Preamble resource sending method, channel estimation method, and apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a preamble resource sending method, a channel estimation method, and an apparatus. The preamble resource sending method comprises: a first communication apparatus sending N preamble resources, wherein the N preamble resources belong to a first preamble resource subgroup, the first preamble resource subgroup is one of a plurality of preamble resource subgroups, and the N preamble resources correspond to N antenna ports of a terminal device, with N being an integer greater than 1. Estimation performed by a second communication apparatus on channels of the N antenna ports by means of the N preamble resources is facilitated. The second communication apparatus obtains channel information of the N antenna ports of the terminal device in a random access procedure of the terminal device. The delay of channel information acquisition is reduced. The transmission of burst services is facilitated, and the reliability and efficiency of data transmission are improved.

Description

Preamble resource transmission method, channel estimation method and apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510235338.3, filed on February 27, 2025, entitled "Preamble Resource Transmission Method, Channel Estimation Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a preamble resource transmission method, a channel estimation method, and an apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) is a key technology for improving the spectral efficiency of cellular systems. Essentially, it utilizes channel state information (CSI) between different antennas to construct multiple independent data transmission channels in the spatial domain. The following describes one scheme for base stations to obtain CSI. Specifically, the base station can send a reference signal to the user equipment (UE). The UE then measures this reference signal to obtain the CSI and feeds it back to the base station. Based on the CSI, the base station uses precoding techniques to achieve spatial multi-stream transmission or obtain beamforming gain.

[0004] However, when there are sudden bursts of short data packets that need to be transmitted, as the above scheme shows, the base station needs to undergo a channel measurement process to obtain the CSI. This CSI acquisition process introduces more latency, preventing the base station from using appropriate scheduling methods for short data packet transmission. This is detrimental to the transmission of bursty services and negatively impacts the reliability and efficiency of data transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a preamble resource transmission method, a channel estimation method, and an apparatus. A first communication device transmits N preamble resources, each corresponding to one of the N antenna ports of a terminal device. This facilitates a second communication device in estimating the channel information of the N antenna ports using these N preamble resources. This enables the second communication device to obtain channel information of the N antenna ports of the terminal device during random access, reducing the latency of channel information acquisition. It also benefits the transmission of bursty services, improving the reliability and efficiency of data transmission.

[0006] This application provides a method for transmitting preamble resources, which is applied to a first communication device. The first communication device is a terminal device or a device applied to a terminal device. For example, it may be a chip, chip system, module, processing unit, control unit, or circuit, etc., and this application does not limit the specific application. It should be noted that, in this application, when referring to a terminal device, it can refer to the terminal device itself or to a chip, functional module, or integrated circuit applied to the terminal device to perform the method provided in this application, and this application does not limit the specific application. The method includes: the first communication device transmitting N preamble resources, the N preamble resources belonging to a first preamble resource subgroup, the first preamble resource subgroup being one of multiple preamble resource subgroups, and the N preamble resources corresponding to N antenna ports of the terminal device, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0007] In the above technical solution, the first communication device sends N preamble resources, which correspond to N antenna ports of the terminal device. This facilitates the second communication device in estimating the channel of the N antenna ports using these N preamble resources, thereby achieving channel estimation for the N antenna ports of the terminal device. This enables the second communication device to obtain channel information for the N antenna ports of the terminal device during random access, reducing the latency of channel information acquisition. It is also beneficial for the transmission of bursty services, improving the reliability and efficiency of data transmission.

[0008] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: a first communication device determining a first preamble resource subgroup; the first communication device transmitting preamble resources from the first preamble resource subgroup; facilitating a second communication device to identify that the N preamble resources are transmitted by the same device through N antenna ports; and facilitating the second communication device to merge the N preamble resources and estimate the channel information of the N antenna ports based on the N preamble resources.

[0009] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first communication device transmitting N preamble resources includes: the first communication device transmitting the preamble resource through the antenna port corresponding to each preamble resource. This allows the second communication device to estimate the channel corresponding to the N antenna ports by combining the N preamble resources.

[0010] A second aspect of this application provides a channel estimation method, which is applied to a second communication device. The second communication device is a network device, or a device applied to a network device. For example, it may be a chip, chip system, module, processing unit, control unit, or circuit, etc., and this application does not specifically limit its scope. It should be noted that, in this application, when referring to a network device, it can refer to the network device itself, or to a chip, functional module, or integrated circuit applied to the network device to perform the method provided in this application, and this application does not specifically limit its scope. The method includes: the second communication device receiving N preamble resources from a first preamble resource subgroup, where the first preamble resource subgroup is one of multiple preamble resource subgroups, and the N preamble resources correspond to N antenna ports of a terminal device, where N is an integer greater than 1; the second communication device estimating the channel corresponding to the N antenna ports based on the N preamble resources, or in other words, the first communication device performing channel estimation on the N antenna ports based on the N preamble resources.

[0011] In the above technical solution, the second communication device receives N preamble resources, each corresponding to one of the N antenna ports of the terminal device. The second communication device estimates the channels corresponding to the N antenna ports based on the N preamble resources, thus achieving channel estimation for the N antenna ports of the terminal device. This enables the second communication device to obtain channel information for the N antenna ports of the terminal device during random access, reducing the latency of channel information acquisition. It also facilitates the transmission of bursty services and improves the reliability and efficiency of data transmission.

[0012] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the N preceding resources satisfy at least one of the following:

[0013] N preceding resources occupy the same starting time domain position;

[0014] The time-domain resources occupied by N preceding resources are orthogonal;

[0015] The frequency domain resources occupied by N preamble resources are orthogonal;

[0016] The time-frequency resources occupied by N preceding resources are orthogonal;

[0017] N preceding resources include N preceding sequences, and the N preceding sequences are orthogonal; or...

[0018] Among N preamble resources, multiple preamble resources occupying the same random access opportunity (RACH Occasion, RO) include multiple orthogonal preamble sequences, and multiple frequency domain resources or multiple time domain resources occupied by preamble resources occupying different ROs are orthogonal.

[0019] In this implementation, the N preamble resources can be orthogonal in the time domain, frequency domain, or code domain. This design allows the second communication device to distinguish the signals from each of the N antenna ports, thereby enabling a better estimation of the channel information for all N antenna ports.

[0020] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, multiple preamble resource subgroups belong to a first preamble resource group. One or more preamble subgroups in the first preamble resource group are used by a terminal device with N antenna ports to initiate random access. In other words, each preamble subgroup in the first preamble resource group is used by a terminal device with N antenna ports to initiate random access. This facilitates the second communication device in identifying that the N preamble resources were sent by the first communication device, that is, corresponding to preamble resources sent by the same device through multiple antenna ports. The second communication device can combine the N preamble resources to estimate the channel information of the N antenna ports, thus achieving channel estimation for multiple antenna ports.

[0021] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first preamble resource group is one of multiple preamble resource groups, each preamble resource group corresponding to a terminal device with a certain number of antenna ports. One or more preamble resource subgroups within this preamble resource group are used by the terminal device with the corresponding number of antenna ports to initiate random access. In this implementation, the communication system includes multiple preamble resource groups, each corresponding to terminal devices with various numbers of antenna ports. This facilitates terminal devices with different numbers of antenna ports selecting the appropriate preamble resource subgroup from the preamble resource group to initiate random access.

[0022] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, each preamble resource subgroup in the first preamble resource group includes N preamble resources, and the N preamble resources correspond to the N antenna ports in a terminal device having N antenna ports. In other words, the number of preamble resources in each preamble resource subgroup in the first preamble resource group is equal to the number of antenna ports of the terminal device.

[0023] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, multiple preamble resource subgroups correspond to terminal devices with different numbers of antenna ports, and each preamble resource subgroup is used by the terminal device with the corresponding number of antenna ports to initiate random access. This facilitates terminal devices with different numbers of antenna ports to select the appropriate preamble resource subgroup to initiate random access. For example, some preamble resource subgroups are used for terminal devices with one type of antenna port to initiate random access, while other preamble resource subgroups are used for terminal devices with another type of antenna port to initiate random access.

[0024] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: a first communication device receiving first configuration information, wherein the first configuration information is used to configure one or more preamble resource groups, each of the one or more preamble resource groups corresponding to a terminal device with a certain number of antenna ports, the preamble resource group being used by the terminal device with the corresponding number of antenna ports to initiate random access, and the first preamble resource group belonging to the one or more preamble resource groups; or, the first configuration information is used to configure the plurality of preamble resource subgroups. In this implementation, the first communication device can receive one or more configured preamble resource groups, or multiple configured preamble resource subgroups. This enables the first communication device to select a suitable preamble resource subgroup to initiate random access. It also facilitates channel estimation for multiple antenna ports by the second communication device.

[0025] Based on the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: a second communication device sending first configuration information, wherein the first configuration information is used to configure one or more preamble resource groups, each of the one or more preamble resource groups corresponding to a terminal device with a certain number of antenna ports, the preamble resource group being used by the terminal device with the corresponding number of antenna ports to initiate random access, and the first preamble resource group belonging to the one or more preamble resource groups; or, the first configuration information is used to configure multiple preamble resource subgroups. This facilitates the first communication device in selecting a suitable preamble resource subgroup to initiate random access and facilitates the second communication device in performing channel estimation for multiple antenna ports.

[0026] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first preamble resource group belongs to the one or more preamble resource groups; the one or more preamble resource groups are predefined or specified by the communication protocol.

[0027] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, multiple preamble resource subgroups are predefined or specified by the communication protocol.

[0028] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: a first communication device monitoring first downlink control information (DCI) based on a first random access radio network temporary identity (RA-RNTI), wherein the first RA-RNTI is determined according to the random access timing of the subgroup header of the first preamble resource subgroup. For example, the first RA-RNTI is calculated based on the random access timing of the subgroup header of the first preamble resource subgroup; the subgroup header of the first preamble resource subgroup is one of N preamble resources.

[0029] In this implementation, the first communication device can monitor the first DCI via the first RA-RNTI to facilitate receiving message 2. When the first communication device sends N preamble resources, and these N preamble resources occupy multiple random access opportunities, the first RA-RNTI is specified to be calculated using the random access opportunity where the subgroup header is located. This facilitates the alignment of the identifier used by the first and second communication devices to scramble the first DCI, ensuring successful random access for the first communication device.

[0030] Based on the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the second communication device sending a first DCI, wherein the first RA-RNTI is determined according to the random access timing (RACH Occasion, RO) of the subgroup head of the first preamble resource subgroup, and the subgroup head of the first preamble resource subgroup is one of the N preamble resources.

[0031] In this implementation, the second communication device sends a first DCI to indicate the time-frequency resources carrying message 2 to the first communication device. When the first communication device sends N preamble resources, and these N preamble resources occupy multiple random access opportunities, it is specified that the first RA-RNTI is calculated using the random access opportunity where the subgroup header is located. This facilitates the alignment of the identifiers used by the first and second communication devices in scrambling the first DCI, ensuring successful random access for the first communication device.

[0032] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first communication device determines the first RA-RNTI.

[0033] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first DCI is used to schedule the time-frequency resources carrying message 2, and the first DCI is obtained by scrambling with the first RA-RNTI.

[0034] Based on the first aspect, one possible implementation further includes: the first communication device receiving message 2, where message 2 is feedback for the first preamble resource subgroup. Alternatively, message 2 is feedback for the subgroup header of the first preamble resource subgroup. This improves the random access procedure to ensure successful random access for the first communication device.

[0035] Based on the second aspect, one possible implementation further includes: the second communication device sending message 2, where message 2 is a response to message 2 from the first preamble resource subgroup. This improves the random access procedure to ensure successful random access for the first communication device.

[0036] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, message 2 includes the sequence identifier (identify, ID) of the subgroup header of the first leading resource subgroup, where the subgroup header of the first leading resource subgroup is one of N leading resources. In other words, message 2 is a feedback to the subgroup header.

[0037] A third aspect of this application provides a method for transmitting preamble resources. The method is applied to a first communication device, which is a terminal device or a device applied to a terminal device. For example, it may be a chip, chip system, module, processing unit, control unit, or circuit, etc., and this application does not limit the specific application. It should be noted that, in this application, when referring to a terminal device, it can refer to the terminal device itself or to a chip, functional module, or integrated circuit applied to the terminal device to perform the method provided in this application, and this application does not limit the specific application. The method includes: the first communication device transmitting N preamble resources, the N preamble resources corresponding to N antenna ports of the terminal device, where N is an integer greater than 1; the first communication device receiving at least one message 2, the at least one message 2 including N random access responses (RARs), the N RARs corresponding to the N preamble resources; and the first communication device transmitting at least one message 3, the at least one message 3 being a feedback to the N RARs.

[0038] In the above technical solution, the first communication device sends N preamble resources, each corresponding to one of the N antenna ports of the terminal device. This facilitates the second communication device in estimating the channel corresponding to the N antenna ports using these N preamble resources. Furthermore, the improved random access procedure helps ensure successful random access for the first communication device. The first communication device sends at least one message 3, which addresses feedback from the N RARs. This allows the second communication device to determine, based on this message 3, that the aforementioned N preamble resources were sent by the same device through multiple antenna ports. This facilitates the second communication device in merging the N preamble resources and performing channel estimation across the multiple antenna ports.

