Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus, which can be applied in an MU-MIMO scenario. The method comprises: receiving first information, wherein the first information is used for indicating the number N of frequency domain resources supported when a terminal performs data processing by means of a first receiver, and N is greater than or equal to 1 and is an integer; and on the basis of the first information and second information, determining whether to send third information, wherein the second information is determined by a first service, the second information is used for indicating the number M of frequency domain resources scheduled for executing the first service, the third information is used for instructing the terminal to enable the first receiver, and M is greater than or equal to 1 and is an integer. The present application can reduce signaling overhead on a network device side.

Description

Communication methods and communication devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510234137.1, filed on February 27, 2025, with the China National Intellectual Property Administration, entitled "Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] Multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) refers to the spatial multiplexing of time and frequency domain resources during uplink and downlink data transmission by multiple user equipment (UEs). Data and demodulation reference signal (DMRS) pilots transmitted by different UEs occupy the same time and frequency domain resources but use different DMRS ports, and are spatially separated through precoding. In MU-MIMO scenarios, inter-layer interference can occur between paired UEs when there is correlation, degrading the communication system performance. To address this, advanced MU-MIMO receivers are introduced, such as reduced complexity maximum likelihood (R-ML) receivers. UEs can perform R-ML detection on scheduled resource blocks (RBs) to obtain the raw data.

[0004] Currently, base stations can send auxiliary signaling to UEs to reduce the complexity of ML estimation for UEs. However, since the number of RBs supported by the UE is limited when the UE processes data through the receiver, the auxiliary signaling sent by the base station will be wasted and will increase signaling overhead. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and a communication device that can reduce the signaling overhead of network devices.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be applied to the network side, for example, to a network device or a module (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system) within the network device, or to a circuit or chip within the network device responsible for communication and / or computing functions (such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), artificial intelligence (AI) processor, or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)). Alternatively, it can be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. The method is described using the application of this method to a network device as an example.

[0007] The method includes: receiving first information, the first information being used to indicate the number N of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal when performing data processing through a first receiver, where N ≥ 1 and is an integer; determining whether to send third information based on the first information and second information, the second information being determined by a first service, and the second information being used to indicate the number M of frequency domain resources scheduled for executing the first service, and the third information being used to instruct the terminal to turn on the first receiver, where M ≥ 1 and is an integer.

[0008] For example, in this application, frequency domain resources can be RBs, resource elements (REs), subcarriers, etc., and this application does not limit them. The number N of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal when processing data through the first receiver can be understood as the number of frequency domain resources occupied by the terminal when processing through the first receiver being N, or the maximum number of frequency domain resources occupied being N. For example, the number of RBs supported by the terminal when processing through the first receiver is N.

[0009] Based on the above scheme, the terminal reports the number of frequency domain resources it supports when processing data through the first receiver to the network device via the first information. This allows the network device to determine whether to send an instruction to activate the first receiver based on the number of frequency domain resources scheduled by the service. In this way, the network device will only send the second information to the terminal when the number of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal when processing data through the first receiver is greater than or equal to the number of frequency domain resources scheduled by the service, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the network device.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending the second information.

[0011] Based on the above scheme, the network device can send the number of frequency domain resources scheduled for executing the first service to the terminal. In this way, the terminal can compare the number of frequency domain resources scheduled for executing the first service with the number of frequency domain resources it supports, so that the terminal can determine whether the network device has sent the third information.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the third information is determined to be sent when N is greater than or equal to M.

[0013] Based on the above scheme, the network device sends the third information only when the number of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal when processing data through the first receiver is greater than or equal to the number of frequency domain resources scheduled for executing the first service. This enables the network device to send the third information when N is greater than or equal to M, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the network device.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, it is determined that the third information will not be sent when N is less than or equal to M.

[0015] Based on the above scheme, when the number of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal when processing data through the first receiver is less than or equal to the number of frequency domain resources scheduled for executing the first service, the network device will not send third information. This prevents the network device from continuously sending third information, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the network device.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the third information is carried in downlink control information (DCI), or in radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or in medium access control-control element (MAC-CE) signaling.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first receiver is a multi-user multiple-input multiple-output maximum likelihood MU-MIMO ML receiver.

[0018] Based on the above scheme, when the number of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal when processing data through the first receiver is greater than or equal to the number of frequency domain resources scheduled for executing the first service, if the first receiver is MU-MIMO, the network device will send third information, thereby reducing the processing complexity of the first receiver.

[0019] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be applied to the terminal side, for example, the terminal or its communication and / or computing modules, or circuits or chips in the terminal responsible for communication functions (such as modem chips, also known as baseband chips, or system-on-chip (SoC) chips or system-in-package (SIP) chips containing modem cores), or circuits or chips in the terminal responsible for communication and / or computing functions (such as GPUs, AI processors, or ASICs), or it can also be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal's functions. The method will be described using the application of this method to a terminal as an example.

[0020] The method includes: sending first information, which indicates the number N of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal when performing data processing through a first receiver, where N ≥ 1 and is an integer; determining whether the network device should send third information based on the first information and second information, where the second information is determined by a first service and indicates the number M of frequency domain resources scheduled for executing the first service, and the third information indicates that the terminal should turn on the first receiver, where M ≥ 1 and is an integer.

[0021] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving the second information.

[0022] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when N is greater than or equal to M, it is determined that the network device sends the third information.

[0023] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when N is less than or equal to M, it is determined that the network device has not sent the third information.

[0024] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when it is determined that the network device is sending the third information, the method further includes: activating the first receiver according to the third information; and processing data on N frequency domain resources through the first receiver.

[0025] Based on the above scheme, when the terminal determines that N is greater than or equal to M, it can be determined that the network device will send third information. In this way, the complexity of the first receiver in processing data can be reduced by using the third information.

[0026] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when it is determined that the network device has not sent the third information, the method further includes: processing data on M frequency domain resources through a second receiver, wherein the complexity of the second receiver is lower than that of the first receiver.

[0027] Based on the above scheme, if the terminal determines that N is less than or equal to M, it can be determined that the network device will not send third information. In this way, the terminal can switch receivers and use a receiver with low complexity to process data.

[0028] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the third information is carried in downlink control information (DCI), or in radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or in media access control and control unit (MAC-CE) signaling.

[0029] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first receiver is a multi-user multiple-input multiple-output maximum likelihood MU-MIMO ML receiver.

[0030] It should be understood that the beneficial effects of the second aspect mentioned above can be referenced from the first aspect mentioned above and any of its implementation methods, and will not be elaborated here.

[0031] Thirdly, a communication device is provided. This communication device has the functions described in the first aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the first aspect. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0032] For example, the aforementioned communication device may be a network device, or a communication and / or computing module in a network device, or a chip in a network device responsible for communication functions, or a circuit or chip in a network device responsible for communication and / or computing functions, or a logic node or logic module capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes: a communication unit (or communication module), and a processing unit (or processing module) connected to the communication unit.

[0034] For example, the communication unit is configured to receive first information, which indicates the number N of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal when performing data processing through the first receiver, where N ≥ 1 and is an integer; the processing unit is configured to determine whether to send third information based on the first information and the second information, where the second information is determined by the first service and indicates the number M of frequency domain resources scheduled for executing the first service, and the third information indicates that the terminal turns on the first receiver, where M ≥ 1 and is an integer.

