Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and an apparatus, and relates to the technical field of communications. In the method, a first corresponding relation between synchronization signals and candidate reference channels that is obtained by a terminal may be used to determine from among the candidate reference channels at least one reference channel that matches the terminal, wherein the at least one reference channel may be used to acquire information of a target channel; and, if the at least one reference channel shares similar characteristics with the target channel, 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, and thus effectively uses a massive MIMO technology to perform data transmission, thereby improving communication performance.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510179609.8, 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 the network device can obtain the target channel state information of the 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 assumes that the method is executed by a terminal. The method includes: receiving Y synchronization signals, where Y is an integer greater than or equal to 1; obtaining a first correspondence, which is the correspondence between the Y synchronization signals and candidate reference channels; and reporting first information based on the first correspondence, where the first information indicates at least one reference channel, and the at least one reference channel is included in the candidate reference channels.

[0007] Based on the method described in the first aspect, the first correspondence between the Y synchronization signals acquired by the terminal and the candidate reference channels can be used to determine at least one reference channel that matches the terminal from the candidate reference channels. This at least one reference channel can then 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 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.

[0008] Furthermore, 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 first correspondence. 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 connection state.

[0009] 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.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the candidate reference channel includes K groups of reference channels, and each group of reference channels contains K1 reference channels; where K is an integer greater than or equal to 1, K1 is an integer greater than or equal to 1, each group of reference channels in the K groups of reference channels corresponds to M synchronization signals, and the M synchronization signals are associated with one reference channel of the terminal, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0011] It can be understood that each of the K groups of reference channels corresponds to M different synchronization signals. These M different synchronization signals can mean that at least one of the M synchronization signals is different; that is, the synchronization signals corresponding to different groups of reference channels can overlap. Since M synchronization signals correspond to one reference channel, one or more reference channels within a group of reference channels correspond to the same M synchronization signals. Therefore, one reference channel corresponds to M synchronization signals, and a group of reference channels also corresponds to M synchronization signals. In this way, the terminal can identify / determine a group of reference channels using the M synchronization signals.

[0012] Optionally, K1 is less than or equal to M. That is, the number of reference channels that can be identified / determined through M synchronization signals is less than or equal to M. In this way, the range of the number of determined reference channels is small, which can increase the probability of the terminal determining a matching reference channel.

[0013] Optionally, the value of K is determined based on the values ​​of Y and M. After the terminal obtains the first correspondence, it can determine the number of reference channels among the candidate reference channels based on the first correspondence, the number of synchronization signals Y, and the value of M, so as to facilitate the determination of at least one reference channel in the future.

[0014] In one possible implementation, each of the K groups of reference channels corresponds to a measurement template value. The communication method may further include: determining one reference channel from each of the K groups of reference channels based on the measurement template value of each group of reference channels and the measurement results of the M synchronization signals corresponding to each group of reference channels, thus obtaining at least one reference channel. The measurement results are obtained based on measurements of the M synchronization signals performed by the terminal. The measurement template value of each group of reference channels characterizes the association between each group of reference channels and the M synchronization signals corresponding to each group of reference channels.

[0015] It is understandable that the measurement results of the M synchronization signals are obtained based on the terminal's measurements of the M synchronization signals. The measurement results of the M synchronization signals can be used to represent the signal quality of the M synchronization signals. The measurement results of the M synchronization signals can include the measured values ​​of the M synchronization signals, which may be related to factors such as the transmission parameters and reception parameters of the M synchronization signals. Thus, based on the measurement template values ​​of each set of reference channels and the measurement results of the M synchronization signals corresponding to each set of reference channels, the terminal determines at least one reference channel from the candidate reference channels, ensuring that at least one reference channel matches the target channel. After the terminal reports the first information to the network device, the accuracy of the channel state information obtained by the network device from the terminal can be improved.

[0016] Optionally, the communication method may further include: receiving configuration information, which indicates the measurement template value corresponding to each of the K sets of reference channels.

[0017] Optionally, at least one reference channel includes K reference channels, where the K reference channels include the reference channel in each group whose measurement template value has the highest correlation with the measurement result. Thus, the terminal determines at least one reference channel based on the correlation between the measurement template value in each group of reference channels and the measurement results of M synchronization signals. This ensures that the reference channel reported by the terminal is the one that best matches the target channel in each group of reference channels, improving the accuracy of the channel state information obtained by the network device from the terminal.

[0018] Optionally, the measurement template values ​​for each of the K groups of reference channels are identical. This reduces the signaling overhead for indicating measurement template values ​​(such as configuration information).

[0019] In one possible implementation, obtaining the first correspondence may include: determining the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal, and determining the first correspondence according to at least one of the following, where the at least one includes: the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal, M, or Y.

[0020] It is understood that there can be multiple relevant parameters for the synchronization signal. Different relevant parameters can associate multiple candidate correspondences between the synchronization channel and the reference channel. For example, one set of relevant parameters (including multiple relevant parameters) can correspond to one candidate correspondence. Of course, multiple sets of relevant parameters can correspond to one candidate correspondence, or one set of relevant parameters can correspond to multiple candidate correspondences; there is no limitation on this. The terminal can determine the first correspondence based on the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal. Optionally, different combinations of relevant parameters and different values ​​of M can associate multiple candidate correspondences between the synchronization channel and the reference channel. The terminal can determine the first correspondence based on the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal and the value of M. Optionally, the number of synchronization signals can be determined based on the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal, and the first correspondence can be determined based on the number of synchronization signals and M.

[0021] Thus, the combination of the aforementioned relevant parameters and the value of M can correspond to multiple candidate correspondences, increasing the flexible and configurable space for the correspondence between the reference channel and the synchronization signal.

