Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: receiving first information used for indicating a first-type identifier corresponding to a first signal flow and / or a second-type identifier corresponding to a second signal flow, wherein the first signal flow comprises a first pilot signal and a first data signal, and the second signal flow comprises a second pilot signal and a second data signal; performing a first-type operation or a second-type operation on different pilot signals on the basis of different identifiers to obtain a first equalization weight or a second equalization weight; using the first equalization weight or the second equalization weight to process the corresponding data signal to obtain second information or third information; and sending fourth information comprising the second information and / or the third information. In the present application, different identifiers are used for instructing to perform different operations on signal flows, so as to obtain different equalization weights. An uplink signal processing mode is dynamically and flexibly adjusted for different signal flows, thereby improving the processing performance of uplink signals and communication efficiency.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510249424.X, filed on February 28, 2025, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] In current communication systems, base station functions can be functionally decomposed into multiple functional entities. Different functional entities are used to implement different communication protocol functions within the base station. For example, a base station can be deployed as two parts: a baseband unit (BBU) and a remote radio unit (RRU). Alternatively, a base station can be divided into two functional entities: a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU can also be called an aggregation unit.

[0004] Currently, the above-mentioned functional entities only support static configuration of the communication functions executed by each functional entity. For flexible and changing communication scenarios, the current configuration method cannot be well adapted, which affects communication efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that uses different identifiers to instruct signal streams to perform different operations, thereby obtaining different equalization weights. This enables dynamic and flexible adjustment of the uplink signal processing mode for different signal streams, such as having a first functional entity perform all equalization operations or perform partial equalization. This improves the uplink signal processing performance and communication efficiency.

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

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided, applied to a first functional entity, which may be a network device, a component of the network device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. For example, the first functional entity may be a radio unit (RU). The method may include: receiving first information. The first information may be used to indicate a first type identifier corresponding to a first signal stream and / or a second type identifier corresponding to a second signal stream. For example, the first signal stream may include a first pilot signal and a first data signal, and the second signal stream may include a second pilot signal and a second data signal. Performing a first type of operation on the first pilot signal according to the first type identifier to obtain a first equalization weight. Processing the first data signal using the first equalization weight to obtain second information. And / or, performing a second type of operation on the second pilot signal according to the second type identifier to obtain a second equalization weight. Processing the second data signal using the second equalization weight to obtain third information. Sending fourth information. The fourth information may include the second information and / or the third information.

[0008] This application uses different identifiers to indicate different operations to the signal streams, thereby obtaining different equalization weights. This enables dynamic and flexible adjustment of the uplink signal processing method for different signal streams, such as the first functional entity performing all equalization operations or performing partial equalization. This improves the uplink signal processing performance and communication efficiency.

[0009] In one possible design, a first type of identifier can be used to indicate the execution of a first equalization operation in the first functional entity. And / or, a second type of identifier can be used to indicate the determination of a second equalization weight corresponding to at least one number of beams.

[0010] This application embodiment can instruct the first functional entity to perform equalization operations or generalized pre-equalization operations through different identifiers. This allows for flexible adjustment of the uplink signal processing method for different signal streams, improving communication efficiency.

[0011] In one possible design, the second signal stream has at least one requirement: an artificial intelligence (AI) receiver requirement and a multi-point collaborative processing requirement.

[0012] The second functional entity in this application embodiment can determine the identifier corresponding to different service requirements. This enables flexible indication of the identifier corresponding to different signal flows, thereby achieving different uplink signal processing procedures.

[0013] In one possible design, the first type of identifier and / or the second type of identifier may include at least one of the following identifiers: an identifier for indicating frequency domain resources; an identifier for indicating the terminal to which the signal stream belongs; or an identifier for indicating the layer to which the signal stream belongs.

[0014] This application provides multiple representations of the identifier to represent the identifier in different scenarios in the manner required by the scenario, thereby improving the system's universality.

[0015] In one possible design scheme, the first type of identifier and / or the second type of identifier may be related to at least one of the following information: business requirements; or, the resource usage of the first functional entity and / or the resource usage of the second functional entity.

[0016] This application provides various types of information that may affect the determination of the first type of identifier and / or the second type of identifier, so as to determine the identifier that is more in line with the signal flow in different scenarios, so as to better realize the processing of uplink signals and improve the efficiency and performance of uplink signal processing.

[0017] In one possible design, the second information may include the first type of identifier. And / or, the third information may include the second type of identifier.

[0018] The first functional entity in this application can also inform the second functional entity of the identifier of the corresponding signal stream, so as to ensure that the second functional entity processes the data signal according to the identifier and uses the operation corresponding to the identifier, thereby improving communication performance.

[0019] In one possible design, the first type of identifier may include: a first type of first identifier and / or a first type of second identifier. For example, the first type of second identifier may also be used to indicate that a second equalization operation is performed in the second functional entity.

[0020] This application can also perform finer-grained processing on the first signal stream, such as instructing the first functional entity to perform or not perform equalization operations on the pilot signal through different first-type identifiers. This enables dynamic and flexible adjustment of processing methods for different signal streams, thereby better processing of uplink signals and improving communication performance.

[0021] In one possible design, where the first type of identifier includes the first type of second identifier, the first signal stream may have at least one of the following requirements: AI receiver requirement, multi-point cooperative processing requirement, and serial interference cancellation processing requirement.

[0022] This application provides various possible requirements for signal streams corresponding to the first type of second identifier, enabling signal streams with the above requirements to be processed uplink using the method corresponding to the first type of second identifier, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0023] In one possible design, where the second type of identifier includes the second type of first identifier, the second equalization weight can be related to the number of K beams. For example, K is a positive integer.

[0024] In this application embodiment, a second type of first identifier is used to indicate the second equalization weight of the first functional entity in the dimension of K beam count, so as to meet the scenario of the first functional entity and the second functional entity cooperating to perform equalization according to the identifier, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0025] In one possible design, the method may further include receiving a fifth piece of information. This fifth piece of information can be used to indicate the value of K.

[0026] The embodiments of this application can also flexibly adjust the value of K to suit different communication scenarios and improve the system's versatility.

[0027] In one possible design, where the second type of identifier includes a second type of second identifier, the second equalization weight can be related to the number of K+M beams. For example, K and M are positive integers.

[0028] This application embodiment instructs the first functional entity to generate a second equalization weight with more beam count dimensions through a second type of second identifier, thereby enabling flexible adjustment of the uplink signal processing dimension for different signal streams. This better meets the service requirements of different signal streams and improves communication performance.

[0029] In one possible design, the method may further include receiving sixth information. This sixth information can be used to indicate the value of K and / or the value of M.

[0030] This application also allows for flexible adjustment of the values ​​of K and / or M to suit different communication scenarios and improve the system's versatility.

[0031] In one possible design, performing a second type of operation on the second pilot signal based on a second type of identifier to obtain a second equalization weight can include: determining the second equalization weights corresponding to the number of K+M beams based on the second type of second identifier, the second channel matrix information, and the third equalization weight. For example, the second channel matrix information can be obtained by performing channel estimation on the second pilot signal. The third equalization weight can be weights composed of the basis of the discrete Fourier transform (DFT).

[0032] This application provides a method for determining the second equalization weight of K+M beams, so that the first functional entity can obtain a suitable second equalization weight based on the second type of identifier to meet the service requirements of the first signal stream.

[0033] Secondly, a communication method is provided, applied to a second functional entity, which may be a network device, a component of the network device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. For example, the second functional entity may be a distributed unit (DU). The method may include: sending first information. The first information may be used to indicate a first type identifier corresponding to a first signal stream and / or a second type identifier corresponding to a second signal stream. For example, the first signal stream may include a first pilot signal and a first data signal. The second signal stream may include a second pilot signal and a second data signal. Receiving fourth information. The fourth information may include second information and / or third information. For example, the second information may be obtained by processing the first data signal using a first equalization weight. The first equalization weight may be obtained by performing a first type of operation on the first pilot signal according to the first type identifier. For example, the third information may be obtained by processing the second data signal using a second equalization weight. The second equalization weight may be obtained by performing a second type of operation on the second pilot signal according to the second type identifier.

[0034] In one possible design, a first type of identifier can be used to indicate the execution of a first equalization operation in the first functional entity. And / or, a second type of identifier can be used to indicate the determination of a second equalization weight corresponding to at least one number of beams.

[0035] In one possible design, the second signal stream may have at least one requirement: an AI receiver requirement and a multi-point collaborative processing requirement.

[0036] In one possible design, the first type of identifier and / or the second type of identifier may include at least one of the following identifiers: an identifier for indicating frequency domain resources; an identifier for indicating the terminal to which the signal stream belongs; or an identifier for indicating the layer to which the signal stream belongs.

[0037] In one possible design scheme, the first type of identifier and / or the second type of identifier may be related to at least one of the following information: business requirements; or, the resource usage of the first functional entity and / or the resource usage of the second functional entity.

[0038] In one possible design, the second information may include the first type of identifier. And / or, the third information may include the second type of identifier.

[0039] In one possible design, the first type of identifier may include: a first type of first identifier and / or a first type of second identifier. For example, the first type of second identifier may also be used to indicate that a second equalization operation is performed in the second functional entity.

[0040] In one possible design, where the first type of identifier includes the first type of second identifier, the first signal stream may have at least one of the following requirements: AI receiver requirement, multi-point cooperative processing requirement, and serial interference cancellation processing requirement.

[0041] In one possible design, where the second type of identifier includes the second type of first identifier, the second equalization weight can be related to the number of K beams. For example, K is a positive integer.

[0042] In one possible design, the method may further include sending a fifth message. This fifth message can be used to indicate the value of K.

[0043] In one possible design, where the second type of identifier includes a second type of second identifier, the second equalization weight can be related to the number of K+M beams. For example, K and M are positive integers.

[0044] In one possible design, the method may further include sending a sixth message. This sixth message can be used to indicate the value of K and / or the value of M.

[0045] In one possible design, the second equalization weights corresponding to the K+M beams can be obtained based on the second type of second identifier, the second channel matrix information, and the third equalization weights. For example, the second channel matrix information can be obtained by performing channel estimation using the second pilot signal. The third equalization weights can be weights constructed from the basis of the DFT.

[0046] Thirdly, a communication device is provided. This communication device can be a first functional entity (such as a network device implementing the function corresponding to the first functional entity), a communication module within the network device implementing the function corresponding to the first functional entity, or a chip responsible for communication functions within the network device implementing the function corresponding to the first functional entity, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a system-on-chip (SoC) or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem module. It can also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first functional entity. The communication device may include: a transceiver unit for receiving first information. The first information can be used to indicate a first type of identifier corresponding to a first signal stream and / or a second type of identifier corresponding to a second signal stream. For example, the first signal stream may include a first pilot signal and a first data signal, and the second signal stream may include a second pilot signal and a second data signal. A processing unit is used to perform a first type of operation on the first pilot signal according to the first type of identifier to obtain a first equalization weight. The processing unit is also used to process the first data signal using the first equalization weight to obtain second information. And / or, the processing unit is configured to perform a second type of operation on the second pilot signal according to the second type of identifier to obtain a second equalization weight. The processing unit is also configured to process the second data signal using the second equalization weight to obtain third information. The transceiver unit is further configured to transmit fourth information. This fourth information may include the second information and / or the third information.

[0047] In one possible design, a first type of identifier can be used to indicate the execution of a first equalization operation in the first functional entity. And / or, a second type of identifier can be used to indicate the determination of a second equalization weight corresponding to at least one number of beams.

[0048] In one possible design, the second signal stream has at least one requirement: an AI receiver requirement and a multi-point collaborative processing requirement.

[0049] In one possible design, the first type of identifier and / or the second type of identifier may include at least one of the following identifiers: an identifier for indicating frequency domain resources; an identifier for indicating the terminal to which the signal stream belongs; or an identifier for indicating the layer to which the signal stream belongs.

[0050] In one possible design scheme, the first type of identifier and / or the second type of identifier may be related to at least one of the following information: business requirements; or, the resource usage of the first functional entity and / or the resource usage of the second functional entity.

[0051] In one possible design, the second information may include the first type of identifier. And / or, the third information may include the second type of identifier.

[0052] In one possible design, the first type of identifier may include: a first type of first identifier and / or a first type of second identifier. For example, the first type of second identifier may also be used to indicate that a second equalization operation is performed in the second functional entity.

[0053] In one possible design, where the first type of identifier includes the first type of second identifier, the first signal stream may have at least one of the following requirements: AI receiver requirement, multi-point cooperative processing requirement, and serial interference cancellation processing requirement.

[0054] In one possible design, where the second type of identifier includes the second type of first identifier, the second equalization weight can be related to the number of K beams. For example, K is a positive integer.

[0055] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used to receive a fifth piece of information. This fifth piece of information can be used to indicate the value of K.

[0056] In one possible design, where the second type of identifier includes a second type of second identifier, the second equalization weight can be related to the number of K+M beams. For example, K and M are positive integers.

[0057] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used to receive sixth information. This sixth information can be used to indicate the value of K and / or the value of M.

[0058] In one possible design, the processing unit is further configured to: determine the second equalization weights corresponding to the number of K+M beams based on the second type of second identifier, the second channel matrix information, and the third equalization weights. For example, the second channel matrix information can be obtained by performing channel estimation using the second pilot signal. The third equalization weights can be weights constructed from the basis of the DFT.

[0059] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. This communication device can be a second functional entity (such as a network device implementing the corresponding function of the second functional entity), a communication module within the network device implementing the corresponding function of the second functional entity, or a chip responsible for communication functions within the network device implementing the corresponding function of the second functional entity, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module. It can also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second functional entity. The communication device may include: a transceiver unit for transmitting first information. The first information may be used to indicate a first type of identifier corresponding to a first signal stream and / or a second type of identifier corresponding to a second signal stream. For example, the first signal stream may include a first pilot signal and a first data signal. The second signal stream may include a second pilot signal and a second data signal. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive fourth information. The fourth information may include second information and / or third information. For example, the second information may be obtained by processing the first data signal using a first equalization weight. The first equalization weight may be obtained by performing a first type of operation on the first pilot signal according to the first type of identifier. For example, the third information may be obtained by processing the second data signal using a second equalization weight. The second equalization weight can be obtained by performing a second type of operation on the second pilot signal according to the second type of identifier.

[0060] In one possible design, a first type of identifier can be used to indicate the execution of a first equalization operation in the first functional entity. And / or, a second type of identifier can be used to indicate the determination of a second equalization weight corresponding to at least one number of beams.

[0061] In one possible design, the second signal stream may have at least one requirement: an AI receiver requirement and a multi-point collaborative processing requirement.

[0062] In one possible design, the first type of identifier and / or the second type of identifier may include at least one of the following identifiers: an identifier for indicating frequency domain resources; an identifier for indicating the terminal to which the signal stream belongs; or an identifier for indicating the layer to which the signal stream belongs.

[0063] In one possible design scheme, the first type of identifier and / or the second type of identifier may be related to at least one of the following information: business requirements; or, the resource usage of the first functional entity and / or the resource usage of the second functional entity.

[0064] In one possible design, the second information may include the first type of identifier. And / or, the third information may include the second type of identifier.

[0065] In one possible design, the first type of identifier may include: a first type of first identifier and / or a first type of second identifier. For example, the first type of second identifier may also be used to indicate that a second equalization operation is performed in the second functional entity.

[0066] In one possible design, where the first type of identifier includes the first type of second identifier, the first signal stream may have at least one of the following requirements: AI receiver requirement, multi-point cooperative processing requirement, and serial interference cancellation processing requirement.

[0067] In one possible design, where the second type of identifier includes the second type of first identifier, the second equalization weight can be related to the number of K beams. For example, K is a positive integer.

[0068] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used to send a fifth piece of information. This fifth piece of information can be used to indicate the value of K.

[0069] In one possible design, where the second type of identifier includes a second type of second identifier, the second equalization weight can be related to the number of K+M beams. For example, K and M are positive integers.

[0070] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used to: send a sixth message. This sixth message can be used to indicate the value of K and / or the value of M.

[0071] In one possible design, the second equalization weights corresponding to the K+M beams can be obtained based on the second type of second identifier, the second channel matrix information, and the third equalization weights. For example, the second channel matrix information can be obtained by performing channel estimation using the second pilot signal. The third equalization weights can be weights constructed from the basis of the DFT.

[0072] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. This communication device can be a first functional entity (such as a network device implementing the function corresponding to the first functional entity), or a communication module within the network device implementing the function corresponding to the first functional entity, or a chip responsible for communication functions within the network device implementing the function corresponding to the first functional entity, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module. It can also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first functional entity. The communication device may include: a transceiver for receiving first information. The first information can be used to indicate a first type of identifier corresponding to a first signal stream and / or a second type of identifier corresponding to a second signal stream. For example, the first signal stream may include a first pilot signal and a first data signal, and the second signal stream may include a second pilot signal and a second data signal. A processor is used to perform a first type of operation on the first pilot signal according to the first type of identifier to obtain a first equalization weight. The processor is also used to process the first data signal using the first equalization weight to obtain second information. And / or, the processor is used to perform a second type of operation on the second pilot signal according to the second type of identifier to obtain a second equalization weight. The processor is also used to process the second data signal using the second equalization weight to obtain third information. The transceiver is also used to transmit a fourth message. This fourth message may include the second message and / or the third message.

[0073] In one possible design, a first type of identifier can be used to indicate the execution of a first equalization operation in the first functional entity. And / or, a second type of identifier can be used to indicate the determination of a second equalization weight corresponding to at least one number of beams.

[0074] In one possible design, the second signal stream has at least one requirement: an AI receiver requirement and a multi-point collaborative processing requirement.

[0075] In one possible design, the first type of identifier and / or the second type of identifier may include at least one of the following identifiers: an identifier for indicating frequency domain resources; an identifier for indicating the terminal to which the signal stream belongs; or an identifier for indicating the layer to which the signal stream belongs.

[0076] In one possible design scheme, the first type of identifier and / or the second type of identifier may be related to at least one of the following information: business requirements; or, the resource usage of the first functional entity and / or the resource usage of the second functional entity.

[0077] In one possible design, the second information may include the first type of identifier. And / or, the third information may include the second type of identifier.

[0078] In one possible design, the first type of identifier may include: a first type of first identifier and / or a first type of second identifier. For example, the first type of second identifier may also be used to indicate that a second equalization operation is performed in the second functional entity.

[0079] In one possible design, where the first type of identifier includes the first type of second identifier, the first signal stream may have at least one of the following requirements: AI receiver requirement, multi-point cooperative processing requirement, and serial interference cancellation processing requirement.

