Communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

The present application relates to a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. The method comprises: acquiring configuration information, wherein the configuration information indicates a guard interval for a sensing reference signal, the sensing reference signal is sent by a second access network device and received by a first access network device, the guard interval is located before or after a first time slot, and the first time slot is a time slot in which the first access network device receives the sensing reference signal. By means of the solution of the present application, the reliability of implementing ISAC in a communication system can be improved.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment, communication systems, storage media and software products Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly to a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] As a novel communication technology, integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) combines communication and sensing functions, enabling communication systems to simultaneously transmit information and perceive the environment. Benefiting from its broad application prospects, ISAC has become an important development direction for communication systems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure relates to a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a first access network device. The method includes: acquiring configuration information, wherein the configuration information indicates a guard interval for a sensing reference signal; wherein the sensing reference signal is transmitted by a second access network device and received by the first access network device, and the guard interval is located before or after a first time slot, the first time slot being the time slot in which the first access network device receives the sensing reference signal.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a core network device. The method includes: sending configuration information to a first access network device, wherein the configuration information indicates a guard interval for a sensing reference signal; wherein the sensing reference signal is sent by a second access network device and received by the first access network device, and the guard interval is located before or after a first timeslot, the first timeslot being the timeslot in which the first access network device receives the sensing reference signal.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a communication system. The communication system includes a first access network device and a core network device. The method includes: the core network device sending configuration information to the first access network device, wherein the configuration information indicates a guard interval for a sensing reference signal; wherein the sensing reference signal is sent by a second access network device and received by the first access network device, and the guard interval is located before or after a first time slot, the first time slot being the time slot in which the first access network device receives the sensing reference signal.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. This communication device is used to perform the communication method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a first access network device and a core network device. The first access network device is configured to perform the communication method as described in the first aspect. The core network device is configured to perform the communication method as described in the second aspect.

[0009] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium stores instructions. When executed on a communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0010] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a program product is provided. The program product includes at least one of a program and instructions. When executed by a communication device, the program or instructions implement the steps of the communication method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0011] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided. When run on a computer, the computer program causes the computer to perform the communication method as described in either the first or second aspect.

[0012] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a chip or chip system is provided. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform the communication method as described in either the first or second aspect.

[0013] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the reliability of the communication system in implementing ISAC can be improved.

[0014] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the invention.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the sensing mode of the ISAC technology provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figures 3A and 3B are interactive schematic diagrams of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the propagation delay of a sensing reference signal provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of a receiving window for a sensed reference signal provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figures 5A to 5D are schematic diagrams of protection interval configurations provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 6A is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 6B is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 6C is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0028] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0029] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. The method is performed by a first access network device. The method includes: acquiring configuration information, wherein the configuration information indicates a guard interval for a sensing reference signal; wherein the sensing reference signal is transmitted by a second access network device and received by the first access network device, and the guard interval is located before or after a first timeslot, the first timeslot being the timeslot in which the first access network device receives the sensing reference signal.

[0030] In this embodiment, the first access network device can obtain configuration information indicating a guard interval for the sensing reference signal. Based on this configuration information, the first access network device can determine whether the guard interval is located before or after the first time slot in which it receives the sensing reference signal. Thus, in a scenario where both the first and second access network devices implement sensing functions based on the sensing reference signal, the first access network device can set a guard interval before or after the first time slot to avoid interference from uplink and / or downlink transmissions in the reception of the sensing reference signal from the second access network device, ensuring the reception of the sensing reference signal and improving the reliability of the communication system in implementing ISAC.

[0031] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the protection interval is determined by the core network device; wherein, the operation of obtaining configuration information includes: receiving configuration information sent by the core network device.

[0032] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes: sending first time information of the first access network device to the core network device.

[0033] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the protection interval is determined by the first access network device; wherein, the operation of obtaining configuration information includes: obtaining locally determined configuration information.

[0034] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes: receiving second time information of the second access network device sent by the second access network device.

[0035] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving location information sent by the core network device, wherein the location information indicates the location of the second access network device.

[0036] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes: sending configuration information to the first terminal.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the length of the guard interval is equal to an integer multiple of the symbol length.

[0038] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, within the guard interval, the first access network device stops receiving uplink signals and / or transmitting downlink signals.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the sensing reference signal arrives at the first access network device in a second time slot; wherein the second time slot is earlier than the first time slot and the guard interval is located before the first time slot; or, the second time slot is later than the first time slot and the guard interval is located after the first time slot.

[0040] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the protection interval is determined based on the first time information of the first access network device, the second time information of the second access network device, and the propagation delay, which is the propagation time of the sensing reference signal from the second access network device to the first access network device.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the propagation delay is determined based on at least one of the following: the distance between the first access network device and the second access network device; and the sensing range supported by the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0042] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the difference between the first time information and the second time information and the propagation delay is a first difference value; wherein, when the first difference value is greater than 0 and the first difference value is greater than the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the guard interval is located before the first time slot, and the length of the guard interval is equal to the first difference value; when the first difference value is greater than 0 and the first difference value is less than or equal to the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the guard interval is located before the first time slot, and the length of the guard interval is between 0 and the first difference value; when the first difference value is less than 0 and the absolute value of the first difference value is greater than the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the guard interval is located after the first time slot, and the length of the guard interval is equal to the absolute value of the first difference value; when the first difference value is less than 0 and the absolute value of the first difference value is less than or equal to the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the guard interval is located after the first time slot, and the length of the guard interval is between 0 and the absolute value of the first difference value.

[0043] In a second aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This method is performed by a core network device. The method includes: sending configuration information to a first access network device, wherein the configuration information indicates a guard interval for a sensing reference signal; wherein the sensing reference signal is sent by a second access network device and received by the first access network device, and the guard interval is located before or after a first timeslot, the first timeslot being the timeslot in which the first access network device receives the sensing reference signal.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first network element can send configuration information to the first access network device, which indicates a guard interval for the sensing reference signal. Based on this configuration information, the first access network device can determine whether the guard interval is located before or after the first time slot in which it receives the sensing reference signal. Thus, in a scenario where the first and second access network devices implement sensing functions based on the sensing reference signal, the first access network device can set a guard interval before or after the first time slot to avoid interference from uplink and / or downlink transmissions in the reception of the sensing reference signal from the second access network device, ensuring the reception of the sensing reference signal and improving the reliability of the communication system in implementing ISAC.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes: receiving first time information of the first access network device sent by the first access network device; and receiving second time information of the second access network device sent by the second access network device.

[0046] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the length of the protection interval is equal to an integer multiple of the symbol length.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, within the guard interval, the first access network device stops receiving uplink signals and / or transmitting downlink signals.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the sensing reference signal arrives at the first access network device in the second time slot; wherein the second time slot is earlier than the first time slot and the protection interval is located before the first time slot; or, the second time slot is later than the first time slot and the protection interval is located after the first time slot.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the protection interval is determined based on the first time information of the first access network device, the second time information of the second access network device, and the propagation delay, which is the propagation time of the sensing reference signal from the second access network device to the first access network device.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the propagation delay is determined based on at least one of the following: the distance between the first access network device and the second access network device; and the sensing range supported by the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the difference between the first time information and the second time information and the propagation delay is a first difference value; wherein, when the first difference value is greater than 0 and the first difference value is greater than the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the guard interval is located before the first time slot, and the length of the guard interval is equal to the first difference value; when the first difference value is greater than 0 and the first difference value is less than or equal to the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the guard interval is located before the first time slot, and the length of the guard interval is between 0 and the first difference value; when the first difference value is less than 0 and the absolute value of the first difference value is greater than the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the guard interval is located after the first time slot, and the length of the guard interval is equal to the absolute value of the first difference value; when the first difference value is less than 0 and the absolute value of the first difference value is less than or equal to the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the guard interval is located after the first time slot, and the length of the guard interval is between 0 and the absolute value of the first difference value.

[0052] In a third aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. The method is executed by a communication system. The communication system includes a first access network device and a core network device. The method includes: the core network device sending configuration information to the first access network device, wherein the configuration information indicates a guard interval for a sensing reference signal; wherein the sensing reference signal is sent by a second access network device and received by the first access network device, and the guard interval is located before or after a first time slot, the first time slot being the time slot in which the first access network device receives the sensing reference signal.

[0053] In a fourth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device is a first access network device. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: acquire configuration information, wherein the configuration information indicates a guard interval for a sensing reference signal; wherein the sensing reference signal is transmitted by a second access network device and received by a first access network device, and the guard interval is located before or after a first timeslot, the first timeslot being the timeslot in which the first access network device receives the sensing reference signal.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the protection interval is determined by the core network equipment; wherein, the transceiver module is configured to receive configuration information sent by the core network equipment.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to: send first time information of the first access network device to the core network device.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the protection interval is determined by the first access network device; wherein, the operation of obtaining configuration information includes: obtaining locally determined configuration information.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to: receive second time information of the second access network device sent by the second access network device.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to: receive location information sent by the core network device, wherein the location information indicates the location of the second access network device.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send configuration information to the first terminal.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the length of the guard interval is equal to an integer multiple of the symbol length.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, within the guard interval, the first access network device stops receiving uplink signals and / or transmitting downlink signals.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the sensing reference signal arrives at the first access network device in a second time slot; wherein the second time slot is earlier than the first time slot and the protection interval is located before the first time slot; or, the second time slot is later than the first time slot and the protection interval is located after the first time slot.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the protection interval is determined based on the first time information of the first access network device, the second time information of the second access network device, and the propagation delay, which is the propagation time of the sensing reference signal from the second access network device to the first access network device.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the propagation delay is determined based on at least one of the following: the distance between the first access network device and the second access network device; and the sensing range supported by the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the difference between the first time information and the second time information and the propagation delay is a first difference value; wherein, when the first difference value is greater than 0 and the first difference value is greater than the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the guard interval is located before the first time slot, and the length of the guard interval is equal to the first difference value; when the first difference value is greater than 0 and the first difference value is less than or equal to the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the guard interval is located before the first time slot, and the length of the guard interval is between 0 and the first difference value; when the first difference value is less than 0 and the absolute value of the first difference value is greater than the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the guard interval is located after the first time slot, and the length of the guard interval is equal to the absolute value of the first difference value; when the first difference value is less than 0 and the absolute value of the first difference value is less than or equal to the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the guard interval is located after the first time slot, and the length of the guard interval is between 0 and the absolute value of the first difference value.

