Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided are a communication method and a communication apparatus. The communication method comprises: receiving first information, wherein the first information is used for configuring M mode groups, each of the M mode groups comprises a group of parameters, the group of parameters comprises a BWP parameter, the M mode groups correspond to N modes, each of the N modes comprises a group of parameters, information of at least one parameter in any two of the N modes is different, and information of BWP parameters in at least two of the N modes is the same; receiving second information, the second information being used for indicating a first mode, and the first mode being included in the N modes; and performing communication on the basis of information of the group of parameters in the first mode. The technical solution provided in the present application can reduce the delay of updating parameters by terminals.

Description

Communication methods and communication devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510109853.7, filed on January 21, 2025, entitled "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 communications, and more particularly to a communication method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0003] In mobile communication systems, the network side can send configuration information to the terminal for configuring the bandwidth part (BWP), which is often referred to as BWP configuration. The BWP configuration includes a set of parameter values. This set of parameters may include those indicating the BWP, as well as those not indicating the BWP (e.g., non-BWP parameters). For example, parameters indicating the BWP include, but are not limited to, BWP bandwidth, subcarrier spacing, and cyclic prefix, while non-BWP parameters may include, for example, the massive input massive output (MIMO) layer.

[0004] If two BWP configurations sent from the network side to the terminal have a different value for one parameter, the terminal considers these two BWP configurations to correspond to different BWPs. The network side can instruct the terminal to activate the BWP corresponding to the current BWP configuration and activate the target BWP corresponding to the new BWP configuration via a BWP switching command. Conversely, after receiving the BWP switching command, the terminal activates the BWP corresponding to the current BWP configuration and the target BWP to communicate with the network side based on a set of parameter values ​​corresponding to the target BWP. In other words, BWP switching can update the values ​​of one or more parameters.

[0005] However, based on the above-mentioned method of updating parameters, even if only the values ​​of non-BWP parameters are updated, the terminal still needs to perform BWP switching, resulting in BWP switching delay and affecting user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and a communication device, which allows the terminal to update only the values ​​of non-BWP parameters without performing BWP switching, thereby avoiding the latency caused by BWP switching and improving the user experience.

[0007] Firstly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to the terminal side, such as a terminal or a communication module within a terminal, or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip) responsible for communication functions within the terminal. In this application, a terminal is used as an example for description.

[0008] The communication method includes: a terminal receiving first information, the first information indicating a first mode, wherein the first mode is included in N modes, each of the N modes includes a set of parameter information, the set of parameters includes parameters of BWP, at least one parameter of any two of the N modes is different and the BWP parameter information of at least two of the N modes is the same; the terminal communicates based on the set of parameter information in the first mode.

[0009] Specifically, in this application, at least two of the N modes have the same BWP parameter information. That is, at least two of the N modes have the same BWP parameter information. For example, the terminal communicates with the network side based on a set of parameters included in the second mode before receiving the first information. Therefore, based on the technical solution provided in the first aspect, when the access network device indicates the first mode to the terminal, if the BWP parameter information in the indicated first mode is the same as the BWP parameter information in the second mode, the terminal can determine that the BWP used has not changed. Thus, the terminal can update only the information (values) of non-BWP parameters without performing a BWP switch, and the terminal does not need to update all parameters, thereby reducing the latency of parameter updates.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving second information, the second information being used to configure M mode groups corresponding to N modes, wherein each of the M mode groups includes the aforementioned set of parameters; wherein the set of parameters included in each mode group includes parameters of a first type and parameters of a second type, the parameters of the first type including one value and the parameters of the second type including multiple values.

[0011] The parameters of the second type mentioned above can be one or multiple.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the second type of parameters includes one or more of the following: parameters of carrier configuration, parameters of time slot or sub-time slot aggregation, parameters of BWP, and parameters of transmission time interval.

[0013] In this implementation, each mode group configured on the network side can correspond to multiple modes. The difference between these multiple modes within a mode group lies in the different values ​​of at least one second-type parameter. A total of N modes can be determined from these M mode groups, where M is less than N. In other words, this implementation reduces the overhead of configuring N modes on the network side.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first information includes first indication information and second indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate the first mode group corresponding to the first mode, and the second indication information is used to indicate the first value of the second type parameter in the first mode group. The first value is one of the multiple values ​​included in the second type parameter, and the first mode group is contained in M ​​mode groups.

[0015] In this way, when the terminal receives the second information, it determines the values ​​of the first type of parameters and the first values ​​of the second type of parameters in the first mode group as the values ​​of a set of parameters included in the first mode, so as to communicate with the access network device based on the first mode.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the first information is carried in downlink control information (DCI).

[0017] In one possible implementation, the above method further includes sending third information, which is used to request a mode switch.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the third information is also used to indicate at least one mode desired by the terminal, which belongs to N modes.

[0019] It should be noted that this application does not limit whether the network side determines the first mode from the at least one mode expected by the terminal after receiving at least one mode expected by the terminal. For example, the network side determines the first mode from the at least one mode expected by the terminal after receiving at least one mode expected by the terminal. Alternatively, the network side may not determine the first mode from the at least one mode expected by the terminal after receiving at least one mode expected by the terminal.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the third information is carried in the physical random access channel (PRACH), or the sounding reference signal (SRS), or the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0021] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to the network side, such as an access network device or a communication module within the access network device, or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip) responsible for communication functions within the access network device. In this application, an access network device is used as an example for description.

[0022] The communication method includes: an access network device sending first information, the first information indicating a first mode, wherein the first mode is included in N modes, each of the N modes includes a set of parameter information, the set of parameters includes parameters of a BWP, at least one parameter of any two of the N modes is different and the BWP parameter information of at least two of the N modes is the same; the access network device communicates based on the set of parameter information in the first mode.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the above method further includes: sending second information, the second information being used to configure M mode groups corresponding to N modes, wherein each of the M mode groups includes the set of parameters; wherein the set of parameters included in each mode group includes parameters of a first type and parameters of a second type, the parameters of the first type including one value and the parameters of the second type including multiple values.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the above method further includes receiving third information, which is used to request a mode switching.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the third information is also used to indicate at least one mode desired by the terminal, which belongs to N modes.

[0026] The second aspect has some possible implementation methods and beneficial effects, which can be referred to in the first aspect and will not be repeated here.

[0027] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device that has the functions of the first aspect described above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means that perform the operations involved in the first aspect. These modules, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0028] The first communication device is, for example, a terminal, or a device that includes terminal functions, or a chip system (or, chip or circuit) or other functional module that can realize the functions of the terminal, and the chip system or functional module is, for example, disposed in the terminal.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a transceiver unit (sometimes also called a transceiver module). The transceiver unit is capable of both sending and receiving functions. When the transceiver unit performs the sending function, it can be called a sending unit (sometimes also called a sending module); when it performs the receiving function, it can be called a receiving unit (sometimes also called a receiving module). The sending unit and the receiving unit can be the same functional module, which is called the transceiver unit and can perform both sending and receiving functions; alternatively, the sending unit and the receiving unit can be different functional modules, with the transceiver unit being a collective term for these functional modules.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module is configured to: receive first information, the first information being used to indicate a first mode, wherein the first mode is included in N modes, each of the N modes includes information of a set of parameters, the set of parameters including parameters of BWP, at least one parameter of any two of the N modes having different information and at least two of the N modes having the same information of parameters of BWP; the processing module is configured to: perform communication based on the information of the set of parameters in the first mode.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to: receive second information, the second information being used to configure M mode groups corresponding to N modes, wherein each of the M mode groups includes the aforementioned set of parameters; wherein the aforementioned set of parameters included in each mode group includes parameters of a first type and parameters of a second type, the parameters of the first type including one value and the parameters of the second type including multiple values.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module is also used to send third information, which is used to request a mode switch.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the third information is also used to indicate at least one mode desired by the terminal, which belongs to N modes.