[0080] In one possible design, where the second type of identifier includes the second type of first identifier, the second equalization weight can be related to the number of K beams. For example, K is a positive integer.

[0081] In one possible design, the transceiver is also used to receive a fifth piece of information. This fifth piece of information can be used to indicate the value of K.

[0082] In one possible design, where the second type of identifier includes a second type of second identifier, the second equalization weight can be related to the number of K+M beams. For example, K and M are positive integers.

[0083] In one possible design, the transceiver is also used to receive a sixth piece of information. This sixth piece of information can be used to indicate the value of K and / or the value of M.

[0084] In one possible design, the processor is further configured to: determine the second equalization weights corresponding to the number of K+M beams based on the second type of second identifier, the second channel matrix information, and the third equalization weights. For example, the second channel matrix information can be obtained by performing channel estimation using the second pilot signal. The third equalization weights can be weights constructed from the basis of the DFT.

[0085] Sixthly, a communication device is provided. This communication device can be a second functional entity (such as a network device implementing the corresponding function of the second functional entity), a communication module within the network device implementing the corresponding function of the second functional entity, or a chip responsible for communication functions within the network device implementing the corresponding function of the second functional entity, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module. It can also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second functional entity. The communication device may include: a transceiver for transmitting first information. The first information may be used to indicate a first type of identifier corresponding to a first signal stream and / or a second type of identifier corresponding to a second signal stream. For example, the first signal stream may include a first pilot signal and a first data signal. The second signal stream may include a second pilot signal and a second data signal. The transceiver is also used to receive fourth information. The fourth information may include second information and / or third information. For example, the second information may be obtained by processing the first data signal using a first equalization weight. The first equalization weight may be obtained by performing a first type of operation on the first pilot signal according to the first type of identifier. For example, the third information may be obtained by processing the second data signal using a second equalization weight. The second equalization weight can be obtained by performing a second type of operation on the second pilot signal according to the second type of identifier.

[0086] In one possible design, a first type of identifier can be used to indicate the execution of a first equalization operation in the first functional entity. And / or, a second type of identifier can be used to indicate the determination of a second equalization weight corresponding to at least one number of beams.

[0087] In one possible design, the second signal stream may have at least one requirement: an AI receiver requirement and a multi-point collaborative processing requirement.

[0088] In one possible design, the first type of identifier and / or the second type of identifier may include at least one of the following identifiers: an identifier for indicating frequency domain resources; an identifier for indicating the terminal to which the signal stream belongs; or an identifier for indicating the layer to which the signal stream belongs.

[0089] In one possible design scheme, the first type of identifier and / or the second type of identifier may be related to at least one of the following information: business requirements; or, the resource usage of the first functional entity and / or the resource usage of the second functional entity.

[0090] In one possible design, the second information may include the first type of identifier. And / or, the third information may include the second type of identifier.

[0091] In one possible design, the first type of identifier may include: a first type of first identifier and / or a first type of second identifier. For example, the first type of second identifier may also be used to indicate that a second equalization operation is performed in the second functional entity.

[0092] In one possible design, where the first type of identifier includes the first type of second identifier, the first signal stream may have at least one of the following requirements: AI receiver requirement, multi-point cooperative processing requirement, and serial interference cancellation processing requirement.

[0093] In one possible design, where the second type of identifier includes the second type of first identifier, the second equalization weight can be related to the number of K beams. For example, K is a positive integer.

[0094] In one possible design, the transceiver is also used to send a fifth message. This fifth message can be used to indicate the value of K.

[0095] In one possible design, where the second type of identifier includes a second type of second identifier, the second equalization weight can be related to the number of K+M beams. For example, K and M are positive integers.

[0096] In one possible design, the transceiver is also used to transmit a sixth message. This sixth message can be used to indicate the value of K and / or the value of M.

[0097] In one possible design, the second equalization weights corresponding to the K+M beams can be obtained based on the second type of second identifier, the second channel matrix information, and the third equalization weights. For example, the second channel matrix information can be obtained by performing channel estimation using the second pilot signal. The third equalization weights can be weights constructed from the basis of the DFT.

[0098] In a seventh aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: a first network device and a second network device, the first network device being configured to perform the methods described in the first aspect and various possible implementations thereof, and the second network device being configured to perform the methods described in the second aspect and various possible implementations thereof.

[0099] Eighthly, a chip is provided, comprising interface circuitry and one or more processors. The one or more processors are coupled to a memory. The memory stores part or all of a computer program or instructions necessary for implementing the functions described in the first and second aspects. The one or more processors are executable to carry out the computer program or instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first and second aspects. The interface circuitry is used to implement communication functions within the communication device and / or communication functions between the communication device and other devices or components.

[0100] Ninthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions; when the computer instructions are executed on a computer, the computer causes the computer to perform a communication method as designed in any of the foregoing aspects.

[0101] A tenth aspect provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a communication method as designed in any of the foregoing aspects.

[0102] The beneficial effects of the methods in any of the second to tenth aspects mentioned above can be referred to the description of the beneficial effects of the methods in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0103] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system applied in an embodiment of this application;

[0104] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the functional division of the communication protocol between BBU and RRU provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0105] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a wireless access network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0106] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another wireless access network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0107] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication protocol function division method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0108] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another communication protocol function division method provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0109] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of another communication protocol function division method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0110] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another communication protocol function division method provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0111] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an uplink communication processing procedure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0112] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another uplink communication processing procedure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0113] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0114] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of an identifier provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0115] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of another identifier provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0116] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of another type of identifier provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0117] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of another uplink communication processing procedure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0118] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of another uplink communication processing procedure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0119] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of another uplink communication processing procedure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0120] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0121] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of another uplink communication processing procedure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0122] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0123] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of another uplink communication processing procedure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0124] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0125] Figure 23 is a timing diagram of the signal flow processing of the first functional entity provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0126] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of another uplink communication processing procedure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0127] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0128] Figure 26 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0129] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 1000 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100, wherein the RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110), and may also include at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). The RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). The terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to the RAN node 110. Terminals and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. The communication system 1000 may also include a core network 200. The RAN node 110 is connected to the core network 200 via wireless or wired means. The core network equipment in core network 200 and the RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be independent and different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device that integrates the logical functions of the core network equipment and the logical functions of the RAN node. Communication system 1000 may also include Internet 300.

[0130] RAN100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, a new radio (NR) system, a future communications network, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). RAN100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. RAN100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0131] RAN nodes, also known as radio access network devices, RAN entities, or access nodes, are used to help terminals access communication systems wirelessly. In one application scenario, an RAN node can be a base station (BS), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB / eNB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system, a future base station in a future communication network, or a base station in a future mobile communication system. RAN nodes can be macro base stations (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), relay nodes, or master nodes.

[0132] In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminals achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing different functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). An RU can also be called a radio frequency unit. Here, the CU performs the functions of the base station's radio resource control protocol and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's radio link control layer and medium access control (MAC) layer, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of these protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes, or they can be integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as remote radio units (RRUs) or active antenna units (AAUs). CUs can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0133] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an open radio access network (O-RAN) system, a CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). The RAN nodes in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, an RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN nodes. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a RAN node in the following description.

[0134] A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. Terminals can also be called terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal.

[0135] In some examples, the core network 200 may include any core network device such as the access and mobility management function (AMF) entity, the session management function (SMF) entity, the user plane function (UPF) entity, the sensing service control function (SSCF), the sensing data processing function (SDPF), and the unified data management (UDM).

[0136] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0137] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative. For example, the helicopter or drone 120i in Figure 1 can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access the wireless access network 100 through 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol. In this case, relative to 110a, 120i is also a base station. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with base station functions, and 120a-120j in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with terminal functions.

[0138] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0139] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0140] In a wireless communication system, communication devices are included, and these devices can communicate wirelessly using air interface resources. These communication devices can include network devices and terminal devices; network devices can also be called base station devices, i.e., the wireless access network devices mentioned above. Air interface resources can include at least one of time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, code resources, and spatial resources. These communication devices can also be called communication apparatuses.

[0141] The solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless communication between communication devices. Wireless communication can include: wireless communication between network devices and terminals, wireless communication between network devices, and wireless communication between terminals. In this application, the term "wireless communication" can also be simply referred to as "communication," and the term "communication" can also be described as "data transmission," "information transmission," or "transmission."

[0142] In global system for mobile communications (GSM), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), long term evolution (LTE), and 5G systems, base stations can be deployed by dividing them into two functional entities: BBU and RRU, according to a bottom-layer partitioning method. This bottom-layer partitioning method can be a partitioning method at the physical layer and the radio frequency (RF) layer. It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, "segmentation" and "division" can be used interchangeably. The BBU is connected to one or more RRUs via optical fiber, metallic cabling, or microwave links. The BBU primarily performs centralized upper-layer processing of baseband signals. The RRU primarily performs baseband signal reception and transmission, as well as RF signal modulation and demodulation, data processing, and power amplification functions. The RRU is closer to the antenna, resulting in lower feeder loss. In some cases, the RRU can also be called an RU or AAU. The interface between the BBU and RRU can be called a fronthaul interface or a bottom-layer partitioning interface.

[0143] Referring to Figure 2, which illustrates a functional division of the communication protocol between a BBU and an RRU, in related technologies, the interface between the BBU and RRU can use the Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) protocol for communication interaction. The CPRI protocol defines the key communication interface specifications for communication between radio equipment control (REC) and radio equipment (RE) in a wireless communication network. For example, the REC can be considered the aforementioned BBU, and the radio equipment can be considered the aforementioned RRU. As shown in Figure 2, the CPRI interface allocates the radio frequency (RF) layer functions to RRU 1, and the physical (PHY) layer and above protocol layer functions to BBU 1. The PHY layer can be further divided into a high PHY layer and a low PHY layer. The high PHY layer can also be called High PHY, and the low PHY layer can also be called Low PHY. Protocol layer functions above the PHY layer can include the radio resource control (RRC) layer, SDAP layer, PDCP layer, radio link control (RLC) layer, and MAC layer.

[0144] The amount of data transmitted between the PHY layer of the BBU and the RF layer of the RRU is directly related to the size of the antenna array on the RRU. The partitioning method specified by the CPRI protocol leads to an excessively large amount of data on the fronthaul interface, which cannot support scenarios with large-scale antenna arrays. The interface between the BBU and RRU can be called the fronthaul interface. In some solutions, an evolution of the CPRI protocol, namely the enhanced CPRI protocol, denoted as eCPRI, has been proposed. Referring again to Figure 2, the eCPRI protocol deploys the lower PHY layer in the RRU (e.g., RRU 2) and the higher PHY layer in the BBU (e.g., BBU 2). Furthermore, the interface specification between the BBU and RRU, i.e., between the higher and lower PHY layers, has been redefined. The eCPRI protocol transforms the interface between the BBU and RRU from the interface between the RF layer and PHY layer specified by the CPRI protocol to an interface between the higher and lower PHY layers, converting the original fiber optic communication between the RF layer and PHY layer into communication within the RRU's internal board or field-programmable gate array (FPGA) chip. The data dimension of communication between the higher PHY layer of the BBU and the lower PHY layer of the RRU is reduced, and it is no longer directly related to the size of the antenna array on the RRU.

[0145] The partitioning method used by the aforementioned CPRI or eCPRI interfaces allows the BBU to process baseband signals in a highly centralized manner. As a result, computing resources can be deployed centrally, leading to high resource utilization and low deployment costs.

[0146] In future communication systems, Figure 3 illustrates a potential new RAN architecture. This architecture reclassifies base station functions into RU functions, radio network area (RNA) functions, and RAN automation functions. The RNA and RU functions communicate via a low-layer split (LLS) interface, while the RU function and the terminal can communicate via a RAN-UE interface. The RNA function and the core network (CN) communicate via the RAN-CN interface. The RAN automation function manages the RU and RNA functions through a network function (NF) management interface. The RAN automation function is controlled through network management. In this architecture, the RU function can be viewed as the aforementioned RRU or AAU, and the RNA function as the aforementioned BBU.

[0147] In related technologies, to reduce the bandwidth requirements and deployment costs of the fronthaul link in the underlying partitioning method, 3GPP proposed a base station function partitioning method. For example, for gNBs in 5G, a higher-layer partitioning method is adopted, splitting the base station into two functional entities such as CU and DU. The midhaul link between CU and DU has lower network bandwidth requirements. The radio access network shown in Figure 4 is partitioned according to CU and DU. For example, the access network equipment can be a gNB, which can be composed of CU and DU. Of course, DU can include one or more, which is not limited in this embodiment. The gNB can communicate with the core network elements of the 5G core network (5GC) through the next generation (NG) interface. Different gNBs can communicate with each other through the Xn interface, for example, through the Xn-control (C) interface. The CU can communicate with different DUs through the F1 interface.

[0148] Furthermore, Figure 5 illustrates several possible ways to divide communication protocol functions. Communication protocol functions can be divided at the protocol layer granularity. For example, options 1 through 8 are provided. Option 1 can be the communication function division between the RRC layer and the PDCP layer as shown in Figure 5, or option 2 can be the communication function division between the SDAP layer and the PDCP layer as shown in Figure 5. It is understood that subsequent embodiments of this application will be described using the control plane RRC layer as an example. For the user plane division, the RRC layer can be replaced with the SDAP layer, and this will not be elaborated further in the embodiments of this application.

[0149] Option 2 can be the communication function partitioning shown in Figure 5 between the PDCP layer and the higher RLC layer (or, if the RLC layer does not distinguish between higher and lower layers, it can be the RLC layer itself). Option 3 can be the communication function partitioning shown in Figure 5 between the higher and lower RLC layers. Therefore, Option 3 can also be considered as the communication function partitioning within the RLC layer. Option 4 can be the communication function partitioning shown in Figure 5 between the lower RLC layer and the higher MAC layer (or, if the RLC and MAC layers do not distinguish between higher and lower layers, it can be between the RLC layer and the MAC layer). Option 5 can be the communication function partitioning shown in Figure 5 between the higher and lower MAC layers. Therefore, Option 5 can also be considered as the communication function partitioning within the MAC layer. Option 6 can be the communication function partitioning shown in Figure 5 between the lower MAC layer and the higher PHY layer (or, if the MAC and PHY layers do not distinguish between higher and lower layers, it can be between the MAC layer and the PHY layer itself). Option 7 can be the communication function partitioning shown in Figure 5 between the higher and lower PHY layers. Therefore, Option 7 can also be considered as dividing communication functions within the PHY layer. Option 8 can be the division of communication functions between the lower PHY layer (or, if the PHY layer does not distinguish between higher and lower layers) and the RF layer, as shown in Figure 5. This division method in Option 8 is exactly the same as the division method specified in the CPRI protocol.

[0150] As can be seen, more granular division of communication protocol functions can be performed within certain protocol layers. For example, protocol layers such as the RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer can be divided into higher and lower layers. The following description uses the PHY layer as an example to illustrate the division of communication protocol functions within a protocol layer. The division methods for other protocol layers are similar, the difference being that the communication protocol functions within different protocol layers can differ. For specific details, please refer to the communication protocol functions within the corresponding protocol layer; this application does not impose limitations on these aspects.

[0151] Referring to Figure 6, the communication functions within the PHY layer in uplink (UL) communication are divided. It is assumed that the PHY layer can be further divided into functions such as decoding, rate dematching, descrambling, demodulation, equalization, channel estimation, resource element (RE) demapping, digital beamforming (DBF), fast fourier transform (FFT) / cyclic prefix (CP) removal, analog-to-digital conversion, and analog beamforming. Therefore, the division method in option 7 can also include options 7-1, 7-2, 7-2a, and 7-3. Demodulation can also be called demodulation. In the embodiments of this application, demapping can also be called demapping.

[0152] It is worth noting that both radio equipment and resource particles can be abbreviated as RE. Therefore, in order to distinguish between radio equipment and resource particles, in the embodiments of this application, RE can refer to resource particles, while radio equipment is not described by abbreviation.

[0153] For example, referring to Figure 6, option 7-1 could be a functional division of the communication protocol between FFT / CP removal and DBF. Option 7-2 could be a functional division of the communication protocol between RE demapping and channel estimation. Option 7-2a could be a functional division of the communication protocol between DBF and RE demapping. Option 7-3 could be a functional division of the communication protocol between demodulation and descrambling. Option 7-2 can also be referred to as interface e (Ie), Ie for uplink, or Ie division for uplink. Option 7-2 can be considered the same as the uplink division method of the eCPRI protocol.

[0154] In some examples, if the communication protocol function is divided between equalization and demodulation, this division point can be called Uplink Performance Improvement (ULPI)-A, Ie2 for uplink, Ie2 division for uplink, NG-LLS, etc. If the communication protocol function is divided between channel estimation and equalization, this division point can be called ULPI-B. It is worth noting that the channel estimation mentioned in the embodiments of this application can generally be considered as channel estimation using a demodulation reference signal (DMRS). Of course, it is not excluded that other signals can be used for channel estimation, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0155] The analog beamforming and digital beamforming shown in Figure 6 can be considered as beamforming techniques. Beamforming (BF) is a signal processing technique that uses antenna arrays to transmit and receive signals in a directional manner. By adjusting the basic elements and phase parameters of the antenna array, signals at certain angles can achieve constructive interference, while signals at other angles can achieve destructive interference, allowing the target signal to be aligned with the target receiving device. For example, the analog beamforming function shown in Figure 6 can generate a beam in a specific direction by adjusting the phase of the digital signal on the antenna at a phase shifter in the analog domain. It can be assumed that all antennas are processing the same signal. In some embodiments, for the various communication function modules within the PHY layer, such as the analog beamforming function module, assuming that all antennas in the network device implementing the PHY layer function are processing the same signal, a beam in a specific direction can be obtained by adjusting the phase of the digital signal on the antenna at a phase shifter in the analog domain. For the digital beamforming module, the phase and amplitude of the baseband signals of different data streams can be adjusted so that the transmitted signals on each antenna are different, so as to generate multiple beams with different directions and power intensities more flexibly, thereby making more effective use of spatial diversity and multiplexing.

[0156] In some examples, for uplink communication, the terminal can send a DMRS to the network device, which can be transmitted along with the data signal. The network device can receive the DMRS to perform channel estimation and obtain an estimated channel matrix. The network device can then use this channel matrix for subsequent operations such as receive beamforming and equalization.