[0066] In a fifth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. This communication device is a core network device. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: send configuration information to a first access network device, wherein the configuration information indicates a guard interval for a sensing reference signal; wherein the sensing reference signal is sent by a second access network device and received by the first access network device, and the guard interval is located before or after a first time slot, the first time slot being the time slot in which the first access network device receives the sensing reference signal.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to: receive first time information of the first access network device sent by the first access network device; and receive second time information of the second access network device sent by the second access network device.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the length of the protection interval is equal to an integer multiple of the symbol length.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, within the guard interval, the first access network device stops receiving uplink signals and / or transmitting downlink signals.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the sensing reference signal arrives at the first access network device in a second time slot; wherein the second time slot is earlier than the first time slot and the protection interval is located before the first time slot; or, the second time slot is later than the first time slot and the protection interval is located after the first time slot.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the protection interval is determined based on the first time information of the first access network device, the second time information of the second access network device, and the propagation delay, which is the propagation time of the sensing reference signal from the second access network device to the first access network device.

[0072] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the propagation delay is determined based on at least one of the following: the distance between the first access network device and the second access network device; and the sensing range supported by the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the difference between the first time information and the second time information and the propagation delay is a first difference value; wherein, when the first difference value is greater than 0 and the first difference value is greater than the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the protection interval is located before the first time slot, and the length of the protection interval is equal to the first difference value; when the first difference value is greater than 0 and the first difference value is less than or equal to the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the protection interval is located before the first time slot, and the length of the protection interval is between 0 and the first difference value; when the first difference value is less than 0 and the absolute value of the first difference value is greater than the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the protection interval is located after the first time slot, and the length of the protection interval is equal to the absolute value of the first difference value; when the first difference value is less than 0 and the absolute value of the first difference value is less than or equal to the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the protection interval is located after the first time slot, and the length of the protection interval is between 0 and the absolute value of the first difference value.

[0074] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. This communication device is used to perform the communication methods described in any of the first, second, and possible embodiments thereof.

[0075] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system. The communication system includes a first access network device and a core network device. The first access network device is configured to perform the communication method as described in any of the first aspect and its possible embodiments. The core network device is configured to perform the communication method as described in any of the second aspect and its possible embodiments.

[0076] In an eighth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions. When executed on a communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any of the first, second, and possible embodiments thereof.

[0077] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product. The program product includes at least one of a program and instructions. When executed by a communication device, the program or instructions implement the steps of the communication method as described in any of the first, second, and possible embodiments thereof.

[0078] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program. When this computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the communication methods described in any of the first, second, and possible implementations thereof.

[0079] In an eleventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform the communication methods described in any of the first, second, and possible embodiments thereof.

[0080] It is understood that the aforementioned communication devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, and chip systems are all used to execute the methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0081] This disclosure provides a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. In some embodiments, terms such as communication method, information processing method, and information transmission method can be used interchangeably; terms such as communication device, communication equipment, network equipment, network function, and network entity can be used interchangeably; and terms such as communication system and information processing system can be used interchangeably.

[0082] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0083] In the embodiments disclosed herein, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the various embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0084] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0085] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0086] In the embodiments of this disclosure, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0087] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0088] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0089] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0090] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0091] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0092] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0093] In some embodiments, terms such as “greater than,” “more than,” “higher than,” and “exceeding” can be used interchangeably; terms such as “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably; terms such as “less than,” “less than,” and “lower than” can be used interchangeably; and terms such as “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below” can be used interchangeably.

[0094] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0095] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0096] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0097] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0098] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0099] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0100] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0101] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0102] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0103] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101, an access network device 102, and a core network device 103.

[0104] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, for example, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0105] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may be a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0106] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0107] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0108] In some embodiments, access network device 102 may include a first access network device 1021 and a second access network device 1022. In some embodiments, terminal 101 may include a first terminal 1011 and a second terminal 1012. The first terminal 1011 is connected to the first access network device 1021. The second terminal 1012 is connected to the second access network device 1022.

[0109] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may be a single device including the first network element 1031, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices including the first network element 1031. The network element may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the following: Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), and Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0110] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can be used for the management, control, and calculation of sensing services.

[0111] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may be, for example, a sensing function (SF). Of course, the first network element 1031 may also be other functions, and its name is not limited to this.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may be located in the core network. Of course, in some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may also be located outside the core network.

[0113] In some embodiments, the communication system 100 described above may be a 4G communication system, a 5G communication system, or a 6G communication system. It should be noted that the communication system 100 may also be other communication systems, and this disclosure does not specifically limit it.

[0114] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0115] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or some of the main components in the communication system 100, but are not limited thereto. The main components shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system 100 may include all or some of the main components in FIG1, or may include other main components other than those in FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main component are arbitrary. Each main component may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main components is illustrative. The main components may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0116] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0117] ISAC technology is a communication technology in 5G, 6G or more advanced communication systems that aims to integrate sensing capabilities into the design of the communication system so that the communication system can provide sensing as a service along with communication to the user.

[0118] In some embodiments, ISAC can be implemented based on multiple sensing modes. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the sensing modes of the ISAC technology provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the sensing modes of ISAC may include:

[0119] Mode 1: Base Station Monostatic (TRP). In this mode, base station A transmits a sensing reference signal. After being reflected and / or scattered by the environment or objects in the environment, the sensing reference signal is received and measured by base station A.

[0120] Mode 2: Transceiver Receiving-Receiving (TRP-TRP bistatic). In this mode, base station A transmits a sensing reference signal. After being reflected and / or scattered by the environment or objects in the environment, the sensing reference signal is received and measured by base station B.

[0121] Mode 3: UE-TRP bistatic. In this mode, terminal A transmits a sensing reference signal. After being reflected and / or scattered by the environment or objects in the environment, the sensing reference signal is received and measured by base station A.

[0122] Mode 4: Base Station Transmitter-UE Bistatic. In this mode, base station B transmits a sensing reference signal. This sensing reference signal is received and measured by base station B after being reflected and / or scattered by the environment or objects in the environment.

[0123] Mode 5: UE monostatic. In this mode, terminal A transmits a sensing reference signal. After being reflected and / or scattered by the environment or objects in the environment, the sensing reference signal is received and measured by terminal A.

[0124] Mode 6: UE-UE bistatic. In this mode, terminal A transmits a sensing reference signal. After being reflected and / or scattered by the environment or objects in the environment, the sensing reference signal is received and measured by terminal B.

[0125] Referring to Figure 2, modes 1 to 6 can be divided into two categories. The first category is the monostatic mode, where the sender and receiver of the sensing reference signal (sensing RS) are the same node. The second category is the bistatic mode, where the sender and receiver of the sensing reference signal are different nodes.

[0126] In some embodiments, the sensing reference signal may also be referred to as the sensing signal, and this disclosure does not specifically limit it.

[0127] In some embodiments, to integrate ISAC technology into a communication system, a sensing network architecture can be deployed within the communication system. The sensing network architecture can include three parts: sensing transmit nodes (STNs), sensing receive nodes (SRNs), and sensing functions (SFs). Sensing transmit nodes are used to transmit sensing reference signals. Sensing receive nodes are used to receive sensing reference signals. Sensing functions are responsible for implementing control, management, and computational functions related to sensing services.

[0128] In some embodiments, in the self-transmitting and self-receiving mode, the sensing transmitting node and the sensing receiving node can be the same node. In some embodiments, in the separate transmitting and receiving mode, the sensing transmitting node and the sensing receiving node can be different nodes.

[0129] In some embodiments, based on ISAC technology, the sensing transmitting node can be implemented by a terminal, access network equipment, etc., and the sensing receiving node can be implemented by a terminal, access network equipment, etc. Furthermore, the sensing function can be deployed in access network equipment, core network equipment, or third-party network equipment.

[0130] In some embodiments, access network devices supporting ISAC technology may have two types of transmission resources: sensing resources and communication resources. Sensing resources are used for transmitting and / or receiving sensing reference signals. Communication resources are used for transmitting and / or receiving information.

[0131] Therefore, how to ensure the realization of the sensing function is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0132] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100. As shown in Figure 3A, the communication method of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes steps S3101 to S3105.

[0133] In step S3101, the first access network device 1021 sends first time information to the first network element 1031.

[0134] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may send first time information. In some embodiments, the first time information may be sent by the first access network device 1021, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0135] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can receive first time information. In some embodiments, the first time information can be received by the first network element 1031, but is not limited to this, and can also be received by other entities.

[0136] In some embodiments, the first time information may indicate the synchronous clock of the first access network device 1021. In some embodiments, the first time information may be used to indicate the synchronous clock of the first access network device 1021.