[0035] The aforementioned communication device may be a network device, a communication module within a network device, or a chip within a network device responsible for communication functions.

[0036] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. This communication device has the functions described in the second aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the second aspect above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0037] For example, the aforementioned communication device may be a terminal device, or a communication and / or computing module in a terminal device, or a chip in a terminal device responsible for communication functions such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module, or a circuit or chip in a terminal device responsible for communication and / or computing functions (such as a GPU, AI processor, or ASIC), or a logic node or logic module capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a terminal device.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes: a communication unit (or communication module), and a processing unit (or processing module) connected to the communication unit.

[0039] For example, the communication unit sends first information, which is used to indicate the number N of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal when performing data processing through the first receiver, where N ≥ 1 and is an integer; the processing unit is used to determine whether the network device sends third information based on the first information and the second information, where the second information is determined by the first service and is used to indicate the number M of frequency domain resources scheduled for executing the first service, and the third information is used to instruct the terminal to turn on the first receiver, where M ≥ 1 and is an integer.

[0040] The aforementioned communication device may be a terminal device, a communication module in a terminal device, or a chip in a terminal device that is responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip that contains a modem module.

[0041] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes an interface circuit and one or more processors. The one or more processors are coupled to a memory. The memory stores part or all of the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in the first to second aspects and any of their implementations. The one or more processors are executable to carry out the computer programs or instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first to second aspects. The interface circuit is used to implement communication functions within the communication device and / or communication functions between the communication device and other devices or components.

[0042] In one possible design, the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0043] In one possible design, the communication device may also include the memory.

[0044] For example, the aforementioned communication device may be a terminal, or a communication and / or computing module in the terminal, or a chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module, or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for communication and / or computing functions (such as a GPU, AI processor, or ASIC), or a logic node or logic module capable of implementing all or part of the terminal functions.

[0045] For example, the aforementioned communication device may be a network device, or a communication and / or computing module in a network device, or a chip in a network device responsible for communication functions, or a circuit or chip in a network device responsible for communication and / or computing functions, or a logic node or logic module capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device.

[0046] Sixthly, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a network device and a terminal, wherein the network device is used to perform the methods described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, and the terminal is used to perform the methods described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0047] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. This computer-readable storage medium stores computer program code or instructions, which, when read and executed by a computer, cause the method in any of the possible implementations of the first to second aspects to be implemented.

[0048] Eighthly, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes computer program code or instructions, which, when read and executed by a computer, cause the methods in any of the possible implementations of the first to second aspects to be implemented.

[0049] Ninthly, a computer program is provided. When the computer program is run, it causes the methods in any of the possible implementations of the first to second aspects to be implemented.

[0050] It should be understood that the beneficial effects of the third to ninth aspects mentioned above can be referenced from the first aspect mentioned above and any of its implementation methods, and will not be elaborated here. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the communication system to which this application applies.

[0052] Figures 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams of an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN) applicable to this application.

[0053] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the network element function division and protocol layer structure of an access network device.

[0054] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the DMRS ports corresponding to different UEs.

[0055] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of two UE pairing scenarios.

[0056] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a MU-MIMO receiver.

[0057] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an auxiliary information transmission method.

[0058] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0059] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0060] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0061] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the chip system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] Before introducing the scheme of this application, the following points should be noted.

[0064] First, in this application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0065] Second, in this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can mean: a, or, b, or, c, or, a and b, or, a and c, or, b and c, or, a, b, and c. Here, a, b, and c can each be single or multiple.

[0066] Third, in this application, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations (e.g., #1, #2, etc.) indicate distinctions made for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they distinguish different messages, rather than describing a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such descriptions can be interchanged where appropriate to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application.

[0067] Fourth, in this application, "instruction" or "for instruction" can include both direct and indirect instruction. When describing instruction information as being used to instruct A, it can include whether the instruction information directly or indirectly instructs A, but does not necessarily mean that the instruction information carries A.

[0068] The indication methods involved in the embodiments of this application should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated. The information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information and sent separately. Moreover, the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be the same or different. This application does not limit the sending method, for example.

[0069] The "instruction information" in the embodiments of this application can be an explicit instruction, that is, a direct instruction through signaling, or an instruction obtained by combining other rules or parameters with the parameters indicated by the signaling, or by deduction. It can also be an implicit instruction, that is, an instruction obtained based on rules or relationships, or based on other parameters, or by deduction. This application does not specifically limit it in this regard.

[0070] Fifth, in this application, "protocol" can refer to a standard protocol in the field of communications, such as fifth-generation (5G) protocols. th This application does not limit the scope of protocols such as generation (5G), new radio (NR), and related protocols applied in future communication systems. "Predefined" may include predefined terms, such as protocol definitions. "Preconfiguration" can be achieved by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means of indicating relevant information in the device; this application does not limit the implementation method, for example.

[0071] Sixth, in this application, "communication" can also be described as "data transmission," "information transmission," "data processing," etc. "Transmission" includes "sending" and / or "receiving." "Transmission" can be described as "output."

[0072] Seventh, in this application, "sending information to XX (device)" can be understood as the destination of the information being that device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to that device. "Receiving information from XX (device), or receiving information from XX (device)" can be understood as the source of the information being that device, and can include receiving information directly or indirectly from that device. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0073] Eighth, in this application, the words "exemplarily," "for example," etc., are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the word "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "corresponding, relevant," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0074] Ninth, in this application, when comparing A and B, the description "when A is greater than or equal to B, execute method A; when A is less than or equal to B, execute method B" can be implemented in a way that is "when A is greater than or equal to B, execute method A; when A is less than B, execute method B"; or it can be "when A is greater than B, execute method A; or when A is less than or equal to B, execute method B". This application does not limit this. For ease of description, the implementation methods provided in this application are all illustrated using "when A is greater than or equal to B, execute method A; or when A is less than B, execute method B" as an example.

[0075] In other words, "<" means less than, and "≤" means less than or equal to. "<" and "≤" can sometimes be used interchangeably without limitation. Similarly, ">" means greater than, and "≥" means greater than or equal to. ">" and "≥" can sometimes be used interchangeably without limitation. The examples provided in this application are merely illustrative and do not constitute a limitation on this application.

[0076] The following describes the communication system to which this application applies.

[0077] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, 5G or NR systems and future communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity, where V2X can include vehicle-to-network (V2N), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), etc., Long Term Evolution-Vehicle (LTE-V) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), Long Term Evolution-Machine (LTE-M) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M), etc.

[0078] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to CN 200. The core network device in CN 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0079] RAN 100 can be used for cellular systems related to the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), such as 4G (4G4).th RAN 100 can be a generation (4G) mobile communication system, a 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system. RAN 100 can also be O-RAN or ORAN, a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0080] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in this communication system can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 1 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0081] In one possible scenario, the RAN node can be a base station (BS), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. The RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in V2X technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node can also be equipped with communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions. The RAN node can also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions and corresponding program instructions. The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the RAN node.

[0082] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be CUs, DUs, CUs (control plane, CP), CUs (user plane, UP), or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0083] In different systems, CU (including open CU-CP (O-CU-CP) and open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called an open central unit (O-CU), DU can also be called an open distributed unit (O-DU), and RU can also be called an open radio unit (O-RU). For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0084] Terminal 120 can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. A terminal can also be called a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), V2X communication, MTC, 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, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, transportation vehicles with wireless communication capabilities, communication modules, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal. A communication module, circuit, or chip that performs the corresponding communication function is typically installed within the terminal. The terminal can also be configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication function.

