Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications. Provided are a communication method and apparatus. In the method, M synchronization signals are associated with a reference channel of a terminal, that is, information of the reference channel can be determined on the basis of the M synchronization signals. Synchronization signals received by the terminal can be used for determining at least one reference channel that matches the terminal, and the at least one reference channel can be used for acquiring information of a target channel. For example, the at least one reference channel and the target channel have similar features, and a network device can acquire channel state information of the terminal on the basis of the at least one reference channel. Therefore, the network device can subsequently perform data transmission on the basis of the at least one reference channel, thereby effectively using massive MIMO technology to perform data transmission, and thus improving communication performance.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510180897.9, filed on February 18, 2025, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] In communication systems, different communication devices can communicate using Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology. For example, taking a communication device as a terminal, MIMO enables multi-stream, high-speed data transmission, relying on the terminal's target channel state information for precoding and transmission. The target channel state information characterizes the communication quality of the target channel, which can be the channel where the terminal is located.

[0004] Currently, network devices cannot obtain the target channel state information of the terminal before the terminal is in the radio resource control (RRC) connected state, and therefore cannot effectively utilize MIMO technology for data transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus, in which a network device can acquire target channel state information of a terminal, thereby effectively utilizing massive MIMO technology for data transmission and improving communication performance.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a terminal, for example, by the terminal itself, or by a module applied to the terminal (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions. For ease of description, the following description uses the method being executed by a terminal as an example. The method includes: receiving indication information, which indicates that M synchronization signals are associated with a reference channel of the terminal, where M is an integer greater than 1; and reporting first information, which determines at least one reference channel based on the synchronization signals.

[0007] Based on the method described in the first aspect, M synchronization signals are associated with a reference channel of the terminal; that is, information about a reference channel can be determined based on the M synchronization signals. The synchronization signals received by the terminal can be used to determine at least one reference channel matched by the terminal, and at least one reference channel can be used to obtain information about the target channel. If at least one reference channel has similar characteristics to the target channel, the network device can obtain the terminal's channel state information based on at least one reference channel. Therefore, the network device can subsequently perform data transmission based on at least one reference channel, thereby effectively utilizing massive MIMO technology for data transmission and improving communication performance.

[0008] The number of synchronization signals received by the terminal from the network device can be greater than or equal to M. For example, if the terminal receives Y synchronization signals, where Y is an integer greater than or equal to M, the Y synchronization signals can be used to determine at least one reference channel matched by the terminal.

[0009] In addition, during the initial access process of the terminal to the cell, the terminal / network device can obtain at least one reference channel matched by the terminal through the synchronization signal. For example, the terminal reports the first information to the network device through a random access request, and then data transmission based on the reference channel can be performed before the terminal enters the RRC connected state.

[0010] The reference channel is used to acquire information about the target channel, which is the channel where the terminal is located. The reference channel and the target channel are similar, or have similar characteristics. Specifically, the reference channel and the target channel are similar in at least one of the following: time domain, frequency domain, or spatial domain, and at least one reference channel can be a reference channel with high similarity to the target channel. Thus, the network device can acquire the terminal's channel state information based on at least one reference channel, realizing data transmission using large-scale MIMO technology.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the communication method may further include: determining at least one reference channel from a plurality of candidate reference channels based on a first measurement result of the synchronization signal and measurement template values ​​of a plurality of candidate reference channels. The first measurement result may be obtained based on measurements of the synchronization signal by the terminal, and the measurement template values ​​of the candidate reference channels characterize the correlation between the candidate reference channels and the synchronization signal.

[0012] The first measurement result can be used to represent the signal quality of the synchronization signal. The first measurement result may include measured values ​​of the synchronization signal, which may be related to factors such as the transmission and reception parameters of the synchronization signal. The measurement template value can be a measurement reference value of the synchronization signal based on a candidate reference channel. Thus, based on the first measurement result and the measurement template value, the terminal determines at least one reference channel from multiple candidate reference channels. Since at least one reference channel matches the target channel, the accuracy of the channel state information obtained by the network device can be improved after the terminal reports the first information to the network device.

[0013] Optionally, the measurement template value of the candidate reference channel is related to the value of M, that is, the relationship between the measurement template value and the number of synchronization signals and the number of reference channels is M:1. In other words, the terminal / network device can obtain the measurement template value of the candidate reference channel through the value of M. Depending on the value of M, the measurement template value of the candidate reference channel obtained by the terminal will be different.

[0014] Optionally, at least one reference channel includes N reference channels, which are the N candidate reference channels with the highest correlation between the measurement template value and the first measurement result among a plurality of candidate reference channels, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0015] It is understandable that the terminal can be configured with a default value of N, and determine the N reference channels to be reported to the network device from multiple candidate reference channels based on the value of N. The N reference channels are determined based on the correlation between the measurement template value and the first measurement result. The N reference channels match the terminal's target channel, so that the network device can accurately obtain the terminal's channel status information.

[0016] Optionally, at least one reference channel includes N reference channels. Among the multiple candidate reference channels, the correlation between the measurement template value of the N reference channels and the first measurement result exceeds a preset threshold, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. That is, the terminal determines the candidate reference channels that meet the screening criteria as the reference channels to be finally reported to the network device. The screening criteria may be that the correlation between the measurement template value and the first measurement result is greater than or equal to a preset threshold.

[0017] In this way, the terminal can determine at least one reference channel based on the default configuration value N or a preset threshold, which improves the flexibility of the terminal in determining at least one reference channel.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first information is used to indicate a first measurement result. The terminal reports intermediate information, i.e., the first measurement result, to the network device for determining at least one reference channel. The network device then determines at least one reference channel that matches the terminal based on the first measurement result. For example, the network device determines at least one reference channel based on the first measurement result and the measurement template values ​​of candidate reference channels. In this way, the terminal can report the first measurement result to the network device, and the network device can determine at least one reference channel that matches the terminal itself, reducing the terminal's computational overhead.

[0019] Optionally, the first information indicates a first index of a preset codebook. The preset codebook includes multiple sets of measurement results for synchronization signals, each set of measurement results corresponding to a different index. The measurement result corresponding to the first index matches the first measurement result. It can be understood that the preset codebook can be pre-configured / pre-defined by the network device and sent to the terminal, or it can be pre-defined by the protocol. In short, both the network device and the terminal pre-store the preset codebook.

[0020] In this system, multiple sets of measurement results for the synchronization signal can correspond to different candidate reference channels, such as one set of measurement results corresponding to one candidate reference channel. The measurement result corresponding to the first index matches the first measurement result, for example, if the correlation between the measurement result corresponding to the first index and the first measurement result exceeds a preset threshold, or, among the measurement results corresponding to indices included in the preset codebook, the measurement result corresponding to the first index has the highest correlation with the first measurement result. Thus, the terminal determines the measurement result corresponding to the first index that matches the first measurement result from the preset codebook and sends the first index to the network device, which can reduce the overhead of reporting signaling (first information).

[0021] Optionally, a preset codebook is obtained based on M. The preset codebook is related to the correlation between the synchronization signal and the reference channel, or in other words, it is related to the correlation between the number of synchronization signals and the number of reference channels. That is, the terminal can obtain the preset codebook by choosing the value of M; different values ​​of M result in different preset codebooks. Alternatively, the terminal can quantize according to a predefined codebook based on the value of M to obtain the preset codebook. In this way, the terminal can obtain the preset codebook corresponding to the correlation between the synchronization signal and the reference channel, ensuring the matching between the measurement result reported by the terminal corresponding to the first index and the first measurement result.

[0022] In another possible implementation, the first information includes an index of at least one reference channel. The order of the indices of the at least one reference channel can be predefined by the protocol, or it can be preconfigured / predefined by the network device and then sent to the terminal. For example, the order of the indices of the at least one reference channel can be in descending order of correlation with the measurement template values ​​of the candidate reference channels, or it can be in ascending order of correlation with the measurement template values ​​of the candidate reference channels; there is no restriction on this.

[0023] In this way, the terminal can determine at least one reference channel and then directly report at least one reference channel to the network device, reducing the computational overhead of the network device.

[0024] Optionally, the first information may also include the number of at least one reference channel.

[0025] In one possible implementation, second information is received, which indicates the maximum number of reference channels reported by the terminal, wherein the number of at least one reference channel is less than or equal to the maximum number of reference channels. Thus, if the number of at least one reference channel reported by the terminal to the network device is less than or equal to the maximum number of reference channels indicated by the second information, the overhead of reporting signaling / uplink signaling can be reduced.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the first information includes a preamble for initiating a random access request, and at least one reference channel corresponds to the preamble. It is understood that during the random access process, when the terminal sends a random access request to the network device, the terminal sends the index of at least one reference channel using the preamble / preamble resource used to initiate the random access request. The preamble resource can be a time-frequency resource of the preamble. The preamble resource corresponding to each of the at least one reference channel is different. For example, the network device and the terminal agree on the preamble resource corresponding to each reference channel in the synchronization signal block (SSB). After determining at least one reference channel, the terminal determines at least one preamble resource corresponding to the at least one reference channel, and then uses the determined at least one preamble resource in the random access process. Thus, the network device can determine the index of the at least one reference channel reported by the terminal based on the preamble resource used by the terminal.