[0022] Optionally, the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal include at least one of the following: frequency band, subcarrier spacing, or pattern.

[0023] Optionally, before determining the first correspondence based on the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal and M, the communication method may further include: the terminal receiving information indicating a first index value. Optionally, the terminal determining the first correspondence based on the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal and M may include: determining X candidate correspondences based on the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal and M, and the terminal determining the first correspondence from the X candidate correspondences based on the first index value.

[0024] There is no order restriction between receiving the information indicating the first index value and the terminal determining X candidate correspondences based on the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal and M. The X candidate correspondences correspond to X index values, which can be index values ​​used to select from the X candidate correspondences (such as row indexes). The X index values ​​can be 0, 1, ..., X-1, or 1, 2, ..., X, without restriction. The information indicating the first index value can be dynamically indicated by the network device. For example, in the case of n78, 30kHz, instance C, and M = 2, two corresponding candidate correspondences can be determined from the protocol predefined table, with index values ​​of 0 and 1. If the first index value received from the network device is 0, it means that the candidate correspondence with index value 0 is determined as the first correspondence among the two candidate correspondences. Thus, the combination of the above-mentioned relevant parameters and the value of M can correspond to multiple candidate correspondences, increasing the flexible and configurable space for the correspondence between the reference channel and the synchronization signal.

[0025] In another possible implementation, obtaining the first correspondence may further include: receiving second information, the second information being used to indicate the index value of the first correspondence; Y synchronization signals having multiple candidate correspondences with candidate reference channels, each candidate correspondence having a different index value, and the multiple candidate correspondences including the first correspondence. In this way, the first correspondence can be determined concisely and efficiently, and further, given that the combination of the aforementioned relevant parameters and the value of M corresponds to multiple candidate correspondences, the first correspondence among the multiple candidate correspondences can be further determined.

[0026] In another possible implementation, obtaining the first correspondence may further include: receiving third information, which indicates the index of the first bit diagram and the candidate reference channel, wherein the bits included in the first bit diagram indicate the synchronization signal. The first correspondence is then determined based on the third information; the first correspondence is the correspondence between the synchronization signal indicated by the first bit diagram and the index of the candidate reference channel. In this way, the terminal does not need to query predefined information in the protocol to determine the first correspondence; it can directly determine the first correspondence based on the third information from the network device. This method of obtaining the first correspondence is more flexible and reduces the terminal's overhead.

[0027] 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 execution of the method by a network device as an example. The method includes: sending Y synchronization signals, where Y is an integer greater than or equal to 1; receiving first information, which indicates at least one reference channel, the at least one reference channel being determined according to a first correspondence between the Y synchronization signals and candidate reference channels.

[0028] The reference channel is used to obtain information about the target channel, which is the channel where the terminal is located.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the candidate reference channel includes K groups of reference channels, and each group of reference channels contains K1 reference channels; where K is an integer greater than or equal to 1, K1 is an integer greater than or equal to 1, each group of reference channels in the K groups of reference channels corresponds to M synchronization signals, and the M synchronization signals are associated with one reference channel of the terminal, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0030] Optionally, K1 is less than or equal to M.

[0031] Optionally, the value of K is determined based on the values ​​of Y and M.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the communication method may further include: configuration information for indicating the measurement template value corresponding to each of the K groups of reference channels, wherein the measurement template value of each group of reference channels characterizes the association between each group of reference channels and the M synchronization signals corresponding to each group of reference channels.

[0033] Optionally, at least one reference channel includes K reference channels, where the K reference channels include the reference channel in each group of reference channels with the highest correlation between the measurement template value and the measurement result.

[0034] Optionally, the measurement template values ​​are the same for each of the K groups of reference channels.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the first correspondence is determined based on at least one of the following, which includes: the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal, M, or Y.

[0036] Optionally, the communication method may further include: sending second information, the second information being used to indicate the index value of the first correspondence; Y synchronization signals having multiple candidate correspondences with the candidate reference channel, each candidate correspondence having a different index value, and the multiple candidate correspondences including the first correspondence.

[0037] Optionally, the communication method may further include: sending third information, the third information being used to indicate the index of the first bit diagram and the candidate reference channel, the first bit diagram including bits being used to indicate the synchronization signal; the first correspondence being the correspondence between the synchronization signal indicated by the first bit diagram and the index of the candidate reference channel.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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

[0051] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the data transmission process of MIMO;

[0052] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the reference channel principle provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the reference channel principle provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the correspondence rules between SSB and reference channel provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0055] 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;

[0056] 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;

[0057] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the O-RAN system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] 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;

[0059] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0062] 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.

[0063] For ease of understanding, the technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be introduced below.

[0064] 1. Massive MIMO technology:

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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 monitor changes in the time and frequency domains of the channel. These reference signals, also known as pilot signals or reference signals (RS), are distributed across 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.

[0067] 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).

[0068] 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.

[0069] 2. MIMO data transmission:

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] For example, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the data transmission process of MIMO. As shown in Figure 1, for downlink (DL burst traffic), as shown in Figure 1(a), the user equipment (UE) sends a CSI to the 5G radio access network (RAN) base station (i.e., the next-generation Node B, 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). The UE sends an acknowledgment (ACK) or a negation (Negative) to the gNodeB based on the PUCCH / PUSCH. The gNodeB receives the ACK character (NACK). After receiving the ACK character, it 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 3. Reference Channel:

[0079] 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.

[0080] In a narrow sense, RFmap can refer to the determination of channel 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The spatial consistency of a channel originates from the spatial variation patterns of the channel deterministic components described above.

[0084] 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 is transmitted 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 to say, the reference channel H1 and the target channel H2 can be two MIMO channels that are similar in at least one of the following: time domain, frequency domain, or spatial domain.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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).

