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

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. The method comprises: receiving first indication information sent by a network device, wherein the first indication information is used for indicating time information corresponding to activated random access channel (RACH) configuration information among at least one piece of RACH configuration information. In the method of the present disclosure, a terminal can determine, on the basis of the first indication information sent by the network device, the time information corresponding to the activated RACH configuration information among the at least one piece of RACH configuration information, thereby determining a period of time during which the activated RACH configuration information is available, rationally using RACH resources, facilitating load balancing, and improving random access performance.

Description

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

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

[0002] In mobile communication networks, terminals can establish connections with the network based on random access to transmit data. In some application scenarios, such as network energy saving (NES), the network can configure multiple Random Access Channel (RACH) resources for the terminal for random access. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Among the multiple RACH resources configured on a network device, determining whether a RACH resource is available is a question that needs to be clarified.

[0004] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a terminal, the method comprising:

[0006] The network device receives a first indication message, which indicates the time information corresponding to the activated RACH configuration information in at least one RACH configuration message.

[0007] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0008] Send a first indication message to the terminal, the first indication message being used to indicate: the time information corresponding to the activated RACH configuration information in at least one random access channel RACH configuration information.

[0009] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device for performing the method described in the first or second aspect.

[0010] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including a terminal and a network device, wherein,

[0011] The terminal is configured to implement the method as described in the first aspect;

[0012] The network device is configured to implement the method as described in the second aspect.

[0013] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions, wherein...

[0014] When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0015] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of this disclosure provides a program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program and instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0016] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the terminal can determine the time information corresponding to the activated RACH configuration information in at least one RACH configuration information according to the first indication information sent by the network device, thereby determining the available time period of the activated RACH configuration information, making reasonable use of RACH resources, facilitating load balancing, and improving random access performance. Attached Figure Description

[0017] 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.

[0018] Figure 1A is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figures 1B to 1C are schematic flowcharts illustrating a random access procedure according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2 is an exemplary interactive diagram of a method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figures 3A and 3B are exemplary interactive schematic diagrams of the method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0026] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0027] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a terminal, the method comprising:

[0028] The network device receives a first indication message, which indicates the time information corresponding to the activated RACH configuration information in at least one RACH configuration message.

[0029] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the time information corresponding to the activated RACH configuration information in at least one RACH configuration information according to the first indication information sent by the network device, thereby determining the available time period of the activated RACH configuration information, making reasonable use of RACH resources, facilitating load balancing, and improving random access performance.

[0030] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the time information is: the time window in which the activated Random Access Occasion (RO) occurs;

[0031] The activated RO is associated with the activated RACH configuration information.

[0032] In the above embodiments, the terminal can initiate random access within the time window of the activated RO, thereby improving random access performance.

[0033] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information includes one of the following:

[0034] The first bitmap, in which multiple bits correspond one-to-one with multiple System Frame Numbers (SFNs), and the time window includes the first SFN among the multiple SFNs; wherein, the first SFN corresponds to the bit in the first bitmap with a first value;

[0035] The second bitmap has multiple bits that correspond one-to-one with multiple RACH configuration periods, and the time window includes the first RACH configuration period among the multiple RACH configuration periods; wherein, the first RACH configuration period corresponds to the bit in the second bitmap that has a first value.

[0036] The third bitmap, wherein multiple bits in the third bitmap correspond one-to-one with multiple RACH association periods, and the time window includes the first RACH association period among the multiple RACH association periods; wherein the first RACH association period corresponds to the bit in the third bitmap with a value of the first value.

[0037] The RACH configuration period and / or the RACH association period are configured by the network device to determine the mapping relationship between the Synchronization Signal Physical Broadcast Channel Block (SSB) and the RO.

[0038] In the above embodiments, the terminal can learn the SFN, RACH configuration period or RACH association period corresponding to the time window based on the first indication information, so that the terminal can initiate random access based on the activated RO at the corresponding location, thereby improving the performance of random access.