[0039] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the first communication device transmitting N preamble resources includes: the first communication device transmitting the preamble resource through the antenna port corresponding to each preamble resource. This allows the second communication device to estimate the channel corresponding to the N antenna ports by combining the N preamble resources.

[0040] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, each RAR is a feedback to the preceding resource corresponding to that RAR.

[0041] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the N preceding resources satisfy at least one of the following:

[0042] N preceding resources occupy the same starting time domain position;

[0043] The time-domain resources occupied by N preceding resources are orthogonal;

[0044] The frequency domain resources occupied by N preamble resources are orthogonal;

[0045] The time-frequency resources occupied by N preceding resources are orthogonal;

[0046] N preceding resources include N preceding sequences, and the N preceding sequences are orthogonal; or...

[0047] Among N preamble resources, multiple preamble resources occupying the same RO include multiple orthogonal preamble sequences, and multiple preamble resources occupying different ROs occupy multiple frequency domain resources or multiple time domain resources orthogonal.

[0048] In this implementation, the N preamble resources can be orthogonal in the time domain, frequency domain, or code domain. This design allows the second communication device to distinguish the signals from each of the N antenna ports, thus enabling better estimation of the channel information for all N antenna ports. Furthermore, the N preamble resources occupy the same initial time domain position, which helps ensure that the channel experienced by different antenna ports is the same at the same time, avoiding performance degradation in channel estimation due to the time-varying nature of the channel.

[0049] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, N preamble resources occupy M remote access points (ROs), and at least one message 2 includes M messages 2, which correspond to the M ROs. Each message 2 is a feedback to its corresponding RO, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N. In this implementation, message 2 is fed back at the RO granularity, thus ensuring compatibility with traditional random access mechanisms and guaranteeing successful random access for the first communication device.

[0050] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, at least one message 3 includes N messages 3, each corresponding to one of the N RARs, with each message 3 being a feedback to the corresponding RAR. In this implementation, the message 3 is fed back at the RAR granularity, thus ensuring compatibility with traditional random access mechanisms and guaranteeing successful random access for the first communication device. Furthermore, the first communication device feeds back at least one message 3, and the second communication device determines, based on this at least one message 3, that the N preamble resources were sent by the first communication device. The second communication device can then perform channel estimation for multiple antenna ports based on the N preamble resources.

[0051] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, at least one message 3 includes a terminal device identifier and first indication information, which indicates N preamble resources. In this implementation, the first communication device feeds back a message 3 to complete the random access procedure and ensure successful random access for the first communication device. Additionally, the message 3 also includes the first indication information indicating the N preamble resources. The second communication device determines that the N preamble resources were sent by the first communication device based on the first indication information. The second communication device can then perform channel estimation for multiple antenna ports based on the N preamble resources.

[0052] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, each of the N messages 3 includes an identifier of the terminal device. This facilitates the second communication device in determining that the N preamble resources originate from the first communication device through multiple messages 3 containing the same identifier. The second communication device can then perform channel estimation for multiple antenna ports based on the N preamble resources.

[0053] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, N preceding resources occupy M ROs, at least one message 2 includes M messages 2, the M messages 2 correspond to M ROs, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0054] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, before the first communication device receives at least one message 2, the method further includes: the first communication device monitoring M second DCIs based on M second RA-RNTIs; wherein the M second RA-RNTIs correspond to the M second DCIs, and each second RA-RNTI is determined based on the RO corresponding to the message 2 corresponding to the corresponding second DCI, that is, the second RA-RNTI corresponds to one second DCI, and the second DCI is used to schedule the time-frequency resources of the corresponding message 2, and the message 2 is a feedback for the preamble resources on the corresponding RO. Therefore, the second RA-RNTI can be calculated based on the RO. The first communication device receiving at least one message 2 includes: receiving the message 2 corresponding to the second DCI through the time-frequency resources scheduled by each second DCI.

[0055] This implementation illustrates the process by which the first communication device monitors M second DCIs and receives at least one message 2. It employs a compatible random access mechanism and improves the random access procedure, thereby enhancing the success of random access for the first communication device.

[0056] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the first communication device sending a third RA-RNTI, which is determined based on a temporary cell radio network temporary identity (TC-RNTI) carried in at least one message 2. For example, the third RA-RNTI is calculated based on the TC-RNTI carried in at least one message 2, and the third RA-RNTI is used to monitor the third DCI, which is used to schedule the time-frequency resources of message 4. In this implementation, the first communication device can calculate the third RA-RNTI based on the received at least one message 2 and feed it back. This avoids the problem of the first and second communication devices being unable to align the third RA-RNTI due to packet loss of message 2, thus ensuring successful random access for the first communication device.

[0057] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, at least message 3 and the third RA-RNTI are carried on radio resource control (RRC) signaling or media or medium access control (MAC) signaling. Some possible bearer carriers for at least message 3 and the third RA-RNTI are provided. Media access control can also be referred to as media access control (MAC).

[0058] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the MAC signaling is a media or medium access control control element (MAC), and the MAC CE includes a MAC CE subheader and a MAC CE payload. The MAC CE subheader includes a first field, which is used to indicate that the MAC CE payload contains a third RA-RNTI.

[0059] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the first communication device receiving message 4, where message 4 is a feedback to at least one message 3. This improves the random access process and ensures successful random access for the first communication device.

[0060] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, before the first communication device receives message 4, the method further includes: the first communication device monitoring a third DCI based on a third RA-RNTI; wherein the third RA-RNTI is determined based on a TC-RNTI carried in at least one message 2. For example, the third RA-RNTI is calculated based on a TC-RNTI carried in at least one message 2; the first communication device receiving message 4 includes: the first communication device receiving message 4 through time-frequency resources scheduled by the third DCI. In this implementation, the first communication device calculates the third RA-RNTI based on the TC-RNTI carried in at least one message 2 and monitors the third DCI based on the third RA-RNTI. This facilitates the first communication device determining the time-frequency resources based on the third DCI and receiving message 4 on those time-frequency resources.

[0061] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the third DCI is used to schedule the time-frequency resources carrying message 4.

[0062] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the third DCI is obtained by scrambling the second RA-RNTI.

[0063] A fourth aspect of this application provides a communication method applied to a second communication device. The second communication device is a network device, or a device applied to a network device. For example, it may be a chip, chip system, module, processing unit, control unit, or circuit, etc., and this application does not limit the specific application. It should be noted that, in this application, when referring to a network device, it can refer to the network device itself, or to a chip, functional module, or integrated circuit applied to the network device for performing the method provided in this application, and this application does not limit the specific application. The method includes: a second communication device receiving N preamble resources, the N preamble resources corresponding to N antenna ports of a terminal device, where N is an integer greater than 1; the second communication device sending at least one message 2, the at least one message 2 including N RARs, the N RARs corresponding to the N preamble resources, each RAR being feedback for the corresponding preamble resource; the second communication device receiving at least one message 3, the at least one message 3 being feedback for the N RARs; the second communication device determining the N preamble resources based on the at least one message 3; the second communication device estimating the channel corresponding to the N antenna ports based on the N preamble resources, or in other words, the first communication device performing channel estimation for the N antenna ports based on the N preamble resources.

[0064] In the above technical solution, the second communication device receives N preamble resources, and the N preamble resources correspond to N antenna ports of the terminal device. The second communication device sends at least one message 2, and then receives at least one message 3. The second communication device determines the N preamble resources based on the at least one message 3, that is, the second communication device determines through the at least one message 3 that the N preamble resources come from the same device, namely the first communication device. Then, the second communication device estimates the channel corresponding to the N antenna ports based on the N preamble resources. Thus, it can be seen that the above technical solution achieves channel estimation for multiple antenna ports.

[0065] Based on the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the N preceding resources satisfy at least one of the following:

[0066] N preceding resources occupy the same starting time domain position;

[0067] The time-domain resources occupied by N preceding resources are orthogonal;

[0068] The frequency domain resources occupied by N preamble resources are orthogonal;

[0069] The time-frequency resources occupied by N preceding resources are orthogonal;

[0070] N preceding resources include N preceding sequences, and the N preceding sequences are orthogonal; or...

[0071] Among N preamble resources, multiple preamble resources occupying the same RO include multiple orthogonal preamble sequences, and multiple preamble resources occupying different ROs occupy multiple frequency domain resources or multiple time domain resources orthogonal.

[0072] In this implementation, the N preamble resources can be orthogonal in the time domain, frequency domain, or code domain. This design allows the second communication device to distinguish the signals from each of the N antenna ports, thus enabling better estimation of the channel information for all N antenna ports. Furthermore, the N preamble resources occupy the same initial time domain position, which helps ensure that the channel experienced by different antenna ports is the same at the same time, avoiding performance degradation in channel estimation due to the time-varying nature of the channel.

[0073] Based on the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, N preceding resources occupy M ROs, and at least one message 2 includes M messages 2, which correspond to the M ROs. Each message 2 is a feedback to the corresponding RO, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In this implementation, message 2 is fed back at the RO granularity, thus ensuring compatibility with traditional random access mechanisms and guaranteeing successful random access for the first communication device.

[0074] Based on the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, at least one message 3 includes N messages 3, each corresponding to one of the N RARs, with each message 3 being a feedback to the corresponding RAR. In this implementation, the message 3 is fed back at the RAR granularity, thus ensuring compatibility with traditional random access mechanisms and guaranteeing successful random access for the first communication device. Furthermore, the first communication device feeds back at least one message 3, and the second communication device determines, based on this at least one message 3, that the N preamble resources were sent by the first communication device. The second communication device can then perform channel estimation for multiple antenna ports based on the N preamble resources.

[0075] Based on the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, each of the N messages 3 includes an identifier of the terminal device. This facilitates the second communication device in determining that the N preamble resources originate from the first communication device through multiple messages 3 containing the same identifier. The second communication device can then perform channel estimation for multiple antenna ports based on the N preamble resources.

[0076] Based on the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, at least one message 3 includes a terminal device identifier and first indication information, which indicates N preamble resources. In this implementation, the first communication device feeds back a message 3 to complete the random access procedure and ensure successful random access for the first communication device. Additionally, the message 3 also includes the first indication information indicating the N preamble resources. The second communication device determines that the N preamble resources were sent by the first communication device based on the first indication information. The second communication device can then perform channel estimation for multiple antenna ports based on the N preamble resources.

[0077] Based on the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, N preceding resources occupy M ROs, at least one message 2 includes M messages 2, the M messages 2 correspond to M ROs, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0078] Based on the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, before the second communication device sends at least one message 2, the method further includes: the second communication device generating M second DCIs based on M second RA-RNTIs, wherein the M second DCIs correspond to the M messages 2, and the M second RA-RNTIs correspond to the M second DCIs. Each second RA-RNTI is determined based on the RO corresponding to the message 2 corresponding to the second DCI, that is, the second RA-RNTI corresponds to one second DCI, and the second DCI is used to schedule the time-frequency resources of the corresponding message 2, and the message 2 is a feedback for the preamble resources on the corresponding RO. Therefore, the second RA-RNTI can be calculated based on the RO. The second communication device sends the M second DCIs; the second communication device sending at least one message 2 includes: the second communication device sending the message 2 corresponding to the second DCI through the time-frequency resources scheduled by each second DCI.

[0079] This implementation illustrates the process by which the first communication device generates and transmits M second DCIs. It employs a compatible random access mechanism and improves the random access procedure, thereby enhancing the success of random access for the first communication device.

[0080] Based on the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the second communication device receiving a third RA-RNTI, which is determined based on the TC-RNTI carried in at least one message 2. For example, the third RA-RNTI is calculated based on the TC-RNTI carried in at least one message 2. In this implementation, the second communication device receives the third RA-RNTI. The third RA-RNTI is calculated by the first communication device based on the received at least one message 2, thus avoiding the problem of the first and second communication devices being unable to align the third RA-RNTI due to packet loss of message 2. This ensures successful random access for the first communication device.

[0081] Based on the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, at least message 3 and the third RA-RNTI are carried on RRC signaling or MAC signaling. Some possible carriers for at least message 3 and the third RA-RNTI are provided.

[0082] Based on the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the MAC signaling is MAC CE, which includes a MAC CE subheader and a MAC CE payload. The MAC CE subheader includes a first field, which is used to indicate that the MAC CE payload contains a third RA-RNTI.

[0083] Based on the fourth aspect, one possible implementation further includes: the second communication device sending message 4, where message 4 is a feedback to at least one message 3. This improves the random access process and ensures successful random access for the first communication device.

[0084] Based on the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the second communication device sending a third DCI, wherein the third DCI is obtained by scrambling with a third RA-RNTI, the third RA-RNTI being determined based on at least one TC-RNTI carried in message 2, or obtained from message 3; the second communication device sending message 4 includes: the second communication device sending message 4 through time-frequency resources scheduled by the third DCI.