[0087] The similarities that clustering relies on include: Kullback-Leibler divergence (KL divergence), Jensen-Shannon divergence (JS divergence); cosine similarity; L2 norm and F norm.

[0088] 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 transmission time intervals (TTIs)). Matrix U represents the projection matrix. Matrix A can be decomposed into matrix U and matrix C, where 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 for the downlink channel state information reference signal. r is the dimension of the subspace.

[0089] 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:

[0090] 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.

[0091] The centroid position (coordinate, location, or position of the centroid channel) refers to the location of the centroid channel.

[0092] 4. The correspondence rules between synchronization signal block (SSB) and reference channel:

[0093] 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 or the network device 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:

[0094] Rule 1: The SSB and the reference channel are in a 1:1 correspondence.

[0095] 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.

[0096] Rule 2: The SSB and the reference channel are in a 1:n (n>1) correspondence.

[0097] 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.

[0098] Rule 3: The SSB and the reference channel are m:1 (m>1) correspondences.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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 to determine at least one reference channel matched by the terminal based on the first correspondence between synchronization signals (such as SSB) and candidate reference channels.

[0101] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] "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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 6). Terminal device 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network devices in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and wireless access network logical functions.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be centralized units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as radio remote units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] In this embodiment of the application, the network element can also be referred to as an entity or functional entity.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the functional division of RAN network elements and the protocol layer structure in the O-RAN system.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] In some examples, a DU is a logical node that carries the RLC layer, media access control (MAC) layer, higher physical layer (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 forward error correction coding (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation.

[0131] 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 a Remote Radio Head (RRH) or other similar entity. In some examples, the Low-PHY includes portions of the physical layer (PHY) processing, such as Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, and filtering. The RU communicates with one or more UEs via a radio link.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] In this communication system, the initial correspondence between the synchronization signal acquired by the terminal and the candidate reference channels can be used to determine at least one reference channel that matches the terminal from the candidate reference channels. This at least one reference channel can then 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 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] As shown in Figure 9, the flow of this communication method is as follows:

[0140] S901, the network device sends an instruction message, and the terminal receives the instruction message from the network device accordingly.

[0141] S901 is an optional step. The indication information is used to indicate that M synchronization signals are associated with one reference channel of the terminal, where M is an integer greater than 1. Here, M is consistent with the technical term m. 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; in other words, at least the measurement results of M synchronization signals are needed to identify / determine a reference channel. 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, and the synchronization signals corresponding to different reference channels can overlap. For example, reference channel 1 corresponds to synchronization signal 1 and synchronization signal 2, and reference channel 2 corresponds to synchronization signal 2 and synchronization signal 3. The different measurement results of each M synchronization signal can be used to distinguish different reference channels.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] S902, the network device sends Y synchronization signals, and the terminal receives Y synchronization signals from the network device accordingly.

[0148] Here, Y represents the number of different synchronization signals, and Y is an integer greater than or equal to M, meaning the number of synchronization signals received by the terminal can be greater than M. The terminal / network device can determine at least one reference channel to be matched with the terminal based on the Y synchronization signals, as described later.

[0149] 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.

[0150] S903, the terminal obtains the first correspondence.

[0151] The first correspondence is the correspondence between the Y synchronization signals and the candidate reference channels. The candidate reference channels can be multiple reference channels of the terminal, or at least one set of reference channels of the terminal, such as the K sets of reference channels mentioned later. "At least one set of reference channels" can also be replaced with other possible expressions, such as at least one group of reference channels. The candidate reference channels, i.e., among the multiple reference channels of the terminal, include at least one reference channel that matches the terminal, and reference channels that do not match the terminal. Here, the reference channels that do not match the terminal can be, for example, reference channels that are dissimilar to the target channel or have low similarity to it.

[0152] The first correspondence can be used to indicate Y synchronization signals and the candidate reference channels corresponding to the Y synchronization signals. For example, the terminal obtains the relevant parameters of the Y synchronization signals based on the Y synchronization signals, and then determines the first correspondence based on the relevant parameters of the Y synchronization signals. The terminal can then obtain the candidate reference channels corresponding to the Y synchronization signals based on the first correspondence.

[0153] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the candidate reference channel includes at least one set of reference channels or K sets of reference channels (described below) which are all candidate reference channels used to determine at least one reference channel to be finally reported to the network device.

[0154] The first correspondence does not include the number of candidate reference channel groups or the number of reference channels contained in each group.

[0155] The first correspondence may include the correspondence between Y synchronization signal indices and candidate reference channel indices. For example, if the candidate reference channel includes at least one set of reference channels, the first correspondence may include the correspondence between Y synchronization signal indices and at least one set of reference channel indices.

[0156] Optionally, the protocol predefines multiple candidate correspondences between the synchronization signal and the reference channel, or the network device predefines multiple candidate correspondences between the synchronization signal and the reference channel and sends them to the terminal. The multiple candidate correspondences include a first correspondence, which can be in tabular form, or other implementable forms, without limitation. Optionally, the terminal / network device can determine the first correspondence from the multiple candidate correspondences based on at least one of the following: relevant parameters of the synchronization signal, M, or Y.

[0157] S904: 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 / indicate at least one reference channel, which is included in the candidate reference channels. After determining the candidate reference channels corresponding to Y synchronization signals according to the first correspondence, the terminal determines at least one reference channel from the candidate reference channels, such as determining at least one reference channel according to the measurement template value of the candidate reference channels, which will be described later and will not be repeated here. The first information can be transmitted through PUCCH / PUSCH, or through the random access request message in the random access process, without limitation.