[0137] In some embodiments, the synchronization clock indicated by the first time information may be absolute time.

[0138] In some embodiments, the first time information indicates the timing of the first access network device.

[0139] In some embodiments, the time indicated by the first time information may be the absolute time of the start time of the time unit adopted by the first access network device 1021. In some embodiments, the time unit may be at least one of the following: symbol, time slot, subframe, or frame. For example, the first time information may indicate the start time of the time slot adopted by the first access network device 1021. For example, the first time information may indicate the start time of the frame adopted by the first access network device 1021.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first time information may be obtained by the first access network device 1021 through one or more of the following methods: Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), base station, Network Time Protocol (NTP) Ethernet. In some embodiments, the GNSS used by the first access network device 1021 to obtain the first time information may include at least one of the following: Global Positioning System (GPS), BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), Galileo Navigation Satellite System (GALILEO), GLONASS, and Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS). Through the above methods, the first access network device 1021 can obtain absolute time and further achieve high-precision time synchronization between base stations.

[0141] In step S3102, the second access network device 1022 sends the second time information to the first network element 1031.

[0142] In some embodiments, the second access network device 1022 may send second time information. In some embodiments, the second time information may be sent by the second access network device 1022, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0143] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may receive second time information. In some embodiments, the second time information may be received by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0144] In some embodiments, the second time information may indicate the synchronization clock of the second access network device 1022. In some embodiments, the second time information may be used to indicate the synchronization clock of the second access network device 1022.

[0145] In some embodiments, the synchronization clock indicated by the second time information may be absolute time.

[0146] In some embodiments, the second time information indicates the timing of the second access network device.

[0147] In some embodiments, the time indicated by the second time information may be the absolute time of the start time of the time unit used by the second access network device 1022. In some embodiments, the time unit may be at least one of the following: symbol, time slot, subframe, or frame. For example, the second time information may indicate the start time of the time slot used by the second access network device 1022. For example, the second time information may indicate the start time of the frame used by the second access network device 1021.

[0148] In some embodiments, the second time information may be obtained by the second access network device 1022 through one or more of the following methods: GNSS, base station, NTP Ethernet. In some embodiments, the GNSS used by the second access network device 1022 to obtain the second time information may include at least one of the following: GPS, BDS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS. Through the above methods, the second access network device 1022 can obtain absolute time and further achieve high-precision time synchronization between base stations.

[0149] In some embodiments, steps S3101 and S3102 may be executed sequentially or simultaneously. In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may first send first time information to the first network element 1031, and the second access network device 1022 may subsequently send second time information to the first network element 1031. In some embodiments, the second access network device 1022 may first send second time information to the first network element 1031, and the first access network device 1021 may subsequently send first time information to the first network element 1031. In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may send first time information to the first network element 1031; simultaneously, the second access network device 1022 may send second time information to the first network element 1031.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022 can implement the ISAC function in Mode 2. In some embodiments, the second access network device 1022 can transmit a sensing reference signal, and the first access network device 1021 can receive the sensing reference signal. In this case, the sensing reference signal transmitted by the second access network device 1022 can be received by the first access network device 1021 after reflection and / or scattering.

[0151] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022 may not be fully synchronized. In some embodiments, the synchronization clock indicated by the first time information of the first access network device 1021 and the synchronization clock indicated by the second time information of the second access network device 1022 may be different. In some embodiments, the frames and / or time slots of the first access network device 1021 and the frames and / or time slots of the second access network device 1022 may not be aligned. In some embodiments, the symbol boundaries of the first access network device 1021 and the symbol boundaries of the second access network device 1022 may be different in the time domain. In one example, the symbol boundary of the first access network device 1021 may start from absolute time t1, and the symbol boundary of the second access network device 1022 may start from absolute time t2. Absolute time t1 and absolute time t2 may be different. For example, the absolute time t1 of the first access network device 1021 may be earlier than the absolute time t2 of the second access network device 1022. For example, the absolute time t1 of the first access network device 1021 may be later than the absolute time t2 of the second access network device 1022.

[0152] In some embodiments, when the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022 are not fully synchronized, the time difference between the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022 is t1-t2. In one example, the time unit is a time slot. In this case, the start time of the i-th time slot of the first access network device 1021 is t1, and the start time of the i-th time slot of the second access network device 1022 is t2, then the time difference between the two time slots is t1-t2. In one example, the time unit is a symbol. In this case, the start time of the j-th symbol of the i-th time slot of the first access network device 1021 is t1, and the start time of the j-th symbol of the i-th time slot of the second access network device 1022 is t2, then the time difference between the two symbols is t1-t2.

[0153] In some embodiments, the synchronization accuracy between base stations can reach a very high level. In one example, the synchronization accuracy between base stations can be at the nanosecond level. In some embodiments, the synchronization accuracy between the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022 can reach the nanosecond level. For example, the synchronization accuracy between the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022 can be less than 100 nanoseconds or less than 10 nanoseconds. In some embodiments, there can be a certain time difference between the absolute time corresponding to the start time of symbol #0 (i.e., the first symbol in the first time slot) in time slot #0 of the first access network device 1021 and the absolute time corresponding to the start time of symbol #0 (i.e., the first symbol in the first time slot) in time slot #0 of the second access network device 1022, which is a relative time difference between the two access network devices. It is understood that this time difference is the difference in the timing (BS timing) of the access network devices and is not related to the absolute time difference between the two access network devices.

[0154] In step S3103, the first network element 1031 determines the protection interval.

[0155] In some embodiments, upon obtaining first time information and second time information, the first network element 1031 can determine a protection interval. In some embodiments, the protection interval can be determined by the first network element 1031 based on the first time information, the second time information, and the propagation delay of the sensing reference signal.

[0156] In some embodiments, in mode 2, the second access network device 1022 can transmit a sensing reference signal, which, after reflection and / or scattering, can reach the first access network device 1021. In one example, the sensing reference signal transmitted by the second access network device 1022 can reach a sensing object such as a vehicle, pedestrian, or aircraft; after reflection and / or scattering by the sensing object, the sensing reference signal can reach the first access network device 1021. In one example, the sensing reference signal transmitted by the second access network device 1022 can reach the first access network device 1021 after reflection and / or scattering by environmental objects. In one example, the sensing reference signal transmitted by the second access network device 1022 can propagate in a straight line and reach the first access network device 1021.

[0157] In some embodiments, after leaving the second access network device 1022, the sensing reference signal can reach the first access network device 1021 after a certain propagation time. This propagation time can also be referred to as the propagation delay of the sensing reference signal.

[0158] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the propagation delay of a sensing reference signal provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4A, the sensing reference signal can reach the first access network device 1021 from the second access network device 1022 via two paths.

[0159] In the first approach, the sensing reference signal propagates in a straight line between the second access network device 1022 and the first access network device 1021. In this case, the propagation delay of the sensing reference signal depends on the distance d1 between the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022. In one example, the propagation delay of the sensing reference signal is D = d1 / c, where c is the speed of light.

[0160] In the second approach, the sensing reference signal, after leaving the second access network device 1022, is reflected and / or scattered by the sensing object and reaches the first access network device 1021. In this case, the sensing function can be implemented by the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022 within a certain sensing range. In other words, the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022 can sense objects located within the sensing range. In some embodiments, the sensing range can be determined by the maximum propagation distance d2 of the sensing reference signal. The sum of the distance between the second access network device 1022 and the sensing object, and the distance between the sensing object and the first access network device 1021, is less than or equal to the maximum propagation distance. In one example, the propagation delay D of the sensing reference signal is D = d2 / c, where c is the speed of light.

[0161] In some embodiments, step S3103 may include: the first network element 1031 acquiring location information of the first access network device 1021 and the location information of the second access network device 1022. In some embodiments, the location information of the first access network device 1021 may indicate the location of the first access network device 1021. In some embodiments, the location information of the second access network device 1022 may indicate the location of the second access network device 1022. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may locally store at least one of the location information of the first access network device 1021 and the location information of the second access network device 1022. In this case, the first network element 1031 may acquire the location information of the first access network device 1021 and / or the location information of the second access network device 1022 from its local storage. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may acquire the location information of the first access network device 1021 and / or the location information of the second access network device 1022 from other network elements in the core network device 103. In one example, the first network element 1031 can obtain the location information of the first access network device 1021 and / or the location information of the second access network device 1022 from network elements such as the location management function (LMF), unified data management (UDM), and unified data repository (UDR).

[0162] In some embodiments, step S3103 may include: the first network element 1031 determining the propagation delay based on the acquired location information of the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022. In some embodiments, the propagation delay may be determined by the first network element 1031 based on the location information of the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may determine the distance between the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022 based on the location information of the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022. Then, the first network element 1031 can determine the propagation delay based on this distance.

[0163] In some embodiments, step S3103 may include: the first network element 1031 determining the propagation delay based on the acquired sensing ranges of the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022. In some embodiments, the sensing ranges may be stored in the first network element 1031. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may store the maximum propagation distance of the sensing reference signal between the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022. Then, the first network element 1031 can determine the propagation delay based on the sensing ranges.

[0164] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can determine the propagation delay based on the location information of the first access network device 1021, the location information of the second access network device 1022, and the sensing range.

[0165] In some embodiments, the propagation delay can be estimated by the first network element 1031. In some embodiments, the propagation delay can be estimated by the first network element 1031 based on at least one of the location information of the first access network device 1021, the location information of the second access network device 1022, and the historical propagation delays of the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022. In other words, the propagation delay can be an empirical value. In some embodiments, the propagation delay can be estimated based on the location information of the first access network device 1021 and the location information of the second access network device 1022. In some embodiments, the propagation delay can be estimated based on the historical propagation delay between the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022.

