Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus. The method comprises: a terminal device receives first information and second information, wherein the first information indicates a first PRACH resource for the terminal device to perform initial random access, the first PRACH resource is in an inactive state, and the second information instructs activating the first PRACH resource; and then, on the basis of the first PRACH resource, the terminal device can perform initial random access. In this implementation, the first PRACH resource is configured and activated, so that the terminal device can use the first PRACH to perform initial random access, thereby improving the flexibility of random access.

Description

A communication method and a communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510117583.4, filed on January 24, 2025, entitled "A Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0003] With the rapid development of mobile communication technology and the increasing variety of wireless communication application scenarios, many technologies have been introduced to meet the diverse needs of scenarios such as high speed, low latency, and large-scale connection.

[0004] In wireless communication networks, initial access is a crucial step in establishing communication between user equipment (UE) and the base station (BS). The initial access process determines whether the UE can successfully register with the network and establish a connection with the base station, enabling subsequent data transmission and service access. This process involves multiple signaling interaction steps, among which the random access procedure is particularly important. Random access is used to resolve the time-frequency synchronization problem between the UE and the base station and to allocate uplink resources to the UE for further communication. However, current initial access procedures associate different UEs or different synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) with the same physical random access channel (PRACH) configuration, resulting in poor flexibility in initial random access. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and a communication device that can enhance the flexibility of random access.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be applied to the terminal side, such as a terminal device or a communication module in a terminal device, or a circuit or chip in a terminal device responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device.

[0007] In this method, first information is received, which indicates a first PRACH resource. The first PRACH resource is used by the terminal device to perform initial random access and is in an inactive state. Second information is received, which indicates the activation of the first PRACH resource. Initial random access is performed according to the first PRACH resource.

[0008] For example, the first PRACH resource may also be referred to as a dynamic PRACH resource, a schedulable PRACH resource, an additional PRACH resource, or other names, without limitation. In this application, the first PRACH resource configured through the first information is inactive, or in other words, the initial state of the first PRACH resource is inactive. That is to say, the first PRACH resource becomes available after being activated, so the terminal device can determine that the first PRACH resource is activated after receiving the second information, and at this time the terminal device can use the first PRACH resource for initial random access.

[0009] Understandably, initial random access can also be simply referred to as initial access, without limitation. The initial random access process refers to the process by which a terminal device first accesses the network, typically used to establish the first communication connection between the terminal device and network devices. For example, after selecting a suitable small area to camp in, the terminal device can initiate an initial random access process to register with the network and establish a connection. It should be noted that initial random access differs from processes such as cell handover, cell search and synchronization, cell selection / reselection, beam failure recovery management, system message passing, and re-random access.

[0010] Using the above method, after receiving the first information, the terminal device can determine the inactive first PRACH resource used for initial random access. Then, after receiving the second information, it can determine that the first PRACH resource has been activated. Therefore, the terminal device can use the first PRACH resource for initial random access to realize subsequent data transmission and service access. This implementation method can enhance the flexibility of random access of the terminal device and improve random access performance.

[0011] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving third information, the third information being used to indicate a second PRACH resource, the second PRACH resource being used by the terminal device for initial random access, the second PRACH resource being in an active state, and the second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource having different time-frequency domain resources; and performing initial random access based on the second PRACH resource.

[0012] For example, the second PRACH resource may also be called a static PRACH resource or other names, without limitation. In this application, the second PRACH resource configured through the third information is in an active state, or in other words, the initial state of the second PRACH resource is inactive. That is to say, the second PRACH resource is always directly available, so after the terminal device obtains the second PRACH resource, it can use the second PRACH resource for initial random access.

[0013] For example, the second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource have different time-frequency domain resources, which can be understood as: the second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource have different time-domain resources and / or different frequency-domain resources. For example, the second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource do not overlap at all in the time domain, or overlap or partially overlap in the time domain, but do not overlap at all in the frequency domain; as another example, the second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource do not overlap at all in the frequency domain, or overlap or partially overlap in the frequency domain, but do not overlap at all in the time domain; yet another example, the second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource do not overlap at all in the time domain, and also do not overlap at all in the frequency domain. That is to say, the second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource can overlap, without limitation.

[0014] Using the above method, after receiving the third information, the terminal device can determine the active second PRACH resource for initial random access. Therefore, the terminal device can use the second PRACH resource for initial random access to realize subsequent data transmission and service access. In this implementation, the terminal device can perform initial random access on the first PRACH resource and / or the second PRACH resource, which can enhance the flexibility of the terminal device's random access and improve the performance of random access.

[0015] In one possible design, the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0016] Optionally, the first threshold can be predefined or preconfigured. For example, the value of the first threshold can be 4 or 6, without limitation.

[0017] For example, the configuration period of the second PRACH resource can be longer (e.g., 8 radio frames) compared to the configuration period of an existing defined PRACH resource (e.g., 4 radio frames), without limitation.

[0018] By using the above method, by limiting the configuration period of the second PRACH resource to be greater than or equal to the first threshold, the sparsity of the second PRACH resource can be increased, which can effectively save network energy.

[0019] In one possible design, the configuration cycle of the first PRACH resource is shorter than that of the second PRACH resource.

[0020] In other words, the second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource have different time-domain configuration periods. For example, the configuration period of the first PRACH resource is 4 radio frames, and the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is 8 radio frames. It should be noted that although the configuration periods of the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource are different, the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource can overlap, and this is not limited.

[0021] Using the above method, during the initial access process, the terminal device can send a preamble to the second PRACH resource for random access instead of using the first PRACH resource with a shorter configuration period. In this way, the access network device can monitor within the radio frame where the second PRACH resource is located, which can save energy for both the terminal and the access network device.

[0022] In one possible design, the third information is carried in a system information block (SIB); and / or, the first information is carried in an SIB, or a random access response (RAR) message, or message 4 (Msg4).

[0023] Using the above method, multiple implementations of configuration signaling for the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource are provided. For example, it can be carried in system messages or other signaling instead of in higher-layer signaling, such as radio resource control (RRC), which is highly flexible and feasible.

[0024] In one possible design, when the first information is carried in an SIB (e.g., system information block type 1, SIB1), the second information is carried in any of the following messages: RAR message, MSG4, paging message, or WUS; or, when the first information is carried in a RAR message, the second information is carried in a RAR message, MSG4, paging message, or wake-up signal; or, when the first information is carried in MSG4, the second information is carried in MSG4, paging message, or wake-up signal.

[0025] Using the above method, the second information used to activate the first PRACH resource can be carried in various possible signaling implementations, such as RAR messages, MSG4, paging messages, or wake-up signals, which is highly flexible and operable.

[0026] In one possible design, the multiple first PRACH resources satisfy at least one of the following: the configuration periods of the multiple first PRACH resources are different; the multiple first PRACH resources do not overlap in the time domain; the positions and number of subframes contained in the multiple first PRACH resources are different; or, the distribution of random access channel occasions (RO) contained in the multiple first PRACH resources is different.

[0027] In other words, this application does not limit the number of first PRACH resources that can be configured; there can be one or more. Furthermore, the configurations of different first PRACH resources can be different. By using the above method and setting different configurations for different first PRACH resources, the flexibility of random access for terminal devices can be enhanced, and random access performance can be improved.

[0028] In one possible design, the first information includes the time-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource, and / or the frequency-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource.

[0029] The temporal configuration parameters of the PRACH resource may include at least one of the following: PRACH periodicity, PRACH slot offset, PRACH intra-frame position, or PRACH format.

[0030] In one possible design, the first information includes at least one of the following: a first parameter in the time-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource; a second parameter in the frequency-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource; a first offset of the first parameter; or, a second offset of the second parameter; wherein the first offset represents the offset between the first parameter in the time-domain configuration parameters of the second PRACH resource and the first parameter in the time-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource, and the second offset represents the offset between the second parameter in the frequency-domain configuration parameters of the second PRACH resource and the second parameter in the frequency-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource.

[0031] Optionally, the first offset or the second offset can be a positive number or a negative number. In other words, the first parameter of the first PRACH resource relative to the first parameter of the second PRACH resource can be offset to the left or right, or offset up or down. Correspondingly, the first parameter of the second PRACH resource relative to the first parameter of the first PRACH resource can be offset to the right or left, or offset down or up. There are no limitations on this.

[0032] In other words, the first information in this application embodiment may include some or all of the time-frequency domain configuration parameters associated with the first PRACH resource.

[0033] In one example, taking time-domain configuration parameters as an example, the first information may carry the first parameter (e.g., the configuration period of the first PRACH resource) from the time-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource. Other time-domain configuration parameters associated with the second PRACH resource (e.g., the slot offset, intra-frame position, or format of the first PRACH resource) are the same as the time-domain configuration parameters of the second PRACH resource. That is, the access network device may carry parameters that are different from the time-domain configuration parameters of the first and second PRACH resources in the first information, such as the first parameter. For example, if the configuration period of the first PRACH resource is 4 radio frames and the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is 8 radio frames, then the first information may carry the configuration period of the first PRACH resource as 4 radio frames.

[0034] In another example, taking time-domain configuration parameters as an example, the first information can carry the first offset of the first parameter (e.g., the configuration period of the first PRACH resource) in the time-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource. Other time-domain configuration parameters associated with the second PRACH resource are the same as those of the second PRACH resource. That is, the access network device can carry the offset of different parameters in the time-domain configuration parameters of the first and second PRACH resources in the first information, such as the offset of the first parameter. For example, if the configuration period of the first PRACH resource is 4 radio frames and the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is 8 radio frames, then the first information can carry the offset of the configuration period of the first PRACH resource as -4 radio frames.

[0035] By employing the above method, compared to carrying all time-frequency domain configuration parameters associated with the first PRACH resource in the first information, carrying the first parameter or the first offset associated with the first PRACH resource in the first information can save signaling overhead.

[0036] In one possible design, the method further includes receiving indication information for instructing initial random access on a second PRACH resource and / or a first PRACH resource.

[0037] Optionally, this instruction information may be carried in the second information.

[0038] In other words, this application does not limit the method of sending instruction information; it can be sent as a separate message or carried in a second message.

[0039] Using the above method, the terminal and the access network device can determine the initial random access on the second PRACH resource and / or the first PRACH resource by exchanging indication information. This method can reduce the probability of collisions between different terminal devices, avoid random access conflicts, improve the success rate of random access, and avoid resource waste.

[0040] In one possible design, the method further includes: obtaining a first correspondence, the first correspondence being used to indicate the correspondence between the fourth information and the first PRACH resource, wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the following: the service requirements of the terminal device, or the access requirements of the terminal device, or the type of the terminal device; performing initial random access based on the first PRACH resource, including: performing initial random access based on the first correspondence and the first PRACH resource.

[0041] In one possible design, the method further includes: obtaining a second correspondence, the second correspondence being used to indicate the correspondence between the fourth information and the second PRACH resource; and performing initial random access based on the second PRACH resource, including: performing initial random access based on the second correspondence and the second PRACH resource.

[0042] It should be noted that the above examples can be combined to implement the following: the terminal device can obtain the first and second correspondences, and perform initial random access on the first and second PRACH resources, thereby increasing the flexibility of random access, reducing the probability of collisions, improving the success rate of random access, and improving the performance of random access.

[0043] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be applied to the network side, such as access network equipment, modules (e.g., circuits, chips, or chip systems) within the access network equipment, or logical nodes, logical modules, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network equipment.