[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 content included in the first information can be related information of at least one reference channel matched by the terminal, such as the index information or identification information of at least one reference channel, without limitation. Among them, the related information of at least one reference channel can also be called a reference channel report.

[0160] 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.

[0161] Thus, the initial correspondence between the Y synchronization signals acquired by the terminal and the candidate reference channels can be used to determine at least one reference channel that matches the terminal from the candidate reference channels. This at least one reference channel can then 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 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.

[0162] The S903 will be described in detail below.

[0163] Optionally, the candidate reference channel may include K groups of reference channels, each group of reference channels containing K1 reference channels, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and K1 is an integer greater than or equal to 1. A group of reference channels may include one or more reference channels.

[0164] If the terminal receives Y synchronization signals from the network device, then in the first correspondence, the Y synchronization signals correspond to K sets of reference channels (or K groups of reference channels), and each of the K groups of reference channels corresponds to M different synchronization signals. The M different synchronization signals can mean that at least one of the M synchronization signals is different, and the synchronization signals corresponding to different groups of reference channels can overlap. For example, the four SSBs (i.e., the aforementioned synchronization signals) include SSB1, SSB2, SSB3, and SSB4. The four SSBs correspond to three groups of reference channels: the first group of reference channels (or reference channel group 1) corresponds to SSB1 and SSB2, the second group of reference channels (or reference channel group 2) corresponds to SSB2 and SSB3, and the third group of reference channels (or reference channel group 3) corresponds to SSB3 and SSB4.

[0165] Optionally, each of the M synchronization signals received by the terminal corresponds to one set of reference channels.

[0166] The value of K is determined based on the values ​​of Y and M.

[0167] After obtaining the first correspondence, the terminal can determine the number of reference channel groups K in the candidate reference channels based on the first correspondence, the value of Y, and the value of M. For example, if the number of SSBs Y is 8 and the value of M is 2, the terminal determines the first correspondence between the SSB and the candidate reference channel from multiple candidate correspondences predefined by the protocol as the SSB index: (K-1)*2+(1~2). When K=1, the SSB indices are 1 and 2; when K=2, the SSB indices are 3 and 4; when K=3, the SSB indices are 5 and 6; and when K=4, the SSB indices are 7 and 8. There are a total of 8 SSB indices. Therefore, the values ​​of K are 1, 2, 3, and 4, and the number of reference channel groups K=4.

[0168] Optionally, the maximum number of reference channels contained in each of the K groups of reference channels can be determined by the values ​​of Y and M. For example, if the number of SSBs Y is 8 and the value of M is 2, the terminal determines the number of reference channel groups K to be 4 based on the first correspondence, and each group of reference channels contains a maximum of 2 reference channels.

[0169] In this context, each of the K groups of reference channels corresponds to M synchronization signals, as mentioned above. Each group of reference channels contains one or more reference channels corresponding to the same M synchronization signals. Since M synchronization signals correspond to one reference channel, one reference channel corresponds to M synchronization signals, and a group of reference channels also corresponds to M synchronization signals. The statement that a group of reference channels corresponds to M synchronization signals can be understood as the terminal identifying / determining a group of reference channels through M synchronization signals.

[0170] For example, M=2 means that one reference channel corresponds to 2 SSBs, or it can be understood as determining / identifying a reference channel through 2 SSBs. Assuming a set of reference channels includes reference channel 1 and reference channel 2, then the set of reference channels corresponds to 2 SSBs, and reference channel 1 and reference channel 2 in the set of reference channels correspond to the same 2 SSBs.

[0171] Optionally, K1 is less than or equal to M. That is, the number of reference channels that can be identified / determined through M synchronization signals is less than or equal to M. This results in a smaller range of determined reference channels, increasing the probability that the terminal will determine a matching reference channel and preventing an increase in the probability that the terminal will select a non-matching reference channel. Of course, the value of K1 can also be greater than M; this application does not impose any restrictions on this. If K1 is greater than M, the capacity of the reference channels can be increased.

[0172] The following describes several ways for the terminal to obtain the first correspondence, including method 1, method 2 and method 3.

[0173] Method 1: The terminal determines the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal and determines the first correspondence based on at least one of the following, where at least one includes: the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal and M, or Y.

[0174] It is understood that there can be multiple parameters associated with a synchronization signal. Among these parameters, the synchronization signal may include at least one of the following: frequency band, sub-carrier spacing (SCS), or pattern.

[0175] In this application, different relevant parameters can associate multiple candidate correspondences between the synchronization channel and the candidate reference channel. The different results of the relevant parameters can be all parameters obtained at different times, such as a set of relevant parameters (including multiple relevant parameters) corresponding to one candidate correspondence. Of course, it is also possible for multiple sets of relevant parameters to correspond to one candidate correspondence, or for a set of relevant parameters to correspond to multiple candidate correspondences; there is no limitation on this. The terminal can determine the first correspondence based on the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal.

[0176] Based on this, if a set of relevant parameters corresponds to multiple candidate correspondences, it is necessary to further determine the first correspondence from among the multiple candidate correspondences. Optionally, the terminal determines the first correspondence based on the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal and M. Conversely, if one or more sets of relevant parameters are associated with a candidate correspondence, the associated candidate correspondence can be directly used as the first correspondence.