[0157] In some examples, an enhanced communication protocol function deployment method is proposed for the aforementioned ULPI-B corresponding communication protocol function partitioning. For instance, in the ULPI-B corresponding communication protocol function partitioning, lower-level communication protocol functions such as channel estimation are deployed on the first functional entity, while equalization functions are not deployed on the first functional entity. Higher-level communication functions such as equalization, demodulation, and descrambling are deployed on the second functional entity. In this case, the first functional entity performs DMRS-based unequalized beamforming. The number of data streams generated is equal to the number of signal streams transmitted by the terminal. This enhanced ULPI-B partitioning method can be called Option 1, DMRS-based beamforming with non-equalization (DMRS-BF-NEQ).

[0158] Referring to Figure 7, compared to Figure 6, Figure 7 omits the analog beamforming, analog-to-digital, RE demapping, descrambling, and rate matching communication protocol functions. However, it should be understood that the omission of these functions does not mean they are not executed. Specifically, DBF in Figure 6 corresponds to "beamforming + equalization weight calculation" in Figure 7. Correspondingly, "layer demapping" in Figure 7 is not shown in Figure 6. The first functional entity receives the uplink signal, which can be denoted as y. This uplink signal can include data signals and pilot signals. For example, the pilot signal can be DMRS. The first functional entity can perform FFT / CP removal on y to obtain y rx The y rx The input can be fed into the DMRS extraction module in the first functional entity to obtain Y′. dmrs For example, extracting DMRS RE from the frequency domain data stream of each receiving antenna. Y′ dmrs The input is fed into the DMRS channel estimation module in the first functional entity to obtain H′. dmrs For example, calculate the channel estimate between each terminal and each first functional entity. H′ dmrs The beamforming weight calculation module in the first functional entity can be used to obtain the weight W′. dmrs The first functional entity can also include W′ dmrs The weight application (beamforming) module in the first functional entity is used to apply weights to y. rx Processing, we get y bf The above uses W′ dmrs For y rxThe processing can be considered as reducing the data dimension from the number of antennas to the number of data layers in the terminal. This process can perform unequalization on the signal and DMRS corresponding to the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). This process can be called generalized pre-equalization. The first functional entity sends the y to the second functional entity. bf The first functional entity can send dimensionality-reduced data signals and DMRS to the second functional entity, so that the second functional entity can subsequently perform channel estimation, equalization, and other operations based on the dimensionality-reduced DMRS. In some examples, the first functional entity can also be deployed with a radio resource management (RRM) measurement module to perform RRM measurements and obtain RRM measurement results. The first functional entity can also send the RRM measurement results to the second functional entity.

[0159] The second functional entity can receive y bf The input is fed into the DMRS extraction module in the second functional entity to obtain Y. dmrs Y dmrs The input is fed into the DMRS channel estimation module in the second functional entity to obtain H. dmrs H dmrs The weight W can be obtained by inputting it into the equilibrium weight calculation module in the second functional entity. eq The equilibrium weight calculation module in the second functional entity can also be based on H dmrs Obtain the weight W comb The W comb Input is sent to the merger module. This merger module can be configured according to W. comb For y bf The data layer (unbalanced) in the middle is processed to obtain y. comb The weight application (balancing) module in the second functional entity is based on W. eq For y comb Processing yields y eq The y eq The input is processed by the layer demapping, and based on the processing result, it is de-sigma modulation (or demodulation) and decoding, until it is input into the higher-level communication protocol function module for subsequent processing.

[0160] In some embodiments, an uplink interference rejection combining (IRC) splitting method is provided. This can reduce the data dimensionality and traffic sent from the first functional entity to the second functional entity. For example, the IRC processing formula W = (H... H Q -1 H+σ 2 ) -1 *H H Q -1 The process is divided into two parts. Here, H represents the equivalent channel obtained from channel estimation, and Q represents the interference-noise covariance matrix. It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the superscript H represents the conjugate transpose matrix, not the channel matrix. σ 2 This represents the noise variance.

[0161] The aforementioned process of splitting weight W into two parts could include executing one part on a first functional entity and the other part on a second functional entity. For example, the first functional entity could use the weight W1 = H from the first part. H Q -1 The received uplink signal y is processed to obtain W1*y. The first functional entity can send W1*y, along with the intermediate DMRS or equivalent channel H, to the second functional entity. eff =W1*H. The second functional entity sends H based on the DMRS of the intermediate processing or multiple first functional entities. eff Determine the equivalent channel H' for multiple first functional entities. eff The second functional entity can determine the second part weight W2 = (H') according to the IRC processing formula of WMMSE. eff +σ 2 ) -1 And based on W2, W1*y is processed to obtain the data signal in the flow dimension.

[0162] In some examples, an enhanced communication protocol function deployment method is proposed for the aforementioned ULPI-A corresponding communication protocol function partitioning method. For instance, in the ULPI-A corresponding communication protocol function partitioning method, lower-level communication protocol functions such as equalization and channel estimation are deployed on the first functional entity; higher-level communication functions such as demodulation and descrambling are deployed on the second functional entity. Based on this, the second functional entity can also be configured to deploy equalization and channel estimation functions. This enhanced ULPI-A partitioning method can be called option 2, DMRS-based beamforming with equalization (DMRS-BF-EQ).

[0163] Referring to Figure 8, compared to Figure 6, Figure 8 omits the analog beamforming, analog-to-digital, RE demapping, descrambling, and rate matching communication protocol functions. However, it should be understood that the omission of these functions does not imply their absence. Specifically, the DBF in Figure 6 corresponds to the "beamforming + equalization weight calculation" in Figure 8. Correspondingly, the "layer demapping" in Figure 8 is not shown in Figure 6. Figure 8 is similar to Figure 7, except that the first functional entity in Figure 8 deploys a beamforming + equalization weight calculation module, which obtains equalization weights, while the first functional entity in Figure 7 deploys a beamforming weight calculation module, which obtains weights used for beamforming weights. Based on this difference, the beamforming + equalization weight calculation module in Figure 8 can also be based on H′. dmrs Channel measurements are performed to obtain the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR). The first functional entity can then send this SINR to the second functional entity.

[0164] In the communication scenario shown in Figure 8, for the enhanced ULPI-A partitioning method, the DMRS-based equalization operation is usually still performed by the first functional entity.

[0165] As can be seen, for the communication function partitioning method shown in Figure 7, the DMRS-based equalization process can be divided into two parts. The first functional entity performs IRC processing, which has low complexity. The first functional entity can generate beam domain signals (including data signals and pilot signals), making it more suitable for uplink signal processing using an artificial intelligence (AI) receiver. However, for the communication function partitioning method shown in Figure 8, the DMRS-based equalization operation is often performed by the first functional entity, thus the first functional entity has higher complexity, while the second functional entity has lower complexity. The first functional entity can generate data stream dimension signals and does not need to send pilot signals to the second functional entity. The second functional entity can also perform deconstellation modulation and decoding on the data stream dimension signals. However, this scenario is not suitable for processing uplink signals using an AI receiver because it loses more of the original channel characteristics compared to the scenario shown in Figure 7. Of course, both of these scenarios are applicable to UL collaborative processing of uplink signals.

[0166] In some examples, the management plane (MP) can be used to configure whether the second functional entity enables equalization (such as channel estimation). Alternatively, the management plane can be used to configure the messages that need to be sent between the first and second functional entities, such as whether the first functional entity sends equalized DMRS, whether it sends SINR, and the granularity of SINR, so as to configure the uplink signal processing in the manner shown in Figure 7 or Figure 8.

[0167] Currently, the communication protocol functions executed on the first and second functional entities are typically statically configured, such as by the network management system through management plane messages, and dynamic adjustment is not supported. Therefore, it is impossible to fine-tune uplink reception performance, the complexity and computational load of the second functional entity, and the traffic exchanged between the second and first functional entities. Furthermore, it is also impossible to flexibly control the performance of the second functional entity executing advanced receivers.

[0168] Therefore, this application provides a communication method that uses different identifiers to instruct signal streams to perform different operations, thereby obtaining different equalization weights. This enables dynamic and flexible adjustment of uplink signal processing methods for different signal streams, such as the first functional entity performing all equalization operations or performing partial equalization. This improves uplink signal processing performance and communication efficiency.

[0169] The communication method and apparatus will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that the embodiments of this application use a first functional entity and a second functional entity as examples of the execution subjects of the interaction illustration, but this application does not limit the execution subjects of the interaction illustration. For example, the first functional entity and the second functional entity can be network devices. The method executed by the network device in this application can also be implemented by modules (e.g., circuits, processors, chips, or chip systems) in the network device, or by logical nodes, logical modules, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0170] In the embodiments of this application, the term "wireless communication" can also be abbreviated as "communication", and the term "communication" can also be described as "data transmission", "information transmission" or "transmission".

[0171] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0172] As shown in Figure 9, the access network equipment can be divided into multiple functional entities such as RU 210, DU 220, and CU 230. Of course, the access network equipment may include one or more RU 210s, one or more DU 220s, and one or more CU 230s. The CU 230 is connected to the 5GC 240 and is used to realize communication with the core network equipment. In various embodiments of this application, the core network equipment may also be referred to as a core network element.

[0173] Among them, 5GC 240 can be connected to multiple CU 230, one CU 230 can be connected to multiple DU 220, and one DU 220 can be connected to multiple RU 210.

[0174] The access network device can be a gNB. The access network device provides NR user plane and control plane protocol endpoints to the terminal and communicates with the 5GC 240 via the NG interface. The access network device is used to provide wireless network connectivity between the terminal and the core network.

[0175] The CU 230 can manage the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP layer protocols of access network devices and control one or more DU operations. The CU 230 communicates with the DU 220 via the F1 interface.

[0176] The DU 220 can host the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers of access network devices, and its operation is controlled by the CU 230. One DU 220 can support one or more cells, and one cell supports one DU 220.

[0177] The RU 210 can be referred to as a wireless unit, radio frequency unit, or radio frequency remote unit. Its main functions include receiving and transmitting baseband signals, as well as modulation and demodulation of radio frequency signals, data processing, and power amplification. The RU can be deployed close to the antenna, resulting in low feeder loss.

[0178] 5GC 240 may include one or more possible core network elements such as AMF entity, SMF entity, UPF entity, UDM entity, etc. 5GC and RAN together constitute the 5G network, providing users with service channels to connect to data networks and servers. Of course, 5GC 240 can also be replaced by the core network of future communication systems; this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0179] The RAN provides wireless network connectivity between the UE and the core network. The RAN can include access network equipment, such as gNBs. In some cases, "access network equipment" can refer to the entire RAN. RAN deployment can include centralized RAN (CRAN) and distributed RAN (DRAN). CRAN uses a separate BBU and RRU architecture, with each BBU located in a central equipment room, forming a BBU pool. It communicates with the RRUs via the fronthaul network. DRAN uses a distributed deployment of BBUs and RRUs. Each BBU is deployed separately in a rack, while the RRUs can be deployed together in the rack with the BBUs, or the RRUs can be deployed close to the antenna on a tower.

[0180] In some examples, RU 210, DU 220, and CU 230 can be deployed on the same physical device or on different physical devices. Alternatively, some functional entities of RU 210, DU 220, and CU 230 may be deployed on the same physical device, while other functional entities may be deployed on different physical devices. This embodiment of the application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0181] It is understandable that access network equipment can also include cases where it is split into two functional entities. For example, if CU 230 and DU 220 are deployed on the same physical device, CU 230 and DU 220 can be regarded as one functional entity. Alternatively, if DU 220 and RU 210 are deployed on the same physical device, DU 220 and RU 210 can be regarded as one functional entity.

[0182] Of course, this application is not limited to the 5G network architecture; the embodiments of this application are also applicable to LTE networks and other possible future network architectures such as future communication networks. It should be understood that the embodiments of this application can be applied to any network architecture with communication connectivity capabilities.

[0183] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another communication scenario provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0184] The embodiments of this application can also be applied to O-RAN network architecture. Therefore, Figure 10 illustrates a scenario under the O-RAN architecture. In the O-RAN architecture, access network devices can be divided into three functional entities: O-RU, O-DU, and O-CU. The O-RU is similar to the aforementioned RU, the O-DU is similar to the aforementioned DU, and the O-CU is similar to the aforementioned CU. The interfaces between the functional entities can be referred to the descriptions in the previous embodiments, and will not be repeated here. The O-RAN network architecture may also include a near-real-time RAN intelligent controller (RIC) and service management and orchestration (SMO).

[0185] The near real-time RIC is primarily used to collect network information and perform necessary optimization tasks. The near real-time RIC communicates with the O-CU and O-DU via the E2 interface. The near real-time RIC may include a QoS management module, a radio connection management module, an interference management module, and a mobility management module.

[0186] The SMO can include multiple functional modules, such as a non-real-time RIC, a configuration module, a policy module, a design module, and an inventory module. The main functions of the SMO can include operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM) of cloud infrastructure. For example, it can operate, maintain, and manage cloud infrastructure through the O2 interface. The SMO can also operate, maintain, and manage the RAN through the O1 interface. The SMO can also include a non-real-time RIC, such as using AI and big data analytics to perform non-real-time macro-control and intervention on the O-RAN through the A1 interface. Each functional entity in the O-RAN can function as an independent entity, communicating with the SMO individually using the O1 interface. In some examples, the SMO and near-real-time RIC can communicate via either the A1 or O1 interface; the appropriate communication path can be selected based on the specific circumstances, which will not be elaborated further in this embodiment.

[0187] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0188] This communication process is applicable to, but not limited to, the communication scenarios shown in Figures 1, 9, and 10. This method can be applied to LTE, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE TDD, 5G systems, or NR systems, future communication systems (such as future communication systems), and V2X. V2X can include vehicle-to-network (V2N), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), long-term evolution-vehicle (LTE-V), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), MTC, IoT, long-term evolution-machine (LTE-M), machine-to-machine (M2M), and device-to-device (D2D) wireless communication scenarios. In the embodiments of this application, the first functional entity and the second functional entity can be access network devices. In this application, the first functional entity and the second functional entity can be deployed on the same access network device or on different access network devices; this is not a limitation in the embodiments thereof. In various embodiments of this application, the functional entity can also be referred to as a network-side device, network device, network equipment, logical unit, etc., and is not limited thereto. For example, the second functional entity can be a DU, and the first functional entity can be an RU. In other examples, the second functional entity can also be an O-DU, CU, O-CU, or RNA, etc., and the first functional entity can also be an O-RU, O-DU, or DU, etc., and this is not a limitation in the embodiments thereof.

[0189] The method may include the following steps:

[0190] S101, the second functional entity sends first information to the first functional entity. Correspondingly, the first functional entity receives the first information from the second functional entity.

[0191] In some examples, the first information can be used to indicate a first type of identifier corresponding to a first signal stream. And / or, the first information can be used to indicate a second type of identifier corresponding to a second signal stream. For example, the first signal stream may include a first pilot signal and a first data signal. As another example, the second signal stream may include a second pilot signal and a second data signal. In various embodiments of this application, a signal stream may also be referred to as a data stream.

[0192] In some embodiments, a first type of identifier can be used to indicate that a first equalization operation is performed in a first functional entity. For example, the first type of identifier can be used to indicate that a first equalization operation is performed on a first data signal within the first functional entity. Taking a first signal stream as an example, the first functional entity can perform channel estimation on the received first pilot signal to obtain first channel matrix information, and determine a first equalization weight based on the first channel matrix information. The first functional entity can process the first data signal according to the first equalization weight. The first functional entity can also perform channel measurement based on the first pilot signal to obtain channel measurement results. The first functional entity may choose not to perform the first equalization operation on the first pilot signal, that is, not to process the first pilot signal using the first equalization weight.

[0193] And / or, the second type of identifier can be used to indicate the determination of a second equalization weight corresponding to at least one beam number. That is, for the second signal stream indicated by the second type of identifier, the first functional entity can employ a second equalization weight in at least one beam number dimension during the execution of generalized pre-equalization.

[0194] Taking the second signal stream as an example, the first functional entity can perform channel estimation on the received second pilot signal to obtain second channel matrix information. Based on this second channel matrix information, it determines a second equalization weight related to at least one beam number. The first functional entity can process the second data signal according to the second equalization weight to obtain the beam signal. The first functional entity can also process the second pilot signal using the second equalization weight. In this case, the first functional entity does not perform channel measurement using the second pilot signal, and therefore does not send the channel measurement results to the second functional entity.

[0195] It is understood that, for the first signal stream, the first functional entity processes the first data signal using the first equalization weight, which can be considered as the first functional entity performing a complete equalization process; for the second signal stream, the first functional entity processes the second data signal using the second equalization weight, which can be considered as the second functional entity performing a partial equalization (i.e., the aforementioned generalized pre-equalization). Of course, for the specific implementation methods of the above-mentioned different signal streams, please refer to the description of the relevant embodiments in the following sections.

[0196] In other embodiments, a first type of identifier is used to indicate that the data signal in the signal stream requires only one equalization operation, and a second type of identifier is used to indicate that the data signal in the signal stream requires different functional entities to jointly perform the equalization operation.

[0197] This application embodiment can instruct the first functional entity to perform equalization operations or generalized pre-equalization operations through different identifiers. This allows for flexible adjustment of the uplink signal processing method for different signal streams, improving communication efficiency.

[0198] In some embodiments, the second functional entity can determine whether a signal flow corresponds to a first type of identifier or a second type of identifier based on different requirements of the signal flow. For example, if the signal flow has an AI receiver requirement, it can be determined that the signal flow corresponds to a second type of identifier. Similarly, if the signal flow has a multi-point collaborative processing requirement, it can be determined that the signal flow corresponds to a second type of identifier. In some examples, if the signal flow has both an AI receiver requirement and a multi-point collaborative processing requirement, it can be determined that the signal flow corresponds to a second type of identifier. The aforementioned signal flows can be considered as second signal flows. In other examples, these signal flows can also be determined to correspond to second type of identifiers based on whether there are more or fewer requirements. For example, there may be more or fewer requirements, such as network peak rate requirements, average data rate requirements, etc., which can be selected according to the actual situation, and will not be elaborated further in this embodiment.

[0199] Understandably, a second signal stream with any of the aforementioned potential requirements may imply more complex and extensive computations. Second functional entities typically possess stronger data processing capabilities than first functional entities, and they can communicate with one or more first functional entities. To a certain extent, second functional entities can also acquire more signals from different first functional entities, meaning they can obtain more macroscopic information. Therefore, adopting the uplink signal processing method corresponding to the second type of identifier can be considered. Although the complexity of the second functional entity increases, it can improve uplink communication performance and meet the service requirements of the second signal stream.

[0200] Correspondingly, if a signal stream does not have the requirements of the second signal stream, then such a signal stream can be considered as the first signal stream.

