Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method, an apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium. In some embodiments, the method comprises: receiving first information, wherein the first information indicates an adjustment from a first bandwidth resource to a second bandwidth resource, and the first bandwidth resource comprises the second bandwidth resource. In this way, a conventional terminal device can receive indication information regarding bandwidth adjustment and adjust bandwidth resources on the basis of the indication information, thereby avoiding the need for the conventional terminal device to re-access a network device after bandwidth deactivation, which would otherwise affect user experience, and reducing unnecessary overhead and delay in conventional bandwidth adjustment modes.

Description

Methods and apparatus for communication

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510307662.1, filed on March 13, 2025, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Communication", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates primarily to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for communications. Background Technology

[0003] With the continuous development of wireless communication technology, especially in 5G and future communication systems, flexible scheduling and management of network bandwidth has become a key factor in improving system performance, saving energy, and meeting diverse user needs. Existing wireless communication systems typically face problems of uneven bandwidth resource allocation and insufficient energy management. Particularly when dealing with terminal devices with varying bandwidth capabilities, network devices must provide sufficient bandwidth resources, leading to significant resource and energy consumption. Therefore, how to reduce energy consumption and optimize resource allocation while ensuring communication quality has become crucial for network design and implementation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The example embodiments in this application provide a method for adjusting bandwidth resources. Through this method, a terminal device can receive timely indication information regarding bandwidth adjustment when the network device adjusts bandwidth resources, and then adjust its bandwidth resources according to the bandwidth changes, thereby ensuring uninterrupted data transmission and improving user experience.

[0005] In a first aspect, a method for communication is provided. The method is performed by a terminal device or a device or chip within the terminal device. The method includes: receiving first information, the first information indicating a switch from a first bandwidth resource to a second bandwidth resource, wherein the first bandwidth resource includes the second bandwidth resource.

[0006] In this way, terminal devices can receive instructions about bandwidth adjustment and adjust bandwidth resources based on these instructions, avoiding the process of reconnecting to network devices after bandwidth is shut down, thus improving efficiency and reducing various unnecessary overheads and delays in bandwidth adjustment methods.

[0007] In some possible embodiments, the above method is performed by a second device, which is a conventional terminal device. That is, the second device supports communication on the first bandwidth resource.

[0008] In some possible embodiments, the first information indicates that the third bandwidth resource is turned off, the third bandwidth resource being the portion of the first bandwidth resource excluding the second bandwidth resource; or the first information indicates that the second bandwidth resource is turned on.

[0009] In some possible embodiments, when the first information indicates that the third bandwidth resource is closed, the first information includes one or more of the following: the index of the resource unit in the closed third bandwidth resource; the number of resource units in the closed third bandwidth resource; or the frequency position of the resource unit in the closed third bandwidth resource.

[0010] In some possible embodiments, when the first information indicates that the second bandwidth resource is enabled, the first information includes one or more of the following: the index of the resource unit in the enabled second bandwidth resource; the number of resource units in the enabled second bandwidth resource; or the frequency position of the resource unit in the enabled second bandwidth resource.

[0011] In this way, network devices can precisely indicate the specific changes in bandwidth to terminal devices by instructing at least a portion of the resource units in each bandwidth to be turned on or off.

[0012] In some possible embodiments, the first information includes bits indicating the state of a resource unit, which may be on or off.

[0013] In this way, network devices can use a string of bits to simultaneously indicate the on or off state of resource units, saving signaling resources. For example, bitmap indicators can be used to establish a one-to-one correspondence or mapping between bits and resource units.

[0014] In some possible embodiments, the resource unit is one or more of the following: resource element (RE), resource block (RB), resource block group (RBG), bandwidth part (BWP), or a predefined resource unit.

[0015] In some possible embodiments, the first information includes an index of the mode of the enabled second bandwidth resource. In some possible embodiments, the method further includes receiving configuration information indicating the mode of the second bandwidth resource and the mode of the first bandwidth resource.

[0016] In some possible embodiments, the mode of the second bandwidth resource is associated with one or more of the following: physical broadcast channel (PBCH) configuration, physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) configuration, or physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) configuration.

[0017] In some possible embodiments, the mode of the second bandwidth resource indicates: the center frequency of the enabled bandwidth resource; and / or the size of the enabled bandwidth resource.

[0018] In this way, network devices can clearly identify specific bandwidth changes by using a pattern index that indicates bandwidth, thus saving transmission resources.

[0019] In some possible embodiments, the first information includes bits indicating that the state of the bandwidth resource is about to change. In some possible embodiments, the method further includes: receiving system information based on the bits in the first information indicating that the state of the bandwidth resource is about to change; and adjusting from a first bandwidth resource to a second bandwidth resource based on the received system information.

[0020] In this way, terminal devices can determine that bandwidth resources will change based on this information. After receiving new system information, terminal devices can parse the corresponding bandwidth configuration information, thereby improving the system's flexibility and response speed.

[0021] In some possible embodiments, the second bandwidth resource is a pre-configured spare bandwidth resource associated with the first bandwidth resource.

[0022] In some possible embodiments, the method further includes: receiving configuration information indicating a spare bandwidth resource in the second bandwidth resource. In some possible embodiments, the method further includes: switching from the first bandwidth resource to the spare bandwidth resource.

[0023] In this way, terminal devices can directly switch to the target backup bandwidth based on the configuration of system information, saving response time.

[0024] In some possible embodiments, the method further includes: receiving second information indicating a backup bandwidth resource in the second bandwidth resource; and adjusting from the first bandwidth resource to the backup bandwidth resource based on the second information and the first information. In some possible embodiments, the backup bandwidth resource is one of a plurality of pre-configured candidate bandwidth resources. Optionally, the backup bandwidth resource is a portion or subset of the second bandwidth resource.

[0025] In some possible embodiments, the second information includes one or more of the following: the frequency location of the backup bandwidth resource; the center frequency and bandwidth size of the backup bandwidth resource; the index of the backup bandwidth resource among a plurality of candidate bandwidth resources; or the offset of the backup bandwidth resource relative to the reference bandwidth resource or the first bandwidth resource.

[0026] In this way, terminal devices can adjust to the corresponding backup bandwidth resources based on specific instructions from network devices, and network devices can adjust bandwidth according to real-time status indications, thereby improving system flexibility.

[0027] In some possible embodiments, the second information is carried in one or more of the following: a paging message; a short message field of downlink control information; a reserved field of downlink control information; radio resource control (RRC); a media access control element (MAC CE); remaining minimum system information (RMSI); or a physical downlink shared channel.

[0028] In some possible embodiments, the first information is carried in one or more of the following: a paging message; a short message field of downlink control information; a reserved field of downlink control information; RRC; MAC CE; RMSI; or a physical downlink shared channel.

[0029] In some possible embodiments, the first bandwidth resource is used to carry one or more of the following: PBCH, PDCCH, or PDSCH.

[0030] In a second aspect, a method for communication is provided. The method can be used in a network device or a chip disposed in a network device. The method includes: transmitting first information, the first information indicating a shift from a first bandwidth resource to a second bandwidth resource, wherein the first bandwidth resource includes the second bandwidth resource.

[0031] In some possible embodiments, the first information indicates that the third bandwidth resource is turned off, the third bandwidth resource being the portion of the first bandwidth resource excluding the second bandwidth resource; or the first information indicates that the second bandwidth resource is turned on.

[0032] In some possible embodiments, when the first information indicates that the third bandwidth resource is closed, the first information includes one or more of the following: the index of the resource unit in the closed third bandwidth resource; the number of resource units in the closed third bandwidth resource; or the frequency position of the resource unit in the closed third bandwidth resource; when the first information indicates that the second bandwidth resource is open, the first information includes one or more of the following: the index of the resource unit in the open second bandwidth resource; the number of resource units in the open second bandwidth resource; or the frequency position of the resource unit in the open second bandwidth resource.

[0033] In some possible embodiments, the first information includes bits indicating the state of a resource unit, which may be on or off.

[0034] In some possible embodiments, the resource unit is one or more of the following: RE, RB, RBG, BWP, or a predefined resource unit.

[0035] In some possible embodiments, the first information includes an index of the mode of the enabled second bandwidth resource.

[0036] In some possible embodiments, the mode of the second bandwidth resource is associated with one or more of the following: PBCH configuration, PDCCH configuration, or PDSCH configuration.

[0037] In some possible embodiments, the mode of the second bandwidth resource indicates: the center frequency of the enabled bandwidth resource; and / or the size of the enabled bandwidth resource.

[0038] In some possible embodiments, the first information includes bits indicating that the state of the bandwidth resources is about to change.

[0039] In some possible embodiments, the second bandwidth resource is a pre-configured spare bandwidth resource associated with the first bandwidth resource.

[0040] In some possible embodiments, the method further includes sending a second message indicating a spare bandwidth resource in the second bandwidth resource.

[0041] In some possible embodiments, the second information includes one or more of the following: the frequency location of the backup bandwidth resource; the center frequency and bandwidth size of the backup bandwidth resource; the index of the backup bandwidth resource among a plurality of candidate bandwidth resources; or the offset of the backup bandwidth resource relative to the reference bandwidth resource or the first bandwidth resource.

[0042] In some possible embodiments, the second information is carried in one or more of the following: a paging message; a short message field of downlink control information; a reserved field of downlink control information; RRC; MAC CE; RMSI; or a physical downlink shared channel.

[0043] In some possible embodiments, the first information is carried in one or more of the following: a paging message; a short message field of downlink control information; a reserved field of downlink control information; RRC; MAC CE; RMSI; or a physical downlink shared channel.

[0044] In some possible embodiments, the first bandwidth resource is used to carry one or more of the following: PBCH, PDCCH, or PDSCH.

[0045] In some possible embodiments, the above method is performed by a first device, which is a network device.

[0046] In a third aspect, a communication apparatus (e.g., a terminal device or a chip within a terminal device) is provided, including components for performing operations as described in the first aspect or any of the embodiments thereof. Optionally, the components may be implemented as units, modules, etc.

[0047] In a fourth aspect, an apparatus for communication (e.g., a network device or a chip within a network device) is provided, including components for performing operations as described in the second aspect or any of the embodiments thereof. Optionally, the components may be implemented as units, modules, etc.

[0048] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, a processor for executing computer programs or instructions to perform operations as described in the first aspect or any of the embodiments thereof.

[0049] In some possible embodiments, the communication device further includes a memory for storing computer programs or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the operation of the methods described in the first aspect or any of the embodiments thereof.

[0050] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor for executing computer programs or instructions to perform operations as described in the second aspect or any of the embodiments thereof.

[0051] In some possible embodiments, the communication device further includes a memory for storing computer programs or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the operation of the methods described in the second aspect above or any of the embodiments thereof.