[0044] In this method, a first message is sent, which is used to indicate a first PRACH resource. The first PRACH resource is used for random access by the terminal device and is in an inactive state. The second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource occupy different time-frequency domain resources. A second message is sent, which is used to indicate the activation of the first PRACH resource.

[0045] Using the above method, the access network device sends a first message to indicate the inactive first PRACH resource for initial random access, and sends a second message to indicate the activation of the first PRACH resource. Therefore, the terminal device can use the first PRACH resource for initial random access to realize subsequent data transmission and service access. This implementation method can enhance the flexibility of random access of the terminal device and improve random access performance.

[0046] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending third information, which is used to indicate a second PRACH resource, the second PRACH resource is used by the terminal device for initial random access, the second PRACH resource is in an active state, and the second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource have different time-frequency domain resources.

[0047] In one possible design, the third information is carried in the SIB; and / or, the first information is carried in the SIB, or a RAR message, or MSG4.

[0048] In one possible design, when the first information is carried in the SIB, the second information is carried in any of the following messages: RAR message, MSG4, paging message, or wake-up signal; or, when the first information is carried in the RAR message, the second information is carried in the RAR message, MSG4, paging message, or wake-up signal; or, when the first information is carried in MSG4, the second information is carried in MSG4, paging message, or wake-up signal.

[0049] In one possible design, the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0050] In one possible design, the multiple first PRACH resources satisfy at least one of the following: the configuration periods of the multiple first PRACH resources are different; the multiple first PRACH resources do not overlap in the time domain; the positions and number of subframes contained in the multiple first PRACH resources are different; or, the RO distributions contained in the multiple first PRACH resources are different.

[0051] In one possible design, the configuration cycle of the first PRACH resource is shorter than that of the second PRACH resource.

[0052] In one possible design, the first information includes the time-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource, and / or the frequency-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource.

[0053] In one possible design, the method further includes sending indication information for instructing initial random access on the second PRACH resource and / or the first PRACH resource.

[0054] The beneficial effects of the second aspect and some of its implementations can be referred to the description of the first aspect and some of its implementations, which will not be repeated here.

[0055] Thirdly, a communication device is provided. This communication device has the functionality to implement the first aspect and some of its implementations. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the first aspect and some of its implementations. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0056] In one possible design, the communication device includes: a communication unit for receiving first information, the first information indicating a first PRACH resource, the first PRACH resource being used by a terminal device for initial random access, the first PRACH resource being in an inactive state; the communication unit is also used for receiving second information, the second information indicating activation of the first PRACH resource; and a processing unit for performing initial random access based on the first PRACH resource.

[0057] The communication unit can perform the receiving and sending processes in the aforementioned first aspect and some implementations thereof, and the processing unit can perform other processes in the aforementioned first aspect and some implementations thereof besides receiving and sending.

[0058] The aforementioned communication device may be a terminal device, a communication module in a terminal device, or a chip in a terminal device that is responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip that contains a modem module.

[0059] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. This communication device has the functionality to implement the second aspect and some of its implementations. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the second aspect and some of its implementations. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0060] In one possible design, the communication device includes: a communication unit for transmitting first information, the first information indicating a first PRACH resource, the first PRACH resource being used for random access by a terminal device, the first PRACH resource being inactive, and a second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource occupying different time-frequency domain resources; the communication unit is also used to transmit second information, the second information indicating activation of the first PRACH resource.

[0061] The communication unit can perform the receiving and sending processes in the aforementioned second aspect and some of its implementations, and the processing unit can perform other processes in the aforementioned second aspect and some of its implementations besides receiving and sending.

[0062] The aforementioned communication device may be an access network device, or a module (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) in the access network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0063] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising an interface circuit and one or more processors. The one or more processors are coupled to a memory. The memory stores part or all of a computer program or instructions necessary for implementing the functions described in the first or second aspect and some implementations thereof. The one or more processors are executable to carry out the computer program or instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods described in the first or second aspect and some implementations thereof. The interface circuit is used to implement communication functions within the communication device and / or communication functions between the communication device and other devices or components.

[0064] In one possible design, the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0065] In one possible design, the communication device may also include the memory.

[0066] The aforementioned communication device may be a terminal device, a communication module in a terminal device, or a chip in a terminal device that is responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip that contains a modem module.

[0067] The aforementioned communication device may be an access network device, or a module (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) in the access network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0068] In a sixth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes the communication device of the third aspect and / or the communication device of the fourth aspect.

[0069] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. This computer-readable storage medium stores computer program code or instructions, which, when read and executed by a computer, cause the methods described in the first or second aspect and some of their implementations to be implemented.

[0070] Eighthly, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes computer program code or instructions that, when read and executed by a computer, cause the methods described in the first or second aspect and some of their implementations to be implemented.

[0071] Ninthly, a computer program is provided. When the computer program is run, it causes the methods in the first or second aspect and some implementations thereof to be implemented.

[0072] It should be understood that the beneficial effects of the third to ninth aspects mentioned above can be referred to the relevant descriptions of the first or second aspects and some of their implementation methods, which will not be explained here for the sake of brevity. Attached Figure Description

[0073] Figures 1 to 3 are schematic diagrams of the communication system applicable to this application;

[0074] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the interaction of synchronization signals and preamble during random access;

[0075] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a four-step random access process;

[0076] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a two-step random access process;

[0077] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in this application;

[0078] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0079] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the configuration cycle of the second PRACH resource provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0080] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the configuration cycle of the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0081] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the offset of the configuration cycle of the first PRACH resource provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a chip system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0085] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] Before introducing the scheme of this application, the following points should be noted.

[0087] First, in this application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0088] Second, in this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can mean: a, or, b, or, c, or, a and b, or, a and c, or, b and c, or, a, b, and c. Here, a, b, and c can each be single or multiple.

[0089] Third, in this application, the terms "first," "second," "#1," and "#2," as well as various numerical designations, are used for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they are used to distinguish different messages, rather than to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such descriptions can be interchanged where appropriate to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application.

[0090] Fourth, in this application, "instruction" or "for instruction" can include both direct and indirect instruction. When describing instruction information as being used to instruct A, it can include whether the instruction information directly or indirectly instructs A, but does not necessarily mean that the instruction information carries A.

[0091] The indication methods involved in the embodiments of this application should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated. The information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information and sent separately. Moreover, the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be the same or different. This application does not limit the sending method, for example.

[0092] The "instruction information" in the embodiments of this application can be an explicit instruction, that is, a direct instruction through signaling, or an instruction obtained by combining other rules or parameters with the parameters indicated by the signaling, or by deduction. It can also be an implicit instruction, that is, an instruction obtained based on rules or relationships, or based on other parameters, or by deduction. This application does not specifically limit it in this regard.

[0093] Fifth, in this application, "protocol" can refer to standard protocols in the field of communications, such as 5G protocols, NR protocols, and related protocols applied in future communication systems; this application does not limit this term. "Predefined" can include predefined terms, such as protocol definitions. "Preconfiguration" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device; this application does not limit the implementation method.

[0094] Sixth, in this application, terms such as "message," "information," "signal," or "information element (IE)" can be used interchangeably. There are no restrictions on the name of the message or information, as long as it can achieve the corresponding function.

[0095] "Sending information to XX (device)" can be understood as the destination of the information being that device. This can include sending information to that device directly or indirectly. "Receiving information from XX (device), or receiving information from XX (device)" can be understood as the source of the information being that device. This can include receiving information from that device directly or indirectly. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted similarly, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0096] "Communication" can also be described as data transmission, information transmission, data processing, etc. "Transmission" includes sending and / or receiving. "Transmission" can be described as output. "Sending" can also be understood as the output of a chip interface, and "receiving" can be understood as the input of a chip interface. In other words, "sending" or "receiving" can occur between devices, for example, between access network devices and terminal devices via an air interface. "Sending" or "receiving" can also occur within a device, for example, between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within a device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0097] For example, "sending information" can be understood as one device sending information to another device, or it can also be understood as one logical module within a device sending information to another logical module. For instance, "access network device sending information" can be understood as the access network device sending information to another device (such as a terminal), or it can be understood as logical module 1 within the access network device sending information to logical module 2 within the access network device. Similarly, "receiving information" can be understood as one device receiving information from another device, or it can also be understood as one logical module within a device receiving information from another logical module. For instance, "access network device receiving information" can be understood as the access network device receiving information from another device (such as a terminal), or it can be understood as logical module 1 within the access network device receiving information from logical module 2 within the access network device.

[0098] Seventh, in this application, the words "exemplarily," "for example," etc., are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the word "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "corresponding, relevant," "correspondingly," and "associate" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinctions are emphasized.

[0099] Eighth, in this application, the configuration can be signaling configuration, such as RRC messages, downlink control information (DCI), or SIB. Optionally, the signaling configuration can be pre-configured signaling configuration given to the terminal device, or configured to the terminal device through pre-configuration. Here, pre-configuration means defining or configuring the values ​​of corresponding parameters in advance by means of a protocol, and storing them in the terminal device during communication. The pre-configured messages can be modified or updated when the terminal device is connected to the network.

[0100] Ninth, in this application, when comparing A and B, the description "when A is greater than or equal to B, execute method A; when A is less than or equal to B, execute method B" can be implemented in a way that is either "when A is greater than or equal to B, execute method A; or when A is less than B, execute method B" or "when A is greater than B, execute method A; or when A is less than or equal to B, execute method B". This application does not limit this. For ease of description, the implementation methods provided in this application are all illustrated using "when A is greater than or equal to B, execute method A; or when A is less than B, execute method B" as an example.

[0101] In other words, "<" indicates less than, and "≤" indicates less than or equal to. The examples provided in this application are merely illustrative and do not constitute a limitation on this application. The "<" and "≤" in the examples are interchangeable, and this application does not impose any specific limitations. ">" indicates greater than, and "≥" indicates greater than or equal to. The ">" and "≥" in the examples are interchangeable, and this application does not impose any specific limitations. The examples provided in this application are merely illustrative and do not constitute a limitation on this application. In this application, "high" can specifically mean greater than or greater than or equal to, and "low" can specifically mean less than or less than or equal to.

[0102] The following describes the communication system to which this application applies.

[0103] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: LTE systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, 5G or NR systems and future communication systems, vehicle-to-other devices (V2X), where V2X can include vehicle to network (V2N), vehicle to vehicle (V2V), vehicle to infrastructure (V2I), vehicle to pedestrian (V2P), long term evolution-vehicle (LTE-V) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), long term evolution-machine (LTE-M) communication, machine to machine (M2M), etc.

[0104] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120), a radio access network (RAN), and a core network (CN) 200. The RAN includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110). The RAN may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). The terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to the RAN node 110. The RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wiredly connected to the core network 200. The core network devices in the core network 200 and the RAN node 110 in the RAN can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0105] RAN can be used for the third-generation partner program (3 rd Cellular systems related to the Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as fourth-generation (4G) cellular systems. th RAN can be a generation (4G) mobile communication system, a 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system. RAN can also be an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0106] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as network equipment, access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 100 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 1 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing the RAN through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0107] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station (BS), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. A RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, a RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0108] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control planes (CU-CPs), CU-user planes (CU-UPs), radio units (RUs), or CU-radio units (CU-RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0109] In different systems, CU (including open CU-CP (O-CU-CP) and open CU-UP (O-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 an open central unit (O-CU), DU can also be called an open distributed unit (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.