[0039] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0040] The duration of the time window;

[0041] The period of the time window;

[0042] The starting offset of the time window.

[0043] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the position of the time window based on the first indication information, and then initiate random access based on the activated RO within the time window to improve the performance of random access.

[0044] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the duration of the time window includes at least one of the following:

[0045] Several SFNs;

[0046] Several RACH configuration cycles;

[0047] Several RACH correlation cycles.

[0048] In the above embodiments, the time window can last for a certain period of time, during which the terminal can use the activated RO to initiate random access, thereby improving the performance of random access.

[0049] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the start time of the time window is determined based on the start offset.

[0050] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the start time of the time window based on the start offset, thereby accurately locating the time window and facilitating the application of the activated RO within the appropriate time window.

[0051] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the start time of the time window is the SFN that satisfies a first condition, wherein the first condition is SFN mod period = start offset.

[0052] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the start time of the time window based on the SFN that meets the conditions, thereby accurately locating the time window and facilitating the application of the activated RO within the appropriate time window.

[0053] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0054] The network device receives a second indication message, which indicates the activation of one or more RACH configuration messages among the at least one RACH configuration messages.

[0055] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the activated RACH configuration information according to the second indication information sent by the network device, thereby facilitating the determination of the available time period of the activated RACH configuration information, which is beneficial for the reasonable use of RACH resources at the appropriate time and improving random access performance.

[0056] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the start time of the time window in which the activated RO is located is determined based on the reception time of the second instruction information.

[0057] In the above embodiments, the terminal determines the start time of the time window based on the reception time of the second indication information, thereby accurately determining the position of the time window, which facilitates the application of the activated RO within a suitable time window and helps to save configuration parameters.

[0058] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the start time of the time window is one of the following:

[0059] The time of receiving the second instruction information;

[0060] The next SFN in which the receiving time is located;

[0061] The end time of the RACH configuration period in which the receiving time is located;

[0062] The receiving time is the end time of the RACH associated period.

[0063] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the start time of the time window based on different methods, thereby accurately determining the position of the time window, so as to facilitate the application of the activated RO within the appropriate time window.

[0064] In conjunction with embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second indication information is sent via paging downlink control information (DCI) or random access response (RAR).

[0065] In the above embodiments, the second indication information can be sent via DCI or RAR, saving signaling resources and improving scheduling flexibility.

[0066] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the at least one RACH configuration information satisfies at least one of the following:

[0067] Each RACH configuration information is associated with an index;

[0068] Each RACH configuration information is associated with a corresponding preamble information;

[0069] Each RACH configuration information is associated with a corresponding RO;

[0070] The at least one RACH configuration information includes RACH configuration information that is activated or deactivated by the network device.

[0071] In the above embodiments, each RACH resource configuration information is associated with an index, which facilitates the differentiation of different RACH configuration information through the index; each RACH resource configuration information is associated with a corresponding RACH resource, such as preamble information and RO, which facilitates the terminal to use the corresponding RACH resource for random access; at least one RACH configuration information includes different types of RACH configuration information, which facilitates the terminal to perform random access based on appropriate RACH configuration information in different scenarios, and can meet the service needs in different scenarios.

[0072] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information is transmitted via System Information (SI) broadcast.

[0073] In the above embodiments, different terminals can obtain the first indication information based on SI, thereby obtaining the available time of the activated RACH configuration information, which facilitates the terminal to perform random access at an appropriate time.

[0074] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0075] Send a first indication message to the terminal, the first indication message being used to indicate: the time information corresponding to the activated RACH configuration information in at least one random access channel RACH configuration information.

[0076] In the above embodiments, the network device can send a first indication information to the terminal, indicating the time information corresponding to the activated RACH configuration information in at least one RACH configuration information, so that the terminal can determine the available time period of the activated RACH configuration information, make reasonable use of RACH resources, facilitate load balancing, and improve random access performance.