[0085] RAN 100 and terminal 120 can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the scenarios in which RAN 100 and terminal 120 are located.

[0086] CN 200 can be a 5G core network or an evolved 5G core network. Taking a 5G core network as an example, CN 200 includes access and mobility management (AMF) network elements responsible for mobility management and access management services; session management (SMF) network elements responsible for session management; user plane (UPF) network elements responsible for user plane packet routing and forwarding and QoS control; and policy control (PCF) network elements. These core network elements can operate independently or be combined to implement certain control functions; for example, AMF, SMF, and PCF can be combined into a single core network device.

[0087] It should be understood that the above naming is defined solely for the purpose of distinguishing different functions and should not constitute any limitation on this application. This application does not preclude the possibility of using other naming conventions in 5G networks and other future networks. For example, in future networks, some or all of the above-mentioned network elements may use the terminology from 5G, or they may use other names, etc.

[0088] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an ORAN applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2, the O-RAN system may include a core network device (CN), a network device (RAN), and a terminal user (UE). The RAN communicates with the core network device via a backhaul link and with the UE via an air interface. For example, the BBU in the RAN communicates with the core network device via a backhaul link, and the RU in the RAN communicates with the UE via an air interface. The BBU communicates with the RU via a fronthaul link, wherein the BBU and RU may or may not be co-located. The BBU includes at least one CU and at least one DU, and the CU and DU can communicate via at least one midhaul link.

[0089] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another ORAN applicable to embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 3, the O-RAN system includes a RAN intelligent controller (RIC). The RIC includes a near-real-time RIC (near-RT RIC) and a non-real-time RIC (non-RT RIC). The non-real-time RIC primarily processes non-real-time information, such as data that is not sensitive to latency, with latency in the order of seconds. The real-time RIC primarily processes near-real-time information, such as data that is relatively sensitive to latency, with latency in the order of tens of milliseconds. Optionally, the near-real-time RIC or the non-real-time RIC can be set up separately as a network element; or, the near-real-time RIC or the non-real-time RIC can be part of other devices. For example, the near-real-time RIC can be set up in a RAN node (e.g., in a CU or DU), and the non-real-time RIC can be set up in operation administration and maintenance (OAM), a cloud server, a core network element, or other network devices.

[0090] It is understood that Figures 1, 2, and 3 above are merely examples for ease of understanding and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application. The communication system provided in the embodiments of this application may also include other devices, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figures 1, 2, or 3.

[0091] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the network element function division and protocol layer structure of an access network device (such as an O-RAN device).

[0092] As an example, an O-RAN device includes a CU (Core Unit). The CU is a logical node that carries the radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of the access network equipment. The CU can connect to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces, such as the E2 interface. The CU may have some core network functions. The CU (e.g., the PDCP layer and / or higher) connects to the DU (e.g., the radio link control (RLC) layer and lower layers) through interfaces, such as the F1 interface. Optionally, the F1 interface can provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). F1AP is the application protocol for the F1 interface, defining the signaling procedures for F1 in some examples. The F1 interface supports control plane F1-C and user plane F1-U.

[0093] As an example, a CU includes CU-CP and CU-UP. CU-CP is a logical node carrying the control plane (PDCP-C) layer, which carries the RRC layer and the Packet Data Convergence Protocol layer, and is used to implement the CU's control plane functions. CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements in the core network can be Access and Mobility Function (AMF) network elements, such as the AMF in a 5G system. The AMF network element is responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as terminal device location updates, terminal device registration with the network, and terminal device handover. CU-UP is a logical node carrying the user plane (PDCP-U) layer, which carries the SDAP layer and the Packet Data Convergence Protocol layer, and is used to implement the CU's user plane functions. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. These network elements in the core network, such as the UPF in a 5G system, are responsible for data forwarding and receiving in terminal devices. The above configuration of CU and DU is merely an example; in practical applications, the functions of CU and DU can be configured as needed. For example, a CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or it can be configured to have only some protocol layer processing functions. For instance, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. As another example, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements. For instance, based on latency, functions that need to meet low latency requirements can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not need to meet this latency requirement can be placed in the CU.

[0094] As an example, O-RAN includes a DU. The DU is a logical node that carries the RLC layer, Media Access Control (MAC) layer, higher physical layer (Higher PHY), and other functions. In some examples, the DU can control at least one RU. The DU connects to the RU through interfaces, which can be fronthaul interfaces. In some examples, the Higher PHY layer includes the PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation.

[0095] As an example, O-RAN includes a RU (Runner Root). The RU is a logical node that carries both lower physical layer (PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, the RU may be a 3GPP transmission reception point (TRP), a remote radio head (RRH), or other similar entities. In some examples, the Lower-PHY includes the PHY processing portion, such as Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, and filtering. The RU communicates with one or more UEs via a radio link (such as an RF chain).

[0096] The DU and RU can be co-located or not. The DU and RU exchange control plane and user plane information via a fronthaul link through the lower-layer split CUS-plane (LLS-CUS-Plane) (or O-RAN CUS-Plane) interface. Here, CUS-Plane represents the control plane (C-Plane), user plane (UPlane), and synchronization plane (S-Plane) (CUS-Plane). LLS-CUS may include a lower-layer split control (LLS-C) interface providing the control plane and a lower-layer split user (LLS-U) interface providing the user plane. Additionally, LLS-CUS may include a lower-layer split synchronization (LLS-S) interface providing the synchronization plane. In some examples, the control plane (or control plane plane) refers to the real-time control between the DU and RU. The DU and RU exchange management plane information via the lower-layer split management (LLS-M) interface of the fronthaul link. The management plane (M-Plane) refers to the non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0097] DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0098] It is understood that Figure 4 is an example provided for ease of understanding and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application. The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application may also involve network elements not shown in Figure 4, and of course, the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application may also include only some of the network elements shown in Figure 4.

[0099] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the terminology used in this application is briefly explained. However, it should be understood that the following explanations of terminology are for ease of understanding only and do not limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0100] For ease of description, the descriptions of various terms will use UE as the terminal and base station as the network device as an example.

[0101] 1. Time-frequency resources: Data or information can be carried through time-frequency resources. These resources can include resources in the time domain (i.e., time-domain resources) and resources in the frequency domain (i.e., frequency-domain resources).

[0102] In the time domain, time-domain resources can include one or more time-domain units (or time units). Time-domain units can include radio frames (RF), subframes, frames, half-subframes, half-frames, slots, mini-slots, partial slots, or orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, etc.

[0103] In the frequency domain, frequency domain resources can include one or more frequency domain units. A frequency domain unit can include a subcarrier, component carrier (CC), RE, RB, subchannel, resource pool, bandwidth, bandwidth part (BWP), channel, or an interlaced RB, etc. Among these, an RE is the smallest granularity physical layer resource in 5G NR, which is one subcarrier in the frequency domain and one OFDM symbol in the time domain. An RB is the basic unit of channel resource allocation in the frequency domain for 5G NR, containing 12 subcarriers. The subcarrier spacing in 5G NR is variable, therefore the bandwidth of an RB is also variable. In this application, time-frequency resources include time-frequency points. A time-frequency point can be considered as one RE; for example, a time-frequency point includes one symbol and one subcarrier, with one symbol and one subcarrier corresponding. Alternatively, a time-frequency point can also be considered as one RB, without limitation.