[0110] Terminal 120 can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. A terminal can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), user device, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal unit, terminal station, terminal equipment, terminal device, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. A terminal typically contains a communication module, circuit, or chip that performs the corresponding communication functions. The terminal may also be configured with program instructions for performing these communication functions.

[0111] For example, the terminal in this application embodiment may be a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a drone, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, an MTC terminal, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, an Internet of Things (IoT) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home (such as game consoles, smart TVs, smart speakers, smart refrigerators, and fitness equipment), a transportation vehicle with wireless communication capabilities, a communication module, or a roadside unit (RSU) with terminal capabilities.

[0112] The RAN and terminal 120 can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the scenario in which the RAN and terminal 120 are located.

[0113] Communication between access network devices and terminal devices follows a specific protocol layer structure. This protocol layer may include a control plane protocol layer and a user plane protocol layer. The control plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: radio resource control (RRC) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, radio link control (RLC) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, or physical (PHY) layer, etc. The user plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, or physical layer, etc.

[0114] The correspondence between network elements and their achievable protocol layer functions in the ORAN system can be found in Table 1 below.

[0115] Table 1

[0116] CN 200 can be a 5G core network (5G Core, 5GC) or an evolved 5G core network. Taking a 5G core network as an example, CN 200 includes access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements responsible for mobility management and access management services; session management function (SMF) network elements responsible for session management; user plane function (UPF) network elements responsible for user plane packet routing and forwarding and quality of service (QoS) control; and policy control function (PCF) network elements. These core network elements can work independently or be combined to implement certain control functions; for example, AMF, SMF, and PCF can be combined into a single core network device.

[0117] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an ORAN applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2(a), the O-RAN system may include a CN, a RAN, and a UE. The RAN communicates with the core network equipment via a backhaul link and with the UE via an air interface. For example, the BBU in the RAN communicates with the core network equipment via a backhaul link, and the RU in the RAN communicates with the UE via an air interface. The BBU communicates with the RU via a fronthaul link, wherein the BBU and RU may be co-located or not. The BBU includes at least one CU and at least one DU, and the CU and DU can communicate via at least one midhaul link. As shown in Figure 2(b), the O-RAN system includes a RAN intelligent controller (RIC). The RIC includes a near-real-time RIC (near-RT RIC) and a non-real-time RIC (non-RT RIC). Among them, the non-real-time RIC mainly processes non-real-time information, such as data that is not sensitive to latency, and the latency of this data can be on the order of seconds. Real-time RICs primarily process near-real-time information, such as latency-sensitive data with latency in the tens of milliseconds range. Optionally, near-real-time or non-real-time RICs can be configured as separate network elements; alternatively, they can be integrated into other devices. For example, near-real-time RICs can be located in RAN nodes (e.g., CUs or DUs), while non-real-time RICs can be located in operation administration and maintenance (OAM) systems, cloud servers, core network elements, or other network devices.

[0118] The communication system 100 provided in this application may further include AI network elements for implementing some or all AI-related operations. AI network elements may also be referred to as AI nodes, AI devices, AI entities, AI modules, AI models, or AI units, etc. The AI ​​network elements may be built into the network elements of the communication system. For example, an AI network element may be an AI module built into: access network equipment, core network equipment, cloud server, or operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) to implement AI-related functions. The OAM may act as the network management system for the core network equipment and / or the access network equipment. Alternatively, the AI ​​network element may also be an independently configured network element in the communication system. Optionally, the terminal or its built-in chip may also include an AI entity for implementing AI-related functions.

[0119] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a possible application framework in a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 3, network elements in the communication system are connected through interfaces (e.g., NG, Xn) or air interfaces. These network element nodes, such as core network equipment, access network nodes (RAN nodes), terminals, or one or more devices in OAM, are equipped with one or more AI modules (only one is shown in Figure 2 for clarity). The access network node can be a single RAN node or can include multiple RAN nodes, for example, including CU and DU. The CU and / or DU can also be equipped with one or more AI modules. Optionally, the CU can also be split into CU-CP and CU-UP. One or more AI models are set in CU-CP and / or CU-UP.

[0120] The AI ​​module is used to implement corresponding AI functions. AI modules deployed in different network elements can be the same or different. Depending on the parameter configuration, the AI ​​module can implement different functions. The AI ​​module model can be configured based on one or more of the following parameters: structural parameters (e.g., at least one of the following: number of neural network layers, neural network width, inter-layer connections, neuron weights, neuron activation function, or bias in the activation function), input parameters (e.g., type and / or dimension of input parameters), or output parameters (e.g., type and / or dimension of output parameters). The bias in the activation function can also be referred to as the neural network bias.

[0121] An AI module can have one or more models. A model can infer an output, which includes one or more parameters. The learning, training, or inference processes of different models can be deployed on different nodes or devices, or they can be deployed on the same node or device.

[0122] It should be understood that the above naming is defined solely for the purpose of distinguishing different functions and should not be construed as limiting this application. This application does not preclude the possibility of using other naming conventions in 5G networks and other future networks. For example, in future networks, some or all of the above-mentioned network elements may use the terminology from 5G, or they may use other names, etc.

[0123] It is understood that the network architectures shown in Figures 1 to 3 are examples provided for ease of understanding and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application. The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application may also involve network elements not shown in Figures 1 to 3, and of course, the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application may also include only some of the network elements shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0124] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the basic concepts and technologies involved in this application will first be illustrated with examples.

[0125] 1. Time-domain unit and frequency-domain unit:

[0126] Data or information can be carried using time-frequency resources.

[0127] In the time domain, time-domain resources can include one or more time-domain units (or time units). A time-domain unit can be a radio frame (RF), a subframe, a slot, a mini-slot, a partial slot, an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, or a collection of time-domain resources. One or more time units can be continuous or discrete in the time domain.

[0128] In the frequency domain, frequency domain resources can include one or more frequency domain units. A frequency domain unit can be a resource element (RE), a resource block (RB), a set of resource blocks (RBs), a subchannel, a resource pool, bandwidth, a bandwidth part (BWP), a carrier, a channel, or interlaced RBs, etc.

[0129] 2. Random access procedure:

[0130] The random access procedure refers to the process from when a terminal device sends a random access preamble to attempt to access the network until a basic signaling connection is established with the network. In 5G NR, PRACH is the physical channel used to carry the preamble. The PRACH transmission configuration includes the time-frequency resource configuration of the PRACH transmission opportunities, as well as the configuration of the preamble sequence that can be carried on each transmission opportunity.

[0131] As an example, the terminal device first obtains basic information about the access network device by scanning synchronization signals (e.g., SSBs) in the network, such as frequency, timing synchronization, or system information carried in the physical layer broadcast channel (PBCH). The SSB provides the terminal with basic information for synchronization with the access network device and is a prerequisite for random access. Based on the PRACH configuration broadcast by the access network device, the terminal selects an appropriate random access timing and resources, generates a preamble, and sends it to the access network device via the PRACH channel. Upon receiving the preamble, the access network device sends a Random Access Response (RAR) message to the terminal, informing it whether the preamble was successfully sent and allocating the corresponding uplink resources. For contention-based random access procedures, if multiple terminals use the same preamble sequence, conflict resolution is required through subsequent steps. After successfully receiving the RAR, the terminal sends an RRC connection request message based on the allocated resources. The access network device confirms and completes the establishment of the RRC connection. At this point, the terminal successfully accesses the network and can proceed with subsequent communication and data transmission. The specific implementation is shown in Figure 4.

[0132] The configuration and management of the RACH determine the efficiency and reliability of network access. With the introduction of more frequency bands (such as Sub-6GHz and millimeter-wave bands) and high-density beam management technology in 5G NR, the design and configuration of the PRACH have become more complex.

[0133] It should be noted that before the UE selects the RACH occasion (RO) for transmitting the preamble, the terminal device needs to select an uplink carrier. For example, if a supplementary uplink (SUL) or normal uplink (NUL) is configured, the terminal device can choose to operate on SUL or NUL. After selecting the uplink carrier, the terminal device (e.g., a terminal device in RRC connected state) may need to perform a bandwidth portion BWP operation. For example, if the active uplink BWP of the terminal device is not configured with RO, the terminal device needs to switch the active uplink BWP to the initial uplink BWP. After selecting the uplink carrier or BWP operation, the terminal device needs to select the random access (RA) type, which can be understood as the terminal device needing to choose whether to perform a two-step random access or a four-step random access. Furthermore, after determining the RA type, the terminal device needs to perform RACH resource selection: the terminal device can select the RO to send the preamble based on the selected SSB and the mapping relationship between the SSB and the RO; or, the terminal device can select the preamble to send based on the selected SSB and the mapping relationship between the SSB and the preamble. For example, one SSB can correspond to multiple ROs, or multiple SSBs can be mapped to one RO; or, one SSB can correspond to one or more preambles, and different SSBs can use different preambles.

[0134] Currently, random access is mainly divided into two categories: four-step random access and two-step random access. For ease of understanding, the four-step random access process and the two-step random access process are described in conjunction with Figures 5 and 6, respectively.

[0135] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a four-step random access procedure. As shown in Figure 5, the four-step random access procedure includes the following steps:

[0136] S510, the terminal device sends a random access preamble to the access network device;

[0137] Correspondingly, the access network device receives the random access preamble sent by the terminal device.

[0138] Optionally, the preamble can be a short-term Zadoff-Chu sequence with good autocorrelation and cross-correlation properties, which helps access network devices accurately detect access requests.

[0139] For example, the terminal sends a random access preamble, Msg1, to the access network device on the PRACH resource. The PRACH resource may include the random access channel timing RO. It should be understood that before step S510, the terminal device can obtain the resource configuration for sending the PRACH by reading system broadcast information, mainly including the PRACH configuration period (in radio frames, determined by the period x and offset y, i.e., in frame number n...). SFN The configuration of PRACH resources at mod x = y (values ​​can be {1, 2, 4, 8, 16}), subframe position and number (determines the distribution density of PRACH resources in the time domain within each radio frame; each subframe can include 1 or 2 PRACH slots), RO distribution within PRACH slots (e.g., the starting position of the first RO in the time domain (in symbols), the number of consecutive ROs in time division multiplexing, the starting position of the first RO in the frequency domain relative to the frequency band (in RBs), the number of consecutive ROs in frequency division multiplexing, the duration of continuous time domain for each RO (in symbols, determined by the preamble sequence format and subcarrier spacing), and the frequency domain resources occupied by each RO (in RBs, determined by the preamble sequence format and subcarrier spacing)).

[0140] In one example, a radio frame includes 10 subframes, such as subframes #0 to #9. Each subframe occupies two time slots (e.g., which can be called PRACH time slots). A time slot can include 14 symbols, such as symbols #0 to #13. Then RO can occupy symbols #3 to #13.

[0141] S520, the access network device sends a RAR to the terminal device;

[0142] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the RAR from the access network device.

[0143] For example, the access network device sends a RAR, namely Msg2, to the terminal device based on the random access preamble. The RAR may include indication information indicating the uplink resources for sending message 3 (Msg3), which can be understood as the terminal device being able to know the uplink resources used to send Msg3 after receiving the RAR.

[0144] It should be understood that before executing step S520, or in other words, after sending Msg1, the terminal device initiates a random access response window and monitors the RAR sent by the access network device within the window. If the terminal device successfully detects its own RAR, the random access is successful, and the terminal device can continue to send Msg3 according to the RAR's indication, i.e., execute step S530. If the UE does not receive its own RAR, the random access fails, and the terminal device re-initiates the random access procedure according to the backoff parameters indicated by the access network device until the maximum number of random access attempts is reached.