[0085] In this implementation, the second communication device sends a third DCI. This facilitates the first communication device's reception of message 4 based on the time-frequency resources indicated by the third DCI. This improves the random access process and ensures successful random access for the first communication device.

[0086] A fifth aspect of this application provides a first communication device, including modules for performing methods as shown in the first aspect, the third aspect, any implementation of the first aspect, and any implementation of the third aspect. For example, the first communication device may include a transceiver module. The transceiver module is used to perform the receiving step and / or transmitting step in the methods shown in the first aspect, the third aspect, any implementation of the first aspect, and any implementation of the third aspect.

[0087] Optionally, the first communication device further includes a processing module. The processing module is used to execute the processing steps in the methods shown in the first aspect, the third aspect, any implementation of the first aspect, and any implementation of the third aspect, respectively.

[0088] A sixth aspect of this application provides a second communication device, including modules for performing methods as shown in the second aspect, the fourth aspect, any implementation of the second aspect, and any implementation of the fourth aspect. For example, the second communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The transceiver module is used to perform the receiving step and / or sending step in the methods shown in the second aspect, the fourth aspect, and any implementation of the second aspect, and any implementation of the fourth aspect. The processing module is used to perform the processing steps in the methods shown in the second aspect, the fourth aspect, and any implementation of the second aspect, and any implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0089] For the beneficial effects of the fifth aspect and the various implementation methods therein, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the first aspect, the third aspect, the various implementation methods therein, and the various implementation methods therein, which will not be repeated here.

[0090] For the beneficial effects of the sixth aspect and its various implementation methods, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the beneficial effects of the second and fourth aspects, the various implementation methods in the second aspect, and the various implementation methods in the fourth aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0091] The seventh aspect of this application provides a communication device, which may be a terminal device or a device applied to a terminal device. The device is a module or unit (e.g., a chip, chip system, or circuit) corresponding to the methods, operations, steps, or actions described in the first and third aspects, or a communication device that can be used in conjunction with a terminal device.

[0092] The eighth aspect of this application provides a communication device, which may be a network device or an apparatus applied to a network device. The apparatus is a module or unit (e.g., a chip, chip system, or circuit) corresponding to each of the methods, operations, steps, or actions described in the second and fourth aspects, or a communication device that can be used in conjunction with a network device.

[0093] The ninth aspect of this application provides a communication device including a processor for calling a computer program or computer instructions in memory, such that the processor is configured to execute any implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects.

[0094] Optionally, the communication device also includes a transceiver, the processor being used to control the transceiver to perform any of the implementations of any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0095] Optionally, the processor is integrated with the memory.

[0096] The tenth aspect of this application provides a computer program product including computer instructions or computer programs, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the implementations of any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0097] The eleventh aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including a computer program or computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the implementations of the first to fourth aspects.

[0098] The twelfth aspect of this application provides a chip device including a processor for calling a computer program or computer instructions in memory to cause the processor to execute any one of the implementations of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0099] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0100] The thirteenth aspect of this application provides a communication system comprising a first communication device as shown in the first aspect and a second communication device as shown in the second aspect; or, the communication system comprising a first communication device as shown in the third aspect and a second communication device as shown in the fourth aspect.

[0101] As described in the above technical solution, the first communication device sends N preamble resources, which belong to a first preamble resource subgroup. The first preamble resource subgroup is one of multiple preamble resource subgroups. The N preamble resources correspond to N antenna ports of the terminal device, where N is an integer greater than 1. Since these N preamble resources belong to one preamble resource subgroup, the second communication device can know that these N preamble resources are sent through multiple antenna ports of the same device. Therefore, the second communication device can estimate the channel corresponding to the N antenna ports using these N preamble resources. This enables the second communication device to obtain the channel information of the N antenna ports of the terminal device during random access, reducing the latency of channel information acquisition. This is beneficial for the transmission of bursty services and improves the reliability and efficiency of data transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0102] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an open radio access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN) system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0103] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of an access network device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0104] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0105] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a two-step random access process;

[0106] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a four-step random access process;

[0107] Figures 6A to 6C are some schematic diagrams showing the correspondence between RO and synchronization signal block identifier (SSB ID);

[0108] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the preamble resource transmission method and channel estimation method of this application;

[0109] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of a plurality of leading resource groups in an embodiment of this application;

[0110] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of a preamble resource in a preamble subgroup according to an embodiment of this application;

[0111] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the preamble resource transmission method and channel estimation method of this application;

[0112] Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a MAC CE according to an embodiment of this application;

[0113] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the preamble resource transmission method and channel estimation method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0114] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the collision probability of user equipment (UE) initiating random access in an embodiment of this application;

[0115] Figure 13 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0116] Figure 14 is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0117] Figure 15 is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0118] Figure 16 is a structural schematic diagram of a terminal device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0119] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of a network device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0120] This application provides a preamble resource transmission method, a channel estimation method, and an apparatus. A first communication device transmits N preamble resources, each corresponding to one of the N antenna ports of a terminal device. This facilitates a second communication device in estimating the channel of the N antenna ports using the N preamble resources. This enables the second communication device to obtain channel information for the N antenna ports of the terminal device during random access, reducing the latency of channel information acquisition. It also benefits the transmission of bursty services, improving the reliability and efficiency of data transmission.

[0121] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0122] The term "and / or" appearing in this application can describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0123] The technical terms used in this application are described below.

[0124] Preamble resource: Each preamble resource includes time-frequency resources and a preamble sequence. Optionally, different preamble resources may occupy different time-domain resources; and / or, different preamble resources may occupy different frequency-domain resources; and / or, the preamble resources included in different preamble resources may be orthogonal. Optionally, the preamble resource may also be called a preamble code, preamble, message 1, or message A, etc., and this application does not limit the specific terminology.

[0125] Antenna Port: An antenna port is a logical concept. It typically refers to a set of resource elements (REs) with specific resources used to transmit a particular signal. For example, in Channel State Information Reference Signals (CSI-RS), each antenna port has its own RE position or code division position. Based on these parameters, the signal transmitted at that antenna port can be determined, allowing for channel estimation and obtaining the channel information for that antenna port. The concept of an antenna port differs from that of a physical antenna because it is a logical abstraction and does not involve specific physical implementations. Unlike the logical concept of an antenna port, a physical antenna is a physical, concrete concept. A physical antenna generally refers to the physical channels with filters and power amplifiers on a remote radio unit (RRU) or active antenna unit (AAU), i.e., the number of antennas in the device (T / R). A physical antenna is a physical entity, and each physical antenna has corresponding power amplifiers, filters, and other physical components. There is no one-to-one correspondence between antenna ports and physical antennas. In the downlink, antenna ports and downlink reference signals can have a one-to-one correspondence: if the same reference signal is transmitted through multiple physical antennas, then these physical antennas correspond to one antenna port. This means that one physical port can correspond to one physical antenna, and one antenna port can correspond to one reference signal. Multiple physical ports can be mapped to the same antenna port.

[0126] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems. For example, 5th generation (5G) systems, new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), future mobile communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems, industrial internet communication systems, or satellite communication systems, etc. The wireless communication systems involved in this application also include, but are not limited to, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems.

[0127] The communication systems to which this application applies include terminal equipment and network equipment. The terminal equipment and network equipment are described below.

[0128] Terminal equipment, also known as UE, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), fixed wireless access (FWA), customer premises equipment (CPE), etc., refers to devices that include wireless communication capabilities (providing voice / data connectivity to users). Examples include handheld devices with wireless connectivity, in-vehicle devices, and machine-type communication (MTC) terminals. Currently, terminal devices can include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving (e.g., drones, vehicles), wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, and wireless terminals in smart homes. For example, wireless terminals in self-driving can be drones, helicopters, or airplanes. For example, wireless terminals in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) can be in-vehicle equipment, vehicle-mounted equipment, in-vehicle modules, vehicles, or ships. Wireless terminals in industrial control can be cameras, robots, or robotic arms. Wireless terminals in smart homes can be televisions, air conditioners, robot vacuums, speakers, or set-top boxes. The terminal device can also be a device or module that is connected to the communication system shown above and has corresponding communication functions. The terminal device usually contains a communication module, circuit or chip that performs the corresponding communication function, and the terminal device is also configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication function.

[0129] It should be noted that the terminal device can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus with integrated circuitry, or a chip, chip system, module, or control unit in the device or apparatus shown above; the specific application is not limited thereto. It should also be noted that in this application, when referring to a terminal device, it can refer to the terminal device itself, or to a chip, functional module, or integrated circuit applied to the terminal device to perform the method provided in this application; the specific application is not limited thereto.

[0130] A network device is a device deployed in a radio access network to provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. Network devices may also be referred to as radio access network (RAN) entities, access nodes, network nodes, access network equipment, or communication devices, etc.

[0131] Specifically, the network equipment can be access network equipment for cellular systems related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). For example, fourth-generation (4G) mobile communication systems, 5G mobile communication systems, or future mobile communication systems. The network equipment can also be access network equipment in open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN) or cloud radio access network (CRAN). Alternatively, the network equipment can also be access network equipment in a communication system resulting from the integration of two or more of the above communication systems.

[0132] Network equipment includes, but is not limited to: evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station (BS), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP) in wireless fidelity (WIFI) systems, macro base station, micro base station, wireless relay node, donor node, radio controller in CRAN scenarios, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP), or transmission and reception point (or transmit / receive point, TRP). Network equipment can also be access network equipment in 5G mobile communication systems. For example, a next-generation NodeB (gNB), TRP, TP in a new radio (NR) system, or one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) in a base station in a 5G mobile communication system. Alternatively, network equipment can also be network nodes that constitute a gNB or transmission point. For example, a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. CU and DU can be set up separately or included in the same network element. For example, a BBU. RU can be included in radio equipment or radio units. For example, in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). Alternatively, network equipment can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment, etc. For example, in V2X technology, network equipment can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0133] It should be noted that CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names in different systems, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called an open centralized unit (O-CU) or an open CU, DU can also be called an open distributed unit (O-DU), centralized unit control plane (CU-CP) can also be called an open centralized unit control plane (O-CU-CP) or an open CU-CP, centralized unit user plane (CU-UP) can also be called an open centralized unit user plane (O-CU-UP) or an open CU-UP, and RU can also be called an open radio unit (O-RU). This application does not impose any specific limitations. Any of the units CU, 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.

[0134] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an ORAN system according to an embodiment of this application. The ORAN system includes a core network, access network equipment, and UE. Optionally, the ORAN system may also include other components besides those shown in Figure 1, which is not limited in this application.

[0135] Access network devices can communicate with the core network (CN) via a backhaul link. Access network devices can also communicate with the UE via an air interface. Specifically, the BBU in the access network device communicates with the core network via a backhaul link. The RU in the access network device communicates with at least one UE via an air interface. The BBU communicates with at least one RU via a fronthaul link; the BBU and RU may or may not be co-located.

[0136] A BBU includes at least one CU and at least one DU, and the CU and DU can communicate with each other via at least one midhaul link.

[0137] In one possible implementation, as shown in Figure 2, the CU is a logical node carrying the 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. Optionally, the CU can 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 of the DU) 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 of the F1 interface, defining the signaling procedures of F1 in some examples. The F1 interface supports control plane F1-C and user plane F1-U.

[0138] Optionally, as shown in Figure 2, the CU can be split into 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 access and mobility management (AMF) function 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. In the core network, network elements used to implement user plane functions, such as the user plane function (UPF) in a 5G system, are responsible for forwarding and receiving data in terminal devices. The above configuration of CU and DU is merely an example; in practical applications, the functions of CU and DU can be configured as needed. For example, CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or to have only some protocol layer processing functions. For instance, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency, placing functions that need to meet low latency requirements in the DU and functions that do not need to meet such latency requirements in the CU.

[0139] In one possible implementation, as shown in Figure 2, the DU is a logical node carrying the RLC layer, MAC layer, higher physical layer (Higher PHY) layer, 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 components, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation.

[0140] In one possible implementation, as shown in Figure 2, the RU is a logical node carrying both lower physical layer (PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, the RU can be a 3GPP transmission reception point (TRP), a remote radio head (RRH), or other similar entities. In some examples, the Low-PHY includes PHY processing functions 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 wireless link.

[0141] 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) interface. LLS-CUS may include a Lower-Layer Split control (LLS-C) interface and a Lower-Layer Split user (LLS-U) interface, providing the control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) respectively. In some examples, the control plane (C-Plane) refers to real-time control between the DU and RU. The DU and RU exchange management information via a Lower-Layer Split management (LLS-M) interface on the fronthaul link; the management plane (M-Plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0142] 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.

[0143] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples.

[0144] It should be noted that network devices can be devices or apparatuses with chips, or devices or apparatuses with integrated circuits, or chips, chip systems, modules, or control units in the devices or apparatuses shown above; this application does not impose any specific limitations. It should also be noted that in this application, the term "network device" can refer to either the network device itself or to chips, functional modules, or integrated circuits applied to the network device to perform the methods provided in this application; this application does not impose any specific limitations.