[0077] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the time information is: the time window in which the activated random access opportunity (RO) is located;

[0078] The activated RO is associated with the activated RACH configuration information.

[0079] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information includes one of the following:

[0080] The first bitmap, in which multiple bits correspond one-to-one with multiple system frame numbers (SFNs), and the time window includes the first SFN among the multiple SFNs; wherein, the first SFN corresponds to the bit in the first bitmap with a value of a first value;

[0081] The second bitmap has multiple bits that correspond one-to-one with multiple RACH configuration periods, and the time window includes the first RACH configuration period among the multiple RACH configuration periods; wherein, the first RACH configuration period corresponds to the bit in the second bitmap that has a first value.

[0082] The third bitmap, wherein multiple bits in the third bitmap correspond one-to-one with multiple RACH association periods, and the time window includes the first RACH association period among the multiple RACH association periods; wherein the first RACH association period corresponds to the bit in the third bitmap with a value of the first value.

[0083] The RACH configuration period and / or the RACH association period are configured by the network device to determine the mapping relationship between the synchronization signal block (SSB) and the random access opportunity (RO).

[0084] In conjunction with embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0085] The duration of the time window;

[0086] The period of the time window;

[0087] The starting offset of the time window.

[0088] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the duration of the time window includes at least one of the following:

[0089] Several SFNs;

[0090] Several RACH configuration cycles;

[0091] Several RACH correlation cycles.

[0092] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the start time of the time window is determined based on the start offset.

[0093] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the start time of the time window is the SFN that satisfies the first condition, where the first condition is SFN mod period = start offset.

[0094] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0095] Send a second indication message to the terminal, the second indication message being used to indicate the activation of one or more of the at least one RACH configuration information.

[0096] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the start time of the time window in which the activated RO is located is determined based on the reception time of the second instruction information.

[0097] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the start time of the time window is one of the following:

[0098] The time of receiving the second instruction information;

[0099] The next SFN in which the receiving time is located;

[0100] The end time of the RACH configuration period in which the receiving time is located;

[0101] The receiving time is the end time of the RACH associated period.

[0102] In conjunction with embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second indication information is sent via paging downlink control information (DCI) or random access response (RAR).

[0103] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the at least one RACH configuration information satisfies at least one of the following:

[0104] Each RACH configuration information is associated with an index;

[0105] Each RACH configuration information is associated with a corresponding preamble information;

[0106] Each RACH configuration information is associated with a corresponding random access opportunity (RO).

[0107] The at least one RACH configuration information includes RACH configuration information that is activated or deactivated by the network device.

[0108] In conjunction with embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information is broadcast via system information SI.

[0109] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device for performing the method described in the first or second aspect.

[0110] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including a terminal and a network device, wherein,

[0111] The terminal is configured to implement the method as described in the first aspect;

[0112] The network device is configured to implement the method as described in the second aspect.

[0113] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions, wherein...

[0114] When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0115] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of this disclosure provides a program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program and instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0116] It is understood that the aforementioned communication equipment, communication system, storage medium, program product, etc., are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0117] This disclosure provides communication methods, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, and program products. In some embodiments, terms such as communication method and information processing method may be used interchangeably.

[0118] 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. In all embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0122] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0123] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0124] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0125] 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.

[0126] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0127] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0128] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0129] 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”.

[0130] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “network function,” “network device,” “function,” “node,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0131] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0132] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0133] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0134] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0135] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0136] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0137] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0138] 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.

[0139] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102.

[0141] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, for example, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0142] In some embodiments, network device 102 may include at least one of access network device and core network device.

[0143] 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 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, but is not limited thereto.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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 the following: Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), and Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0147] 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.

[0148] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1A, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1A are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1A, or it may include other main bodies outside of FIG1A. 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.