[0166] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may receive the sensing reference signal in a first time slot. In some embodiments, the sensing reference signal may arrive at the first access network device 1021 in a second time slot. In some embodiments, the second access network device 1022 may transmit the sensing reference signal in a third time slot.

[0167] In some embodiments, since the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022 are not fully synchronized, and there is a propagation delay between the sensing reference signal and the second access network device 1021, the second time slot in which the sensing reference signal arrives at the first access network device 1021 may not be time-aligned with the first time slot in which the first access network device 1021 receives the sensing reference signal. For example, the second time slot may arrive earlier than the first time slot. In this case, the time when the sensing reference signal arrives at the first access network device 1021 may be earlier than the start time of the first time slot. Alternatively, the second time slot may arrive later than the first time slot. In this case, the time when the sensing reference signal arrives at the first access network device 1021 may be later than the start time of the first time slot.

[0168] In some embodiments, when the second time slot precedes the first time slot, uplink or downlink transmissions by the first access network device 1021 in the time slot preceding the first time slot may affect the reception of the sensing reference signal by the first access network device 1021. In some embodiments, when the second time slot lags the first time slot, uplink or downlink transmissions by the first access network device 1021 in the time slot following the first time slot may affect the reception of the sensing reference signal by the first access network device 1021. To ensure the reception of the sensing reference signal by the first access network device 1021, a guard period (GP) can be set in the time slot preceding or following the first time slot.

[0169] In some embodiments, where the second time slot precedes the first time slot, the guard interval may be located before the first time slot. In one example, the guard interval may be located at one or more symbols adjacent to the first time slot in the time slot preceding the first time slot. In other words, the guard interval may be located at one or more symbols at the last symbol in the time slot preceding the first time slot.

[0170] In some embodiments, where the second time slot lags behind the first time slot, the guard interval may be located after the first time slot. In one example, the guard interval may be located at one or more symbols adjacent to the first time slot in the time slot following the first time slot. In other words, the guard interval may be located at one or more symbols beginning in the time slot preceding the first time slot.

[0171] In some embodiments, during the guard interval, the first access network device 1021 does not receive uplink signals and / or transmit downlink signals. In some embodiments, the preceding time slot of the first time slot may be an uplink time slot, in which case the first access network device 1021 may stop receiving uplink signals during the guard interval of that time slot. In some embodiments, the preceding time slot of the first time slot may be a downlink time slot, in which case the first access network device 1021 may stop transmitting downlink signals during the guard interval of that time slot. In some embodiments, the following time slot of the first time slot may be an uplink time slot, in which case the first access network device 1021 may stop receiving uplink signals during the guard interval of that time slot. In some embodiments, the following time slot of the first time slot may be a downlink time slot, in which case the first access network device 1021 may stop transmitting downlink signals during the guard interval of that time slot.

[0172] In some embodiments, the downlink signal may include at least one of the following: a periodic downlink signal, a semi-persistent downlink signal, or a dynamically scheduled downlink signal. In some embodiments, if the transmission and guard intervals of a periodic or semi-persistent downlink signal overlap, the first access network device 1021 may discard the downlink signal.

[0173] In some embodiments, the uplink signal may include at least one of the following: a periodic uplink signal, a semi-persistent uplink signal, or a dynamically scheduled uplink signal. In some embodiments, when the transmission and guard intervals of a periodic or semi-persistent uplink signal overlap, the first access network device 1021 may discard the uplink signal.

[0174] In some embodiments, step S3103 may include: the first network element 1031 determining the length of the protection interval.

[0175] In some embodiments, in addition to determining whether the protection interval is before or after the first time slot, the first network element 1031 may also determine the length of the protection interval.

[0176] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can calculate the length of the protection interval.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can calculate the length of the protection interval as follows: GP = |S|; where GP represents the length of the protection interval, |·| represents the absolute value operation, and S represents the first difference. In some embodiments, the first difference is calculated as follows: S = T1 - T2 - D; where S represents the first difference, T1 represents the time indicated by the first time information of the first access network device 1021, T2 represents the time indicated by the second time information of the second access network device 1022, and D is the propagation delay of the sensing reference signal.

[0178] In some embodiments, if S is greater than 0, the second time slot is earlier than the first time slot, and the protection interval is located before the first time slot. In some embodiments, if S is less than 0, the second time slot is later than the first time slot, and the protection interval is located after the first time slot.

[0179] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of a receiving window for a sensing reference signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4B, the second time slot carrying the sensing reference signal can be divided into three parts: a cyclic prefix (CP), data, and a repetition of the cyclic prefix. The cyclic prefix is ​​the cyclic prefix of the sensing reference signal. The cyclic prefix is ​​located at the beginning of the second time slot. The repetition of the cyclic prefix is ​​located at the end of the second time slot and is the same as the cyclic prefix located at the beginning. The data is located in the middle of the second time slot and includes the data of the sensing reference signal. To achieve complete reception of the sensing reference signal, the receiving window should cover the data located in the middle, as well as the cyclic prefix located at the beginning and / or the end. At least a portion of the cyclic prefix at the beginning and / or at least a portion of the cyclic prefix at the end included in the receiving window can form a complete cyclic prefix.

[0180] In some embodiments, the receiving window may correspond to a first time slot. In some embodiments, the first time slot corresponding to the receiving window may be used for receiving a sensing reference signal. In some embodiments, the receiving window may be used to receive a sensing reference signal at the first time slot.

[0181] In some embodiments, the length of the receive window may be greater than or equal to the difference between the length of the second time slot and the length of the cyclic prefix. In one example, the length of the receive window may be equal to the difference between the length of the second time slot and the length of the cyclic prefix.

[0182] In some embodiments, the position of the receiving window can move along the time domain within the second time slot. In one example, at the first position, the start time of the receiving window can be the start time of the second time slot. In another example, at the second position, the end time of the receiving window can be the end time of the second time slot. The receiving window can be located anywhere between the first and second positions.

[0183] In some embodiments, the length of the guard interval can be greater than or equal to the length of the cyclic prefix. In this case, the receive window may partially fall outside the first time slot, so a guard interval can be set before or after the first time slot. In some embodiments, the length of the guard interval can be less than the length of the cyclic prefix. In this case, the receive window may fall entirely within the first time slot, so no guard interface needs to be set.

[0184] In some embodiments, the length of the guard interval can be an integer multiple of the number of symbols in the time slot. In some embodiments, the guard interval can contain one or more symbols. For example, the guard interval can include one or more orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols. In some embodiments, if the length of the guard interval calculated in the above manner is not an integer multiple of the symbol length, the first network element 1031 can determine that the length of the guard interval is an integer multiple of the symbol length. In one example, the first network element 1031 can determine that the length of the guard interval is the length of N symbols, where N is a positive integer and N satisfies that the length of N symbols is greater than or equal to |S|. For example, if the calculated length of the guard interval is the length of 0.5 symbols, the first network element 1031 can determine that the length of the guard interval is the length of 1 symbol.

[0185] Figures 5A to 5D are schematic diagrams of protection interval configurations provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In Figures 5A to 5D, BS1 is the second access network device 1022, and BS2 is the first access network device 1021. BS1 and BS2 are not fully synchronized, and there is a propagation delay in the sensing reference signal from BS1 to BS2. The time slot window of the second time slot is shown by a dashed line box. The receiving window is shown by a dashed line box.

[0186] In some embodiments, when the first difference is greater than 0 and the first difference is greater than the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the guard interval is located before the first time slot, and the length of the guard interval is equal to the first difference.

[0187] As shown in Figure 5A, the sensing reference signal transmitted by BS1 arrives at the second time slot boundary of BS2 after being reflected by the sensing object (or sensing target). This second time slot boundary arrives earlier than the first time slot boundary of BS2, and the duration of the second time slot exceeding the first time slot is greater than the cyclic prefix. The length of the receiving window is equal to the difference between the length of the second time slot and the length of the cyclic prefix.

[0188] As shown in Figure 5A, in order to receive all the information of the sensing reference signal, the receiving window is located within the time slot window of the second time slot. Within the time slot window, the receiving window can be located anywhere between the first and second positions. If both the receiving window W1 at the first position and the receiving window W2 at the second position extend beyond the time slot window, then the receiving window located at any position in the second time slot will extend beyond the first time slot. At least a portion of the receiving window overlaps with the preceding time slot of the first time slot. The preceding time slot of the first time slot is a downlink time slot. A guard interval can be set in this downlink time slot to prevent the reception of the sensing reference signal by the first access network device 1021 from being affected by the downlink signal in this downlink time slot. In one example, the length of the guard interval can be equal to the first difference, i.e., GP = S = T1 - T2 - D.

[0189] In some embodiments, when the first difference is greater than 0 and the first difference is less than or equal to the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the guard interval is located before the first time slot, and the length of the guard interval is between 0 and the first difference.

[0190] As shown in Figure 5B, the sensing reference signal transmitted by BS1 arrives at the second time slot boundary of BS2 after being reflected by the sensing object, ahead of the first time slot boundary of BS2. Furthermore, the duration by which the second time slot exceeds the first time slot is less than or equal to the cyclic prefix. The length of the receiving window is equal to the difference between the length of the second time slot and the length of the cyclic prefix.