[0027] Furthermore, under the same reference channel, the preamble resources of different synchronization signals can occupy at least one of the following: time domain, frequency domain, or code domain. Thus, the network device can determine the index of the synchronization signal corresponding to at least one reference channel reported by the terminal based on the preamble resources used by the terminal.

[0028] Thus, by implicitly reporting at least one reference channel as described above, the overhead of reporting signaling / uplink signaling can be further reduced.

[0029] In another possible implementation, a first message is sent, which is used to transmit data or control information and contains first information. The first message may be sent after the terminal sends a random access request via the random access channel (RACH). The terminal can send at least one index of a reference channel or a first measurement result to the network device through explicit reporting, providing greater flexibility in the reporting method.

[0030] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a network device, for example, by the network device itself, or by a module applied to the network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. For ease of description, the following description uses the example of the method being executed by a network device. The method includes: sending indication information, which indicates that M synchronization signals are associated with a reference channel of the terminal, where M is an integer greater than 1; and receiving first information, which determines at least one reference channel based on the synchronization signals.

[0031] Based on the second aspect of the method, it is known that M synchronization signals are associated with one reference channel of the terminal. That is, information about a reference channel can be determined based on the M synchronization signals. The synchronization signals sent by the network device to the terminal can be used to determine at least one reference channel matched by the terminal. The network device can determine at least one reference channel matched with the terminal through the first information reported by the terminal. This at least one reference channel can be used to obtain information about the target channel. If at least one reference channel has similar characteristics to the target channel, the network device can obtain the terminal's channel state information based on this at least one reference channel. Therefore, the network device can subsequently perform data transmission based on at least one reference channel, thereby effectively utilizing massive MIMO technology for data transmission and improving communication performance.

[0032] The number of synchronization signals sent by the network device to the terminal can be greater than or equal to M. For example, the network device sends Y synchronization signals to the terminal, where Y is an integer greater than or equal to M. The Y synchronization signals can be used to determine at least one reference channel matched by the terminal.

[0033] Optionally, the reference channel is used to obtain information about the target channel, which is the channel where the terminal is located.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the first information is used to indicate a first measurement result of the synchronization signal. The communication method may further include: determining at least one reference channel from a plurality of candidate reference channels based on the first measurement result and measurement template values ​​of a plurality of candidate reference channels. The measurement template values ​​of the candidate reference channels characterize the association between the candidate reference channels and the synchronization signal.

[0035] In this way, after receiving the first measurement result, the network device determines at least one reference channel from multiple candidate reference channels based on the first measurement result and the measurement template value. The at least one reference channel matches the target channel, which can improve the accuracy of the network device in obtaining the channel state information of the terminal.

[0036] Optionally, the measurement template value of the candidate reference channel is associated with the value of M.

[0037] Optionally, at least one reference channel includes N reference channels. The N reference channels are the top N channels with the highest correlation between the measurement template value and the first measurement result among multiple candidate reference channels, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The network device can be configured with a default value of N and determine N reference channels from multiple candidate reference channels based on the value of N. The N reference channels are determined based on the correlation between the measurement template value and the first measurement result. The N reference channels match the target channel of the terminal, so that the network device can accurately obtain the channel state information of the terminal.

[0038] Optionally, at least one reference channel includes N reference channels. Among multiple candidate reference channels, the correlation between the measurement template values ​​of the N reference channels and the first measurement result exceeds a preset threshold, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Thus, the network device can determine at least one reference channel based on the default configuration value N or the preset threshold, improving the flexibility of the network device in determining at least one reference channel.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates a first index of a preset codebook, which includes multiple sets of measurement results of a synchronization signal. Each set of measurement results corresponds to a different index, and the measurement result corresponding to the first index matches the first measurement result.

[0040] In another possible implementation, the first information includes an index of at least one reference channel.

[0041] In one possible implementation, a second message is sent, which indicates the maximum number of reference channels reported by the terminal, wherein at least one reference channel is less than or equal to the maximum number of reference channels.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the first information includes a preamble for initiating a random access request, and at least one reference channel corresponds to the preamble.

[0043] In another possible implementation, receiving the first information includes: receiving a first message, the first message being used to transmit data or control information, the first message containing the first information.

[0044] It is understood that the technical effects of the method in the second aspect mentioned above can also be referred to the relevant introduction in the first aspect mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0045] Thirdly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a processor configured to perform the method according to any one of the embodiments of the first to second aspects.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the communication device of the third aspect may further include a transceiver. This transceiver can be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used by the communication device of the third aspect to communicate with other communication devices.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the communication device of the third aspect may further include a memory. This memory may be integrated with the processor or disposed separately. The memory may be used to store computer programs and / or data involved in the methods of any of the embodiments of the first to second aspects.

[0048] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device in the third aspect can be referred to the technical effects of any of the embodiments in the first to second aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0049] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a processor coupled to a memory, the processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in the memory, such that the communication device performs the method of any one of the embodiments of the first to second aspects.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the communication device may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device and other communication devices.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes the memory for storing the aforementioned computer program or instructions. Optionally, the memory and processor are integrated together.

[0052] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device in the fourth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of any of the embodiments in the first to second aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0053] Fifthly, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes: a terminal for performing the method of any embodiment of the first aspect, and a network device for performing any embodiment of the second aspect.

[0054] A sixth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium comprising: a computer program or instructions; which, when executed, cause the method of any embodiment of the first aspect described above to be implemented, or cause the method of any embodiment of the second aspect described above to be implemented.

[0055] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any embodiment of the first aspect above to be implemented, or cause the method as described in any embodiment of the second aspect above to be implemented.

[0056] Eighthly, a chip is provided, including a processor connected to a memory for storing a computer program, the processor for executing the computer program stored in the memory, such that the method as described in any of the first to second aspects above is implemented. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the data transmission process of MIMO;

[0058] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the reference channel principle provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the reference channel principle provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the correspondence rules between SSB and reference channel provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0061] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which the method provided in the embodiments of this application is applicable;

[0062] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which the method provided in the embodiments of this application is applicable;

[0063] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the O-RAN system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the functional division of RAN network elements and protocol layer structure in the O-RAN system provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the correlation of the reference channel provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0067] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0069] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, fourth-generation (4G) mobile communication systems, such as long-term evolution (LTE) systems, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication systems, such as new radio (NR) systems, and future communication systems.

[0070] For ease of understanding, the technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be introduced below.

[0071] 1. Massive MIMO technology:

[0072] Massive MIMO, also known as massive MIMO, is a key technology for improving system capacity and spectral efficiency, enabling high-speed transmission. This technology utilizes spatial resources to provide array gain, multiplexing and diversity gain, and interference cancellation gain to signals in space without increasing system bandwidth, thereby significantly improving the capacity and spectral efficiency of communication systems.

[0073] In massive MIMO technology, the importance of estimating the uplink or downlink channel is increasingly evident for communication equipment in order to transmit and receive data, obtain system synchronization, and feedback channel information. Channel estimation refers to the process of reconstructing or recovering the received signal to compensate for signal distortion caused by channel fading and noise fading. It uses reference signals known to the transmitter and receiver to track the time and frequency domain changes of the channel. These reference signals are also called pilot signals or reference signals (RS). They are distributed in different resource elements (REs) in the time-frequency two-dimensional space within the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols and have known amplitudes and phases.

[0074] To achieve channel quality measurement in massive MIMO systems, 5G NR systems define several pilot signals: Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS), and Sounding Reference Signal (SRS). CSI-RS is used for downlink channel measurement at physical antenna ports. The receiver (e.g., a terminal) performs channel estimation for each antenna port for which the network equipment (e.g., a base station) transmits CSI-RS, and uses the estimation results to provide feedback of Channel State Information (CSI). CSI includes information such as Channel Quality Indicator (CQI), Rank Indicator (RI), Precoding Matrix Indicator (PMI), and Layer Indicator (LI).

[0075] During uplink channel measurement, network devices estimate the uplink channel using the received SRS and can then perform frequency selection resource scheduling, power control, timing estimation and modulation / coding scheme order selection, and downlink precoding generation in time division duplex (TDD) based on this uplink channel estimation information.

[0076] 2. MIMO data transmission:

[0077] With the development of communication technology, future enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) services will exhibit characteristics of "burst-like high traffic volume + low latency". On the other hand, the spatial distribution of eMBB services will be uneven, meaning that within a specific time period, most of the traffic will be concentrated in a local area.

[0078] MIMO enables multi-stream, high-speed data transmission, relying on precise CSI for precoding and transmission. Meanwhile, the multi-stream, high-precision codebook supports the acquisition of necessary channel information.

[0079] For example, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the data transmission process of MIMO. As shown in Figure 1(a), for downlink (DL burst traffic), the terminal (user equipment, UE) sends a CSI to the 5G radio access network (RAN) base station (i.e., gNodeB) based on the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). Optionally, before this, the gNodeB sends a CSI-RS to the UE, and the UE performs channel estimation based on the CSI-RS to obtain the CSI. Then, after the gNodeB receives the CSI, the gNodeB sends data to the UE based on the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and / or the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), and the UE sends an acknowledgment (ACK) / negative acknowledgment (NACK) character back to the gNodeB based on the PUCCH / PUSCH. After receiving the ACK character, the gNodeB sends data or paging messages to the UE based on the PDCCH and / or PDSCH. In this process, the time from when the gNodeB sends the CSI-RS to the UE to when the UE sends the ACK / NACK character back to the gNodeB introduces additional latency.