[0104] In this application, the maximum number of RBs that can be scheduled in a carrier is related to the bandwidth and subcarrier spacing (SCS) of the carrier. Taking frequency range (FR) 1 as an example, the number of RBs corresponding to different carrier bandwidths under different SCS is shown in Table 1.

[0105] Table 1

[0106] As shown in Table 1, the maximum number of RBs supported by a single carrier is currently 273. For example, with a carrier bandwidth of 100MHz and an SCS of 30kHz, the network device can schedule data on any one of the 273 RBs. In Table 1, N... RB This indicates the number of RBs supported under the current carrier bandwidth. N / A (not available) means unavailable or not applicable.

[0107] With the development of communication, carrier bandwidth is becoming larger and larger, which means that the number of RBs supported by a single carrier is also increasing. For example, when the carrier bandwidth is 200MHz, the number of RBs supported by the carrier at 30kHz SCS is 273×2=546 RBs.

[0108] 2. Multi-User Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO) Technology: MU-MIMO refers to the spatial multiplexing of time-frequency resources by multiple users during uplink and downlink data transmission. The data and DMRS pilots transmitted by different UEs occupy the same time-frequency domain resources but use different DMRS ports, and are separated in the spatial domain through precoding.

[0109] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the DMRS ports corresponding to different UEs. As shown in Figure 5, UE1, UE2, UE3, and UE4 occupy the same time-frequency resources, and UE5 and UE6 occupy the same time-frequency resources. However, the data transmitted by UE1, UE2, UE3, and UE4 can be distinguished by different ports, and the data transmitted by UE5 and UE6 can also be distinguished by different ports. For example, in Figure 5, the DMRS port numbers assigned to UE1, UE2, UE3, and UE4 are port 1000, port 1001, port 1002, and port 1003, respectively. The port numbers assigned to UE5 are port 1000 and 1001, and the port numbers assigned to UE6 are port 1002 and 1003.

[0110] 3. UE Pairing: The process of selecting multiple users for spatial multiplexing of time and frequency resources is called pairing. The following principles are considered when pairing users:

[0111] (1) When the signal quality of the UE is good (e.g., the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) is high and the signal fluctuation is small) and the channel correlation between UEs is small, the interference between UEs can be well eliminated, making it suitable for MU-MIMO pairing. At this time, MU-MIMO can make full use of the good channel conditions to add extra system capacity to the cell.

[0112] (2) When the signal quality of the UE is poor (e.g., low SINR or large signal fluctuation) or the channel correlation between UEs is strong, the interference between UEs cannot be eliminated well. In this case, MU-MIMO may cause the system throughput to decrease, and the network will avoid selecting users with poor signal quality or strong channel correlation to participate in pairing.

[0113] 4. MU-MIMO Mathematical Model: As shown in Figure 6, assume there are two paired UEs (UE1 and UE2), each with two receive (Rx) antennas (e.g., Rx1 and Rx2), and the base station has four transmit (Tx) antennas (e.g., Tx1, Tx2, Tx3, and Tx4). Each UE is mapped to two layers (or two DMRS ports). s1 and s2 are the quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) symbol vectors transmitted to UE1 and UE2, respectively, with a size of 2×1. The precoding module maps the QAM symbols of each layer to the transmit antennas, so the signal transmitted by the transmit antennas is: W1s1 + W2s2. Where W1 and W2 are the precoding matrices of UE1 and UE2, respectively, and both W1 and W2 are 4×2 dimensional matrices.

[0114] The modulated signal passes through a MIMO channel, and the channel matrix can be represented as: H is a 4×4 matrix, H1 represents the channel coefficients from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna of UE1 (H1 has a dimension of 4×2), and H2 represents the channel coefficients from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna of UE2 (H2 has a dimension of 4×2). The signal received at the receiver can then be represented as:

[0115] Where y1 and y2 are the signals received by the antennas of UE1 and UE2 respectively, both with a dimension of 2×1, and n1 and n2 are Gaussian white noise.

[0116] For UE1, the signal received by the receiving antenna is y1 = H1W1s1 + H1W2s2 + n1, where H1W2s2 can be considered as interference from UE2 to UE1. The UE that needs interference cancellation (UE1) is called the serving UE, and the UE that causes interference (UE2) is called the paired UE or the interfering UE. When performing precoding selection, it is necessary to ensure that H1W1 and H1W2 are as orthogonal as possible to reduce the interference from UE2 to UE1, and at the same time, it is also necessary to ensure that H2W1 and H2W2 are as orthogonal as possible to reduce the interference from UE1 to UE2.

[0117] There is a one-to-one correspondence between the number of DMRS ports and the number of spatially multiplexed layers. That is, the number of ports occupied corresponds to the layer to which a UE is mapped. For a UE, the layer it is scheduled in can be called the service layer, while the layers scheduled in other UEs can be called interference layers. This is because, for the service layer, data mapped from other layers or other DMRS ports will interfere with the data mapped from the service layer reaching the receiver. A UE can be scheduled in one or more interference layers. As shown in Figure 6, for UE1, Layers 1 and 2 are service layers, and Layers 3 and 4 are interference layers. For UE2, Layers 3 and 4 are service layers, and Layers 1 and 2 are interference layers. Layers 1, 2, 3, and 4 correspond one-to-one with four DMRS ports.

[0118] 5. MU-MIMO Receiver: Assuming two paired UEs, the input-output model of MU-MIMO can be expressed as: y = HW s x s +HW I x I +n

[0119] Where H represents the channel coefficient between the base station's transmitting antenna port and the serving UE's receiving antenna port, with a dimension of N. R N T N R N is the number of receiving antennas serving the UE. T The number of antennas transmitting to the base station, Ws and W I The precoding matrices for the serving UE and the interfering UE are respectively, with dimensions N. T L S and N T L I L S and L I These represent the layer number for serving UE scheduling and the layer number for paired UE scheduling, respectively. s and x I These are the transmission vectors for the serving UE and the paired UE, respectively, with dimensions L. S ×1 and L I ×1, where n is Gaussian white noise with dimension N. R ×1. y is the received signal vector of the serving UE, with a length equal to the number of receiving antennas.

[0120] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a MU-MIMO receiver. As shown in Figure 7, the modulated signal transmitted by the base station's transmit antenna (i.e., the Tx antenna) reaches the UE's receiver through the channel. That is, the UE's Rx antenna receives the modulated signal. Then, the signal is estimated by the channel estimation module to obtain the channel estimate H. The MIMO receiver module performs signal estimation on the channel estimate H and the received signal y to obtain the estimate of the base station's transmitted signal x. The estimation result is then input to the demodulation module to obtain the bit-level estimate, and finally output through the encoding module.

[0121] The receiver estimates the transmitted signal using the channel estimate output by the channel estimation module and the received signal, aiming to maximize the SINR at the receiver end. This SINR is then input to the demodulation module to obtain a bit-level estimate.