[0145] S530, the terminal device sends Msg3 to the access network device;

[0146] Correspondingly, the access network device receives Msg3 from the terminal device.

[0147] For example, the terminal device sends Msg3 based on RAR. The main function of Msg3 is to send an RRC connection establishment request. Msg3 may include layer 2 (L2) information and / or layer 3 (L3) information, such as an RRC connection establishment request message; or, for example, a beam failure recovery (BFR) MAC control element (CE).

[0148] S540, the access network device sends a contention resolution message to the terminal device;

[0149] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives a contention resolution message from the access network device.

[0150] The contention resolution message includes the identifier (identify, ID) of the terminal device. Optionally, the contention resolution message can also be called Msg4, which carries the conflict resolution identifier and the air interface parameter configuration for that terminal device.

[0151] For example, if the contention resolution is successful for the terminal device, the access network device sends a contention resolution message to the terminal device. If the terminal device successfully receives Msg4, and Msg4 carries its own contention resolution identifier, then random access is successful; otherwise, random access fails. If successful, the terminal device can continue to send Msg5 (not shown in the figure). The main function of Msg5 is to send an RRC establishment completion command. If it fails, the terminal device re-initiates the random access procedure according to the backoff parameters indicated by the access network device, until the maximum number of random access attempts is reached.

[0152] Optionally, in response to the physical downlink share channel (PDSCH) carrying Msg4, the terminal device can send a corresponding hybrid automatic retransmission request-acknowledge (HARQ-ACK) message through the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH).

[0153] Furthermore, when the access network device determines from Msg3 that the random access is a contention-based random access, it saves the information of the terminal devices that need to compete. When resolving the contention through Msg4, the contention of these competing terminal devices will be resolved.

[0154] It should be noted that Figure 5 above is only a schematic diagram for the purpose of illustrating the four-step random access process, and does not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application. For a detailed description of the four-step random access process, please refer to the introduction in the relevant current technologies.

[0155] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a two-step random access procedure. As shown in Figure 6, the two-step random access procedure includes the following steps:

[0156] S610, the terminal device sends message A (message A, MsgA) to the access network device;

[0157] Correspondingly, the access network device receives message A from the terminal device.

[0158] The MsgA includes a preamble portion and a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) portion. The preamble portion is transmitted on PRACH resources (such as the RO mentioned above), while the PUSCH resources can carry L2 or L3 information, such as beam failure recovery medium access control (BFR MAC CE) or RRC connection establishment request messages.

[0159] S620, the access network device sends message B (message B, MsgB) to the terminal device;

[0160] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives message B from the access network device.

[0161] The MsgB message can contain either a successful RAR or a fallback RAR.

[0162] For example, when the terminal device receives the fallback RAR, the terminal device needs to fall back to the four-step random access procedure and send Msg3 to the access network device, that is, to execute step S530 in Figure 5 above.

[0163] Optionally, in addition to the fallback process from two-step random access to four-step random access mentioned above, if the access network device chooses to perform a two-step random access process when triggering random access, the terminal device can also fall back to the four-step random access process to try access after the preamble of the two-step random access process reaches the maximum number of transmissions, thereby increasing the access success rate of the terminal device and ensuring the access performance of the terminal device.

[0164] It should be noted that Figure 6 above is only a schematic diagram for illustrating the two-step random access process and does not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application. For a detailed description of the two-step random access process, please refer to the introduction in the relevant current technologies.

[0165] 3. Paging:

[0166] Terminal devices in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) Idle state (RRC_IDLE) or the Radio Resource Control (RRC_INACTIVE) Inactive state (RRC_INACTIVE) monitor paging messages during each paging cycle (PO) to determine whether the network should perform a paging.

[0167] The following is a brief explanation of the basic paging process. For ease of description, network devices and terminal devices are used as the main entities for the example. The network device may include RAN (e.g., the RAN shown in Figure 1) or core network device (e.g., the core network 200 shown in Figure 1). For example, the network device may be a base station, and the terminal device may be a UE.

[0168] Step 1: The network device selects a certain paging range and sends a paging DCI within the PO.

[0169] In one example, the network device sends a downlink DCI within the PO, including: the RAN sending a paging message to the UE within the PO, or the core network device sending a paging request for the UE to the RAN, and then the RAN sending a paging message to the UE.

[0170] The paging DCI may include scheduling information for paging messages (including time-frequency domain information of the resources that schedule paging messages and other scheduling information) and / or short messages, etc.

[0171] It should be noted that the paging range is the area where the network device sends a paging message. This area may include one or more cells under one or more base stations. The area is determined by the network device. For example, for a Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle UE, the network device may use the tracking area (TA) to which the UE belongs as the paging range; for a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive UE, the network device may use the Radio Access Network (RAN)-based notification area (RNA) to which the UE belongs as the paging range.

[0172] Step 2: After receiving the paging DCI sent by the network device, the terminal device (e.g., UE) determines the subsequent operation based on the content of the paging DCI.

[0173] For example, if the paging DCI contains scheduling information for the paging message, the UE receives and decodes the paging message on the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) according to the scheduling information, and then determines the subsequent operation based on the content of the paging message. The paging message contains the UE identification information of one or more UEs being paged by the network and / or the access type information of the paged UE. After decoding the paging message, the UE determines whether the paging message contains its own UE identification: if the paging message does not contain its own UE identification, the UE ignores the paging message; if the paging message contains its own UE identification, the UE determines the subsequent operation based on other content in the paging message.

[0174] For example, if the paging DCI contains a short message, the UE receives updated system information and / or earthquake / tsunami warnings or commercial mobility alarms according to the instructions in the short message.

[0175] For example, if the paging DCI contains paging message scheduling information and short messages, the UE receives the paging message, as well as updated system information and / or earthquake / tsunami warnings or commercial mobility alarms, according to the prescribed procedures.

[0176] It should be understood that a single paging initiated by a network device can target one or more UEs, meaning that a paging message can carry the UE identifiers of one or more UEs.

[0177] 4. Wake-up signal (WUS):

[0178] The wake-up signal is used to trigger the terminal device to monitor the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) on one or more cells.

[0179] Currently, wake-up signals carry wake-up information in two forms: 1) bitmap form; 2) codepoint form. These two forms are briefly introduced below.

[0180] (1) bitmap:

[0181] Specifically, the wake-up signal includes a bitmap that can wake up at least one terminal device or at least one group of terminal devices. In this mode, one wake-up signal can be used for multiple terminal devices or multiple groups of terminal devices. Each terminal device can correspond to one or more bits in the bitmap carried by the wake-up signal. For example, one wake-up signal can be used for four terminal devices, carrying a 4-bit bitmap. Assume a bit value of "1" indicates being woken up, and a bit value of "0" indicates not being woken up. If the bitmap in the wake-up signal is 1001, it means that the first and fourth terminal devices are woken up to monitor the PDCCH, while the second and third terminal devices are not woken up (i.e., continue monitoring the wake-up signal); or, if the bitmap in the wake-up signal is 1001, it means that the first and fourth terminal device groups are woken up to monitor the PDCCH, while the second and third terminal device groups are not woken up (i.e., continue monitoring the wake-up signal).

[0182] (2) codepoint:

[0183] Specifically, the wake-up signal includes a codepoint (or codepoint value, or identifier, ID) that can wake up a terminal device or a group of terminal devices. In this method, one wake-up signal can be used for one terminal device or a group of terminal devices, and the signal carries the codepoint corresponding to that device or group. For example, assuming there are 16 terminal devices or 16 groups of terminal devices, a 4-bit codepoint can be used to indicate that a specific terminal device or group has been woken up.

[0184] The above description of the terminology is for ease of understanding only and does not limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0185] With the increasing diversity of wireless communication applications, numerous new technologies have been introduced to meet the diverse needs of scenarios such as high speed, low latency, and massive connectivity. In wireless communication networks, initial access is a crucial step in establishing communication between the user equipment (UE) and the base station. The initial access process determines whether the UE can successfully register with the network and establish a connection with the base station to enable subsequent data transmission and service access.

[0186] The primary objective of initial access is to allocate necessary resources and establish a reliable communication link for the UE when it first accesses or re-accesses the network. This process involves multiple signaling interaction steps, among which the random access procedure is particularly important. Random access is used to resolve the time-frequency synchronization issue between the UE and the base station and to allocate uplink resources to the UE for further communication. Depending on the different requirements of the access procedure, random access can be divided into contention-based random access (CBRA) and contention-free random access (CFRA).

[0187] Currently, the configuration information for PRACH resources is carried in SIB1. In 5G NR, PRACH is used by the UE to initiate network access procedures, such as initial access, cell handover, or re-establishment of connection. SIB1 is part of the system information and contains key information required for cell access and initial configuration, as well as PRACH configuration information.

[0188] For example, the PRACH configuration information includes the time-domain configuration of PRACH resources. The UE can determine the time-domain resources for transmitting the random access preamble based on the time-domain configuration of the PRACH resources. In NR, the PRACH time-domain configuration includes at least one of the following:

[0189] (1) PRACH periodicity: PRACH resources can have different configuration periods, such as every 10ms, 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, etc. Periodicity determines the frequency of PRACH resource occurrence.

[0190] (2) PRACH Slot Offset: Within each period, the PRACH resource can be configured to start in a specific slot. The slot offset is used to indicate the slot offset of the PRACH resource relative to the start point of the period.

[0191] (3) PRACH intraframe location: Within a given time slot, the PRACH resource can be further specified in its specific location within the frame, which involves the starting symbol and the length of the symbol occupied by the PRACH resource within the time slot.

[0192] (4) PRACH format: NR supports multiple PRACH formats, each of which defines different preamble sequence lengths and subcarrier spacings, which affects the time domain occupancy of PRACH resources.

[0193] In SIB1, access network devices can broadcast configuration information for PRACH resources, enabling the UE to know when and how to send the random access preamble. For example, SIB1 may include a PRACH configuration index (e.g., PRACH Configuration Index), which indicates a predefined set of PRACH configurations, where Table 2 below details the configuration information for the time-frequency domain resources of PRACH.

[0194] Table 2

[0195] It should be noted that x represents the configuration period of the PRACH resource, that is, there is one PRACH resource in the frame every x ms, and y represents the configuration offset of the PRACH resource.

[0196] As shown in Table 2, the PRACH Configuration index that SIB1 can carry is 0. Mapping to Table 1 above, the corresponding preamble format is 0, the configuration period of the PRACH resource is x = 16, the configuration offset of the PRACH resource is y = 1, the subframe number carrying the PRACH resource is 1, the number of time slots containing the PRACH resource in a subframe, the starting symbol of the PRACH resource in the time slot is 0, the PRACH duration is 0, and so on.

[0197] In addition, the wireless communication process also introduces PRACH Adaptation, which increases the configuration cycle of PRACH resources by introducing additional PRACH resources to achieve network energy saving. The additional PRACH resources are indicated by higher-layer signaling, such as RRC signaling, and are activated by DCI scrambled with cell-radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) for random access of UEs with established connections.

[0198] Given the current initial access process, different UEs or different SSBs are associated with the same PRACH configuration, resulting in poor flexibility in initial random access. Furthermore, the additional PRACH resource cannot provide initial access for UEs, thus failing to meet the network-side energy-saving requirements.