[0052] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, implement the operation of the methods described in the first or second aspect or any of the embodiments thereof.

[0053] In an eighth aspect, a chip or chip system is provided. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to implement the methods described in the first or second aspect or any of the embodiments thereof.

[0054] In a ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: means for communication as in the third aspect and means for communication as in the fourth aspect, or including communication devices as in the fifth aspect and communication devices as in the sixth aspect, or including network devices and terminal devices, wherein the terminal devices are configured to implement the method as in the first aspect or any embodiment, and the network devices are configured to implement the method as in the second aspect or any embodiment.

[0055] In a tenth aspect, a computer program or computer program product is provided. The computer program or computer program product is tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium and includes computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause a device to perform the operation of the methods described in the first or second aspect or any of the embodiments thereof.

[0056] It should be noted that some of the embodiments and beneficial effects of the aforementioned methods are also applicable to apparatus, communication equipment, computer-readable storage media, chips or chip systems, communication systems, computer programs or computer program products, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity. Attached Figure Description

[0057] The above and other features, advantages, and aspects of the embodiments of this application will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements, wherein:

[0058] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system in which embodiments of this application can be implemented;

[0059] Figure 2 shows a schematic flowchart of a communication process according to some embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of bandwidth frequency domain resources according to some embodiments of this application;

[0061] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the bandwidth frequency domain resource structure according to some embodiments of this application;

[0062] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of bandwidth resource patterns according to some example embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of another bandwidth resource mode according to some example embodiments of this application;

[0064] Figure 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of static bandwidth resource adjustment according to some example embodiments of this application;

[0065] Figure 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of dynamic bandwidth resource adjustment according to some example embodiments of this application;

[0066] Figure 9 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to some embodiments of this application;

[0067] Figure 10 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to some embodiments of this application; and

[0068] Figure 11 shows a schematic block diagram of an example device that can be used to implement embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0069] Embodiments of this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While some embodiments of this application are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that this application can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of this application. It should be understood that the drawings and embodiments of this application are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0070] In the description of embodiments of this application, the term "comprising" and similar terms should be understood as open-ended inclusion, i.e., "including but not limited to". The term "based on" should be understood as "at least partially based on". The term "one embodiment" or "the embodiment" should be understood as "at least one embodiment". The terms "first", "second", etc., may refer to different or the same objects. The term "and / or" means at least one of the two items associated therewith. For example, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B. Other explicit and implicit definitions may also be included below. In the description of embodiments of this application, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "a plurality of" means at least two, i.e., two or more.

[0071] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are applicable to communication systems that follow any appropriate communication protocol, such as: Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), Time Division-Synchronization Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, Time Division Duplex (TDD), 5G (or New Radio, NR) communication system, future communication systems, etc.

[0072] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application can be applied to any communication system with similar problems, such as wireless local area networks (WLANs), wired communication systems, or other communication systems developed in the future.

[0073] As used in this application, the term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wired or wireless communication with network devices or with each other. A terminal device may sometimes be referred to as User Equipment (UE). A terminal device can be any type of mobile terminal, fixed terminal, or portable terminal. As examples, a terminal device may include a mobile phone, site, unit, device, mobile terminal (MT), subscription station, portable subscription station, internet node, communicator, desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, tablet computer, personal communication system device, personal navigation device, personal digital assistant (PDA), positioning device, radio receiver, e-book device, gaming device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, in-vehicle device, aircraft, virtual reality (VR) device, augmented reality (AR) device, wearable device, terminal device in a 5G network, or any terminal device in an evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), other devices that can be used for communication, or any combination of the above. Embodiments of this application do not limit this scope.

[0074] The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device. It is understood that the terminal device may be referred to as a communication device. For example, a terminal device can be understood as a device with terminal functions. For example, the device used to implement the terminal function can be a terminal device; it can also be a device that supports the terminal device in implementing that function, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or hardware circuit plus software module. This device can be installed in the terminal device or can be used in conjunction with the terminal device. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0075] As used in this application, the term "network device" refers to an entity or node that can be used to communicate with terminal devices, such as an access network device (i.e., an access network equipment). An access network device can be a means deployed in a RAN to provide wireless communication functions for mobile terminals, such as a RAN network device. Access network devices can include various types of base stations (BS). As examples, access network devices can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, femtobase stations, relay stations, access points, satellites, remote radio units (RRUs), radio heads (RHs), remote radio heads (RRHs), etc., and can also be devices that perform base station functions in device-to-device (D2D) communication and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. In systems employing different wireless access technologies, the names of access network equipment may vary. For example, in Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, it is called an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB); in 3G networks, it is called a Node B (NB); and in 5G networks, it may be called a g Node B (gNB) or NR Node B (NR NB), and so on. In some scenarios, access network equipment may include a Central Unit (CU) and / or a Distributed Unit (DU). CU and DU can be placed in different locations; for example, the DU may be located remotely in a high-traffic area, while the CU is located in a central equipment room. Alternatively, CU and DU can be located in the same equipment room. CU and DU can also be different components within the same rack. Access network equipment can also be devices deployed in an Open RAN (O-RAN) to provide wireless communication functions for mobile terminals; for example, access network equipment may include an Open-CU (O-CU) and / or an Open-DU (O-DU). For ease of description, in the following embodiments of this application, the devices that provide wireless communication functions for mobile terminals are collectively referred to as network devices, and the embodiments of this application are not specifically limited.

[0076] The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the network devices. For ease of description, an access network device (e.g., a base station) is used as an example of a network device in the following description. It is understood that an access network device can be referred to as a communication device. For example, an access network device can be understood as a device with access functions. For example, the device used to implement the functions of the access network device can be a base station; or some components in the access network device, such as CU, DU, etc. It can also be a device that can support the access network device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or hardware circuit plus software module. This device can be installed in the access network device or can be used in conjunction with the access network device. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0077] Network devices and terminal devices can be fixed in location or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and artificial satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the network devices and terminal devices.

[0078] This application relates to a first bandwidth resource and a second bandwidth resource, wherein the first bandwidth resource includes the second bandwidth resource. That is, the bandwidth of the first bandwidth resource is greater than the bandwidth of the second bandwidth resource. For ease of description, the second bandwidth resource can be referred to as a narrower bandwidth resource or narrowband resource, and the first bandwidth resource can be referred to as a wider bandwidth resource or broadband resource.

[0079] Terminal devices can use either the first bandwidth resource or the second bandwidth resource.

[0080] The term "in-band terminal device" in this application can refer to a terminal device that accesses narrower bandwidth resources. An in-band terminal device lacks the ability to access the portion of the first bandwidth resource excluding the second bandwidth resource, but has the ability to access the second bandwidth resource. In other words, an in-band terminal device cannot use the third bandwidth resource located outside the second bandwidth resource within the first bandwidth resource. In-band terminal devices include reduced capability (RedCap) terminal devices, RedCap compliant terminal devices, narrowband capability terminal devices, etc.

[0081] The term "legacy UE" in this application refers to a terminal device that has the ability to access first bandwidth resources (i.e., broadband resources), and may also be referred to as a broadband-capable terminal device, NR terminal device, non-in-band terminal device, out-of-band terminal device, etc.

[0082] RedCap was introduced in Release 17 of the NR standard to meet the needs of certain scenarios or devices. For example, for devices with requirements such as low cost and low power consumption, in-band terminal devices can be used (including but not limited to production and manufacturing) to meet the device requirements; or for scenarios with limited bandwidth and requirements for long battery life, in-band terminal devices can be used to meet the scenario requirements.

[0083] Traditional terminal devices possess complete connectivity capabilities, including high-speed data transmission and low latency. In contrast, in-band terminal devices have simplified functionality compared to traditional terminal devices. This reduces the complexity and cost of traditional terminal devices and allows in-band terminal devices to still enjoy the advantages of 5G networks without requiring full 5G capabilities.

[0084] The 5G RedCap standard demonstrates its unique advantages in several aspects. First, due to the simplified hardware and software requirements of in-band terminal devices, its manufacturing costs are reduced, making it ideal for large-scale deployment in IoT applications, especially in areas such as smart cities, agriculture, and industrial automation.

[0085] Furthermore, the in-band terminal devices feature a low-power design, making them particularly suitable for battery-powered IoT devices and wearables. Long battery life effectively reduces device maintenance costs and replacement frequency.

[0086] In terms of coverage, 5G RedCap offers wider coverage compared to 4G LTE, especially in densely populated urban areas and rural regions. This means that in-band terminal devices can maintain a stable connection over longer distances, thus greatly improving communication reliability.

[0087] The standard is also highly adaptable, supporting a wide range of IoT applications, from simple sensors to more complex wearable devices. RedCap's flexible architecture enables it to meet the diverse requirements of different market demands and application scenarios.

[0088] Although 5G RedCap is primarily used in low-to-medium speed scenarios, it still offers higher data rates and lower latency compared to 4G. This allows for better support of applications that transmit real-time data, such as remote monitoring and control.

[0089] Due to limitations in the capabilities of in-band terminal devices, their access bandwidth is relatively narrow, typically only meeting low to medium speed communication needs. In contrast, traditional terminal devices have wider access bandwidth, usually supporting high-speed data transmission. However, when both in-band and traditional terminal devices exist in a communication system, network equipment needs to adapt to the different capabilities of UEs. For example, network equipment needs to support the bandwidth of both traditional and in-band terminal devices to meet their access requirements.

[0090] For example, traditional terminal devices may use broadband resources (such as 20MHz, 50MHz, etc.), while in-band terminal devices (such as RedCap UE or narrowband UE) may conduct uplink and downlink communication in narrowband resources (such as 3MHz, 5MHz, etc.). Network devices must support both types of bandwidth resources simultaneously.

[0091] Based on the above, this application proposes a bandwidth inclusion management architecture. By including narrowband resources within broadband resources, broadband resources are divided into multiple layers to meet the bandwidth requirements of different terminal devices. Network devices can allocate different amounts of bandwidth resources to in-band terminal devices and traditional terminal devices. These resources can share the same center frequency, ensuring that different types of devices can coexist in the same frequency band. Furthermore, the bandwidth resources used by traditional terminal devices include those used by in-band terminal devices.

[0092] The center frequency refers to the center frequency of a channel in a wireless communication system. In a 5G NR system, the center frequency is used to specify the communication channel between terminal devices and network devices. Through a synchronization process, the terminal device can obtain the center frequency information of the network device, thereby ensuring communication with the network device within the correct frequency range.

