Communication methods, terminals, network devices, system, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to communication methods, terminals, network devices, a system, a storage medium, and a program product. A communication method comprises: receiving a synchronization signal block (SSB) on the basis of an SSB pattern, wherein a terminal supports a first communication protocol, the SSB pattern includes at least one of the following: an SSB pattern shared by the first communication protocol and a second communication protocol, and an SSB pattern dedicated to the first communication protocol, and the first communication protocol is subsequent to the second communication protocol. The present disclosure can improve the communication efficiency.

Description

Communication methods, terminals, network devices, systems, storage media and software products Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication methods, terminals, network devices, systems, storage media, and program products. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, a synchronization sequence and a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) have been designed to ensure that users obtain time and frequency synchronization when initially accessing the cell. The PBCH provides some basic system information for the terminal accessing the cell.

[0003] In the NR system, the PBCH consists of four time-domain (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing, OFDM) symbols and 20 frequency-domain (Physical Resource Block, PRB) symbols. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides communication methods, terminals, network devices, systems, storage media, and program products.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, the method comprising: receiving an SSB based on a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) pattern, wherein the terminal supports a first communication protocol, and the SSB pattern includes at least one of the following: an SSB pattern shared by the first communication protocol and a second communication protocol; an SSB pattern dedicated to the first communication protocol; wherein the first communication protocol is later than the second communication protocol.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: transmitting an SSB based on a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) pattern, wherein the network device supports a first communication protocol, and the SSB pattern includes at least one of the following: an SSB pattern shared by the first communication protocol and a second communication protocol; an SSB pattern specific to the first communication protocol; wherein the first communication protocol is later than the second communication protocol.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided, comprising: a transceiver module for receiving an SSB based on a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) pattern, the terminal supporting a first communication protocol, the SSB pattern including at least one of the following: an SSB pattern shared by the first communication protocol and a second communication protocol; an SSB pattern dedicated to the first communication protocol; wherein the first communication protocol is later than the second communication protocol.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, comprising: a transceiver module for transmitting an SSB based on a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) pattern, the network device supporting a first communication protocol, wherein the SSB pattern includes at least one of the following: an SSB pattern shared by the first communication protocol and a second communication protocol; an SSB pattern specific to the first communication protocol; wherein the first communication protocol is later than the second communication protocol.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the terminal is configured to execute the first aspect and any one of the communication methods in the first aspect.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the network device is configured to perform the second aspect and any one of the communication methods in the second aspect.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the first aspect and any one of the communication methods in the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the second aspect and any one of the communication methods in the second aspect.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform a communication method as described in the first aspect and any one thereof, or the second aspect and any one thereof.

[0013] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a program product is provided, comprising: a computer program, which, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform a communication method as described in the first aspect and any one of the first aspects or the second aspect and the second aspect.

[0014] This disclosure describes how, for terminals supporting a first communication protocol, SSBs are received based on SSB patterns. The SSB patterns include at least one of the following: an SSB pattern shared by the first and second communication protocols; and an SSB pattern specific to the first communication protocol. The first communication protocol is later than the second communication protocol. On the one hand, this facilitates the reasonable transmission of PBCH when the spectrum of the first and second communication protocols coexists, avoiding interference and reducing resource overhead. On the other hand, it facilitates ensuring effective spectrum access for the first and second communication protocols when their spectrums do not coexist, thereby improving communication efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 1a is a schematic diagram of spectrum coexistence.

[0017] Figure 1b is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2a is a schematic diagram of a communication method interaction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 2b is a schematic diagram of 5G and 6G spectrum sharing.

[0020] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 5a is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 5b is a schematic diagram of the structure of the network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 6b is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0026] This disclosure provides communication methods, terminals, network devices, systems, storage media, and program products.

[0027] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method, the method comprising: receiving an SSB based on a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) pattern, wherein the terminal supports a first communication protocol, and the SSB pattern includes at least one of the following: an SSB pattern shared by the first communication protocol and a second communication protocol; an SSB pattern dedicated to the first communication protocol; wherein the first communication protocol is later than the second communication protocol.

[0028] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, the SSB pattern shared by the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol is the complete set or a subset of the SSB patterns corresponding to the second communication protocol.

[0029] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, different frequency ranges correspond to different SSB patterns; or, different operating frequency bands correspond to different SSB patterns; or, different application scenarios correspond to different SSB patterns.

[0030] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, the application scenarios include: spectrum sharing scenarios; spectrum non-sharing scenarios.