[0201] In some examples, the second functional entity can identify a service flow with at least one of the requirements for AI receivers and multi-point collaborative processing, corresponding to a second type of identifier. This type of signal flow can be the aforementioned second signal flow. This allows the first information sent by the second functional entity to the first functional entity to indicate that the second signal flow corresponds to the second type of identifier.

[0202] The second functional entity in this application embodiment can determine the identifier corresponding to different service requirements. This enables flexible indication of the identifier corresponding to different signal flows, thereby achieving different uplink signal processing procedures.

[0203] In some cases, the first and / or second type of identifiers can be related to business requirements. For example, the second functional entity can determine whether a data flow corresponds to a first or second type of identifier based on business needs. As mentioned earlier, for example, AI receiver requirements or multi-point collaborative processing requirements, the second functional entity can determine that these business flows correspond to the second type of identifier. Conversely, if the second functional entity determines that a data flow has other business requirements but not AI receiver requirements or multi-point collaborative processing requirements, then the second functional entity can determine that the data flow corresponds to the first type of identifier.

[0204] For example, the first and / or second identifiers can be related to the resource usage of the first functional entity. This could be related to the first functional entity's resource usage, such as hardware utilization, CPU utilization, and remaining storage resources. If it's determined that the first functional entity has high resource usage, then the data stream can be assigned to the second identifier, thus reducing reliance on the first functional entity's processing capacity. Conversely, if it's determined that the first functional entity has abundant idle resources, then the data stream can be assigned to the first identifier, thereby fully utilizing the first functional entity's resources and reducing the data traffic between the first and second functional entities.

[0205] For example, the first and / or second type of identifiers can be associated with the resource usage of the second functional entity. This could include the entity's hardware utilization, CPU utilization, and remaining storage resources. If the second functional entity is determined to have high resource usage, the data stream can be assigned to the first type of identifier, thus reducing reliance on the entity's processing capacity. Conversely, if the second functional entity has a significant amount of idle resources, the data stream can be assigned to the second type of identifier, thereby fully utilizing the entity's resources. Furthermore, considering that the second functional entity typically has access to more comprehensive information, this approach can effectively improve the accuracy of uplink signal processing.

[0206] In other examples, the first type of identifier and / or the second type of identifier may also be associated with various other information, such as: business requirements, resource usage of the first functional entity; or, business requirements, resource usage of the second functional entity; or, resource usage of the first functional entity, resource usage of the second functional entity; or, business requirements, resource usage of the first functional entity, and resource usage of the second functional entity.

[0207] This application provides various types of information that may affect the determination of the first type of identifier and / or the second type of identifier, so as to determine the identifier that is more in line with the signal flow in different scenarios, so as to better realize the processing of uplink signals and improve the efficiency and performance of uplink signal processing.

[0208] In some embodiments, the first type of identifier and / or the second type of identifier can be collectively referred to as identifiers. For example, an identifier can be an identity (ID) or an index.

[0209] For example, the identifier may include an identifier used to indicate a frequency domain resource. For instance, a frequency domain resource can be any frequency domain resource granularity such as RE, resource element group (REG), resource block (RB), resource block group (RBG), carrier, or frequency band; this embodiment of the application does not limit this. For instance, a frequency band may include 5G frequency bands, future communication system frequency bands, etc. Referring to Figure 12, assuming the first type of identifier indicates frequency domain resource 1 and the second type of identifier indicates frequency domain resource 2, it means that signal streams A1 of UE 1, A2 of UE 2, and A3 of UE 3 transmitted on frequency domain resource 1 are processed using the method corresponding to the first type of identifier; signal streams B1 of UE 1, B4 of UE 4, and B5 of UE 5 transmitted on frequency domain resource 2 are processed using the method corresponding to the second type of identifier. It can be seen that even signal streams belonging to the same UE 1 will undergo different processing because they are transmitted on different frequency domain resources.

[0210] For example, the identifier can include an identifier indicating the terminal to which the signal stream belongs. For instance, some signal streams correspond to a first-type identifier, meaning these signal streams belong to the first terminal; others correspond to a second-type identifier, meaning these signal streams belong to the second terminal. Referring to Figure 13, different UEs are distinguished using different UE identifiers. Assume UE 1's identifier is a first-type identifier, while the identifiers of UE 2, UE 3, UE 4, and UE 5 belong to the second-type identifier. It can be seen that signal stream C1 of UE 1 is processed using the method corresponding to the first-type identifier; signal streams D2 of UE 2, D3 of UE 3, D4 of UE 4, and D5 of UE 5 are processed using the method corresponding to the second-type identifier. It can be seen that in this case, the UE identifier distinguishes which UE's signal streams are processed using the method corresponding to the first-type identifier and which UE's signal streams are processed using the method corresponding to the second-type identifier. Different signal processing methods can also be implemented for different signal streams from different UEs belonging to the same frequency domain resource.

[0211] For example, the identifier can include an identifier for the layer of the terminal to which the signal stream belongs. For instance, a terminal may have multiple signal streams, such as a rank of 2, indicating two layers of signal streams. Furthermore, different uplink signal processing procedures can be performed for signal streams of different layers.

[0212] For example, the identifier may also include: an identifier for indicating frequency domain resources and an identifier for indicating the terminal to which the signal stream belongs; or, an identifier for indicating frequency domain resources and an identifier for indicating the layer to which the signal stream belongs; or, an identifier for indicating the terminal to which the signal stream belongs and an identifier for indicating the layer to which the signal stream belongs; or, an identifier for indicating frequency domain resources, an identifier for indicating the terminal to which the signal stream belongs, and an identifier for indicating the layer to which the signal stream belongs.

[0213] Referring to Figure 14, an example is given where the identifier includes an identifier for indicating frequency domain resources and an identifier for indicating the terminal to which the signal stream belongs. For instance, if a signal stream 111 is indicated by the identifier of UE 1 and the identifier of frequency domain resource 1, then this signal stream can be processed using the method corresponding to the first type of identifier. Similarly, if a signal stream 112 is indicated by the identifier of UE 1 and the identifier of frequency domain resource 2, then this signal stream can be processed using the method corresponding to the first type of identifier. Furthermore, if a signal stream 113 is indicated by the identifier of UE 2 and the identifier of frequency domain resource 1, then this signal stream can be processed using the method corresponding to the first type of identifier.

[0214] Accordingly, for example, if a signal flow 221 is indicated by the identifier of UE 3 and the identifier of frequency domain resource 1, then this signal flow can be processed using the method corresponding to the second type of identifier. Similarly, if a signal flow 222 is indicated by the identifier of UE 4 and the identifier of frequency domain resource 2, then this signal flow can be processed using the method corresponding to the second type of identifier. Furthermore, if a signal flow 223 is indicated by the identifier of UE 5 and the identifier of frequency domain resource 2, then this signal flow can be processed using the method corresponding to the second type of identifier.

[0215] Optionally, the second functional entity may also determine the first type of identifier and / or the second type of identifier based on the frequency domain resources scheduled by its own Layer 2 function, the terminals scheduled on each frequency domain resource, and the flow scheduled for each terminal.

[0216] It is understood that Figures 12 to 14 above are merely exemplary descriptions of one type of identifier, and can be adapted to the actual situation. The embodiments of this application are not limited here.

[0217] This application provides multiple representations of the identifier to represent the identifier in different scenarios in the manner required by the scenario, thereby improving the system's versatility.

[0218] In some embodiments, the second functional entity may periodically send first information to the first functional entity at certain time intervals. For example, this time interval may be called the transmission time interval (TTI). The TTI can be one or more symbols, slots, subframes, frames, etc., and this embodiment does not limit this. In some examples, the first information may also be semi-statically configured. For example, each time the second functional entity sends the first information, the first functional entity may continue to process the signal stream according to the signal stream processing method indicated by the first information. This continues until the second functional entity sends the first information again, at which point it processes the signal stream according to the new signal stream processing method indicated by the first information. In other examples, the first information may also be statically configured. For example, once the second functional entity sends the first information, the first functional entity processes the signal stream according to the signal stream processing method indicated by the first information, remaining unchanged. The specific configuration method can be determined according to the actual situation, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0219] Alternatively, in some examples, the aforementioned first information may also be generated by the first functional entity and sent to the second functional entity. For example, the first functional entity determines which signal streams undergo equalization only on the first functional entity (e.g., not performing equalization on the pilot signal, but performing channel measurement on the pilot signal), corresponding to the first type of identifier; and which signal streams undergo generalized pre-equalization of at least one beam-number dimension in the data signals of these signal streams by the first functional entity, corresponding to the second type of identifier. This application does not limit the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0220] The processing procedures for the first signal stream and the processing procedures for the second signal stream will be described separately below.

[0221] For the first signal stream:

[0222] S102, the first functional entity performs a first type of operation on the first pilot signal according to the first type of identifier to obtain the first equalization weight.

[0223] S103, the first functional entity processes the first data signal using the first equalization weight to obtain the second information.

[0224] In some examples, the first functional entity can determine a first type identifier corresponding to the first signal stream based on the first information. Based on this first type identifier, it determines to perform a first type operation on the first pilot signal in the first signal stream. As mentioned in S101, for the first signal stream indicated by the first type identifier, the first functional entity may not perform a first equalization operation on the first pilot signal. The first functional entity may perform a channel measurement operation on the first pilot signal. For example, the first type of operation may include various operations performed by the first functional entity based on the first type identifier, such as a channel measurement operation performed on the first pilot signal, a channel estimation operation performed on the first pilot signal, and a first equalization operation performed on the first data signal.

[0225] For example, the first functional entity can perform channel measurement on the first pilot signal based on the first type of identifier to obtain second information. For instance, the first functional entity can perform channel estimation based on the first pilot signal to obtain first channel matrix information. This first channel matrix information is used to represent the channel determined based on the first pilot signal. The first functional entity can determine a first equalization weight based on this first channel matrix information. The specific process can be referred to the description of the relevant embodiments in Figure 8 to obtain the first equalization weight. Accordingly, the first functional entity can process the first data signal based on the first equalization weight to obtain a first data signal after the first equalization operation. This process can be considered as the process of performing the first equalization operation. The aforementioned second information may include the first data signal after the first equalization operation.

[0226] In some examples, the first functional entity can also determine the first channel measurement result based on the first channel matrix information. For example, the second information mentioned above may also include the first channel measurement result. Assuming the first channel measurement result is SINR, the first functional entity can obtain the SINR based on the channel matrix indicated by the first channel matrix information and the signal received by the first functional entity. The specific implementation process for determining SINR can be found in related technologies, and will not be elaborated further in the embodiments of this application.

[0227] For example, the aforementioned first channel measurement result can be for each signal stream. That is, the first functional entity determines the first channel measurement result corresponding to each signal stream.

[0228] For example, channel measurement results may include signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Another example is that the first channel result may include reference signal receiving power (RSRP). Yet another example is that the first channel result may include reference signal received quality (RSRQ).

[0229] For example, the first channel measurement results may also include: SINR, SNR; or, SINR, RSRP; or, SINR, RSRQ; or, SNR, RSRP; or, SNR, RSRQ; or, RSRP, RSRQ; or, SINR, SNR and RSRP; or, SINR, SNR and RSRQ; or, SINR, RSRP and RSRQ; or, SNR, RSRP and RSRQ; or, SINR, SNR, RSRP and RSRQ.

[0230] In some examples, SINR may include the pre-equalization SINR, referred to as pre-SINR. For example, the pre-equalization SINR may be at the RBG granularity. In other examples, SINR may include the post-equalization SINR, referred to as post-SINR. For example, the post-equalization SINR may be at the RBG granularity or the flow granularity. Of course, the above only shows some possible SINR granularities. In other examples, other possible SINR granularities can be determined according to the actual situation, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0231] This application provides various possible channel measurement results to be applicable to different communication scenarios, providing feedback on channel measurement results applicable to the specific communication scenario and improving the system's versatility.

[0232] In some examples, the first pilot signal during the channel measurement operation described above may include a pre-pilot signal and an additional pilot signal, so that the first functional entity can obtain more accurate channel estimation results.

[0233] In this embodiment, the first functional entity can obtain channel measurement results based on the first pilot signal and send these results to the second functional entity. This allows the second functional entity to directly perform de-constellation modulation of the data signal based on the channel measurement results. The second functional entity does not need to perform channel measurement, channel estimation, equalization, or other operations based on the pilot signal, reducing its computational complexity and improving communication efficiency.

[0234] It is understood that the first data signal after the first equalization operation in the embodiments of this application can be regarded as a multi-stream constellation symbol to be demodulated, or a beam signal in a general sense. In the embodiments of this application, the first equalization operation can be considered as an equalization operation performed on the first functional entity.

[0235] For the second signal stream:

[0236] S104, the first functional entity performs a second type of operation on the second pilot signal according to the second type of identifier to obtain the second equalization weight.

[0237] S105, the first functional entity processes the second data signal using the second equalization weight to obtain the third information.

[0238] For example, the first functional entity can determine the second equalization weight corresponding to at least one beam quantity indicated by the second type of identifier received in S101 using the second pilot signal. For example, the second equalization weight can be denoted as W1. The first functional entity processes the second data signal based on W1 to obtain third information. For example, the third information may include beam signals.

[0239] The following description will take an example where at least one beam has K beams. Here, K is a positive integer.

[0240] In some embodiments, the first functional entity can determine a second equalization weight corresponding to the number of K beams based on the second type of identifier and the second pilot signal. For example, the first functional entity can perform channel estimation based on the second pilot signal to obtain second channel matrix information. This second channel matrix information is used to represent the equivalent channel determined based on the second pilot signal. The first functional entity can determine the second equalization weight corresponding to the number of K beams based on this second channel matrix information.

[0241] For example, K can be equal to the total number of signal streams scheduled on the uplink frequency domain resource. Suppose N terminals are scheduled on a certain UL frequency domain resource, and each terminal n schedules K. n If the stream signal is used, then the total number of streams K to be scheduled can be equal to ∑ n K n N is a positive integer, and n is a positive integer less than or equal to N. Assuming P is the number of antenna ports of the first functional entity, the channel represented by the second channel matrix information can be denoted as H∈C. P×K Where C is a complex number. Assume the signal received by the first functional entity is denoted as y, which may include the second pilot signal y. 第二导频 and data signal y 数据 The first functional entity can determine the interference noise covariance matrix Q = (y) based on H. 数据 -Hx 目标 )(y数据 -Hx 目标 ) T =(H 干扰 x 干扰 +Z 噪声 (H) 干扰 x 干扰 +Z 噪声 ) T ∈C P×K Here, the superscript T denotes the transpose matrix. 目标 The signal sent by the terminal to the first functional entity, x 干扰 Signals sent by other terminals to the first functional entity (i.e., x) 目标 (Interference signals received). H 干扰 Indicates sending x 干扰 The equivalent channel between the terminal and the first functional entity. Z 噪声 This represents potential noise in the environment. Wherein, the aforementioned y... 数据 The signal received by the first functional entity, excluding the pilot signal, can be understood as the data signal received by the first functional entity. In some cases, such as when the aforementioned identifier indicates a frequency domain resource, the first functional entity can determine whether the data signal received on the corresponding frequency domain resource is a first data signal or a second data signal based on the identifier. In other examples, the aforementioned identifier may indicate a terminal identifier or a terminal's layer identifier. In this case, the signal transmitted on a certain frequency domain resource may contain signals from multiple terminals or multiple layers superimposed. The first functional entity cannot directly determine which terminal or which layer of a terminal the data signal is for based on the received data signal. Therefore, the above formula uses y 数据 A description is provided. Of course, if the first functional entity can distinguish between the first data signal and the second data signal, the above y... 数据 It can be replaced with y 第二数据 .

[0242] In some cases, the above Q can be approximated by subtracting the channel covariance matrix of the target terminal from the autocorrelation covariance matrix of the received signal. For example... Furthermore, Q can also be approximated by estimating the covariance matrix of the interfering channel plus the covariance matrix of the noise floor, such as... Of course, other equivalent methods can be used to determine an approximate value of Q, and this application does not limit this. The first function can determine the second equalization weight W2 corresponding to the number of K beams based on Q, for example, W2 = H. H Q -1 ∈C K×PIt should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the superscript H represents the conjugate transpose matrix, not the channel matrix. The process of determining W2 described above can be determined according to the full IRC principle. The second equalization weight corresponding to the number of K beams can also be called characteristic beam transform weight, beamforming weight, generalized pre-equalization weight, etc., which are not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0243] This application provides a method for determining a second equalization weight for at least one number of beams, so that a first functional entity can obtain a suitable second equalization weight based on a second type of identifier to meet the service requirements of a second signal stream.

[0244] In some examples, the first functional entity can process the data signal (such as the second data signal) according to the second equalization weight to obtain the beam signal. For example, the number of beams corresponding to the beam signal is the same as the number of beams corresponding to the second equalization weight. Assume the beam signal can be denoted as y. 波束 , then y 波束 =W2*y 数据 Accordingly, the aforementioned third signal may include the y 波束 .

[0245] It is understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, the data signal received by the first functional entity can be considered as the signal corresponding to the antenna dimension of the first functional entity. Accordingly, the aforementioned beam signal can be a beam-dimensional signal, and when the number of beams is the same as the number of flows (or layers), the beam dimension can also be considered equal to the flow dimension.

[0246] In some embodiments, the same operation as the data signal (or the second data signal) can be applied to the second pilot signal, such as processing the second pilot signal with a second equalization weight to obtain a fourth pilot signal. It is understood that the fourth pilot signal can also be understood as a beam-dimensional signal, and the beam dimension of the fourth pilot signal is the same as the number of beams corresponding to the second equalization weight. The first functional entity can also send the fourth pilot signal to the second functional entity. Correspondingly, the second functional entity can receive the fourth pilot signal from the first functional entity. In this case, the second functional entity can subsequently perform channel estimation based on the fourth pilot signal to obtain the fourth channel matrix information.

[0247] In this application embodiment, the first functional entity can send a pilot signal processed based on the second equalization weight, so that the second functional entity can perform channel estimation based on the pilot signal and perform subsequent equalization operations.

[0248] In other embodiments, the first functional entity can perform channel estimation on the fourth pilot signal to obtain the fourth channel matrix information. This fourth channel matrix information can then be directly communicated to the second functional entity. This eliminates the need for the second functional entity to perform channel estimation, reducing its processing complexity and improving uplink processing efficiency.