[0080] For uplink burst traffic, as shown in Figure 1(b), the UE sends an SRS to the gNodeB, and then sends an uplink scheduling request (SR) to the gNodeB based on the PUCCH. Alternatively, the UE directly sends an SR to the gNodeB. After receiving the SR, the gNodeB sends an uplink grant to the UE based on the PDCCH. Then, the UE sends a buffer state report (BSR) or data to the gNodeB based on the PUSCH. The gNodeB sends an ACK / NACK character back to the UE based on the PDCCH. After receiving the ACK character, the UE continues to send BSRs or data to the gNodeB based on the PUSCH. In this process, the time from the UE sending the SRS to the gNodeB to the gNodeB sending the ACK / NACK character back to the UE introduces additional latency.

[0081] As can be seen from the above process, the process of network devices acquiring CSI introduces additional latency, and the signaling overhead of terminal measurement CSI-RS and terminal feedback CSI is large.

[0082] For example, the following lists the sources of delay introduced by network devices (such as base stations) when obtaining CSI based on reference signals. Base stations need to configure parameters such as the transmission period and offset of reference signals via higher-layer signaling (such as RRC signaling), and the transmission and processing of this configuration information introduces delay. The period for base stations to transmit reference signals is usually long to reduce signaling overhead and system complexity; however, the receiving end (such as a terminal) may need to wait a long time to receive a new reference signal, thus introducing delay in the terminal's measurement of the reference signal. Channel measurement based on CSI-RS requires the terminal to perform channel estimation, and the generated measurement report needs to be transmitted back to the base station via the uplink. The uplink transmission itself also introduces a certain delay, especially when the network load is high, the delay may be even longer.

[0083] For example, the signaling overhead of terminal feedback CSI is listed below. Taking a Type-II single-panel (Type-II SP) codebook as an example, assuming 18 sub-bands, L=4 beams, and RANK 2, the overhead of the precoding matrix indicator (PMI) feedback is 927 bits, i.e., the CSI feedback overhead is 927 bits. Although extended eType-II introduces a space-frequency two-dimensional compressed codebook, which can significantly reduce codebook feedback overhead, the PMI feedback overhead is positively correlated with the number of sub-bands, beams, and feedback accuracy. As the number of antenna ports and bandwidth increase, the PMI feedback overhead will increase accordingly, i.e., the CSI feedback overhead will increase accordingly. For the FeTypeII codebook, due to the utilization of uplink and downlink channel reciprocity, the CSI-RS resource overhead is positively correlated with the number of UEs and the channel differences.

[0084] In summary, for services with sudden surges in traffic and short latency, the process of network devices acquiring CSI introduces additional latency, and the signaling overhead of terminal measurement CSI-RS and terminal feedback CSI is significant, which is detrimental to the transmission of bursty services. Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a method for network devices to acquire CSI based on a reference channel. The definition of the reference channel proposed in this application embodiment is described below.

[0085] 3. Reference Channel:

[0086] A reference channel is a specific technical approach within radio frequency maps (RF maps). The reference channel can be determined based on the RF map. The fundamental principle of RF mapping is to establish a mapping relationship, which can be used as prior information to design data transmission schemes or determine data transmission parameters.

[0087] In a narrow sense, RFmap can refer to the determination of multipath parameters (such as multipath components (MPC)) between transceivers or the determination of a basis for representing the channel between transceivers, based on channel maps, transceiver location information, or sparse / few / partial channel measurements.

[0088] A broad concept of RFmap can encompass not only channel maps, transceiver location information, or sparse / limited / partial channel measurements, but also online real-time service information used to determine data transmission parameters between transceivers (including time-frequency domain resources, modulation order, number of transport streams, precoding weights, transmit power, etc.). Intermediate outputs can also exist between the input and final output of a broad RFmap. These intermediate outputs include large-scale channel information (e.g., received power), small-scale information (e.g., MPC, channel matrix, channel matrix basis, etc.), interference, and noise.

[0089] The channel maps mentioned above are derived from a given channel environment. On the one hand, in a given channel environment, since the main scattering objects such as background buildings are predetermined or remain unchanged over a long period, they can be called the deterministic components of the channel. Therefore, based on the propagation laws of electromagnetic waves, the multipath information of the channel at a specific location can be directly obtained from the deterministic components of the channel. On the other hand, since there are also factors such as shadow fading, small-scale fading, and random components of the channel introduced by transceiver non-ideal factors in the channel environment, it is necessary to conduct appropriate channel measurements or observations to further eliminate uncertainties.

[0090] The spatial consistency of a channel originates from the spatial variation patterns of the channel deterministic components described above.

[0091] Specifically, the reference channel is relative to the target channel. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the reference channel principle provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2, H1 is the reference channel and H2 is the target channel. When data transmission is performed at the terminal on the target channel H2, since the reference channel H1 and the target channel H2 have certain similarities, the terminal on the target channel H2 can perform CSI acquisition based on the reference channel H1. Specifically, the reference channel H1 and the target channel H2 can be two spatially similar MIMO channels; the reference channel H1 and the target channel H2 can be two temporally similar MIMO channels; the reference channel H1 and the target channel H2 can be two frequency-similar MIMO channels. That is, the reference channel H1 and the target channel H2 can be two MIMO channels similar in at least one of the following: time domain, frequency domain, or spatial domain.

[0092] Reference channel clustering refers to dividing multiple reference channels according to the similarity of a specific quantity. Clustering can be performed offline or online. The specific quantity can be based on the location of each UE within the cell; it can also be based on the initial MPC measurement results of each UE within the cell; or it can be based on the MIMO channels of each UE within the cell, including frequency domain channels and channel delay power spectra.

[0093] Location can be represented using information such as the horizontal azimuth of departure (AoD), vertical zenith of departure (ZoD), horizontal azimuth of arrival (AoA), and vertical zenith of arrival (ZoA) of the MPC. Location can also be represented by coordinates, which can be geospatial coordinates (such as global positioning system (GPS) coordinates, geospatial coordinates relative to the base station, or grid coordinates) or signal spatial coordinates (such as coordinates in the signal space divided by the terminal measuring the signal strength of multiple base stations).

[0094] The similarities that clustering relies on include: KL divergence (Kullback-Leibler divergence), JS divergence (Jensen-Shannon divergence); cosine similarity; L2 norm and F norm.

[0095] The clustering result of the reference channel can include the following information: the clustering flag or index of the reference channel, specific quantities after clustering of the reference channel, such as the centroid MPC vector, centroid PMI, centroid channel (channel of the group centroid, or channel of the clustering centroid, or centroid channel), and the projection matrix corresponding to the centroid channel. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the reference channel principle provided in the embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, matrix A represents the centroid channel, n represents the dimension related to the spatial frequency domain (e.g., the number of transmit antenna ports, the number of frequency domain subcarriers), and m represents other dimensions such as the time domain (e.g., the number of receive antenna ports, the number of time domain TTIs). Matrix U represents the projection matrix. Matrix A can be decomposed into matrix U and matrix C. The columns of matrix U represent the dimension of projecting n rows onto the subspace. The dimension of the subspace can be used to determine the number of resources of the downlink channel state information reference signal. r is the dimension of the subspace.

[0096] A centroid channel can be the centroid channel of multiple target channels. Under the condition of spatial consistency, given a channel range or set of channels, it finds a channel that maximizes the average similarity (the similarity metric can be cosine similarity) between this channel and the multiple targets, as shown in the following formula:

[0097] Among them, H centroid For the centroid channel; cs(H,H) n ) indicates the calculation of H and H n The cosine similarity; argmax represents the parameter that satisfies the maximum value.

[0098] The centroid position (coordinate, location, or position of the centroid channel) refers to the location of the centroid channel.

[0099] 4. The correspondence rules between synchronization signal block (SSB) and reference channel:

[0100] This application provides several correspondence rules between SSBs and reference channels. During initial access by the UE, the network device provides configuration information to the UE, indicating the correspondence rules between SSBs and reference channels. The UE / base station (BS) obtains the UE's reference channel through the SSB. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the correspondence rules between SSBs and reference channels provided in this application. As shown in Figure 4, the correspondence rules between SSBs and reference channels include at least the following three:

[0101] Rule 1: The SSB and the reference channel are in a 1:1 correspondence.

[0102] The 1:1 correspondence here refers to the relationship between the number of SSBs and the number of reference channels. SSBs and reference channels can be in a one-to-one correspondence, with each SSB corresponding to a different reference channel, as shown in Figure 4(a), where SSB1 corresponds to reference channel a, where a is an integer greater than or equal to 0. Alternatively, while maintaining a 1:1 correspondence between the number of SSBs and reference channels, some SSBs can correspond to the same reference channel; for example, two SSBs can correspond to the same reference channel. All of these correspondence methods are transparent to the UE. Furthermore, the metrics used for selecting SSBs and reference channels can be the same or different.