[0031] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, different synchronization channel grids and / or different synchronization channel numbers within a frequency range correspond to different SSB patterns.

[0032] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, the SSB includes first indication information, which indicates that the carrier corresponding to the SSB is a shared carrier of the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol, or that the carrier corresponding to the SSB is a carrier dedicated to the first communication protocol or the second communication protocol.

[0033] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: transmitting an SSB based on a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) pattern, wherein the network device supports a first communication protocol, and the SSB pattern includes at least one of the following: an SSB pattern shared by the first communication protocol and a second communication protocol; an SSB pattern specific to the first communication protocol; wherein the first communication protocol is later than the second communication protocol.

[0034] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, the SSB pattern shared by the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol is the complete set or a subset of the SSB patterns corresponding to the second communication protocol.

[0035] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, different frequency ranges correspond to different SSB patterns; or, different operating frequency bands correspond to different SSB patterns; or, different application scenarios correspond to different SSB patterns.

[0036] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, the application scenarios include: spectrum sharing scenarios; spectrum non-sharing scenarios.

[0037] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, different synchronization channel grids and / or different synchronization channel numbers within a frequency range correspond to different SSB patterns.

[0038] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, the SSB includes first indication information, which indicates that the carrier corresponding to the SSB is a shared carrier of the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol, or that the carrier corresponding to the SSB is a carrier dedicated to the first communication protocol or the second communication protocol.

[0039] Thirdly, a terminal is provided, comprising: a transceiver module for receiving an SSB based on a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) pattern, wherein the terminal supports a first communication protocol, and the SSB pattern includes at least one of the following: an SSB pattern shared by the first communication protocol and a second communication protocol; an SSB pattern specific to the first communication protocol; wherein the first communication protocol is later than the second communication protocol.

[0040] Fourthly, a network device is provided, comprising: a transceiver module for transmitting an SSB based on a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) pattern, wherein the network device supports a first communication protocol, and the SSB pattern includes at least one of the following: an SSB pattern shared by the first communication protocol and a second communication protocol; an SSB pattern specific to the first communication protocol; wherein the first communication protocol is later than the second communication protocol.

[0041] Fifthly, a terminal is provided, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the terminal is configured to execute the first aspect and any one of the communication methods in the first aspect.

[0042] A sixth aspect provides a network device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the network device is configured to perform the second aspect and any one of the communication methods in the second aspect.

[0043] A seventh aspect provides a communication system, including a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the first aspect and any one of the communication methods in the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the second aspect and any one of the communication methods in the second aspect.

[0044] Eighthly, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions, which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform a communication method as described in the first aspect and any one thereof, or the second aspect and any one thereof.

[0045] Ninth aspect, a program product is provided, comprising: a computer program, which, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform a communication method as described in the first aspect and any one of the first aspects or the second aspect and the second aspect.

[0046] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0047] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described in the optional implementations of the first or second aspect above.

[0048] It is understood that the terminals, access network devices, first network elements, other network elements, core network devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems involved in the embodiments of this disclosure are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0049] This disclosure provides communication methods, terminals, network devices, systems, storage media, and program products. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information processing method" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "communication device" and "information processing device" and "communication device," and the terms "information processing system" and "communication system."

[0050] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0051] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical environments of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0052] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0053] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0054] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0055] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0056] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0057] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0058] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0059] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0060] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0061] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0062] In some embodiments, the apparatus and device may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they may also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "body", etc.

[0063] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network devices, core network devices, etc.

[0064] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," or "fixed station." In some embodiments, it may also be understood as "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," or "bandwidth part (BWP)."

[0065] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)," "user terminal," "mobile station (MS)," "mobile terminal (MT)," "subscriber station," "mobile unit," "subscriber unit," "wireless unit," "remote unit," "mobile device," "wireless device," "wireless communication device," "remote device," "mobile subscriber station," "access terminal," "mobile terminal," "wireless terminal," "remote terminal," "handset," "user agent," "mobile client," "client," etc.

[0066] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0067] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0068] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0069] In some embodiments, the PBCH in an NR system consists of four OFDM symbols in the time domain and 20 PRBs in the frequency domain. The middle 127 resource blocks of the first symbol are used for the transmission of the Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS), and the middle 127 resource blocks of the third symbol are used for the transmission of the Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS). The 240 resource blocks of the second and fourth symbols and the 96 resource blocks on either side of the third resource block are used for the transmission of the SSB and its Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS). Additionally, the NR system defines the concept of an SSB burst, configuring multiple SSBs to be distinguished from different SSBs within the same burst by using an index.