[0249] It should be understood that the execution of steps S102-S103 for the first signal stream and steps S104-S105 for the second signal stream is independent of each other. That is, the first functional entity determines whether to perform the operation for the first signal stream and / or whether to perform the operation for the second signal stream based on the first type of identifier and the second type of identifier in the first signal.

[0250] Regarding S102-S105 above, in some embodiments, the pilot signals involved in the different signal streams, such as the first pilot signal and / or the second pilot signal, can be collectively referred to as pilot signals. In some examples, the pilot signal may include a pre-pilot signal. For example, the pilot signal may be a DMRS located on the second or third symbol. In other examples, the pilot signal may include a pre-pilot signal and an additional pilot signal. In other examples, the additional pilot signal may also be referred to as a post-pilot signal. For example, the additional pilot signal may be an additional DMRS. The specific manifestation of the pilot signal can be referred to in related technologies, and will not be repeated in the embodiments of this application.

[0251] In the various embodiments of this application, the pilot signal can be a DMRS or any other possible reference signal, such as a sounding reference signal (SRS), etc. The embodiments of this application are not limited to this.

[0252] The embodiments of this application can be applied to scenarios involving pre-pilot signals or scenarios including auxiliary pilot signals. This allows the pilot signals applicable to different scenarios to undergo corresponding processing, improving the system's versatility.

[0253] In some embodiments, the second information determined by the first functional entity may further include a first type of identifier. And / or, the third information determined by the first functional entity may further include a second type of identifier. Considering that the first functional entity can perform different processing on the signal stream according to different identifiers, the second functional entity can also perform different processing on the signals obtained by the first functional entity for different processing. Therefore, the second functional entity needs to know the identifier corresponding to the signal sent by the first functional entity in order to perform appropriate operations. The specific operations performed by the second functional entity can be referred to the description in S106 below.

[0254] In this embodiment, the first functional entity can also inform the second functional entity of the identifier of the corresponding signal stream, so as to ensure that the second functional entity processes the data signal according to the identifier and uses the operation corresponding to the identifier, thereby improving communication performance.

[0255] S106, the first functional entity sends the fourth information to the second functional entity. Accordingly, the second functional entity receives the fourth information from the first functional entity.

[0256] In some examples, the fourth information may include the second information in S103 and / or the third information in S105. For instance, if the first functional entity performs S102-S103 on the first signal stream, then the fourth information may include the second information. Or, for example, if the first functional entity performs S104-S105 on the second signal stream, then the fourth information may include the third information.

[0257] In some examples, for the first signal stream, the first channel measurement result, the first type identifier, and the first data signal after the first equalization operation can be carried in the same message and sent from the first functional entity to the second functional entity. In other examples, some information from the first channel measurement result, the first type identifier, and the first data signal after the first equalization operation can be carried in the same message; or they can be carried in different messages respectively. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0258] In some embodiments, when the fourth information includes the second information, it means that the second functional entity can receive the first channel measurement result, the first type identifier, and the first data signal after the first equalization operation. For the first data signal after the first equalization operation, the second functional entity does not need to perform the equalization operation again. For example, the second functional entity can determine that no equalization operation is needed based on the first type identifier. Alternatively, the second functional entity can determine that no equalization operation is needed based on the acquired first channel measurement result. The second functional entity can directly demodulate the first data signal after the first equalization operation based on the first channel measurement result, such as through constellation demodulation, to obtain the corresponding data.

[0259] In this embodiment, the second functional entity can demodulate the signal stream corresponding to the first identifier without performing equalization operations, thereby reducing the computational requirements of the second functional entity.

[0260] In other embodiments, where the fourth information includes the third information, it means that the second functional entity can receive the beam signal, the second type identifier, and the fourth pilot signal (or fourth channel matrix information). For example, the second functional entity can obtain the fourth channel matrix information according to the aforementioned methods. Equalization is then performed on the beam signal based on this fourth channel matrix information. For example, suppose the channel corresponding to the fourth channel matrix information is denoted as H. e It can be considered that H e =W2H. The second functional entity can be based on this H. e Determine the interference noise covariance matrix Q e For example, Q e =(y 波束 -H e x 目标 )(y 波束 -H e x 目标 ) T Of course, x here 目标 This can be equivalently considered as a signal sent by the terminal to the second functional entity via the air interface and the first functional entity. e This can be equivalently understood as the air interface wireless channel and the first pre-equalization processing of the first functional entity on x. 目标 The impact. Of course, the specific Q... e The method for determining the covariance matrix can be referred to the aforementioned embodiments related to the interference noise covariance matrix, and will not be repeated in the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, based on Q... e Determine the fourth equilibrium weight W4 = H e H (H e H e H +Q e ) -1 The second functional entity can process the beam signal based on W4 to determine the second data signal of the K stream after equalization by the second functional entity. That is, the second data signal of y after equalization by the second functional entity = W4 * y 波束 The second functional entity can demodulate the second data signal that has undergone equalization by the second functional entity. For example, the second functional entity can perform channel measurement based on the fourth channel matrix information to obtain a second channel measurement result. Based on the second channel measurement result, the second data signal that has undergone equalization by the second functional entity is de-constellation modulated to obtain the corresponding data. Specific implementation processes can be found in related technologies, and the embodiments in this application are not limited thereto.

[0261] This application embodiment uses different identifiers to indicate different operations to the signal streams, thereby obtaining different equalization weights. This enables dynamic and flexible adjustment of the uplink signal processing method for different signal streams, such as the first functional entity performing all equalization operations or performing partial equalization. This improves the uplink signal processing performance and communication efficiency.

[0262] In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, considering that both the first functional entity and the second functional entity in FIG8 are equipped with a channel estimation module and an equalization module, the second functional entity may or may not use the channel estimation function and the equalization function. Accordingly, FIG15 shows the case where the second functional entity does not use the channel estimation function and the equalization function, and FIG16 shows the case where the second functional entity uses the channel estimation function and the equalization function. Of course, for FIG15 and FIG16, the information exchanged between the first functional entity and the second functional entity may have some differences.

[0263] Referring to Figure 15, when the first functional entity performs channel estimation and equalization functions, but the second functional entity does not, the first functional entity can send the SINR and the equalized data signal to the second functional entity. For example, the SINR can be the SINR at the data layer granularity. In this case, there is no need to perform equalization on the DMRS, and correspondingly, the equalized DMRS is not sent. For example, the data signal can be the signal corresponding to the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). In this case, it can also be considered that the second functional entity uses a DMRS-free receiving algorithm to perform subsequent operations on the equalized data signal of the first functional entity. This situation corresponds to the uplink processing performed on the first signal stream in the aforementioned embodiments.

[0264] Referring to Figure 16, when both the first and second functional entities perform channel estimation and equalization functions, the first functional entity can transmit the equalized data signal and the equalized pilot signal without transmitting SINR. The "equalization" in the second functional entity can include DMRS extraction, DMRS channel estimation, equalization weight calculation, combined weight calculation, and weight application, as shown in Figure 8, which will not be elaborated further in this embodiment. In this case, the second functional entity performing the equalization function can be implemented using an advanced DMRS-based receiver, such as successive interference cancellation (SIC) or coordinated multipoint transmission / reception (CoMP).

[0265] In the approach shown in Figure 15, the second functional entity has lower complexity and computational load. However, since the second functional entity does not perform channel estimation, it cannot obtain channel information. Therefore, in this approach, the second functional entity cannot support advanced DMRS-based receivers, resulting in poor uplink reception performance. The second functional entity cannot perform DMRS-based SIC, UL CoMP, etc., nor can it support DMRS channel estimation and equalization based on artificial intelligence (AI).

[0266] For the method shown in Figure 16 above, UL reception performance is good, and because the second functional entity can perform DMRS-based channel estimation and equalization, the second functional entity can also support advanced DMRS-based receivers, such as those supporting SIC, UL CoMP, and AI processing. Therefore, the embodiments of this application can further refine the first type of identifier. For example, the first type of identifier can also include a first type of first identifier and / or a first type of second identifier. For example, if the first information indicates a first type of first identifier, then the first functional entity and the second functional entity perform the operations related to the first signal stream in the aforementioned embodiments, which will not be repeated in the embodiments of this application.

[0267] In some embodiments, if the first information indicates a first type of second identifier, then the first type of second identifier can also be used to indicate the execution of a second equalization operation in the second functional entity. For example, the first type of second identifier can be used to indicate the execution of a first equalization operation on a second data signal within the first functional entity; and, within the second functional entity, the execution of a second equalization operation on the second data signal after the first equalization operation. Distinguished from the first type of first identifier, for the first signal stream indicated by the first type of second identifier, the first functional entity can also perform a first equalization operation on the first pilot signal in the first signal stream indicated by the first type of second identifier.

[0268] For example, the second functional entity can determine whether a signal flow corresponds to a first-type first identifier or a first-type second identifier based on different requirements of the signal flow. For instance, if the signal flow has an AI receiver requirement, it can be determined that the signal flow corresponds to a first-type second identifier. Similarly, if the signal flow has a multi-point collaborative processing requirement, it can be determined that the signal flow corresponds to a first-type second identifier. Furthermore, if the signal flow has a serial interference cancellation processing requirement, it can be determined that the signal flow corresponds to a first-type second identifier. In some examples, if a signal flow simultaneously has AI receiver and multi-point collaborative processing requirements, or simultaneously has AI receiver and serial interference cancellation processing requirements, or simultaneously has multi-point collaborative processing and serial interference cancellation processing requirements, or simultaneously has AI receiver, multi-point collaborative processing, and serial interference cancellation processing requirements, it can be determined that the signal flow corresponds to a first-type second identifier. In other examples, these signal flows can also be determined to correspond to a first-type second identifier based on whether there are more or fewer requirements. For example, there may be more or fewer requirements, such as network peak rate requirements, average data rate requirements, etc., which can be selected according to the actual situation, and will not be elaborated further in this embodiment.

[0269] Accordingly, if the signal flow does not have the requirements described in the above examples, then such a signal flow can be considered to correspond to the first type of first identifier.

[0270] This application provides various possible requirements for signal streams corresponding to the first type of second identifier, enabling signal streams with the above requirements to be processed uplink using the method corresponding to the first type of second identifier, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0271] In some examples, the second functional entity can identify a service flow with at least one of the following requirements: AI receiver requirement, multi-point cooperative processing requirement, and serial interference cancellation processing requirement, corresponding to a first type of second identifier. This allows the first information sent by the second functional entity to the first functional entity to indicate the first type of second identifier.

[0272] The second functional entity in this application embodiment can determine the identifier corresponding to different service requirements. This enables flexible indication of the identifier corresponding to different signal flows, thereby achieving different uplink signal processing procedures.

[0273] In some embodiments, a first functional entity may determine, based on first information, that the identifier corresponding to the first signal stream is a first type of second identifier. The first functional entity then determines, based on the first type of second identifier, to perform a first equalization operation on the first pilot signal in the first signal stream. In this case, the first functional entity may not perform a channel measurement operation on the first pilot signal. For example, the operations performed by the first functional entity based on the first type of second identifier may include a first equalization operation on the first pilot signal, a channel estimation operation on the first pilot signal, a first equalization operation on the first data signal, etc.

[0274] The embodiments of this application can also perform finer-grained processing on the first signal stream, such as instructing the first functional entity to perform or not perform equalization operations on the pilot signal through different first-type identifiers. This enables dynamic and flexible adjustment of the processing method for different signal streams, thereby better processing of uplink signals and improving communication performance.

[0275] If the first information indicates the first type of second identifier, then the first functional entity and the second functional entity can also perform the following operations.

[0276] In some examples, the first information indicates that the first signal stream corresponds to a first type of second identifier. The first functional entity can perform a first equalization operation on the first pilot signal to obtain the second information. For example, the first functional entity can perform channel estimation on the first pilot signal to obtain first channel matrix information. The first functional entity can determine the first equalization weights based on this first channel matrix information. Similar to the process of determining the second equalization weights, the channel represented by the first channel matrix information can be denoted as H. 信道1 ∈C P×K Still assuming the signal received by the first functional entity is denoted as y, this y may include the first pilot signal y. 第一导频 and data signal y 数据 The first functional entity can be based on H 信道1 Determine the interference noise covariance matrix Q1=(y 数据 -H 信道1 x 目标 )(y 数据 -H 信道1 x 目标 ) T =(H 干扰 x 干扰 +Z 噪声 (H) 干扰 x 干扰 +Z 噪声 ) T ∈C P×K .

[0277] In some cases, such as when the first type of identifier indicates a frequency domain resource, the first functional entity can determine, based on this identifier, whether the data signal received on the corresponding frequency domain resource is the first data signal corresponding to the first type of first identifier or the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier. In other examples, the first type of identifier may indicate a terminal identifier or a terminal's layer identifier. In this case, the signal transmitted on a certain frequency domain resource may contain signals from multiple terminals or multiple layers superimposed. The first functional entity cannot directly determine, based on the received data signal, which terminal or which layer of which terminal the data signal is for. Therefore, the above formula uses y 数据 A description is provided. Of course, if the first functional entity can distinguish the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier, the above y... 数据 It can be replaced with the first data corresponding to the second identifier of the first type of y.

[0278] The specific calculation process for Q1 can be found in the description related to Q mentioned above, and will not be repeated in this embodiment. The first functional entity can determine the first equilibrium weight W1 based on Q1, for example, W1 = H. 信道1 H (H 信道1 H 信道1 H +Q1) -1 ∈C K×P The process of determining W1 described above can be based on the WMMSE principle. This first equilibrium weight can also be called the IRC-WMMSE weight.

[0279] Understandably, although the first functional entity cannot directly distinguish the first data signal in the signal stream corresponding to the first identifier of the first type and the second data signal in the signal stream corresponding to the second identifier of the first type from the received data signals in some scenarios, the first functional entity can determine the pilot signal of the corresponding signal stream based on different identifiers, then perform channel estimation based on each pilot signal to obtain the channel matrix information of each signal stream, and then determine the interference noise covariance matrix and equalization weights corresponding to these signal streams based on the channel matrix information of different signal streams or their combination.

[0280] The first functional entity can process the received data signal using a first equalization weight to obtain a first data signal after the first equalization operation. For example, the first data signal after the first equalization operation is denoted as y's first data after the first equalization. Then, y's first data after the first equalization = W1*y 数据 ∈C K×1For example, if the first type of first identifier and the first type of second identifier indicate different frequency domain resource identifiers, and the first data signal corresponding to the first type of first identifier and the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier are two different signals, the first functional entity can calculate W1 based on the first pilot signal corresponding to the first type of first identifier, and the first functional entity can use W1 to process the received first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier. If the first type of first identifier and the first type of second identifier indicate different terminal identifiers or different layer identifiers of a terminal on a certain frequency domain resource, and the first data signal corresponding to the first type of first identifier and the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier are contained in the same data signal, and W1 is jointly calculated by the first functional entity based on the first pilot signal corresponding to the first type of first identifier and the first pilot signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier, then the first functional entity can simultaneously obtain the first data signal corresponding to the first type of first identifier and the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier by performing an equalization operation on the data signal. That is to say, the first data of y after the first equalization can include the data of y after the first equalization of the first type of first identifier and the data of y after the first equalization of the first type of second identifier.

[0281] The first functional entity can process the first pilot signal corresponding to the second identifier of the first type using a first equalization weight to obtain the third pilot signal. The aforementioned second information may include this third pilot signal. For example, the third pilot signal is denoted as y. 第三导频 So, y 第三导频 =W1*y Pilot of type 1, second identifier ∈ C K×1 In some cases, such as when a first-class first identifier and a first-class second identifier indicate different terminal identifiers or different layer identifiers of a terminal on a certain frequency domain resource, the first data signal corresponding to the first-class first identifier and the first data signal corresponding to the first-class second identifier are contained in the same data signal. Considering that the first equalization weight is jointly calculated based on the pilot signals corresponding to the first-class first identifier and the first-class second identifier, the first functional entity can select a portion of the first equalization weight corresponding to the first-class second identifier to process the first pilot signal corresponding to the first-class second identifier. For example, one way to select the portion of the first equalization weight corresponding to the terminal or layer indicated by the first-class second identifier is to select it according to the row vector dimension.

[0282] In this embodiment, the first functional entity can perform a first equalization operation on the first pilot signal corresponding to the second identifier of the first type, and send the obtained third pilot signal to the second functional entity. This enables the second functional entity to perform channel measurement, channel estimation, equalization, and other operations again based on the third pilot signal, thereby achieving more accurate data demodulation for this type of signal stream.

[0283] Accordingly, the second functional entity can receive the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the third pilot signal, the first type of second identifier, and the first type of second identifier after the first equalization operation. For the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the first equalization operation, the second functional entity can perform a second equalization operation again. For example, the second functional entity can determine, based on the first type of second identifier, that a second equalization operation needs to be performed on the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the first equalization operation. Alternatively, the second functional entity can determine, based on the acquired third pilot signal, that a second equalization operation needs to be performed on the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the first equalization operation. The second functional entity can perform channel estimation based on the third pilot signal to obtain third channel matrix information. The second functional entity can determine the fourth equalization weight corresponding to the second equalization operation based on the third channel matrix information. The second functional entity processes the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the first equalization operation according to the fourth equalization weight, i.e., performs the second equalization operation, to obtain the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the second equalization operation.

[0284] For example, considering that the first signal stream corresponding to the first type of second identifier mentioned above may be a signal stream requiring an AI receiver, the second functional entity can use an AI receiver (or an AI iterative receiver) to perform a second equalization operation on the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the first equalization operation. For instance, the second functional entity can be equipped with an AI model, which receives the third pilot signal and the original pilot signal as input to obtain third channel matrix information. This third channel matrix information can indicate the equivalent channel H determined based on the third pilot signal. e’ =W1H 信道1 The second functional entity can be based on this H. e’ Determine the interference noise covariance matrix Q e’ For example, Q e’ =(y, the first data corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the first equalization - H) e’ x 目标 (y is the first data corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the first equalization - H) e’ x 目标 ) T Of course, the specific Q e’ The method for determining this can be referred to the aforementioned Q. e The relevant embodiments have been described, and the embodiments in this application will not be repeated. Also, based on Q... e’ Determine the fifth equilibrium weight, i.e., W5 = H e’ H (H e’ H e’ H +Q e’ )-1 The second functional entity uses W5 to process the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the first equalization operation, that is, to perform the second equalization operation, to obtain the first data signal y corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the second equalization operation. This y corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the second equalization can be equal to W5 * y corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the first equalization.