[0191] As shown in Figure 5B, to receive all the information from the sensing reference signal, the receiving window is located within the time slot window of the second time slot. Within the time slot window, the receiving window can be located anywhere between the first and second positions. The receiving window W1, located at the first position, extends beyond the time slot window. The length of the portion of the receiving window W1 extending beyond the time slot window can be less than or equal to the length of the cyclic prefix. For the receiving window W1, the maximum length of the guard interval can be equal to the first difference. The receiving window W2, located at the second position, is within the time slot window. For the receiving window W2, a guard interval may not be set. The length of the guard interval ranges from 0 to the first difference. It can be understood that a guard interval length of 0 means that no guard interval is required.

[0192] It should be noted that whether or not to configure a guard interval can be determined based on the relationship between the first difference and the length of the cyclic prefix. In some embodiments, when the first difference is greater than the length of the cyclic prefix, the advance of the second time slot relative to the first time slot is highly likely to exceed the length of the cyclic prefix, as shown in Figure 5A. In this case, the first network element 1031 can set a guard interval before the first time slot. In some embodiments, when the first difference is less than or equal to the length of the cyclic prefix, the advance of the second time slot relative to the first time slot does not exceed the length of the cyclic prefix, as shown in Figure 5B. In this case, the first network element 1031 can set a guard interval before the first time slot, or it can choose not to set a guard interval, depending on the position of the receiving window. For example, if the position of the receiving window reaches or is close to the start time of the second time slot, a guard interval can be set. For example, if the position of the receiving window reaches or is close to the end time of the second time slot, a guard interval can be omitted.

[0193] In some embodiments, when the first difference is less than 0 and the absolute value of the first difference is greater than the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the protection interval is located after the first time slot, and the length of the protection interval is equal to the absolute value of the first difference.

[0194] As shown in Figure 5C, the sensing reference signal transmitted by BS1 arrives at the second time slot boundary of BS2 after being reflected by the sensing object, lagging behind the first time slot boundary of BS2. Furthermore, the duration of the second time slot exceeding the first time slot is greater than the cyclic prefix. The length of the receiving window is equal to the difference between the length of the second time slot and the length of the cyclic prefix.

[0195] As shown in Figure 5C, in order to receive all the information of the sensing reference signal, the receiving window is located within the time slot window of the second time slot. Within the time slot window, the receiving window can be located anywhere between the first and second positions. If both the receiving window W1 at the first position and the receiving window W2 at the second position extend beyond the time slot window, then the receiving window located at any position in the second time slot will extend beyond the first time slot. At least a portion of the receiving window overlaps with the next time slot of the first time slot. The next time slot of the first time slot is a downlink time slot. A guard interval can be set in this downlink time slot to prevent the reception of the sensing reference signal by the first access network device 1021 from being affected by the downlink signal in this downlink time slot. In one example, the length of the guard interval can be equal to the absolute value of the first difference, i.e., GP = |S| = |T1 - T2 - D|.

[0196] In some embodiments, when the first difference is less than 0 and the absolute value of the first difference is less than or equal to the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the protection interval is located after the first time slot, and the length of the protection interval is between 0 and the absolute value of the first difference.

[0197] As shown in Figure 5D, the sensing reference signal transmitted by BS1 arrives at the second time slot boundary of BS2 after being reflected by the sensing object, lagging behind the first time slot boundary of BS2. Furthermore, the duration by which the second time slot exceeds the first time slot is less than or equal to the cyclic prefix. The length of the receiving window is equal to the difference between the length of the second time slot and the length of the cyclic prefix.

[0198] As shown in Figure 5D, to receive all the information from the sensing reference signal, the receiving window is located within the time slot window of the second time slot. Within the time slot window, the receiving window can be located anywhere between the first and second positions. The receiving window W1, located at the first position, is within the time slot window. For receiving window W1, no guard interval is required. The receiving window W2, located at the second position, extends beyond the time slot window. The length of the portion of receiving window W2 extending beyond the time slot window can be less than or equal to the length of the cyclic prefix. For receiving window W2, the maximum value of the guard interval length can be equal to the absolute value of the first difference. The value range of the guard interval length is 0 to the absolute value of the first difference. It can be understood that a guard interval length of 0 means that no guard interval is required.

[0199] It should be noted that whether or not to configure a guard interval can be determined based on the relationship between the absolute value of the first difference and the length of the cyclic prefix. In some embodiments, when the absolute value of the first difference is greater than the length of the cyclic prefix, the lag of the second time slot relative to the first time slot is highly likely to exceed the length of the cyclic prefix, as shown in Figure 5C. In this case, the first network element 1031 can set a guard interval after the first time slot. In some embodiments, when the absolute value of the first difference is less than or equal to the length of the cyclic prefix, the lag of the second time slot relative to the first time slot does not exceed the length of the cyclic prefix, as shown in Figure 5D. In this case, the first network element 1031 can set a guard interval before the first time slot, or it can choose not to set a guard interval, depending on the position of the receiving window. For example, if the position of the receiving window reaches or is close to the start time of the second time slot, a guard interval may not be set. For example, if the position of the receiving window reaches or is close to the end time of the second time slot, a guard interval may be set.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can select the length of the protection interval from a preset range. In some embodiments, the preset range may be agreed upon by network configuration and / or protocol. In some embodiments, the preset range may include one or more values ​​of the length of the protection interval. In some embodiments, each value in the preset range may be in a time unit. For example, the preset range may be {0, 1 μs, 2 μs}. In some embodiments, each value in the preset range may indicate the number of symbols. For example, the preset range may be 0 to K, where K is a positive integer.

[0201] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can obtain the correspondence between the first difference and the length of the protection interval. In some embodiments, this correspondence may be agreed upon by network configuration and / or protocol. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can determine the length of the corresponding protection interval based on the first difference according to this correspondence.

[0202] In step S3104, the first network element 1031 sends configuration information to the first access network device 1021.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can send configuration information. In some embodiments, the configuration information can be sent by the first network element 1031, but is not limited to this; it can also be sent by other entities.

[0204] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may receive configuration information. In some embodiments, the configuration information may be received by the first access network device 1021, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0205] In some embodiments, configuration information may be used to configure a protection interval. In some embodiments, configuration information may indicate a protection interval. In some embodiments, configuration information may be used to indicate a protection interval. In some embodiments, configuration information may be used to provide a protection interval.

[0206] In some embodiments, the configuration information may include at least one of the following: location information of the protection interval and length information of the protection interval.

[0207] In some embodiments, the location information of the protection interval can indicate the location of the protection interval. In some embodiments, the location of the protection interval can be one of the following: before the first time slot or after the first time slot.

[0208] In some embodiments, the length information of the protection interval may indicate the length of the protection interval.

[0209] In some embodiments, the configuration information may include the location information of the protection interval. In some embodiments, the configuration information may include the location information and length information of the protection interval.

[0210] In some embodiments, when the configuration information only includes the location information of the protection interval, the first access network device 1021 can determine the length of the protection interval itself. For example, the length of the protection interval can be configured and / or agreed upon by the protocol. For example, the length of the protection interval can be a default value. In this case, when the first access network device 1021 obtains the location information of the protection interval, it can use the default length of the protection interval.

[0211] In some embodiments, configuration information may be carried in a notification message. In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may send a subscription message to the first network element 1031 to subscribe to a notification regarding the protection interval. In this case, when the first network element 1031 determines the location and / or length of the protection interval, the first network element 1031 may send a notification message carrying configuration information to the first access network device 1021.

[0212] In some embodiments, configuration information may be carried in a response message. In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may send a request message to the first network element 1031 to request configuration of the protection interval. In this case, if the first network element 1031 determines the location and / or length of the protection interval, the first network element 1031 may send a response message carrying configuration information to the first access network device 1021.

[0213] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may determine the configuration of the protection interval based on configuration information.

[0214] In step S3105, the first access network device 1021 sends configuration information to the first terminal 1011.

[0215] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may send configuration information. In some embodiments, the configuration information may be sent by the first access network device 1021, but is not limited to this, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first terminal 1011 may receive configuration information. In some embodiments, the configuration information may be received by the first terminal 1011, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0217] In some embodiments, the first terminal 1011 may be a terminal that accesses the first access network device 1021. In some embodiments, the first terminal 1011 may be within the coverage area of ​​the first access network device 1021. In some embodiments, the first terminal 1011 may perform uplink and / or downlink communication with the first access network device 1021.

[0218] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 can send configuration information to the first terminal 1011. In some embodiments, if configuration information is obtained in step S3104, the first access network device 1021 can send the configuration information to the first terminal 1011. For example, the first access network device 1021 can forward the configuration information from the first network element 1031 to the first terminal 1011. In some embodiments, independent of step S3104, the first network element 1031 can send configuration information to the first terminal 1011. In this case, the first access network device 1021 can transmit the configuration information sent by the first network element 1031 to the first terminal 1011 in a transparent manner.

[0219] In some embodiments, the first terminal 1011 may determine the configuration of the protection interval based on configuration information.

[0220] The communication method of this embodiment can be implemented through steps S3101 to S3105.

[0221] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3105. For example, step S3104 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S3105 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, a combination of steps S3104 and S3105 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, a combination of steps S3103, S3104, and S3105 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, a combination of steps S3101, S3102, and S3103 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and a combination of steps S3101, S3102, S3103, and S3104 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0222] In some embodiments, steps S3101 and S3102 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0223] In some embodiments, steps S3101, S3102, S3104, and S3105 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. In some embodiments, steps S3101, S3102, S3103, and S3105 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. In some embodiments, steps S3101, S3102, S3103, and S3104 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0224] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100. As shown in Figure 3B, the communication method of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes steps S3201 to S3204.