[0199] In view of this, this application provides a communication method and apparatus that can enhance the flexibility of random access and meet the energy-saving requirements of the network side.

[0200] The communication method and communication device provided in this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that this application uses access network equipment and terminal equipment as examples to illustrate the execution of this interaction, but this application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction. For example, the method executed by the access network equipment in this application can also be implemented by modules (e.g., circuits, chips, or chip systems) in the access network equipment, or by logical nodes, logical modules, or software capable of implementing all or part of the network functions. The method executed by the terminal equipment in this application can also be implemented by a communication module in the terminal equipment or by circuits or chips (such as modem chips (also known as baseband chips), or SoC chips containing modem cores, or SIP chips) in the terminal equipment responsible for communication functions.

[0201] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 700 provided in this application. As shown in Figure 7, the method includes the following steps: by configuring and activating a first PRACH resource, the terminal device can use the first PRACH resource for initial random access, thereby improving the flexibility of random access.

[0202] S710, the access network device sends the first information to the terminal device;

[0203] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information from the access network device.

[0204] The first information is used to indicate the first PRACH resource, which is used by the terminal device for initial random access, and the first PRACH resource is in an inactive state.

[0205] For example, the first PRACH resource may also be called a dynamic PRACH resource or other names, without limitation. In this application, the first PRACH resource configured through the first information is inactive, or in other words, the initial state of the first PRACH resource is inactive. That is to say, the first PRACH resource is available after activation, i.e., the first PRACH resource is a dynamic PRACH resource that is available after activation. Therefore, after the terminal device determines that the first PRACH resource has been activated, the terminal device can use the first PRACH resource for initial random access.

[0206] Understandably, initial random access can also be simply referred to as initial access, without limitation. The initial random access process refers to the process by which a terminal device first accesses the network, typically used to establish the first communication connection between the terminal device and network devices. For example, after selecting a suitable small area to camp in, the terminal device can initiate an initial random access process to register with the network and establish a connection. It should be noted that initial random access differs from processes such as cell handover, cell search and synchronization, cell selection / reselection, beam failure recovery management, system message passing, and re-random access.

[0207] For example, the first information may be carried in a system information block, such as SIB1; or the first information may be carried in other signaling, such as a RAR message or MSG4, without limitation.

[0208] Example 1: The first PRACH resource can be configured via RAR.

[0209] For example, in the PDCCH configuration of RAR, the reserved bits or newly added bits in DCI 1_0 of the radio access network temporary identifier (RA-RNTI) crosstalk are used to indicate the configuration of the first PRACH resource, as shown in Table 3 below.

[0210] Table 3

[0211] For example, in the configuration of the RAR PDSCH, the reserved bit or a new bit in the RAR medium access control control element (RAR MAC CE) is used to indicate the configuration of the first PRACH resource.

[0212] Example 2: The first PRACH resource can be configured via MSG4.

[0213] For example, the configuration for activating the first PRACH resource in the PDCCH for crosstalk of the temporary cell radio network temporary identifier (TC-RNTI) for MSG4 is shown in Table 4 below.

[0214] Table 4

[0215] For example, in contention resolution, information is carried to indicate the configuration of the first PRACH resource.

[0216] It is understandable that the above example of the location of the first piece of information is only for ease of understanding, and other solutions are not excluded.

[0217] In the embodiments of this application, the first information may include some or all of the time-frequency domain configuration parameters associated with the first PRACH resource. That is, this application does not limit the indication method of the first PRACH resource. It can indicate the first PRACH resource independently, or it can indicate only the different configuration parameters when reusing the indication method of the second PRACH resource or the existing PRACH resource. The latter can save signaling overhead and reduce device power consumption compared with the former. The specific implementation method is as follows.

[0218] In the first implementation, the first information may include configuration information of the first PRACH resource, such as time-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource, and / or frequency-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource.

[0219] This application does not limit the indication method of the first PRACH resource. You can refer to the indication method of the second PRACH resource or the existing PRACH resource. For example, the time and frequency configuration or SSB-RO mapping relationship of the first PRACH resource can be indicated in RACH-ConfigCommon of SIB1, as shown below.

[0220] For example, the temporal configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource may include at least one of the following: the PRACH configuration period of the first PRACH resource, the slot offset of the first PRACH resource, the intra-frame position of the first PRACH resource, or the format of the first PRACH resource, etc. For specific interpretations, please refer to the existing relevant descriptions. For the sake of brevity, they will not be explained here.

[0221] For example, the frequency domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource may include at least one of the following: msg1-FDM PRACH frequency domain multiplexing number, msg1-FrequencyStart frequency domain starting position, or prach-ConfigurationIndex PRACH configuration index, etc. The prach-ConfigurationIndex PRACH configuration index is used to indicate the PRACH frequency domain format. For a detailed explanation, please refer to existing related descriptions; for brevity, it will not be elaborated here.

[0222] In the second implementation, the first information includes at least one of the following: a first parameter in the time-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource; a second parameter in the frequency-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource; a first offset of the first parameter; or, a second offset of the second parameter; wherein the first offset represents the offset between the first parameter in the time-domain configuration parameters of the second PRACH resource and the first parameter in the time-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource, and the second offset represents the offset between the second parameter in the frequency-domain configuration parameters of the second PRACH resource and the second parameter in the frequency-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource.

[0223] Optionally, the first offset or the second offset can be a positive number or a negative number. In other words, the first parameter of the first PRACH resource relative to the first parameter of the second PRACH resource can be offset to the left or right, or offset up or down. Correspondingly, the first parameter of the second PRACH resource relative to the first parameter of the first PRACH resource can be offset to the right or left, or offset down or up. There are no limitations on this.

[0224] For example, taking time-domain configuration parameters as an example, assuming that the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource / existing PRACH resource differ only in the configuration period, and other time-domain configuration parameters (e.g., SSB-RO association, frequency domain distribution, time domain RO distribution, or time slot distribution) are the same, then the access network device can indicate the configuration period of the first PRACH resource.

[0225] As an example, the first information may carry a first parameter (e.g., the configuration period of the first PRACH resource) from the time-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource. Other time-domain configuration parameters associated with the second PRACH resource (e.g., the slot offset, intra-frame position, or format of the first PRACH resource) are the same as the time-domain configuration parameters of the second PRACH resource. That is, the access network device may carry parameters that are different from the time-domain configuration parameters of the first and second PRACH resources in the first information, such as the first parameter. For example, if the configuration period of the first PRACH resource is 4 radio frames and the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is 8 radio frames, then the first information may carry a configuration period of 4 radio frames for the first PRACH resource.

[0226] For example, taking time-domain configuration parameters as an example, assuming that the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource or the existing PRACH resource differ only in the configuration period, and other time-domain configuration parameters (e.g., SSB-RO association, frequency domain distribution, time domain RO distribution, or time slot distribution) are the same, the access network device can indicate the offset of the configuration period of the first PRACH resource relative to the configuration period of the second PRACH resource / existing PRACH resource.

[0227] As an example, the first information may carry a first offset of a first parameter (e.g., the configuration period of the first PRACH resource) in the time-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource. Other time-domain configuration parameters associated with the second PRACH resource are the same as those in the second PRACH resource. That is, the access network device may carry offsets of parameters that are different from those in the time-domain configuration parameters of the first and second PRACH resources in the first information, such as the offset of the first parameter. For example, if the configuration period of the first PRACH resource is 4 radio frames and the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is 8 radio frames, then the first information may carry an offset of -4 radio frames for the configuration period of the first PRACH resource. As another example, if the configuration period of the first PRACH resource is 6 radio frames and the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is 2 radio frames, then the first information may carry an offset of 4 radio frames for the configuration period of the first PRACH resource. This is not a limitation; specific examples can be found in the relevant description in Figure 11 below, which will not be elaborated here.

[0228] In one possible implementation, the first information includes a first index, such as a PRACH configuration index, like index 0. Further, the terminal device can determine a first time-domain configuration based on the first index and a first mapping relationship, and then send a preamble according to the first time-domain configuration to achieve initial random access. The first mapping relationship corresponds to a first PRACH resource, and includes the correspondence between the first index and the first time-domain configuration.

[0229] Understandably, this application does not limit the specific implementation method of the terminal device obtaining the first mapping relationship.

[0230] In one implementation, the first mapping relationship can be obtained from the access network device, for example, by the access network device configuring or indicating the first mapping relationship via signaling. For instance, the access network device sends configuration information to the terminal device, for example via SIB, RRC, or DCI signaling, which indicates the first mapping relationship. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the configuration information and obtains the first mapping relationship.

[0231] In another implementation, the first mapping relationship can be predefined or preconfigured. Predefinition can include pre-defined terms, such as protocol definitions, while preconfiguration can be achieved by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, functions, text, strings, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information (e.g., the first mapping relationship) in the access network device and / or terminal device. This application does not limit the specific implementation method.

[0232] In the embodiments of this application, the number of first PRACH resources can be one or more, and there is no limitation on this.

[0233] For example, when the first information is used to indicate multiple first PRACH resources, the multiple first PRACH resources satisfy at least one of the following: the configuration periods of the multiple first PRACH resources are different; the multiple first PRACH resources do not overlap in the time domain; the positions and number of subframes contained in the multiple first PRACH resources are different; or, the RO distributions contained in the multiple first PRACH resources are different, as specifically explained below.

[0234] (1) The configuration periods of multiple first PRACH resources are different. For example, suppose the first information is used to indicate three first PRACH resources, then the configuration periods of these three first PRACH resources are different. For example, the configuration periods of the three first PRACH resources are {2, 4, 8} radio frames respectively.

[0235] (2) Multiple first PRACH resources do not overlap in the temporal domain (this can also be described as overlapping or intersecting). For example, suppose the first information is used to indicate four first PRACH resources, then these four first PRACH resources do not overlap in the temporal domain. For example, the four first PRACH resources occupy the 1st, 4th, 6th and 7th subframes in the temporal domain, respectively.

[0236] Optionally, multiple first PRACH resources may or may not overlap in the frequency domain, and there is no limitation on this.

[0237] (3) Multiple first PRACH resources contain different positions and numbers of subframes. For example, multiple first PRACH resources may contain different subframe numbers of RO and / or different numbers of PRACH slots within the subframes. For instance, suppose the first information is used to indicate two first PRACH resources, then these two first PRACH resources contain different positions and numbers of subframes. For example, the two first PRACH resources contain {2,4} radio frames in the time domain, occupying subframes 1-2 and 4-7 respectively; or, for another example, the two first PRACH resources contain subframe numbers 1 and 2 of RO, and the number of PRACH slots within the subframes are 2 and 4 respectively.

[0238] (4) Multiple first PRACH resources contain different RO distributions, for example, the number of ROs within a time slot and / or the starting positions may be different. For example, suppose the first information is used to indicate two first PRACH resources, then the RO distributions of these two first PRACH resources are different. For example, the two first PRACH resources contain {4,6} ROs in the time domain, and the starting positions are symbol 2 and symbol 8, respectively.

[0239] It should be noted that subframes, time slots, and symbols are all time-domain units used for scheduling and transmitting data. A subframe may include one or more time slots, and a time slot may include multiple symbols.

[0240] It is understood that the above examples are only provided to facilitate understanding of the technical solutions, and other solutions are not excluded.

[0241] S720, the access network device sends the second information to the terminal device;

[0242] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second information from the access network device.