[0145] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 used in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 3, the communication system includes RAN 100. Optionally, the communication system 1000 also includes a core network 200 and an Internet 300. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 3, collectively referred to as 110), and may also include at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 3, 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 3). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110, and RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be independent and different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating the logical functions of core network equipment and RAN node. Terminal devices and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means.

[0146] In multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, the transmitter uses precoding techniques to achieve spatial multi-stream transmission or beamforming gain. For example, if the transmitter is a base station, the base station acquires the downlink CSI, determines the precoding matrix based on the downlink CSI, and then transmits data according to the precoding matrix. Base stations typically acquire the downlink CSI using the following two methods.

[0147] Method 1: The UE transmits an uplink reference signal. The base station then uses this uplink reference signal to measure the uplink channel between the UE and the base station to obtain the uplink CSI between the UE and the base station. The base station uses the reciprocity of the uplink and downlink channels and the uplink CSI to determine the downlink CSI between the base station and the UE.

[0148] Method 2: The base station transmits a downlink reference signal. The UE then uses this downlink reference signal to measure the downlink channel between the base station and the UE to obtain the downlink CSI between the base station and the UE. The UE then feeds back the downlink CSI to the base station.

[0149] For method 2, the UE can use a precoding codebook to feed back downlink CSI. 3GPP has standardized a series of precoding codebooks, specifically Type I, Type II, and enhanced Type II codebooks. The UE can choose one of these precoding codebooks and use it along with the downlink CSI to feed back the precoding matrix indicator (PMI). The precoding codebook can be understood as a compression method of CSI. Type I, Type II, and enhanced Type II codebooks all utilize the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) basis to compress the spatial channel. In Type I codebooks, each layer uses only one DFT beam, and different sub-bands use different phase coefficients for beam adjustment. Type II codebooks allow multiple beam weighted combinations at each layer, with different combination coefficients used in different sub-bands, thus achieving higher channel representation accuracy. The enhanced Type II codebook further compresses the combination coefficients of each layer in the frequency domain, further reducing the feedback amount while maintaining channel representation accuracy.

[0150] As can be seen from the above scheme, the base station needs to go through a channel measurement process to obtain CSI. The process of the base station obtaining CSI introduces more time delay, which makes it impossible for the base station to use a suitable scheduling method to transmit short data packets, which is not conducive to the reliability and efficiency of data transmission.

[0151] This application proposes a scheme for obtaining uplink CSI using preamble resources sent by the terminal device during random access. Random access is a key technology for establishing a connection between the UE and the base station. Through the random access procedure, the UE can achieve uplink synchronization with the base station and establish or restore an RRC connection with the base station. The random access procedure of the terminal device is described below. There are two types of random access: two-step random access and four-step random access. These are described below with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0152] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a two-step random access procedure. Referring to Figure 4, the two-step random access procedure includes the following steps 401 and 402.

[0153] 401. The UE sends message A (Msg A) to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives message A from the UE.

[0154] Message A includes a preamble sequence selected by the UE. Optionally, message A may also include uplink data from the terminal device and / or the UE's identity information.

[0155] 402. The base station sends message B (Msg B) to the UE. Correspondingly, the base station receives message B from the UE.

[0156] Message B is a response to Message A. For example, Message B might include an identifier assigned to the UE by the base station, such as the Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI). This identifier is determined based on the UE's identity information in Message A, indicating successful random access for the UE. Furthermore, Message B might include parameters related to the UE's network access.

[0157] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a four-step random access procedure. Referring to Figure 5, the four-step random access procedure includes steps 501 to 504 as follows.

[0158] 501. The UE sends message 1 (Msg1) to the base station. This Msg1 carries the preamble selected by the UE. Correspondingly, the base station receives message 1 selected by the UE.

[0159] Message 1 includes a preamble sequence selected by the UE.

[0160] 502. The base station sends message 2 (Msg2) to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives message 2 from the base station.

[0161] After receiving message 1, the base station can broadcast message 2, which includes a Receipt Arrangement (RAR). This RAR is a feedback on the preamble sequence sent by the UE. Optionally, the RAR includes the ID of the preamble sequence detected by the base station, the TC-RNTI, and time-frequency resources for sending message 3. For example, physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) resources.

[0162] It should be noted that before the base station sends message 2, it obtains a DCI1 through RA-RNTI scrambling and sends this DCI1 to the UE. This DCI1 indicates the time-frequency resources carrying message 2, such as the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) resources. The UE receives this DCI1 to learn about the time-frequency resources for receiving message 2. Then, the UE receives message 2 using these time-frequency resources.

[0163] 503. The UE sends message 3 (Msg3) to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives message 3 from the UE.

[0164] The UE parses the RAR to determine the time-frequency resource for sending message 3, and then sends message 3 on that time-frequency resource. Message 3 includes the UE ID and an RRC connection establishment request. The RRC connection establishment request is used to request the establishment of an RRC connection.

[0165] 504. The base station sends message 4 (Msg4) to the UE. Correspondingly, the base station receives message 4 from the UE.

[0166] After receiving message 3, the base station scrambles DCI2 using the TC-RNTI carried in the RAR and transmits DCI2. This DCI2 indicates the time-frequency resources for transmitting message 4. The base station then transmits message 4 on these time-frequency resources. Message 4 may include the UE ID and RRC connection establishment response received in message 3. The RRC connection establishment response indicates a successful RRC connection.

[0167] A single Return Array (RO) can transmit 64 predefined preamble sequences. Each RO is associated with one or more synchronization signal block (SSB) IDs. As shown in Figure 6A, one RO is associated with one SSB ID, and different ROs are associated with different SSB IDs. As shown in Figure 6B, one RO is associated with eight SSB IDs. As shown in Figure 6C, two ROs are associated with one SSB ID.

[0168] The principle of channel estimation is as follows: Assume that the transmitter has N T There are N antenna ports, and the receiver has N... R With one antenna port, the channel coefficient matrix H on any subcarrier is an N R Line N T A matrix of columns. The transmitter transmits a known N-dimensional symbol through all antenna ports at time t. T dimensional vector s t s t This can be called a pilot signal. The signal y received by the receiver is... t It can be represented as y t =Hs t (Noise signals are ignored here.)

[0169] Channel estimation is essentially solving a system of linear equations. An antenna port has N... R There are N unknown channel coefficients, therefore there are a total of N R N T There are N unknowns. Solve the system of linear equations using the theory of linear equations.R N T One unknown requires N R N T A number of linearly independent equations. The received signal in one time-domain symbol can only construct N... R There are 12 equations, therefore at least N equations need to be sent. T A time-domain symbol.

[0170] In the random access procedure, the preamble sequence helps the base station detect the UE and estimate the transmission delay from the UE to the base station. Once detected by the base station, the preamble sequence becomes a known sequence. Therefore, the base station can perform channel estimation based on the preamble sequence. This allows the base station to estimate the uplink channel from the UE to the base station using the preamble sequence of the random access procedure, thus enabling fast and low-overhead acquisition of uplink CSI.

[0171] However, in the current random access process, a UE only sends one preamble sequence. As explained in the aforementioned channel estimation principle, for a UE with multiple antenna ports, the base station can only construct N possibilities based on a single preamble sequence sent by the UE. R With one equation, BS can only measure the channel corresponding to one antenna port.

[0172] This application provides a preamble resource transmission method, a channel estimation method, and an apparatus. A first communication device transmits N preamble resources, each corresponding to one of the N antenna ports of a terminal device. This facilitates a second communication device in estimating the channel of the N antenna ports using the N preamble resources. This enables the second communication device to obtain channel information for the N antenna ports of the terminal device during random access, reducing the latency of channel information acquisition. It also benefits the transmission of bursty services, improving the reliability and efficiency of data transmission.

[0173] Optionally, in this application, the first communication device transmitting a preamble resource means that the first communication device transmits a preamble sequence on a time-frequency resource. The first communication device transmitting N different preamble resources means that the first communication device transmits N preamble sequences (the N preamble sequences may be the same or different) on N different time-frequency resources; or it means that the first communication device transmits N different preamble sequences on a time-frequency resource, where N is greater than or equal to 2.

[0174] The technical solution of this application is described below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0175] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the preamble resource transmission method and channel estimation method of this application. Referring to Figure 7, the method includes:

[0176] 701. The first communication device determines the first preamble resource subgroup.

[0177] Among them, N preamble resources belong to the first preamble resource subgroup, which is one of multiple preamble resource subgroups. The N preamble resources correspond to the N antenna ports of the terminal device, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0178] In one possible implementation, multiple preamble resource subgroups belong to a first preamble resource group. One or more preamble subgroups within the first preamble resource group are used by a terminal device with N antenna ports to initiate random access. In other words, each preamble resource subgroup in the first preamble resource group is used by a terminal device with N antenna ports to initiate random access. That is, each preamble resource subgroup includes N preamble resources, meaning the number of preamble resources in each subgroup is equal to the number of antenna ports of the terminal device. This facilitates the second communication device in identifying that the N preamble resources were sent by the first communication device, corresponding to preamble resources sent by the same device through multiple antenna ports. The second communication device can combine the N preamble resources to estimate the channel information of the N antenna ports, thus achieving channel estimation for multiple antenna ports.

[0179] The first preamble resource group is one of multiple preamble resource groups. Each preamble resource group corresponds to a terminal device with a certain number of antenna ports. One or more preamble resource subgroups within this preamble resource group are used by the terminal device with that number of antenna ports to initiate random access. For example, as shown in Figure 8A, if the communication system includes terminal devices with three different numbers of antenna ports, then the preamble resources associated with one or more SSB IDs in the communication system can be divided into three preamble resource groups: a single-port preamble resource group, a two-port preamble resource group, and a three-port preamble resource group. The two-port preamble resource group includes preamble resources 0 to 7. As shown in Figure 8A, the two-port preamble resource group includes preamble resource subgroups 1 to 4. Preamble resource subgroup 1 includes preamble resources 0 and 1. Preamble resource subgroup 2 includes preamble resources 2 and 3. Preamble resource subgroup 3 includes preamble resources 4 and 5. Preamble resource subgroup 4 includes preamble resources 6 and 7. The three-port preamble resource group includes preamble resources 8 through 29. The three-port preamble resource group includes preamble resource subgroups 1 through 4. Preamble resource subgroup 1 includes preamble resources 8, 9, and 10. Preamble resource subgroup 2 includes preamble resources 11, 12, and 13. Preamble resource subgroup 3 includes preamble resources 14, 15, and 16. Preamble resource subgroup 4 includes preamble resources 17, 18, and 19. The single-port preamble resource group includes the preamble resources associated with the SSB ID, excluding the preamble resources included in the two-port and three-port preamble resource groups respectively. Each preamble resource subgroup in the three-port preamble resource group is used by a terminal device with two antenna ports to initiate random access. Each preamble resource subgroup in the two-port preamble resource group is used by a terminal device with three antenna ports to initiate random access. Each preamble resource subgroup in a single-port preamble resource group is used by a terminal device with one antenna port to initiate random access.

[0180] In this implementation, the communication system includes multiple preamble resource groups, each corresponding to terminal devices with a different number of antenna ports. This facilitates terminal devices with different numbers of antenna ports initiating random access by selecting the appropriate preamble resource subgroup from the preamble resource group.

[0181] In another possible implementation, multiple preamble resource subgroups correspond to terminal devices with different numbers of antenna ports. Each preamble resource subgroup is used by the terminal device with the corresponding number of antenna ports to initiate random access. In other words, the number of preamble resources in a preamble resource subgroup is equal to the number of antenna ports included in the terminal device. This facilitates terminal devices with different numbers of antenna ports to select the appropriate preamble resource subgroup to initiate random access.

[0182] For example, one part of the preamble resource subgroups is used for terminal devices with one type of antenna port number to initiate random access, while another part of the preamble resource subgroups is used for terminal devices with another type of antenna port number to initiate random access.

[0183] For example, a communication system includes terminal devices with two different numbers of antenna ports: terminal devices with one antenna port and terminal devices with two antenna ports. Multiple preamble resource subgroups are divided into two preamble resource subgroups: one preamble subgroup is used for terminal devices with one antenna port to initiate random access, and the other preamble subgroup is used for terminal devices with two antenna ports to initiate random access.

[0184] It should be noted that the preamble resources in a preamble subgroup can be orthogonal in the time domain, frequency domain, time-frequency domain, or code domain. In other words, the preamble resources in each preamble subgroup occupy orthogonal time-domain resources, orthogonal frequency-domain resources, or orthogonal preamble sequences. Optionally, time-domain orthogonality means that the two preamble resources come from two time-division multiplexed ROs. Frequency-domain orthogonality means that the two preamble resources come from two frequency-division multiplexed ROs. Time-frequency domain orthogonality means that the two preamble resources come from two ROs with different time-domain or frequency-domain positions. Code domain orthogonality means that the two preamble resources come from the same RO and are generated by cyclically shifting the same root sequence according to different shift values. The shift value is large enough to ensure that the two preamble sequences remain orthogonal after propagation through the channel.