[0177] Optionally, different combinations of relevant parameters and different values ​​of M can associate multiple candidate correspondences between the synchronization channel and the candidate reference channel. That is, there is a correlation between the combination of relevant parameters and values ​​of M and the candidate correspondences, and different combinations correspond to different candidate correspondences. Different combinations refer to different relevant parameters and / or different values ​​of M. Based on this, the terminal determining the first correspondence based on the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal and M may include: after obtaining the indication information in S901, the terminal learns the value of M based on the indication information. Subsequently, the terminal obtains the relevant parameters #1 of the received Y synchronization signals, uses the combination of relevant parameters #1 and M as an index to query multiple candidate correspondences, and takes the target candidate correspondence corresponding to the combination of relevant parameters #1 and M as the first correspondence. It can be understood that the target candidate correspondence corresponding to the combination of relevant parameters #1 and M can be one or more (e.g., X, X≥2). If there is only one target candidate correspondence, it is directly taken as the first correspondence. If there are multiple target candidate correspondences, the first correspondence is selected from among them.

[0178] For example, multiple candidate correspondences include candidate correspondence 1, candidate correspondence 2, candidate correspondence 3, etc., where relevant parameter #1 and M=2 are associated with candidate correspondence 1; relevant parameter #2 and M=4 are associated with candidate correspondence 2; and relevant parameter #1 and M=4 are associated with candidate correspondence 3. If the terminal receives a synchronization signal with relevant parameter #1 and the received indication information indicates that M is 2, then the terminal determines the combination of relevant parameter #1 and M=2, and takes the candidate correspondence 1 corresponding to this combination as the first correspondence.

[0179] In this way, the terminal can determine the first correspondence based on the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal and the value of M. This allows for the further acquisition of the first correspondence even when a set of relevant parameters corresponds to multiple candidate correspondences.

[0180] The terminal can determine the number Y of synchronization signals based on the relevant parameters of the synchronization signals. That is, the network device sends Y synchronization signals to the terminal, and when the terminal receives the synchronization signals, it obtains the relevant parameters of the synchronization signals and determines that the number of received synchronization signals is Y. Therefore, the terminal can first determine the number Y of synchronization signals based on the relevant parameters of the synchronization signals, and then determine the maximum number of reference channels contained in each group of reference channels and the number of groups of reference channels based on Y and the first correspondence.

[0181] For example, M SSBs correspond to one set of reference channels, and Y SSBs correspond to K sets of reference channels. The terminal can determine the correspondence between the Kth set of reference channels and SSBs (i.e., the first correspondence) based on the relevant parameters of the SSBs and the value of M, as shown in Table 1 below.

[0182] Table 1:

[0183] If the terminal determines the frequency band, SSB SCS, and SSB mode as n78, 30kHz, and instance C respectively based on the received SSB, then the SSB index corresponding to the Kth reference channel is determined from Table 1 based on the value of M (2), and is represented as (K-1)*2+(1~2), where K = 1, 2, 3, 4. Alternatively, the terminal determines n78, 30kHz, and instance C based on the received SSB, and determines the number of SSBs to be 8. Then, based on the number of SSBs (8) and the value of M (2), the SSB index corresponding to the Kth reference channel is determined from Table 1, and is represented as (K-1)*2+(1~2), where K = 1, 2, 3, 4.

[0184] It is understood that the table above is only one possible example. The correspondence between the Kth group of reference channels and SSBs can also be replaced by other formulas. For example, when the frequency band, SSB, SCS and SSB mode are n41, 30kHz and instance C respectively, the correspondence can be SSB index: (K-1)*1+(1~2), K=1,2,3; K1=1,2; This application does not limit this.

[0185] Furthermore, the value of M is related to the aforementioned relevant parameters and / or other parameters of the synchronization signal, and the network device can determine the value of M based on the aforementioned relevant parameters and / or other parameters of the synchronization signal.

[0186] As mentioned above, in one possible scenario, the combination of the aforementioned parameters and the value of M corresponds to X candidate correspondences, where X is an integer greater than 1. For example, in the case of n78, 30kHz, instance C, and M=2, two candidate correspondences can be determined from the multiple candidate correspondences predefined by the protocol, such as in a table format. In this case, it is still necessary to further determine the first correspondence.

[0187] Optionally, before determining the first correspondence based on the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal and M, the communication method may further include: the terminal receiving information indicating a first index value. Optionally, the terminal determining the first correspondence based on the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal and M may include: determining X candidate correspondences based on the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal and M, and the terminal determining the first correspondence from the X candidate correspondences based on the first index value.

[0188] It is understandable that there is no order constraint between the terminal receiving the information indicating the first index value and the terminal determining X candidate correspondences based on the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal and M. Here, the X candidate correspondences correspond to X index values, which can be index values ​​used to select from the X candidate correspondences (such as row indexes). The X index values ​​can be 0, 1, ..., X-1, or 1, 2, ..., X, without restriction. The information indicating the first index value can be information dynamically indicated by the network device. For example, in the case of n78, 30kHz, instance C, and M=2, two corresponding candidate correspondences can be determined from the protocol predefined table, with index values ​​of 0 and 1. If the first index value received from the network device is 0, it means that the candidate correspondence with index value 0 is determined as the first correspondence among the two candidate correspondences.

[0189] Thus, the combination of the aforementioned relevant parameters and the value of M can correspond to multiple candidate correspondences, increasing the flexible and configurable space for the correspondence between the reference channel and the synchronization signal.

[0190] Method 2: The network device sends second information, and the terminal receives the second information from the network device accordingly. The second information is used to indicate the index value of the first correspondence.

[0191] The second information can be information indicated by a broadcast message from the network device, or information indicated by a message dedicated to the terminal; there is no limitation on this. Optionally, the network device indicates the second information via dynamic signaling.

[0192] Y synchronization signals have multiple candidate correspondences with candidate reference channels. Each candidate correspondence has a different index value. The terminal can determine the first correspondence by receiving the index value of the first correspondence. In this way, the first correspondence can be determined simply and efficiently.