[0034] The third aspect provides some possible implementation methods and beneficial effects, which can be referenced from the first aspect and will not be elaborated further.

[0035] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device that has the functions of the second aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means that perform the operations involved in the second aspect above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0036] The communication device is, for example, an access network device, or other device that includes the functions of an access network device, or a chip system (or, chip or circuit) or other functional module that can realize the functions of the access network device, and the chip system or functional module is, for example, disposed in the access network device.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a transceiver unit (sometimes also called a transceiver module). The transceiver unit is capable of both sending and receiving functions. When the transceiver unit performs the sending function, it can be called a sending unit (sometimes also called a sending module); when it performs the receiving function, it can be called a receiving unit (sometimes also called a receiving module). The sending unit and the receiving unit can be the same functional module, which is called the transceiver unit and can perform both sending and receiving functions; alternatively, the sending unit and the receiving unit can be different functional modules, with the transceiver unit being a collective term for these functional modules.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module is configured to: send first information, the first information being used to indicate a first mode, wherein the first mode is included in N modes, each of the N modes includes information of a set of parameters, the set of parameters including parameters of BWP, at least one parameter of any two of the N modes having different information and at least two of the N modes having the same information of parameters of BWP; the processing module is further configured to: perform communication based on information of a set of parameters in the first mode.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to: send second information, the second information being used to configure M mode groups corresponding to N modes, wherein each of the M mode groups includes the aforementioned set of parameters; wherein the aforementioned set of parameters included in each mode group includes parameters of a first type and parameters of a second type, the parameters of the first type including one value and the parameters of the second type including multiple values.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module is also used to: receive third information, which is used to request a mode switch.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the third information is also used to indicate at least one mode desired by the terminal, which belongs to N modes.

[0042] The fourth aspect provides some possible implementation methods and beneficial effects, which can be referred to in the second aspect and will not be elaborated further.

[0043] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device including a processor, the processor being configured to perform the methods described in any of the foregoing aspects and any possible implementations of any of the foregoing aspects.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the processor is configured to, by executing a computer program or instructions, and / or, by logic circuitry, cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations of any of the aspects.

[0045] The apparatus may further include a memory for storing instructions and / or data. The memory is coupled to the processor, which, when executing the instructions stored in the memory, can implement the methods described in the foregoing aspects. Optionally, the memory and the processor are integrated together.

[0046] The device may also include a communication interface for communicating with other devices. For example, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module or other type of communication interface.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned device may be a terminal, or a communication module in the terminal, or a chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned device may be an access network device, or a communication module in the access network device, or a chip in the access network device responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module.

[0049] Sixthly, this application provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting the functions involved in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations of any aspect.

[0050] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing program instructions and data, which may be located within or outside the processor.

[0051] The chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0052] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to implement the methods in any of the foregoing aspects and any possible implementations of any of the foregoing aspects.

[0053] Eighthly, this application provides a computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run, causes a computer to perform the methods in any of the foregoing aspects and any possible implementations of any of the foregoing aspects.

[0054] Ninthly, this application provides a communication system including the aforementioned terminal and access network device. The terminal is used to instruct the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof; the access network device is used to execute the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0055] The third to ninth aspects mentioned above correspond to the technical solutions of the first or second aspects of this application. The beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation are similar, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0056] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in this application;

[0057] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an O-RAN architecture provided in this application;

[0058] Figure 3 is another schematic diagram of the communication system provided in this application;

[0059] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the multiple modes provided in this application;

[0061] Figure 6 illustrates whether a BWP switchover has occurred;

[0062] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of several carrier combinations;

[0063] Figures 8 to 10 show schematic diagrams of several pattern groups;

[0064] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of an access network device provided in this application;

[0066] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0067] The technical solution of this application can be applied to communication systems that include a radio access network (RAN) and terminals. The RAN node is used to help the terminal achieve wireless access; the RAN node may also be referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, etc.

[0068] For example, communication systems include, but are not limited to: narrowband Internet of Things (NB IoT), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), Time Division Synchronization Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and New Radio Access Technology (NR).

[0069] For example, the technical solution of this application can also be applied to satellite communication systems. The satellite has the function of an access network device, and the terminal accesses the network based on the satellite. For example, the satellite can be a low-Earth orbit satellite, a medium-Earth orbit satellite, or a high-Earth orbit satellite. Furthermore, the technical solution of this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as sixth-generation mobile communication systems.

[0070] For example, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. It is understood that the system architecture described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0071] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment (not shown in Figure 1). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0072] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, or future-oriented evolution systems. RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0073] RAN nodes are devices with wireless transceiver capabilities. Access network devices can provide wireless communication services, allowing terminals to connect to the wireless network.

[0074] In one possible scenario, the RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. The RAN node can be a macro base station, a micro base station or indoor station, a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node can also be equipped with communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions. The RAN node can also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions and corresponding program instructions. The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the RAN node.

[0075] In some deployments, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminals in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0076] It should be understood that CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names in different systems, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an O-RAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. This application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples for description. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application may be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0077] The terminal can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. The terminal can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device.

[0078] A terminal can be a device that provides voice / data, such as a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with wireless connectivity. Examples of terminals include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, or future evolution of public land mobile communication networks. Terminal devices in a network (PLMN), etc., are not limited to this in the embodiments of this application.

[0079] For example, referring to Figure 2, which shows a schematic diagram of an O-RAN architecture, the various network elements shown in Figure 2 are described below.

[0080] Service Management and Orchestration Framework (SMO): Its function is similar to that of a network management system.

[0081] Non-real-time RAN intelligent controller (Non-RT RIC): Used for non-real-time intelligent management of RAN functions. It enables artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) workflows, including model training and updates, and guides applications / functions within the near-real-time RAN intelligent controller (Near-RT RIC). The Non-RT RIC resides within the SMO.

[0082] Near Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controller: Used to achieve near real-time intelligent management of the RAN. Through data collection and related operations on the E2 interface, it enables near real-time control and optimization of RAN modules and resources.

[0083] O-RAN Central Unit Control Plane (O-CU-CP): Similar to the CU-CP in the NR system, it implements the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) layer and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer. It is part of the O-CU.

[0084] O-RAN Central Unit User Plane (O-CU-UP): Similar to the CU-UP in the NR system, it is used to implement the functions of the SDAP layer and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer. It is part of the O-CU.