[0149] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0150] In some implementations, 5G communication systems developed under the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) can meet users' demands for speed, latency, high-speed mobility, energy efficiency, and the diverse and complex needs of future services. The main application scenarios for 5G are: Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC), and Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC). eMBB, targeting users' access to multimedia content, services, and data, is experiencing rapid demand growth. However, because eMBB may be deployed in different scenarios, such as indoors, urban areas, and rural areas, its capabilities and requirements vary significantly, requiring detailed analysis based on specific deployment scenarios. Typical applications of URLLC include industrial automation, power automation, remote medical operations (surgery), and traffic safety assurance. Typical characteristics of mMTC include high connection density, small data volume, latency-insensitive services, low module cost, and long module lifespan.

[0151] In some implementations, the terminal can initiate a random access procedure to the network side. This could be a 4-step random access procedure as shown in Figure 1B or a 2-step random access procedure as shown in Figure 1C.

[0152] As shown in Figure 1B, in the 4-step random access process, the terminal sends MSG1, receives MSG2, sends MSG3, and receives MSG4 in a cell. The 4-step random access process may include the following steps:

[0153] In step S1101, the terminal (UE) sends MSG1 to the network device (gNB), wherein MSG1 includes a Random Access (RA) preamble.

[0154] In the first step, the terminal determines the relationship between the SSB and the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) resources and / or preamble based on the higher-layer configuration.

[0155] The terminal can receive a set of SSBs and determine their Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP) values, and select appropriate SSBs according to a threshold; the range of RACH resources and preamble resources is determined based on the selected SSBs and the correspondence between the SSBs and RACH resources.

[0156] The terminal selects a preamble group based on the size of MSG3, and then randomly selects a preamble within the preamble group.

[0157] The target received power is set as: preambleReceivedTargetPower + DELTA_PREAMBLE + (PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER – 1) × powerRampingStep; where preambleReceivedTargetPower represents the target power for the preamble, DELTA_PREAMBLE represents the preamble power offset, PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER represents the number of preamble power ramps, and powerRampingStep represents the power ramp step size.

[0158] The terminal transmits the sequence on the PRACH time-frequency domain resource.

[0159] In step S1102, the network device sends MSG2 to the terminal, wherein MSG2 includes RAR. The terminal 101 receives MSG2.

[0160] In the second step, the Random Access Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RA-RNTI) is determined based on the PRACH time-frequency domain resources for transmitting MSG1. The RA-RNTI is calculated as follows: RA-RNTI = 1 + s_id + 14 × t_id + 14 × 80 × f_id + 14 × 80 × 8 × ul_carrier_id; where s_id represents the index of the first OFDM symbol of the PRACH timing, t_id represents the index of the first slot of the PRACH timing in the system frame, f_id represents the index of the PRACH timing in the frequency domain, and ul_carrier_id represents the uplink carrier index used to transmit MSG1.

[0161] The terminal opens the RAR time window (RA-Response Window) at the first Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) occasion after sending the preamble, and listens to the PDCCH scrambled with RA-RNTI during the operation of the time window in order to receive the RAR corresponding to RA-RNTI.

[0162] If no RAR is received within the RAR monitoring window, or if no RAR corresponding to the Random Access Preamble Identifier (RAPID) is received, then power ramping is performed and MSG1 retransmission is executed. Whether ramping is performed depends on whether the beam is switched.

[0163] If a RAR is received within the RAR monitoring window, and if it is the first time a RAR has been received, the Medium Access Control Protocol Data Unit (MAC PDU) is obtained from the multiplexing and assembly entity and stored in the MSG3 buffer.

[0164] In step S1103, the terminal sends MSG3 to the network device, wherein MSG3 includes a scheduled transmission.

[0165] In the third step, if the terminal does not have its own Cell-Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), the execution of the RACH is triggered by the Common Control Channel (CCCH), and MSG3 generates a MAC PDU for the CCCH Service Data Unit (SDU) input; if the terminal has its own C-RNTI, the terminal indicates that the multiplexing and assembly entity includes a C-RNTI Media Access Control Control Element (MAC CE), and MSG3 generates a MAC PDU for the C-RNTI MAC CE input.