[0093] For example, in the example above, the broadband resource, i.e., the first bandwidth resource (100MHz, with a frequency range from 0 to 100MHz), includes the narrowband resource, i.e., the second bandwidth resource (3MHz), and the two can share the same center frequency. For example, the center frequency of the narrower second bandwidth resource (3MHz) is 50MHz, and correspondingly, the frequency range of the second bandwidth resource can be from 48.5MHz to 51.5MHz.

[0094] Alternatively, the center frequency of the second bandwidth resource (3MHz, with a frequency range of 60 to 63MHz) can be used as the shared center frequency of both, in which case the frequency range of the first bandwidth resource can be from 11.5MHz to 111.5MHz.

[0095] In scenarios where bandwidth is included, network devices can save spectrum resources by flexibly configuring and scheduling broadband and narrowband resources according to the bandwidth requirements of different terminal devices, and support multiple types of devices (such as in-band terminal devices and traditional terminal devices), thereby improving system compatibility.

[0096] Network devices can also dynamically adjust bandwidth as needed, shutting down unnecessary bandwidth resources to save energy and reduce interference with other devices.

[0097] When network devices need to conserve energy, they can proactively choose to shut down a portion of the first bandwidth resource. For example, network devices can use network monitoring and traffic analysis to identify legacy terminal devices connected to the first bandwidth resource and the current network load. If certain frequency bands are experiencing low traffic, network devices can decide to shut them down to save energy, especially during periods of low demand (such as nighttime or off-peak hours). For instance, network devices can proactively choose to shut down the third bandwidth resource within the first bandwidth resource, thus including only the second bandwidth resource within the first bandwidth resource.

[0098] For example, in a 5G network, network equipment may detect that most terminal devices have low bandwidth requirements over a period of time, especially some traditional terminal devices (such as those requiring 10MHz bandwidth). Therefore, the network equipment may decide to shut down the 10MHz band resources and reserve 5MHz bandwidth to save energy and improve spectrum efficiency.

[0099] As mentioned above, when network devices actively shut down third-bandwidth resources for energy conservation, traditional terminal devices may continue to transmit data or make access requests on these disabled resources. This leads to a waste of communication resources or prevents traditional terminal devices from effectively exchanging information, thus affecting the overall network performance and energy efficiency. Therefore, ensuring that traditional terminal devices can access and transmit data within an appropriate frequency band has become an urgent technical problem to be solved.

[0100] To address the aforementioned problems, embodiments of this application provide a method for indicating bandwidth changes. In this method, a network device sends first information to a traditional terminal device, instructing the traditional terminal device to adjust from a first bandwidth resource to a second bandwidth resource, wherein the first bandwidth resource includes the second bandwidth resource. In this manner, embodiments of this application provide a scheme for indicating bandwidth changes. Through this scheme, traditional terminal devices can promptly adjust to appropriate bandwidth resources when bandwidth resources change, thereby improving the resource utilization efficiency of the communication system and optimizing energy efficiency.

[0101] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system 100 in which some embodiments of this application can be implemented. The system 100 in Figure 1 includes an in-band terminal device 110, a traditional terminal device 120, and a network device 130.

[0102] In some examples, the in-band terminal device 110 can be a RedCap UE, such as an Internet of Things (IoT) device, sensor, wearable device, and industrial application device.

[0103] In some examples, the traditional terminal device 120 can be an NR terminal device, such as a high-performance smartphone, router, laptop, etc.

[0104] In some examples, in-band terminal device 110 and legacy terminal device 120 can communicate with network device 130 using any communication protocol, such as a currently known or future-developed communication protocol.

[0105] In some examples, a transmission from in-band terminal device 110 or legacy terminal device 120 to network device 130 can be referred to as an uplink transmission, and a transmission from network device 120 to in-band terminal device 110 or legacy terminal device 120 can be referred to as a downlink transmission.

[0106] In system 100, in-band terminal device 110 and conventional terminal device 120 communicate through access network device 130. The in-band terminal device 110 uses relatively narrow bandwidth resources (e.g., second bandwidth resources), while the conventional terminal device 120 uses relatively wide bandwidth resources (e.g., first bandwidth resources). The bandwidth of the terminal device includes baseband bandwidth and / or radio frequency bandwidth, indicating the terminal device's ability to perform wireless communication transmissions within its operating bandwidth. For example, the bandwidth used by the in-band terminal device 110 may specifically be 2MHz, 5MHz, or other bandwidth sizes, while the bandwidth used by the conventional terminal device 120 may specifically be 50MHz, 100MHz, or other bandwidth sizes.

[0107] It should be noted that the implementation scenario of System 100 is a scenario that includes bandwidth.

[0108] It should be noted that the system 100 shown in FIG1 is only for the purpose of making the embodiments of this application easier to describe, and is not intended to limit the application environment of the embodiments of this application. It is understood that the embodiments of this application can be applied to other systems or environments besides system 100, and this application is not limited thereto.

[0109] Figure 2 shows a schematic flowchart of a communication process 200 according to some embodiments of this application. The communication process 200 in Figure 2 involves a first device 210 and a second device 220. Referring to Figure 1, in some examples, the first device 210 may be implemented as a network device 130 or a device within or including the network device 130, and the second device 220 may be implemented as a conventional terminal device 120 or a device within or including the conventional terminal device 120.

[0110] The first device 210 can configure a first bandwidth resource and a second bandwidth resource. For example, the first device 210 can send the configuration of the first and second bandwidth resources via system information or via higher-layer signaling, where the higher-layer signaling can be RRC signaling. The second device 220 can access (or use) the first bandwidth resource. Since the first bandwidth resource includes the second bandwidth resource, the second device 220 can also access (or use) the second bandwidth resource. It is understood that the in-band terminal device 110 can use the second bandwidth resource but cannot use the third bandwidth resource.

[0111] As shown in the figure, optionally, at 201, the first device 210 determines the changes in bandwidth resources. For example, the first device 210 can determine which bandwidth resources will be activated, deactivated, or reallocated based on factors such as the real-time load of the communication system, bandwidth demand, and user distribution.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first device 210 can determine whether to adjust bandwidth resources by analyzing spectrum usage. For example, the first device 210 can detect signal congestion or interference in certain frequency bands through spectrum analysis, thereby determining to shut down a portion of the first bandwidth resources in those bands to avoid increased spectrum conflicts and interference.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first device 210 can also determine changes in bandwidth resources using load forecasting models. These models predict future traffic demand based on factors such as historical traffic data, time periods, and user activity patterns. When the system predicts that the demand for third bandwidth resources will decrease in a future period, the first device 210 can adjust the resources in advance, for example, by turning off the third bandwidth resources.

[0114] In some embodiments, when the first device 210 receives status information from a conventional terminal device, the status information may instruct the conventional terminal device to enter a power-saving mode, or the conventional terminal device may request reduced bandwidth usage. Based on this status information, the first device 210 may disable unnecessary third bandwidth resources and instead configure the resources as second bandwidth resources to extend the battery life of the conventional terminal device. The first device 210 may disable the third bandwidth resources based on the actual needs of the terminal device.

[0115] In some other embodiments, the first apparatus 210 may also receive an indication of bandwidth resource adjustment from an upper-layer device, for example, may receive notifications of bandwidth optimization, adjustment and resource configuration from devices or systems responsible for network resource management, performance optimization and quality of service control such as core network devices and network management systems. The present application does not limit the manner in which the first apparatus 210 determines the change of bandwidth resources.

[0116] At 202, the first apparatus 210 sends first information to the second apparatus 220, where the first information indicates an adjustment from a first bandwidth resource to a second bandwidth resource, and the first bandwidth resource comprises the second bandwidth resource.

[0117] It can be understood that the above "adjustment" can be replaced with "switching".

[0118] In some implementations, the first information may be included or carried in any of the following messages or signaling: paging message, downlink control information, radio resource control (RRC) message, media access control control element (MAC CE), remaining minimum system information (RMSI) and PDSCH. Each message can carry indication information about the change of bandwidth resource status, so as to ensure that after receiving the message, the second apparatus 220 can quickly identify whether the bandwidth resource has changed.

[0119] In some embodiments, the first bandwidth resource comprises the second bandwidth resource, and the frequency band range of the second bandwidth resource may be a subset relative to the first bandwidth resource. Specifically, the center frequency point of the second bandwidth resource may be consistent with that of the first bandwidth resource, or their center frequency points may be deviated, that is, the center frequency point of the second bandwidth resource and that of the first bandwidth resource may be the same or different. For example, in this embodiment, the center frequency point of the second bandwidth resource is consistent with that of the first bandwidth resource.

[0120] For convenience of description, FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of bandwidth frequency domain resources 300 according to some embodiments of the present application. As shown in the figure, it is assumed that the frequency range of the first bandwidth resource 310 is from f1 to f4, the frequency range of the second bandwidth resource 320 is from f2 to f3, the boundaries of the ranges can be open intervals or closed intervals, where f1<f2<f3<f4, and fc is the center frequency point of both the first bandwidth resource 310 and the second bandwidth resource 320, the center frequency points of the two regions f1-f2 and f3-f4 are fc1 and fc2, respectively.

[0121] In some embodiments, the first information may indicate the bandwidth resource that the first device 210 shuts down, i.e., the third bandwidth resource is shut down. As shown in FIG3, the frequency range of the third bandwidth resource 330 includes a first frequency portion 330-1 (f1 to f2) and a second frequency portion 330-2 (f3 to f4) of the third bandwidth resource. Optionally, the first frequency portion 330-1 is a low-frequency portion relative to the second bandwidth resource 320, and the second frequency portion 330-2 is a high-frequency portion relative to the second bandwidth resource 320.

[0122] For example, the first information may indicate that the first device 210 has turned off the third bandwidth resource. Optionally, when the first information indicates that the third bandwidth resource is turned off, the first information includes one or more of the following: the index of the resource unit in the third bandwidth resource; the number of resource units in the third bandwidth resource; or the frequency position of the resource unit in the third bandwidth resource.

[0123] For example, the first information may include two fields. The first field may represent the center frequency of the closed bandwidth, and the second field may represent the number of resource units included in the closed bandwidth. Specifically, the first information may include the center frequencies fc1 and fc2 of the two regions f1-f2 and f3-f4 corresponding to the third bandwidth resource, and the number of corresponding resource units. For example, the first information may include fc1,2 and fc2,2, indicating that four resource units symmetrical to fc1 and four resource units symmetrical to fc2 are closed.

[0124] For example, the first information may indicate the center frequency of the third bandwidth resource and the number of resource units of the third bandwidth resource. The first information may include offset indication information relative to the center frequency fc to indicate the center frequency of the third bandwidth resource. The first information may include the number of resource units of the third bandwidth resource, or the number of resource units symmetrical to the center frequency of the third bandwidth resource (e.g., half the number of resource units of the third bandwidth resource). Optionally, the offset indication information may include the direction of movement, such as upward (also called forward) or downward (also called backward). For example, the direction can be represented by the positive or negative sign of the offset indication information.