[0285] In some examples, the second functional entity can also use the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the second equalization operation, and the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the first equalization operation, to adjust the AI ​​model. For example, the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the second equalization operation can be used as a label, and the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the first equalization operation can be used as a sample to calculate a loss function to adjust the parameters in the AI ​​model, thereby improving the accuracy of the AI ​​model in subsequent channel estimation of pilot signals. The specific process of adjusting the AI ​​model parameters can be found in related technologies, and will not be described in detail in the embodiments of this application.

[0286] For example, considering that the first signal stream corresponding to the first type of second identifier mentioned above may be a signal stream with SIC requirements, the second functional entity can use a SIC receiver to perform a second equalization operation on the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the first equalization operation. For instance, the second functional entity can demodulate the signal stream of each terminal sequentially. For example, when the second functional entity demodulates the signal stream of the nth terminal, it can treat the signal streams of the first n-1 terminals as interference and eliminate them. Let the signal streams of the first n-1 terminals be denoted as the interference signal ∑. n∈[1，n-1] y is the first data corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the second equalization, n = ∑ n∈[1，n-1] W 1,n H 信道1,n x n Among them, x n This represents the data signal of the nth signal stream obtained after demodulation by the second functional entity. The second functional entity can eliminate the aforementioned interference signals from the signal stream of the nth terminal, resulting in the interference-free signal stream y. e,n =y e -∑ n∈[1，n-1] W 1,n H 信道1,n x n The y here e This is the data signal superimposed on the signal streams received by the second functional entity from each terminal. e,nThis can be understood as the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the first equalization operation, corresponding to the signal stream of the nth terminal after interference elimination. The second functional entity performs channel estimation based on the pilot signal to obtain the equivalent channel H. e,n =W 1,n H 信道1,n The H e,n This can be considered as the second functional entity determining the equivalent channel for the signal flow of the nth terminal based on the first pilot signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the first equalization operation. The second functional entity can then determine the equivalent channel H based on this equivalent channel. e,n Determine the interference noise covariance matrix Q e,n =(y e,n -H e,n x 目标 )(y e,n -H e,n x 目标 ) T Among them, Q e,n This represents the interference-noise covariance matrix corresponding to the signal flow of the nth terminal after interference cancellation. The second functional entity can determine the fifth equalization weight, W, corresponding to the signal flow of the nth terminal. 5,n =H e,n H (H e,n H e,n H +Q e,n ) -1 The second functional entity is based on this W. 5,n For y e,n The data is processed to obtain the first data signal W corresponding to the second identifier of the first type after the second equalization operation. 5,n *y e,n Similarly, the signal flow of the (n+1)th terminal can also be expressed as x. n =W 5,n *y e,n This is done to eliminate interference signals. The process continues until the second functional entity de-modulates and decodes the constellation to obtain the complete terminal signal stream. In some cases, the aforementioned y... e,n It can also be replaced with y' e,n y represents the third pilot signal after interference is eliminated. e It can also be replaced with y' e This represents the third pilot signal received by the second functional entity. The second functional entity can perform channel estimation based on the interference-free pilot signal to obtain the equivalent channel H. e,n .

[0287] In this embodiment of the application, the second functional entity can also perform a second equalization operation on the signal stream corresponding to the first type of second identifier, so that the second functional entity can process the signal stream with corresponding requirements and improve the processing performance of the uplink signal.

[0288] In some embodiments, after obtaining the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the second equalization operation through one or more of the above methods, the second functional entity can demodulate the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the second equalization operation. However, since the first functional entity does not perform channel measurement for this type of signal stream, the second functional entity can also perform channel measurement based on the third pilot signal. For example, the second functional entity performs channel estimation based on the third pilot signal to obtain a third channel matrix. And performs channel measurement based on the third channel matrix to obtain the corresponding third channel measurement result. The specific implementation process can refer to the aforementioned process of obtaining the first channel measurement result, which will not be repeated in the embodiments of this application. The second functional entity can demodulate the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the second equalization operation based on the third channel measurement result to obtain the corresponding data. The specific implementation can refer to related technologies, which will not be repeated in the present application.

[0289] This application embodiment uses different identifiers to indicate the corresponding operations performed on the signal streams. For example, the signal stream corresponding to the first identifier performs channel measurement operations, and the signal stream corresponding to the second identifier performs equalization operations. This enables dynamic and flexible adjustment of the processing methods for different signal streams, thereby better processing of uplink signals and improving communication performance.

[0290] In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, during the processing of the second signal stream, the dimension of W2 determined by the first functional entity during the generalized pre-equalization process is fixed. The dimension of W2*y is usually fixed as the dimension of the data stream, which can also be considered as the number of terminal layers, and is a static configuration. Although this method reduces the data traffic between the first and second functional entities, it also affects the algorithm performance of the second functional entity based on advanced receivers, such as AI receivers and uplink collaborative processing requirements. If the second functional entity uses an AI receiver, for example, using an AI model to estimate the channel and interference, then the AI ​​model needs to process as much raw information as possible. However, limiting the number of data streams received by the second functional entity will affect the accuracy of AI processing. For example, a 32-layer AI receiver requires the first functional entity to provide signals with at least 48 beam dimensions to achieve a relatively good processing effect.

[0291] Therefore, in some embodiments, considering the need to support dynamic adjustment of the dimension of W1 in order to dynamically adjust the dimension of W1*y, the second type of identifier can be further subdivided into finer-grained categories. For example, the second type of identifier may also include a second type of first identifier and / or a second type of second identifier. For instance, if the first information indicates a second type of first identifier, then the first functional entity and the second functional entity perform the operations related to the second signal flow in the aforementioned embodiments, which will not be repeated in this application. In this case, the second equalization weight can be considered to be related to the number of K beams. Wherein, W2 can be denoted as W 2,K .

[0292] Considering the second equalization weight of the number of K beams indicated by the second type of first identifier, the value of K can be different depending on the communication scenario. Therefore, the method may further include: the second functional entity sending fifth information to the first functional entity. This fifth information can be used to indicate the value of K.

[0293] In some examples, the fifth piece of information and the first piece of information can be carried in the same message. Alternatively, the fifth piece of information and the first piece of information can be carried in different messages, and this embodiment of the application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0294] In other examples, the value of K can also be predefined by the protocol, or a fixed value that is pre-configured, or the value of K can be determined by a certain calculation method. This application embodiment does not limit the method of obtaining the value of K.

[0295] The embodiments of this application can also flexibly adjust the value of K to suit different communication scenarios and improve the system's versatility.

[0296] In some embodiments, if the first information indicates a second type of second identifier, this second type of second identifier can be used to indicate the second equalization weights corresponding to the number of K+M beams. M is a positive integer. That is, for the second signal stream indicated by the second type of second identifier, the dimension of the second equalization weights used by the first functional entity during the generalized pre-equalization process can be the dimension of the number of K+M beams. In some examples, M can also be referred to as the number of newly added beams. In this case, W2 can be denoted as W 2,K+M .

[0297] For example, the first functional entity can determine the second equalization weights corresponding to the number of K+M beams based on the second identifier of the second type, the second pilot signal of the second signal stream, and the third equalization weights. For example, the first functional entity can perform channel estimation based on the second pilot signal of the second signal stream to obtain the second channel matrix information. The first functional entity can then determine the second equalization weights W based on this second channel matrix information and the third equalization weights. DTF Determine the first weight corresponding to the number of K+M beams.

[0298] For example, similar to determining the second equalization weights corresponding to the number of K beams, W can be determined first. 2,K The specific implementation process is as described in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated in this application. For the second equalization weight W corresponding to K+M beams... 2,K+M The W 2,K+M =[W 2,K W DTF ] = [H H Q -1 W DTF ]∈C (K+M)×P The W DTF It can be constructed from the basis of the discrete Fourier transform (DFT). For example, in, This forms the basis of the DFT. The second equalization weights corresponding to these K+M beams can also be called the characteristic beam-DFT transform weights.

[0299] This application provides a method for determining the second equalization weight of K+M beams, so that the first functional entity can obtain a suitable second equalization weight based on the second type of identifier to meet the service requirements of the first signal stream.

[0300] It can be assumed that the first functional entity can obtain the second equalization weight corresponding to different beam numbers based on different second-type identifiers.

[0301] In other examples, the second type of identifier may include more possible identifiers, such as a second type third identifier, a second type fourth identifier, etc. Different second type identifiers can correspond to the second equalization weights corresponding to any other possible number of beams. The specific types of second type identifiers, and the number of beams corresponding to the second equalization weights indicated by each second type identifier, can be adaptively adjusted according to the actual situation, and this application embodiment does not limit them here.

[0302] This application embodiment can use different second-type identifiers to instruct the first functional entity to generate second equalization weights with different beam count dimensions, thereby enabling flexible adjustment of the uplink signal processing dimension for different signal streams. This better meets the service requirements of different signal streams and improves communication performance.

[0303] In some examples, considering the second equalization weight of the K+M beams indicated by the second identifier of the second type, the value of K and / or the value of M can be different depending on the communication scenario. Therefore, the method may further include: the second functional entity sending sixth information to the first functional entity. This sixth information can be used to indicate the value of K and / or the value of M.

[0304] In some examples, the sixth piece of information and the first piece of information can be carried in the same message. Alternatively, the sixth piece of information and the first piece of information can be carried in different messages, and this embodiment of the application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0305] In other examples, the values ​​of K and / or M can be predefined by the protocol, or be a pre-configured fixed value, or the values ​​of K and / or M can be determined by a certain calculation method. This application does not limit the method for obtaining the values ​​of K and / or M.

[0306] The embodiments of this application can also flexibly adjust the value of K and / or the value of M to suit different communication scenarios and improve the system's versatility.

[0307] In some instances, where the first information indicates a second type of second identifier, then the beam signal obtained by the aforementioned embodiments regarding the first functional entity can be considered as y 波束 =W 1,K+M *y 数据 .

[0308] In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, the first functional entity can also send information indicating the aforementioned identifier, such as the seventh information, to the second functional entity. Correspondingly, the second functional entity receives the seventh information from the first functional entity. The fourth and seventh information can be carried in the same message and sent from the first functional entity to the second functional entity. In other examples, the fourth and seventh information can also be carried in different messages, which is not limited in this application embodiment.

[0309] In some examples, the seventh information may include the aforementioned first-class identifier and / or second-class identifier. Alternatively, the seventh information may include one or more of the aforementioned first-class identifier first identifier, first-class identifier second identifier, second-class identifier first identifier, and second-class identifier second identifier.

[0310] In this embodiment, the first functional entity can also inform the second functional entity of the identifier of the corresponding signal stream, so as to ensure that the second functional entity processes the data signal according to the identifier and uses the operation corresponding to the identifier, thereby improving communication performance.

[0311] In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, considering that some of the first signal streams may have UL CoMP requirements, the second functional entity can communicate with one or more first functional entities. Therefore, the second functional entity receiving the fourth information may further include: the second functional entity receiving fourth information from L first functional entities. For example, L is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0312] In some embodiments, it is assumed that there are L first functional entities and 1 second functional entity. The second functional entity can receive fourth information from the L first functional entities. This fourth information may include second information or third information.

[0313] When the first information indicates a first type of second identifier, the second functional entity can perform joint processing based on this second information. The following explanation will take the example where each of the L pieces of fourth information includes second information.

[0314] For example, the second functional entity can concatenate L signals passed through the third pilot signal and perform channel estimation to obtain the first joint channel matrix information. For example, the equivalent matrix indicated by the first joint channel matrix information can be denoted as... It should be noted that in this embodiment, "W" 1,L H 信道1,L "W" in the aforementioned embodiments 1,n H 信道1,n The difference lies in the fact that in "W" 1,L H 信道1,L The subscript L in “” indicates different first functional entities, while in “W” 1,n H 信道1,n The subscript 'n' in the string indicates the signal flow of different terminals within the same functional entity scenario. The second functional entity can be based on this H. 联合 Determine the first joint equilibrium weights corresponding to the second equilibrium operation, for example, based on H. 联合 Determine the interference noise covariance matrix Q 联合 =(y 拼接 -H 联合 x' 目标 )(y 拼接 -H 联合 x' 目标 ) T ∈C KL×KL Where, x' 目标 This can be understood as x corresponding to L first functional entities respectively. 目标 The superimposed signal. y 拼接 This can represent the signal obtained by splicing L second data signals that have undergone the first equalization operation. 拼接 This can also be understood as the signal obtained by splicing together the L signals received by the second functional entity. Of course, specifically Q... 联合 The method for determining this can be referred to the description in the foregoing related embodiments, and will not be repeated in the embodiments of this application. And according to Q... 联合 The first joint equilibrium weights can be determined as W. 联合 =H 联合 H (H联合 H 联合 H +Q 联合 ) -1 ∈C K×KL The second functional entity can adopt this W. 联合 Processing y 拼接 , obtain W 联合 *y 拼接 ∈C K×1 The W 联合 *y 拼接 This can be considered as the first data signal corresponding to the first type of second identifier after the K-stream undergoes the second equalization operation. In some examples, Where, x 目标，l Z represents the signal sent by the l-th terminal to the first functional entity, where l is a positive integer from 1 to L. l This represents the noise during the communication process between the l-th terminal and the first functional entity.

[0315] The second functional entity in this application embodiment can also perform joint operations on multiple second information, enabling more accurate uplink signal processing for signal streams that meet UL CoMP requirements, thereby improving uplink processing capability and efficiency.

[0316] When the first information indicates a second type of second identifier, the second functional entity can perform joint processing based on this third information. The following explanation will take the example where each of the L pieces of fourth information includes the third information.

[0317] For example, some beam signals can have K+M beams. For such beam signals, the second functional entity can perform joint processing, such as joint channel estimation and joint equalization after splicing these beam signals. The following explanation will use an example where each of the L fourth pieces of information includes third information.

[0318] For example, the second functional entity can stitch together L beam signals. Of course, the L first functional entities can also transmit a fourth pilot signal or fourth channel matrix information. Therefore, the second functional entity can also obtain the equivalent matrix corresponding to the L first functional entities, i.e., the second joint channel matrix information. For example, the equivalent matrix indicated by the second joint channel matrix information can be denoted as... The second functional entity can be based on this H 联合’ Determine the second joint equilibrium weights corresponding to the second equilibrium operation, for example, based on H. 联合’ Determine the interference noise covariance matrix Q 联合’ =(y' 波束 -H 联合’ x'目标 )(y' 波束 -H 联合’ x' 目标 ) T ∈C (K+M)L×(K+M)L Among them, y' 波束 This is represented as the beam signal after stitching together L beam signals. Of course, the specific Q... 联合’ The method for determining this can be referred to the description in the foregoing related embodiments, and will not be repeated in the embodiments of this application. And according to Q... 联合’ The second joint equilibrium weights can be determined as W. 联合’ =H 联合’ H (H 联合’ H 联合’ H +Q 联合’ ) -1 ∈C K×(K+M)L The second functional entity can adopt this W. 联合’ Process y' 波束 , obtain W 联合 *y' 波束 ∈C K×1 The W 联合’ *y' 波束 This can be considered as a K-stream data signal. In some examples,

[0319] The second functional entity in this application embodiment can also perform joint operation of multiple beam signals, which can achieve more accurate uplink signal processing for signal streams that meet UL CoMP requirements, thereby improving uplink processing capability and efficiency.

[0320] In some examples, assume there are L first functional entities and 1 second functional entity. There may be signal streams with UL CoMP requirements processed by U of the L first functional entities. In the above example, during the joint processing of second or third information by the second functional entity, L can be replaced by U, which will not be elaborated further in this application. For example, U can be a positive integer less than L and greater than 1.

[0321] The second functional entity in this application embodiment can also receive fourth information sent by multiple first functional entities, so as to perform uplink joint processing based on multiple fourth information and improve the performance of uplink communication.

[0322] The above solution will now be described in conjunction with more specific embodiments.

[0323] Referring to Figure 17, which illustrates another uplink communication processing procedure, taking the first functional entity as RU and the second functional entity as DU as an example, the RU and DU dynamically perform different equalization operations according to the identifier, such as using the first equalization weight and the second equalization weight respectively. The first equalization weight can be an IRC weight based on WMMSE, and the second equalization weight can be a weight based on characteristic beam / characteristic domain transformation. The DU can schedule the identifiers corresponding to different signal streams according to TTI scheduling or time slot scheduling, so as to dynamically perform the corresponding equalization operations as needed.

[0324] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0325] This communication process is applicable to, but not limited to, the communication scenarios shown in Figures 1, 9, and 10, and is also applicable to the architecture shown in Figure 17. This method can be applied to LTE, LTE FDD systems, LTE TDD, 5G systems, or NR systems, subsequent evolving communication systems (such as future communication systems), V2X (where V2X can include V2N, V2V, V2I, V2P, etc.), LTE-V, vehicle-to-everything (V2X), MTC, IoT, long-term evolution-machine, LTE-M, M2M, D2D, and other wireless communication scenarios. In this embodiment, the first functional entity is RU and the second functional entity is DU. In other examples, the first functional entity can also be O-RU, DU, or O-DU, and the second functional entity can also be O-DU, CU, O-CU, or RNA, etc. This embodiment does not limit the specific functional entity. Compared to the method shown in Figure 11, Figure 18 shows a more detailed execution process, which may include the following steps:

[0326] S201, DU sends the first message to RU. Correspondingly, RU receives the first message from DU.

[0327] In some examples, the DU determines a first-type identifier and / or a second-type identifier based on the time-frequency resources and user information scheduled by the UL. The user information can be terminal-related information, service flow-related information, etc., which are not limited in this embodiment. The DU then notifies the RU of this first information. The aforementioned first-type identifier can be used to distinguish a first signal flow that requires a first-type operation, and the second-type identifier can be used to distinguish a second signal flow that requires a second-type operation. This allows the DU or RU to perform either the first-type operation or the second-type operation on the signal flows corresponding to different identifiers.

[0328] The aforementioned Class I and / or Class II identifiers can be collectively referred to as identifiers. For example, an identifier can be any of the following:

[0329] Option 1: Frequency domain resource identifier of type 1 and / or frequency domain resource identifier of type 2. See Figure 13 for reference.

[0330] Option 2: UE identifier of type 1 and / or UE identifier of type 2. See Figure 14 for reference.

[0331] Option 3: Frequency domain resource identifier and UE identifier of type 1; and / or, frequency domain resource identifier and UE identifier of type 2. See Figure 15 for reference.

[0332] Option 4: Frequency domain resource identifier, UE identifier, and strat identifier of type 1; and / or, frequency domain resource identifier, UE identifier, and strat identifier of type 2.