[0185] It should be noted that multiple preamble resources in the same preamble subgroup occupy time-frequency resources in close positions, or these multiple preamble resources occupy the same time-frequency resources, but the preamble sequences are different.

[0186] Optionally, N preceding resources satisfy at least one of the following:

[0187] 1. The N preamble resources occupy the same initial time-domain location. This ensures that the channel experienced by different antenna ports is the same channel at the same time, avoiding a decrease in channel estimation performance due to the time-varying nature of the channel.

[0188] 2. The time-domain resources occupied by the N preamble resources are orthogonal. For example, as shown in Figure 8A, the first preamble resource subgroup is preamble resource subgroup 4 in the two-port preamble resource group, which includes preamble resource 6 and preamble resource 7. As shown in Figure 8B, preamble resource 6 is located at RO#3, and preamble resource 7 is located at RO#5. The time-domain resources occupied by RO#3 are different from those occupied by RO#5, but the frequency-domain resources occupied by RO#3 are the same as those occupied by RO#5. Therefore, it can be concluded that preamble resource 6 and preamble resource 7 are orthogonal in the time domain.

[0189] 3. The frequency domain resources occupied by the N preamble resources are orthogonal. For example, as shown in Figure 8A, the first preamble resource subgroup is preamble resource subgroup 1 in the two-port preamble resource group. Preamble resource subgroup 1 includes preamble resource 0 and preamble resource 1. As shown in Figure 8B, preamble resource 0 is located at RO#1, and preamble resource 1 is located at RO#0. RO#0 and RO#1 occupy the same time domain resources, but the frequency domain resources occupied by RO#0 are different from those occupied by RO#1. That is, the frequency domain resources occupied by preamble resource 0 are orthogonal to the frequency domain resources occupied by preamble resource 1.

[0190] 4. The time-frequency resources occupied by N preamble resources are orthogonal. For example, as shown in Figure 8A, the first preamble resource subgroup is preamble resource subgroup 2 in the three-port preamble resource group. Preamble resource subgroup 2 includes preamble resource 11, preamble resource 12, and preamble resource 13. As shown in Figure 8B, preamble resource 11 is located at RO#0, preamble resource 12 is located at RO#3, and preamble resource 13 is located at RO#4. The time-domain resources occupied by RO#0, RO#3, and RO#4 are different. The frequency-domain resources occupied by RO#0 are different from those occupied by RO#3. It can be seen that preamble resources 11, 12, and 13 are orthogonal in the time-frequency domain.

[0191] 5. N preamble resources comprise N preamble sequences, and these N preamble sequences are orthogonal. For example, as shown in Figure 8A, the first preamble resource subgroup is preamble resource subgroup 3 in the two-port preamble resource group. Preamble resource subgroup 3 includes preamble resource 4 and preamble resource 5. Preamble resource 4 is located at RO#2, and preamble resource 5 is located at RO#2. Preamble resource 4 and preamble resource 5, located in the same RO, occupy the same time-frequency resources, as shown in Figure 8B. The preamble sequences corresponding to preamble resource 4 and preamble resource 5 are orthogonal.

[0192] 6. Among N preamble resources, multiple preamble sequences occupying the same RO are orthogonal, and multiple frequency domain resources or time domain resources occupied by preamble resources occupying different ROs are orthogonal. Alternatively, among N preamble resources, multiple preamble sequences occupying the same time domain resource are orthogonal, and multiple frequency domain resources or time domain resources occupied by preamble resources occupying different time domain resources are orthogonal. For example, the N preamble resources include preamble resource A, preamble resource B, and preamble resource C. Preamble resource A and preamble resource B are both located in RO1, and preamble resource C is located in RO2. In one possible implementation, the preamble sequences corresponding to preamble resource A and preamble resource B are different. In another possible implementation, the frequency domain resources occupied by preamble resource A and preamble resource B are different.

[0193] It should be noted that in Figure 8B, the leading resources located in the same RO occupy the same time-frequency resources.

[0194] In this implementation, the N preamble resources can be orthogonal in the time domain, frequency domain, or code domain. This design allows the second communication device to distinguish the signals from each of the N antenna ports, avoiding interference between them and thus better estimating the channel information of the N antenna ports.

[0195] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG7 further includes step 701a. Step 701a may be performed before step 701.

[0196] 701a. The second communication device sends the first configuration information. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first configuration information.

[0197] The first configuration information is used to configure one or more preamble resource groups. Alternatively, the first configuration information is used to configure the plurality of preamble resource subgroups.

[0198] Optionally, the second configuration information is carried in an RRC message.

[0199] It should be noted that the one or more preamble resource groups can be predefined or specified by the communication protocol, and this application does not impose any specific restrictions.

[0200] It should be noted that the multiple preamble resource subgroups are predefined or specified by the communication protocol, and this application does not impose any specific restrictions.

[0201] 702. The first communication device sends N preamble resources. Correspondingly, the second communication device receives N preamble resources.

[0202] Specifically, N preamble resources correspond to N antenna ports of the terminal device. The first communication device transmits the preamble resource through the antenna port corresponding to each preamble resource. For example, as shown in Figure 8A, the first preamble subgroup is preamble resource subgroup 3 in the two-port preamble resource group. Preamble resource subgroup 3 includes preamble resource 4 and preamble resource 5. The first communication device transmits preamble resource 4 through the first antenna port and preamble resource 5 through the second antenna port. Correspondingly, the second communication device receives N preamble resources.

[0203] 703. The second communication device estimates the channels corresponding to N antenna ports based on N preamble resources.

[0204] Step 703 above can also be replaced by: the second communication device performing channel estimation for the N antenna ports based on the N preamble resources. Alternatively, step 703 above can also be replaced by: the second communication device performing channel estimation based on the N preamble resources to obtain the channels corresponding to the N antenna ports.

[0205] Specifically, the second communication device receives signals from all ROs. For each preamble resource group associated with each SSB ID, the second communication device detects the existence of a preamble resource within each preamble resource subgroup of that preamble resource group. For preamble resource detection, the second communication device can merge preamble resources detected within the same preamble subgroup. For example, if a preamble resource is detected within a preamble resource subgroup, the second communication device assumes that other preamble resources within that subgroup also exist. For each detected preamble resource subgroup, the first communication device estimates the channel experienced by each preamble resource and merges the estimated channels from multiple preamble resources within that subgroup. This yields the complete channel for the multi-antenna ports. In other words, the second communication device can identify that the N preamble resources belong to the same preamble resource subgroup. The second communication device can estimate the channel corresponding to the N antenna ports based on the N preamble resources.

[0206] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG7 further includes step 704. Step 704 may be performed after step 703.

[0207] 704. The second communication device transmits the first DCI. Correspondingly, the first communication device monitors the first DCI based on the first RA-RNTI.

[0208] The first DCI is used to schedule the time-frequency resources carrying message 2. The first DCI is obtained by scrambling with the first RA-RNTI.

[0209] Optionally, the first RA-RNTI is determined based on the RO where the subgroup head of the first preamble resource subgroup is located. For example, the first RA-RNTI is calculated based on the RO where the subgroup head of the first preamble resource subgroup is located. The subgroup head of the first preamble resource subgroup is one of the N preamble resources. For example, in a random access procedure, one RO can send 64 preamble sequences, which are numbered from 0 to 63. That is, each preamble sequence has a corresponding number. Optionally, the subgroup head of the first preamble resource subgroup is the preamble sequence with the smallest or largest number among the N preamble sequences included in the N preamble resources; this application does not specify the specific number. Therefore, calculating the first RA-RNTI based on the subgroup head does not require modification of the existing random access procedure, and the implementation scheme is compatible with the existing random access procedure.

[0210] Specifically, the second communication device determines the first RA-RNTI based on the RO (Resource Area) where the subgroup header of the first preamble resource subgroup is located. Then, the second communication device generates a first DCI (Digital Category Code) using the first RA-RNTI and sends the first DCI. The first communication device determines the first RA-RNTI based on the RO (Resource Area) where the subgroup header of the first preamble resource subgroup is located. Then, the first communication device monitors the first DCI based on the first RA-RNTI. That is, the first communication device parses the first DCI using the first RA-RNTI. If the parsing is successful, it indicates that the first communication device has successfully received the first DCI.

[0211] The following describes one implementation of the second communication device determining the first RA-RNTI based on the RO where the subgroup header of the first preamble resource subgroup is located. Optionally, the calculation formula for the first RA-RNTI is as follows: First RA-RNTI = 1 + s_id + 14 × t_id + 14 × 80 × f_id + 14 × 80 × 8 × ul_carrier_id

[0212] Wherein, s_id: the starting symbol index of the RO where the subgroup head of the first leading resource subgroup is located (for example, a value of 0 to 14).

[0213] t_id: The starting slot index of the RO containing the subgroup header of the first preamble resource subgroup within the system frame (e.g., a value between 0 and 80).

[0214] f_id: The frequency domain position index of the RO where the subgroup head of the first leading resource subgroup is located (e.g., one of the values ​​from 0 to 8).

[0215] ul_carrier_id: The uplink carrier that sent message 1 or message A (e.g., 0 if the uplink carrier is a normal uplink (UL); 1 if the uplink carrier is a supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier).

[0216] It should be noted that the subgroup header of the first preamble resource subgroup can be predefined, specified by the communication protocol, or configured by the network device; this application does not impose any specific restrictions.

[0217] In this implementation, the first communication device can monitor the first DCI via the first RA-RNTI, so that the second communication device can receive message 2. When the first communication device sends N preamble resources, and the N preamble resources occupy multiple ROs, it is specified that the first RA-RNTI is calculated using the RO where the subgroup header is located. This facilitates the first and second communication devices in aligning the RA-RNTI used to scramble the first DCI, ensuring successful random access for the first communication device.

[0218] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG7 further includes step 705. Step 705 may be performed after step 704.

[0219] 705. The second communication device sends message 2 or message B. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives message 2 or message B.

[0220] Message 2 is either a response to the first leading resource subgroup or a response to the subgroup header of the first leading resource subgroup.

[0221] For the four-step random access procedure, in step 705 above, the second communication device sends message 2. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives message 2. After step 705, the first communication device sends message 3, and then the second communication device receives message 3. After receiving message 3, the second communication device sends message 4, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives message 4. For a detailed explanation of the four-step random access procedure, please refer to Figure 5 above. This improves the random access process and ensures successful random access for the first communication device.

[0222] In the two-step random access procedure, in step 704 above, the second communication device sends message B. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives message B. This completes the random access process, ensuring successful random access for the first communication device.

[0223] Optionally, message 2 or message B includes the sequence ID of the subgroup header of the first preamble resource subgroup. In other words, message 2 or message B is a feedback to the subgroup header. That is, after the second communication device receives the subgroup header of the first preamble resource subgroup, the second communication device can feed back message 2 for the subgroup header. This ensures successful random access for the first communication device.

[0224] It should be noted that if the first communication device does not receive message 2 or message B, it indicates that the random access of the first communication device has failed.

[0225] In this embodiment, for the first communication device, sending N preamble resources helps reduce the collision probability of the first communication device initiating random access. For example, the collision probability of a UE with N antenna ports initiating random access can be calculated using the following formula (1).

[0226] Where Z represents the total number of preamble resource subgroups used by terminal devices with N antenna ports to initiate random access, and A represents the number of terminal devices with N antenna ports. This indicates that a preamble resource subgroup is selected from Z preamble resource subgroups. As shown in Figure 12, when A=64, the curve of the UE transmission collision probability is similar to the curve shown in Figure 12 when K=1.

[0227] Optionally, the embodiment shown in Figure 7 is suitable for scenarios with sufficient leading resources.

[0228] In the above technical solution, the first communication device sends N preamble resources, which correspond to N antenna ports of the terminal device. This facilitates the second communication device in estimating the channel of the N antenna ports using these N preamble resources, thereby achieving channel estimation for the N antenna ports of the terminal device. This enables the second communication device to obtain channel information for the N antenna ports of the terminal device during random access, reducing the latency of channel information acquisition. It is also beneficial for the transmission of bursty services, improving the reliability and efficiency of data transmission.

[0229] The embodiment shown in Figure 7 illustrates the technical solution of this application by example, where the first communication device selects one preamble resource subgroup and transmits the preamble resources within that subgroup. In practical applications, if the number of antenna ports of the first communication device is greater than the number of antenna ports supported by each preamble resource subgroup pre-configured in the communication system, the first communication device can select multiple preamble resource subgroups and transmit the preamble resources within those subgroups. The total number of preamble resources included in these multiple subgroups is equal to the number of antenna ports of the first communication device. For example, if the first communication device has five antenna ports, it can select preamble resource subgroup A and preamble resource subgroup B. Preamble resource subgroup A includes two preamble resources, and preamble resource subgroup B includes three preamble resources. The five preamble resources selected by the first communication device correspond to the five antenna ports. The first communication device transmits these five preamble resources. The second communication device receives the five preamble resources and estimates the channels corresponding to the five antenna ports using these resources.