[0125] Referring to Figure 3, the first information can indicate the center frequency point fc1 of the first frequency section 330-1 and half the number of resource units in the first frequency section 330-1, as well as the center frequency band fc2 of the second frequency section 330-2 and half the number of resource units in the second frequency section 330-2.

[0126] For example, the first information may include (+2MHz, 2) and (-2MHz, 2). (+2MHz, 2) corresponds to the second frequency section 330-2, indicating the shutdown of four resource units with fc+2MHz as the symmetrical point. (-2MHz, 2) corresponds to the first frequency section 330-1, indicating the shutdown of four resource units with fc-2MHz as the symmetrical point.

[0127] For example, the first information may include two fields: the first field may represent the starting frequency of the bandwidth to be disabled, and the second field may represent the bandwidth width of the disabled bandwidth. In other words, the first information may include the starting frequency and bandwidth width of the third bandwidth resource. Specifically, the first information may include starting frequencies f1 and f3, which respectively represent the starting positions of portions of the first frequency section 330-1 and the second frequency section 330-2. Furthermore, the first information may also include bandwidths f2-f1 and f4-f3, which respectively represent the bandwidth widths of the first frequency section 330-1 and the second frequency section 330-2. For instance, the first information may include (10MHz; 10MHz) and (30MHz; 10MHz), indicating that bandwidth resources with a starting frequency of 10MHz and a bandwidth width of 10MHz and a starting frequency of 30MHz and a bandwidth width of 10MHz are disabled, i.e., bandwidth resource portions from 10MHz to 20MHz and from 30MHz to 40MHz are disabled.

[0128] For example, the first information may include two fields: the first field may indicate the starting frequency of the closed bandwidth, and the second field may indicate the ending frequency of the closed bandwidth. In other words, the first information may include the frequency range of the third bandwidth resource. Specifically, the first information may include the starting frequencies f1 and f3 and the corresponding ending frequencies f2 and f4 of the closed bandwidth portion to indicate the frequency range of the closed bandwidth portion. For example, the first information may include: 10MHz; 20MHz and 30MHz; 40MHz, indicating that the bandwidth resource portions from 10MHz to 20MHz and from 30MHz to 40MHz are closed.

[0129] For example, the first information may include a field representing the index of a resource unit within the third bandwidth resource. The third bandwidth resource may include multiple resource units, each corresponding to a specific sub-region within the spectrum range. For instance, the third bandwidth resource may include multiple resource units corresponding to a set of resource units [x1, x2, ..., xn], where each xi (i = 1, 2, ..., n) corresponds to an independent resource unit or sub-spectrum interval. Optionally, the first information may include a list of resource unit indices, which may be a list of all resource units within the third bandwidth resource.

[0130] In some embodiments, the first information may indicate a bandwidth resource that the first device 210 has enabled, namely a second bandwidth resource. Exemplarily, the first information may indicate that the first device 210 has enabled (or used) the second bandwidth resource. Optionally, the first information may implicitly indicate that the first device 210 has not enabled other bandwidth resources besides the second bandwidth resource. When the first information indicates that the second bandwidth resource is enabled, the first information includes one or more of the following: an index of a resource unit in the second bandwidth resource; optionally, the number of resource units in the second bandwidth resource; or the frequency position of a resource unit in the second bandwidth resource.

[0131] When the first information indicates that the second bandwidth resource is enabled, for example, the first information may include a list of indexes of resource units in the second bandwidth resource.

[0132] For example, the first information may include the number (N) of resource units in the second bandwidth resource, indicating that 2N symmetrical resource units near the center frequency point of the second bandwidth resource are enabled.

[0133] For example, the first information may include a third field and a fourth field, wherein the third field represents the starting frequency of the enabled bandwidth resource and the fourth frequency represents the bandwidth of the enabled bandwidth resource. Specifically, the first information may include the starting frequency and bandwidth of a portion of the second bandwidth resource, indicating that the corresponding bandwidth portion is enabled.

[0134] For example, the first information may include a third field and a fourth field, where the third field indicates the starting frequency of the enabled bandwidth resource and the fourth frequency indicates the ending frequency of the enabled bandwidth resource. Specifically, the first information may include a portion of the frequency range of the second bandwidth resource to indicate the enabling of the corresponding bandwidth portion. For a detailed description, please refer to the above description indicating the disabling of the third bandwidth resource; it will not be repeated here.

[0135] This approach enables precise control over bandwidth resource allocation, making bandwidth resource management more intelligent and providing strong support for the more complex needs of future communication systems.

[0136] Referring again to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the first information can indicate the off and on bandwidths within the first bandwidth resource. Specifically, the first information may include bits representing the state of resource units in the first bandwidth resource, where the resource unit state includes on or off. Each bit represents the state of the corresponding resource unit. For example, a bitmap can be used to indicate the state of each corresponding resource unit, where 1 indicates that the resource unit is on and 0 indicates that the resource unit is off. Assuming that there are a total of 6 resource units available in the first bandwidth resource, and the third and fourth resource units correspond to the second bandwidth resource, the first information may include a bitmap containing 6 bits: 0, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, to indicate that the 3rd and 4th resource units are on, i.e., the second bandwidth resource is on, while the 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 6th resource units are off, i.e., the third bandwidth resource is off, to indicate the state of the bandwidth resources corresponding to these resource units.

[0137] In this way, the system can simultaneously indicate the opening and closing of bandwidth resources. Through precise control of the status of each resource unit, the system can achieve dynamic management of bandwidth resources and ensure efficient utilization of available spectrum resources under different network conditions.

[0138] It is worth noting that the resource units involved in this application can refer to resource units at different levels or granularities, including but not limited to resource elements (REs), resource blocks (RBs), resource block groups (RBGs), bandwidth parts (BWPs), or other predefined resource units. Specifically, the definitions and usage of these resource units may vary depending on the wireless communication standard, network architecture, and application scenario adopted.

[0139] RE is the most basic unit in spectrum allocation. The size of an RE is a symbol in the time domain (e.g., an OFDM symbol) and a subcarrier in the frequency domain. RB includes multiple REs. An RB can include 12 consecutive subcarriers (or other numbers) in the frequency domain. The length of an RB in the time domain is not limited; for example, it can be a time slot, a subframe, or other lengths.

[0140] An RBG is a larger unit composed of multiple resource blocks (RBs). Typically, in scenarios with high bandwidth demands, the use of RBGs can improve spectrum utilization efficiency and enable more precise scheduling. A bandwidth portion (BWP) is a resource unit used for dynamic spectrum management; it represents a portion allocated from a large spectrum bandwidth.

[0141] Predefined resource units can be specific spectrum resource units specified by network protocols or other standards in communication systems. These predefined units can be defined according to the specific design requirements and conventions of the network, such as the allocation of certain specific frequency bands or the combination of any number of resource blocks or groups of resource blocks.

[0142] In some embodiments, the first information may include an index of the mode of the enabled second bandwidth resource. Exemplarily, an index of the mode of the second bandwidth resource may be pre-configured; alternatively, an index of the mode of the first bandwidth resource may also be configured. For example, the mode of the second bandwidth resource may be a first mode (represented as mode 0), and the mode of the first bandwidth resource may be a second mode (represented as mode 1).

[0143] In some implementations, the first device 210 may send configuration information to the second device 220, which indicates the mode of the second bandwidth resource and the mode of the first bandwidth resource. For example, the configuration information may indicate a correspondence or mapping between the first mode and the second bandwidth resource.

[0144] In some embodiments, the configuration information may indicate that the mode of bandwidth resources is associated with one or more of the following: PBCH configuration, Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) configuration, or Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) configuration.

[0145] For example, a one-to-one correspondence can be established between bandwidth resource modes and related information on different bandwidth configurations in the PBCH, as well as the corresponding PDCCH and PDSCH configurations. Specifically, the index and configuration corresponding to each bandwidth resource mode can be pre-defined, and the second device 220 can quickly match the corresponding resource bandwidth configuration through the mode index.

[0146] For example, there are several predefined bandwidth resource modes, where each mode corresponds to a specific set of bandwidth resource configurations and corresponding control channel configurations. For example, consider the following bandwidth resource modes and their corresponding configuration conventions:

[0147] Mode 0: Corresponds to resources with a bandwidth of 10MHz, using PDCCH and PDSCH of configuration A, which corresponds to the second bandwidth resource.

[0148] Mode 1: For resources with a bandwidth of 30MHz, use PDCCH and PDSCH of configuration B, that is, the first bandwidth resource is 30MHz.

[0149] For example, configuration information related to different bandwidth resources and corresponding bandwidth resource modes can be interpreted from different PBCHs by convention. When the center frequency points of the first bandwidth resource and the second bandwidth resource are the same, it can be determined based on the region of the spectrum where the frequency band corresponding to the PBCH is located. For example, the configuration information interpreted from PBCH0, which corresponds to the frequency band located in the center region of the spectrum of the first bandwidth resource, can correspond to mode 0, indicating the second bandwidth resource; the configuration information interpreted from PBCH1, which corresponds to the frequency band located in the edge region of the spectrum of the first bandwidth resource, can correspond to mode 1, indicating the third bandwidth resource.

[0150] For example, the following bandwidth resource modes and corresponding configuration conventions exist:

[0151] Mode 0: Second bandwidth resource configuration information decoded by PBCH0 corresponding to the frequency band located near the center frequency point of the first bandwidth resource.

[0152] Mode 1: The first bandwidth resource configuration information decoded by PBCH1 corresponding to the frequency band far from the first bandwidth resource center frequency.

[0153] When the center frequencies of the first bandwidth resource and the second bandwidth resource are inconsistent, the second device 220 can distinguish between different modes based on key parameters (such as bandwidth configuration, spectrum resource allocation, subcarrier spacing, etc.) in the configuration information decoded from the PBCH. For example, it can be distinguished based on the bandwidth range; obviously, the larger bandwidth range corresponds to the first bandwidth resource configuration. The bandwidth indicator can also indicate the currently used bandwidth. This indicator can help the device distinguish between the first bandwidth resource and the second bandwidth resource. For example, the system information block can specify the supported bandwidth types (a bandwidth indicator of 0 represents the second bandwidth resource, a bandwidth indicator of 1 represents the first bandwidth resource, etc.).

[0154] It is worth noting that the second device 220 is a conventional terminal device. A conventional terminal device can receive system information for the entire first bandwidth resource, such as PBCH1 corresponding to the first bandwidth resource range and PBCH0 corresponding to the second bandwidth resource range. Therefore, the conventional terminal device can decode PBCH1 to obtain the first bandwidth resource configuration information and decode PBCH0 to obtain the second bandwidth resource configuration information, and associate the first bandwidth resource configuration information with mode 1 and the second bandwidth resource configuration information with mode 0.