[0070] In some embodiments, a key difference between LTE and NR systems is that the PBCH in LTE systems is located in the middle of the carrier bandwidth, while in NR systems the PBCH can be located at any position in the carrier bandwidth.

[0071] In some embodiments, a synchronization grid is defined in the NR system to indicate the frequency location of the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB), which can be used by the terminal to obtain system information. For initial terminal access, the possible frequency domain locations of the SSB and the default subcarrier spacing can be specified in the protocol for initial access SSB search, depending on the frequency range and band. A global synchronization grid is defined for all frequencies. The frequency domain location of the synchronization signal block is defined by SSREF, indicating that its location corresponds to the Global Synchronization Channel Number (GSCN). For different frequency ranges, the frequency domain location SS of the synchronization signal block can be defined. REF The mapping relationship between the corresponding global synchronization channel number is shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0072] Table 1

[0073] Table 2

[0074] In some embodiments, for a specific frequency band, its corresponding synchronization signal grid (Global Synchronization Channel Number (GSCN) range) and its sampling step size, as well as the subcarrier size of its corresponding SSB block and the default SSB block format, can be defined respectively, as shown in Tables 3 to 4.

[0075] Table 3

[0076] Table 4

[0077] In some embodiments, during the initial deployment of 5G systems, the existing 4G systems will be gradually replaced, with 5G systems deployed on the original 4G spectrum. This results in scenarios where 5G and 4G systems coexist on the same spectrum. Dynamic spectrum sharing is a technology that ensures the gradual migration of 4G deployments to 5G deployments using existing spectrum, while effectively and dynamically sharing frequency resources when 4G and 5G systems are deployed on the same spectrum. To address the interference issues caused by LTE's PBCH and CRS to NR system transmission when 4G and 5G systems coexist, 5G systems define symbol-level rate-matching for data channel transmission (specifically for LTE's PBCH).

[0078] In some embodiments, the deployment of 6G systems on existing 5G spectrum may result in spectrum coexistence and sharing between 5G and 6G systems. Figure 1a illustrates this spectrum coexistence. Figure 1a uses the coexistence of 5G and 6G spectrum as an example, showing the deployment of 6G systems on existing 5G spectrum. For instance, on FR1, the spectrum below 3 GHz is co-existent for LTE, NR, and 6G systems. The spectrum from 3 GHz to 6 GHz is co-existent for NR and 6G. On FR2, FR2-1, i.e., 24.25–52.6 GHz, is co-existent for 6G and NR. The PBCH of the 5G system and the 6G PBCH will exist within the same frequency range, making it impossible for the terminal to distinguish between the 5G synchronization signal and the 6G system synchronization signal during initial access.

[0079] However, in spectrum coexistence scenarios, if different communication protocols transmit PBCH separately, it may cause interference to data transmission and incur significant resource overhead. Furthermore, spectrum coexistence between different communication protocols may be partial, meaning that a dedicated portion of the spectrum may not be coexisting.

[0080] Therefore, this disclosure provides a communication method in which a terminal supporting a first communication protocol can receive an SSB based on an SSB pattern. The SSB pattern includes at least one of the following: an SSB pattern shared by the first and second communication protocols; and an SSB pattern specific to the first communication protocol. The first communication protocol is later than the second communication protocol. On the one hand, this facilitates the reasonable transmission of the PBCH when the system spectrum of the first and second communication protocols coexists, avoiding interference and reducing resource overhead. On the other hand, it facilitates ensuring effective spectrum access for the system spectrum of the first and second communication protocols when they do not coexist, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0081] Figure 1b is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] As shown in Figure 1b, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102.

[0083] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0084] In some embodiments, network device 102 may include at least one of access network device and core network device.

[0085] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0086] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0087] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0088] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of the aforementioned one or more network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), or a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0089] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0090] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1b, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1b are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1b, or it may include other main bodies outside of FIG1b. The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0091] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), 5G New Radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New Radio Access (NX), Future Generation Radio Access (FX), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0092] Figure 2a is a schematic diagram of a communication method interaction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2a, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a communication system 100, the method including:

[0093] In step S2101, terminal 101 receives SSB sent by network device 102 based on SSB pattern.

[0094] In some embodiments, network device 102 sends SSBs based on an SSB pattern.

[0095] In some embodiments, the terms "synchronization signal (SS)," "synchronization signal block (SSB)," "reference signal (RS)," "pilot," and "pilot signal" can be used interchangeably.