[0085] O-RAN distributed unit (O-DU): Based on low-layer function partitioning, it is used to implement the radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, and higher physical layer in the 3GPP standard. The higher physical layer functions include one or more of the following: forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation.

[0086] The O-RAN radio unit (O-RU) is based on low-layer function partitioning and is used to implement lower physical layer (PPL) functions and radio frequency (RF) functions in the 3GPP standard. These PPL functions include one or more of the following: Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) / Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH). It is similar to the Transmission Reception Point (TRP) or Remote Radio Head (RRH) in 3GPP, but includes PPL functions such as FFT / IFFT or PRACH extraction.

[0087] O-RAN Cloud (O-Cloud): As a cloud computing platform, it includes physical infrastructure nodes for hosting O-RAN functions such as RIC and O-DU; it supports software components (such as operating systems, virtual machine monitoring, container runtimes), management and orchestration functions.

[0088] The meanings of the various interfaces in Figure 2 are as follows:

[0089] A1 Interface: The interface between Non-RT RIC and Near-RT RIC, used for intelligent and dynamic control of radio resources within the O-RAN. Non-RT RIC provides policies, rich information, and ML model updates to Near-RT RIC through the A1 interface, while Near-RT RIC provides policy feedback to Non-RT RIC through the A1 interface.

[0090] E2 Interface: The E2 interface is an open interface between two endpoints used to connect the Near-RT RIC and the RAN node. RAN nodes include, for example, CU and DU in 5G, O-RAN compatible eNB in ​​4G, O-CU (O-CU-CP and / or O-CU-UP) in O-RAN, and / or O-DU, etc. The RIC can obtain data collection and feedback from the RAN node through the E2 node, and the RAN node can obtain control feedback from the Near-RT RIC through the E2 node.

[0091] O1 Interface: The interface between the management entity in the SMO and the O-RAN module, used for operation management. FCAPS management, software management, and file management are implemented through this interface.

[0092] O2 Interface: The interface between the SMO and the infrastructure management framework that supports O-RAN virtual network functionality.

[0093] The Open Fronthaul CUS-Plane interface includes control plane (C-Plane), user plane (U-Plane), and synchronization plane (S-Plane) interfaces. The control plane interface is used for real-time control between the O-DU and O-RU, such as transmitting beamforming weights from the O-DU to the O-RU or performing power control from the O-DU to the O-RU. The user plane interface is used to transmit communication data between the DU and RU for access network devices and terminals. The synchronization plane interface is used by the O-DU to provide clock synchronization to the O-RU.

[0094] NG interface: The interface between NR RAN equipment (such as base stations, CUs, CU-CPs, or CU-UPs) and the NR core network; among them, NG-u is the user plane NG interface, and NG-c is the control plane NG interface.

[0095] Xn interface: The interface between NR RAN devices (such as base stations, CUs, CU-CPs, or CU-UPs); where Xn-u is the user plane Xn interface and Xn-c is the control plane Xn interface.

[0096] X2 Interface: The interface between RAN devices; X2-u is the user plane X2 interface, and X2-c is the control plane X2 interface. In NR, the X2 interface is mainly used in E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity (EN-DC) scenarios, where the master station is an LTE RAN device that connects to the LTE core network through the X2 interface.

[0097] E1 interface: The interface between CU-CP and CU-UP.

[0098] F1-C interface: The interface between CU-CP and DU.

[0099] F1-U interface: The interface between CU-UP and DU.

[0100] The meaning of each interface can be found in the descriptions in the relevant technologies, and will not be repeated here.

[0101] Referring, Figure 3 illustrates a communication system for an access network device based on a split architecture. As shown in Figure 3, the access network device communicates with the core network (CN) device via a backhaul link and with the terminal via an air interface. Specifically, the BBU in the access network device communicates with the core network device via the backhaul link; the RU in the access network device communicates with the terminal via an air interface. The BBU communicates with at least one RU via a fronthaul link (FH). The BBU and RU may or may not be co-located. The BBU may include at least one CU and at least one DU, and the CU and DU can communicate with each other via a midhaul link.

[0102] To facilitate understanding of the technical solution provided in this application, the relevant content of BWP involved in this application will be introduced first.

[0103] I. BWP

[0104] BWP refers to a contiguous physical resource block (PRB) within a given subcarrier spacing (SCS). BWP can also be called carrier bandwidth portion, subband, subband bandwidth, narrowband, or narrowband bandwidth, or other names. This application does not limit the name of the bandwidth portion in its embodiments. The aforementioned subcarrier spacing is, for example, 15 kilohertz (kHz), 30 kHz, 60 kHz, or 120 kHz.

[0105] BWP includes uplink BWP and downlink BWP. Uplink BWP refers to the BWP configured on the uplink carrier, and downlink BWP refers to the BWP configured on the downlink carrier. Uplink BWP is used for uplink transmission, and downlink BWP is used for downlink transmission.

[0106] Access network devices can send configuration information for configuring the BWP to terminals. In this application, the configuration information for configuring the BWP is referred to as BWP configuration. For example, the BWP configuration includes one or more of the following BWP parameters: the frequency domain position of the BWP, the bandwidth of the BWP, the subcarrier spacing of the BWP, or the ID of the BWP.

[0107] The BWP configuration can also include more parameters, such as parameters indicating the maximum MIMO layer. In other words, the access network device actually includes some parameters that are not related to BWP characteristics as BWP parameters, or it can be understood that the BWP parameters can include not only the parameters used to indicate BWP, but also non-BWP parameters that are not used to indicate BWP.

[0108] It is important to emphasize that when two BWP configurations sent by the access network device to the terminal differ in one parameter, the terminal considers these two BWP configurations to correspond to different BWPs. For example, the access network device can send BWP configuration 1 and BWP configuration 2 to the terminal. Both BWP configuration 1 and BWP configuration 2 include the BWP's frequency domain location parameter, bandwidth parameter, subcarrier spacing parameter, cyclic prefix parameter, and maximum MIMO layer parameter. The only difference between BWP configuration 1 and BWP configuration 2 is the value of the maximum MIMO layer parameter. Therefore, because the maximum MIMO layer value differs between BWP configuration 1 and BWP configuration 2, the terminal will consider the parameters of the BWPs corresponding to these two BWP configurations to be different, and thus believe that the two BWP configurations correspond to different BWPs. However, it is understandable that in this example, the radio frequency location of the BWPs corresponding to BWP configuration 1 and BWP configuration 2 has not actually changed; only the value of the maximum MIMO layer parameter has changed.

[0109] Access network devices can be configured with multiple Baseboard Views (BWPs) for each terminal to suit different application scenarios and requirements. For example, when a terminal needs to perform high-speed data transmission, it can use a BWP with a wider bandwidth, larger subcarrier spacing, and support for more MIMO layers; while in low-power mode, the terminal can use a BWP with a narrower bandwidth, smaller subcarrier spacing, and support for fewer MIMO layers to reduce power consumption.

[0110] II. BWP Switching Mechanism

[0111] Access network devices can use BWP handover commands to instruct terminals to activate the currently used BWP configuration and a new BWP configuration, thereby directing the terminals to transmit and receive data on the target BWP corresponding to the new BWP configuration. Conversely, upon receiving a BWP handover command, the terminal activates the currently used BWP configuration and another BWP configuration to switch to the target BWP for data transmission and reception.