[0122] The most commonly used nonlinear receiver is the ML receiver. ML is the optimal method for MIMO receivers. The principle is to search all transmitted signal vectors and find the most likely one. The formula can be expressed as follows:

[0123] Among them, C s For the constellation graph set of the service layer, C I A set of constellation diagrams for the interference layer. This is the joint estimation result of the signals sent to the serving UE and the interfering UE. The UE can know the modulation order of the serving layer by decoding the scheduling to its own DCI, but it does not know the modulation order of the interfering layer. Therefore, blind detection of the modulation order of the interfering layer is required. Once the UE knows the modulation order, it knows the set of constellation diagrams.

[0124] An ML receiver can be understood as a MU-MIMO receiver that uses the ML detection algorithm to detect signals. ML is a statistical method used to calculate the parameters of the correlation probability density function for a sample set. However, a MU-MIMO ML receiver detects data on each of multiple REs, which carry the user's data. Therefore, the complexity of data processing by the UE through the MU-MIMO ML receiver increases with the number of REs.

[0125] To reduce the complexity of data processing for UEs using MU-MIMO ML receivers, it is stipulated that when a UE reports to the base station that it supports MU-MIMO advanced receivers, the base station sends auxiliary signaling to the UE. This auxiliary signaling is used to help the UE reduce the processing complexity of MU-MIMO advanced receivers.

[0126] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an auxiliary information transmission method 800. As shown in Figure 8, method 800 includes the following steps.

[0127] S810, the first UE sends capability information to the base station.

[0128] Accordingly, the base station receives capability information from the first UE.

[0129] The capability information indicates whether the first UE supports a reduced complexity ML (R-ML) receiver with enhanced inter-user interference suppression. For example, when the capability information includes the parameter advReceiver-MU-MIMO-r18, the capability information indicates that the UE supports the R-ML receiver. Upon receiving this capability information, the base station considers the UE to support the R-ML receiver; specifically, the base station considers the UE to support the R-ML receiver on a single carrier with arbitrary bandwidth. An R-ML receiver can also be called an advanced receiver. For example, for FR1, the first UE can transmit the supported downlink bandwidth to the base station; for instance, the supported downlink bandwidth can be any one of 5MHz, 10MHz, 15MHz, 20MHz, 25MHz, 30MHz, 40MHz, 50MHz, 60MHz, 80MHz, or 100MHz.

[0130] For example, capability information is carried in RRC signaling or MAC-CE signaling.

[0131] S820, the base station sends auxiliary information to the first UE.

[0132] Accordingly, the first UE receives auxiliary information from the base station.

[0133] This auxiliary information is used to indicate the modulation order information of the second UE's data transmission. If the second UE can be an interfering UE, then the first UE can be a serving UE.

[0134] For example, auxiliary information is carried in the DCI. For instance, the DCI carries co-scheduled UE information, which occupies 3 bits of information.

[0135] S830, the first UE performs R-ML estimation on multiple RBs based on auxiliary information.

[0136] Among them, the multiple RBs are the RBs scheduled by the first UE.

[0137] For example, the modulation order information of the second UE data transmitted by the Co-scheduled UE information includes the modulation order of the interference layer. The first UE performs R-ML estimation on the scheduled RB and estimates the signal sent by the base station to the first UE by the modulation order of the interference layer.

[0138] The above method can reduce the processing complexity of the UE. However, as the carrier bandwidth increases, the number of RBs supported by the carrier will also increase. Since the UE supports receiving data on this carrier, the number of RBs that the base station can schedule will also increase. However, when the UE uses the MU-MIMO ML receiver to perform ML estimation, it is limited by the number of RBs supported by the UE. At this time, the UE does not need to use the R-ML receiver. This makes the auxiliary information sent by the base station in the scenario where the UE supports the MU-MIMO ML receiver waste, thereby increasing the signaling overhead.

[0139] In view of this, this application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus, which, by instructing a network device on the number of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal when performing data processing through a first receiver, enables the network to send information indicating the activation of the first receiver as needed, thereby enabling the terminal to activate the first receiver as needed, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0140] The following detailed description of a communication method provided by an embodiment of this application, with reference to Figure 9, is provided. It is understood that this application uses a network device and a terminal as examples of the execution entities in the interactive illustration, but this application does not limit the execution entities in the interactive illustration. For example, the method executed by the network device in this application can also be implemented by a module (e.g., circuit, chip, or chip system) in the network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device's functions, or a circuit or chip (e.g., GPU, AI processor, or ASIC) in the network device responsible for communication and / or computing functions. Similarly, the method executed by the terminal in this application can also be implemented by a communication and / or computing module in the terminal, or a circuit or chip (e.g., modem chip (also known as baseband chip), or a SoC chip / SIP chip containing a modem core, or GPU / AI processor / ASIC) in the terminal responsible for communication and / or computing functions, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions. The steps described below as being executed by a single execution entity can also be divided into being executed by multiple execution entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated.

[0141] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 900 provided in an embodiment of this application. The method 900 shown in Figure 9 may include the following steps.

[0142] S910, the terminal sends the first information to the network device.

[0143] Accordingly, the network device receives the first information from the terminal.

[0144] The first information is used to indicate the number N of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal when performing data processing through the first receiver, where N ≥ 1 and is an integer.

[0145] For example, the first receiver can be a MU-MIMO ML receiver. Alternatively, in a MU-MIMO system, the first receiver is an advanced receiver, which has optimal performance and can obtain the best original signal when processing the signal received at the receiving end.

[0146] For example, the first information is used to indicate the number N of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal when processing data through the first receiver. This can be understood as the first information indicating the number N of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal, and that data on N frequency domain resources can be processed through the first receiver. In other words, when the data at the receiving end is mapped onto N frequency domain resources, the terminal supports processing the data carried on those N frequency domain resources through the first receiver.

[0147] It should be noted that in this application, frequency domain resources can be RBs, REs, or subcarriers, etc. For specific details, please refer to the description of time-frequency resources in the above terminology; this application does not limit them. The number N of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal when processing data through the first receiver can be understood as the number of frequency domain resources occupied by the terminal when processing through the first receiver being N, or the maximum number of frequency domain resources occupied being N. For example, the terminal supports N RBs when processing through the first receiver.

[0148] In this application, the number N of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal for data processing via the first receiver can be predefined or preconfigured. Alternatively, the number N of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal for data processing via the first receiver can be determined by the terminal according to its own needs. For example, taking RB as an example, the data transmitted by the terminal is mapped onto multiple REs, and the number of RBs is determined based on these multiple REs. It is understood that this application does not limit the method for determining the number N of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal for data processing via the first receiver.

[0149] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the application, taking frequency domain resources as RBs as an example, the number N of RBs supported by the terminal indicated by the first information for data processing through the first receiver can be greater than 273. That is, the value of N can be 273, or 273+x, or 273+2x, and so on. Where x is greater than or equal to 1. In other words, the value of N is greater than 273.

[0150] For example, in this application, the first information can be considered as capability information. For instance, the first information can also be called first capability information, indicating the number N of frequency domain resources N supported by the terminal for data processing via the first receiver. This first information is carried in RRC signaling or in MAC-CE signaling.

[0151] S920: The network device determines whether to send the third information based on the first and second information.

[0152] The second information is determined by the first service, and the second information is used to indicate the number M of frequency domain resources scheduled to execute the first service. The third information is used to indicate that the first receiver is turned on, and M ≥ 1 and is an integer.