[0193] It should be understood that Method 1 and Method 2 can be combined to determine the first correspondence. For example, if the combination of the above-mentioned relevant parameters and the value of M corresponds to multiple candidate correspondences, the network device can further send second information to the terminal so that the terminal can determine the first correspondence among the multiple candidate correspondences based on the second information.

[0194] For example, if the combination of the above-mentioned relevant parameters and the value of M corresponds to multiple candidate correspondences, then the candidate correspondences (i.e. multiple candidate correspondences) between the Kth reference channel and the SSB are shown in Table 2 below.

[0195] Table 2:

[0196] As can be seen, the last column of Table 2 provides the candidate correspondences between the Kth group of reference channels and SSBs. When the terminal determines n78, 30kHz scs, and CaseC through the SSB, the number of SSBs determined is 8. If M is 3, it can be seen that M=3 in Table 2 corresponds to 2 candidate correspondences. When the terminal receives dynamic signaling indication information from the network device (i.e., the second information mentioned above) with an index value of 4, the terminal determines the SSB index corresponding to the Kth group of reference channels based on the index value 4, represented as (K-1)+(1~3), where K=1,2,3,4,5,6. Alternatively, the terminal directly determines the SSB index corresponding to the Kth group of reference channels based on the index value 4. There is overlap between the SSBs corresponding to different groups of reference channels. For example, the SSB index corresponding to the K=1th group of reference channels is 1,2,3; the SSB index corresponding to the K=2th group of reference channels is 2,3,4.

[0197] In this way, the terminal can directly obtain the first correspondence through the second information, which increases the flexible and configurable space for the correspondence between the reference channel and the synchronization signal. That is, the combination of the above-mentioned relevant parameters and the value of M can correspond to multiple candidate correspondences.

[0198] Method 3: The network device sends third information, and the terminal receives the third information from the network device. This third information indicates the first bitmap and the index of the candidate reference channel. The bits included in the first bitmap indicate the synchronization signal. The terminal determines a first correspondence based on the third information; this first correspondence is the correspondence between the synchronization signal indicated by the first bitmap and the index of the candidate reference channel.

[0199] It can be understood that the number of bits included in the first bitmap is Y. There can be one or more first bitmaps. The index of a candidate reference channel can be the index of at least one set of reference channels included in the candidate reference channel. One set of reference channels corresponds to one bitmap, and the bits included in one bitmap can indicate multiple synchronization signals corresponding to one set of reference channels.

[0200] For example, the correspondence between the Kth group of reference channels and SSBs (i.e., the first correspondence) is shown in Table 3 below. Optionally, the terminal determines the number Y of synchronization signals through the relevant parameters of the above synchronization signals, and parses the first bit diagram according to Y. For example, after the terminal determines n78, 30kHz scs, and CaseC through SSBs, it determines that the number of SSBs is 8 through the protocol predefined table, and then the terminal parses the first bit diagram into 8 bits (e.g., 00111000).

[0201] Table 3:

[0202] If the information dynamically indicated by the network device to the terminal (i.e., the third information mentioned above) is bitmap = 00111000 and K = 2, it indicates that the K = 2th reference channel has a corresponding / associated relationship with the 3rd to 5th SSB.

[0203] In this way, the terminal does not need to query the predefined information of the protocol to determine the first correspondence. Instead, it can directly determine the first correspondence based on the third information from the network device. This makes the method of obtaining the first correspondence more flexible and reduces the terminal's overhead.

[0204] Both methods 2 and 3 above can be used to determine the first correspondence from multiple candidate correspondences when the combination of the above-mentioned relevant parameters and the value of M can correspond to multiple candidate correspondences. That is, both methods 2 and 3 above can be used in combination with method 1. Of course, methods 1, 2 and 3 above can also be used alone without restriction.

[0205] The following section first introduces how a terminal determines at least one reference channel.

[0206] In one possible implementation, each of the K groups of reference channels corresponds to a measurement template value. The terminal determines one reference channel from each of the K groups of reference channels based on the measurement template value of each group and the measurement results of the M synchronization signals corresponding to each group, thus obtaining at least one reference channel.

[0207] The measurement results of the M synchronization signals are obtained based on the terminal's measurements of the M synchronization signals. These measurement results can be used to represent the signal quality of the M synchronization signals. The measurement results may include the measured values ​​of the M synchronization signals, which may be related to factors such as the transmission and reception parameters of the M synchronization signals. For example, if the terminal receives Y SSBs, and M of these SSBs are associated with a set of reference channels, the measured values ​​of these M SSBs are related to factors such as their transmission power and reception power. It can be understood that the Y SSBs can be divided into multiple groups of SSBs, each group comprising M SSBs. The SSBs in different groups may partially overlap. Each group of SSBs is associated with a set of reference channels, and the measured values ​​of each group of SSBs are related to factors such as the transmission and reception power of the M SSBs within that group.

[0208] 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.

[0209] The measurement template value for each set of reference channels characterizes the association between each set of reference channels and the M synchronization signals corresponding to each set of reference channels. The measurement template value can also be called the measurement reference value, that is, the measurement reference value based on the synchronization signals of the reference channel. For example, the first set of reference channels is associated with SSB1 and SSB2. The measurement template value of the first set of reference channels includes the measurement reference value (relative value) of 0.1 for SSB1 and the measurement reference value (relative value) of 0.9 for SSB2 corresponding to the first set of reference channels. In this case, the measurement template value of the first set of reference channels can be determined as [0.1, 0.9], indicating that the measurement reference values ​​(relative values) of the first set of reference channels in the corresponding first and second SSBs are 0.1 and 0.9, respectively.