[0112] Switching via BWP offers the following benefits:

[0113] 1) Provide support for terminals whose receiver bandwidth (e.g., 20MHz) is less than the overall system bandwidth (e.g., 100MHz).

[0114] 2) By dynamically switching BWPs, the bandwidth used by the terminal and access network equipment during communication can be dynamically adjusted, enabling more efficient use of spectrum resources and improving spectrum efficiency.

[0115] 3) Dynamically switching BWPs helps save power consumption in the terminal, which is especially important for IoT devices and low-power applications. For example, the terminal can switch from a BWP with higher bandwidth to a BWP with lower bandwidth, or switch to a BWP with fewer MIMO layers, to save power consumption and extend battery life.

[0116] 4) Each BWP corresponds to a set of parameter values. BWP switching allows for dynamic adjustment of these parameters during communication, providing flexible resource management capabilities. For example, the maximum number of MIMO layers can be dynamically adjusted through BWP switching. In implementation, access network equipment can adjust the parameter values ​​used during communication based on different service / communication scenarios of the terminal through BWP switching. These service / communication scenarios could include, for example, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). For instance, access network equipment can instruct the terminal to switch to a BWP corresponding to more MIMO layers to significantly improve data transmission rates, thus meeting the needs of high-definition video streaming and large file transfers.

[0117] III. BWP Switching Delay

[0118] BWP handover latency refers to the time interval from when the terminal receives the BWP handover command to when the terminal completes the BWP handover and is able to transmit data based on the new BWP. For example, after receiving the BWP handover command, the terminal will switch the data transmission with the access network device from BWP1 to BWP2 after the BWP handover latency.

[0119] BWP handover latency can consist of several parts, including the time it takes for the terminal to detect the handover instruction (BWP handover command), the time to identify the BWP index, and the time for the RF front-end to modify the bandwidth. Furthermore, the BWP handover latency includes a certain amount of redundancy to ensure alignment between the end of the BWP handover latency and the time slot boundary.

[0120] For example, in a BWP handover triggered by DCI, the BWP handover latency is the time interval from when the terminal receives the BWP handover command in the DCI to when the terminal completes the BWP handover and transmits data based on the new BWP.

[0121] For example, in a timer-triggered BWP handover, the BWP handover delay is the time interval from the timer ends until the terminal completes the BWP handover and transmits data based on the new BWP.

[0122] For example, NR communication systems support two types of BWP switch delay. The specific type used by the terminal is determined based on the capabilities reported by the terminal. For instance, if the terminal reports capabilities supporting type 1, then the terminal supports type 1 BWP switch delay; if the terminal reports capabilities supporting type 2, then the terminal supports type 2 BWP switch delay. The BWP switch delay is related to the subcarrier spacing, as shown in Table 1.

[0123] Table 1

[0124] Here, μ can be used for subcarrier spacing, with different μ values ​​corresponding to different subcarrier spacings. Specifically, μ = 0 corresponds to a subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz, μ = 0 corresponds to a subcarrier spacing of 30 kHz, μ = 2 corresponds to a subcarrier spacing of 60 kHz, and μ = 3 corresponds to a subcarrier spacing of 120 kHz. Table 1 shows that when μ is 0, 1, 2, and 3, the BWP handover delays for Type 1 are 1 slot, 2 slots, 3 slots, and 6 slots, respectively, with corresponding absolute times of 1 millisecond (ms), 1 ms, 0.75 ms, and 0.75 ms. When μ is 0, 1, 2, and 3, the BWP handover delays for Type 2 are 3 slots, 5 slots, 9 slots, and 18 slots, respectively, with corresponding absolute times of 3 ms, 2.5 ms, 2.25 ms, and 2.25 ms.

[0125] As described above, access network devices can configure BWPs for terminals. The parameter values ​​of different BWPs vary. Access network devices can dynamically adjust / update the parameter values ​​used during communication based on BWP switching to suit different communication scenarios.

[0126] However, adjusting parameter values ​​based on BWP handover can lead to significant latency issues. For example, if only parameters not used to indicate the BWP need adjustment, without changing the BWP itself—for instance, to reduce terminal power consumption, the access network device might only want to change the maximum MIMO layer value without altering the BWP's radio frequency (RF) position—the terminal doesn't actually need to perform a BWP handover. Therefore, updating parameters based on BWP handover would result in significant latency, impacting user experience.

[0127] In view of this, this application provides a communication method and a communication device to reduce the latency of terminal parameter updates and improve user experience.

[0128] The technical solution provided in this application will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0129] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in one embodiment of this application. It is understood that this application uses an access network device and a terminal as examples of the execution entities in this interactive illustration, but this application does not limit the execution entities of the interactive illustration. For example, the method executed by the access network device in this application can also be implemented by a module (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system) in the access network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device; the method executed by the terminal in this application can also be implemented by a communication module in the terminal, or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC chip containing a modem core, or a SIP chip). As shown in Figure 4, the method includes steps S410 to S420.

[0130] S410, the access network device sends first information to the terminal, and the corresponding terminal receives the first information; the first information is used to indicate a first mode, wherein the first mode is included in N modes, and N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0131] Each of the N modes mentioned in this application includes a set of parameter information. The parameter information can also be replaced by the parameter values. The aforementioned set of parameters refers to the parameters required for communication between the terminal and the access network device.

[0132] Each of the N modes in this application includes a set of parameters, each containing parameters for the BWP (Browser Window). These parameters are used by the terminal to determine the BWP to use during communication. For example, BWP parameters may include one or more of the following: the starting position of the BWP, the bandwidth of the BWP, the subcarrier spacing of the BWP, the cyclic prefix of the BWP, and the identifier of the BWP. Understandably, different values ​​for these parameters result in different BWPs. For ease of understanding, this application refers to the BWP parameters simply as BWP parameters, and parameters not used to indicate the BWP in the above set of parameters are called non-BWP parameters. For example, non-BWP parameters may include one or more of the following: carrier configuration parameters, maximum MIMO layer parameters, dynamic licensing parameters, slot aggregation or sub-slot aggregation parameters, code block group (CBG) level parameters, or CSI (Clock Injection System) time-frequency density parameters, etc. The carrier configuration parameters may, for example, indicate a single carrier configuration or a carrier combination. It should be emphasized that the parameters listed above are merely examples and do not constitute a limitation of this application. This application does not limit which parameters are specifically included in the above set of parameters.

[0133] Specifically, in this application, the value of each parameter in each of the N modes is unique, and at least two parameters in any two of the N modes have different values, while the BWP parameter in at least two of the N modes has the same value. That is, a mode defines a set of parameters and the specific value of each parameter in that set. Furthermore, at least two parameters in any two of the N modes have different values. In other words, although each of the N modes includes the aforementioned set of parameters, the specific values ​​of this set of parameters differ across the N modes.

[0134] Specifically, in this application, at least two of the N modes have the same BWP parameter information. That is, there are two or more modes with the same BWP parameter among the indicated N modes. Alternatively, it can be understood that at least two of the N modes indicate the same BWP.