[0153] For example, the second information is determined based on the first service, wherein the first service may be the service currently being executed by the network device. The network device determines the number M of frequency domain resources scheduled for executing the first service based on the amount of data required by the currently executed first service, the type of the first service, the time-frequency resources occupied by executing the first service, and the requirements of the first service. Then, the network device compares the number N of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal for data processing through the first receiver with the number M of frequency domain resources scheduled for executing the first service to determine whether to send the third information.

[0154] The number M of frequency domain resources scheduled to execute the first service can be predefined or preconfigured. Alternatively, the number M of frequency domain resources scheduled to execute the first service can be determined by the network device and sent to the terminal.

[0155] For ease of description, the following text will use N frequency domain resources as an example to describe the number of frequency domain resources N that the terminal can support for data processing through the first receiver; and will use M frequency domain resources M as an example to describe the number of frequency domain resources M that are scheduled for executing the first service, and will use RB as an example to describe the number of frequency domain resources M.

[0156] In one implementation, the network device determines to send the third information when N is greater than or equal to M. Since N is greater than or equal to M, the network device believes that the terminal can reduce the complexity and latency of data processing when processing the data carried on the N RBs through the first receiver. Therefore, the network device sends the third information to the terminal when the terminal can process the data on the N RBs through the first receiver. Here, N greater than or equal to M can be understood as N being greater than M or N being equal to M.

[0157] In one implementation, when N is less than or equal to M, the network device determines not to send the third information. Because N is less than or equal to M, the network device assumes the terminal needs to process data on M receivers (RBs) via the first receiver. However, the terminal actually supports processing data on N RBs via the first receiver. Therefore, processing data on M RBs via the first receiver increases processing complexity and latency. In other words, the terminal cannot process data on M RBs via the first receiver. Consequently, the network device will not send the third information to the terminal. Here, N less than or equal to M can be understood as either N being less than M or N being equal to M.

[0158] In this embodiment, processing the data on N RBs by the first receiver can be understood as processing the data on each of the N RBs by the first receiver. More specifically, the data carried on each RB is estimated by the first receiver to recover the original data transmitted by the transmitter on each RB, thereby recovering the original signal transmitted by the transmitter. For example, if the first receiver is a MU-MIMO ML receiver, then the MU-MIMO ML receiver performs maximum likelihood estimation on the data on each RB to recover the original signal.

[0159] For example, the third information may be carried in a DCI, or it may be carried in RRC signaling, or it may be carried in MAC-CE signaling. For instance, the third information may be carried in a DCI, but the terminal detects only the DCI. The terminal needs to parse the DCI to determine the third information carried within it. In other words, the terminal needs to further determine whether the network device has sent the third information.

[0160] For example, the third information is used to indicate that the first receiver is turned on. This can also be understood as indicating that the terminal can process data on N RBs using the first receiver. In this case, the terminal will turn on the first receiver. The third information can also be called auxiliary information, which is carried in auxiliary signaling, which is carried in the DCI. In this embodiment, the auxiliary signaling can also be used to help the terminal reduce the complexity of data processing by the first receiver. That is, the third information indicates that the first receiver is turned on, which can be understood as indicating that the terminal uses the first receiver to process data on N frequency domain resources. For example, the auxiliary signaling is "Co-scheduled UE information". Optionally, the auxiliary signaling can also be used to indicate the modulation order information of the data transmission of the interfering terminal. The interfering terminal is the terminal that interferes with the above-mentioned terminal. In this case, the above-mentioned terminal can be called the serving terminal, and the interfering terminal can also be a paired terminal.

[0161] To aid understanding, the possible communication scenarios for network devices, terminals, and interfering terminals are described below: In a MU-MIMO scenario, the terminal and the interfering terminal occupy the same time-frequency domain resources but use different demodulation reference signal ports. Specifically, if the center frequency, bandwidth, transmission start time, and termination time of the signals sent by the network device to the terminal and to the interfering terminal are the same, then the terminal and the interfering terminal are considered to occupy the same time-frequency domain resources. If the pilot sequences of the data sent by the network device to the terminal and the interfering terminal are orthogonal, then they are considered to use different demodulation reference signal ports.

[0162] In another possible communication scenario, the terminal and the interfering terminal occupy the same time-frequency domain resources and the same demodulation reference signal port. This is typically a cell edge communication scenario. In this scenario, the terminal and the interfering terminal communicate with different network devices, and each network device independently configures resources for the terminal and the interfering terminal. The signals sent by the two network devices to the terminal and the interfering terminal interfere with each other. The two network devices can communicate with each other through the core network to inform each other of the resource configuration information of the terminals they serve, so as to generate their own initial information and send it to their respective communicating terminals.

[0163] Optionally, before the network device determines whether to send the third information based on the first and second information, the method 900 further includes step S911.

[0164] S911, The network device sends the second information to the terminal.

[0165] Accordingly, the terminal receives the second information from the network device.

[0166] After receiving the second information, the terminal can obtain the number M of frequency domain resources scheduled for executing the first service, and then compare the value of N with the value of M to further determine whether the network device has sent the third information.

[0167] Optionally, the method 900 further includes: determining the second information.

[0168] Specifically, the network device determines the second information based on the first service. That is, the network device determines the number M of frequency domain resources scheduled for the first service based on the first service. The implementation process of the network device determining the second information based on the first service can be found in the description of step S920 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0169] Furthermore, after receiving the second information, the terminal can compare the values ​​of N and M to determine whether the network device has sent the third information.

[0170] S930: The terminal determines whether the network device should send the third information based on the first and second information.

[0171] In this embodiment, the terminal determines whether the network device has sent third information based on the first and second information. This can be understood as the terminal being able to determine whether the network device has sent third information to the terminal based on the first and second information. Thus, if the network device has sent third information, the terminal will activate the first receiver.

[0172] In one implementation, when N is greater than or equal to M, the terminal determines that the network device has sent the third information. Since N is greater than or equal to M, the terminal can reduce the complexity and latency of data processing when processing data carried on N frequency domain resources through the first receiver. In other words, the terminal has the capability to process data on N frequency domain resources through the first receiver, and therefore considers the network device to have sent the third information. At this point, the terminal will activate the first receiver.

[0173] For example, if the terminal determines that a third network device is sending third information, method 900 further includes step S931.

[0174] S931, The network device sends third information to the terminal.

[0175] Accordingly, the terminal receives third information from the network device.

[0176] The third piece of information is used to instruct the terminal to turn on the first receiver. At this time, the terminal will turn on the first receiver and process the data on N RBs through the first receiver to recover the original signal sent by the transmitter.

[0177] Furthermore, the method 900 also includes: the terminal activating the first receiver according to the third information; and the terminal processing data on N frequency domain resources through the first receiver.

[0178] For example, when the terminal determines that the network device has sent third information, after receiving the third information, it will turn on the first receiver and then process the data on N frequency domain resources through the first receiver, for example, process the data on N RBs.

[0179] In one implementation, when N is less than or equal to M, the terminal determines that the network device has not sent the third information. Since N is less than or equal to M, the number of frequency domain resources actually required to execute the first service is greater than the number of frequency domain resources that the terminal supports for data processing via the first receiver. Therefore, the terminal cannot process data on M frequency domain resources via the first receiver; that is, the terminal does not have the capability to support data processing on M frequency domain resources via the first receiver. Thus, the terminal believes that the network device has not sent the third information. At this point, the terminal will activate the second receiver.