[0103] Rule 2: The SSB and the reference channel are in a 1:n (n>1) correspondence.

[0104] One SSB is associated with n reference channels. The basic principle is that the n reference channels in one SSB can be frequency-divided, as shown in Figure 4(b). The n reference channels are: reference channel 1.1, reference channel 1.2, ..., reference channel 1.n, which are frequency-divided in SSB1.

[0105] Rule 3: The SSB and the reference channel are m:1 (m>1) correspondences.

[0106] m SSBs are associated with one reference channel. As shown in Figure 4(c), SSB1, SSB2, ..., SSBm are associated with reference channel a. The basic principle is that the measurement results (such as signal strength) of the m SSBs by one reference channel are different. Different reference channels are distinguished by the measurement results of the SSBs (such as vectors with a dimension of m-1), where m is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0107] To address the technical problems of additional latency introduced during the process of network devices acquiring CSI, and the large signaling overhead of terminal measurement of CSI-RS and terminal feedback of CSI, embodiments of this application propose a technical solution for determining at least one reference channel matched by the terminal based on a synchronization signal (such as SSB).

[0108] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0109] In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct and indirect instructions, as well as explicit and implicit instructions. The information indicated by a certain piece of information is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly instructing the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly instruct the information to be instructed by instructing other information, where there is a correlation between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also instruct only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. At the same time, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and uniformly indicated to reduce the instruction overhead caused by individually indicating the same information.

[0110] Furthermore, the specific instruction method can also be any existing instruction method, such as, but not limited to, the above-mentioned instruction methods and their various combinations. As described above, for example, when multiple pieces of information of the same type need to be indicated, the instruction methods for different pieces of information may differ. In the specific implementation process, the required instruction method can be selected according to specific needs. This application embodiment does not limit the selected instruction method. Therefore, the instruction methods involved in this application embodiment should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be instructed to obtain the information to be indicated.

[0111] It should be understood that the information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information messages sent separately, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be the same or different. The specific sending method is not limited in this application embodiment. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or configured by the sending node device by sending configuration information to the receiving node device.

[0112] In this application, "sending information" can be understood as one device sending information to another device, or it can also be understood as one logical module within a device sending information to another logical module. For example, "network device sending information" can be understood as a network device sending information to another device (such as a terminal or other network device), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the network device sending information to logical module 2 in the network device.

[0113] In this application, "receiving information" can be understood as one device receiving information from another device, or it can also be understood as a logical module within a device receiving information from another logical module. For example, "network device receiving information" can be understood as a network device receiving information from another device (such as a terminal or other network device), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the network device receiving information from logical module 2 in the network device.

[0114] In this application, phrases such as "sending information to... (e.g., a terminal)" or related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as indicating that the destination of the information is a terminal. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to a terminal. Similarly, phrases such as "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)," "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)," or "receiving information sent by (e.g., a terminal)," or related illustrations in the accompanying drawings, can be understood as indicating that the source of the information is a terminal. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from a terminal. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted similarly and will not be elaborated further here.

[0115] "Predefined" or "pre-configured" can be achieved by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device. This application does not limit the specific implementation method. "Saving" can refer to saving in one or more memories. These memories can be separate installations or integrated into the encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memories can be separately installed, while others are integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit this.

[0116] The “protocol” mentioned in the embodiments of this application may refer to a protocol family in the field of communication, a standard protocol with a similar protocol family frame structure, or a related protocol applied to future communication systems. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0117] In the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time. They do not require the device to make a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0118] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in the embodiments of this application 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 alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to 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 plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Additionally, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or order of execution, and that "first," "second," etc., are not necessarily different. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is being used as an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or implementation described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or implementations. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0119] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0120] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application will be described in detail first using the communication system shown in FIG5 as an example. For example, FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which the method provided in the embodiments of this application is applicable.

[0121] As shown in Figure 5, this communication system mainly includes terminals and network devices. There can be one or more terminals, and one or more network devices. That is, a network device can transmit data or control signaling to one or more terminals. Multiple network devices can also transmit data or control signaling to a single terminal simultaneously.

[0122] In one possible scenario, this communication system can be applied to 5G or future communication systems. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the communication system 10 includes a RAN 100, a core network (CN) 200, and an Internet 300. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (as shown in Figure 6, 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal device (as shown in Figure 6, 120a-120j, collectively referred to as 120). The terminal in Figure 5 can be the terminal device 120 in Figure 6, and the network device in Figure 5 can be the RAN node 110 in Figure 6. RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 6). The terminal device 120 is connected to the RAN node 110 wirelessly. The RAN node 110 is connected to the core network 200 wirelessly or via a wired connection. 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 that integrates core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0123] RAN 100 can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a 4G or 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system (such as a future mobile communication system). RAN 100 can also be an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a Wi-Fi system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0124] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminal devices achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal device 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 6 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal devices 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal device. RAN node 110 and terminal device 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 6 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal device functions.

[0125] In one possible scenario, the RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a next-generation base station in a future mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access point (AP) in a Wi-Fi system. The RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 6, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 6, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). 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 in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN node functions.

[0126] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be CUs, DUs, CUs (control plane, CP), CUs (user plane, UP), or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as RRUs, active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0127] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0128] It is understood that the RAN node mentioned above can be a newly defined name, and RAN nodes can also be described in different ways, such as access node, network device, wireless access node, etc., without limitation. Unless otherwise specified in this application, network device will be used as the term.

[0129] A terminal can be a terminal with transceiver capabilities, or it can be a chip or chip system installed in the terminal. The terminal can also be referred to as a UE, access terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station (MS), mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user equipment. The terminals in the embodiments of this application may be mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, tablets, wireless data cards, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless modems, handsets, laptop computers, machine-type communication (MTC) terminals, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminals, augmented reality (AR) terminals, smart home devices (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), intelligent robots, robotic arms, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, vehicle-mounted terminals, and roadside units with terminal functions. The terminal in this application can also be an onboard module, onboard unit, onboard component, onboard chip, or onboard unit that is built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The terminal device can also be other devices with terminal functions; for example, it can be a device that functions as a terminal in D2D communication.

[0130] The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal. The device used to implement the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself; it can also be a device that supports the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete components.

[0131] In this embodiment of the application, the network element can also be referred to as an entity or functional entity.

[0132] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the O-RAN system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 7, the access network device (RAN, for example, may be an eNB, gNB, or access network device in a future communication system) communicates with the core network device (CN) through a backhaul link and with the terminal device through an air interface. The access network device may include a BBU and an RU. The BBU in the access network device communicates with the core network device through the backhaul link, and the RU in the access network device communicates with at least one terminal device through an air interface. The BBU communicates with at least one RU through a fronthaul link. The BBU and RU may or may not be co-located.

[0133] A BBU comprises at least one CU and at least one DU, which can communicate with each other via at least one midhaul link. Specifically, the CU in the BBU communicates with the core network equipment via a backhaul link, and the DU in the BBU communicates with the RU via a fronthaul link.

[0134] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the functional division of RAN network elements and the protocol layer structure in the O-RAN system.

[0135] 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 equipment. The CU connects to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces, which can be interfaces like the E2 interface. 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 Radio Link Control (RLC) layer and lower layers) through interfaces, which can be interfaces like the F1 interface. In some examples, these interfaces (e.g., the F1 interface) can provide CP and UP, interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc. F1AP is the application protocol of the F1 interface, defining the signaling procedures of F1 in some examples. The F1 interface supports control plane F1-C and user plane F1-U.

[0136] In some examples, the CU can be split into CU-CP (control unit-control plane) and CU-UP (control unit-user plane). CU-CP is a logical node carrying the RRC layer and the control plane part of PDCP (PDCP-C), 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 the user plane part of PDCP (PDCP-U), 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. In the core network, network elements used to implement user plane functions, such as the user plane function (UPF) in a 5G system, are responsible for forwarding and receiving data in terminal devices. The above configuration of CU and DU is merely an example; the functions of CU and DU can be configured as needed. For example, CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or to have only some protocol layer processing functions. For instance, 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 CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency, placing functions that need to meet low latency requirements in the DU and functions that do not need to meet such latency requirements in the CU.

[0137] In some examples, a DU is a logical node that carries the RLC layer, 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 physical layer includes the PHY layer processing, such as FEC encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation.

[0138] In some examples, the RU is a logical node carrying both the lower physical layer (PHY) and radio frequency (RF) links. In some examples, the RU can be a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Transmitter-Receiver Point (TRP) or Remote Radio Head (RRH) or other similar entities. In some examples, the Low-PHY includes PHY processing functions such as FFT, IFFT, digital beamforming, and filtering. The RU communicates with one or more UEs via a radio link.

[0139] The DU and RU can be co-located or not. The DU and RU exchange control plane and user plane information via a lower layer split-control user synchronized plane (LLS-CUS) interface through a fronthaul link. The LLS-CUS may include a lower layer split (LLS-C) interface and a lower layer split (LLS-U) interface providing the control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane), respectively. In some examples, the control plane (C-Plane) (e.g., O-RAN CUS-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) (e.g., O-RAN M-Plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0140] 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.