[0135] For example, a set of parameters required for communication between access network devices and terminals includes the BWP identifier, maximum MIMO layers, time slot / sub-time slot aggregation, CBG level, whether periodic CSI measurement is performed, and CSI time-frequency density. The BWP identifier has two possible values ​​(1 and 2), the maximum MIMO layers have two possible values ​​(1 and 4), and whether periodic CSI measurement is performed has two possible values ​​(yes and no). The remaining parameters each have only one possible value. This corresponds to a total of 8 modes, as shown in Figure 5. Each of these 8 modes includes the same set of parameters, the difference being that at least one parameter value differs across the 8 modes. For example, the difference between mode 1 and mode 2 is the value of the maximum MIMO layers. The difference between mode 3 and mode 4 is the value of the maximum MIMO layers. The difference between mode 1 and mode 3 is the value of the BWP identifier. The difference between mode 1 and mode 4 is the value of the maximum MIMO layers and the BWP identifier. The difference between Mode 1 and Mode 8 is that the values ​​of the BWP identifier, the maximum MIMO layer, and whether or not the CSI measurement is periodic are different.

[0136] For example, in one implementation, when establishing an RRC connection with a terminal, the access network device can carry N modes together in the RRC signaling to indicate the N modes to the terminal. Optionally, in this implementation, different modes among the N modes can have different identifiers, and the identifier used to identify the mode is also called a mode identifier. Then, the access network device can include the identifier of the first mode in the first information to indicate the first mode to be used to the terminal. For example, the first information is carried in downlink control information (DCI).

[0137] For example, in another implementation, the access network device includes the information of the first mode in the first information. Understandably, the first mode includes the above set of parameters and the value of each parameter in the set of parameters is unique; correspondingly, the terminal obtains the information of the set of parameters in the first mode.

[0138] In this application, the first information can also be considered as mode switching information used to instruct the terminal to switch to a first mode for communication based on a set of parameter values ​​in the first mode. For example, before the access network device sends the first information to the terminal, the terminal and the access network device communicate based on a set of parameter values ​​included in the second mode out of N modes. After receiving the first information, the terminal communicates based on the set of parameter information in the first mode indicated by the first information. That is, after receiving the first information, the terminal updates the specific values ​​of the set of parameters used when communicating with the access network device from the values ​​of each parameter in the second mode to the values ​​of each parameter in the first mode.

[0139] Optionally, in addition to the field indicating the first mode, the first information also includes a field indicating whether to switch, with the field indicating the first mode following the field indicating whether to switch. For example, the field indicating whether to switch occupies 1 bit. Correspondingly, the terminal determines whether to switch based on the content of the aforementioned field indicating whether to switch, and if a switch is indicated, determines the first mode to be switched to based on the field indicating the first mode.

[0140] This application does not limit the method by which the access network device sends the first information to the terminal. For example, the access network device actively sends the first information to the terminal. Alternatively, prior to S420, the application may also include: the terminal sending third information to the access network device, the third information being used to request a mode switch. The third information may also be referred to as a mode switch request. Correspondingly, in response to the received third information, the access network device sends the first information to the terminal to indicate a first mode. Optionally, the third information is carried in PRACH, or SRS, or PUSCH. Optionally, the third information sent by the terminal may also indicate at least one mode desired by the terminal, the at least one mode desired by the terminal belonging to / included in / located in the aforementioned N modes. The at least one mode desired by the terminal may also be referred to as at least one mode suggested by the terminal. For example, the third information includes a mode identifier for each of the at least one desired mode.

[0141] It should be noted that, when the terminal indicates at least one desired mode to the access network device, this application does not limit whether the access network device determines the first mode from the at least one desired mode. For example, the access network device determines the first mode to be switched from the desired modes; or, for another example, the access network device does not determine the first mode based on the at least one desired mode of the terminal, but instead autonomously selects a first mode and indicates it to the terminal.

[0142] S420: The terminal communicates with the access network device based on a set of parameters in the first mode.

[0143] That is, after receiving the first information, the terminal determines the first mode indicated by the access network device based on the first information, and then communicates with the access network device based on the specific values ​​of a set of parameters included in the first mode. Understandably, the terminal communicating with the access network device based on the values ​​of a set of parameters in the first mode includes: the terminal transmitting data with the access network device on the BWP indicated by the BWP parameters included in the first mode.

[0144] Based on this communication method, the following are some possible approaches:

[0145] 1) If the BWP parameter values ​​included in the first mode and the second mode are the same, that is, the radio frequency position of the BWP indicated by the first mode has not changed compared to the radio frequency position of the BWP indicated by the second mode, then when the terminal updates the values ​​of the parameters used when communicating with the access network device from the set of parameters included in the second mode to the set of parameters included in the first mode, the terminal does not need to perform BWP switching, and there is no BWP switching latency. Therefore, the latency of the terminal adjusting parameter values ​​can be reduced, improving the user experience.

[0146] Furthermore, it is understandable that if there are a total of K modes with the same BWP parameter value, then when the access network device instructs the terminal to switch between these K modes, the terminal does not need to switch BWP.

[0147] 2) If the values ​​of the parameters of the BWP included in the first mode and the second mode are different, that is, the radio frequency position of the BWP indicated by the first mode has changed compared with the radio frequency position of the BWP indicated by the second mode, then when the terminal updates the value of the parameter used to communicate with the access network device from the value of a set of parameters included in the second mode to the value of a set of parameters included in the first mode, then a BWP handover is required.

[0148] To facilitate understanding, an example will be provided below with reference to Figure 6.

[0149] As shown in Figure 6(a), both Mode 1 and Mode 2 include the following parameters: BWP identifier, maximum MIMO layer, dynamic licensing, slot aggregation or sub-slot aggregation level, codeword-based rank feedback, codeword-based data retransmission, aperiodic CSI measurement, and CSI-RS time-frequency density. The only difference between Mode 1 and Mode 2 is that the maximum MIMO layer value in Mode 1 is 1, while the maximum MIMO layer value in Mode 2 is 4. Therefore, if the access network device instructs the terminal to switch from Mode 1 to Mode 2, the terminal, upon receiving the instruction, will update the values ​​of the parameters used when communicating with the access network device to the values ​​in Mode 2. In this example, the BWP parameters do not change, therefore, there is no delay caused by the terminal switching the BWP.

[0150] As shown in Figure 6(b), both Mode 1 and Mode 2 include the following parameters: BWP identifier, maximum MIMO layer, dynamic licensing, slot aggregation or sub-slot aggregation level, codeword-based rank feedback, codeword-based data retransmission, aperiodic CSI measurement, and CSI-RS time-frequency density. As shown in Figure 6(b), the values ​​of the BWP identifier and the maximum MIMO layer differ between Mode 1 and Mode 2. In Mode 1, the BWP identifier is 1 and the maximum MIMO layer value is 1; in Mode 2, the BWP identifier is 2 and the maximum MIMO layer value is 4. Therefore, if the access network device instructs the terminal to switch from Mode 1 to Mode 2, the BWP needs to be updated, and the maximum MIMO layer number needs to be updated from 1 to 4. Upon receiving the instruction to switch from Mode 1 to Mode 2, the terminal updates the values ​​of the parameters used when communicating with the access network device to the values ​​in Mode 2. In this example, due to the change in BWP, there will be a delay caused by the terminal switching the BWP.