[0243] The second information is used to instruct the activation of the first PRACH resource.

[0244] For example, the second information can also be called activation signaling or activation instruction. That is, the first PRACH resource can be activated by sending the second information. Furthermore, the terminal device can perform initial random access on the activated first PRACH resource, specifically implemented as shown in step S730 below.

[0245] In one implementation, the second information can be carried in a RAR message, MSG4, paging message, or wake-up signal.

[0246] For example, when the first information is carried in the SIB, the second information can be carried in any of the following messages: RAR message, MSG4, paging message, or wake-up signal; when the first information is carried in the RAR message, the second information can be carried in the RAR message, MSG4, paging message, or wake-up signal; when the first information is carried in the MSG4, the second information can be carried in the MSG4, paging message, or wake-up signal, without limitation.

[0247] Example 1: The first PRACH resource can be activated via the PDCCH and PDSCH of the MSG2 RAR.

[0248] For example, in the configuration of RAR's PDCCH, the reserved bit or newly added bit in DCI 1_0 of RA-RNTI crosstalk can be used to activate the first PRACH resource, as shown in Table 2 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0249] For example, in the PDSCH configuration of RAR, the first PRACH resource can be activated using a reserved bit or a newly added bit in the RAR MAC CE.

[0250] Example 2: The first PRACH resource can be activated through the PDCCH and PDSCH of MSG4.

[0251] For example, the first PRACH resource is activated in the PDCCH used for TC-RNTI crosstalk of MSG4 messages, as shown in Table 3 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0252] For example, in contention resolution, carrying information indicates the activation of the first PRACH resource.

[0253] Example 3: The first PRACH resource can be activated via the paging PDCCH and PDSCH.

[0254] For example, the first PRACH resource can be activated in a DCI scrambled with the physical radio network temporary identifier (P-RNTI).

[0255] For example, the first PRACH resource can also be activated in a PDSCH that carries paging information.

[0256] For details on the specific implementation of paging, please refer to the relevant description above. For the sake of brevity, it will not be explained here again.

[0257] Example 4: The first PRACH resource can be activated by the wake-up signal WUS.

[0258] For details on the specific implementation of the wake-up signal, please refer to the relevant description above. For the sake of brevity, it will not be explained here again.

[0259] S730, the terminal device performs initial random access based on the first PRACH resource.

[0260] For details on the specific implementation of the initial random access by the terminal device based on the first PRACH resource, please refer to the method shown in Figure 5 or Figure 6 above. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described here.

[0261] As you can understand, the above examples illustrate the configuration of the first PRACH resource (e.g., a dynamic PRACH resource). The following examples illustrate the configuration of the second PRACH resource (e.g., a static PRACH resource). It should be noted that the differences between the first and second PRACH resources include at least one of the following: the second PRACH resource can be used without signaling activation; or, the configuration periods of the first and second PRACH resources can be different; or, the location of the configuration signaling for the first and second PRACH resources can be different, etc. Specific implementation methods are shown below.

[0262] In one implementation, the method 700 further includes the following steps S740 and S750 (not shown in the figure).

[0263] S740, the access network device sends third-party information to the terminal device;

[0264] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives third information from the access network device.

[0265] The third information is used to indicate the second PRACH resource, which is used by the terminal device for initial random access, and the second PRACH resource is in an active state.

[0266] For example, the second PRACH resource may also be called a static PRACH resource or other names, without limitation. In this application, the second PRACH resource configured through the third information is in an active state, or in other words, the initial state of the second PRACH resource is inactive. That is, the second PRACH resource is always directly available, i.e., the second PRACH resource is a static PRACH resource that is always directly available. Therefore, after obtaining the second PRACH resource, the terminal device can use the second PRACH resource for initial random access.

[0267] The fact that the second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource have different time-frequency domain resources can be understood as follows: the second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource have different time-domain resources, and / or, the second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource have different frequency-domain resources.

[0268] For example, the second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource may not overlap at all in the time domain, but may overlap or not overlap in the frequency domain; or, the second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource may partially overlap in the time domain, but may overlap or not overlap in the frequency domain; or, the second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource may not overlap at all in the frequency domain, but may overlap or not overlap in the time domain; or, the second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource may partially overlap in the frequency domain, but may overlap or not overlap in the time domain. In other words, the second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource may overlap or not overlap, and this is not limited.

[0269] In the embodiments of this application, the number of second PRACH resources can be one or more, and is not limited thereto. For example, when third information is used to indicate multiple second PRACH resources, the configuration of the multiple second PRACH resources can refer to the configuration of existing PRACH resources, and is not limited thereto. For instance, the configuration period for multiple second PRACH resources can be the same.

[0270] In one implementation, the third information is carried in a system information block, such as SIB1. That is, the configuration information of the second PRACH resource and the configuration information of the first PRACH resource can be configured using the same signaling, such as system information block SIB1; or, they can be configured using different signaling. For example, the configuration information of the second PRACH resource can be configured using system information block SIB1, while the configuration information of the first PRACH resource can be configured using other signaling such as RAR or MSG4. There is no limitation on this.

[0271] In one possible implementation, the third information includes a second index, which could be a PRACH configuration index, such as index 1. Further, the terminal device can determine the second time-domain configuration based on the second index and the second mapping relationship, and then send a preamble according to the second time-domain configuration to achieve initial random access. The second mapping relationship corresponds to the second PRACH resource, and includes the correspondence between the second index and the second time-domain configuration.

[0272] It is understood that this application does not limit the specific implementation method of the terminal device obtaining the second mapping relationship.

[0273] In one implementation, the second mapping relationship can be obtained from the access network device, for example, by the access network device configuring or indicating the second mapping relationship via signaling. For instance, the access network device sends configuration information to the terminal device, such as via SIB, RRC, or DCI signaling, which indicates the second mapping relationship. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the configuration information and obtains the second mapping relationship.

[0274] In another implementation, the second mapping relationship can be predefined or preconfigured. Predefinition can include pre-defined terms, such as protocol definitions, while preconfiguration can be achieved by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, functions, text, strings, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information (e.g., the second mapping relationship) in the access network device and / or terminal device. This application does not limit the specific implementation method.

[0275] S750, the terminal device performs initial random access based on the second PRACH resource.

[0276] For details on the specific implementation of the initial random access by the terminal device based on the second PRACH resource, please refer to the method shown in Figure 5 or Figure 6 above. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described here.

[0277] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8, the horizontal axis represents the time domain, that is, the access network device configures multiple first PRACH resources and multiple second PRACH resources for the terminal device. The first PRACH resource can be considered as a dynamic PRACH resource to be activated and available, while the second PRACH resource can be considered as a static PRACH resource that is fixed and directly available. The configuration period of the first PRACH resource is longer than that of the second PRACH resource. This not only increases the sparsity of the second PRACH, effectively saving network energy, but also allows the terminal device to perform initial random access on the first PRACH resource and / or the second PRACH resource, enhancing the flexibility of initial random access and ensuring random access performance.

[0278] This application does not limit the usage of the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource. In one example, during initial access, the terminal device may use only the second PRACH resource to send a preamble for random access. Correspondingly, the access network device may only need to monitor the radio frame containing the first PRACH resource. This implementation can save energy for both the terminal device and the access device.

[0279] The following example illustrates the configuration cycle of the first PRACH resource and the configuration cycle of the second PRACH resource, as well as their relationship.

[0280] In one implementation, the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is greater than or equal to a first threshold. By limiting the configuration period of the second PRACH resource to be greater than or equal to the first threshold, this implementation can increase the sparsity of the second PRACH resource in the time domain, effectively saving network-side energy.

[0281] For example, the configuration period of the second PRACH resource may be longer (e.g., 8 radio frames) compared to the configuration period of the existing PRACH resource (e.g., 4 radio frames), or the distribution of subframes contained in the second PRACH resource (e.g., the number and / or position of subframes) may be sparser, without limitation.

[0282] Optionally, the first threshold can be predefined or preconfigured. For example, the value of the first threshold can be 4 or 6, without limitation.

[0283] Optionally, this application does not limit the size of the first threshold and the configuration period of existing PRACH resources.

[0284] In another implementation, the configuration cycle of the first PRACH resource is different from that of the second PRACH resource.

[0285] For example, the configuration period of the first PRACH resource is shorter than the configuration period of the second PRACH resource. This implementation improves the flexibility of random access by limiting the configuration period of the first PRACH resource to be shorter than that of the second PRACH resource, while effectively saving energy for terminal equipment and access network equipment.

[0286] In other words, the second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource have different time-domain configuration periods. For example, the configuration period of the first PRACH resource is 4 radio frames, and the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is 8 radio frames. It should be noted that although the configuration periods of the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource are different, the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource can overlap, and this is not limited.

[0287] Based on this, the access network device can configure the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource for the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device can perform initial random access on the first PRACH resource and / or the second PRACH resource, which can improve the flexibility of random access, reduce the probability of random access collisions, improve the success rate of random access, and ensure the performance of random access.

[0288] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the configuration period of the second PRACH resource provided in the embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 9, the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is 8 radio frames, where the squares represent radio frames containing ROs, that is, the terminal device can perform initial random access in radio frames containing ROs, and there is no specific limitation on the position and number of ROs contained in the radio frames.

[0289] Understandably, a radio frame consists of 10 subframes, such as subframes #0 to #9, and each subframe occupies two time slots (e.g., which can be called PRACH time slots).

[0290] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the configuration period of the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource provided in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 10, the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is 16 radio frames, and the configuration period of the first PRACH resource is 4 radio frames. It can be seen that the configuration period of the first PRACH resource is shorter than that of the second PRACH resource. Solid squares represent radio frames containing ROs in the second PRACH resource, and dashed squares represent radio frames containing ROs in the first PRACH resource. That is, the terminal device can perform initial random access in radio frames containing ROs. Specifically, the terminal device can perform initial random access in the first PRACH resource and / or the second PRACH resource. The location and number of ROs contained in the radio frames are not specifically limited.

[0291] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the offset (e.g., the first offset) of the configuration period of the first PRACH resource provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 11, solid squares represent radio frames containing RO in the second PRACH resource, and dashed squares represent radio frames containing RO in the first PRACH resource. That is, the terminal device can perform initial random access in radio frames containing RO. The configuration period of the second PRACH resource is 4 radio frames, and the configuration period of the first PRACH resource is 4 radio frames. Therefore, the configuration period of the first PRACH resource and the configuration period of the second PRACH resource are equal. Assuming that the access network device indicates the first offset (e.g., +2) to the terminal device through the first information, the terminal device can determine that the first PRACH resource is shifted right by 2 radio frames relative to the second PRACH resource.

[0292] To reduce conflicts between different terminal devices during initial random access, the access network device can indicate the PRACH resources for initial random access to the terminal device, such as instructing the terminal device to perform random access on the first PRACH resource and / or the second PRACH resource. That is, the method 700 may also include the following step S750 (not shown in the figure).

[0293] S750, the access network equipment sends instruction information to the terminal equipment;

[0294] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives instruction information from the access network device.

[0295] The indication information is used to instruct initial random access or re-initial random access to be performed on the second PRACH resource and / or the first PRACH resource (e.g., retransmit MSG1, reselect SSB, or retransmit MSG3, etc.).