[0141] The management system is used to implement functions such as mobility management, data processing, session management, policy and billing. The device names implementing the management system may differ in systems using different access technologies, and this application does not limit this. Taking a fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication system as an example, the management system may include an AMF (Active Mobile Function), a session management function (SMF), a policy control function (PCF), or a UPF (Upload and Utility Function), etc.

[0142] It is understood that Figures 5 to 8 above are simplified schematic diagrams for ease of understanding, and may also include other devices, modules or chips, etc., which are not shown in the figures.

[0143] In this communication system, M synchronization signals are associated with a reference channel of the terminal; that is, information about a reference channel can be determined based on the M synchronization signals. The synchronization signals received by the terminal can be used to determine at least one reference channel matched by the terminal, and the at least one reference channel can be used to obtain information about the target channel. If the at least one reference channel has similar characteristics to the target channel, the network device can obtain the terminal's channel state information based on the at least one reference channel. Therefore, the network device can subsequently perform data transmission based on at least one reference channel, thereby effectively utilizing massive MIMO technology for data transmission and improving communication performance.

[0144] The interaction process between various network elements / devices in the above-described communication system will be specifically described below with reference to Figure 9 and through method embodiments. The communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to the above-described communication system and specifically applied to various scenarios / processes mentioned in the above-described communication system, which will be described in detail below.

[0145] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication method is applicable to the aforementioned communication system and mainly involves the interaction between terminals and network devices.

[0146] As shown in Figure 9, the flow of this communication method is as follows:

[0147] S901, the network device sends an instruction message, and the terminal receives the instruction message from the network device accordingly.

[0148] The indication information is used to associate M synchronization signals with one reference channel of the terminal, where M is an integer greater than 1. The number of synchronization signals and the number of reference channels can be an M:1 association / correspondence. Each M synchronization signal corresponds to one reference channel, or in other words, at least the measurement results of M synchronization signals are needed to identify / determine a reference channel. Of course, the measurement results of M synchronization signals can identify / determine multiple reference channels. Optionally, one reference channel corresponds to different M synchronization signals. Different M synchronization signals can mean that at least one of the M synchronization signals is different, such as reference channel 1 corresponding to synchronization signals 1 and 2, and reference channel 2 corresponding to synchronization signals 2 and 3. The measurement results of different M synchronization signals can be used to distinguish different reference channels.

[0149] The synchronization signal can be a signal or channel related to cell synchronization, or it can be extended to the time and frequency resources corresponding to the signal or channel related to cell synchronization. The examples in this application are all described using the synchronization signal SSB as an example.

[0150] The reference channel is used to acquire information about the target channel, which is the channel where the terminal is located. The reference channel and the target channel are similar, or have similar characteristics. Specifically, the reference channel and the target channel are similar in at least one of the following: time domain, frequency domain, or spatial domain. The at least one reference channel determined below can be a reference channel with high similarity to the target channel, so that the network device can acquire the terminal's channel state information based on at least one reference channel and realize data transmission of large-scale MIMO technology.

[0151] It should be understood that the reference channel can also refer to the description of the reference channel in the above technical terminology, which will not be repeated here.

[0152] The aforementioned indication information can be information indicated by a network device through a broadcast message, such as a network device broadcasting an SSB (Service Streaming Body). The broadcast SSB contains indication information, specifically the correspondence between the SSB and the reference channel M:1. The terminal receives the SSB broadcast by the network device and obtains the indication information from the SSB. Of course, the network device may also send the aforementioned indication information to the terminal through specific signaling / messages; there are no restrictions on this.

[0153] In the embodiments of this application, the synchronization signal can also be replaced with other possible terms, such as signal, reference signal, synchronization reference signal, synchronization signal block, etc., without limitation.

[0154] S902, the network device sends a synchronization signal, and the terminal receives the synchronization signal from the network device accordingly.

[0155] S902 is an optional step. The number of synchronization signals received by the terminal can be greater than M mentioned above. For example, the network device sends Y reference signals, and the terminal receives Y synchronization signals from the network device, where Y is an integer greater than or equal to M. The terminal / network device can determine at least one reference channel matched by the terminal based on the Y synchronization signals, as described later.

[0156] In this embodiment of the application, the execution order between S901 and S902 is not restricted, that is, S901 can be executed before S902 or after S902.

[0157] S903: The terminal reports the first information to the network device, and the network device receives the first information from the terminal accordingly.

[0158] The first information is used to determine at least one reference channel, which is determined based on a synchronization signal. This first information can be transmitted via PUCCH / PUSCH, or via a random access request message during the random access procedure, as will be discussed later.

[0159] At least one reference channel can be a reference channel matched by the terminal, and the terminal or network device can obtain the channel state information of the target channel based on at least one reference channel. The first information may include relevant information about at least one reference channel matched by the terminal, such as index information of at least one reference channel, or intermediate information used to determine at least one reference channel matched by the terminal, such as the measurement result of the synchronization signal. The relevant information about at least one reference channel can also be called a reference channel report.

[0160] It is understandable that the phrase "the terminal reports the first information to the network device" can also be replaced with expressions such as "the terminal sends / transmits the first information to the network device," and there is no restriction on this.

[0161] In the embodiments of this application, the first information may also be replaced with other possible expressions, such as relevant information of at least one reference channel, reference channel report, etc., without limitation.

[0162] Thus, M synchronization signals are associated with one reference channel of the terminal, meaning that information about a reference channel can be determined based on the M synchronization signals. The synchronization signals received by the terminal can be used to determine at least one matching reference channel, and this reference channel can be used to obtain information about the target channel. If at least one reference channel has similar characteristics to the target channel, the network device can obtain the terminal's channel state information based on this reference channel. Therefore, the network device can subsequently perform data transmission based on at least one reference channel, thereby effectively utilizing massive MIMO technology for data transmission and improving communication performance.

[0163] The S903 will be described in detail below.

[0164] As can be seen from the above introduction, at least one reference channel can be determined by the terminal or by the network device. That is, the first information can directly indicate at least one reference channel or indicate intermediate information used to determine at least one reference channel.

[0165] The following section first introduces how a terminal determines at least one reference channel.

[0166] In one possible implementation, the communication method may also include S904 before S903.

[0167] S904, the terminal determines at least one reference channel from the multiple candidate reference channels based on the first measurement result of the synchronization signal and the measurement template values ​​of the multiple candidate reference channels.

[0168] The first measurement result is obtained based on the terminal's measurement of the synchronization signal. This first measurement result can be used to represent the signal quality of the synchronization signal. It may include measured values ​​of the synchronization signal, which are related to factors such as the signal's transmission and reception parameters. For example, if the terminal receives Y SSBs, and M of these SSBs are associated with a reference channel, the measured values ​​of these M SSBs are related to factors such as their transmission power and reception power. It can be understood that among the Y SSBs, there may be multiple groups of M SSBs associated with a reference channel, and the measured values ​​of each group of M SSBs associated with a reference channel are related to factors such as the transmission power and reception power of that group of M SSBs.

[0169] For example, the terminal receives two different SSBs broadcast by the network device, measures the first SSB and the second SSB, and obtains measurement results of 0.3 and 0.7 respectively.

[0170] The measurement template value of a candidate reference channel characterizes the association between the candidate reference channel and the synchronization signal. The measurement template value can also be called the measurement reference value, which is the measurement reference value of the synchronization signal based on the candidate reference channel. For example, if candidate reference channel 1 is associated with SSB1 and SSB2, the measurement template value includes the relative measurement reference values ​​of SSB1 and SSB2 corresponding to candidate reference channel 1. For another example, the measurement template value of the first candidate reference channel = [0.1, 0.9] indicates that the relative measurement reference values ​​of the first candidate reference channel in the corresponding first and second SSBs are 0.1 and 0.9, respectively.

[0171] Furthermore, the measurement template value / measurement reference value can be determined through historical data, experience, or other methods. For example, the measurement template value / measurement reference value can also be calculated in the following way:

[0172] For example, suppose the network side knows the channel from the network side to the terminal, represented by matrix H, where H has a dimension of m*n, representing m receiving antennas (terminal side) and n transmitting antennas (network side); suppose a synchronization signal is transmitted using antenna port 1 on an SSB resource, and the weighting coefficients on the antenna are represented by matrix P1, where P1 has a dimension of n*1. Then the equivalent channel corresponding to this synchronization signal is represented as H*P1. Suppose the weighting coefficients of a reference channel on the antenna are represented by matrix P2, where P2 also has a dimension of n*1. Then the equivalent channel corresponding to this reference channel is represented as H*P2. Then abs((H*P2)H*(H*P1)) has a dimension of 1*1, which is the measurement value of the above reference channel on the above SSB. Here, the superscript H denotes the conjugate transpose of the matrix; abs indicates taking the amplitude.

[0173] Optionally, the measurement template value of the candidate reference channel is related to the value of M mentioned above, that is, the measurement template value is related to the relationship M:1 between the number of synchronization signals and the number of reference channels. In other words, the terminal / network device can obtain the measurement template value of the candidate reference channel through the value of M. Depending on the value of M, the measurement template value of the candidate reference channel obtained by the terminal will be different.