[0225] In step S3201, the second access network device 1022 sends the second time information to the first access network device 1021.

[0226] In some embodiments, the second access network device 1022 may send second time information. In some embodiments, the second time information may be sent by the second access network device 1022, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0227] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may receive second time information. In some embodiments, the second time information may be received by the first access network device 1021, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0228] In some embodiments, the second time information may indicate the synchronization clock of the second access network device 1022. In some embodiments, the second time information may be used to indicate the synchronization clock of the second access network device 1022.

[0229] In some embodiments, the synchronization clock indicated by the second time information may be absolute time. In some embodiments, the second time information may be obtained by the second access network device 1022 through one or more of the following methods: GNSS, base station, NTP Ethernet. In some embodiments, the GNSS used by the second access network device 1022 to obtain the second time information may include at least one of the following: GPS, BDS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS. Through the above methods, the second access network device 1022 can obtain absolute time and further achieve high-precision time synchronization between base stations. In some embodiments, the synchronization accuracy between base stations can reach the nanosecond level. For example, the synchronization accuracy between base stations may be less than 100 nanoseconds.

[0230] In some embodiments, the second access network device 1022 can send the second time information to the first access network device 1021 via the Xn interface. In some embodiments, the second access network device 1022 can send the second time information to the first access network device 1021 via the core network device 103. For example, the second access network device 1022 can send the second time information to the access and mobility management function (AMF) via the N2 interface; subsequently, the AMF sends the second time information to the first access network device 1021 via the N2 interface.

[0231] In step S3202, the first network element 1031 sends location information to the first access network device 1021.

[0232] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can transmit location information. In some embodiments, the location information can be transmitted by the first network element 1031, but is not limited to this; it can also be transmitted by other entities.

[0233] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may receive location information. In some embodiments, the location information may be received by the first access network device 1021, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0234] In some embodiments, location information may indicate the location of the second access network device 1022. In some embodiments, the location information of the second access network device 1022 may be stored locally by the first network element 1031. In some embodiments, the location information of the second access network device 1022 may be obtained by the first network element 1031 from network elements such as LMF, UDM, and UDR.

[0235] In some embodiments, location information may be carried in the response message. In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may send a request message to the first network element 1031 to request location information about the second access network device 1022. In this case, if the first network element 1031 has stored or obtained the location information of the second access network device 1022, the first network element 1031 may send a response message carrying the location information to the first access network device 1021.

[0236] In step S3203, the first access network device 1021 determines the protection interval.

[0237] The optional implementation of step S3203 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3103 in Figure 3A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0238] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 can obtain first time information and location information of the first access network device 1021 locally.

[0239] In some embodiments, the sensing range of the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022 can be obtained by the first access network device 1021 from the first network element 1031. In one example, the first access network device 1021 can send a request message to the first network element 1031 to obtain the sensing range. In some embodiments, the sensing range information can be sent by the first network element 1031 to the first access network device 1021 along with the location information in step S3202.

[0240] In some embodiments, the sensing range of the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022 may be stored in the first access network device 1021.

[0241] In some embodiments, the propagation delay can be determined by the first access network device 1021. For example, the first access network device 1021 can determine the propagation delay based on the distance between the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022. For example, the first access network device 1021 can determine the propagation delay based on the sensing range. For example, the first access network device 1021 can estimate the propagation delay.

[0242] In some embodiments, the method by which the first access network device 1021 determines the protection interval is similar to the method by which the first network element 1031 determines the protection interval in step S3103, and will not be described in detail here.

[0243] In step S3204, the first access network device 1021 sends configuration information to the first terminal 1011.

[0244] The optional implementation of step S3204 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3105 in Figure 3A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0245] The communication method of this embodiment can be implemented through steps S3201 to S3204.

[0246] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3201 to S3204. For example, step S3203 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S3204 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, a combination of steps S3203 and S3204 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, a combination of steps S3201, S3203, and S3204 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and a combination of steps S3201, S3202, S3203, and S3204 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0247] In some embodiments, steps S3201 and S3202 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0248] In some embodiments, steps S3201, S3202, and S3204 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. In some embodiments, steps S3201, S3202, and S3203 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0249] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0250] In some embodiments, the terms "uplink", "uplink", and "physical uplink" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "downlink", "downlink", and "physical downlink", as well as the terms "sidelink", "sidelink", "sidelink communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", and "direct link communication".

[0251] In some embodiments, terms such as "physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)" and "DL data" can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as "physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)" and "UL data".

[0252] In some embodiments, the terms “radio”, “wireless”, “radio access network (RAN)”, “access network (AN)”, and “RAN-based” can be used interchangeably.

[0253] In some embodiments, the terms "synchronization signal (SS)," "synchronization signal block (SSB)," "reference signal (RS)," "pilot," and "pilot signal" can be used interchangeably.

[0254] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0255] In some embodiments, the terms “frame”, “radio frame”, “subframe”, “slot”, “sub-slot”, “mini-slot”, “symbol”, “symbol”, and “transmission time interval (TTI)” can be used interchangeably.

[0256] In some embodiments, "acquire," "get," "obtain," "receive," "transmit," "bidirectional transmission," and "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, acquiring from protocols, acquiring from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation. Protocols include, for example, at least one of the 3GPP protocol, Wi-Fi protocol, and audio and / or video protocols.

[0257] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0258] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "default", "set", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A", "preset A", "default A", "set A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0259] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0260] In some embodiments, the terms "sensing reference signal", "sensing signal", and "sensing RS (reference signal, RS)" can be used interchangeably.

[0261] In some embodiments, if an arrow in the interaction diagram representing the transmission of information, signaling, etc., from one subject to another passes through other subjects, it can be interpreted as the transmission from one subject to another via other subjects, or as the transmission from one subject to another without passing through other subjects. For example, in step S3102, the second access network device 1022 sends second time information to the first network element 1031 without passing through the first access network device 1021.

[0262] Figure 6A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. As shown in Figure 6A, the method includes steps S6101 and S6104.

[0263] In step S6101, the first access network device 1021 sends first time information to the first network element 1031.

[0264] The optional implementation of step S6101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3101 in Figure 3A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0265] In step S6102, the second access network device 1022 sends the second time information to the first network element 1031.

[0266] The optional implementation of step S6102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3102 in Figure 3A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0267] In step S6103, the first network element 1031 determines the protection interval.

[0268] The optional implementation of step S6103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3103 in Figure 3A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0269] In step S6104, the first network element 1031 sends configuration information to the first access network device 1021.

[0270] The optional implementation of step S6104 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3104 in Figure 3A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0271] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0272] Figure 6B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. As shown in Figure 6B, the method includes steps S6201 and S6202.

[0273] In step S6201, the second access network device 1022 sends first time information to the first access network device 1021.

[0274] The optional implementation of step S6201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3201 in Figure 3B, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0275] In step S6202, the first access network device 1021 determines the protection interval.

[0276] The optional implementation of step S6202 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3203 in Figure 3B, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0277] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0278] Figure 6C is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. As shown in Figure 6C, the method includes step S6301.

[0279] In step S6301, the first access network device 1021 obtains configuration information.

[0280] The optional implementation of step S6301 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3104 in Figure 3A, step S3203 in Figure 3B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A and 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0281] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may receive configuration information sent by the core network device 103. In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may include a first network element 1031.

[0282] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may obtain configuration information locally. In some embodiments, the configuration information may be determined by the first access network device 1021.

[0283] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0284] In the following, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described by way of specific implementation.

[0285] In wireless communication systems such as 5G, base stations can obtain absolute time and achieve high-precision time synchronization through methods such as GPS / BeiDou / Synchronous Ethernet, with synchronization accuracy typically reaching the nanosecond level (<100 nanoseconds). However, different base stations may differ in their deployment of relative time for frames / slots, meaning that different base stations are not necessarily aligned at the boundaries of frames / slots. For example, the time domain symbol boundary of BS1 (i.e., the second access network device) starts from absolute time t1, while the time domain symbol boundary of BS2 (i.e., the first access network device) starts from absolute time t2 (t2 is different from t1).

[0286] In some embodiments, due to the lack of complete synchronization between STN BS1 and STN BS2, the arrival time of the sensing RS transmitted by STN BS1 after reflection from the sensing target at SRN BS2 may be earlier or later than the time-domain symbol boundary of SRN BS2. When the arrival time of the sensing RS transmitted by STN BS1 after reflection from the sensing target at SRN BS2 is earlier than the time-domain symbol boundary of SRN BS2, and further, the earlier period exceeds the CP length of the sensing RS, a guard interval needs to be set before the time-domain symbol of the received sensing RS at SRN BS2. When the arrival time of the sensing RS transmitted by STN BS1 after reflection from the sensing target at SRN BS2 is later than the time-domain symbol boundary of SRN BS2, and further, the later period exceeds the CP length of the sensing RS, a guard interval needs to be set after the time-domain symbol of the received sensing RS at SRN BS2.

[0287] In some embodiments, STN BS1 and STN BS2 need to report their timing information (i.e., second timing information and first timing information) to the SF, which then configures the GP (GP) for STN BS2 to be located before the sensing RS reception time symbol, or, in some embodiments, after the RS reception time symbol. The SF can determine whether the GP is located before or after the sensing RS reception time symbol based on the difference in timing between STN BS1 and STN BS2, the distance between STN BS1 and STN BS2, and / or the sensing range to be supported between STN BS1 and STN BS2, and further, configure the length of the GP. BS2 needs to send this GP configuration to the cell terminal.