[0296] For example, suppose the access network device first configures the second PRACH resource using third information (e.g., SIB1). The terminal device can then use this second PRACH resource for initial random access. For instance, if a preamble (MSG1) is sent on the second PRACH resource, and different terminal devices use the same preamble to access the second PRACH resource (i.e., an access conflict occurs), the access network device will not be able to correctly receive the preamble, and the terminal devices will be unable to continue accessing the network. In this case, the access network device can activate the first PRACH resource and send the indication information to instruct the terminal devices to re-enter the initial random access using the first PRACH resource. Correspondingly, after receiving this indication information, the terminal device can retransmit MSG1 to perform initial random access.

[0297] For example, this instruction information may also be referred to as a PRACH resource selection instruction.

[0298] The specific implementation method of the instruction information is as follows.

[0299] For example, the indication information can be 1 bit, where bit "1" indicates the first PRACH resource and bit "0" indicates the second PRACH resource, or vice versa; or the indication information can be 2 bits, where bit "11" indicates the first PRACH resource, bit "00" indicates the second PRACH resource, and bit "10" indicates the first and second PRACH resources, or vice versa.

[0300] For example, this indication information can be a bitmap or a bitstring, where a bit "1" indicates the use of the PRACH resource, a bit "0" indicates the non-use of the PRACH resource, and vice versa. For instance, assuming the access network device is configured with 5 PRACH resources, the bitmap size is 5 bits. If the access network device indicates bitmap / bitstring = {01100}, it means the access network device instructs the terminal device to use the second and third PRACH resources in the time domain for initial random access.

[0301] For example, this indication information can be represented by enumeration. Suppose that the access network device is configured with 4 PRACH resources, which are, from left to right in the time domain, the first PRACH resource #1, the second PRACH resource #2, the first PRACH resource #3, and the second PRACH resource #4. If the access network device indicates the first PRACH resource #3 and the second PRACH resource #4, it means that the access network device instructs the terminal device to use the first PRACH resource #3 and the second PRACH resource #4 for initial random access.

[0302] For example, the indication information could be a PRACH index. Suppose the access network device is configured with three PRACH resources, which are the first PRACH resource, the second PRACH resource, and the third PRACH resource from left to right in the time domain. The corresponding indices are 0, 1, and 2, respectively. If the indication information can carry index 0, it means that the access network device instructs the terminal device to use the first PRACH resource for initial random access.

[0303] It is understood that the examples of the above instructions are merely illustrative for the purpose of understanding the solution, and other possibilities are not excluded. For example, this application does not specifically limit the size or form of the instructions.

[0304] In one implementation, the instruction information may be carried in second information, which is used to activate a second PRACH resource.

[0305] In other words, the instruction information and the second information can be sent to the terminal device simultaneously or separately, and the order in which they are sent is not limited. Optionally, the instruction information and the second information can be carried in a single signaling message, such as a RAR message, MSG4, paging message, or wake-up signal; or, the instruction information and the second information can be carried in different signaling messages, such as the second information carried in a RAR message and the instruction information carried in an MSG4, without limitation. That is, this application does not limit the method of sending the instruction information; it can be sent separately or carried in the second information.

[0306] Optionally, if the access network device does not send the indication information, that is, does not instruct the terminal device to use the PRACH resource for initial random access, the terminal device may independently select (or randomly select) the first PRACH resource and / or the second PRACH resource for initial random access. For example, the terminal device may select one or more PRACH resources that are most recent (or relatively recent) in the time domain for initial random access, without limitation.

[0307] Based on this, the terminal device can perform initial random access on the second PRACH resource and / or the first PRACH resource according to the indication information, which can reduce the random access collision rate of the terminal device and improve the success rate of random access.

[0308] In this embodiment, the first PRACH resource and / or the second PRACH resource can be associated with different services, different random access requirements, or different types of terminal devices, enabling the terminal device to selectively choose the first PRACH resource and / or the second PRACH resource for initial random access, thereby improving the flexibility of initial access and thus improving the performance of system access. Specifically, the method 700 may further include the following step S760 (not shown in the figure).

[0309] S760, the terminal device obtains the first correspondence and / or the second correspondence (also referred to as the first mapping relationship and / or the second mapping relationship).

[0310] The first correspondence is used to indicate the correspondence between the fourth information and the first PRACH resource, and the second correspondence is used to indicate the correspondence between the fourth information and the second PRACH resource.

[0311] Furthermore, the terminal device can perform initial random access based on the first correspondence and the first PRACH resource; and / or, the terminal device can perform initial random access based on the second correspondence and the second PRACH resource. This implementation can increase the flexibility of random access, reduce the probability of collisions, and improve the success rate and performance of random access.

[0312] For example, the fourth information includes at least one of the following: the service requirements of the terminal device, or the access requirements of the terminal device, or the type of the terminal device, as specifically defined below.

[0313] (1) Service requirements of terminal equipment, such as MSG1 repetition, MSG3 repetition, or network slicing.

[0314] (2) Access requirements of terminal devices, such as four-step random access or two-step random access, or contention-based basic random access (CBRA) or non-contention-based basic random access (CFRA).

[0315] (3) The type of terminal device, such as normal UE, RedCap UE, eRedcap UE, IoT UE, or Coverage-Enhance UE, etc.

[0316] In one implementation, the first correspondence can be obtained from the access network device. For example, the access network device sends configuration information to the terminal device, such as via SIB, RRC, or DCI signaling. This configuration information is used to indicate the first correspondence. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the configuration information and obtains the first correspondence.

[0317] In another implementation, the first correspondence can be predefined or preconfigured. Predefinition can include pre-defined terms, such as protocol definitions, while preconfiguration can be achieved by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, functions, text, strings, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information (e.g., the first correspondence) in the access network device and / or terminal device. This application does not limit the specific implementation method.

[0318] For example, suppose terminal device #1 (e.g., normal UE) is associated with the second PRACH resource, and terminal device #2 (e.g., RedCap UE) is associated with the first and second PRACH resources. First, the access network device can broadcast third information (e.g., SIB1) to indicate the first and second PRACH resources. Terminal device #1 (e.g., normal UE) and terminal device #2 (e.g., RedCap UE) can first use the second PRACH resource for initial random access, for example, by sending a preamble (i.e., MSG1) on the second PRACH resource. At this time, an access conflict may occur between terminal device #1 and terminal device #2, causing the access network device to fail to receive the preamble correctly, which in turn causes both terminal device #1 and terminal device #2 to fail to access normally. Then, the access network device can send RAR to terminal device #1 and send second information to terminal device #2 to activate the first PRACH resource. Correspondingly, after receiving the RAR, terminal device #1 can use the second PRACH resource to retransmit MSG1 for initial random access, and after receiving the indication information, terminal device #2 can use the first PRACH resource to retransmit MSG1 for initial random access.

[0319] It should be noted that, assuming that for the first correspondence and the second correspondence, the terminal device determines that it can use the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource for initial random access, then it can give priority to using the second PRACH resource or the first PRACH resource for random access, for example, based on the usage priority of the second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource.

[0320] For example, if the usage priority of the second PRACH resource is higher than that of the first PRACH resource, the terminal device can use the second PRACH resource for initial random access first, which can reduce energy consumption on both the terminal device and network sides. If the usage priority of the second PRACH resource is lower than that of the first PRACH resource, the terminal device can use the first PRACH resource for initial random access first, which can improve the flexibility of random access. If the usage priority of the second PRACH resource is equal to that of the first PRACH resource, the terminal device can use both the first PRACH resource and / or the second PRACH resource for initial random access, which offers even greater flexibility, helps improve the success rate of initial random access, and enhances the overall system access performance.

[0321] Understandably, this application addresses initial access in a wireless network, where the access network device is configured with two different PRACH resources, such as a first PRACH and a second PRACH, for initial random access by the terminal device to support a standardized process.

[0322] Using the above method, after receiving the first information, the terminal device can identify the inactive first PRACH resource used for initial random access. Then, after receiving the second information, it can determine that the first PRACH resource has been activated. Therefore, the terminal device can use the first PRACH resource for initial random access to achieve subsequent data transmission and service access. This implementation enhances the flexibility of random access for the terminal device and reduces the energy consumption of both the terminal device and the access network equipment. Furthermore, by instructing the terminal device to perform initial random access or re-initialize random access on the first and / or second PRACH resources, the access network equipment can reduce the probability of collisions, improve the access success rate, and save resources. Finally, by associating the first and / or second PRACH resources with different services, different access requirements, and different types of terminal devices, the flexibility of initial access can be improved, further enhancing the overall system access performance.

[0323] As mentioned above, the RAN involved in the technical solution of this application can be O-RAN. Under the O-RAN architecture, the RIC can directly control either the gNB-CU or the gNB-DU, requiring the "access network device" in the above communication method 700 to be expanded to "CU" and "DU". Optionally, in various embodiments of this application, if the RAN is a CU-DU separated architecture, after the CU receives information from a core network element (e.g., AMF), it can forward the information to the DU; or, after the DU receives information from the UE, it can forward the information to the CU. The remaining steps can be referred to the relevant description of the above communication method 700, and will not be repeated here.

[0324] The communication method embodiment of this application has been described in detail above with reference to Figures 1 to 11. The communication device embodiment of this application will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 12 to 14. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiment corresponds to the description of the method embodiment; therefore, any parts not described in detail can be referred to the preceding method embodiment.

[0325] Figure 12 is a possible exemplary block diagram of the communication device involved in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 12, the communication device 1000 may include modules or units for implementing the methods described above. In one possible design, the communication device 1000 includes a communication unit 1003 and a processing unit 1002. Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a storage unit 1001 for storing device program code and / or data. The communication unit 1003 may also be referred to as a communication interface, transceiver unit, or interface unit.

[0326] The communication device 1000 can be a terminal-side device as described in the above embodiments, such as a terminal device or a communication module in a terminal device, or a circuit or chip in a terminal device that is responsible for communication functions.

[0327] For example, in one embodiment, the communication unit 1003 is used to receive first information, which is used to indicate a first PRACH resource. The first PRACH resource is used by the terminal device to perform initial random access and is in an inactive state. The communication unit 1003 is also used to receive second information, which is used to indicate the activation of the first PRACH resource. The processing unit 1002 is used to perform initial random access according to the first PRACH resource.

[0328] For example, the communication unit 1003 is further configured to receive third information, which is used to indicate a second PRACH resource. The second PRACH resource is used by the terminal device to perform initial random access. The second PRACH resource is in an active state. The second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource have different time-frequency domain resources. The processing unit 1002 is further configured to perform initial random access according to the second PRACH resource.

[0329] For example, the third information is carried in the System Information Block (SIB); and / or, the first information is carried in the System Information Block (SIB), or the Random Access Response (RAR) message, or the MSG4 message.

[0330] For example, when the first information is carried in the SIB, the second information is carried in any of the following messages: RAR message, MSG4, paging message, or wake-up signal; or, when the first information is carried in the RAR message, the second information is carried in the RAR message, MSG4, paging message, or wake-up signal; or, when the first information is carried in MSG4, the second information is carried in MSG4, paging message, or wake-up signal.

[0331] For example, the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0332] For example, the multiple first PRACH resources satisfy at least one of the following: the configuration periods of the multiple first PRACH resources are different; the multiple first PRACH resources do not overlap in the time domain; the positions and number of subframes contained in the multiple first PRACH resources are different; or, the random access channel timing (RO) distributions contained in the multiple first PRACH resources are different.

[0333] For example, the configuration period of the first PRACH resource is shorter than the configuration period of the second PRACH resource.

[0334] For example, the first information includes time-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource, and / or frequency-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource.