[0166] Obtain the MAC PDU from the MSG3 buffer and transmit the MAC PDU based on the Uplink Grant (UL Grant) in the RAR.

[0167] After MSG3 is transmitted, a random access conflict resolution timer (RA) is started and the PDCCH is listened to during the timer's operation. If MSG3 contains C-RNTI MAC CE, the terminal listens to the PDCCH scrambled with that C-RNTI. If MSG3 does not contain C-RNTI MAC CE, the terminal listens to a temporary C-RNTI and receives MSG4.

[0168] When MSG3 performs a Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) retransmission, the timer is restarted; the terminal will continue to listen to PDCCH until the timer expires or stops; MSG3 HARQ retransmission is scrambled and scheduled based on temporary C-RNTI.

[0169] In step S1104, the network device sends MSG4 to the terminal, where MSG4 is used for conflict resolution.

[0170] In the fourth step, if MSG3 contains C-RNTI MAC CE, the terminal listens for the PDCCH scrambled by C-RNTI. If it hears the PDCCH, the conflict is considered to have been resolved successfully; if it does not hear the PDCCH, the conflict is considered to have been resolved unsuccessfully.

[0171] If MSG3 does not contain C-RNTI MAC CE, the terminal listens for temporary C-RNTI and receives MSG4. If MSG4 is received and it matches CCCH SDU, the conflict resolution is successful; otherwise, the conflict resolution fails.

[0172] If conflict resolution fails, the terminal will perform a power ramp (whether it ramps depends on whether beam is switched) and resend MSG1.

[0173] As shown in Figure 1C, the two-step random access process may include the following steps:

[0174] Step S1201: The network device assigns a random access preamble to the terminal.

[0175] Step S1202: The terminal sends MSG1 to the network device. MSG1 includes a random access preamble (first step).

[0176] Step S1203: The network device sends MSG2 to the terminal, which includes a random access response (second step).

[0177] In some implementations, in New Radio (NR), a supplementary uplink (SUL) frequency is introduced in a cell in addition to the normal uplink (NUL) to improve uplink coverage in the NR high-frequency band. Terminal uplink power is limited, and the NR spectrum (high frequency, high propagation loss) has a relatively high frequency, thus limiting uplink coverage. To improve uplink coverage, the LTE spectrum (relatively lower frequency) is used for uplink, which can enhance uplink coverage. Specifically:

[0178] Two uplinks (UL) and one downlink (DL) belong to the same cell, and at most one Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) can be used for transmission at any given time.

[0179] Unless the network side explicitly instructs the terminal to use a UL, the terminal determines the UL selection based on a measurement threshold, which is configured in the system broadcast.

[0180] Dynamic switching between two UL carriers is possible, indicated by DCI.

[0181] In some implementations, a set of RACH resource configurations is configured independently on the NUL and SUL, including independent per-carrier preamble configurations, independent per-carrier RO resource configurations, independent RACH control parameter configurations, and so on.

[0182] In some implementations of the Network Energy Saving (NES) feature in Release 19 (R19), to support network energy saving, in addition to the conventional (legacy) RACH resource configuration, an adaptive RACH configuration can be provided, such as configuring an additional set of RACH resources. This additional set of RACH resources can be activated or deactivated by the network. Other scenarios or features may also include other methods or approaches for activating the RACH configuration.

[0183] After RACH configuration is activated, a problem that needs to be solved is how to inform other terminals of the availability of the RACH resource and the available time period. Furthermore, as described in the preceding implementation, RACH configuration activation can increase RACH capacity; however, for network energy saving and load congestion management, the activated RACH configuration cannot remain active indefinitely. Therefore, how to define the RACH activation time period is also a problem that needs to be clarified. A method needs to be provided for terminals to determine whether the RACH configuration is available and, if so, the available time period.

[0184] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:

[0185] In step S2101, network device 102 sends at least one RACH configuration information to terminal 101.