[0151] As can be seen in this application, since there are modes with the same BWP parameter information among the N modes, the terminal can determine whether to switch BWP based on whether the BWP parameter information is the same, without having to reserve time for switching BWP for parameter updates. Therefore, it helps to reduce the latency of updating parameter values ​​when the terminal communicates based on the above set of parameters.

[0152] Next, with reference to S410 in the embodiment of Figure 4, we will introduce an implementation scheme in which the access network device indicates the first mode through the first information.

[0153] During implementation, prior to S410, the access network device sends second information to the terminal. The second information is used to configure M mode groups corresponding to N modes. Each of the M mode groups includes the aforementioned set of parameters.

[0154] Among these M mode groups, at least one parameter value differs between any two mode groups. Furthermore, each mode group includes a set of parameters of a first type and a second type. The first type of parameters has only one value, while the second type of parameters has multiple values. In other words, when configuring the M mode groups, some parameters in each mode group have only one value, while others have multiple values.

[0155] For example, each pattern group includes one parameter of the second type. Or, for another example, each pattern group includes more than one parameter of the second type.

[0156] Below, examples will be provided for easier understanding, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0157] 1) Each pattern group has only one parameter of the second type:

[0158] Example 1: A set of parameters required for communication between access network devices and terminals includes the BWP identifier, carrier group (or carrier combination), time slot / sub-time slot aggregation, CBG level, whether periodic CSI measurement is performed, and CSI time-frequency density. Among these, the carrier group has four possible values ​​(carrier group 1, carrier group 2, carrier group 3, and carrier group 4), the periodic CSI measurement has two possible values ​​(yes and no), and the remaining parameters each have only one possible value. Different values ​​of the carrier group correspond to different carrier combinations. Specific rules for carrier groups can be predefined. For example, Figure 7 shows the four carrier combinations: carrier group 1, carrier group 2, carrier group 3, and carrier group 4. Carrier group 1 includes one carrier, carrier group 2 includes carrier 1 and carrier 2, carrier group 3 includes carrier 1, carrier 2, and carrier 3, and carrier group 4 includes carrier 1, carrier 2, carrier 3, and carrier 4. For example, 00 represents carrier group 1, 01 represents carrier group 2, 10 represents carrier group 3, and 11 represents carrier group 4.

[0159] As shown in Figure 8, two mode groups can be configured using the first information. Each of these two mode groups corresponds to the same set of parameters, the difference being the different values ​​of the periodic CSI measurements for the two mode groups. Understandably, in this example, the BWP identifier, slot / sub-slot aggregation, CBG level, whether to perform periodic CSI measurements, and CSI time-frequency density in mode group 1 and mode group 2 can be understood as first-type parameters, while the carrier group can be considered as second-type parameters.

[0160] Example 2: A set of parameters required for communication between access network devices and terminals includes the BWP identifier, carrier group, time slot / sub-time slot aggregation, CBG level, whether periodic CSI measurement is performed, and CSI time-frequency density. Among these, the BWP identifier has two possible values, the carrier group has four possible values ​​(carrier group 1, carrier group 2, carrier group 3, and carrier group 4), and whether periodic CSI measurement is performed has two possible values ​​(yes and no). The remaining parameters each have only one possible value.

[0161] As shown in Figure 9, four mode groups can be configured using the first information. Each of these four mode groups corresponds to the same set of parameters, differing only in the values ​​for periodic CSI measurement and / or the BWP identifier. For example, the difference between mode group 1 and mode group 2 is the value for periodic CSI measurement; the difference between mode group 3 and mode group 4 is the value for periodic CSI measurement; the difference between mode group 1 and mode 3 is the value for the BWP identifier; the difference between mode group 2 and mode 4 is the value for the BWP identifier; the difference between mode group 1 and mode 4 is that both the BWP identifier value and the periodic CSI measurement value are different; and the difference between mode group 2 and mode 3 is that both the BWP identifier value and the periodic CSI measurement value are different. Understandably, in this example, the BWP identifier, slot / sub-slot aggregation, CBG level, whether periodic CSI measurement is performed, and CSI time-frequency density can be understood as first-type parameters, while the carrier can be considered as a second-type parameter.

[0162] 2) There are multiple parameters of the second type in each pattern group.

[0163] Example 3: A set of parameters required for communication between access network equipment and terminals includes carrier group, time slot / sub-time slot aggregation, CBG level, whether periodic CSI measurement is performed, CSI time-frequency density, BWP, etc. Among them, the BWP parameter has 4 possible values ​​(BWP1, BWP2, BWP3, BWP4), the carrier group has 4 possible values ​​(carrier group 1, carrier group 2, carrier group 3, and carrier group 4), whether periodic CSI measurement is performed has 2 possible values ​​(yes and no), and the remaining parameters each have only 1 possible value.

[0164] As shown in Figure 10, two mode groups can be configured. Each mode group contains the same set of parameters, but the values ​​for whether periodic CSI measurement is performed differ between the two mode groups. Understandably, in this example, the slot / sub-slot aggregation, CBG level, whether periodic CSI measurement is performed, and CSI time-frequency density in each mode group can be considered as first-type parameters, while the carrier group and BWP parameters can be considered as second-type parameters.

[0165] Understandably, a set of parameters may contain more than one parameter with multiple values. In this case, the access network device does not restrict which specific parameter with multiple values ​​is designated as the second type parameter in the mode group. For example, taking Figure 9 as an example, parameters with multiple values ​​include the BWP identifier, carrier group, and whether channel state information (CSI) measurement is periodic. However, when configuring mode groups, the access network device only includes the carrier group as the parameter with multiple values ​​in each mode group. Optionally, when each mode group includes only one parameter with multiple values, the access network device will designate the parameter with the most values ​​as the second type parameter in each mode group.

[0166] Additionally, it should be noted that the second type of parameters included in the pattern groups illustrated in Figures 7-10 are merely examples. For instance, the second type of parameters in each pattern group could be other parameters, or even more second type parameters could be included. For example, one or more of the following parameters could be used as the second type of parameters in the pattern group: carrier configuration parameters, time slot or sub-time slot aggregation parameters, frequency band parameters, and transmission time interval parameters.

[0167] In other words, in this application, the similarity between a pattern group and a pattern is that they both include the same set of parameters. However, the difference between a pattern group and a pattern is that some parameters in a pattern group have multiple values, while each parameter in a pattern group has only one value. That is, a pattern group defines a set of parameters, and some parameters in this defined set have only one value while others have multiple values. A pattern also defines a set of parameters, and each parameter in this defined set has only one value.

[0168] Understandably, each pattern group can correspond to multiple patterns, and M pattern groups can correspond to a total of N patterns. Specifically, the number of patterns corresponding to each pattern group is determined based on the number of second-type parameters in each pattern group and the number of values ​​that each second-type parameter can take within the second-type parameters.