[0174] It is understandable that the measurement template values ​​of candidate reference channels can be pre-configured / predefined by network devices and sent to terminals, or pre-defined by the protocol. In short, both network devices and terminals pre-store the measurement template values ​​of candidate reference channels, and the information of network devices and terminals regarding the measurement template values ​​of candidate reference channels is aligned / consistent.

[0175] For example, the network device indicates to the terminal the measurement template value corresponding to the association relationship between SSB and reference channel, such as M=2, indicating that one reference channel is associated with two SSBs. The network device sends Y SSBs to the terminal, and the terminal receives Y SSBs accordingly. Then, the terminal obtains that there are three candidate reference channels for the same two SSBs among the Y SSBs, and the measurement template values ​​corresponding to the three candidate reference channels. The measurement template values ​​corresponding to the three candidate reference channels are expressed as follows: the measurement template value of the first candidate reference channel = [0.1, 0.9]; the measurement template value of the second candidate reference channel = [0.9, 0.1]; the measurement template value of the third candidate reference channel = [0.5, 0.5]. Among them, the measurement template value of the first candidate reference channel = [0.1, 0.9] indicates that the measurement results (relative values) of the first candidate reference channel in the corresponding first SSB and second SSB are 0.1 and 0.9, respectively. The meanings of the measurement template values ​​for other candidate reference channels are similar and will not be elaborated upon.

[0176] The terminal measures the synchronization signal to obtain a first measurement result and acquires measurement template values ​​for multiple candidate reference channels. It can be understood that there is no sequential restriction between measuring the synchronization signal and acquiring the measurement template values. Then, based on the first measurement result and the measurement template values, the terminal determines at least one reference channel from the multiple candidate reference channels, ensuring that at least one reference channel matches the target channel. This improves the accuracy of the network device's acquisition of the terminal's channel state information after the terminal reports the first information. The specific method for determining at least one reference channel from multiple candidate reference channels is described below.

[0177] Optionally, at least one reference channel includes N reference channels, which are the N candidate reference channels with the highest correlation between the measurement template value and the first measurement result among multiple candidate reference channels; where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0178] It is understandable that the terminal can be configured with a default value N. That is, if N is 1, it means that the terminal determines the candidate reference channel with the highest correlation between the measurement template value and the first measurement result among multiple candidate reference channels, which is the reference channel to be finally reported to the network device. If N is greater than 1, the terminal determines the candidate reference channel with the N highest correlation between the measurement template value and the first measurement result among multiple candidate reference channels, which is the reference channel to be finally reported to the network device.

[0179] For example, continuing the above example, the measurement results of the first SSB and the second SSB (i.e., the first measurement result mentioned above) measured by the terminal are 0.3 and 0.7 respectively. The correlation is calculated as follows:

[0180] The correlation between the measurement results and the measurement template value of the first reference channel = (0.1*0.3+0.9*0.7) = 0.66;

[0181] The correlation between the measurement results and the measurement template values ​​of the second reference channel is (0.9*0.3+0.1*0.7)=0.34;

[0182] The correlation between the measurement result and the measurement template value of the third reference channel is (0.5*0.3+0.5*0.7)=0.50.

[0183] Since 0.66 > 0.50 > 0.34, the correlation from highest to lowest is: Reference Channel 1, Reference Channel 3, Reference Channel 2. The measurement result has the highest correlation with the measurement template value of Reference Channel 1. Therefore, if the terminal's default value N is 1, the terminal will choose to report Reference Channel 1 to the network device. If the terminal's default value N is 2, the terminal will choose to report Reference Channel 1 and Reference Channel 3 to the network device.

[0184] Optionally, at least one reference channel includes N reference channels, and among the multiple candidate reference channels, the correlation between the measurement template values ​​of the N reference channels and the first measurement result exceeds a preset threshold, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0185] In other words, the terminal determines the candidate reference channels that meet the screening criteria as the final reference channels to be reported to the network device. The screening criteria can be that the correlation between the measurement template value and the first measurement result is greater than or equal to a preset threshold. For example, Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the correlation of reference channels provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 10, the terminal has 4 candidate reference channels. The terminal determines or identifies the final reported reference channel based on the screening criteria of the reference channel (i.e., the correlation with the measurement template value). If the preset threshold is 0.5, then among candidate reference channels 0 to candidate reference channels 3, candidate reference channels 1 to candidate reference channels 3 are greater than or equal to the preset threshold of 0.5, and the terminal selects to report candidate reference channels 1 to candidate reference channels 3 to the network device.

[0186] Continuing with the correlation calculation example above, if the preset threshold is 0.6, the terminal selects to report the first reference channel to the network device. If the preset threshold is 0.5, the terminal selects to report both the first and third reference channels to the network device.

[0187] In this way, the terminal can determine at least one reference channel based on the default configuration value N or a preset threshold, which improves the flexibility of the terminal in determining at least one reference channel.

[0188] The above describes how a terminal determines at least one reference channel. Correspondingly, the terminal can directly report at least one reference channel to the network device. In one possible implementation, the first information may include the index of the aforementioned at least one reference channel.

[0189] The order of the indices of at least one reference channel can be predefined by the protocol, or it can be preconfigured / predefined by the network device and then sent to the terminal. For example, the order of the indices of at least one reference channel can be in descending order of correlation with the measurement template values ​​of the candidate reference channels, or it can be in ascending order of correlation with the measurement template values ​​of the candidate reference channels; there is no restriction on this.

[0190] In this way, the terminal can determine at least one reference channel and then directly report at least one reference channel to the network device, reducing the computational overhead of the network device.

[0191] Optionally, the first information may also include the number of at least one reference channel mentioned above.

[0192] For example, the terminal determines that the number of at least one matching reference channel is m', and reports a reference channel report (i.e., the first information mentioned above) to the network device. The content of the reference channel report is as follows, including:

[0193] The number of reference channels, m'

[0194] Length: x bits (e.g., x = 3);

[0195] Type: Integer, or enumeration value;

[0196] Reference channel index:

[0197] The first reference channel,

[0198] Length: y bits (e.g., y = 3);

[0199] Type: Integer, or enumeration value;

[0200] ...

[0201] The m'-th reference channel

[0202] Length: y bits (e.g., y = 3);

[0203] Type: Integer or enumeration value.

[0204] To facilitate understanding, the following specific example illustrates the process by which a terminal determines and reports at least one reference channel. This process may include steps S01 to S04, involving interaction between the UE (i.e., the aforementioned terminal) and the BS (i.e., the aforementioned network device). The specific steps are as follows:

[0205] S01, the BS broadcasts the SSB (i.e., the synchronization signal mentioned above), and the UE receives the SSB from the BS accordingly.

[0206] The broadcast SSBs contain a 2:1 correspondence between SSBs and reference channels (i.e., M:1 as mentioned above). This means that the number of SSBs corresponds to the number of reference channels in a 2:1 ratio, indicating that at least two SSBs are needed to identify / determine a reference channel. The UE receives four (i.e., Y) SSBs from the BS.

[0207] S02, the BS broadcasts the measurement template value, and correspondingly, the UE receives the SSB measurement template value from the BS.

[0208] Step S02 is optional. The measurement template value is associated with the 2:1 correspondence between SSB and reference channel, that is, the measurement template value of the candidate reference channel corresponding to two SSBs. The measurement template value can contain multiple sets of measurement template values ​​of candidate reference channels corresponding to two SSBs from the four SSBs. For example, if the four SSBs are SSB1 to SSB4, SSB1 and SSB2 correspond to three candidate reference channels, meaning that three candidate reference channels are identified through SSB1 and SSB2; SSB2 and SSB3 correspond to two candidate reference channels, meaning that two candidate reference channels are identified through SSB2 and SSB3. The same applies to other combinations of two SSBs, which will not be elaborated further. This example uses the measurement template value of SSB1 and SSB2 corresponding to three candidate reference channels as an example; the same applies to other combinations of two SSBs.

[0209] S03a, the UE determines a matching reference channel.

[0210] The UE measured SSB1 and SSB2 results as 0.3 and 0.7, respectively.

[0211] The UE performs correlation calculations based on the measurement results of SSB1 and SSB2, as well as the measurement template values ​​of the three candidate reference channels corresponding to SSB1 and SSB2, as shown below:

[0212] The measurement template value of candidate reference channel 1 is [0.1, 0.9]; the measurement template value of candidate reference channel 2 is [0.9, 0.1]; the measurement template value of candidate reference channel 3 is [0.5, 0.5].

[0213] The correlation between the measurement results and the measurement template value of candidate reference channel 1 is (0.1*0.3+0.9*0.7)=0.66; the correlation between the measurement results and the measurement template value of candidate reference channel 2 is (0.9*0.3+0.1*0.7)=0.34; the correlation between the measurement results and the measurement template value of candidate reference channel 3 is (0.5*0.3+0.5*0.7)=0.50.

[0214] The measurement results have the highest correlation with the measurement template value of candidate reference channel 1. Therefore, the matched reference channel is candidate reference channel 1.

[0215] S03b, the UE determines k matching reference channels, where k is greater than or equal to 1.

[0216] The UE identifies k candidate reference channels whose measurement results correlate with the measurement template values ​​of the candidate reference channels to a preset threshold of 0.5, and these are considered the k matching reference channels. In other words, the UE identifies candidate reference channel 1 and candidate reference channel 3 as two matching reference channels.