[0096] In some embodiments, "acquire," "get," "obtain," "receive," "transmit," "bidirectional transmission," and "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, acquiring from protocols, acquiring from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation. Protocols include, for example, at least one of the 3GPP protocol, Wi-Fi protocol, and audio and / or video protocols.

[0097] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0098] In some embodiments, the terminal supports a first communication protocol. Since transmitting PBCH (or SSB on PBCH) separately by different communication protocols may cause interference to data transmission and incur significant resource overhead, for terminals that support the first communication protocol, SSB can be received based on an SSB pattern. The SSB pattern includes at least one of the following: an SSB pattern shared by the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol.

[0099] In other words, for terminals that support the first communication protocol, various SSB styles can be designed.

[0100] Optionally, a shared SSB pattern can be designed for both the first and second communication protocols. A shared SSB pattern refers to an SSB pattern that is compatible with both the first and second communication protocols. Terminals supporting the first communication protocol can receive SSBs based on this shared SSB pattern, avoiding the interference and resource overhead caused by terminals supporting the second communication protocol receiving SSBs separately.

[0101] Optionally, for scenarios where the spectrum of the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol coexist, a shared SSB pattern for the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol can be used.

[0102] Optionally, the SSB pattern shared by the first and second communication protocols is the complete set of SSB patterns corresponding to the second communication protocol. For example, a terminal supporting the second communication protocol can receive SSBs based on the shared SSB pattern.

[0103] Optionally, the SSB patterns shared by the first and second communication protocols are a subset of the SSB patterns corresponding to the second communication protocol. For example, this subset can be understood as a proper subset. That is, for the SSB patterns corresponding to the second communication protocol, some can be shared SSB patterns, and others can be non-shared SSB patterns. Among them, the non-shared SSB patterns can be understood as SSB patterns specifically used for the second communication protocol.

[0104] Optionally, a dedicated SSB pattern for the first communication protocol can be designed. Terminals supporting the first communication protocol can receive SSBs based on the dedicated SSB pattern to accommodate cases where some spectrum is not coexisting, thus ensuring effective spectrum access as much as possible.

[0105] Optionally, for scenarios where the spectrum of the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol do not coexist, the SSB pattern specific to the first communication protocol can be used.

[0106] Of course, this disclosure uses two communication protocols as examples, but is not limited to this. For example, a third communication protocol may exist. For a terminal supporting the first communication protocol, the SSB pattern used to receive SSBs may include SSB patterns shared by the first, second, and third communication protocols; it may also include SSB patterns shared by the first and second communication protocols; it may include SSB patterns shared by the first and third communication protocols; or it may include SSB patterns specific to the first communication protocol. The same applies to terminals supporting the second and third communication protocols.

[0107] In some embodiments, receiving an SSB based on an SSB pattern can mean that different SSB patterns correspond to different SSB structures, thereby allowing the SSB structure to be determined based on the SSB pattern for accurate SSB reception. For example, different SSB patterns may correspond to different subcarrier spacings. Alternatively, different SSB patterns may correspond to different frequency positions, thereby allowing the frequency position of the SSB to be determined based on the SSB pattern for accurate SSB reception at the SSB's frequency position.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first communication protocol may be 6G and the second communication protocol may be 5G, but it is not limited thereto.

[0109] For example, taking 6G as the first communication protocol and 5G as the second communication protocol, Figure 2b is a schematic diagram of 5G and 6G spectrum sharing. As shown in Figure 2b, 5G and 6G can share 400 MHz to 3 GHz. In addition, 6G can deploy dedicated spectrum, for example, 3 GHz to 7 GHz is dedicated spectrum for 6G.

[0110] For example, taking a first communication protocol of 6G and a second communication protocol of 5G as an example, the SSB patterns shared by the first and second communication protocols can be the SSB patterns in set 1, and the SSB patterns specific to the first communication protocol can be the SSB patterns in set 2. Each SSB pattern and its corresponding subcarrier spacing can be shown in Table 5.

[0111] Table 5

[0112] In some embodiments, different frequency ranges correspond to different SSB patterns; or, different operating frequency bands correspond to different SSB patterns; or, different application scenarios correspond to different SSB patterns.

[0113] Optionally, different frequency ranges correspond to different SSB patterns. For example, different default SSB patterns can be defined for different frequency ranges. The terminal can determine the SSB pattern corresponding to the frequency range based on the frequency range, and thus receive the SSB based on the SSB pattern.