[0210] For example, the measurement template value / measurement reference value can be calculated as follows: Assume the network side knows that the channel from the network side to the terminal is represented by matrix H, where H has a dimension of m*n, m represents the number of receiving antennas (terminal side), and n represents the number of transmitting antennas (network side); assume that 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. Assume that 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, the dimension of abs((H*P2)H*(H*P1)) is 1*1, which is the measurement template value of the above reference channel on the above SSB. Here, the superscript H represents the conjugate transpose of the matrix; abs represents the amplitude. The calculation of the measurement template values ​​of multiple reference channels in a set of reference channels is the same as the above calculation method.

[0211] Optionally, the measurement template values ​​of the reference channels included in the same group of reference channels are different. For example, if the first group of reference channels includes reference channel 1 and reference channel 2, then the measurement reference values ​​(relative values) of reference channel 1 in the corresponding first SSB and second SSB are 0.1 and 0.9, respectively, and the measurement reference values ​​(relative values) of reference channel 2 in the corresponding first SSB and second SSB are 0.9 and 0.1, respectively.

[0212] Optionally, the measurement template values ​​are the same for each of the K groups of reference channels.

[0213] For example, the network device indicates to the terminal the measurement template value corresponding to the association M:1 between the SSB and the reference channel, such as the measurement template value corresponding to M=2. Based on Y, the relevant parameters, and M, the number K of reference channels in the candidate reference channels is determined. This measurement template value can be applied to each of the K groups of reference channels. This reduces the signaling overhead of indicating the measurement template value (as described in the configuration information below).

[0214] The measurement template value for each set of reference channels can be related to M, with different values ​​of M corresponding to different measurement template values ​​for each set of reference channels. For example, the correspondence between the synchronization signal and the candidate reference channels, as well as the measurement template values ​​for each set of reference channels, are shown in Table 4 below.

[0215] Table 4:

[0216] As shown in Table 4, the terminal determines the number of SSBs to be 8 based on the relevant parameters of the SSBs. M is 2, indicating that one group of reference channels corresponds to 2 SSBs. The terminal receives the measurement template values ​​corresponding to M=2 from the network device. For the K=1 group of reference channels, the measurement template value of the K1=1 reference channel is [0.1, 0.9], indicating that the measurement results (relative values) of the K1=1 reference channel in the corresponding 1st and 2nd SSBs are 0.1 and 0.9, respectively; the measurement template value of the K1=2 reference channel is [0.1, 0.9], indicating that the measurement results (relative values) of the K1=2 reference channel in the corresponding 1st and 2nd SSBs are 0.9 and 0.1, respectively. It can be seen that the measurement template values ​​are the same for different groups of reference channels corresponding to the same M.

[0217] Optionally, at least one reference channel includes K reference channels, where the K reference channels include the reference channel in each group of reference channels that has the highest correlation between the measurement template value and the first measurement result.

[0218] For example, continuing the above example, the measurement results of the first SSB and the second SSB measured by the terminal (i.e., the first measurement result mentioned above) are 0.3 and 0.7 respectively. The correlation is calculated as follows:

[0219] The correlation between the measurement results and the measurement template value of the K1=1th reference channel is (0.1*0.3+0.9*0.7)=0.66;

[0220] The correlation between the measurement results and the measurement template value of the K1=2 reference channel is (0.9*0.3+0.1*0.7)=0.34.

[0221] Because 0.66 > 0.34, meaning the measurement result has a higher correlation with the measurement template value of the K1=1th reference channel, the terminal selects the K1=1th reference channel within the K=1th group. The correlation calculation between the measurement template value of each reference channel in the K=4 groups and the first measurement result is similar to that of the K=1 group, and will not be elaborated further. The terminal ultimately determines 4 reference channels and reports them to the network device.

[0222] In this way, the terminal determines at least one reference channel from the candidate reference channels based on the first measurement result and the measurement template value, so that at least one reference channel matches the target channel. After the terminal reports the first information to the network device, the accuracy of the network device in obtaining the terminal's channel state information can be improved.

[0223] It is understood that the above-mentioned possible implementation methods can be used individually or in combination, and there are no restrictions on this.

[0224] 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. 10-11.

[0225] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, as shown in Figure 10, the communication device 1000 includes a transceiver module 1001 and a processing module 1002. For ease of explanation, Figure 10 only shows the main components of the communication device.

[0226] The transceiver module 1001 is used to perform the transceiver function of the method shown in Figure 9 above, and the processing module 1002 is used to perform other functions of the method shown in Figure 9 above besides the transceiver function.

[0227] Optionally, the transceiver module 1001 may include a transmitting module (not shown in FIG10) and a receiving module (not shown in FIG10). The transmitting module is used to implement the transmitting function of the communication device 1000, and the receiving module is used to implement the receiving function of the communication device 1000.

[0228] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG10) that stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1002 executes the program or instructions, the communication device 1000 can perform the functions of the terminal or network device in the method shown in FIG9 above.

[0229] It is understood that the communication device 1000 may be a terminal or network device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be set in the terminal or network device, or a device that includes the terminal or network device. This application does not limit it in this respect.

[0230] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device 1000 can be referred to the technical effects of the communication method shown in Figure 9, and will not be repeated here.

[0231] Figure 11 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 11, the communication device 1100 may include a processor 1101. Optionally, the communication device 1100 may also include a memory 1102 and / or a transceiver 1103. The processor 1101 is coupled to the memory 1102 and / or the transceiver 1103, for example, by means of a communication bus, an internal chip interface, or other communication lines. Optionally, the memory 1102 may be integrated with the processor 1101.

[0232] The following is a detailed description of each component of the communication device 1100 with reference to Figure 11:

[0233] The processor 1101 is the control center of the communication device 1100. It can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, the processor 1101 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), 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).

