, processor 801 can be a baseband processor or a CPU. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device 80 (such as an access network node, terminal, or chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs. Optionally, in one design, processor 801 may include program 805 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on processor 801 to cause the communication device 80 to perform the methods described in the above embodiments. In yet another possible design, communication device 80 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG8) for implementing the functions of the terminal or access network node in the above embodiments.

[0315] Optionally, the communication device 80 may include one or more memories 803. The memory 803 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM), cache, or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions. It may also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory provided in this application may generally be non-volatile. Optionally, the memory 803 stores a program 807 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 801 to cause the communication device 80 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0316] Optionally, the processor 801 may include an AI module 806, and / or the memory 803 may include an AI module 808. The aforementioned AI modules are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RIC module. For example, the AI ​​module can be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0317] Optionally, data may also be stored in the processor 801 and / or the memory 803. The processor 801 and the memory 803 may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0318] Optionally, the communication device 80 may also include a transceiver 802 and / or an antenna 804. The processor 801, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device 80. The transceiver 802, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to implement the transmission and reception functions of the communication device 80 via the antenna 804.

[0319] It is understood that the composition shown in Figure 8 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. In addition to the components shown in Figure 8, the communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0320] In one example, the functional units in the communication device 70 may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the methods described above, such as: one or more ASICs, or one or more CPUs, one or more MCUs, one or more DSPs, or one or more FPGAs, or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms. For example, the processing module 701 is configured as a processor 801, the communication module 702 is configured as a transceiver 802, and the storage module of the communication device 70 is configured as a memory 803.

[0321] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0322] Optionally, this application also provides a chip system, including: at least one processor and an interface, wherein the at least one processor is coupled to a memory via the interface, and when the at least one processor executes a computer program or instructions in the memory, the method in any of the above method embodiments is executed. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory. Optionally, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices; this application does not specifically limit this.

[0323] Optionally, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the program can include the processes described in the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the communication device in any of the foregoing embodiments, such as the hard disk or memory of the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the communication device, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the communication device. Further, the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can include both internal storage units and external storage devices of the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium is used to store the aforementioned computer program and other programs and data required by the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0324] Optionally, this application also provides a computer program product. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the above computer program product, and when executed, it can include the processes described in the above method embodiments.

[0325] Optionally, this application also provides computer instructions. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by computer instructions instructing related hardware (such as a computer, processor, terminal, or access network node). The program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium or the aforementioned computer program product.

[0326] Optionally, this application also provides a communication system, including: the access network node and terminal in the above embodiments.

[0327] It is understood that the term "connection" in this application can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection; furthermore, it can refer to an electrical connection or a communication connection. For example, the connection of two electrical components A and B can refer to a direct connection between A and B, or an indirect connection between A and B through other electrical components or connection media, enabling the transmission of electrical signals between A and B; similarly, the connection of two devices A and B can refer to a direct connection between A and B, or an indirect connection between A and B through other communication devices or communication media, enabling communication between A and B.

[0328] It is understood that the message names or parameter names between network elements in the above embodiments of this application are merely examples, and other names may be used in specific implementations. This application does not impose any specific limitations on these names. Furthermore, the terms "system" and "network" in this application can be used interchangeably.

[0329] It is understood that in this application, " / " can indicate that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" can be used to describe three relationships between the related objects. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Here, A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, expressions like "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" are generally used to indicate any of the following: A exists alone; B exists alone; C exists alone; A and B exist simultaneously; A and C exist simultaneously; B and C exist simultaneously; A, B, and C exist simultaneously. The above examples using three elements (A, B, and C) illustrate the optional entries for this item. When the expression contains more elements, its meaning can be obtained according to the aforementioned rules.

[0330] To facilitate the description of the technical solutions of this application, the terms "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish technical features with the same or similar functions. The terms "first" and "second" do not limit the number or execution order, nor do they imply that they are necessarily different. In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. The use of "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0331] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply a sequential order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of this application.

[0332] It is understood that in this application, "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require that there must be a judgment action when implemented, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0333] In this application, "less than or equal to" can be replaced with "less than" or "equal to". For example, "A is less than or equal to B" can be replaced with "A is less than B" or "A is equal to B".

[0334] It is understood that some optional features in this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution upon which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus provided in this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0335] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0336] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0337] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0338] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method includes: Perform at least one of receiving downlink information or sending uplink information according to the first radio frame; The duration of the first wireless frame is 90ms, and the downlink information includes one or more of the following: main information block, secondary synchronization signal, main synchronization signal, system information block 1, or paging message; The first radio frame includes 10 first time units, and the first radio frame includes at least one of 8 second downlink time units or 8 second uplink time units, wherein the duration of one second downlink time unit is 1ms and the duration of one second uplink time unit is 1ms. The eight second downlink time units belong to one of the ten first time units, and the eight second uplink time units belong to another of the ten first time units; The downlink information is received through the eight second downlink time units, and the uplink information is sent through the eight second uplink time units.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first radio frame includes four downlink time slots, four uplink time slots, and one one-way time slot; The eight second downlink time units are mapped to one of the four downlink time periods; The eight second uplink time units are mapped to one of the four uplink time periods.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A third time unit is composed of (N×L) first time units, where L is an integer greater than 1, N is a positive integer, and (N×L) is less than or equal to 1024.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A third time unit is composed of (N×L) first time units, where L is an integer greater than 1, N is a positive integer, and (N×L) is greater than 1024. The main information block includes first indication information, which indicates the high 5 bits of the index of the first time unit mapped by the main information block.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The duration of one of the third time units is an integer multiple of 90 ms.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The second downlink time unit is where the main information block mapping index is 0; The auxiliary synchronization signal mapping index is the second downlink time unit of 9; The primary synchronization signal mapping index is the second downlink time unit of 5; The system information block 1 mapping index is the second downlink time unit of 4.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The uplink information includes an uplink random access signal, the period of which is T2, and T2 is an integer multiple of 90ms.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The period of the paging message is T1, which is an integer multiple of 90ms.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The indices of the eight second downlink time units are 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0; or, The indices of the eight second downlink time units are 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, and 1; or, The indices of the eight second downlink time units are 8, 9, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; or, The indices of the eight second downlink time units are 9, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

10. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method includes: Perform at least one of transmitting downlink information or receiving uplink information according to the first radio frame; The duration of the first wireless frame is 90ms, and the downlink information includes one or more of the following: main information block, secondary synchronization signal, main synchronization signal, system information block 1, or paging message; The first radio frame includes 10 first time units, and the first radio frame includes at least one of 8 second downlink time units or 8 second uplink time units, wherein the duration of one second downlink time unit is 1ms and the duration of one second uplink time unit is 1ms. The eight second downlink time units belong to one of the ten first time units, and the eight second uplink time units belong to another of the ten first time units; The downlink information is sent through the eight second downlink time units, and the uplink information is received through the eight second uplink time units.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The first radio frame includes four downlink time slots, four uplink time slots, and one one-way time slot; The eight second downlink time units are mapped to one of the four downlink time periods; The eight second uplink time units are mapped to one of the four uplink time periods.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, A third time unit is composed of (N×L) first time units, where L is an integer greater than 1, N is a positive integer, and (N×L) is less than or equal to 1024.

13. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein, A third time unit is composed of (N×L) first time units, where L is an integer greater than 1, N is a positive integer, and (N×L) is greater than 1024. The main information block includes first indication information, which indicates the high 5 bits of the index of the first time unit mapped by the main information block.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The duration of one of the third time units is an integer multiple of 90 ms.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, The second downlink time unit is where the main information block mapping index is 0; The auxiliary synchronization signal mapping index is the second downlink time unit of 9; The primary synchronization signal mapping index is the second downlink time unit of 5; The system information block 1 mapping index is the second downlink time unit of 4.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that, The uplink information includes an uplink random access signal, the period of which is T2, and T2 is an integer multiple of 90ms.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that, The period of the paging message is T1, which is an integer multiple of 90ms.

18. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that, The indices of the eight second downlink time units are 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0; or, The indices of the eight second downlink time units are 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, and 1; or, The indices of the eight second downlink time units are 8, 9, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; or, The indices of the eight second downlink time units are 9, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

19. A method of communication, comprising: The method includes: Downlink information is sent to the terminal during the first downlink period. The downlink information includes one or more of the following: a main information block, a secondary synchronization signal, a main synchronization signal, system information block 1, or a paging message. Receive uplink information from the terminal during the first uplink period; Wherein, the first downlink period belongs to the first frame, the duration of the first frame is 90ms, the first uplink period belongs to the second frame, the duration of the second frame is 90ms, and the first frame and the second frame are two consecutive frames in the time domain. The first frame also includes 3 downlink time slots, 4 uplink time slots and 1 one-way time slot, and the second frame also includes 3 uplink time slots, 4 downlink time slots and 1 one-way time slot.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The first downlink time period maps the signals of subframes 3 to 9 in the first radio frame, and the signal of subframe 0 in the second radio frame; or, The first downlink time period maps the signals of subframes 4 to 9 in the first radio frame and the signals of subframes 0 to 1 in the second radio frame; or, The first downlink time period maps the signals of subframes 8 to 9 in the first radio frame and the signals of subframes 0 to 5 in the second radio frame; or, The first downlink time period maps the signal of subframe 9 in the first radio frame and the signals of subframes 0 to 6 in the second radio frame; The first wireless frame and the second wireless frame are two consecutive wireless frames in the time domain.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, The first downlink period is the first downlink period in the first frame, and the first uplink period is the first uplink period in the second frame; or, The first downlink period is the second downlink period in the first frame, and the first uplink period is the second uplink period in the second frame; or, The first downlink period is the third downlink period in the first frame, and the first uplink period is the third uplink period in the second frame; or, The first downlink period is the fourth downlink period in the first frame, and the first uplink period is the fourth uplink period in the second frame.

22. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that, The duration of the first downlink session is 8.28ms; The duration of the first uplink period is 8.28ms.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that, The uplink information includes an uplink random access signal, the period of which is T2, and T2 is an integer multiple of 90ms.

24. The method of any one of claims 19-23, wherein, The period of the paging message is T1, which is an integer multiple of 90ms.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 18, or units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 19 to 24.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing a program or instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 18, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 24.

27. The communication device according to claim 26, characterized in that, The communication device also includes the memory.

28. The communication apparatus according to claim 26 or 27, wherein, The communication device is a chip.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 18, or the method as described in any one of claims 19 to 24.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes computer program code that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 9, or the method of any one of claims 10 to 18, or the method of any one of claims 19 to 24.

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