[0114] For example, taking Table 5 above as an example, the SSB patterns of Set 1 (Case A and Case B, i.e., subcarrier spacing of 15kHz / 30kHz) are applicable to frequency ranges below 3GHz or 6GHz; the SSB pattern of Set 1 (Case C, i.e., subcarrier spacing of 120kHz) is applicable to frequency ranges within FR2-1 (24.25GHz to 52.6GHz). As another example, taking Table 5 above as an example, all cases in Set 1 are applicable to frequency ranges below 3GHz.

[0115] For example, taking Table 5 above as an example, the SSB pattern of Case C (i.e., 60kHz) in set 2 can be applied to frequencies from 6GHz to 24GHz. Furthermore, for frequencies from 6GHz to 24GHz or above 6GHz, all cases in set 2 are applicable.

[0116] Optionally, different operating frequency bands correspond to different SSB patterns. For example, different default SSB patterns can be defined for different frequency bands. This default SSB pattern can be the SSB pattern of set 1 or the SSB pattern of set 2; it can also include SSB patterns from both sets 1 and 2. The terminal can determine the SSB pattern corresponding to the frequency range based on the operating frequency band, and thus receive SSBs based on the SSB pattern.

[0117] For example, the correspondence between operating frequency bands and SSB patterns can be shown in Table 6.

[0118] Table 6

[0119] In Table 6, Band X represents the migration spectrum from the second communication protocol to the first communication protocol. The first and second communication protocols share this spectrum, and the default SSB pattern for Band X is the SSB pattern of set 1. Band Y represents the migration spectrum from the second communication protocol to the first communication protocol. Band Y can have multiple default SSB patterns, such as sets 1 and 2, which can be used for different deployment scenarios. Band Z represents the spectrum dedicated to the second communication protocol, which can also be understood as a newly introduced spectrum compared to the first communication protocol. There is no scenario where the spectrum coexists. Its default SSB pattern can be the SSB pattern dedicated to the second communication protocol, such as the SSB pattern of set 2.

[0120] Optionally, different SSB patterns can be defined for different operating frequency bands, and possible SSB frequency location ranges can also be defined for different frequency bands, such as the GSCN range in Table 6. The frequency locations of GSCN and SSB have a corresponding relationship.

[0121] Optionally, different application scenarios correspond to different SSB styles. For example, application scenarios include: spectrum sharing scenarios and spectrum non-sharing scenarios. For example, for spectrum sharing scenarios, SSB styles of set 1 can be used. For spectrum non-sharing scenarios, SSB styles of set 2 can be used. The examples of application scenarios in this disclosure are merely illustrative and are not limited thereto.

[0122] In some embodiments, different synchronization raster and / or different synchronization channel numbers within a frequency range correspond to different SSB patterns.

[0123] For example, if there are two or more SSB patterns in a frequency range, different synchronization channel grids and / or different synchronization channel numbers in the frequency range correspond to different SSB patterns.

[0124] For example, if there are SSB patterns shared by the first and second communication protocols and SSB patterns specific to the first communication protocol within a frequency range, they can be distinguished by defining different synchronization rasteres and / or different synchronization channel numbers. This ensures that different SSB patterns correspond to different central carrier frequency positions.

[0125] For example, for Band Y in Table 6, its corresponding SSB patterns include set 1 (shared by the first and second communication protocols) SSB patterns and set 2 (dedicated to the first communication protocol) SSB patterns. Different SSB patterns corresponding to Band Y can correspond to different synchronization channel grids and / or different synchronization channel numbers.

[0126] For example, for the SSB pattern shared by the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol, the corresponding synchronization channel grid and synchronization channel number can be shown in Table 7.

[0127] Table 7

[0128] For example, for the SSB pattern specific to the first communication protocol, the corresponding synchronization channel grid and synchronization channel number can be shown in Table 8.

[0129] Table 8

[0130] In some embodiments, the SSB includes first indication information, which indicates that the carrier corresponding to the SSB is a shared carrier of the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol, or that the carrier corresponding to the SSB is a carrier dedicated to the first communication protocol or the second communication protocol.

[0131] For example, when a user initially accesses the network, if a terminal that supports the first communication protocol retrieves an SSB pattern shared by the first and second communication protocols, it can distinguish whether the current carrier is a dedicated carrier for the second communication protocol or a shared carrier for the first and second communication protocols by indicating whether the current carrier is a dedicated carrier for the second communication protocol or a shared carrier for the first and second communication protocols.