[0234] Optionally, the processor 1101 can perform various functions of the communication device 1100 by running or executing software programs stored in the memory 1102 and calling data stored in the memory 1102, such as performing the communication method shown in FIG9 above.

[0235] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, processor 1101 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 shown in FIG11.

[0236] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, the communication device 1100 may also include multiple processors, such as processors 1101 and 1104 shown in FIG. 11. 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).

[0237] The memory 1102 is used to store the software program that executes the solution of this application, and is controlled by the processor 1101 to execute it. The specific implementation method can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0238] Optionally, the memory 1102 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 1102 may be integrated with the processor 1101 or may exist independently and be coupled to the processor 1101 through the interface circuit of the communication device 1100 (not shown in FIG. 11). This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0239] Transceiver 1103 is used for communication with other communication devices. For example, if communication device 1100 is a terminal, transceiver 1103 can be used to communicate with a network device or with another terminal device. As another example, if communication device 1100 is a network device, transceiver 1103 can be used to communicate with a terminal or with another network device.

[0240] Optionally, transceiver 1103 may include a receiver and a transmitter (not shown separately in Figure 11). The receiver is used to implement the receiving function, and the transmitter is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0241] Optionally, the transceiver 1103 can be integrated with the processor 1101 or exist independently and be coupled to the processor 1101 through the interface circuit of the communication device 1100 (not shown in FIG11). This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0242] It is understood that the structure of the communication device 1100 shown in Figure 11 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.

[0243] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device 1100 can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0244] 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.

[0245] 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).

[0246] 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.

[0247] 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.

[0248] 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.

[0249] 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.

[0250] 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.

[0251] 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.

[0252] 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.

[0253] 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.

[0254] 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.

[0255] 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 Y synchronization signals, where Y is an integer greater than or equal to 1; Obtain the first correspondence, which is the correspondence between the Y synchronization signals and the candidate reference channels; First information is reported according to the first correspondence, and the first information is used to indicate at least one reference channel, which is included in the candidate reference channels.

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 candidate reference channel includes K groups of reference channels, and each group of reference channels contains K1 reference channels; where K is an integer greater than or equal to 1, K1 is an integer greater than or equal to 1, each group of reference channels in the K groups of reference channels corresponds to M synchronization signals, and the M synchronization signals are associated with one reference channel of the terminal, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, K1 is less than or equal to M.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The value of K is determined based on the value of Y and the value of M.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, Each of the K groups of reference channels corresponds to a measurement template value, and the method further includes: Based on the measurement template value of each group of reference channels and the measurement results of the M synchronization signals corresponding to each group of reference channels, a reference channel is determined from each of the K groups of reference channels to obtain the at least one reference channel. The measurement results are obtained based on the terminal's measurement of the M synchronization signals; the measurement template value of each set of reference channels represents the correlation between each set of reference channels and the M synchronization signals corresponding to each set of reference channels.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive configuration information, which is used to indicate the measurement template value corresponding to each of the K groups of reference channels.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The at least one reference channel includes K reference channels, and the K reference channels include the reference channel in each group of reference channels with the highest correlation between the measurement template value and the measurement result.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The measurement template values ​​are the same for each of the K groups of reference channels.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Obtaining the first correspondence includes: Determine the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal; The first correspondence is determined based on at least one of the following, wherein the at least one includes: the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal, M, or Y.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The relevant parameters of the synchronization signal include at least one of the following: frequency band, subcarrier spacing, or mode.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the first correspondence relationship further includes: Receive second information, the second information being used to indicate the index value of the first correspondence; the Y synchronization signals and the candidate reference channel have multiple candidate correspondences, each of the multiple candidate correspondences having a different index value, and the multiple candidate correspondences including the first correspondence.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the first correspondence relationship further includes: Receive third information, the third information being used to indicate the index of the first bitmap and the candidate reference channel, the first bitmap including bits used to indicate the synchronization signal; The first correspondence is determined based on the third information. The first correspondence is the correspondence between the synchronization signal indicated by the first bitmap and the index of the candidate reference channel.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send Y synchronization signals, where Y is an integer greater than or equal to 1; Receive first information, the first information being used to indicate at least one reference channel, the at least one reference channel being determined based on a first correspondence between the Y synchronization signals and the candidate reference channels.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The candidate reference channel includes K groups of reference channels, and each group of reference channels contains K1 reference channels; where K is an integer greater than or equal to 1, K1 is an integer greater than or equal to 1, each group of reference channels in the K groups of reference channels corresponds to M synchronization signals, and the M synchronization signals are associated with one reference channel of the terminal, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The value of K is determined based on the value of Y and the value of M.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send configuration information, which is used to indicate the measurement template value corresponding to each of the K groups of reference channels. The measurement template value of each group of reference channels represents the association between each group of reference channels and the M synchronization signals corresponding to each group of reference channels.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The at least one reference channel includes K reference channels, and the K reference channels include the reference channel in each group of reference channels with the highest correlation between the measurement template value and the measurement result.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that, The first correspondence is determined based on at least one of the following, which includes: the relevant parameters of the synchronization signal, M, or Y.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message, which is used to indicate the index value of the first correspondence; the Y synchronization signals have multiple candidate correspondences with the candidate reference channel, and the index value of each candidate correspondence is different, and the multiple candidate correspondences include the first correspondence.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: A third message is sent, which is used to indicate the first bitmap and the index of the candidate reference channel. The first bitmap includes bits used to indicate a synchronization signal. The first correspondence is the correspondence between the synchronization signal indicated by the first bitmap and the index of the candidate reference channel.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes: a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-13, or a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 14-21.

23. 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 1-13 to be executed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 14-21 to be executed.

24. 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 1-13, or cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 14-21.

25. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-13 to be performed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 14-21 to be performed.

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