[0217] It is understandable that the matching reference channel for each pair of SSBs out of the four SSBs can be determined by referring to the above-mentioned SSB1 and SSB2. For example, if the UE determines that the matching reference channel is reference channel 1 based on SSB1 and SSB2, and determines that the matching reference channel is reference channel 3 based on SSB3 and SSB4, then the reference channel 1 and reference channel 3 are finally determined and reported to the BS.

[0218] S04, the UE reports a reference channel report to the BS.

[0219] The reference channel report determined according to S03a is as follows:

[0220] Number of reference channels: 1

[0221] Length: 1 bit;

[0222] Type: Integer;

[0223] Reference channel index,

[0224] The first reference channel,

[0225] Length: 1 bit;

[0226] Type: Integer.

[0227] The reference channel report content determined according to S03b is as follows:

[0228] Number of reference channels: 2

[0229] Length: 1 bit;

[0230] Type: Integer;

[0231] Reference channel index,

[0232] The first reference channel,

[0233] Length: 1 bit;

[0234] Type: Integer.

[0235] The third reference channel,

[0236] Length: 1 bit;

[0237] Type: Integer.

[0238] In this way, the SSB received by the UE can be used to determine the reference channel matched by the UE, and the reference channel matched by the UE can be used to obtain information about the target channel where the UE is located. If the reference channel matched by the UE and the target channel have similar characteristics, the BS can obtain the UE's channel state information based on the reference channel matched by the UE. Therefore, the BS can subsequently perform data transmission based on the reference channel matched by the UE, thereby effectively utilizing massive MIMO technology for data transmission and improving communication performance.

[0239] In another possible implementation, the first information is used to indicate the first measurement result of the aforementioned synchronization signal.

[0240] In other words, the terminal reports intermediate information, namely the first measurement result, to the network device for determining at least one reference channel. The network device then determines at least one reference channel that the terminal matches based on the first measurement result. For example, the network device determines at least one reference channel from multiple candidate reference channels based on the first measurement result and the measurement template values ​​of multiple candidate reference channels. The method by which the network device determines at least one reference channel can refer to the method described above for the terminal to determine at least one reference channel, and will not be elaborated here.

[0241] In this way, the terminal can report the first measurement result to the network device, and the network device can determine at least one reference channel that the terminal matches, thus reducing the terminal's computational overhead.

[0242] Optionally, the first information indicates a first index of a preset codebook, the preset codebook including multiple sets of measurement results of the synchronization signal, each set of measurement results corresponding to a different index, and the measurement result corresponding to the first index matches the first measurement result.

[0243] It is understandable that the preset codebook can be pre-configured / pre-defined by the network device and sent to the terminal, or it can be pre-defined by the protocol. In short, both the network device and the terminal pre-store the preset codebook. The preset codebook can be generated using the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) or other codebook generation methods; there are no restrictions on this.

[0244] The multiple sets of measurement results for the synchronization signal can correspond to different candidate reference channels, such as one set of measurement results corresponding to one candidate reference channel. The measurement result corresponding to the first index matches the first measurement result, such as the correlation between the measurement result corresponding to the first index and the first measurement result exceeding a preset threshold, or, among the measurement results corresponding to the indices contained in the preset codebook, the measurement result corresponding to the first index has the highest correlation with the first measurement result.

[0245] In this way, the terminal can determine the measurement result corresponding to the first index that matches the first measurement result from the preset codebook and send the first index to the network device, which can reduce the overhead of reporting signaling (first information).

[0246] Optionally, the communication method may further include: the terminal obtaining a preset codebook based on the value of M. The preset codebook is related to the number of synchronization signals and the number of reference channels. That is, the terminal can obtain the preset codebook through the value of M, and the preset codebook obtained by the terminal is different depending on the value of M. Alternatively, the terminal quantizes according to a predefined codebook based on the value of M to obtain the preset codebook. After the network device receives the preset first index from the terminal, the method of obtaining the preset codebook is the same as that of the terminal, and will not be described in detail.

[0247] For example, the terminal associates M SSBs with a reference channel and quantizes them according to a predefined codebook to obtain a preset codebook. For instance, M=4, indicating that one reference channel is associated with four SSBs. The preset codebook quantized according to the predefined codebook is as follows: the codebook size is 8, and the measurement results corresponding to each index in the codebook are represented as follows:

[0248] The value of the first index in the codebook is [0.05, 0.05, 0.05, 0.85].

[0249] The value of the second index in the codebook is [0.05, 0.05, 0.45, 0.45].

[0250] The value of the 3rd index in the codebook is [0.05, 0.05, 0.85, 0.05].

[0251] The value of the 4th index in the codebook is [0.05, 0.45, 0.45, 0.05].

[0252] The value of index 5 in the codebook is [0.05, 0.85, 0.05, 0.05].

[0253] The value of index 6 in the codebook is [0.45, 0.45, 0.05, 0.05].

[0254] The value of index 7 in the codebook is [0.85, 0.05, 0.05, 0.05].

[0255] The value of index 8 in the codebook is [0.45, 0.05, 0.05, 0.45].

[0256] The codebook index 1 value is [0.05, 0.05, 0.05, 0.85], indicating that the measurement results (relative values) of the first candidate reference channel at the corresponding first to fourth SSBs are 0.05, 0.05, 0.05, and 0.85, respectively. The meanings of the remaining codebook index values ​​are similar and will not be elaborated further. The measurement values ​​(i.e., the first measurement results) of the first to fourth SSBs measured by the terminal are 0.08, 0.01, 0.9, and 0.01, respectively. The correlation between the measured values ​​and multiple values ​​in the codebook is calculated separately. For example, the correlation between the terminal's measured value and the codebook index 1 value is (0.08*0.05+0.01*0.05+0.90*0.05+0.01*0.85) = 0.058. The correlations of the remaining codebook index values ​​are similar and will not be elaborated further. Since the terminal's measured value has the highest correlation with the value of the third index in the codebook, the terminal chooses to report the third index, such as index value 3 (i.e., the first index mentioned above).

[0257] In one possible implementation, the communication method may further include: the network device sending second information to the terminal, and correspondingly, the terminal receiving the second information from the network device. The second information indicates a maximum number of reference channels reported by the terminal, wherein at least one reference channel number is less than or equal to the maximum number of reference channels.

[0258] The second information can reuse existing signaling transmissions. For example, network devices can send the second information to the terminal through signaling such as the master information block (MIB) and system information block 1 (SIB1). Of course, newly added signaling can also be used, and there are no restrictions on this.

[0259] Thus, the number of at least one reference channel reported by the terminal to the network device is less than or equal to the maximum number of reference channels indicated by the second information, which can reduce the overhead of reporting signaling / uplink signaling.

[0260] The following describes two ways for the terminal to report the first information.

[0261] Method 1: Implicit reporting method.

[0262] In one possible implementation, the first information may include a preamble for initiating a random access request, with at least one reference channel corresponding to the preamble.

[0263] Method 1 corresponds to the first information including the index of at least one reference channel. That is, when the first information includes the index of at least one reference channel, the terminal can report the index of at least one reference channel by referring to the method of reporting the SSB index through RACH.

[0264] In other words, during random access, when a terminal sends a random access request to the network device, it sends the index of at least one reference channel using a preamble / preamble resource used to initiate the random access request. The preamble resource can be a time-frequency resource of the preamble. Each of the at least one reference channel has a different preamble resource. For example, the network device and the terminal agree on the preamble resource corresponding to each reference channel in the SSB. After determining at least one reference channel, the terminal determines at least one preamble resource corresponding to the at least one reference channel, and then uses the determined at least one preamble resource in the random access process. The network device can determine the index of the at least one reference channel reported by the terminal based on the preamble resource used by the terminal.

[0265] Furthermore, under the same reference channel, the preamble resources of different synchronization signals can occupy at least one of the following: time domain, frequency domain, or code domain. Therefore, the network device can determine the index of the synchronization signal corresponding to at least one reference channel reported by the terminal based on the preamble resources used by the terminal.

[0266] Thus, by implicitly reporting at least one reference channel as described above, the overhead of reporting signaling / uplink signaling can be further reduced.

[0267] Method 2: Explicit reporting method.

[0268] In another possible implementation, S902 may include: the terminal sending a first message to the network device, and correspondingly, the network device receiving the first message from the terminal. The first message is used to transmit data or control information and contains first information.

[0269] The first message can be sent by the terminal after sending a random access request via RACH, such as when the terminal sends the first message via PUCCH / PUSCH. The first message contains first information. The terminal can send at least one reference channel index or the first measurement result to the network device through explicit reporting, making the reporting method more flexible.

[0270] It is understood that the above-mentioned possible implementation methods can be used individually or in combination, and there are no restrictions on this.

[0271] The method provided by the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to FIG9. The communication apparatus used to perform the communication method provided by the embodiments of this application is described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 11-12.

[0272] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As exemplarily shown in Figure 11, the communication device 1100 includes a transceiver module 1101 and a processing module 1102.