[0132] For example, a terminal supporting the first communication protocol can determine whether the carrier is a dedicated carrier for the second communication protocol or a shared carrier for both the first and second communication protocols through redundant bits in the Master Information Block (MIB).

[0133] For example, when a terminal supporting the first communication protocol detects that the carrier is a dedicated carrier for the second communication protocol, it can fall back to the second communication protocol standard to access the carrier. Alternatively, a terminal supporting the first communication protocol can exit the carrier and continue searching for other available potential carriers.

[0134] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by terminal 101, the method including:

[0135] Step S3101: Obtain SSB based on SSB style.

[0136] The optional implementation of step S3101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2a, and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0137] In some embodiments, terminal 101 receives an SSB sent by network device 102 based on an SSB pattern, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive an SSB sent by other entities based on an SSB pattern.

[0138] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a network device 102, the method comprising:

[0139] Step S4101: Send SSB based on SSB pattern.

[0140] The optional implementation of step S4101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2a, and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0141] In some embodiments, network device 102 sends an SSB to terminal 101 based on an SSB pattern, but is not limited thereto; it may also send an SSB to other entities based on an SSB pattern.

[0142] This disclosure provides a design method for SSB styles, as follows:

[0143] In some embodiments, multiple SSB styles can be designed for 6G systems:

[0144] One type of SSB pattern set is compatible with 5G / 6G, and the PBCH is shared by 5G / 6G systems in the scenario of 5G / 6G spectrum coexistence; it ensures compatibility with 5G terminals and 6G terminals, while also reducing the overhead caused by system transmission SSB.

[0145] Another type of SSB pattern set: This is a newly designed SSB pattern for 6G systems, used in non-spectrum sharing scenarios, and is not compatible with 5G terminals.

[0146] In some embodiments, a default SSB pattern applicable to different frequency ranges and frequency bands is determined based on the spectrum coexistence scenario and frequency range for initial random access of the terminal.

[0147] In some embodiments, for frequency bands where 5G and 6G spectrum coexist, 5G / 6G systems are compatible by using the existing 5G SSB pattern and the corresponding 5GPBCH synchronization channel grid and location.

[0148] In some embodiments, for frequencies that simultaneously have 5G / 6G compatible SSB and 6G dedicated SSB styles, different synchronization raster and global synchronization channel number (GSCN) are defined to ensure that the SSB frequency positions of different styles are different; this ensures that the terminal can distinguish between the two different PBCH styles.

[0149] In some embodiments, for 5G / 6G shared SSBs, in order for 6G terminals to identify whether the current network is a dedicated 5G network or a network that is also compatible with 6G terminals, a specific indication in the SSB is used to confirm whether the 6G terminal can access the carrier.

[0150] For example, multiple SSB pattern sets were designed in the 6G system, as shown in Table 5. One set (Set 1) is a PBCH pattern designed for 5G / 6G spectrum coexistence scenarios, which is compatible with random access from both 5G and 6G terminals. Another set is a 6G-specific PBCH pattern designed for 6G terminals.

[0151] In some embodiments, the scope of application for different PBCH pattern sets can be defined based on frequency range and / or application scenario.

[0152] (1) Divided according to frequency range, for example:

[0153] For the 5G / 6G public SSB pattern of Set 1, the 15kHz / 30kHz SSB is only applicable to the frequency range of 3GHz or below 6GHz; the 120kHz SSB is only applicable to the frequency range within FR2-1 (24.25GHz~52.6GHz); or the public SSB pattern is only applicable to below 3GHz.

[0154] The 6G dedicated SSB in Set 2 is applicable to different frequency ranges. For example, the 60kHz SSB is applicable to 6GHz to 24GHz, or based on the frequency range, such as for new 6G frequencies like 6GHz to 24GHz or frequencies above 6GHz, only the 6G dedicated SSB style is applicable.

[0155] (2) Classified according to frequency range and application scenario, for example:

[0156] For the 5G / 6G public SSB in Set 1, it is only applicable to 5G system migration frequency bands and dynamic spectrum sharing scenarios. For example, the 15kHz / 30kHz SSB is only applicable to the frequency range below 3GHz; the 120kHz SSB is only applicable to the frequency range within FR2-1 (24.25GHz~52.6GHz).

[0157] In some embodiments, different default SSB patterns are defined for different frequency bands. The default SSB pattern can be the common SSB pattern of set 15G / 6G, or the 6G dedicated SSB in set 2; it can also include the common SSB pattern of set 1 5G / 6G and the 6G dedicated SSB in set 2.