[0180] Optionally, when the terminal determines that the network device has not sent the third information, the method 900 further includes: the terminal processing the data on M frequency domain resources through a second receiver, wherein the complexity of the second receiver is lower than that of the first receiver.

[0181] For example, when the terminal determines that the network device has not sent third information, the terminal does not have the capability to support data processing on M frequency domain resources through the first receiver. In this case, the terminal will turn on the second receiver to process the data on the M frequency domain resources, thereby recovering the original data sent by the transmitter. This reduces the processing complexity of the MU-MIMO receiver, which in turn reduces the processing complexity of the terminal.

[0182] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the terminal can determine whether to turn on the first receiver based on the first information and the second information. Alternatively, the terminal's determination of whether the network device sends the third information based on the first and second information is equivalent to the terminal also determining whether to turn on the first receiver based on the first and second information. For example, when N is greater than or equal to M, the network device determines to send the third information, and the terminal can also determine that the network device has sent the third information; in this case, the terminal determines to turn on the first receiver. As another example, when N is less than or equal to M, the network device determines not to send the third information, and the terminal can also determine that the network device has not sent the third information; in this case, the terminal has not received the third information and determines not to turn on the first receiver, thus allowing the second receiver to be turned on.

[0183] It should also be noted that in this application, the second receiver can be referred to as the baseline receiver. The baseline receiver has lower complexity than the first receiver, or its performance is worse than the first receiver. For example, the baseline receiver can be a MU-MIMO zero-forcing (ZF) receiver, or a minimum mean squared error (MMSE) receiver, etc. This application does not limit this, as long as the complexity of the second receiver is lower than that of the first receiver. Before the terminal device processes the data on the M frequency domain resources through the second receiver, it does not require third information sent by the network device to trigger the process. That is, when N is less than or equal to M, the terminal device will activate the baseline receiver to process the data on the M frequency domain resources.

[0184] It should also be noted that the actual execution order of steps S920, S930, and S931 is not limited in this embodiment. Step S930 may occur before step S920. Step S931 may also occur before step S930. That is, when the network device determines to send the third information, the network device can immediately send the third information, and then the terminal determines whether the network device has sent the third information based on the first information and the second information. Alternatively, when the network device determines to send the third information, the network device has not yet sent the third information. In this case, the terminal first determines whether the network device has sent the third information based on the first information and the second information, and receives the third information from the network device when it is determined that the network device has sent the third information.

[0185] Optionally, before the terminal sends the first information to the network device, the method 900 further includes: the terminal sending fourth information to the network device. Accordingly, the network device receives the fourth information from the terminal. The fourth information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports N greater than a first preset threshold. The first preset threshold is predefined or preconfigured; for example, if the frequency domain resource is RB, then the first preset threshold can be 273.

[0186] For example, the fourth information can also be a type of capability information, such as second capability information. This fourth information is carried in RRC signaling or MAC-CE signaling.

[0187] In this embodiment of the application, based on the above scheme, the terminal reports the number of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal when processing data through the first receiver to the network device through the first information. This enables the network device to determine whether to send information indicating to enable the first receiver based on the number of frequency domain resources scheduled by the service. In this way, the network device will only send the second information to the terminal when the number of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal when processing data through the first receiver is greater than or equal to the number of frequency domain resources scheduled by the service, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the network device.

[0188] The method provided by the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to FIG. 9. The apparatus provided by the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12. It should be understood that the description of the apparatus embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments; therefore, any content not described in detail can be referred to the method embodiments above, and for the sake of brevity, will not be repeated here.

[0189] Figure 10 is a possible exemplary block diagram of the communication device involved in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 1000 may include modules or units for implementing the methods described above. In one possible design, the communication device 1000 includes a communication unit 1003 and a processing unit 1002. Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a storage unit 1001 for storing device program code and / or data. The communication unit 1003 may also be referred to as a communication interface, transceiver unit, or interface unit.

[0190] The communication device 1000 can be a network-side device in the above embodiments, such as a network device, or a module (e.g., a circuit, a chip, or a chip system) in a network device, or a logical node or logical module that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0191] For example, in one embodiment, the communication unit 1003 is used to receive first information, which is used to indicate the number N of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal when performing data processing through the first receiver, where N ≥ 1 and is an integer; the processing unit 1002 is used to determine whether to send third information based on the first information and the second information, where the second information is determined by the first service and is used to indicate the number M of frequency domain resources scheduled to execute the first service, and the third information is used to instruct the terminal to turn on the first receiver, where M ≥ 1 and is an integer.

[0192] In one possible design, the communication unit 1003 is also used to transmit the second information.

[0193] In one possible design, the processing unit 1002 is also used to determine whether to send the third information when N is greater than or equal to M.

[0194] In one possible design, the processing unit 1002 is also configured to determine not to send the third information when N is less than or equal to M.

[0195] In one possible design, the third information is carried in downlink control information (DCI), or in radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or in media access control (MAC-CE) signaling.

[0196] In one possible design, the first receiver is a multi-user multiple-input multiple-output maximum likelihood MU-MIMO ML receiver.

[0197] In one possible design, when the communication device 1000 is a network device or a communication module within a network device, the function of the processing unit 1002 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a chip. The function of the communication unit 1003 can be implemented by a transceiver circuit.

[0198] In one possible design, when the communication device 1000 is a circuit or chip in a network device responsible for communication functions, the function of the processing unit 1002 can be implemented by a circuit system in the chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 1003 can be implemented by an interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the chip.

[0199] The communication device 1000 can be a terminal-side device as described in the above embodiments, such as a terminal or a communication module in a terminal, or a circuit or chip in a terminal that is responsible for communication functions.

[0200] For example, in one embodiment, the communication unit 1003 is used to send first information, which is used to indicate the number N of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal when performing data processing through the first receiver, where N ≥ 1 and is an integer; the processing unit 1002 is used to determine whether the network device should send third information based on the first information and the second information, where the second information is determined by the first service and is used to indicate the number M of frequency domain resources scheduled to execute the first service, and the third information is used to instruct the terminal to turn on the first receiver, where M ≥ 1 and is an integer.

[0201] In one possible design, the communication unit 1003 is also used to receive the second information.

[0202] In one possible design, the processing unit 1002 is also used to determine that the network device sends the third information when N is greater than or equal to M.

[0203] In one possible design, the processing unit 1002 is also used to determine that the network device has not sent the third information when N is less than or equal to M.

[0204] In one possible design, when it is determined that the network device is sending the third information, the processing unit 1002 is further configured to activate the first receiver based on the third information; and process the data on N frequency domain resources through the first receiver.

[0205] In one possible design, when it is determined that the network device has not sent the third information, the processing unit 1002 is further configured to process the data on M frequency domain resources through a second receiver, the complexity of which is lower than that of the first receiver.

[0206] In one possible design, the third information is carried in downlink control information (DCI), or in radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or in media access control (MAC-CE) signaling.

[0207] In one possible design, the first receiver is a multi-user multiple-input multiple-output maximum likelihood MU-MIMO ML receiver.