[0230] The embodiment shown in Figure 7 above illustrates the technical solution of this application by using a second communication device that pre-configures multiple preamble resource subgroups. In practical applications, the concept of preamble resource subgroups may be omitted, and the first communication device selects N preamble resources from the preamble resources in the communication system and sends the N preamble resources. The following description is in conjunction with the embodiment shown in Figure 9.

[0231] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the preamble resource transmission method and channel estimation method of this application. Referring to Figure 9, the method includes:

[0232] 901. The first communication device sends N preamble resources. Correspondingly, the second communication device receives N preamble resources.

[0233] Here, N preamble resources correspond to N antenna ports of the terminal device, where N is an integer greater than 1. In other words, each of the N preamble resources corresponds to one antenna port of the terminal device, and different preamble resources correspond to different antenna ports.

[0234] Specifically, the first communication device selects N preamble resources from one or more preamble resources associated with an SSB. Then, the first communication device transmits the preamble resource through the antenna port corresponding to each preamble resource.

[0235] Optionally, N preceding resources satisfy at least one of the following:

[0236] The N preceding resources occupy the same starting time domain position.

[0237] The time-domain resources occupied by the N preceding resources are orthogonal.

[0238] The frequency domain resources occupied by N preamble resources are orthogonal;

[0239] The time-frequency resources occupied by N preceding resources are orthogonal;

[0240] N preceding resources include N preceding sequences, and the N preceding sequences are orthogonal; or...

[0241] Among N preamble resources, multiple preamble resources occupying the same RO include multiple orthogonal preamble sequences, and multiple preamble resources occupying different ROs occupy multiple frequency domain resources or multiple time domain resources orthogonal.

[0242] For some relevant examples of N leading resources, please refer to the description of the embodiment shown in Figure 7 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0243] In this implementation, the N preamble resources can be orthogonal in the time domain, frequency domain, or code domain. This design allows the second communication device to distinguish the signals from each of the N antenna ports, avoiding signal interference between antenna ports and thus better estimating the channel information of the N antenna ports. Furthermore, the N preamble resources occupy the same initial time domain position, which helps ensure that the channel experienced by different antenna ports is the same at the same time, avoiding a decrease in channel estimation performance due to the time-varying nature of the channel.

[0244] 902. The second communication device sends at least one message 2. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives at least one message 2.

[0245] In this context, at least one message 2 includes N RARs, each corresponding to one of the N preceding resources. Each RAR corresponds to one of the N preceding resources, and different RARs correspond to different preceding resources. Each RAR is a response to the preceding resource corresponding to that RAR.

[0246] Optionally, N preamble resources occupy M Returning Objects (ROs), and at least one message 2 includes M messages 2, which correspond to the M ROs. Each message 2 is a feedback to its corresponding RO, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N. In this implementation, message 2 is fed back at the RO granularity, thus ensuring compatibility with traditional random access mechanisms and guaranteeing successful random access for the first communication device.

[0247] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG9 further includes step 901a. Step 901a may be performed after step 901 and before step 902.

[0248] 901a. The second communication device sends M second DCIs. Correspondingly, the first communication device monitors the M second DCIs based on the M second RA-RNTIs.

[0249] In this context, M second RA-RNTIs correspond to M second DCIs, and M second DCIs correspond to M messages 2. That is, each message 2 corresponds to one second DCI, and different messages 2 correspond to different second DCIs. Each second DCI corresponds to one second RA-RNTI, and different second DCIs correspond to different second RA-RNTIs. Each second DCI is obtained by scrambling the second RA-RNTI corresponding to it, and the second RA-RNTI is determined based on the RO corresponding to the message 2. In other words, each second RA-RNTI corresponds to one second DCI, and this second DCI is used to schedule the time-frequency resources of the corresponding message 2, which is a feedback to the preamble resources on the corresponding RO. Therefore, the second RA-RNTI can be calculated based on the RO. The specific calculation formula for the second RA-RNTI can be found in the aforementioned calculation formula for the first RA-RNTI, and will not be repeated here. In other words, the second communication device schedules the time-frequency resources carrying M messages 2 through M second DCIs.

[0250] The above step 902 specifically includes: the first communication device receiving message 2 corresponding to the second DCI through the time-frequency resources scheduled by each second DCI.

[0251] Specifically, the second communication device calculates the corresponding second RA-RNTI based on the RO corresponding to each message 2. Then, the second communication device calculates the second DCI corresponding to message 2 using the second RA-RNTI. The second DCI is used to schedule the time-frequency resources carrying message 2. The second communication device sends M second DCIs. Correspondingly, the first communication device calculates the corresponding second RA-RNTI based on the RO corresponding to each message 2, and monitors the second DCI corresponding to message 2 using the second RA-RNTI. Thus, it learns the time-frequency resources carrying message 2.

[0252] This implementation illustrates the process by which the first communication device monitors M first DCIs and receives at least one message 2. It is compatible with traditional random access mechanisms, improves the random access procedure, and helps ensure successful random access for the first communication device.

[0253] It should be noted that for each successfully received second DCI, the first communication device can receive the corresponding message 2 according to the time-frequency resources indicated by the second DCI. If the first communication device fails to receive any message 2, it indicates that the random access of the first communication device has failed. The first communication device can re-initiate random access.

[0254] 903. The first communication device sends at least one message 3. Correspondingly, the second communication device receives at least one message 3.

[0255] Among them, at least one message 3 is a response to N RARs.

[0256] In one possible implementation, at least one message 3 includes N messages 3, which correspond to N RARs, and each message 3 is a feedback to the RAR corresponding to message 3. Specifically, for each successfully received message 2, the first communication device sends message 3 based on the time-frequency resources indicated by the RAR in message 2. For example, message 2 includes RAR1 and RAR2. The first communication device sends message 3 corresponding to RAR1 through the time-frequency resources indicated by RAR1. The first communication device sends message 3 corresponding to RAR2 through the time-frequency resources indicated by RAR2.

[0257] Optionally, each of the N messages 3 includes the terminal device's identifier and a third RA-RNTI. The method for determining the third RA-RNTI is described in the following section. This facilitates the second communication device in determining that the N preamble resources were transmitted by the first communication device through N antenna ports by multiple messages 3 containing the same identifier. The second communication device can then perform multi-antenna port channel estimation based on the N preamble resources. Specifically, for all successfully received messages 2 containing RARs, the first communication device sends the corresponding message 3 through the PUSCH scheduled by the RARs in all successfully received messages 2. All messages 3 sent by the first communication device contain the same UE ID and third RA-RNTI.

[0258] In this implementation, message 3 is fed back at the RAR granularity, thus ensuring compatibility with traditional random access mechanisms and guaranteeing successful random access for the first communication device.

[0259] Optionally, the time-frequency resources indicated by the N RARs may be located in the same time slot or several consecutive time slots. This facilitates the second communication device receiving the N messages 3 within the same time slot or several consecutive time slots. It also facilitates the second communication device in determining that the N preamble resources originate from the first communication device. Furthermore, it helps the second communication device quickly obtain channel information from all antenna ports of the first communication device.

[0260] In another possible implementation, the at least one message 3 includes a terminal device identifier and first indication information. The first indication information indicates N preamble resources. That is, the first communication device sends message 3 on the time-frequency resource (e.g., PUSCH) scheduled by one of the N RARs, and does not send message 3 on the time-frequency resources scheduled by other RARs. This reduces the energy consumption of the first communication device. In this implementation, the first communication device feeds back a message 3 to complete the random access procedure and ensure successful random access for the first communication device. In addition, the message 3 also includes the first indication information to indicate the N preamble resources. The second communication device determines, based on the first indication information, that the N preamble resources are transmitted by the first communication device through N antenna ports. The second communication device can perform multi-antenna port channel estimation based on the N preamble resources.

[0261] 904. The second communication device determines N preamble resources based on the at least one message 3.

[0262] In one possible implementation, the at least one message 3 includes N messages 3. Each of the N messages 3 includes an identifier of the terminal device. This allows the second communication device to determine that the N preamble resources originate from the first communication device by using multiple messages 3 containing the same identifier. Alternatively, the second communication device can determine that the N preamble resources were transmitted by the first communication device through N antenna ports by using the N messages 3.

[0263] In another possible implementation, the at least one message 3 includes a message 3 comprising the identifier of the terminal device and first indication information. The second communication device determines, based on the first indication information, that the N preamble resources were transmitted by the first communication device. Alternatively, the second communication device can determine, through the first indication information, that the N preamble resources were transmitted by the first communication device through N antenna ports.

[0264] 905. The second communication device estimates the channels corresponding to N antenna ports based on N preamble resources.

[0265] Optionally, the embodiment shown in Figure 9 further includes step 906. Step 906 may be performed after step 903.

[0266] 906. The second communication device sends message 4. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives message 4.

[0267] Message 4 is a response to at least one message 3.

[0268] This embodiment improves the random access process through the above step 906, which helps to ensure the successful random access of the first communication device.

[0269] If the first communication device successfully receives message 4, it indicates that the random access of the first communication device is successful. The first communication device uses the TC-RNTI carried in message 4 as its C-RNTI. If the first communication device does not receive message 4, it indicates that the random access of the first communication device has failed. The first communication device can re-initiate random access.

[0270] Optionally, the embodiment shown in Figure 9 further includes step 906a. Step 906a can be performed before step 906. It should be noted that there is no fixed execution order between step 906a and steps 904 to 905. For example, step 906a can be executed first, followed by steps 904 to 905; or steps 904 to 905 can be executed first, followed by step 906a; or, depending on the situation, steps 906a and steps 904 to 905 can be executed simultaneously. This application does not limit the specific execution order.

[0271] 906a. The second communication device transmits the third DCI. Correspondingly, the first communication device monitors the third DCI based on the third RA-RNTI.

[0272] The third RA-RNTI is determined based on the TC-RNTI carried in at least one message 2. For example, the third RA-RNTI is calculated based on the TC-RNTI carried in at least one message 2. The third RA-RNTI is used to monitor the third DCI. The third DCI is used to schedule the time-frequency resources of message 4. For example, at least one message 2 includes a message 2 that includes a TC-RNTI. The third RA-RNTI can be that TC-RNTI. At least one message 2 includes multiple messages 2, each message 2 including a TC-RNTI. The third RA-RNTI can be the average, minimum, or maximum value of the TC-RNTIs included in the multiple messages 2, etc., and this application does not limit the specifics.

[0273] Step 906 specifically includes: the second communication device sending message 4 through the time-frequency resources scheduled by the third DCI. Correspondingly, the first communication device receiving message 4 through the time-frequency resources scheduled by the third DCI.

[0274] In one possible implementation, the second communication device determines the third RA-RNTI based on the TC-RNTI carried in the at least one message 2. Then, the second communication device scrambles the third DCI using the third RA-RNTI and transmits the third DCI. The first communication device determines the third RA-RNTI based on the TC-RNTI carried in the at least one message 2. Then, the first communication device monitors the third DCI based on the third RA-RNTI. Therefore, the first and second communication devices independently calculate the third RA-RNTI, simplifying the process.

[0275] In another possible implementation, the embodiment shown in FIG9 further includes step 903a. Step 903a may be performed after step 902 and before step 906.

[0276] 903a. The first communication device sends the third RA-RNTI. Correspondingly, the second communication device receives the third RA-RNTI.

[0277] In this implementation, the first communication device determines the third RA-RNTI based on the TC-RNTI carried in message 2 received by the first communication device. Then, the first communication device sends the third RA-RNTI to the second communication device. This avoids misalignment of the third RA-RNTI between the first and second communication devices due to message 2 packet loss, ensuring successful random access for the first communication device. For example, if the second communication device sends three messages 2, but the first communication device only receives two of them, then the first communication device determines the third RA-RNTI based on the TC-RNTI carried in those two messages 2 respectively.

[0278] It should be noted that there is no fixed execution order between steps 903 and 903a. For example, step 903 may be executed first, followed by step 903a; or step 903a may be executed first, followed by step 903; or, depending on the circumstances, steps 903 and 903a may be executed simultaneously. This application does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0279] It should be noted that there is no fixed execution order between step 903a and steps 904 to 905. For example, step 903a can be executed first, followed by steps 904 to 905; or steps 904 to 905 can be executed first, followed by step 903a; or, depending on the circumstances, steps 903a and steps 904 to 905 can be executed simultaneously. This application does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0280] Optionally, at least one message 3 and the third RA-RNTI are carried in RRC signaling or MAC signaling. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the MAC signaling is MAC CE, which includes a MAC CE subheader and a MAC CE payload. The MAC CE subheader includes a first field indicating that the MAC CE payload contains a third RA-RNTI.

[0281] It should be noted that if the first communication device fails to successfully receive the third DCI according to the third RA-RNTI and cannot successfully receive message 4, it indicates that the random access of the first communication device has failed. The first communication device can re-initiate random access.

[0282] A specific example of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 11.