[0158] In some embodiments, Table 6 defines the default SSB pattern for each band when a 6G terminal initially accesses it, and also defines the possible frequency location range of the corresponding SSB for different SSB patterns.

[0159] Band X is a 5G migration spectrum that requires 5G and 6G spectrum sharing. Its default PBCH style is a 5G / 6G system shared PBCH.

[0160] Band Y represents the 5G migration spectrum, defining multiple default PBCH patterns, including both a common PBCH pattern for 5G / 6G systems and a dedicated PBCH pattern for 6G; these are used to address different deployment scenarios. The common PBCH pattern for 5G / 6G systems is used in scenarios where there is dynamic sharing of 5G and 6G spectrum.

[0161] Band Z is a newly introduced spectrum for 6G, and there are no scenarios where 5G and 6G spectrum coexist. Its default PBCH is a dedicated 6G PBCH.

[0162] In some embodiments, for the simultaneous existence of 5G / 6G system common SSB patterns and 6G dedicated SSB patterns in the same frequency range, different synchronization raster and global synchronization channel number are defined to ensure that the central frequency position of the SSB of different patterns is different, as shown in Table 7.

[0163] For example, as shown in Table 6, band Y includes both the common SSB pattern for 5G / 6G systems and the dedicated SSB pattern for 6G. Through predefined synchronization channel numbers and synchronization channel grid mapping relationships, it ensures that the two different PBCH patterns are located at different positions in the frequency range and can be distinguished.

[0164] In some embodiments, during initial user access, if a 6G terminal finds a shared 5G / 6G SSB, it can distinguish whether the current carrier is a dedicated 5G carrier or a shared 5G / 6G carrier by indicating whether the carrier is dedicated to 5G or shared by 5G / 6G. For example, the 6G terminal can determine whether the carrier is dedicated to 5G or shared by 5G / 6G by using redundant bits in the MIB information. When the 6G terminal detects that it is a dedicated 5G carrier, the terminal can fall back to the 5G standard to access the carrier, or the 6G terminal can exit the carrier and continue searching for other available potential 6G carriers.

[0165] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0166] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0167] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0168] Figure 5a is a schematic diagram of the terminal structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5a, the terminal 5100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 5101 and a processing module 5102. The transceiver module 5101 is used to receive SSBs based on a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) pattern. The terminal supports a first communication protocol, and the SSB pattern includes at least one of the following: an SSB pattern shared by the first and second communication protocols; or an SSB pattern specific to the first communication protocol; wherein the first communication protocol is later than the second communication protocol.

[0169] In some embodiments, the SSB pattern shared by the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol is the complete set or a subset of the SSB patterns corresponding to the second communication protocol.

[0170] In some embodiments, different frequency ranges correspond to different SSB patterns; or, different operating frequency bands correspond to different SSB patterns; or, different application scenarios correspond to different SSB patterns.

[0171] In some embodiments, the application scenarios include: spectrum sharing scenarios; spectrum non-sharing scenarios.

[0172] In some embodiments, different synchronization channel grids and / or different synchronization channel numbers within a frequency range correspond to different SSB patterns.

[0173] In some embodiments, the SSB includes first indication information, which indicates that the carrier corresponding to the SSB is a shared carrier of the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol, or that the carrier corresponding to the SSB is a carrier dedicated to the first communication protocol or the second communication protocol.

[0174] Figure 5b is a schematic diagram of the network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5b, the network device 5200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 5201 and a processing module 5202. The transceiver module 5201 is used to transmit SSBs based on a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) pattern. The network device supports a first communication protocol, and the SSB pattern includes at least one of the following: an SSB pattern shared by the first and second communication protocols; and an SSB pattern specific to the first communication protocol; wherein the first communication protocol is later than the second communication protocol.

[0175] In some embodiments, the SSB pattern shared by the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol is the complete set or a subset of the SSB patterns corresponding to the second communication protocol.

[0176] In some embodiments, different frequency ranges correspond to different SSB patterns; or, different operating frequency bands correspond to different SSB patterns; or, different application scenarios correspond to different SSB patterns.

[0177] In some embodiments, the application scenarios include: spectrum sharing scenarios; spectrum non-sharing scenarios.

[0178] In some embodiments, different synchronization channel grids and / or different synchronization channel numbers within a frequency range correspond to different SSB patterns.

[0179] In some embodiments, the SSB includes first indication information, which indicates that the carrier corresponding to the SSB is a shared carrier of the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol, or that the carrier corresponding to the SSB is a carrier dedicated to the first communication protocol or the second communication protocol.