[0155] Accordingly, the in-band terminal device 110 can decode PBCH0 to obtain the second bandwidth resource configuration information.

[0156] For example, the configuration information can indicate the center frequency and bandwidth corresponding to the bandwidth resource mode. Different time-frequency resources can be matched one-to-one with the bandwidth resource mode. Specifically, the configuration of the bandwidth resource mode can be indicated based on the resource units symmetrically distributed near the center frequency. For example, the configuration mode 0 is Q resource units symmetrically distributed near the center frequency, and the configuration mode 1 is W resource units symmetrically distributed near the center frequency, where Q and W are both positive even numbers, and Q < W.

[0157] For example, the configuration information can indicate the frequency number corresponding to the mode of the bandwidth resource. The specific configuration of the bandwidth resource can be determined by a specific frequency number, and these frequency numbers correspond to the actual frequency range of the bandwidth resource. For example, frequency number n78 can correspond to a bandwidth range of 3300MHz to 3800MHz, which is configured as bandwidth resource mode 1. Similarly, frequency number n88 can correspond to a bandwidth range of 3600MHz to 3800MHz, which is configured as bandwidth resource mode 0.

[0158] A frequency point number is a designation used in wireless communication systems to identify a specific frequency range or band. In spectrum management, frequency point numbers are used to distinguish different frequency bands, helping the system allocate and manage frequency resources. Each frequency point number corresponds to a specific frequency interval within which wireless signal transmission can be carried.

[0159] In some embodiments, when the first information includes mode index 0, it may indicate that the corresponding second bandwidth resource is enabled.

[0160] In other embodiments, when the first information includes pattern index 1, it may indicate that the corresponding first bandwidth resource is not used. This application does not limit the indication method corresponding to the pattern index.

[0161] In this way, the bandwidth configuration is mapped one-to-one with the bandwidth mode index, enabling the second device 220 to determine the corresponding bandwidth change after receiving the index in the first information, and to transmit complex bandwidth configuration change information through a simple bandwidth mode index.

[0162] In some embodiments, the first information may include bits indicating that the state of the bandwidth resources is about to change. Exemplarily, the first information may include 1 bit (or other number) of indication information. This indication information is a first value (e.g., 0), indicating that the bandwidth resources have not changed and the current resource configuration state is maintained, i.e., no adjustment or reconfiguration of the bandwidth resources is required. This indication information is a second value (e.g., 1), indicating that the bandwidth resources have changed and appropriate resource configuration updates can be made to reflect new bandwidth requirements or resource adjustments.

[0163] When the indication information is a second value (e.g., 1), the second device 220 can determine that the bandwidth resources have changed and receive new system information. This new system information may include synchronization signals (SSBs) or other key parameters related to bandwidth resource configuration. Since the indication information has clearly indicated a change in bandwidth resources, the second device 220 can further parse the configuration information regarding bandwidth resources from the system information.

[0164] In this way, after receiving the instruction information, the second device 220 can pay attention to the configuration information related to bandwidth resources, quickly adapt to changes in bandwidth resources, and avoid unnecessary processing burden.

[0165] At position 204, the second device 220 adjusts from the first bandwidth resource to the backup bandwidth resource based on the first information. Furthermore, the second device 220 can perform access, paging, and receive reference information or data on the backup bandwidth resource, etc.

[0166] When the second device 220 determines that the bandwidth resources have changed based on the first information, especially when the third bandwidth resource it currently uses is turned off, the second device 220 can adjust the bandwidth resources to switch to the backup bandwidth resources. It is understood that the term "adjustment" of bandwidth resources in this application can also be referred to as switching, changing, or other operations, and this application does not limit it to these terms.

[0167] In some embodiments, after the first information indicates a change in bandwidth resources, the second device 220 determines, based on the first information, that a portion of the third bandwidth resource in which it resides has been shut down or is unavailable. Furthermore, the second device 220 can determine adjustable backup bandwidth resources based on system information (e.g., configuration parameters transmitted via broadcast channels, control channels, or signaling). These backup bandwidths are typically pre-configured alternative bandwidth resources that the second device 220 can switch to.

[0168] For example, the backup bandwidth resource can be a second bandwidth resource. For instance, after disabling the third bandwidth resource, the first device 220 can switch to the second bandwidth resource based on system information configuration instructions. As described above, the second device 220 can parse the configuration information of the second bandwidth resource from the PBCH or SIB1 corresponding to the second bandwidth resource, such as frequency range, subcarrier spacing, bandwidth indicator, etc. Based on this configuration information, the second device 220 can make corresponding adjustments to match the spectrum configuration of the second bandwidth resource. These adjustments may include, but are not limited to, frequency scanning, signal synchronization, time synchronization, etc., to ensure that the second device 220 can effectively access the new bandwidth resource.

[0169] For example, the backup bandwidth resource may be pre-configured by the first device 210, such as being part of a second bandwidth resource. For instance, after shutting down the third bandwidth resource, the first device 210 may switch to another backup bandwidth based on system information configuration instructions, and the backup bandwidth may be part of the second bandwidth resource. For example, the backup bandwidth may be pre-configured in system information or other configuration information.

[0170] For example, the backup bandwidth configuration information can be based on the configuration information of the second bandwidth resource by adding an offset of the frequency domain CORESET (control resource set), or it can indicate the backup CORESET separately to indicate the physical location of the backup bandwidth. Although the bandwidth resource changes, the search space configuration can maintain the original settings to ensure that the second device 220 can find and access the corresponding backup bandwidth resource on the second bandwidth resource.

[0171] A CORESET is a set of physical resources (time and frequency domains) used to carry control channel transmissions. By configuring a CORESET, network devices can specify which frequencies and time slots to transmit control information. These resources can be used for control channels such as PDCCH and PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel).

[0172] In this way, when bandwidth resources change dynamically, the second device 220 can seamlessly switch when system resources change by pre-configuring backup bandwidth, and ensure uninterrupted communication through optimized configuration.

[0173] In some embodiments, after the first information indicates a change in bandwidth resources, the second device 220 can determine the spare bandwidth to be adjusted by further instructions from the first device 210.

[0174] For example, if the second device 220 is not connected or is in an idle state, and receives the first information in the paging message to indicate a system message update, the second device 220 can re-receive the system message based on the indication of the first information. For example, the paging message may include one bit of indication information, which will not be elaborated here.

[0175] For example, optionally, at point 203, the first device 210 may send second information to the second device 220, the second information indicating a spare bandwidth resource in the second bandwidth resource. Based on the second information and the first information, the second device 220 adjusts from the first bandwidth resource to the spare bandwidth resource.

[0176] In some implementations, the second information may be included or carried in any of the following messages or signaling: paging messages, downlink control information, radio resource control (RRC) messages, media access control control elements (MAC CE), residual minimum system information (RMSI), and PDSCH.

[0177] It should be noted that although the first information and the second information are shown in Figure 2, the embodiments of this application do not limit the method of sending / receiving the first information and the second information. For example, the first information and the second information can be carried in the same message / signaling and / or the same field.

[0178] For example, the backup bandwidth resource can be one of multiple candidate bandwidth resources. The second information may include an index of the backup bandwidth resource among the multiple candidate bandwidth resources. In this case, the second device 220 can receive and store configuration information for multiple candidate backup bandwidths. Each backup bandwidth configuration corresponds to a unique index. For example, backup bandwidth 1, backup bandwidth 2, backup bandwidth 3, etc., each backup bandwidth configuration corresponds one-to-one with an index value, facilitating subsequent resource adjustment and selection.

[0179] When the first device 210 sends second information to the second device 220, the second information may include an index of the target backup bandwidth, i.e., an index of the second bandwidth resource. This index represents the specific backup bandwidth resource that the second device 220 can switch to during bandwidth resource adjustment. Specifically, after receiving the second information, the second device 220 will search for and select the corresponding backup bandwidth resource configuration from its internally stored candidate bandwidth resource configurations, based on the index value in the second information (e.g., the index of the second bandwidth resource 2).

[0180] In this way, the second device 220 can determine the required backup bandwidth resources based on the index in the received second information, and thus make corresponding bandwidth adjustments.

[0181] For example, the second information may include the center frequency and bandwidth size of the second bandwidth resource; or the offset of the second bandwidth resource relative to the reference bandwidth resource or the first bandwidth resource. Specifically, the second information may indicate the physical location of the second bandwidth resource, including its center frequency and the bandwidth range it occupies. For example, the second information may indicate a specific spare CORESET or time-frequency resource, wherein the spare CORESET may be a combination of the following parameters:

[0182] CORESET Index: CORESET1

[0183] Frequency domain location: Frequency resources range from 100MHz to 110MHz, indicating that CORESET1 occupies 10 RBs (each RB typically has a bandwidth of 180kHz).

[0184] Time domain location: CORESET1 is allocated between time slot 0 and time slot 1, indicating that it will transmit control information in time slot 0 and time slot 1.

[0185] Bandwidth: 10 RBs, with a bandwidth of 1.8MHz (10 resource blocks × 180kHz).

[0186] Transmission type: CORESET1 is used for the PDCCH channel.

[0187] Alternatively, the second information may indicate the offset of the second bandwidth resource relative to a reference bandwidth resource (e.g., a predefined bandwidth configuration) or the first bandwidth resource, so as to extend or adjust the bandwidth based on the known bandwidth.

[0188] For example, instead of directly indicating an absolute frequency value, the second bandwidth resource can be provided as an offset relative to a reference bandwidth resource or a first bandwidth resource. This offset allows the second device to adjust the bandwidth resource more flexibly, reducing dependence on specific frequencies and adapting to dynamic changes in spectrum resources. For instance, the second information could indicate "offset = +50kHz," meaning that the starting frequency of the second bandwidth resource is offset upwards (i.e., the frequency increases) by 50kHz from the reference bandwidth resource.

[0189] In this way, the second device 220 can dynamically adjust to the backup bandwidth based on the instructions of the first device 210, which also enables the communication network to respond more flexibly to different network needs and external interference.

[0190] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a bandwidth frequency domain resource structure 400 according to some embodiments of this application. The bandwidth frequency domain involved in this embodiment is composed of multiple resource units or groups of resource units.

[0191] In communication systems, bandwidth typically includes resources (RBs) configured within the same operating band. According to protocols, resource blocks (RBs) within a specific operating band are allocated in a fixed manner. For example, for a cell with an operating bandwidth of 100 MHz and a subcarrier spacing (SCS) of 30 kHz, after deducting the guard band, its resource bandwidth includes 273 resource blocks (RBs). Furthermore, the cell configuration also includes a bandwidth component, which comprises the initial uplink and downlink bandwidth defined in the serving cell configuration common information, and the dedicated bandwidth portion (BWP) defined in the serving cell configuration.