[0335] For example, the communication unit 1003 is also configured to receive indication information, which is used to indicate initial random access on the second PRACH resource and / or the first PRACH resource.

[0336] For example, the processing unit 1002 is further configured to obtain a first correspondence relationship, which is used to indicate the correspondence relationship between the fourth information and the first PRACH resource, wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the following: the service requirements of the terminal device, or the access requirements of the terminal device, or the type of the terminal device; the processing unit 1002 is further configured to perform initial random access according to the first correspondence relationship and the first PRACH resource.

[0337] In one possible design, when the communication device 1000 is a terminal device or a communication module within a terminal device, the function of the processing unit 1002 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 function of the communication unit 1003 can be implemented by a transceiver circuit.

[0338] In one possible design, when the communication device 1000 is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a terminal device, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 1002 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 unit 1003 can be implemented by an interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the aforementioned chip.

[0339] The communication device 1000 can be a network-side device in the above embodiments, such as an access network device, or a module (e.g., circuit, chip, or chip system) in the access network device, or a logical node or logical module that can realize all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0340] For example, in one embodiment, the communication unit 1003 is used to send first information, which is used to indicate a first PRACH resource. The first PRACH resource is used for random access by the terminal device. The first PRACH resource is in an inactive state. The second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource occupy different time-frequency domain resources. The communication unit 1003 is also used to send second information, which is used to indicate the activation of the first PRACH resource.

[0341] For example, the communication unit 1003 is further configured to send third information, which is used to indicate a second PRACH resource. The second PRACH resource is used by the terminal device to perform initial random access. The second PRACH resource is in an active state. The second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource have different time-frequency domain resources.

[0342] For example, the third information is carried in the System Information Block (SIB); and / or, the first information is carried in the System Information Block (SIB), or the Random Access Response (RAR) message, or the MSG4 message.

[0343] For example, when the first information is carried in the SIB, the second information is carried in any of the following messages: RAR message, MSG4, paging message, or wake-up signal; or, when the first information is carried in the RAR message, the second information is carried in the RAR message, MSG4, paging message, or wake-up signal; or, when the first information is carried in MSG4, the second information is carried in MSG4, paging message, or wake-up signal.

[0344] For example, the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0345] For example, the multiple first PRACH resources satisfy at least one of the following: the configuration periods of the multiple first PRACH resources are different; the multiple first PRACH resources do not overlap in the time domain; the positions and number of subframes contained in the multiple first PRACH resources are different; or, the random access channel timing (RO) distributions contained in the multiple first PRACH resources are different.

[0346] For example, the configuration period of the first PRACH resource is shorter than the configuration period of the second PRACH resource.

[0347] For example, the first information includes time-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource, and / or frequency-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource.

[0348] For example, the communication unit 1003 is also configured to send indication information, which is used to indicate initial random access on the second PRACH resource and / or the first PRACH resource.

[0349] For example, the processing unit 1002 is further configured to obtain a first correspondence relationship, which is used to indicate the correspondence relationship between the fourth information and the first PRACH resource, wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the following: the service requirements of the terminal device, or the access requirements of the terminal device, or the type of the terminal device; the processing unit 1002 is further configured to perform initial random access according to the first correspondence relationship and the first PRACH resource.

[0350] In one possible design, when the communication device 1000 is an access network device or a communication module within an access network device, the function of the processing unit 1002 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a chip. The function of the communication unit 1003 can be implemented by a transceiver circuit.

[0351] In one possible design, when the communication device 1000 is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in an access network device, the function of the processing unit 1002 can be implemented by a circuit system in the chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 1003 can be implemented by an interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the chip.

[0352] It is understandable that the division of units in the above-mentioned 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 into one physical entity, or they can be distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functional units can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both.

[0353] In one example, the functional unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) designs, or one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microprocessor units (MPUs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0354] In one example, storage unit 1001 may include random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory and / or registers, etc.

[0355] Furthermore, the aforementioned communication unit 1003 can also be a transceiver circuit (e.g., it may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit 1002 can be a processing circuit. In the embodiments of this application, the device in FIG12 can be the terminal device or access network device in the foregoing embodiments, or it can be a chip or a chip system, such as a system on chip (SoC). The communication unit 1003 can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The processing unit 1002 is a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. No limitations are imposed here.

[0356] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 2000 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 13, the device 2000 includes a transceiver 2020.

[0357] Optionally, the device 2000 may further include a memory 2030 and / or a processor 2010, wherein the processor 2010 and the transceiver 2020 communicate with each other via an internal connection path. The processor 2010 is used to execute instructions to control the transceiver 2020 to transmit and / or receive signals. The memory 2030 communicates with the processor 2010 and the transceiver 2020 via an internal connection path. The memory 2030 is used to store instructions, and the processor 2010 can execute the instructions stored in the memory 2030.

[0358] In one implementation, the apparatus 2000 is used to implement the various processes and steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0359] For example, transceiver 2020 is used to receive first information, which indicates a first PRACH resource, which is used by the terminal device to perform initial random access, and the first PRACH resource is in an inactive state; transceiver 2020 is also used to receive second information, which indicates the activation of the first PRACH resource; processor 2010 is used to perform initial random access according to the first PRACH resource.

[0360] In another implementation, the apparatus 2000 is used to implement the various processes and steps corresponding to the access network device in the above method embodiments.

[0361] For example, transceiver 2020 is used to send first information, which is used to indicate a first PRACH resource. The first PRACH resource is used for random access by the terminal device. The first PRACH resource is in an inactive state. The second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource occupy different time-frequency domain resources. Transceiver 2020 is also used to send second information, which is used to indicate activation of the first PRACH resource.

[0362] It should be understood that device 2000 can specifically be the terminal device or access network device in the above embodiments, or it can be a chip or chip system. Correspondingly, transceiver 2020 can be the transceiver circuit of the chip, which is not limited here. Specifically, device 2000 can be used to execute the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the terminal device or access network device in the above method embodiments.

[0363] Optionally, the memory 2030 may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory may also store device type information. The processor 2010 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor 2010 executes instructions stored in the memory, the processor 2010 is used to perform the various steps and / or processes of the method embodiments corresponding to the terminal device or access network device described above.

[0364] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor hardware or by instructions in software. The steps of the method claimed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0365] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by the integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The processor in the embodiments of this application can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method applied in conjunction with the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0366] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0367] Figure 14 is a schematic block diagram of a chip system 3000 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 14, the chip system 3000 (or may also be called a processing system) includes logic circuitry 3010 and an input / output interface 3020.

[0368] The logic circuit 3010 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 3000. The logic circuit 3010 can be coupled to a memory unit, calling instructions from the memory unit, enabling the chip system 3000 to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 3020 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 3000, outputting processed information from the chip system 3000, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 3000 for processing.

[0369] As one approach, the chip system 3000 is used to implement the operations performed by the access network device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0370] For example, logic circuit 3010 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the access network device in the above method embodiments, as shown in the embodiment of FIG7; input / output interface 3020 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the access network device in the above method embodiments, as shown in the embodiment of FIG7.

[0371] As an alternative, the chip system 3000 is used to implement the operations performed by the terminal device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0372] For example, logic circuit 3010 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments, as shown in the embodiment of FIG7; input / output interface 3020 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments, as shown in the embodiment of FIG7.

[0373] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by a communication device (e.g., a terminal-side device and / or a network-side device) in the above-described method embodiments.

[0374] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods described above as being performed by a communication device (e.g., a terminal-side device and / or a network-side device).

[0375] This application also provides a communication system, which includes the terminal device and / or access network device described in the above embodiments.

[0376] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0377] In the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the 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 the embodiments of this application.

[0378] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches are also possible.

[0379] In this application, examples may reference each other without logical contradiction. For example, methods and / or terms between method embodiments may reference each other, functions and / or terms between device embodiments may reference each other, and functions and / or terms between device examples and method examples may reference each other.

[0380] It should be understood that the above embodiments are mainly illustrated using devices in existing network architectures as examples, and the specific form of the devices is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, any device that can achieve the same function in the future is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0381] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented 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 each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0382] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be described again here.

[0383] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of 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 system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0384] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this implementation scheme according to actual needs.

[0385] In addition, 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.

[0386] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to existing solutions, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, external hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0387] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology 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 in that, include: Receive first information, the first information is used to indicate a first physical random access channel (PRACH) resource, the first PRACH resource is used by the terminal device to perform initial random access, and the first PRACH resource is in an inactive state; Receive second information, which is used to instruct the activation of the first PRACH resource; The initial random access is performed based on the first PRACH resource.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: Receive third information, the third information being used to indicate a second PRACH resource, the second PRACH resource being used by the terminal device for initial random access, the second PRACH resource being in an active state, and the second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource having different time-frequency domain resources; The initial random access is performed based on the second PRACH resource.

3. A communication method characterized by comprising: include: Send first information, the first information is used to indicate the first physical random access channel (PRACH) resource, the first PRACH resource is used by the terminal device for random access, the first PRACH resource is in an inactive state, and the second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource occupy different time-frequency domain resources; Send a second message, which is used to instruct the activation of the first PRACH resource.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third message, the third message being used to indicate a second PRACH resource, the second PRACH resource being used by the terminal device for initial random access, the second PRACH resource being in an active state, and the second PRACH resource and the first PRACH resource having different time-frequency domain resources.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The third information is carried in the System Information Block (SIB); and / or, The first information is carried in the System Information Block (SIB), or the Random Access Response (RAR) message, or the MSG4 message.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, When the first information is carried in the SIB, the second information is carried in any of the following messages: RAR message, MSG4, paging message, or wake-up signal; or, When the first information is carried in a RAR message, the second information is carried in a RAR message, MSG4, paging message, or wake-up signal; or, When the first information is carried in MSG4, the second information is carried in MSG4, paging message, or wake-up signal.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The configuration period of the second PRACH resource is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Multiple first PRACH resources satisfy at least one of the following: The configuration cycles of multiple first PRACH resources are different; Multiple first PRACH resources do not overlap in the time domain; The positions and number of subframes contained in multiple first PRACH resources are different; or, The random access channel (RO) timings of the multiple first PRACH resources are distributed differently.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The configuration period of the first PRACH resource is shorter than the configuration period of the second PRACH resource.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first information includes the time-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource, and / or the frequency-domain configuration parameters of the first PRACH resource.

11. The method according to any one of claims 2, 5 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive indication information, which is used to indicate initial random access on the second PRACH resource and / or the first PRACH resource.

12. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send indication information, which is used to indicate initial random access on the second PRACH resource and / or the first PRACH resource.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5 to 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain a first correspondence relationship, which is used to indicate the correspondence between the fourth information and the first PRACH resource, wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the following: the service requirements of the terminal device, or the access requirements of the terminal device, or the type of the terminal device; The initial random access based on the first PRACH resource includes: The initial random access is performed based on the first correspondence and the first PRACH resource.

14. The method according to any one of claims 2, 5 to 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain a second correspondence, which is used to indicate the correspondence between the fourth information and the second PRACH resource, wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the following: the service requirements of the terminal device, or the access requirements of the terminal device, or the type of the terminal device; The initial random access is performed based on the second PRACH resource, including: The initial random access is performed based on the second correspondence and the second PRACH resource.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor, said at least one processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. The communication device according to claim 16, characterized in that, The communication device further includes a memory for storing the computer program or instructions.

18. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14 to be performed.

19. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14 to be performed.

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