[0180] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 6100 can be a network device, a terminal, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods; alternatively, the network device can be an access network device, a core network device, etc. Optionally, the terminal can be a user equipment, etc. The communication device 6100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0181] As shown in Figure 6a, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the communication device, execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 6100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, the communication device can be a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal, a terminal chip, a DU, or a CU, etc.

[0182] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6102 may also be located outside the communication device 6100.

[0183] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6103. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6103, the transceivers 6103 perform communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, such as step S2101, but are not limited thereto. The processor 6201 performs other steps, but is not limited thereto.

[0184] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0185] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuit 6104 is connected to the memory 6102, and the interface circuit 6104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 6102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 6102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 6104 can read instructions stored in the memory 6102 and send the instructions to the processor 6101.

[0186] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may not be limited by FIG. 6a. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal, smart terminal, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0187] Figure 6b is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 6200 shown in Figure 6b, but it is not limited thereto.

[0188] Chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201, which are used to perform any of the above methods.

[0189] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Optionally, the interface circuit 6202 is connected to memory 6203, and the interface circuit 6202 can be used to receive signals from memory 6203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 6202 can be used to send signals to memory 6203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 6202 can read instructions stored in memory 6203 and send the instructions to processor 6201.

[0190] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, such as step S2101, but is not limited thereto. The processor 6201 performs other steps, but is not limited thereto.

[0191] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0192] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6203 may be located outside of chip 6200.

[0193] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 6100, cause the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0194] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 6100, causes the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0195] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a terminal, and the method includes: The terminal receives SSBs based on the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) pattern, and supports a first communication protocol. The SSB pattern includes at least one of the following: an SSB pattern shared by the first and second communication protocols; or an SSB pattern specific to the first communication protocol. The first communication protocol is later than the second communication protocol.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The SSB pattern shared by the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol is the complete set or a subset of the SSB patterns corresponding to the second communication protocol.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, Different frequency ranges correspond to different SSB patterns; or, Different operating frequency bands correspond to different SSB patterns; or, Different application scenarios correspond to different SSB styles.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The application scenarios include: spectrum sharing scenarios; spectrum non-sharing scenarios.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, Different synchronization channel grids and / or different synchronization channel numbers within a frequency range correspond to different SSB patterns.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The SSB includes first indication information, which indicates that the carrier corresponding to the SSB is a shared carrier of the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol, or that the carrier corresponding to the SSB is a carrier dedicated to the first communication protocol or the second communication protocol.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a network device, and the method includes: The network device transmits SSBs based on the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) pattern, and supports a first communication protocol. The SSB pattern includes at least one of the following: an SSB pattern shared by the first and second communication protocols; or an SSB pattern specific to the first communication protocol. The first communication protocol is later than the second communication protocol.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The SSB pattern shared by the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol is the complete set or a subset of the SSB patterns corresponding to the second communication protocol.

9. The method according to any one of claims 7-8, characterized in that, Different frequency ranges correspond to different SSB patterns; or, Different operating frequency bands correspond to different SSB patterns; or, Different application scenarios correspond to different SSB styles.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The application scenarios include: spectrum sharing scenarios; spectrum non-sharing scenarios.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7-8, characterized in that, Different synchronization channel grids and / or different synchronization channel numbers within a frequency range correspond to different SSB patterns.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7-11, characterized in that, The SSB includes first indication information, which indicates that the carrier corresponding to the SSB is a shared carrier of the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol, or that the carrier corresponding to the SSB is a carrier dedicated to the first communication protocol or the second communication protocol.

13. A terminal, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to receive SSBs based on the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) pattern. The terminal supports a first communication protocol, and the SSB pattern includes at least one of the following: an SSB pattern shared by the first communication protocol and a second communication protocol; or an SSB pattern specific to the first communication protocol. The first communication protocol is later than the second communication protocol.

14. A network device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to send SSBs based on the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) pattern. The network device supports a first communication protocol, and the SSB pattern includes at least one of the following: an SSB pattern shared by the first communication protocol and a second communication protocol; or an SSB pattern specific to the first communication protocol. The first communication protocol is later than the second communication protocol.

15. A terminal, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The processor is used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1-6.

16. A network device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The processor is used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 7-12.

17. A communication system, characterized in that, include: A terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 1-6, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 7-12.

18. A storage medium, characterized in that, include: The storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-6 or 7-12.

19. A program product, characterized in that, include: A computer program, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-6 or 7-12.

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