[0192] Within the bandwidth portion, Resource Block Groups (RBGs) can also be configured. Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling is used to configure the RBG structure used by the terminal device during this process. Specifically, RRC signaling can define how many Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) each RBG contains, or select the type of RBG partitioning (e.g., Type 0 or Type 1). Different Bandwidth Portfolios (BWPs) may have different RBG configurations, and RRC signaling will instruct the terminal device how to resolve and use the RBG structure under a specific BWP.

[0193] When network devices transmit data to terminal devices, the PDCCH schedules PDSCH resources through scheduling control information (DCI). During the scheduling process, the PDCCH can efficiently indicate the frequency domain resources required by the PDSCH to the terminal devices in units of resource block groups (RBGs).

[0194] As shown in the figure, the bandwidth frequency domain resource structure 400 may include resource units #0 401, #1 402, #2 403, etc., or resource unit groups #0 404, #1 405, #2 406, etc. Each resource unit or resource unit group can represent a different frequency domain resource.

[0195] In some embodiments, when the network device 130 sends first information to the traditional terminal device 120 to indicate a change in bandwidth resources, it may include the index number of the resource unit in the corresponding bandwidth resource. Specifically, when bandwidth resources are to be adjusted (e.g., certain resource units or groups of resource units are to be shut down), the first information may include the index number of the corresponding resource unit to explicitly indicate the bandwidth resource to be shut down.

[0196] For example, resource unit #0 401, resource unit #1 402, resource unit #2 403, or resource unit group #0 404 belong to the third bandwidth resource to be shut down. The first information can include resource unit #0 401, resource unit #1 402, resource unit #2 403, or resource unit group #0 404 to precisely indicate that the corresponding resource unit is to be shut down.

[0197] In other embodiments, the bits indicating the state of resource units in the first information can be indicated by a bitmap. For example, assuming that each resource unit or group of resource units (such as resource unit #0 401, resource unit #1 402, resource unit #2 403, resource unit group #0 404, resource unit group #1 405, resource unit group #2 406) corresponds to one bit, the state of multiple resource units can be represented by a single set of bits.

[0198] Assuming a three-bit bitmap is used, the on or off state of a resource unit can be indicated by setting the value of each bit to 0 or 1. For example, when bitmap "011" is used, it indicates that resource unit #0 401 or resource unit group #0 404 is off, while resource unit #1 402 and resource unit #2 403 or resource unit group #1 405 and resource unit group #2 406 remain on. In this case, "0" represents off and "1" represents on.

[0199] It is worth noting that although Figure 4 shows the resource structure in the frequency domain, network devices also need to consider the structure in the time domain during resource allocation and management. Specifically, bandwidth resource allocation involves not only the partitioning and scheduling of the frequency domain, but also the configuration of time domain units. Common time domain units include subframes, time slots, symbols, transmission time slots, and radio frames, which together form a complete bandwidth resource management framework.

[0200] In this way, network devices can precisely instruct traditional terminal devices which resource units should be shut down or continue to be used, thereby supporting flexible scheduling of bandwidth resources and maximizing spectrum utilization.

[0201] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of bandwidth resource mode 500 according to some example embodiments of this application. As shown, it can be agreed that the second bandwidth resource bandwidth configuration obtained from PBCH0 503 corresponds to mode 0 501, and the first bandwidth resource configuration obtained from PBCH1 504 corresponds to mode 1 502.

[0202] In some embodiments, the first information may include an index of bandwidth resource modes, which indicates the bandwidth resource configuration mode that the network device 130 should disable in the current network environment. For example, the bandwidth resource mode index in the first information may include mode 1 (first bandwidth resource configuration). After receiving this information, the conventional terminal device 120, based on the index, indicates that it will disable the bandwidth resource configuration associated with mode 1, that is, it indicates that the conventional terminal device 120 will no longer use the first bandwidth resource to transmit time slots, frequency bands or subframes.

[0203] Figure 5 also illustrates the specific steps of decoding bandwidth configuration. In this process, the conventional terminal device 120 receives a synchronization signal (e.g., SSB) from the network device 130 to obtain synchronization information. The SSB is periodically broadcast by the network device and contains the network device's synchronization information, identifier, and some system information. The conventional terminal device 120 receives the SSB and uses it to synchronize with the clock and frequency of the network device 130.

[0204] Upon receiving the SSB signal, the legacy terminal device 120 can decode the system information in the PBCH from the SSB. The system information contains basic information about the network device 130 and is primarily used for the initial synchronization of the legacy terminal device 120. The Master Information Block (MIB) information in the PBCH indicates basic system information, including network synchronization, frame structure, and basic configuration. The legacy terminal device 120 obtains the basic information required for network access by decoding the MIB.

[0205] As shown in the figure, the conventional terminal device 120 can receive system information on the first bandwidth resource in PBCH1 503, while the in-band terminal device 110 can receive system information on the second bandwidth resource in PBCH0 504.

[0206] Next, the conventional terminal device 120 can receive scheduling information on the first bandwidth resource in SIB1_1PDCCH 505 based on the PDCCH configuration information in the MIB, and based on the scheduling information in the PDCCH, the conventional terminal device 120 can receive SIB1_1 on the first bandwidth resource in SIB1_1PDSCH 506. Correspondingly, the in-band terminal device 110 can receive the corresponding scheduling information on the second bandwidth resource in SIB1_0PDCCH 508, and receive SIB1_0 on the second bandwidth resource in SIB1_0PDSCH 509.

[0207] SIB1 contains the essential information necessary for terminal devices to connect to the network, including cell identifier, scheduling channel configuration, system access parameters, radio resource scheduling information, and basic radio access network configuration. It enables terminal devices to learn about the network's basic information and perform initial access and synchronization without any prior configuration.

[0208] Subsequently, the conventional terminal device 120 can decode SIB1 to obtain detailed information about the network device, such as cell configuration, handover information, and access parameters. Based on the information in SIB1, it selects an appropriate access occasion (RO), which refers to a predefined time window in which the terminal device sends a Random Access Preamble at a specific time. As shown in the figure, the conventional terminal device 120 can send an uplink message on R0_1 507. The purpose of this process is to request communication with the network device (typically used for initial access or connection recovery).

[0209] Through the above steps, the traditional terminal device 120 can complete the initial synchronization and access with the network device 130 based on the received synchronization signal, system information, scheduling information and network configuration information.

[0210] In this way, the index number of the bandwidth resource mode is mapped to the bandwidth resource configuration information. When the terminal device receives the index number of the corresponding bandwidth resource mode, it can determine the change in the bandwidth configuration corresponding to that mode.

[0211] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of another bandwidth resource mode 600 according to some example embodiments of this application.

[0212] As shown in the figure, Q resource units symmetrically distributed with the same center frequency as the symmetry point can be pre-configured to correspond to mode 0 501, W resource units symmetrically distributed with the same center frequency as the symmetry point to correspond to mode 1 502, and NN resource units symmetrically distributed with the same center frequency as the symmetry point to correspond to mode 2 601, where Q, W, and NN are positive even numbers and satisfy the relationship Q < W < NN. In some embodiments, the network device 130 can send first information to the traditional terminal device 120, which may include an index of mode 1, that is, indicating that the first bandwidth resource corresponding to mode 1 is not used, which is equivalent to implicitly indicating that the third bandwidth resource is turned off. For example, assuming the center frequency is 50, the network device 130 can use this information to instruct the traditional terminal device 120 not to use the first bandwidth resource corresponding to mode 1 502, which corresponds to the frequency band area between (50+Q / 2, 50+W / 2) and (50-Q / 2, 50-W / 2). Accordingly, the frequency band area between (50-Q / 2, 50+Q / 2) remains open.

[0213] In other embodiments, the center frequencies of modes 0 501 and 1 502 may be different. For example, it can be agreed that the first center frequency fc3 corresponds to Q resource units symmetrically distributed at a symmetrical point, corresponding to mode 0 501, and the second center frequency fc4 corresponds to W resource units symmetrically distributed at a symmetrical point, corresponding to mode 1 502, where Q and W are positive even numbers and satisfy the relationship Q < W. In this case, when the first information indicates that the bandwidth resources corresponding to mode 1 502 are to be closed, the remaining frequency bands except for the frequency band (fc3-Q / 2, fc3+Q / 2) area are closed, that is, all frequency band areas except for the frequency band corresponding to mode 0 501 are closed.

[0214] In this way, the index number of the bandwidth resource mode is mapped to the specific time-frequency resource unit. When the terminal device receives the index number of the corresponding bandwidth resource mode, it can determine the change in the time-frequency resource unit corresponding to that mode.

[0215] Figure 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of bandwidth resource adjustment 700 according to some example embodiments of this application. As shown, the third bandwidth resource where the conventional terminal device 120 is located is about to be shut down. The conventional terminal device 120 will adjust to the corresponding backup bandwidth resource according to the configuration information received in advance, thereby avoiding communication interruption caused by the shutdown of the bandwidth resource and ensuring that the conventional terminal device 120 can continuously and stably transmit data.

[0216] As described above, the conventional terminal device 120 can parse the first bandwidth resource configuration information and the second bandwidth resource configuration information. In some embodiments, the conventional terminal device 120 can reuse the second bandwidth resource, that is, the conventional terminal device 120 can adjust to the second bandwidth resource according to the decoded second bandwidth resource configuration information and perform subsequent data transmission. Specifically, the conventional terminal device 120 can decode the SIB1 corresponding to the second bandwidth resource to obtain the access timing RO_0 703 corresponding to the second bandwidth resource, and can send uplink information on RO_0 703.

[0217] Subsequently, the conventional terminal device 120 receives the corresponding downlink control information (DCI) on PO_0 704 according to the paging occasion (PO) indicated in the paging message. Based on the scheduling information in the DCI, the conventional terminal device 120 receives the data that should have been received on PO_PDSCH_1 702 on PO_PDSCH_0 705.

[0218] In other embodiments, the conventional terminal device 120 can be adjusted to a backup bandwidth resource. Accordingly, the backup bandwidth resource can be pre-configured, corresponding to the backup bandwidth 710 shown in the figure. For example, a backup CORESET parameter can be configured, the position of the CORESET can be adjusted by adjusting the offset, or another CORESET can be defined specifically to indicate the configuration information of the backup bandwidth resource. The search space can reuse the configuration of the second bandwidth resource, that is, it uses the same search space parameters as the second bandwidth resource, but is associated with a new CORESET. Thus, when switching to the backup resource, the conventional terminal device 120 finds the PDCCH within the second bandwidth resource based on the previously configured offset or backup CORESET information, and then subsequent data transmission occurs.