[0283] The UE has three antenna ports. As shown in Figure 11, the UE sends preamble resource 1, preamble resource 2, and preamble resource 3 to the BS. Preamble resource 1 and preamble resource 2 are located at RO1, and preamble resource 3 is located at RO2. Preamble resource 1, preamble resource 2, and preamble resource 3 each correspond to one antenna port of the UE, with different preamble resources corresponding to different antenna ports. Optionally, RO1 and RO3 are located at the same starting time domain position. Then, the BS scrambles DCI1 through RO1 and sends DCI1. DCI1 is used to schedule PDSCH1, and PDSCH1 is used to send a message 2, which includes RAR1 and RAR2. RAR1 is feedback for preamble resource 1. RAR2 is feedback for preamble resource 2. The BS scrambles DCI2 through RO2 and sends DCI2. DCI2 is used to schedule PDSCH2, and PDSCH2 is used to send another message 2, which includes RAR3. RAR3 is feedback for preamble resource 3. The BS sends two messages, Message 2, where one message 2 includes RAR1 and RAR2. RAR1 includes the ID of preamble resource 1 and TC-RNTI. RAR1 also indicates the time-frequency resource carrying Msg3 1, such as PUSCH1. RAR2 includes the ID of preamble resource 2 and TC-RNTI2. RAR2 also indicates the time-frequency resource carrying Msg3 2, such as PUSCH2. The other message 2 includes RAR3, which includes the ID of preamble resource 3 and TC-RNTI3. RAR3 also indicates the time-frequency resource carrying Msg3 3, such as PUSCH3. Optionally, PUSCH1, PUSCH2, and PUSCH3 are located in the same time slot. The UE sends Msg3 1 on the time-frequency resource indicated by RAR1, sends Msg3 2 on the time-frequency resource indicated by RAR2, and sends Msg3 3 on the time-frequency resource indicated by RAR3. Accordingly, the BS receives Msg3 1 on the time-frequency resources indicated by RAR1, Msg3 2 on the time-frequency resources indicated by RAR2, and Msg3 3 on the time-frequency resources indicated by RAR3. Each of Msg3 1, Msg3 2, and Msg3 3 carries the UE ID of the UE, i.e., carries the same UE ID, so the BS can determine that preamble resources 1, 2, and 3 originate from the UE. The BS estimates the channels corresponding to the three antenna ports based on preamble resources 1, 2, and 3. The BS determines TC-RNTI4 through the TC-RNTI carried in the two messages 2, scrambles the DCI with TC-RNTI4, and then sends the DCI. Wherein, TC-RNTI4 = (TC-RNTI1 + TC-RNTI2 + TC-RNTI3) / 3. Accordingly, the UE determines TC-RNTI4 through the TC-RNTI carried in the two messages 2 and monitors message 4 through TC-RNTI4. The message 4 includes the UE ID.If the UE successfully receives Msg4, it indicates that the UE's random access was successful.

[0284] In this embodiment, for the first communication device, sending N preamble resources helps reduce the collision probability of the first communication device initiating random access. For example, the collision probability of the UE initiating random access can be calculated using the following formula (2).

[0285] Where R represents the total number of preamble resources in the communication system, K represents the number of antenna ports of the UE, and P represents the total number of UEs. This indicates that K preamble resources are selected from R preamble resources. Figure 12 shows the curves of the collision probability of a UE initiating random access as a function of the number of users, with different values ​​of K when P=64. Figure 12 shows that increasing the value of K reduces the collision probability of a UE initiating random access.

[0286] Optionally, this embodiment is applicable to scenarios where preamble resources are limited.

[0287] In the above technical solution, the first communication device sends N preamble resources, each corresponding to one of the N antenna ports of the terminal device. This facilitates the second communication device in estimating the channel corresponding to the N antenna ports using these N preamble resources. Furthermore, the improved random access procedure helps ensure successful random access for the first communication device. The first communication device sends at least one message 3, which addresses feedback from the N RARs. This allows the second communication device to determine, based on this message 3, that the aforementioned N preamble resources were sent by the same device through multiple antenna ports. This facilitates the second communication device in merging the N preamble resources and performing channel estimation across the multiple antenna ports.

[0288] In this application, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples, and the technical solutions of this application can also be obtained by combining different embodiments. That is, without contradictions or logical inconsistencies, the different embodiments or implementations within different embodiments can be freely combined to obtain new solutions. For example, the embodiments shown in Figure 7 and Figure 9 can be used in combination. For example, in a communication system, N is pre-configured... max A leading resource group, the N max Each leading resource group corresponds to N max A terminal device with a certain number of antenna ports. The first communication device starts from N. max Choose leader resource group 1 and leader resource group 2 from the leader resource groups. Each leader resource subgroup in leader resource group 1 is used to have N maxA terminal device with one antenna port initiates random access. Preamble resource group 2 is used for a terminal device with one antenna port to initiate random access. Each preamble resource subgroup in preamble resource group 2 includes one preamble resource; therefore, preamble resource group 2 can be considered to include one or more preamble resources without distinguishing between preamble resource subgroups. The first communication device selects a preamble resource subgroup a from preamble resource group 1 and selects one or more preamble resources from preamble resource group 2. For example, the first communication device has Y antenna ports, where Y is greater than N. max Then the first communication device selects YN from preamble resource group 2. max A preamble resource. The subgroup header of preamble resource subgroup a occupies the same starting time domain position as one or more preamble resources selected from preamble resource group 2. The first communication device transmits the preamble resources in preamble resource subgroup a and one or more preamble resources selected by the first communication device from preamble resource group 2. Correspondingly, the second communication device receives the preamble resources in preamble resource subgroup a and one or more preamble resources selected by the first communication device from preamble resource group 2. Then, the second communication device calculates RA-RNTI1 through RO1 where the subgroup header of preamble resource subgroup a is located, and scrambles DCI1 with RA-RNTI1. Then, the second communication device transmits DCI1, which is used to schedule the time-frequency resources carrying Msg2 1. The one or more preamble resources are located in RO2, and the second communication device calculates RA-RNTI2 through RO2, and scrambles DCI2 with RA-RNTI2. Then, the second communication device transmits DCI2, which is used to schedule the time-frequency resources carrying Msg2 2. The second communication device transmits Msg 2 1 on the time-frequency resources scheduled by DCI1 and Msg 2 2 on the time-frequency resources scheduled by DCI2. The first communication device transmits Y messages 3, each corresponding to one of the Y preamble resources transmitted by the first communication device. The Y preamble resources include preamble resources in preamble resource subgroup a and one or more preamble resources selected from preamble resource group 2. Each of the Y messages 3 contains the identifier of the terminal device. The second communication device can determine the Y preamble resources through these Y messages 3 and estimate the channels corresponding to the Y antenna ports based on the Y preamble resources. The second communication device transmits message 4, which is a feedback to the Y messages 3. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives message 4.

[0289] The following is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Referring to FIG13, the communication device can be used to execute the process performed by the first communication device in the embodiments shown in FIG7 and FIG9. For details, please refer to the relevant description in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0290] The communication device 1300 includes a transceiver module 1301. Optionally, a processing module 1302.

[0291] The processing module 1302 is used for data processing. The transceiver module 1301 can implement the corresponding communication functions. The transceiver module 1301 can also be called a communication interface or a communication module.

[0292] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may further include a storage module, which can be used to store program code, program instructions and / or data. The processing module 1302 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device 1300 can implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0293] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1300 can be used to perform the actions performed by the first communication device in the embodiments shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9. For example, the first communication device is a terminal device, or a communication module in a terminal device, or a circuit or chip in a terminal device responsible for communication functions. The communication device 1300 can be a terminal device or a component configurable in a terminal device. The processing module 1302 is used to perform processing-related operations on the first communication device side in the embodiments shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9. The transceiver module 1301 is used to perform receiving-related operations on the first communication device side in the embodiments shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9.

[0294] Optionally, the transceiver module 1301 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the embodiments shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the embodiments shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9.

[0295] It should be noted that the communication device 1300 may include a transmitting module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 1300 may include a receiving module but not a transmitting module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme performed by the communication device 1300 includes both transmitting and receiving actions. For example, the communication device 1300 is used to perform the actions performed by the first communication device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 9. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 9; these will not be elaborated upon here.

[0296] For example, the communication device 1300 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0297] The transceiver module 1301 is used to send N preamble resources. The N preamble resources belong to the first preamble resource subgroup. The first preamble resource subgroup is one of multiple preamble resource subgroups. The N preamble resources correspond to the N antenna ports of the terminal device, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0298] For example, the communication device 1300 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0299] The transceiver module 1301 is used to send N preamble resources, the N preamble resources corresponding to N antenna ports of the terminal device, where N is an integer greater than 1; receive at least one message 2, the at least one message 2 including N RARs, the N RARs corresponding to the N preamble resources; and send at least one message 3, the at least one message 3 being feedback on the N RARs.

[0300] For other implementation methods, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 9 above.

[0301] It should be understood that the specific procedures for each module to perform the above-mentioned corresponding processes have been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0302] Optionally, when the communication device 1300 is a terminal device or a communication module within a terminal device, the processing module 1302 in the above embodiments can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuitry. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip. The transceiver module 1301 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuitry. The transceiver module 1301 may also be referred to as a communication module or communication interface. The storage module can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0303] Optionally, when the communication device 1300 is a circuit or chip in a terminal device responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing module 1302 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processing cores. The function of the transceiver module 1301 can be implemented by the interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the aforementioned chip.

[0304] The following is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Referring to Figure 14, the communication device can be used to execute the process performed by the second communication device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 9. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0305] The communication device 1400 includes a transceiver module 1401 and a processing module 1402.

[0306] The processing module 1402 is used for data processing. The transceiver module 1401 can implement the corresponding communication functions. The transceiver module 1401 can also be called a communication interface or a communication module.

[0307] Optionally, the communication device 1400 may further include a storage module, which can be used to store program code, program instructions and / or data. The processing module 1402 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device 1400 can implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0308] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1400 can be used to perform the actions performed by the second communication device in the above method embodiments. For example, the second communication device is a network device, a communication module in a network device, or a circuit or chip in a network device responsible for communication functions. The communication device 1400 can be a network device or a component configurable in a network device. The processing module 1402 is used to perform processing-related operations on the second communication device side in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 1401 is used to perform receiving-related operations on the second communication device side in the above method embodiments.

[0309] Optionally, the transceiver module 1401 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments.

[0310] It should be noted that the communication device 1400 may include a transmitting module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 1400 may include a receiving module but not a transmitting module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme performed by the communication device 1400 includes both transmitting and receiving actions. For example, the communication device 1400 is used to perform the actions performed by the second communication device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 9. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 9; these will not be elaborated upon here.

[0311] For example, the communication device 1400 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0312] The transceiver module 1401 is used to receive N preamble resources in the first preamble resource subgroup. The first preamble resource subgroup is one of multiple preamble resource subgroups. The N preamble resources correspond to N antenna ports of the terminal device, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0313] Processing module 1402 is used to estimate the channels corresponding to the N antenna ports based on the N preamble resources.

[0314] For example, the communication device 1400 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0315] The transceiver module 1401 is used to receive N preamble resources, where the N preamble resources correspond to N antenna ports of the terminal device, and N is an integer greater than 1; send at least one message 2, where at least one message 2 includes N RARs, where the N RARs correspond to the N preamble resources, and each RAR is feedback for the corresponding preamble resource; and receive at least one message 3, where at least one message 3 is feedback for the N RARs.

[0316] Processing module 1402 is used to determine N preamble resources based on at least one message 3; and to estimate the channels corresponding to N antenna ports based on the N preamble resources.

[0317] For other implementation methods, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 9 above.

[0318] It should be understood that the specific procedures for each module to perform the above-mentioned corresponding processes have been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0319] Optionally, the processing module 1402 in the above embodiments can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuitry. The transceiver module 1401 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuitry. The transceiver module 1401 can also be referred to as a communication module or communication interface. The storage module can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0320] This application embodiment also provides a communication device 1500. Referring to FIG15, the communication device 1500 includes a processor 1510, which is coupled to a memory 1520. The memory 1520 is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 1510 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions and / or data stored in the memory 1520, causing the methods in the above method embodiments to be executed. The communication device 1500 is used to implement the operations performed by the first communication device or the second communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0321] Optionally, the communication device 1500 may include one or more processors 1510.

[0322] Optionally, as shown in Figure 15, the communication device 1500 may also include a memory 1520.

[0323] Optionally, the communication device 1500 may include one or more memory 1520.

[0324] Optionally, the memory 1520 can be integrated with the processor 1510 or set separately.

[0325] Optionally, as shown in Figure 15, the communication device 1500 may further include a transceiver 1530 for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, a processor 1510 is used to control the transceiver 1530 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0326] This application also provides a communication device 1600, which can be a terminal device, a processor in the terminal device, or a chip. The communication device 1600 can be used to perform the operations performed by the first communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0327] When the communication device 1600 is a terminal device, Figure 16 shows a simplified structural diagram of the terminal device. As shown in Figure 16, the terminal device includes a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The memory can store computer program code, and the transceiver includes a transmitter 1631, a receiver 1632, radio frequency circuitry (not shown in the figure), an antenna 1633, and input / output devices (not shown in the figure).

[0328] The processor is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data; control terminal devices; execute software programs; and process data from software programs.