[0333] For example, the granularity of the aforementioned frequency domain resources can be RE, REG, RB, or RBG granularity, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0334] In some examples, the first message can be sent in every TTI or every time slot. The first message can also be sent periodically at other fixed time intervals; or, the first message can be sent with a semi-static configuration, that is, the configuration remains unchanged each time it is sent until the next time it is sent; or, the first message can be a one-time static configuration, that is, the configuration is sent only once and remains unchanged.

[0335] It is understood that S201 is similar to S101, and will not be described again in the embodiments of this application.

[0336] The processing procedures for the first signal stream and the processing procedures for the second signal stream will be described separately below.

[0337] For the first signal stream:

[0338] S202, RU performs a first type of operation on the first pilot signal according to the first type of identifier to obtain the first equalization weight.

[0339] S203, RU processes the first data signal using the first equalization weight to obtain the second information.

[0340] Understandably, for the first data signal, the RU still performs channel estimation and equalization operations to obtain the first equalization weight. The RU processes the first data signal according to the first equalization weight to obtain the first data signal after the first equalization operation.

[0341] For the first pilot signal, the RU does not perform the first equalization operation on it. The RU also does not send the first pilot signal to the DU. Naturally, since the first equalization operation is not performed on the first pilot signal, there is no third pilot signal, and the RU will not send it.

[0342] In some examples, the RU performs channel measurements based on the first pilot signal to obtain a first channel measurement result. For example, the first channel measurement result may include the SINR corresponding to each signal stream. This first channel measurement result can be used in the likelihood decision operation during the deconstellation modulation process, so that the subsequent DU can directly use the first channel measurement result to perform deconstellation modulation on the received first data signal after the first equalization operation.

[0343] Optionally, the RU can use both pre-pilot and post-pilot signals to perform channel estimation to improve the accuracy of channel estimation.

[0344] It is understood that S202-203 is similar to S102-103, and will not be described again in the embodiments of this application.

[0345] S204, RU sends the second information to DU. Correspondingly, DU receives the second information from RU.

[0346] For example, the second information may include the first data signal after the first equalization operation and the first channel measurement result. Optionally, the second information may also include a first type of identifier. The first data signal after the first equalization operation, the first type of identifier, and the first channel measurement result may be carried in the same information, or in different information, or partially carried in the same information; this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0347] For example, the first channel measurement result can be associated with the first type of identifier.

[0348] It is understood that S204 is similar to S106, and will not be described again in the embodiments of this application.

[0349] S205, DU demodulates the first data signal after the first equalization operation based on the first channel measurement result to obtain the data corresponding to the first signal stream.

[0350] For example, DU can directly use the first channel measurement results to perform deconstellation modulation on the first data stream signal after the first equalization operation based on the first type of identifier to obtain the corresponding data.

[0351] For the second signal stream:

[0352] S206, RU performs a second type of operation on the second pilot signal according to the second type of identifier to obtain the second equalization weight.

[0353] For the second signal stream, the RU can perform channel estimation using the received second pilot signal, and use the channel estimation result to calculate a first weight corresponding to the number of K beams for generalized pre-equalization. The RU processes the received signal using the second equalization weight corresponding to the number of K beams to obtain K beam signals. For example, K can be equal to the total number of layers (or total number of streams) scheduled on the UL frequency domain resource. The specific process of determining the second equalization weight corresponding to the number of K beams can be referred to the description of the foregoing related embodiments, and will not be repeated in the embodiments of this application.

[0354] It is understood that S206 is similar to S104, and will not be described again in the embodiments of this application.

[0355] S207, RU uses the second equalization weight to process the second data signal and obtain the third information.

[0356] It is understood that S207 is similar to S105, and will not be described again in the embodiments of this application.

[0357] S208, RU sends third information to DU. Correspondingly, DU receives the third information from RU.

[0358] For example, the RU sends the beam signals (including data signals and / or pilot signals) of K beam count dimensions obtained from generalized pre-equalization processing on each scheduled UL frequency domain resource to the DU. Optionally, a second type of identifier may also be carried.

[0359] It is understood that S208 is similar to S106, and will not be described again in the embodiments of this application.

[0360] S209, DU performs IRC-based equalization on the beam signal of the second signal stream to obtain the data of the second signal stream.

[0361] For example, the DU can perform channel estimation on pilot signals of K beam dimensions according to the second type of identifier and in an IRC manner. It then uses the channel estimation results to calculate the fourth equalization weight. For instance, IRC processing can be performed according to the WMMSE principle. The DU uses the fourth equalization weight to perform equalization on the beam signals of K beam dimensions, obtaining the equalized second signal stream data signal. The DU can then perform subsequent de-constellation modulation, decoding, and other operations on the equalized second signal stream data signal; specific implementation details can be found in relevant technologies, which will not be elaborated upon in this application's embodiments.

[0362] The specific process of determining the second equilibrium weight according to the IRC method can be referred to the description of the aforementioned related embodiments, and will not be repeated in the embodiments of this application.

[0363] In this embodiment, the DU can dynamically control the RU to perform two types of pre-equalization methods. At a finer-grained time-frequency resource dimension, the RU can flexibly and dynamically use equalization-type beamforming and unequalization-type beamforming based on DMRS, which can more flexibly balance the UL receiving performance, RU processing complexity and subsequent DU processing complexity.

[0364] Referring to Figure 19, another uplink communication processing diagram is shown. It is similar to Figure 17, except that two new identifiers are added to the basis of Figure 17. Therefore, different uplink signal processing procedures can be executed for the newly added identifiers RU and DU.

[0365] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0366] This communication process is applicable to, but not limited to, the communication scenarios shown in Figures 1, 9, and 10, and is suitable for the architecture shown in Figure 19. This method can be applied to LTE, LTE FDD systems, LTE TDD, 5G systems, or NR systems, future communication systems (such as future communication systems), V2X (where V2X can include V2N, V2V, V2I, V2P, etc.), LTE-V, vehicle-to-everything (V2X), MTC, IoT, long-term evolution-machine, LTE-M, M2M, D2D, and other wireless communication scenarios. In this embodiment, the first functional entity is RU and the second functional entity is DU. In other examples, the first functional entity can also be O-RU, DU, or O-DU, and the second functional entity can also be O-DU, CU, O-CU, or RNA, etc. This embodiment does not limit the specific functional entity. Compared to the method shown in Figure 11, Figure 20 shows a more detailed execution process, which may include the following steps:

[0367] S301, DU sends the first message to RU. Correspondingly, RU receives the first message from DU.

[0368] It is understood that S301 is similar to S101 and S201, and will not be described again in the embodiments of this application.

[0369] The processing procedures for the signal streams corresponding to different identifiers will be described below.

[0370] For signal flow A (i.e., the signal flow corresponding to the first identifier of the first type):

[0371] S302, RU performs a first type of operation on the pilot signal of signal stream A according to the first type of first identifier, and obtains the first equalization weight corresponding to signal stream A.

[0372] S303, RU uses the first equalization weight corresponding to signal stream A to process the data signal of signal stream A and obtain the second information corresponding to signal stream A.

[0373] S304, RU sends the second information corresponding to signal stream A to DU. Correspondingly, DU receives the second information corresponding to signal stream A from RU.

[0374] S305, DU demodulates the data signal of signal stream A after the first equalization operation based on the first channel measurement result to obtain the data corresponding to signal stream A.

[0375] It is understood that S302-S305 are similar to S202-S205, and will not be described again in the embodiments of this application.

[0376] For signal stream B (i.e., the signal stream corresponding to the second identifier of the first type):

[0377] S306, RU performs a first type of operation on the pilot signal of signal stream B according to the first type of second identifier to obtain the first equalization weight corresponding to signal stream B.

[0378] S307, RU processes the data signal of signal stream B using the first equalization weight corresponding to signal stream B to obtain the second information corresponding to signal stream B.

[0379] For example, the RU can perform a first equalization operation on the pilot signal of signal stream B. The process of performing the first equalization operation on the pilot signal of signal stream B is the same as the process of performing the first equalization operation on the data signal of signal stream B. In this scenario, the RU may not perform channel measurement on the pilot signal of signal stream B, and therefore the RU will not subsequently send the corresponding channel measurement results to the DU.

[0380] Optionally, the RU can perform channel estimation using a pre-pilot signal instead of a post-pilot signal. This avoids the RU collecting all the post-pilot signals before performing channel estimation, which would result in excessively long processing times. Furthermore, it ensures that the DU can acquire the second pilot signal transmitted by the RU after the first equalization operation as quickly as possible.

[0381] In some cases, if the first information includes both a first-type first identifier indicating signal flow A and a first-type second identifier indicating signal flow B, the RU can perform joint detection processing on signal flow A and signal flow B to improve the channel estimation accuracy and interference suppression effect of signal flow B.

[0382] For example, RU can first process the received data signal y 接收信号 Perform the first equalization operation to obtain the channel estimation information H corresponding to signal stream A. 信号流A and x 信号流AThe RU can use the first data stream as an interference signal, such as reconstructing the interference signal H. 信号流A x 信号流A The RU can remove the interference signal from the received signal to obtain the interference-free data signal y. 接收信号 -H 信号流A x 信号流A The RU can perform the first equalization operation again on the data signal after interference elimination, obtaining the data signal of signal stream B after the first equalization operation. This increases the accuracy of the equalization processing of signal stream B and obtains the joint detection gain.

[0383] S308, RU sends the second information corresponding to signal stream B to DU. Correspondingly, DU receives the second information corresponding to signal stream B from RU.

[0384] For example, the second information may include the data signal of signal stream B after the first equalization operation and the pilot signal of signal stream B after the first equalization operation. Optionally, the second information may also include a first type of second identifier. The data signal of signal stream B after the first equalization operation, the first type of second identifier, and the pilot signal of signal stream B after the first equalization operation may be carried in the same information, or in different information, or partially carried in the same information. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0385] For example, the second pilot signal after the first equalization operation can be associated with the second identifier of the first type.

[0386] S309, DU determines the fifth equalization weight corresponding to the second equalization operation based on the third channel matrix information.

[0387] S310, DU determines the data signal of the signal stream B after the second equalization operation based on the fifth equalization weight and the data signal of the signal stream B after the first equalization operation.

[0388] S311, DU demodulates the data signal of signal stream B after the second equalization operation based on the third channel measurement results to obtain the data corresponding to signal stream B.

[0389] For example, the DU can perform channel estimation on the pilot signal of the signal stream B after the first equalization operation based on the first type of second identifier, and perform a second equalization operation on the data signal of the signal stream B after the first equalization operation to obtain the data signal of the signal stream B after the second equalization operation. During this process, the DU can determine a third channel measurement result based on the pilot signal of the signal stream B after the first equalization operation. The DU can then use this third channel measurement result to perform deconstellation modulation on the data signal of the signal stream B after the second equalization operation.

[0390] In some examples, during the second equalization operation of DU, advanced receiving algorithms based on SIC or iterative receiving algorithms based on AI can be used. For details, please refer to the description of the relevant embodiments above. The embodiments in this application will not be repeated here.

[0391] For signal stream C (i.e., the signal stream corresponding to the first identifier of the second type):

[0392] S312, RU determines the second equalization weight corresponding to the number of K beams based on the second type of first identifier and the pilot signal of signal stream C.

[0393] S313, RU uses the second equalization weight corresponding to the number of K beams to process the data signal of signal stream C and obtain the third information corresponding to signal stream C.

[0394] S314, RU sends the third information corresponding to signal stream C to DU. Correspondingly, DU receives the third information corresponding to signal stream C from RU.

[0395] S315, DU performs IRC-based equalization on the beam signal of signal stream C to obtain the data of signal stream C.

[0396] It is understood that S312-S315 are similar to S206-S209, and will not be described again in the embodiments of this application.

[0397] For signal stream D (i.e., the signal stream corresponding to the second identifier of the second type):

[0398] S316, RU determines the second equalization weight corresponding to the number of K+M beams based on the second identifier of the second type and the pilot signal of the signal stream D.

[0399] The RU can perform channel estimation using the pilot signal of signal stream D, and use the channel estimation result to calculate a second equalization weight corresponding to the number of K+M beams for generalized pre-equalization. The RU processes the received signal (including data signals and / or pilot signals) using this second equalization weight corresponding to the number of K+M beams to obtain a beam signal of K+M beams. The specific process of determining the second equalization weight corresponding to the number of K+M beams can be referred to the description of the foregoing related embodiments, and will not be repeated in this application.

[0400] S317, RU uses the second equalization weight corresponding to the number of K+M beams to process the data signal of signal stream D and obtain the third information corresponding to signal stream D.

[0401] S318, RU sends the third information corresponding to signal stream D to DU. Correspondingly, DU receives the third information corresponding to signal stream D from RU.

[0402] For example, the RU sends the beam signals (including data signals and / or pilot signals) of K+M beam dimensions obtained from the generalized pre-equalization processing on each scheduled UL frequency domain resource to the DU. Optionally, it may also carry a second type of second identifier.

[0403] S319, DU performs AI-based iterative equalization on the beam signal of signal stream D to obtain the data of signal stream D.

[0404] For example, DU can perform AI-based iterative channel estimation and equalization processing on beam signals (including data signals and / or pilot signals) with K+M beam number dimensions based on the second type of second identifier.

[0405] The specific process of determining the data of signal stream D using an AI-based iterative approach can be found in the descriptions of the foregoing related embodiments, and will not be repeated in this application. It is understood that the adjustments to the AI ​​model mentioned in the foregoing embodiments can be considered as an AI iterative process.

[0406] During the signal processing described above, the beam signal transmitted by the RU (i.e., the first functional entity) is still subject to inter-stream interference and channel fading. Therefore, it cannot be considered as a multi-stream constellation symbol to be demodulated. In this case, the DU (i.e., the second functional entity) still needs to perform equalization on the beam signal for subsequent demodulation.

[0407] It is understood that the specific implementation process of S301-S319 can be referred to the description of the aforementioned related embodiments, and will not be repeated in the embodiments of this application.

[0408] In this embodiment, the method of DU dynamically controlling RU to perform two types of operations with finer granularity in two types of pre-equalization allows RU to flexibly and dynamically use the first type of processing and the second type of processing based on DMRS, as well as the first type of processing and the second type of processing based on DMRS, in the more granular time-frequency resource dimension. This can more flexibly meet the processing requirements of UL advanced receiving algorithms based on SIC and AI, as well as the processing complexity of DU-RU.

[0409] It is understood that the processing procedures for different signal streams are independent of each other, and whether a corresponding step is executed depends on the existence of the corresponding signal stream. Therefore, there is no specific order of steps between the signal streams, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0410] Referring to Figure 21, another uplink communication processing diagram is shown, similar to Figures 17 and 19, except that multiple RUs are involved. That is, this communication architecture includes one DU and L RUs. This scenario considers a cooperative communication architecture with multiple cooperating RUs and one DU, which can dynamically execute first-type operations, second-type operations, and DU joint equalization operations according to identifiers. For example, multiple CoMP receiving RUs dynamically execute different operations based on the first information sent by the DU. The DU dynamically performs joint equalization operations on the signals output by multiple cooperating RUs to enhance uplink reception performance.

[0411] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0412] This communication process is applicable to, but not limited to, the communication scenarios shown in Figures 1, 10, and 11, as well as the architecture shown in Figure 21. This method can be applied to LTE, LTE FDD systems, LTE TDD, 5G systems, or NR systems, future communication systems (such as future communication systems), V2X (where V2X can include V2N, V2V, V2I, V2P, etc.), LTE-V, vehicle-to-everything (V2X), MTC, IoT, long-term evolution-machine, LTE-M, M2M, D2D, and other wireless communication scenarios. In this embodiment, the first functional entity is RU and the second functional entity is DU. In other examples, the first functional entity can also be O-RU, DU, or O-DU, and the second functional entity can also be O-DU, CU, or O-CU, etc. This embodiment does not limit the specific functional entity. Compared to the method shown in Figure 11, Figure 22 shows a more detailed execution process, which may include the following steps:

[0413] S401, the DU sends the first information to L RUs. Correspondingly, each of the L RUs receives the first information from the DU.

[0414] For example, the first type of second identifier and / or the second type of second identifier can remain the same; the first type of first identifier and the second type of first identifier can be unrestricted, for example, depending on the actual UL scheduling situation of each RU in this cell.

[0415] It is understood that S401 is similar to S101, S201, and S301, and will not be described again in the embodiments of this application.

[0416] The processing procedures for the signal streams corresponding to different identifiers will be described below.

[0417] For signal flow A (i.e., the signal flow corresponding to the first identifier of the first type):

[0418] S402, each of the L RUs performs a first type of operation on the pilot signal of signal stream A according to the first type of first identifier, and obtains the first equalization weight corresponding to signal stream A.

[0419] S403, each of the L RUs processes the data signal of signal stream A using the first equalization weight corresponding to signal stream A, and obtains the second information corresponding to signal stream A.

[0420] S404, each of the L RUs sends the second information corresponding to signal stream A to the DU. Correspondingly, the DU receives the second information corresponding to signal stream A from the L RUs.

[0421] S405, for each signal stream A, DU demodulates the data signal of the signal stream A after the first equalization operation according to the first channel measurement result to obtain the data corresponding to the signal stream A.

[0422] It is understood that S402-S405 are similar to S202-S205 and S302-S305, and will not be described again in the embodiments of this application.

[0423] For signal stream B (i.e., the signal stream corresponding to the second identifier of the first type):

[0424] S406, each of the L RUs performs a first type of operation on the pilot signal of signal stream B according to the first type of second identifier, and obtains the first equalization weight corresponding to signal stream B.

[0425] S407, each of the L RUs processes the data signal of signal stream B using the first equalization weight corresponding to signal stream B, and obtains the second information corresponding to signal stream B.

[0426] S408, each of the L RUs sends the second information corresponding to signal stream B to the DU. Correspondingly, the DU receives the second information corresponding to signal stream B from the L RUs.

[0427] It is understood that S406-S408 are similar to S306-S308, and will not be described again in the embodiments of this application.

[0428] S409, DU determines the first joint equalization weights corresponding to the second equalization operation based on the first joint channel matrix information.

[0429] S410, DU uses the first joint equalization weight to process the data signals of L signal streams B that have undergone the first equalization operation, and determines the data signals of multiple signal streams B that have undergone the second equalization operation.

[0430] For example, the DU can perform joint channel estimation and joint equalization based on the third information corresponding to the signal stream B sent by L RUs. For example, the DU can splice the received data signals of the L signal streams B that have undergone the first equalization operation, and perform joint channel estimation and joint equalization on the spliced ​​signal.