[0208] In one possible design, when the communication device 1000 is a terminal or a communication module within a terminal, the function of the processing unit 1002 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or a SIP chip containing a modem core. The function of the communication unit 1003 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0209] In one possible design, when the communication device 1000 is a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 1002 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 1003 can be implemented by the interface circuitry or data transceiver circuitry on the aforementioned chip.

[0210] It is understood that the division of units in the above-described device is merely a logical functional division. One function can correspond to one functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or some units can be integrated onto a single physical entity, or distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the aforementioned functional units can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Whether a function is executed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for specific applications, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0211] In one example, the functional unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as: one or more ASICs, or one or more CPUs, one or more microprocessor units (MPUs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more FPGAs, or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0212] In one example, storage unit 1001 may include random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory and / or registers, etc.

[0213] In one example, storage unit 1001 may include random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory and / or registers, etc.

[0214] Furthermore, the aforementioned communication unit 1003 can also be a transceiver circuit (e.g., it may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit 1002 can be a processing circuit. In embodiments of this application, the device in FIG10 can be a terminal or network device as described in the foregoing embodiments, or it can be a chip or a chip system, such as a SoC. The communication unit 1003 can be an input / output circuit, a communication interface, a transceiver unit, a communication module, a transceiver module, or an interface unit. The processing unit 1002 is a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. No limitation is made here.

[0215] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 2000 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 11, the communication device 2000 includes a processor 2010 and a transceiver 2020. The transceiver 2020 is used for receiving and / or transmitting signals. The processor 2010 and the transceiver 2020 communicate with each other through an internal connection path. The processor 2010 is used to execute instructions to control the transceiver 2020 to transmit and / or receive signals.

[0216] Optionally, the communication device 2000 may further include a memory 2030 for storing computer programs or instructions and / or data. The memory 2030 communicates with the processor 2010 and transceiver 2020 via internal connection paths. The memory 2030 stores instructions, and the processor 2010 can execute the instructions stored in the memory 2030. The processor 2010 is coupled to the memory 2030 and is used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 2030, or to read the data stored in the memory 2030, to perform the methods in the above-described method embodiments.

[0217] Optionally, the transceiver 2020 may include a transmitter and / or a receiver to respectively implement the sending and receiving operations in the embodiments; if the transceiver 2020 is an input / output interface, then it sends the corresponding output and receives the corresponding input.

[0218] Optionally, there may be one or more processors 2010. Optionally, there may be one or more memories 2030. Optionally, the memories 2030 may be integrated with the processors 2010 or may be separately configured.

[0219] As an example, processor 2010 may have the functions of processing unit 1002 shown in FIG10, memory 2030 may have the functions of storage unit, and transceiver 2020 may have the functions of communication unit 1003 shown in FIG10.

[0220] As one approach, the device 2000 is used to implement the operations performed by a communication device (such as a terminal or a network device) in the various method embodiments described above. For example, the processor 2010 is used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 2030 to implement the relevant operations of the communication device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0221] In one implementation, the communication device 2000 is used to implement the various processes and steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0222] In another implementation, the communication device 2000 is used to implement the various processes and steps corresponding to the network device in the above method embodiments.

[0223] Alternatively, if the transceiver 2020 is replaced with an input / output circuit or input / output interface, the communication device 2000 can be considered as a chip or chip system.

[0224] Optionally, the memory 2030 may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory may also store device type information. The processor 2010 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor 2010 executes instructions stored in the memory, the processor 2010 is used to perform the various steps and / or processes of the method embodiments corresponding to the terminal device or network device described above.

[0225] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor hardware or by instructions in software. The steps of the method claimed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0226] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by the integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The processor in the embodiments of this application can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method applied in conjunction with the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0227] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a CPU, or other general-purpose processors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0228] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0229] 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.

[0230] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of a chip system 3000 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 12, the chip system 3000 (or may also be called a processing system) includes logic circuitry 3010 and an input / output interface 3020.

[0231] The logic circuit 3010 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 3000. The logic circuit 3010 can be coupled to a memory unit, calling instructions from the memory unit, enabling the chip system 3000 to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 3020 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 3000, outputting processed information from the chip system 3000, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 3000 for processing.

[0232] As one approach, the chip system 3000 is used to implement the operations performed by the network device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0233] For example, logic circuit 3010 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the network device in the above method embodiments, such as the processing-related operations performed by the network device in the embodiment shown in FIG9; input / output interface 3020 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the network device in the above method embodiments, such as the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the network device in the embodiment shown in FIG9.

[0234] As an alternative, the chip system 3000 is used to implement the operations performed by the terminal in the various method embodiments described above.

[0235] For example, logic circuit 3010 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the terminal in the above method embodiments, such as the processing-related operations performed by the terminal device in the embodiment shown in FIG9; input / output interface 3020 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the terminal in the above method embodiments, such as the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the terminal in the embodiment shown in FIG9.

[0236] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions for implementing the methods executed by a communication device (such as a terminal or a network device) in the above-described method embodiments. For example, when the computer program or instructions are run on the communication device, the communication device (such as a terminal or a network device) causes the communication device (such as a terminal or a network device) to execute the above-described methods (such as method 900).

[0237] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement the methods described above as performed by a communication device (such as a terminal or a network device). For example, when the computer program or instructions are run on the communication device, the communication device (such as a terminal or a network device) performs the methods described above (such as method 900).

[0238] This application also provides a communication system that includes the terminal and / or network device described in the embodiments above. For example, the system includes the terminal and network device shown in the embodiment of FIG9.

[0239] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0240] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0241] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0242] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0243] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0244] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0245] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0246] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Chips used in or within network devices, including: Receive first information, the first information being used to indicate the number N of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal when performing data processing through the first receiver, where N≥1 and is an integer; Whether to send third information is determined based on the first information and the second information. The second information is determined by the first service and is used to indicate the number M of frequency domain resources scheduled to execute the first service. The third information is used to instruct the terminal to turn on the first receiver. M ≥ 1 and is an integer.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the second message.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When N is greater than or equal to M, the third information is sent.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When N is less than or equal to M, it is determined that the third information will not be sent.

5. A communication method, characterized in that, Chips used in or within terminals include: Send first information, which is used to indicate the number N of frequency domain resources supported by the terminal when performing data processing through the first receiver, where N≥1 and is an integer; Based on the first information and the second information, it is determined whether the network device should send the third information. The second information is determined by the first service and is used to indicate the number M of frequency domain resources scheduled to execute the first service. The third information is used to instruct the terminal to turn on the first receiver. M ≥ 1 and is an integer.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the second information.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, When N is greater than or equal to M, it is determined that the network device sends the third information.

8. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, When N is less than or equal to M, it is determined that the network device has not sent the third information.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5-8, characterized in that, When determining that the network device is sending the third information, the method further includes: Based on the third information, turn on the first receiver; The first receiver processes the data on N frequency domain resources.

10. The method according to any one of claims 5-9, characterized in that, When it is determined that the network device has not sent the third information, the method further includes: The data on M frequency domain resources are processed by a second receiver, and the complexity of the second receiver is lower than that of the first receiver.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The third information is carried in downlink control information (DCI), or in radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or in media access control (MAC-CE) signaling.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a module or unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, or a module or unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 5 to 11.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions in memory to cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 4 to be executed, or to cause the method of any one of claims 5 to 11 to be executed.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 5 to 11 to be performed.

15. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 to be performed, or cause the method as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 11 to be performed.

Images