[0329] Memory is mainly used to store software programs and data.

[0330] Radio frequency (RF) circuits are mainly used for the conversion between baseband signals and RF signals, as well as for the processing of RF signals.

[0331] Antennas are primarily used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves.

[0332] Input / output devices can include touchscreens, displays, or keyboards. They are primarily used to receive user input and output data to the user. It should be noted that some types of terminal devices may not have input / output devices.

[0333] When data needs to be transmitted, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs a baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit then processes the baseband signal and transmits it outwards via an antenna as electromagnetic waves. When data is sent to the terminal device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna. The RF circuit converts the RF signal back into a baseband signal and outputs it to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal back into data and processes the data. For ease of explanation, Figure 16 only shows one memory, processor, and transceiver. In actual terminal device products, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories. Memory can also be called storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory can be independent of the processor or integrated with the processor; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0334] In this embodiment, the antenna and radio frequency circuit with transceiver function can be regarded as the transceiver module of the terminal device, and the processor with processing function can be regarded as the processing module of the terminal device.

[0335] As shown in Figure 16, the terminal device includes a processor 1610, a memory 1620, and a transceiver 1630. The processor 1610 can also be referred to as a processing unit, processing board, processing module, or processing device, etc. The transceiver 1630 can also be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver device, etc.

[0336] Optionally, the device in transceiver 1630 used to implement the receiving function can be considered a receiving module, and the device in transceiver 1630 used to implement the transmitting function can be considered a transmitting module. That is, transceiver 1630 includes a receiver and a transmitter. A transceiver may also be called a transceiver unit, transceiver module, or transceiver circuit, etc. A receiver may also be called a receiver unit, receiving module, or receiving circuit, etc. A transmitter may also be called a transmitter, transmitting module, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0337] The processor 1610 is used to execute the processing operations on the first communication device side in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 9. The transceiver 1630 is used to execute the transmission and reception operations on the first communication device side in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 9.

[0338] It should be understood that Figure 16 is merely an example and not a limitation, and the terminal device described above, including the transceiver module and the processing module, may not depend on the structure shown in Figures 13, 15, or 16.

[0339] When the communication device 1600 is a chip, the chip includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor can be a processing module integrated on the chip, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit. The transceiver can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. In the above method embodiments, the transmitting operation of the first communication device can be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the first communication device in the above method embodiments can be understood as the input of the chip.

[0340] Optionally, the communication device 1600 may also include a memory, which may be a memory built into the chip or a memory connected to the chip.

[0341] This application also provides a communication device 1700, which can be a network device or a chip. The communication device 1700 can be used to perform the operations performed by the second communication device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 9.

[0342] When the communication device 1700 is a network device, such as a base station, Figure 17 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a base station structure. The base station includes parts 1710, 1720, and 1730.

[0343] The 1710 section is mainly used for baseband processing and controlling the base station; the 1710 section is usually the control center of the base station, which can be called a processor, and is used to control the base station to perform the processing operations on the second communication device side in the above method embodiment.

[0344] Part 1720 is primarily used to store computer program code and data.

[0345] Section 1730 is primarily used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals, as well as converting RF signals to baseband signals. Section 1730 is commonly referred to as a transceiver module, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver unit. The transceiver module of section 1730, also known as a transceiver or transceiver unit, includes antenna 1733 and RF circuitry (not shown in the figure), where the RF circuitry is mainly used for RF processing. Optionally, the device in section 1730 used for receiving can be considered a receiver, and the device used for transmitting can be considered a transmitter; that is, section 1730 includes receiver 1732 and transmitter 1731. The receiver can also be called a receiving module, receiver circuit, or receiving circuit, and the transmitter can be called a transmitting module, transmitter, or transmitting circuit.

[0346] Sections 1710 and 1720 may include one or more circuit boards, each of which may include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processors are used to read and execute programs from the memories to implement baseband processing functions and control the base station. If multiple circuit boards exist, they can be interconnected to enhance processing capabilities. As an alternative implementation, multiple circuit boards may share one or more processors, multiple circuit boards may share one or more memories, or multiple circuit boards may simultaneously share one or more processors.

[0347] For example, in one implementation, the transceiver module of section 1730 is used to execute the transceiver-related processes performed by the second communication device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 9. The processor of section 1710 is used to execute the processing-related processes performed by the second communication device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 9.

[0348] It should be understood that Figure 17 is merely an example and not a limitation, and the network devices described above, including processors, memory, and transceivers, may not depend on the structures shown in Figures 14, 15, or 17.

[0349] When the communication device 1700 is a chip, the chip includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor is an integrated processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit on the chip. The transceiver can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. In the above method embodiments, the transmitting operation of the second communication device can be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the second communication device in the above method embodiments can be understood as the input of the chip.

[0350] Optionally, the communication device 1700 may also include a memory, which may be a memory built into the chip or a memory connected to the chip.

[0351] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon for implementing the method executed by the first communication device or the second communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0352] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer or communication device, it enables the computer or communication device to implement the method executed by the first communication device or the second communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0353] This application also provides a computer program product containing a program or instructions, which, when executed by a computer or communication device, causes the computer or communication device to perform the method executed by the first communication device or the second communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0354] This application also provides a communication system, which includes a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device is used to perform some or all of the operations performed by the first communication device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 9, and the second communication device is used to perform some or all of the operations performed by the second communication device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 9.

[0355] This application also provides a chip device, including a processor, for calling computer programs or computer instructions stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the method provided in the embodiments shown in FIG7 and FIG9 above.

[0356] In one possible implementation, the input of the chip device corresponds to the receiving operation in any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 9, and the output of the chip device corresponds to the sending operation in any one of the embodiments shown in Figure 7.

[0357] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0358] Optionally, the chip device may also include a memory that stores computer programs or computer instructions.

[0359] The processor mentioned above can be a general-purpose central processing unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits used to control the execution of a program that controls the method provided in any of the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 9. The memory mentioned above can be read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, such as random access memory (RAM).

[0360] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the above-mentioned devices can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0361] 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 an indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units through some interfaces, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0362] 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.

[0363] Furthermore, 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. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0364] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the essential contribution of the technical solution of this application, or all or part 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, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0365] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A method for sending preamble resources, characterized in that, The method includes: A first leading resource subgroup is determined. The first leading resource subgroup is one of a plurality of leading resource subgroups. The first leading resource subgroup includes N leading resources, where N is an integer greater than 1. The N preamble resources are transmitted, and the N preamble resources correspond to the N antenna ports of the terminal device.

2. A channel estimation method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive N preamble resources from a first preamble resource subgroup, where the first preamble resource subgroup is one of a plurality of preamble resource subgroups, and the N preamble resources correspond to N antenna ports of the terminal device, where N is an integer greater than 1; Estimate the channels corresponding to the N antenna ports based on the N preamble resources.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The N preceding resources satisfy at least one of the following: The N preceding resources occupy the same starting time domain position; The time-domain resources occupied by the N preceding resources are orthogonal; The frequency domain resources occupied by the N preamble resources are orthogonal; The time-frequency resources occupied by the N preamble resources are orthogonal; The N preamble resources comprise N preamble sequences, and the N preamble sequences are orthogonal; or, Among the N preamble resources, the preamble resources occupying the same random access opportunity (RO) include multiple orthogonal preamble sequences, and the multiple frequency domain resources or multiple time domain resources occupied by the preamble resources occupying different ROs are orthogonal.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The plurality of preamble resource subgroups belong to the first preamble resource group, and one or more preamble subgroups in the first preamble resource group are used for terminal devices with N antenna ports to initiate random access; or, The multiple preamble resource subgroups correspond to terminal devices with various numbers of antenna ports, and each preamble resource subgroup is used by the terminal device with the corresponding number of antenna ports to initiate random access.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first configuration information, wherein the first configuration information is used to configure one or more preamble resource groups, each of the one or more preamble resource groups corresponds to a terminal device with a certain number of antenna ports, the preamble resource group is used by the terminal device with a certain number of antenna ports corresponding to the preamble resource group to initiate random access, and the first preamble resource group belongs to the one or more preamble resource groups; or, the first configuration information is used to configure the plurality of preamble resource subgroups.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send first configuration information, wherein the first configuration information is used to configure one or more preamble resource groups, each of the one or more preamble resource groups corresponds to a terminal device with a certain number of antenna ports, and the preamble resource group is used by the terminal device with a certain number of antenna ports corresponding to the preamble resource group to initiate random access, and the first preamble resource group belongs to the one or more preamble resource groups; or, the first configuration information is used to configure the plurality of preamble resource subgroups.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Downlink control information (DCI) is monitored based on the Random Access Network Temporary Identifier (RA-RNTI). The RA-RNTI is determined according to the Random Access Hour (RO) where the subgroup head of the first preamble resource subgroup is located. The subgroup head of the first preamble resource subgroup is one of the N preamble resources.

8. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4 and 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Downlink control information (DCI) is sent. The DCI is obtained by scrambling with RA-RNTI. The RA-RNTI is determined based on the random access timing (RO) where the subgroup head of the first preamble resource subgroup is located. The subgroup head of the first preamble resource subgroup is one of the N preamble resources.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 5, and 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive message 2, which is message 2 fed back to the first leading resource subgroup.

10. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, 6, and 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send message 2, which is message 2 fed back to the first preamble resource subgroup.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The message 2 includes the sequence identifier ID of the subgroup header of the first preamble resource subgroup, where the subgroup header of the first preamble resource subgroup is one of the N preamble resources.

12. A method for sending preamble resources, characterized in that, The method includes: Send N preamble resources, where the N preamble resources correspond to N antenna ports of the terminal device, and N is an integer greater than 1; Receive at least one message 2, the at least one message 2 including N random access response (RAR), the N RARs corresponding to the N preamble resources; Send at least one message 3, which is a feedback to the N RARs.

13. A channel estimation method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive N preamble resources, where the N preamble resources correspond to N antenna ports of the terminal device, and N is an integer greater than 1; Send at least one message 2, the at least one message 2 including N random access response (RAR), the N RARs corresponding to the N preamble resources, each RAR being a feedback for the corresponding preamble resource; Receive at least one message 3, wherein the at least one message 3 is feedback for the N RARs; The N preceding resources are determined based on at least one message 3; Estimate the channels corresponding to the N antenna ports based on the N preamble resources.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The N preceding resources satisfy at least one of the following: The N preceding resources occupy the same starting time domain position; The time-domain resources occupied by the N preceding resources are orthogonal; The frequency domain resources occupied by the N preamble resources are orthogonal; The N preamble resources comprise N preamble sequences, and the N preamble sequences are orthogonal; or, Among the N preamble resources, the preamble resources occupying the same random access opportunity (RO) include multiple orthogonal preamble sequences, and the multiple frequency domain resources or multiple time domain resources occupied by the preamble resources occupying different ROs are orthogonal.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The N preamble resources occupy M random access opportunities (ROs), and the at least one message 2 includes M messages 2, which correspond to the M ROs. Each message 2 is a feedback to the corresponding RO, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that, The at least one message 3 includes N messages 3, the N messages 3 correspond to the N RARs, and each message 3 is feedback for the corresponding RAR; or, The at least one message 3 includes a message 3, which includes the identifier of the terminal device and first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate the N preamble resources.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, Each of the N messages 3 includes the identifier of the terminal device.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12, 14 to 17, characterized in that, The N preamble resources occupy M random access opportunities, and the at least one message 2 includes M messages 2, which correspond to the M ROs, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N; Before receiving the at least one message 2, the method further includes: Based on M first RA-RNTI monitoring, M first downlink control information (DCI) are monitored; Among them, the M first RA-RNTIs correspond to the M first DCIs, and each first RA-RNTI is determined according to the RO corresponding to message 2 of the corresponding first DCI; Receiving the at least one message 2 includes: Message 2 corresponding to the first DCI is received through the time-frequency resources scheduled by each first DCI.

19. The method according to any one of claims 12, 14 to 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second RA-RNTI, which is determined based on the temporary cell identifier TC-RNTI carried in at least one message 2. The second RA-RNTI is used to monitor the second DCI, which is used to schedule the time and frequency resources of message 4.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The at least one message 3 and the second RA-RNTI are carried in Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling or Media Access Control (MAC) signaling.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The MAC signaling is a Media Access Control Control Element (MAC CE). The MAC CE includes a MAC CE subheader and a MAC CE payload. The MAC CE subheader includes a first field, which is used to indicate that the MAC CE payload contains the second RA-RNTI.

22. The method according to any one of claims 12, 14 to 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive message 4, which is a response to at least one message 3.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, Before receiving message 4, the method further includes: Second DCI was monitored based on the second RA-RNTI; The second RA-RNTI is determined based on the temporary cell identifier TC-RNTI carried in the at least one message 2; The received message 4 includes: Message 4 is received using the time-frequency resources scheduled by the second DCI.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11; or, the communication device includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 23.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor for executing a computer program or computer instructions stored in a memory to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 23.

26. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores a computer program or computer instructions thereon, which, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 23.

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