[0273] In some embodiments, the communication device 1100 can be applied to the communication system shown in FIG5 to perform the functions of the terminal in the communication method shown in FIG9. For ease of explanation, FIG11 only shows the main components of the communication device.

[0274] The transceiver module 1101 is used to receive indication information, which indicates that M synchronization signals are associated with a reference channel of the terminal, where M is an integer greater than 1; the transceiver module 1101 is also used to report first information, which determines at least one reference channel, and the at least one reference channel is determined based on the synchronization signals.

[0275] Optionally, the processing module 1102 is used to determine at least one reference channel from multiple candidate reference channels based on the first measurement result of the synchronization signal and the measurement template values ​​of multiple candidate reference channels; the first measurement result is obtained based on the terminal measuring the synchronization signal; the measurement template values ​​of the candidate reference channels characterize the correlation between the candidate reference channels and the synchronization signal.

[0276] Optionally, the transceiver module 1101 is further configured to receive second information, which indicates the maximum number of reference channels reported by the terminal; at least one reference channel is less than or equal to the maximum number of reference channels.

[0277] Optionally, the transceiver module 1101 is also used to send a first message, which is used to transmit data or control information, and the first message contains first information.

[0278] Optionally, the transceiver module 1101 may include a transmitting module (not shown in FIG11) and a receiving module (not shown in FIG11). The transmitting module is used to implement the transmitting function of the communication device 1100, and the receiving module is used to implement the receiving function of the communication device 1100.

[0279] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG11) that stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1102 executes the program or instructions, the communication device 1100 can perform the functions of the terminal in the method shown in FIG9 above.

[0280] It should be understood that the communication device 1100 may be a terminal device, a communication module, a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions, a chip system, or other components or assemblies. The communication module, the circuit or chip responsible for communication functions, the chip system, or other components or assemblies may be used in a terminal device. This application does not limit this.

[0281] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device 1100 can be seen by referring to the technical effects of the communication method shown in Figure 9, and will not be repeated here.

[0282] In other embodiments, the communication device 1100 may be adapted to the communication system shown in FIG5 to perform the functions of the network device in the power control method shown in FIG9.

[0283] The transceiver module 1101 is used to send indication information, which indicates that M synchronization signals are associated with a reference channel of the terminal, where M is an integer greater than 1; the transceiver module 1101 is also used to receive first information, which determines at least one reference channel based on the synchronization signals.

[0284] Optionally, the processing module 1102 is used to determine at least one reference channel from multiple candidate reference channels based on the first measurement result and the measurement template values ​​of multiple candidate reference channels; the measurement template values ​​of the candidate reference channels characterize the association between the candidate reference channels and the synchronization signal.

[0285] Optionally, the transceiver module 1101 is used to send second information, which is used to indicate the maximum number of reference channels reported by the terminal; at least one reference channel is less than or equal to the maximum number of reference channels.

[0286] Optionally, the transceiver module 1101 is used to receive a first message, which is used to transmit data or control information, and the first message contains first information.

[0287] Optionally, the transceiver module 1102 may include a receiving module and a transmitting module (not shown in FIG11). The transceiver module 1102 is used to implement the transmitting and receiving functions of the communication device 1100.

[0288] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG11) that stores information such as programs, instructions, or data. The processing module 1101 can read information from the storage module, enabling the communication device 1100 to perform the functions of the network device in the communication method shown in FIG9.

[0289] The communication device 1100 may be a network device, a communication module, a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions, a chip system, or other components or parts. This communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions, chip system, or other components or parts may be used in network devices.

[0290] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device 1100 can be seen in the technical effects of the communication method shown in Figure 9, which will not be elaborated here.

[0291] Figure 12 is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, the communication device can be a terminal, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in the terminal. As shown in Figure 12, the communication device 1200 may include a processor 1201. Optionally, the communication device 1200 may also include a memory 1202 and / or a transceiver 1203. The processor 1201 is coupled to the memory 1202 and / or the transceiver 1203, for example, by means of a communication bus, an internal chip interface, or other communication lines. Optionally, the memory 1202 may be integrated with the processor 1201.

[0292] The following is a detailed description of each component of the communication device 1200 with reference to Figure 12:

[0293] The processor 1201 is the control center of the communication device 1200. It can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, the processor 1201 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), or specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of this application, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0294] Optionally, the processor 1201 can perform various functions of the communication device 1200 by running or executing software programs stored in the memory 1202 and calling data stored in the memory 1202, such as performing the communication method shown in FIG9 above.

[0295] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, processor 1201 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 shown in FIG12.

[0296] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, the communication device 1200 may also include multiple processors, such as processors 1201 and 1204 shown in FIG. 12. Each of these processors may be a single-core processor (single-CPU) or a multi-core processor (multi-CPU). Here, a processor may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores used to process data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0297] The memory 1202 is used to store the software program that executes the solution of this application, and is controlled by the processor 1201 to execute it. The specific implementation method can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0298] Optionally, the memory 1202 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. The memory 1202 may be integrated with the processor 1201 or may exist independently and be coupled to the processor 1201 through the interface circuit of the communication device 1200 (not shown in FIG. 12). This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0299] Transceiver 1203 is used for communication with other communication devices. For example, if communication device 1200 is a terminal, transceiver 1203 can be used to communicate with a network device or with another terminal device. As another example, if communication device 1200 is a network device, transceiver 1203 can be used to communicate with a terminal or with another network device.

[0300] Optionally, transceiver 1203 may include a receiver and a transmitter (not shown separately in Figure 12). The receiver is used to implement the receiving function, and the transmitter is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0301] Optionally, the transceiver 1203 can be integrated with the processor 1201 or exist independently and be coupled to the processor 1201 through the interface circuit of the communication device 1200 (not shown in FIG12). This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0302] It is understood that the structure of the communication device 1200 shown in Figure 12 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. Actual communication devices may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0303] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device 1200 can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0304] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or it can be other general-purpose processors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0305] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be ROM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), EEPROM, or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0306] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware (such as circuits), firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, in the form of 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 any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more sets of available media. The available 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.

[0307] 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.

[0308] 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.

[0309] 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 constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0310] 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.

[0311] 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.

[0312] 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.

[0313] 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.

[0314] 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.

[0315] 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 all the various possible memories described above.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive indication information, which indicates that M synchronization signals are associated with a reference channel of the terminal, where M is an integer greater than 1; The first information is reported, which is used to determine at least one reference channel, and the at least one reference channel is determined based on the synchronization signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reference channel is used to obtain information about the target channel, which is the channel where the terminal is located.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the first measurement result of the synchronization signal and the measurement template values ​​of multiple candidate reference channels, at least one reference channel is determined from the multiple candidate reference channels; The first measurement result is obtained based on the measurement of the synchronization signal by the terminal; The measurement template value of the candidate reference channel characterizes the association between the candidate reference channel and the synchronization signal.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The at least one reference channel includes N reference channels, which are the N candidate reference channels among the plurality of candidate reference channels with the highest correlation between the measurement template value and the first measurement result; where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate the first measurement result.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first information indicates a first index of a preset codebook, which includes multiple sets of measurement results of the synchronization signal. Each set of measurement results corresponds to a different index, and the measurement result corresponding to the first index matches the first measurement result.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The preset codebook is obtained according to M.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first information includes the index of the at least one reference channel.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal receives second information, which indicates the maximum number of reference channels reported by the terminal; the number of the at least one reference channel is less than or equal to the maximum number of reference channels.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first information includes a preamble for initiating a random access request, and the at least one reference channel corresponds to the preamble.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first piece of information to be reported includes: Send a first message, which is used to transmit data or control information, and the first message contains the first information.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send indication information, which is used to indicate that M synchronization signals are associated with a reference channel of the terminal, where M is an integer greater than 1; Receive first information, the first information being used to determine at least one reference channel, the at least one reference channel being determined based on the synchronization signal.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The reference channel is used to obtain information about the target channel, which is the channel where the terminal is located.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate a first measurement result of the synchronization signal; the method further includes: Based on the first measurement result and the measurement template values ​​of multiple candidate reference channels, at least one reference channel is determined from the multiple candidate reference channels; the measurement template values ​​of the candidate reference channels characterize the association between the candidate reference channels and the synchronization signal.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The at least one reference channel includes N reference channels, which are the N candidate reference channels among the plurality of candidate reference channels with the highest correlation between the measurement template value and the first measurement result; where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The first information indicates a first index of a preset codebook, which includes multiple sets of measurement results of the synchronization signal. Each set of measurement results corresponds to a different index, and the measurement result corresponding to the first index matches the first measurement result.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that, The first information includes the index of the at least one reference channel.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message, which indicates the maximum number of reference channels reported by the terminal; the number of the at least one reference channel is less than or equal to the maximum number of reference channels.

19. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that, The first information includes a preamble for initiating a random access request, and the at least one reference channel corresponds to the preamble.

20. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that, The receiving of the first information includes: Receive a first message, the first message being used to transmit data or control information, the first message containing the first information.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes: a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-11, or a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 12-20.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processing unit and a storage unit; the storage unit is used to store computer instructions, which, when executed by the processing unit, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-11 to be executed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 12-20 to be executed.

23. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-11, or cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 12-20.

24. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-11 to be performed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 12-20 to be performed.

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