[0169] For example, when there is only one second-type parameter in each mode group, the number of modes corresponding to each mode group is equal to the number of values ​​that second-type parameter can take. Taking Figure 8 as an example, one mode group can correspond to four modes, and the access network device can indicate a total of eight modes based on these two configured mode groups. The difference between each of the four modes corresponding to each mode group lies in the different values ​​of the carrier group. Taking Figure 9 as an example, each mode group can correspond to four modes, and the access network device can indicate a total of 16 modes based on the four configured mode groups. The difference between the four modes corresponding to each mode group lies in the different values ​​of the carrier group.

[0170] For example, when there are multiple second-type parameters in each mode group, the difference between the multiple modes corresponding to each mode group lies in the different values ​​of one or more second-type parameters. For example, taking Figure 10 as an example, each mode group can correspond to 16 modes, and the access network device can indicate a total of 32 modes based on the configured two mode groups. The difference between the 16 modes corresponding to each mode group lies in the different values ​​of the carrier group and / or the BWP parameters.

[0171] Specifically, in the implementation where the access network device configures M mode groups to the terminal, when the access network device indicates the first mode to be used, the first information includes first indication information and second indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate the first mode group corresponding to the first mode, and the second indication information is used to indicate the first value of the second type of parameter. The first value is one of the multiple values ​​included in the second type of parameter, and the first mode group is included in the M mode groups. Correspondingly, after receiving the second information, the terminal determines the value of the first type of parameter and the first value of the second type of parameter in the first mode group as the value of a set of parameters included in the first mode. That is, the first mode can be considered as a mode that includes the value of the first type of parameter in the mode group and the first value of the second type of parameter in the mode group, so as to communicate with the access network device based on the first mode.

[0172] One implementation of the access network device indicating a first mode group corresponding to a first mode through first indication information includes: the first indication information includes an identifier of the first mode group. In this application, the identifier used to identify the mode group is also referred to as the mode group identifier. Correspondingly, the terminal determines the first mode group to be obtained based on the mode group identifier of the first mode group.

[0173] The access network device indicates through the second indication information that the first value of the second type of parameter can be implemented in different ways.

[0174] For example, in one implementation, when the access network device configures the M-mode group to the terminal, it also indicates to the terminal the identifier of each second-type parameter and the identifier of each of the multiple values ​​included in each second-type parameter. In this application, the identifier used to identify the parameter is also called the parameter identifier, and the identifier used to identify the value is called the value identifier. Then, when the access network device indicates the first value corresponding to the second-type parameter, the second indication information includes the parameter identifier of the second-type parameter and the value identifier of the first value.

[0175] Taking Figure 10 as an example, when the access network device configures mode group 1 and mode group 2 in Figure 10 to the terminal, it also indicates the carrier group identifier, the BWP identifier, the identifier of each value of each carrier group, and the identifier of each BWP value. For example, the carrier group identifier and the BWP identifier are both 1 bit, the identifier of each value of the carrier group is 2 bits, and the identifier of each value of the BWP is 2 bits.

[0176] For example, in another implementation, when the access network device indicates the first value of the second type of parameter, the second indication information includes the parameter identifier of the second type of parameter and the position of the first value among the multiple values ​​included in the second type.

[0177] For example, in another implementation, when the access network device indicates the first value of the second type of parameter, the second indication information includes the parameter identifier of the second type of parameter and the first value.

[0178] Optionally, if there is only one parameter identifier of the second type of parameter in each of the M mode groups configured in the access network device, the second indication information may not include the parameter identifier of the second type.

[0179] The above describes an implementation scheme where access network devices can indicate different modes based on configuring M mode groups. It can be seen that by configuring M mode groups, the access network device manages parameters with multiple values. On the one hand, this reduces the signaling overhead of configuring N modes while still indicating N modes. Understandably, the more parameters of the second type in each mode group, the greater the reduction in signaling overhead.

[0180] Understandably, in an embodiment where the access network device is configured with M mode groups, if the terminal indicates a suggested mode to the access device, then the third information needs to indicate the mode group corresponding to the desired mode and the value selected from the multiple values ​​included in the second type of parameters.

[0181] The communication method provided in this application has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The communication device provided in this application will now be described.

[0182] Figure 11 is a structural schematic diagram of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the device 1100 includes: a transceiver module 1101 and a processing module 1102.

[0183] For example, device 1100 can be applied to a terminal.

[0184] Specifically, the transceiver module 1101 is used to receive first information, which is used to indicate a first mode. The first mode is included in N modes. Each of the N modes includes a set of parameter information, which includes BWP parameters. At least one parameter of any two of the N modes is different, and the BWP parameters of at least two of the N modes are the same. The processing module 1102 is also used to perform communication based on the set of parameters in the first mode.

[0185] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1101 is further configured to: receive second information, the second information being used to configure M mode groups corresponding to N modes, wherein each mode group in the M mode groups includes a set of parameters; wherein the set of parameters included in each mode group includes parameters of a first type and parameters of a second type, the parameters of the first type including one value, and the parameters of the second type including multiple values.

[0186] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1101 is also used to: send third information, which is used to request a mode switching.

[0187] In one possible implementation, the third information is also used to indicate at least one mode desired by the terminal, which belongs to the N modes.

[0188] For example, device 1100 can be applied to access network equipment.

[0189] Specifically, the transceiver module 1101 is used to send first information, which is used to indicate a first mode. The first mode is included in N modes. Each of the N modes includes a set of parameter information. The set of parameters includes parameters with BWP. The information of at least one parameter of any two of the N modes is different, and the information of the BWP parameter of at least two of the N modes is the same. The processing module 1102 is used to communicate based on the information of the set of parameters in the first mode.

[0190] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1101 is further configured to send second information, which is used to configure M mode groups corresponding to N modes, wherein each mode group in the M mode groups includes the set of parameters; wherein the set of parameters included in each mode group includes parameters of a first type and parameters of a second type, wherein the parameters of the first type include one value and the parameters of the second type include multiple values.

[0191] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1101 is also used to receive third information, which is used to request a mode switching.

[0192] In one possible implementation, the third information is also used to indicate at least one mode desired by the terminal, which belongs to N modes.

[0193] For more detailed information regarding the second type of parameters, including the first information, the second information, and the third information, please refer to the description in the communication method embodiment provided above, which will not be repeated here.

[0194] Referring to Figure 12, which illustrates a structural diagram of an access network device under an O-RAN architecture, as shown in Figure 12, in some examples, the CU is a logical node carrying the RRC layer, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of the access network device. The CU connects to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces, which may be interfaces such as E2 interfaces. Optionally, the CU may have some core network functions. The CU (e.g., the PDCP layer and higher layers) connects to the DU (e.g., the RLC layer and lower layers) through interfaces, which may be interfaces such as F1 interfaces. In some examples, these interfaces (e.g., the F1 interface) can provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). F1AP is the application protocol of the F1 interface, and in some examples, it defines the signaling procedures of F1. The F1 interface supports the control plane F1-C and the user plane F1-U.