[0288] In some embodiments, STN BS1 needs to send its own timing information to STN BS2 via the inter-base station interface. BS2 determines whether the GP is located before or after the sensing RS receiving time domain symbol based on the difference between the timing of BS1 and its own timing, the distance between STN BS1 and STN BS2, and / or the sensing range to be supported between STN BS1 and STN BS2. BS2 can obtain the location information of BS1 from SF, such as the relative distance information relative to BS2, thereby obtaining the propagation delay between BS1 and BS2. BS2 can configure the GP itself before or after the sensing RS receiving time domain symbol of BS2, and further, configure the length of the GP. BS2 needs to send this GP configuration to the cell terminal.

[0289] In some embodiments, during the GP time period, BS2 does not transmit downlink signals, including periodic downlink signals, semi-persistent downlink signals, and dynamically scheduled downlink signals. If a periodic or semi-persistent downlink signal transmission overlaps with the GP time domain, then that downlink transmission is discarded.

[0290] In some embodiments, during the GP time period, BS2 does not receive uplink signals, including periodic uplink signals, semi-persistent uplink signals, and dynamically scheduled uplink signals. If the uplink signal transmission of the UE in BS2 overlaps with the GP time domain, the UE will discard the transmission of that uplink signal.

[0291] In some embodiments, the length of GP can be calculated as follows: GP = |S1|. S1 = (BS2_timing) - (BS1_timing) - propagation delay related to sensing services. |.| indicates taking the absolute value.

[0292] In some embodiments, the propagation delay related to sensing services can be: (1) Propagation delay between BS1 and BS2 = distance between BS1 and BS2 / speed of light. (2) Propagation delay corresponding to the sensing range supported by BS1 and BS2. For example, if the maximum distance between the sensing target and STN / SRN is 2km, the propagation delay corresponding to the sensing range supported by BS and BS2 is the electromagnetic wave propagation delay corresponding to 2km, which is 6.67 microseconds. (3) Estimated propagation delay of sensing services. The estimated propagation delay of sensing services is the estimated propagation delay of the path between "BS1 - sensing target - BS2", which can be an estimated empirical value such as SF and BS2.

[0293] In some embodiments, if S1 is greater than 0, it indicates that GP needs to be set before the time-domain symbol received by the sensing RS. In some embodiments, if S1 is less than 0, it indicates that GP needs to be set after the time-domain symbol received by the sensing RS.

[0294] In some embodiments, the duration of the GP can be set to an integer number of time-domain symbols (e.g., OFDM symbols). For example, when the required GP length is 0.5 time-domain symbols, the GP can be set to 1 time-domain symbol. This is because the base station cannot utilize a portion of the time-domain resources within a single time-domain symbol to transmit or receive information. The BS2 cannot transmit or receive signals on the time-domain resources of the GP.

[0295] It's important to note that if the calculated GP length is less than the CP length, the GP may not be necessary. By adjusting the position of the receive window, all information from the sensing RS can be received, eliminating the need for GP configuration.

[0296] In some embodiments, during the GP time period, BS2 does not transmit downlink signals, including periodic downlink signals, semi-persistent downlink signals, and dynamically scheduled downlink signals. If a periodic or semi-persistent downlink signal transmission overlaps with the GP time domain, then that downlink transmission is discarded.

[0297] In some embodiments, during the GP time period, BS2 does not receive uplink signals, including periodic uplink signals, semi-persistent uplink signals, and dynamically scheduled uplink signals. If the uplink signal transmission of the UE in BS2 overlaps with the GP time domain, the UE will discard the transmission of that uplink signal.

[0298] Example 1:

[0299] BS1 and BS2 are not fully synchronized. BS1 transmits sensing RS, and BS2 receives sensing RS. The sensing RS transmitted by BS1 arrives at the time slot boundary of BS2 earlier than the time slot boundary of BS2 after being reflected by the sensing target (i.e., the sensing object), and the time difference exceeds the CP, as shown in Figure 5A.

[0300] Assuming the receive window length of BS2 equals the time slot duration minus the CP length, in Figure 5A, if BS2 wants to receive all the information from the sensing RS, its receive window only needs to be contained within the time slot boundary window of the sensing RS arriving at BS2. In any case in Figure 5A, within the time domain range of the time slot boundary window, regardless of how the position of the receive window is adjusted, the receive window will always exceed the time slot boundary of BS2, as shown by W1 and W2 in the figure. To ensure that BS2's behavior in receiving the sensing RS is not affected by the signal from the previous time slot, a GP needs to be set before the time slot of BS2's receiving sensing RS.

[0301] In some embodiments, the required GP duration = (BS2_timing) - (BS1_timing) - propagation delay between BS1 and BS2.

[0302] In some embodiments, the duration of the GP can be set to an integer number of time-domain symbols (e.g., OFDM symbols). For example, when the required GP length is 0.5 time-domain symbols, the GP can be set to 1 symbol. This is because the base station cannot utilize only a portion of the time-domain resources within a single time-domain symbol to transmit or receive information.

[0303] Example 2:

[0304] BS1 and BS2 are not fully synchronized. BS1 transmits sensing RS, and BS2 receives sensing RS. The sensing RS transmitted by BS1 arrives at the time slot boundary of BS2 ahead of the time slot boundary of BS2 after being reflected by the sensing target, and the time difference does not exceed CP, as shown in Figure 5B.

[0305] Assuming the receive window length of BS2 equals the time slot duration minus the CP length, in Figure 5B, if BS2 wants to receive all information from the sensing RS, its receive window only needs to be contained within the time slot boundary window of the sensing RS arriving at BS2. In the case of Figure 5B, within the time domain range of the time slot boundary window, if receive window W1 is used for reception, GP needs to be set before the time slot of UE2's reception of the sensing RS. If receive window W2 is used, GP is not required.

[0306] In some embodiments, to determine whether the advance of the sensing RS transmitted by BS1 to the time slot boundary of BS2 after reflection from the sensing target exceeds the CP length, the following two values ​​can be compared: value 1 is S1; value 2 is the CP length. If value 1 is greater than value 2, then with a high probability, the advance of the sensing RS transmitted by BS1 to the time slot boundary of BS2 after reflection from the sensing target exceeds the CP length, corresponding to the situation in Figure 5A, which requires GP. If value 1 is less than value 2, the advance of the sensing RS transmitted by BS1 to the time slot boundary of BS2 after reflection from the sensing target will not exceed the CP length, corresponding to the situation in Figure 5B. If GP is not set, the receiving window of BS2 should be as close as possible to the end boundary of the received sensing RS's time slot. If GP is set, it needs to be set before the time slot of the received sensing RS of BS2.

[0307] Example 3:

[0308] BS1 and BS2 are not fully synchronized. BS1 transmits sensing RS, and BS2 receives sensing RS. The sensing RS transmitted by BS1 arrives at the time slot boundary of BS2 after being reflected by the sensing target, and the delay exceeds the CP, as shown in Figure 5C.

[0309] Assuming the receive window length of BS2 equals the time slot duration minus the CP length, in Figure 5C, if BS2 wants to receive all the information from the sensing RS, its receive window only needs to be contained within the time slot boundary window of the sensing RS arriving at BS2. In any case in Figure 5C, within the time domain range of the time slot boundary window, regardless of how the position of the receive window is adjusted, the receive window will always exceed the time slot boundary of BS2, as shown by W1 and W2 in the figure. To ensure that BS2's behavior in receiving the sensing RS is not affected by the signal in the subsequent time slot, a GP needs to be set after the time slot of BS2's reception of the sensing RS.

[0310] Example 4:

[0311] BS1 and BS2 are not fully synchronized. BS1 transmits sensing RS, and BS2 receives sensing RS. The sensing RS transmitted by BS1 arrives at the time slot boundary of BS2 after being reflected by the sensing target, and the delay does not exceed CP, as shown in Figure 5D.

[0312] Assuming the receive window length of BS2 equals the time slot duration minus the CP length, in Figure 5D, if BS2 wants to receive all the information from the sensing RS, its receive window only needs to be included within the time slot boundary window of the sensing RS arriving at BS2. In the case of Figure 5D, within the time domain range of the time slot boundary window, if receive window W1 is used for reception, GP does not need to be set. If receive window W2 is used, GP needs to be set after the time slot for UE2 (i.e., the first terminal) to receive the sensing RS.

[0313] In some embodiments, to determine whether the delay of the sensing RS transmitted by BS1 after reflection from the sensing target to the time slot boundary of BS2 exceeds the CP length, the following two values ​​can be compared: Value 1 is -S1; Value 2 is the CP length. If Value 1 is greater than Value 2, then with a high probability, the delay of the sensing RS transmitted by BS1 to the time slot boundary of BS2 after reflection from the sensing target will exceed the CP length, corresponding to the case in Figure 5C, which requires GP. If Value 1 is less than Value 2, the delay of the sensing RS transmitted by BS1 to the time slot boundary of BS2 after reflection from the sensing target will not exceed the CP length, corresponding to the case in Figure 5D. If GP is not set, the receiving window of BS2 should be as close as possible to the beginning boundary of the time slot of the received sensing RS. If GP is set, it needs to be set after the time slot of the received sensing RS of BS2.

[0314] Example 5:

[0315] In some embodiments, BS2 sends GP configuration to terminals within the cell.