[0219] The subsequent data transmission of the traditional terminal device 120 in the backup bandwidth resource is similar to the case on the second bandwidth resource, that is, it sends uplink messages on RO_backup 707, receives DCI on PO_backup, and receives data that should have been received on PO_PDSCH_backup 708 according to the scheduling information in the DCI.

[0220] When configuring backup resources, network device 130 can add an additional payload to ensure that the relevant configuration information can be correctly transmitted to traditional terminal device 120.

[0221] In this way, traditional terminal devices can be directly adjusted based on agreed-upon backup bandwidth resources to achieve seamless switching.

[0222] Figure 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of dynamic bandwidth resource adjustment 800 according to some example embodiments of this application. As shown, the third bandwidth resource portion where the conventional terminal device 120 is located is about to be shut down. The conventional terminal device 120 can receive second information from the network device 130 instructing the adjustment of bandwidth resources to ensure that the conventional terminal device 120 can continuously and stably transmit data.

[0223] In some embodiments, the conventional terminal device 120 may receive configuration information in advance containing multiple backup bandwidth resources, as shown in the figure. This information may include backup 0 801, backup 1 802, backup 2 803, etc., where backup 0 801 corresponds to a second bandwidth resource configuration, and backup 1 802 and backup 2 803 correspond to different backup bandwidth configurations. Based on this configuration information, the network device 130 may send second information including backup bandwidth resource index numbers to the conventional terminal device 120 to indicate the target bandwidth resource that the conventional terminal device 120 will adjust.

[0224] Network device 130 can send second information containing a spare bandwidth resource index number to legacy terminal device 120, thereby instructing legacy terminal device 120 to adjust to the target bandwidth resource. For example, when the second information indicates the use of spare 0 801, legacy terminal device 120 will adjust to the second bandwidth resource configuration according to the instruction; or, when the second information indicates the use of spare 1 802, legacy terminal device 120 will adjust to the corresponding spare bandwidth resource configuration.

[0225] In other embodiments, network device 130 may send second information, including specific configuration information of backup bandwidth resources, to legacy terminal device 120. For example, network device 130 may add a frequency domain CORESET offset to the second information, or separately indicate the configuration of the backup CORESET, or indicate an offset in the time domain. Furthermore, network device 130 may directly indicate specific time-frequency resource configuration information so that legacy terminal device 120 can accurately adjust its bandwidth resources according to the instructions from the network side.

[0226] In this way, the technical solution of this application can flexibly adjust the bandwidth resources of traditional terminal devices according to the dynamic changes of network devices. Whether the adjustment is in the frequency domain or the time domain, it can be carried out efficiently, thereby ensuring that traditional terminal devices maintain stable data transmission during the bandwidth resource adjustment process, while improving the utilization efficiency of network resources.

[0227] It should be noted that the above embodiments of this application describe the situation of adjusting from a first bandwidth resource to a second bandwidth resource. In other embodiments, the network device 130 may also send third information to the traditional terminal device 120 to instruct or request the traditional terminal device 120 to adjust from the second bandwidth resource to the first bandwidth resource. Accordingly, the traditional terminal device 120 may adjust or change the bandwidth resource based on the third information. For example, the third information may instruct the first bandwidth resource to be enabled or instruct the third bandwidth resource to be enabled. The specific form of the third information is similar to that of the aforementioned first information, and those skilled in the art can implement the third information in a similar manner based on the aforementioned first information. For the sake of simplicity, it will not be repeated in this application.

[0228] It should also be understood that the methods, situations, categories, and classifications of embodiments in this application are for the convenience of description only and should not constitute a special limitation. Various methods, categories, situations, and features in embodiments can be combined with each other if they are logically consistent.

[0229] It should also be understood that the above content is only to help those skilled in the art better understand the embodiments of this application, and is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications, changes, or combinations based on the above content. Such modified, changed, or combined solutions are also within the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0230] It should also be understood that the above description focuses on highlighting the differences between the various embodiments. Similarities or commonalities can be referenced or learned from each other, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0231] It should be noted that some exemplary embodiments have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in this application. However, these exemplary embodiments and the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. For example, operations (or steps) in different drawings can be recombined. For example, some operations (or steps) shown in the drawings can be omitted, removed, or combined. For example, one or more additional operations (or steps) may be further included in the drawings. For example, the order of operations (or steps) shown in the drawings can be rearranged or adjusted. It should be understood that other embodiments obtained based on the foregoing embodiments also fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0232] Figure 9 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication device 900 based on some embodiments of this application. In some examples, the device 900 may be implemented as a conventional terminal device 120 as shown in Figure 1, or as a device within a conventional terminal device 120, or as a device including a conventional terminal device 120. As shown in Figure 9, the device 900 includes a receiving module 910, which is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0233] The receiving module 910 can be configured to receive first information indicating a shift from a first bandwidth resource to a second bandwidth resource, wherein the first bandwidth resource includes the second bandwidth resource.

[0234] For example, the first information indicates that the third bandwidth resource is turned off, and the third bandwidth resource is the portion of the first bandwidth resource excluding the second bandwidth resource; or the first information indicates that the second bandwidth resource is turned on.

[0235] For example, when the first information indicates that the third bandwidth resource is closed, the first information includes one or more of the following: the index of the resource unit in the closed third bandwidth resource; the number of resource units in the closed third bandwidth resource; or the frequency position of the resource unit in the closed third bandwidth resource; when the first information indicates that the second bandwidth resource is open, the first information includes one or more of the following: the index of the resource unit in the open second bandwidth resource; the number of resource units in the open second bandwidth resource; or the frequency position of the resource unit in the open second bandwidth resource.

[0236] For example, the first information includes bits indicating the status of a resource unit, which may be on or off.

[0237] For example, the resource unit is one or more of the following: RE, RB, RBG, BWP, or a predefined resource unit.

[0238] For example, the first information includes an index of the mode of the enabled second bandwidth resource.

[0239] For example, the mode of the second bandwidth resource is associated with one or more of the following: PBCH configuration, PDCCH configuration, or PDSCH configuration.

[0240] For example, the mode indication of the second bandwidth resource is: the center frequency of the enabled bandwidth resource; and / or the size of the enabled bandwidth resource.

[0241] For example, the first information includes bits used to indicate that the state of the bandwidth resources is about to change.

[0242] For example, the second bandwidth resource is a pre-configured spare bandwidth resource associated with the first bandwidth resource.

[0243] In some embodiments, the receiving module 910 may be specifically configured to receive second information, the second information indicating a spare bandwidth resource in the second bandwidth resource.

[0244] For example, the device 900 may further include a processing module configured to adjust from a first bandwidth resource to a backup bandwidth resource based on the second information and the first information.

[0245] For example, the second information includes one or more of the following: the frequency location of the backup bandwidth resource; the center frequency and bandwidth size of the backup bandwidth resource; the index of the backup bandwidth resource among multiple candidate bandwidth resources; or the offset of the backup bandwidth resource relative to the reference bandwidth resource or the first bandwidth resource.

[0246] For example, the second information is carried in one or more of the following: a paging message; a short message field of downlink control information; a reserved field of downlink control information; RRC; MAC CE; RMSI; or a physical downlink shared channel.

[0247] For example, the first information is carried in one or more of the following: a paging message; a short message field of downlink control information; a reserved field of downlink control information; RRC; MAC CE; RMSI; or a physical downlink shared channel.

[0248] For example, the first bandwidth resource is used to carry one or more of the following: PBCH, PDCCH, or PDSCH.

[0249] For example, the above method is performed by a second device, which is a conventional terminal device.

[0250] The device 900 in Figure 9 can be used to implement the various processes performed by the second device 220 in conjunction with Figures 2 to 8, which will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0251] Figure 9 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication device 900 based on some embodiments of this application. In some examples, the device 900 may be implemented as the network device 130 shown in Figure 1, or as a device within the network device 130, or as a device including the network device 130; this application is not limited in this respect. As shown in Figure 9, the device 900 includes a transmitting module 910.

[0252] The sending module 910 can be configured to send first information indicating a shift from a first bandwidth resource to a second bandwidth resource, wherein the first bandwidth resource includes the second bandwidth resource.

[0253] For example, the first information indicates that the third bandwidth resource is turned off, and the third bandwidth resource is the portion of the first bandwidth resource excluding the second bandwidth resource; or the first information indicates that the second bandwidth resource is turned on.

[0254] For example, when the first information indicates that the third bandwidth resource is closed, the first information includes one or more of the following: the index of the resource unit in the closed third bandwidth resource; the number of resource units in the closed third bandwidth resource; or the frequency position of the resource unit in the closed third bandwidth resource; when the first information indicates that the second bandwidth resource is open, the first information includes one or more of the following: the index of the resource unit in the open second bandwidth resource; the number of resource units in the open second bandwidth resource; or the frequency position of the resource unit in the open second bandwidth resource.

[0255] For example, the first information includes bits indicating the status of a resource unit, which may be on or off.

[0256] For example, the resource unit is one or more of the following: RE, RB, RBG, BWP, or a predefined resource unit.

[0257] For example, the first information includes an index of the mode of the enabled second bandwidth resource.

[0258] For example, the mode of the second bandwidth resource is associated with one or more of the following: PBCH configuration, PDCCH configuration, or PDSCH configuration.

[0259] For example, the mode indication of the second bandwidth resource is: the center frequency of the enabled bandwidth resource; and / or the size of the enabled bandwidth resource.

[0260] For example, the first information includes bits used to indicate that the state of the bandwidth resources is about to change.

[0261] For example, the second bandwidth resource is a pre-configured spare bandwidth resource associated with the first bandwidth resource.

[0262] In some embodiments, the sending module 910 may be specifically configured to send two pieces of information, the second pieces of information indicating a spare bandwidth resource in the second bandwidth resource.

[0263] For example, the second information includes one or more of the following: the frequency location of the backup bandwidth resource; the center frequency and bandwidth size of the backup bandwidth resource; the index of the backup bandwidth resource among multiple candidate bandwidth resources; or the offset of the backup bandwidth resource relative to the reference bandwidth resource or the first bandwidth resource.

[0264] For example, the second information is carried in one or more of the following: a paging message; a short message field of downlink control information; a reserved field of downlink control information; RRC; MAC CE; RMSI; or a physical downlink shared channel.

[0265] For example, the first information is carried in one or more of the following: a paging message; a short message field of downlink control information; a reserved field of downlink control information; RRC; MAC CE; RMSI; or a physical downlink shared channel.

[0266] For example, the first bandwidth resource is used to carry one or more of the following: PBCH, PDCCH, or PDSCH.