[0431] It is understood that the implementation process of S409-S410 can refer to the aforementioned related embodiments on the signal flow of the first type of second identifier and the joint processing of signals sent by multiple first functional entities by the second functional entity. The embodiments of this application will not be repeated here.

[0432] For signal stream C (i.e., the signal stream corresponding to the first identifier of the second type):

[0433] S411, each of the L RUs determines the second equalization weight corresponding to the number of K beams based on the second type of first identifier and the pilot signal of signal stream C.

[0434] S412, each of the L RUs processes the data signal of the signal stream C using the second equalization weight corresponding to the number of K beams, and obtains the third information corresponding to the signal stream C.

[0435] S413, each of the L RUs sends the third information corresponding to signal stream C to the DU. Correspondingly, the DU receives the third information corresponding to signal stream C from the L RUs.

[0436] S414,DU performs IRC-based equalization on the beam signal of signal stream C to obtain the data of signal stream C.

[0437] It is understood that S411-S414 are similar to S312-S315 and S206-S209, and will not be described again in the embodiments of this application.

[0438] For signal stream D (i.e., the signal stream corresponding to the second identifier of the second type):

[0439] S415, each of the L RUs determines the second equalization weight corresponding to the number of K+M beams based on the second identifier of the second type and the pilot signal of the signal stream D.

[0440] S416, each of the L RUs uses the second equalization weight corresponding to the number of K+M beams to process the data signal of signal stream D, and obtains the third information corresponding to signal stream D.

[0441] S417, each of the L RUs sends the third information corresponding to signal stream D to the DU. Correspondingly, the DU receives the third information corresponding to signal stream D from the L RUs.

[0442] It is understood that S415-S417 are similar to S316-S318, and will not be described again in the embodiments of this application.

[0443] S418, DU performs joint equalization on the beam signals of L signal streams D to obtain data of the multi-stream signal stream D.

[0444] For example, the DU can perform joint channel estimation and joint equalization on the beam signals of the signal stream D output by L RUs based on L second-class second identifiers. Specifically, the RU can splice the received beam signals of the signal stream D output by the L RUs, and perform joint channel estimation and joint equalization on the spliced ​​beam signal of the signal stream D. The specific implementation process can refer to the aforementioned embodiments related to the joint processing of beam signals sent by multiple first functional entities for signal streams with second-class second identifiers, which will not be repeated in the embodiments of this application.

[0445] This application provides a more granular approach to processing multiple RUs by dynamically executing two types of pre-equalization operations based on the scheduling results of the DU. The DU flexibly performs joint post-equalization on signals generated by multiple cooperating RUs. By dynamically adjusting the pre-equalization processing type used by the RUs at the more granular time-frequency resource level, the high UL reception performance brought by multi-RU cooperative service terminals and the DU-RU processing complexity can be finely balanced.

[0446] In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, for the scenario where the aforementioned first type of identifier includes a first type of first identifier and a first type of second identifier, the first functional entity (such as RU) can perform uplink processing on the first signal stream corresponding to the first type of first identifier and the first signal stream corresponding to the first type of second identifier respectively according to time windows of different lengths. Taking the identifier as a frequency domain resource identifier as an example, assuming that the first type of first identifier indicates the signal stream 11 corresponding to frequency domain resource 1, and the first type of second identifier indicates the signal stream 12 corresponding to frequency domain resource 2. Taking the first functional entity as RU and the second functional entity as DU as an example, referring to FIG23, for example, RU receives a signal stream in time slot f, and the signal stream may include signal stream 11 and signal stream 12.

[0447] For signal stream 11 corresponding to the first identifier of the first type, the RU is scheduled to perform DMRS channel estimation, equalization, and other operations. The RU can process signal stream 11 according to time windows at the time slot level. For example, if the RU receives all signals on 14 symbols within a time window of one time slot length, the RU obtains all data signals on frequency domain resource 1 after equalization (for example, it may include data from different terminals or different layers of different terminals). The RU then transmits all the data signals on frequency domain resource 1 to the DU.

[0448] In this scenario, it's understandable that the RU waits for a time window of one time slot length, primarily to receive all the pre-pilot and post-pilot signals. This allows the RU to use all the pilot signals to perform channel estimation and, based on the channel estimation result, perform equalization on all data signals. This improves the accuracy of the RU's channel estimation and equalization.

[0449] For signal stream 12 corresponding to the second identifier of the first type, the DU is also scheduled to perform DMRS channel estimation, equalization, and other operations. The RU can then process the second signal stream according to symbol-level time windows. For example, the RU can process the signal on each symbol and send the equalized signal to the DU. For the DU, signal processing is still performed according to time slot-level time windows. For example, if the DU receives the equalized signals from 14 symbols within the same time slot, it will then perform channel estimation, equalization, and other operations on subsequent DUs together.

[0450] Understandably, once the RU receives the pre-pilot signal, it can begin performing channel estimation using that pre-pilot signal and then pre-equalizing each received data signal based on the channel estimation result. This speeds up the channel estimation and equalization processing on the RU side. Meanwhile, the DU waits to receive all the RU-equalized pre-pilot and post-pilot signals, then uses all the RU-equalized pilot signals to perform channel estimation and equalizes all data signals based on the channel estimation result. This improves the accuracy of the DU's channel estimation and equalization.

[0451] In this embodiment, the RU can process the signal streams corresponding to different identifiers according to time windows of different lengths. This enables the pooling of computing resources for each functional entity and achieves dynamic load balancing.

[0452] In the embodiments described in Figures 11 to 23, the information exchanged between the DU and RU can also be carried in separate control plane signaling (such as RAN control plane messages) or separate management plane signaling (such as RAN management plane messages).

[0453] For scenarios involving the signal stream corresponding to the first type of identifier:

[0454] The UL communication function partitioning architecture applied in the embodiments of this application can also be extended to a scenario where equalization (including DMRS channel estimation) is performed on one of the first and second functional entities, and different data streams are indicated by an identifier to perform equalization (including DMRS channel estimation) on the first or second functional entity.

[0455] In this embodiment, the first functional entity and the second functional entity can periodically send the latest or historical channel estimation information to each other. Alternatively, the first functional entity can periodically send channel measurement results to the second functional entity. For example, the aforementioned channel estimation information or channel measurement results can be sent at the frequency domain resource granularity (RE level), UE, or UE layer granularity. The first and second functional entities can also update the channel estimation information or channel measurement results stored and maintained locally. During the equalization process (or the de-constellation modulation process) performed by the first and second functional entities, the first and second functional entities (or the second functional entity) can combine the current DMRS channel estimation information and the locally updated historical channel estimation information to improve the accuracy of UL reception processing. It is understood that the channel estimation information can also be called channel estimation state parameters, and the channel measurement results can also be called channel measurement state parameters.

[0456] Within each cycle (which can be TTI level, slot level, or a longer cycle), the RU can send to the DU one or more of the following: the latest channel estimation information corresponding to the first identifier of the first type, the historical channel estimation information corresponding to the first identifier of the first type, the latest channel measurement result corresponding to the first identifier of the first type, the historical channel measurement result corresponding to the first identifier of the first type, the latest channel estimation information corresponding to the second identifier of the first type, the historical channel estimation information corresponding to the second identifier of the first type, the latest channel measurement result corresponding to the second identifier of the first type, and the historical channel measurement result corresponding to the second identifier of the first type. For example, the RU sends one or more of the above information in or after step S106. Referring to Figure 24, for example, in or after the aforementioned S106, the RU can send one or more of the above information to the DU. Accordingly, the DU can update and maintain the one or more received information. It is understood that some communication protocol functional modules are omitted in Figure 24, but this does not mean that other communication protocol functional modules are not included. The specific communication protocol functional modules that may be included can be referred to the aforementioned related embodiments, and will not be repeated in the embodiments of this application.

[0457] Similarly, when the DU also performs equalization operations, the DU can send one or more of the following to the RU: the latest channel estimation information corresponding to the first identifier of the first type, the historical channel estimation information corresponding to the first identifier of the first type, the latest channel estimation information corresponding to the second identifier of the first type, and the historical channel estimation information corresponding to the second identifier of the first type. Considering that the RU does not need to demodulate the data signal, the DU does not need to send channel measurement results to the RU. Accordingly, the RU can update and maintain one or more of the aforementioned received information.

[0458] For scenarios involving the signal stream corresponding to the second type of identifier, the difference lies in the fact that the first functional entity and the second functional entity no longer exchange channel measurement results.

[0459] In some embodiments, the embodiments of this application can also be applied to flexible UL reception processing in multi-carrier scenarios and spectrum sharing scenarios. For example, different frequency domain resources indicated by the identifier can be replaced with different frequency band resources in multi-carrier scenarios or 5G frequency band resources and future communication system frequency band resources in multi-standard spectrum sharing scenarios (or dynamic frequency domain sharing scenarios), so that the DU and RU perform specific equalization function processing on the signal streams on the carrier / frequency band resources corresponding to the different identifiers received.

[0460] It is understood that each of the above embodiments of this application can be implemented independently or in combination with each other; there is no absolute subordinate relationship between the embodiments, and they can be combined with each other under any conditions to obtain the corresponding effect.

[0461] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the network device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0462] Figures 25 and 26 are schematic diagrams of possible communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the first or second functional entity in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be the RAN node 110 shown in Figure 1, wherein the RAN node can also be called an access network device or a network device. The communication device can also be a module (such as a chip) applied to the network device.

[0463] In this embodiment of the application, the device for implementing the function of the network device can be the network device itself, or it can be a device that enables the network device to implement the function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device.

[0464] In this embodiment of the application, the chip system may be composed of chips, or it may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0465] As shown in Figure 25, the communication device 2500 includes a processing unit 2510 and a transceiver unit 2520. The communication device 2500 is used to implement the functions of the first functional entity (such as RU) and the second functional entity (such as DU) in the method embodiments shown in Figures 11, 18, 20, and 22.

[0466] When the communication device 2500 is used to implement the function of the first functional entity in the method embodiment shown in FIG11: the transceiver unit 2520 is used to receive first information. The processing unit 2510 is used to perform a first type of operation on the first pilot signal according to a first type of identifier to obtain a first equalization weight. The processing unit 2510 is also used to process the first data signal using the first equalization weight to obtain second information. And / or, the processing unit 2510 is used to perform a second type of operation on the second pilot signal according to a second type of identifier to obtain a second equalization weight. The processing unit 2510 is also used to process the second data signal using the second equalization weight to obtain third information. The transceiver unit 2520 is also used to send fourth information.

[0467] When the communication device 2500 is used to implement the functions of the second functional entity in the method embodiment shown in FIG11: the transceiver unit 2520 is used to send first information. The transceiver unit 2520 is also used to receive fourth information. The processing unit 2510 is used to perform any processing function in the second functional entity other than sending and receiving.

[0468] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 2510 and the transceiver unit 2520, please refer to the relevant description of the method embodiments shown in Figures 11, 18, 20, and 22.

[0469] As shown in Figure 26, the communication device 2600 includes a processor 2610 and an interface circuit 2620. The processor 2610 and the interface circuit 2620 are coupled together. It is understood that the interface circuit 2620 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 2600 may also include a memory 2630 for storing instructions executed by the processor 2610, or storing input data required by the processor 2610 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 2610 executes instructions. Sometimes, the interface circuit 2620 can also be understood as part of the processor 2610, in which case the communication device 2600 includes the processor 2610.

[0470] When the communication device 2600 is used to implement the methods shown in FIG11, FIG18, FIG20 and FIG22, the processor 2610 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 2510, and the interface circuit 2620 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 2520.

[0471] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to an access network device, the access network device chip implements the functions of the access network device in the above method embodiments. The access network device chip receives information from a terminal or core network device, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the access network device, and then sent to the access network device chip by these modules. The access network device chip sends information to a terminal or core network device, which can be understood as the information being sent down to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the terminal or core network device, and then sent back to the terminal or core network device by these modules.

[0472] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be RAN nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. Information transmission and reception can be between RAN nodes and terminals, such as between a base station and a terminal; between two RAN nodes, such as between a CU and a DU; or between different modules within a single device, such as between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or between a base station chip and other modules of the base station.

[0473] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or one or more of other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), microprocessor units (MPUs), microcontroller units (MCUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), artificial intelligence processors (AI processors), or neural processing units (NPUs); or, the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components (or parts), or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0474] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in memory, such as volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The volatile memory can be a cache or random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes a variety of forms, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). The memory can also be in registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, compact disc (CD) ROMs, or any other form of storage medium well known in the art.

[0475] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a base station or terminal.

[0476] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless 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 integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0477] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0478] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects. "Including at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C.

[0479] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0480] 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.

[0481] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification and drawings of the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish different objects or to distinguish different processing of the same object. The terms "first" and "second," etc., can distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. For example, "first device" and "second device" are merely to distinguish different devices and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that "first" and "second," etc., do not necessarily imply that they are different.

[0482] Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in the description of the embodiments of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0483] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is 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 design. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0484] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of the embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process 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.

[0485] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, "...when" and "if" both refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a time, nor do they require a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0486] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0487] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and in the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment can be combined to form new embodiments, implementation methods, methods, or implementation approaches based on their inherent logical relationships. The following descriptions of the embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive first information, the first information being used to indicate a first type identifier corresponding to a first signal stream and / or a second type identifier corresponding to a second signal stream, wherein the first signal stream includes a first pilot signal and a first data signal, and the second signal stream includes a second pilot signal and a second data signal; Perform a first type of operation on the first pilot signal according to the first type of identifier to obtain a first equalization weight; process the first data signal using the first equalization weight to obtain second information; and / or, The second type of operation is performed on the second pilot signal according to the second type of identifier to obtain the second equalization weight; the second data signal is processed using the second equalization weight to obtain the third information; Send a fourth message, wherein the fourth message includes the second message and / or the third message. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first type of identifier is used to indicate that a first equalization operation is performed in the first functional entity; and / or, the second type of identifier is used to indicate that a second equalization weight is determined corresponding to at least one number of beams. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second signal stream has at least one requirement: an artificial intelligence (AI) receiver requirement and a multi-point collaborative processing requirement. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first type of identifier and / or the second type of identifier includes at least one of the following identifiers: Identifiers used to indicate frequency domain resources; An identifier used to indicate the terminal to which the signal stream belongs; or, An identifier used to indicate the layer to which a signal stream belongs. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first type of identifier and / or the second type of identifier are associated with at least one of the following information: Business needs; or, Resource usage of the first functional entity and / or resource usage of the second functional entity. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The second information includes the first type of identifier; and / or, the third information includes the second type of identifier. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first type of identifier includes: a first type of first identifier and / or a first type of second identifier, wherein the first type of second identifier is further used to indicate that a second equalization operation is performed in the second functional entity. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first type of identifier includes the first type of second identifier, and the first signal stream has at least one of the following requirements: AI receiver requirement, multi-point cooperative processing requirement, and serial interference cancellation processing requirement. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The second type of identifier includes a second type of first identifier, and the second equalization weight is related to the number of K beams, where K is a positive integer. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the fifth information, which is used to indicate the value of K. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The second type of identifier includes a second type of second identifier, and the second equalization weight is related to the number of K+M beams, where K and M are positive integers. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive sixth information, which is used to indicate the value of K and / or the value of M. The method according to claim 11 or 12 is characterized in that, The step of performing a second type of operation on the second pilot signal according to the second type of identifier to obtain a second equalization weight includes: Based on the second type of second identifier, the second channel matrix information, and the third equalization weight, the second equalization weight corresponding to the number of K+M beams is determined, wherein the second channel matrix information is obtained by performing channel estimation on the second pilot signal, and the third equalization weight is a weight composed of the basis of the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send first information, the first information being used to indicate a first type identifier corresponding to a first signal stream and / or a second type identifier corresponding to a second signal stream, wherein the first signal stream includes a first pilot signal and a first data signal, and the second signal stream includes a second pilot signal and a second data signal; Receive fourth information, wherein the fourth information includes second information and / or third information, the second information is obtained by processing the first data signal with a first equalization weight, the first equalization weight is obtained by performing a first type of operation on the first pilot signal according to the first type of identifier, and the third information is obtained by processing the second data signal with a second equalization weight, the second equalization weight is obtained by performing a second type of operation on the second pilot signal according to the second type of identifier. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first type of identifier is used to indicate that a first equalization operation is performed in the first functional entity; and / or, the second type of identifier is used to indicate that a second equalization weight is determined corresponding to at least one number of beams. The method according to claim 14 or 15 is characterized in that, The second signal stream has at least one requirement: an artificial intelligence (AI) receiver requirement and a multi-point collaborative processing requirement. The method according to any one of claims 14-16, characterized in that, The first type of identifier and / or the second type of identifier includes at least one of the following identifiers: Identifiers used to indicate frequency domain resources; An identifier used to indicate the terminal to which the signal stream belongs; or, An identifier used to indicate the layer to which a signal stream belongs. The method according to any one of claims 14-17, characterized in that, The first type of identifier and / or the second type of identifier are associated with at least one of the following information: Business needs; or, Resource usage of the first functional entity and / or resource usage of the second functional entity. The method according to any one of claims 14-18, characterized in that, The second information includes the first type of identifier; and / or, the third information includes the second type of identifier. The method according to any one of claims 14-19, characterized in that, The first type of identifier includes: a first type of first identifier and / or a first type of second identifier, wherein the first type of second identifier is further used to indicate that a second equalization operation is performed in the second functional entity. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The first type of identifier includes the first type of second identifier, and the first signal stream has at least one of the following requirements: AI receiver requirement, multi-point cooperative processing requirement, and serial interference cancellation processing requirement. The method according to any one of claims 14-21 is characterized in that, The second type of identifier includes a second type of first identifier, and the second equalization weight is related to the number of K beams, where K is a positive integer. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fifth message, which indicates the value of K. The method according to any one of claims 14-21 is characterized in that, The second type of identifier includes a second type of second identifier, and the second equalization weight is related to the number of K+M beams, where K and M are positive integers. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a sixth message, which is used to indicate the value of K and / or the value of M. The method according to claim 24 or 25 is characterized in that, The second equalization weight corresponding to the number of K+M beams is obtained based on the second type of second identifier, the second channel matrix information, and the third equalization weight. The second channel matrix information is obtained by performing channel estimation on the second pilot signal, and the third equalization weight is a weight composed of the basis of the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method according to any one of claims 1-26. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices, and the processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-26 through logic circuits, executable code and / or executable instructions. The communication device according to claim 28 is characterized in that, The communication device further includes a memory for storing the code and / or the instructions. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-26. A computer program product, comprising a computer program or instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed by the communication device, they implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-26.

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