[0316] In some embodiments, during the GP time period, BS2 does not transmit downlink signals, including periodic downlink signals, semi-persistent downlink signals, and dynamically scheduled downlink signals. If a periodic or semi-persistent downlink signal transmission overlaps with the GP time domain, then that downlink transmission is discarded, meaning the UE does not need to receive that downlink signal.

[0317] In some embodiments, during the GP time period, BS2 does not receive uplink signals, including periodic uplink signals, semi-persistent uplink signals, and dynamically scheduled uplink signals. If the uplink signal transmission of the UE in BS2 overlaps with the GP time domain, the UE will discard the transmission of that uplink signal.

[0318] In some embodiments, BS_timing (including BS2_timing and BS1_timing) refers to the absolute time corresponding to the start time of the time unit (e.g., OFDM time domain symbol, time slot, etc.) applied by the base station. For example, the start time of OFDM symbol j in time slot i of BS1 is absolute time t1, and the start time of OFDM symbol j in time slot i of BS2 is absolute time t2. Generally, since base stations are not completely synchronized, t1 and t2 may not be exactly the same. BS1_timing – BS2_timing = t1 - t2.

[0319] In some embodiments, the absolute time used by the base station is generally considered to be highly synchronized because it originates from the same clock. However, in addition to absolute time, the start time of the time unit of the channel used by the base station must be considered. For example, different base stations may have different absolute times corresponding to the start time of OFDM time domain symbol 0 of time slot 0.

[0320] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, this disclosure proposes an apparatus including a unit or module for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed, including a unit or module for implementing the steps performed by a network device (including access network device and core network device) in any of the above methods.

[0321] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0322] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a central processing unit, microprocessor, graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a type of microprocessor), or digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device, such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0323] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7, the communication device 700 may include at least one of the following: a transceiver module 701 and a processing module 702.

[0324] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 may be a first access network device 1021. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 701 may be configured to: acquire configuration information, wherein the configuration information indicates a guard interval for sensing reference signals; wherein the sensing reference signals are transmitted by a second access network device and received by a first access network device, and the guard interval is located before or after a first time slot, the first time slot being the time slot in which the first access network device receives the sensing reference signals. Optionally, the transceiver module 701 may be used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S3101, S3104, S3105, S3201, S3202, S3204, but not limited thereto) performed by the first access network device 1021 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 702 may be used to perform at least one of the other steps (e.g., step S3203, but not limited thereto) performed by the first access network device 1021 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0325] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 may be a core network device 103. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 701 may be configured to: send configuration information to a first access network device, wherein the configuration information indicates a guard interval for sensing reference signals; wherein the sensing reference signals are sent by a second access network device and received by the first access network device, and the guard interval is located before or after a first time slot, the first time slot being the time slot in which the first access network device receives the sensing reference signals. Optionally, the transceiver module 701 may be used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S3101, S3102, S3104, S3202, but not limited thereto) performed by the core network device 103 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 702 may be used to perform at least one of the other steps (e.g., step S3103, but not limited thereto) performed by the core network device 103 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0326] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 shown in FIG7 can also be implemented as a communication device.

[0327] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module. The transmitting and receiving modules may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0328] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0329] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 8100 can be a terminal (e.g., a user equipment), a network device (e.g., a core network device, an access network device), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 8100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0330] As shown in Figure 8A, the communication device 8100 includes one or more processors 8101. The processor 8101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 8100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 8101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 8100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0331] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8102. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8102, the transceiver 8102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S3101, S3102, S3104, S3105, S3201, S3203, S3204, but not limited thereto), and the processor 8101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S3103, S3203, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0332] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more memories 8103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8103 may be located outside the communication device 8100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 8100 may include one or more interface circuits 8104. Optionally, the interface circuits 8104 are connected to the memories 8103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 8103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 8103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 8104 can read data stored in the memories 8103 and send that data to the processor 8101.

[0333] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 may not be limited by FIG8A. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0334] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For cases where the communication device 8100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 8200 shown in Figure 8B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0335] Chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201. Chip 8200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0336] In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8203 may be located outside of chip 8200. Optionally, interface circuit 8202 is connected to memory 8203, and interface circuit 8202 can be used to receive data from memory 8203 or other devices, and interface circuit 8202 can be used to send data to memory 8203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 8202 can read data stored in memory 8203 and send the data to processor 8201.

[0337] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 8202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S3101, S3102, S3104, S3105, S3201, S3203, S3204, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 8202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 8202 performing data interaction between the processor 8201, the chip 8200, the memory 8203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 8201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S3103, S3203, but not limited thereto).

[0338] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0339] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device 8100, cause the communication device 8100 to perform any of the methods described above. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0340] This disclosure also proposes a program product that, when executed by a communication device 8100, causes the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0341] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0342] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only.

[0343] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope.

Claims

1. A communication method, performed by a first access network device, wherein, The method includes: Obtain configuration information, wherein the configuration information indicates the protection interval for sensing the reference signal; The sensing reference signal is sent by the second access network device and received by the first access network device. The protection interval is located before or after the first time slot, which is the time slot in which the first access network device receives the sensing reference signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The protection interval is determined by the core network equipment; The acquisition of configuration information includes: Receive the configuration information sent by the core network device.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The method further includes: Send the first time information of the first access network device to the core network device.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The protection interval is determined by the first access network device; The acquisition of configuration information includes: Obtain the configuration information determined locally.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The method further includes: Receive the second time information of the second access network device sent by the second access network device.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The method further includes: The location information sent by the core network device is received, wherein the location information indicates the location of the second access network device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The method further includes: The configuration information is sent to the first terminal.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The length of the protection interval is equal to an integer multiple of the symbol length.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, Within the protection interval, the first access network device stops receiving uplink signals and / or transmitting downlink signals.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The sensing reference signal arrives at the first access network device in the second time slot; Wherein, the second time slot is earlier than the first time slot, and the protection interval is located before the first time slot; or, the second time slot is later than the first time slot, and the protection interval is located after the first time slot.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The protection interval is determined based on the first time information of the first access network device, the second time information of the second access network device, and the propagation delay, where the propagation delay is the propagation time of the sensing reference signal from the second access network device to the first access network device.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The propagation delay is determined based on at least one of the following: The distance between the first access network device and the second access network device; The sensing range supported by the first access network device and the second access network device.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The difference between the first time information, the second time information, and the propagation delay is the first difference value; Wherein, if the first difference is greater than 0 and the first difference is greater than the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the protection interval is located before the first time slot, and the length of the protection interval is equal to the first difference; When the first difference is greater than 0 and the first difference is less than or equal to the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the guard interval is located before the first time slot, and the length of the guard interval is between 0 and the first difference; When the first difference is less than 0 and the absolute value of the first difference is greater than the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the guard interval is located after the first time slot, and the length of the guard interval is equal to the absolute value of the first difference; When the first difference is less than 0 and the absolute value of the first difference is less than or equal to the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the guard interval is located after the first time slot, and the length of the guard interval is between 0 and the absolute value of the first difference.

14. A communication method, executed by a core network device, wherein, The method includes: Send configuration information to the first access network device, wherein the configuration information indicates the guard interval for sensing reference signals; The sensing reference signal is sent by the second access network device and received by the first access network device. The protection interval is located before or after the first time slot, which is the time slot in which the first access network device receives the sensing reference signal.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The method further includes: Receive the first time information of the first access network device sent by the first access network device; Receive the second time information of the second access network device sent by the second access network device.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The length of the protection interval is equal to an integer multiple of the symbol length.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, Within the protection interval, the first access network device stops receiving uplink signals and / or transmitting downlink signals.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein, The sensing reference signal arrives at the first access network device in the second time slot; Wherein, the second time slot is earlier than the first time slot, and the protection interval is located before the first time slot; or, the second time slot is later than the first time slot, and the protection interval is located after the first time slot.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein, The protection interval is determined based on the first time information of the first access network device, the second time information of the second access network device, and the propagation delay, where the propagation delay is the propagation time of the sensing reference signal from the second access network device to the first access network device.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The propagation delay is determined based on at least one of the following: The distance between the first access network device and the second access network device; The sensing range supported by the first access network device and the second access network device.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein, The difference between the first time information, the second time information, and the propagation delay is the first difference value; Wherein, if the first difference is greater than 0 and the first difference is greater than the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the protection interval is located before the first time slot, and the length of the protection interval is equal to the first difference; When the first difference is greater than 0 and the first difference is less than or equal to the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the guard interval is located before the first time slot, and the length of the guard interval is between 0 and the first difference; When the first difference is less than 0 and the absolute value of the first difference is greater than the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the guard interval is located after the first time slot, and the length of the guard interval is equal to the absolute value of the first difference; When the first difference is less than 0 and the absolute value of the first difference is less than or equal to the length of the cyclic prefix in the second time slot, the guard interval is located after the first time slot, and the length of the guard interval is between 0 and the absolute value of the first difference.

22. A communication method applied to a communication system, wherein, The communication system includes a first access network device and a core network device; The method includes: The core network device sends configuration information to the first access network device, wherein the configuration information indicates the guard interval for sensing reference signals; The sensing reference signal is sent by the second access network device and received by the first access network device. The protection interval is located before or after the first time slot, which is the time slot in which the first access network device receives the sensing reference signal.

23. A communication device, wherein, The communication device is used to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-13 and 14-21.

24. A communication system comprising a first access network device and a core network device, wherein, The first access network device is configured to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, and the core network device is configured to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 14 to 21.

25. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-13 and 14-21.

26. A program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, characterized in that, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by the communication device, it implements the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-13 and 14-21.

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