[0195] In some examples, the CU can be split into CU-CP and CU-UP. CU-CP is a logical node carrying the RRC layer and PDCP-C (control plane part of PDCP) layer, used to implement the CU's control plane functions. CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements in the core network can be access and mobility function (AMF) network elements, such as the access and mobility management function (AMF) in a 5G system. AMF network elements are responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as terminal device location updates, terminal device registration with the network, and terminal device handover. CU-UP is a logical node carrying the SDAP layer and PDCP-U (user plane part of PDCP) layer, used to implement the CU's user plane functions. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. These network elements in the core network, such as the user plane function (UPF) in a 5G system, are responsible for data forwarding and receiving in terminal devices. The above CU and DU configurations are merely examples; the functions of the CU and DU can be configured as needed. For instance, the CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or only some protocol layer processing functions. For example, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency. Functions that require low latency can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not require low latency can be placed in the CU.

[0196] In some examples, a DU is a logical node that carries the radio link control (RLC) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, higher physical layer (Higher PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, a DU can control at least one RU. The DU connects to the RU through interfaces, which can be fronthaul interfaces. In some examples, the Higher PHY layer includes the PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation.

[0197] In some examples, the RU is a logical node that carries both lower physical layer (PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, the RU can be a transmission reception point (TRP), a remote radio head (RRH), or other similar entity. In some examples, the Low-PHY includes portions of the PHY processing, such as FFT, IFFT, digital beamforming, and filtering. The RU communicates with one or more UEs via a radio link.

[0198] The DU and RU can be co-located or not. The DU and RU exchange control plane and user plane information via a fronthaul link through a lower layer split-control, user, and synchronization (LLS-CUS) interface. LLS-CUS may include LLS-C and LLS-U interfaces, respectively providing the control plane (C-plane) and user plane (U-plane). In some examples, the control plane (C-plane) refers to real-time control between the DU and RU. The DU and RU exchange management information via an LLS-M interface on the fronthaul link; the management plane (M-plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0199] DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0200] Figure 13 is a structural schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The device shown in Figure 13 can be used to perform the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0201] As shown in Figure 13, the device 1300 of this embodiment includes a memory 1301 and a processor 1302. In one implementation, the device 1300 further includes a communication interface 1303 and a bus 1304. The memory 1301, processor 1302, and communication interface 1303 are interconnected via the bus 1304.

[0202] The memory 1301 may be a read-only memory (ROM), a static storage device, a dynamic storage device, or a random access memory (RAM). The memory 1301 may store a program, and when the program stored in the memory 1301 is executed by the processor 1302, the processor 1302 performs the various steps of the communication method described above.

[0203] The processor 1302 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits, used to execute relevant programs to implement the various steps of the communication method described above.

[0204] The processor 1302 can also be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the method in Figure 4 of this embodiment can be completed by the integrated logic circuitry in the processor 1302 or by software instructions.

[0205] The processor 1302 described above can also be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), 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. It 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 a conventional processor, etc.

[0206] The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by a hardware decoding processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding 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 1301. The processor 1302 reads the information in memory 1301 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the functions required by the units included in the device of this application. For example, it can execute the various steps / functions of the communication method described above.

[0207] The communication interface 1303 can use, but is not limited to, transceivers to enable communication between the device 1300 and other devices or communication networks.

[0208] Bus 1304 may include a pathway for transmitting information between various components of device 1300 (e.g., memory 1301, processor 1302, communication interface 1303).

[0209] It should be understood that the device 1300 shown in the embodiments of this application can be deployed in access network equipment or terminals.

[0210] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be a usable medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center containing one or more sets of usable media. The usable medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium. A semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0211] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it can also represent an "and / or" relationship. Please refer to the context for a more accurate understanding.

[0212] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0213] It should be understood that 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 limit the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0214] 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.

[0215] Those skilled in the art will 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 repeated here.

[0216] 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.

[0217] 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 embodiment according to actual needs.

[0218] 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.

[0219] 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 the prior art, 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, portable hard drives, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: include: Receive first information, the first information being used to indicate a first mode, wherein the first mode is included in N modes, each of the N modes includes a set of parameter information, the set of parameters including parameters of the bandwidth portion (BWP), at least one parameter of any two of the N modes is different, and the BWP parameter information of at least two of the N modes is the same. Communication is based on information from a set of parameters in the first mode.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: Receive second information, the second information being used to configure M mode groups corresponding to the N modes, wherein each of the M mode groups includes the set of parameters; The parameters included in each mode group include a first type of parameter and a second type of parameter. The first type of parameter includes one value, and the second type of parameter includes multiple values.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The parameters of the second type include one or more of the following: parameters of carrier configuration, parameters of time slot or sub-time slot aggregation, parameters of the BWP, and parameters of transmission time interval.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first information includes first indication information and second indication information; The first indication information is used to indicate the first mode group corresponding to the first mode, and the second indication information is used to indicate the first value of the second type of parameter in the first mode group. The first value is one of the multiple values ​​included in the second type of parameter, and the first mode group is included in the M mode groups.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The parameters of the BWP include one or more of the following: the starting position of the BWP, the bandwidth of the BWP, the subcarrier spacing of the BWP, the cyclic prefix of the BWP, and the identifier of the BWP.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the downlink control information (DCI).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third message, which is used to request a mode switch.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The third information is also used to indicate at least one mode desired by the terminal, wherein the at least one mode desired by the terminal belongs to the N modes.

9. The method according to any one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that, The third information is carried in the Random Access Channel (RACH), or the Sound Reference Signal (SRS), or the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH).

10. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send first information, the first information being used to indicate a first mode, wherein the first mode is included in N modes, each of the N modes including a set of parameter information, the set of parameters including parameters of the bandwidth portion (BWP), and at least two parameters of any two of the N modes having different information and at least two BWP parameters of the N modes having the same information. Communication is based on information from a set of parameters in the first mode.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message, the second message being used to configure M mode groups corresponding to the N modes, wherein each of the M mode groups includes the set of parameters; The parameters included in each mode group include a first type of parameter and a second type of parameter. The first type of parameter includes one value, and the second type of parameter includes multiple values.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The parameters of the second type include one or more of the following: parameters of carrier configuration, parameters of time slot or sub-time slot aggregation, parameters of the BWP, and parameters of transmission time interval.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The first information includes first indication information and second indication information; The first indication information is used to indicate the first mode group corresponding to the first mode, and the second indication information is used to indicate the first value of the second type of parameter in the first mode group. The first value is one of the multiple values ​​included in the second type of parameter, and the first mode group is included in the M mode groups.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The parameters of the BWP include one or more of the following: the starting position of the BWP, the bandwidth of the BWP, the subcarrier spacing of the BWP, the cyclic prefix of the BWP, and the identifier of the BWP.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, The second information is carried in the downlink control information (DCI).

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information, which is used to request a mode switch.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The third information is also used to indicate at least one mode desired by the terminal, wherein the at least one mode desired by the terminal belongs to the N modes.

18. The method according to any one of claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The third information is carried in the Random Access Channel (RACH), or the Sound Reference Signal (SRS), or the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH).

19. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; or, it includes a module for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 18.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, include: processor, The processor is configured to cause the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 or 10 to 18 by executing a computer program and / or by logic circuitry.

21. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method of any one of claims 1 to 9 or 10 to 18 is performed.

22. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program that, when run, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 or 10 to 18 to be implemented.

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