[0267] For example, the above method is performed by a first device, which is a network device.

[0268] The device 1000 in Figure 10 can be used to implement the various processes performed by the first device 210 in conjunction with Figures 2 to 8, which will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0269] The division of modules or units in the embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. Furthermore, the functional units in the embodiments of this application may be integrated into one unit, exist as separate physical units, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit described above can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0270] Figure 11 shows a schematic block diagram of an example device 1100 that can be used to implement embodiments of this application. Device 1100 may be implemented as or included in the conventional terminal device 120 of Figure 1, or may be implemented as or included in the network device 130 of Figure 1.

[0271] As shown in Figure 11, device 1100 includes one or more processors 1110, one or more memories 1120 coupled to processor 1110, and communication module 1140 coupled to processor 1110.

[0272] The communication module 1140 can be used for bidirectional communication. The communication module 1140 may have at least one communication interface for communication. The communication interface may include any interface necessary for communication with other devices.

[0273] Processor 1110 can be any type suitable for a local technology network and can include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), or a controller-based multi-core controller architecture. Device 1100 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips, which are time-subordinate to a clock synchronized with the main processor.

[0274] Memory 1120 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: Read-Only Memory (ROM) 1124, Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), Flash Memory, Hard Disk, Compact Disc (CD), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), or other magnetic and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: Random Access Memory (RAM) 1122, or other volatile memories that do not persist during the duration of a power outage.

[0275] Computer program 1130 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by associated processor 1110. Program 1130 may be stored in ROM 1124. Processor 1110 may perform any appropriate actions and processes by loading program 1130 into RAM 1122.

[0276] The embodiments of this application can be implemented using program 1130, enabling device 1100 to perform any of the processes discussed with reference to Figures 3 through 8. Embodiments of this application can also be implemented in hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0277] Program 1130 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may include in device 1100 (such as in memory 1120) or other storage device accessible by device 1100. Program 1130 may be loaded from the computer-readable medium into RAM 1122 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc.

[0278] In some embodiments, the communication module 1140 in device 1100 can be implemented as a transmitter and receiver (or transceiver), which can be configured to send / receive, such as multiple TCIs, at least one message, capability information, etc. Additionally, device 1100 may further include one or more of a scheduler, controller, and radio frequency / antenna, which will not be described in detail here.

[0279] For example, the device 1100 in FIG11 can be implemented as an electronic device, or as a chip or chip system in an electronic device, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0280] Embodiments of this application also provide a chip, which may include an input interface, an output interface, and a processing circuit. In embodiments of this application, the input interface and output interface can be used to complete the interaction of signaling or data, and the processing circuit can be used to generate and process the signaling or data information.

[0281] Embodiments of this application also provide a chip system including a processor for supporting a computing device to implement the functions involved in any of the above embodiments. In one possible design, the chip system may further include a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data, which, when executed by the processor, cause the device on which the chip system is installed to implement the methods involved in any of the above embodiments. Exemplarily, the chip system may consist of one or more chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0282] Embodiments of this application also provide a processor for coupling with a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the methods and functions involved in any of the above embodiments.

[0283] Embodiments of this application also provide a computer program or computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods and functions involved in any of the embodiments described above.

[0284] Embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the methods and functions involved in any of the above embodiments.

[0285] Generally, the various embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software, which can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of this application are shown and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or represented using some other illustrations, it should be understood that the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented as, as non-limiting examples, in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0286] This application also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as instructions included in program modules, which execute in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the processes / methods as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. Typically, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functionality of program modules can be combined or divided among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions for the program modules can execute within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, the program modules can reside in both local and remote storage media.

[0287] The computer program code used to implement the methods of this application may be written in one or more programming languages. This computer program code may be provided to the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, such that when executed by the computer or other programmable data processing device, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a computer, partially on a computer, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server.

[0288] In the context of this application, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, and so on. Examples of signals may include electrical, optical, radio, sound, or other forms of propagation signals, such as carrier waves, infrared signals, etc.

[0289] A computer-readable medium can be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program for or relating to an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. A computer-readable medium can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable medium can be, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More detailed examples of computer-readable storage media include electrical connections with one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0290] Furthermore, although the operation of the method of this application is described in a specific order in the accompanying drawings, this does not require or imply that the operations must be performed in that specific order, or that all the operations shown must be performed to achieve the desired result. On the contrary, the steps depicted in the flowcharts may be performed in a different order. Additionally or alternatively, certain steps may be omitted, multiple steps may be combined into one step, and / or one step may be broken down into multiple steps. It should also be noted that the features and functions of two or more devices based on this application can be embodied in one device. Conversely, the features and functions of one device described above can be further divided and embodied by multiple devices.

[0291] The various implementations of this application have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed implementations. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described implementations. The terminology used herein is chosen to well explain the principles, practical applications, or improvements to technology in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the various implementations disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method includes: Receive first information, the first information indicating an adjustment from a first bandwidth resource to a second bandwidth resource; wherein, The first bandwidth resource includes the second bandwidth resource.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first information indicates that the third bandwidth resource is disabled, wherein the third bandwidth resource is the portion of the first bandwidth resource excluding the second bandwidth resource; or, The first information indicates that the second bandwidth resource is enabled.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, When the first information indicates that the third bandwidth resource is closed, the first information includes one or more of the following: The index of the resource unit in the third bandwidth resource; The number of resource units in the third bandwidth resource; or, The frequency position of the resource unit in the third bandwidth resource; When the first information indicates that the second bandwidth resource is enabled, the first information includes one or more of the following: The index of the resource unit in the second bandwidth resource; The number of resource units in the second bandwidth resource; or, The frequency position of the resource unit in the second bandwidth resource.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information includes bits indicating the status of a resource unit, which includes whether it is on or off.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The resource unit is one or more of the following: resource element (RE), resource block (RB), resource block group (RBG), bandwidth portion (BWP), or a predefined resource unit.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information includes an index of the mode in which the second bandwidth resource is enabled.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mode of the second bandwidth resource is associated with one or more of the following: PBCH configuration, Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) configuration, or Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) configuration.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Mode indication of the second bandwidth resource: The center frequency point of the activated bandwidth resource; and / or, The size of the bandwidth resources that are enabled.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information includes bits used to indicate that the state of bandwidth resources is about to change.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The second bandwidth resource is a pre-configured spare bandwidth resource associated with the first bandwidth resource.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information, which indicates the spare bandwidth resources in the second bandwidth resources; Based on the second information and the first information, the bandwidth is adjusted from the first bandwidth resource to the backup bandwidth resource.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second information includes one or more of the following: The frequency location of the backup bandwidth resources; The center frequency and bandwidth size of the backup bandwidth resources; The index of the backup bandwidth resource among multiple candidate bandwidth resources; or, The offset of the backup bandwidth resource relative to the reference bandwidth resource or the first bandwidth resource.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The second information is carried in one or more of the following: Paging messages; Short message fields for downlink control information; Reserved fields for downlink control information; Radio Resource Control (RRC); Media Access Control (MAC) control element CE; Remaining Minimum System Information (RMSI); or, Physical downlink shared channel.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, The first information is carried in one or more of the following: Paging messages; Short message fields for downlink control information; Reserved fields for downlink control information; Radio Resource Control (RRC); Media Access Control (MAC) element CE; Residual Minimum System Information (RMSI); or, Physical downlink shared channel.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that, The first bandwidth resource is used to carry one or more of the following: Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH), Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), or Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH).

16. The method according to any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that, The method is performed by a second device, which is a conventional terminal device.

17. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send a first message, the first message indicating a shift from a first bandwidth resource to a second bandwidth resource; The first bandwidth resource includes the second bandwidth resource.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first information indicates that the third bandwidth resource is disabled, wherein the third bandwidth resource is the portion of the first bandwidth resource excluding the second bandwidth resource; or, The first information indicates that the second bandwidth resource is enabled.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, When the first information indicates that the third bandwidth resource is closed, the first information includes one or more of the following: The index of the resource unit in the third bandwidth resource; The number of resource units in the third bandwidth resource; or, The frequency position of the resource unit in the third bandwidth resource; When the first information indicates that the second bandwidth resource is enabled, the first information includes one or more of the following: The index of the resource unit in the second bandwidth resource; The number of resource units in the second bandwidth resource; or, The frequency position of the resource unit in the second bandwidth resource.

20. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The first information includes bits indicating the status of a resource unit, which includes whether it is on or off.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, The resource unit is one or more of the following: resource element (RE), resource block (RB), resource block group (RBG), bandwidth portion (BWP), or a predefined resource unit.

22. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The first information includes an index of the mode in which the second bandwidth resource is enabled.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The mode of the second bandwidth resource is associated with one or more of the following: PBCH configuration, Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) configuration, or Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) configuration.

24. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, Mode indication of the second bandwidth resource: The center frequency point of the activated bandwidth resource; and / or, The size of the bandwidth resources that are enabled.

25. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The first information includes bits used to indicate that the state of bandwidth resources is about to change.

26. The method according to any one of claims 17-25, characterized in that, The second bandwidth resource is a pre-configured spare bandwidth resource associated with the first bandwidth resource.

27. The method according to any one of claims 17-25, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message, which indicates the spare bandwidth resources in the second bandwidth resources.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The second information includes one or more of the following: The frequency location of the backup bandwidth resources; The center frequency and bandwidth size of the backup bandwidth resources; The index of the backup bandwidth resource among multiple candidate bandwidth resources; or, The offset of the backup bandwidth resource relative to the reference bandwidth resource or the first bandwidth resource.

29. The method according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that, The second information is carried in one or more of the following: Paging messages; Short message fields for downlink control information; Reserved fields for downlink control information; Radio Resource Control (RRC); Media Access Control (MAC) element CE; Remaining Minimum System Information (RMSI); or, Physical downlink shared channel.

30. The method according to any one of claims 17-29, characterized in that, The first information is carried in one or more of the following: Paging messages; Short message fields for downlink control information; Reserved fields for downlink control information; Radio Resource Control (RRC); Media Access Control (MAC) element CE; Remaining Minimum System Information (RMSI); or, Physical downlink shared channel.

31. The method according to any one of claims 17-30, characterized in that, The first bandwidth resource is used to carry one or more of the following: Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH), Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), or Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH).

32. The method according to any one of claims 17-31, characterized in that, The method is performed by a first device, which is a network device.

33. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes corresponding modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 32.

34. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor for executing computer programs or instructions to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-32.

35. The communication device according to claim 34, characterized in that, The communication device further includes: A memory for storing the computer program or instructions, wherein when the computer program or instructions are executed by the processor, the method as described in any one of claims 1-32 is implemented.

36. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program or instructions, which, when executed, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-32.

37. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes a computer program or instructions, which, when executed, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-32.

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