[0186] In some embodiments, terminal 101 receives at least one RACH configuration information.

[0187] Optionally, terminal 101 can be in RRC idle state (RRC_IDLE), RRC inactive state (RRC_INACTIVE), or RRC connected state (RRC_CONNECTED).

[0188] In some embodiments, network device 102 may send at least one RACH configuration information via a signaling signal, or each RACH configuration information may be sent separately via a signaling signal.

[0189] Optionally, at least one RACH configuration information can also be referred to as at least one set of RACH configuration information.

[0190] Optionally, RACH configuration information can also be referred to as RACH resource configuration or RACH resource configuration information. The related resources or information configured or included in the RACH configuration information can be referred to as RACH resources.

[0191] In some embodiments, at least one RACH configuration information satisfies at least one of the following:

[0192] Each RACH configuration information is associated with an index;

[0193] Each RACH configuration information is associated with a corresponding preamble information;

[0194] Each RACH configuration information is associated with a corresponding RO;

[0195] At least one RACH configuration information includes RACH configuration information that has been activated or deactivated by the network device.

[0196] Optionally, each RACH configuration information is associated with an index, which identifies each RACH configuration information. For example, N RACH configuration information are associated with indices 0, 1, 3, ..., N. Each RACH configuration information may include a corresponding RACH resource, which may refer to at least one of the following: preamble, RO or RO resource, RACH control parameter configuration, etc.

[0197] Optionally, each RACH configuration information is associated with a preamble information, such as a configuration of 64 preambles.

[0198] In one example, each RACH configuration information is associated with a corresponding preamble information or preamble configuration. Preamble information can be configured per RACH configuration information, and preamble information associated with different RACH configuration information can be independent of each other. Preamble information can also be configured per RACH configuration group; for example, multiple RACH configuration information within the same RACH configuration group can be associated with the same preamble information. Preamble information associated with different RACH configuration groups can be independent of each other, such as configuring preamble information per carrier.

[0199] Optionally, each RACH configuration information is associated with a corresponding RO, RO resource, or RO resource configuration, and the ROs associated with different RACH configuration information can be independent of each other. Optionally, ROs can be configured on a per-carrier basis (per-carrier RO).

[0200] Optionally, each RACH configuration information is associated with a corresponding RACH control parameter configuration, and the RACH control parameter configurations associated with different RACH configuration information can be independent of each other.

[0201] Optionally, at least one RACH configuration information includes RACH configuration information activated or deactivated by a network device. The RACH configuration information activated or deactivated by a network device is, for example, RACH configuration information configured as an additional feature under NES. The RACH configuration information is activated or deactivated by network device 102. For example, network device 102 can activate the RACH configuration information through DCI such as paging DCI, RAR, or MAC CE.

[0202] Optionally, at least one RACH configuration information may also include traditional or legacy RACH configuration information. For example, under NES features, the RACH configuration information includes legacy RACH configuration information and additional RACH configuration information, which can be activated or deactivated via network signaling.

[0203] In some embodiments, network device 102 sends at least one RACH configuration message via RRC signaling or SI.

[0204] Optionally, network device 102 may broadcast at least one RACH configuration message via SI.

[0205] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0206] In some embodiments, the terms “downlink control information (DCI),” “downlink (DL) assignment,” “DL DCI,” “uplink (UL) grant,” and “UL DCI” can be used interchangeably.

[0207] 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.

[0208] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0209] In step S2102, network device 102 sends first instruction information to terminal 101.

[0210] In some embodiments, terminal 101 receives first indication information sent by network device 102.

[0211] In some embodiments, the first indication information is used to indicate: in at least one RACH configuration information, the time information corresponding to the activated RACH configuration information. For example, the first indication information may specify the available or valid time information for the activated RACH configuration information.

[0212] Optionally, the first indication information is sent via SI broadcast.

[0213] Optionally, the first indication information can be sent with at least one RACH configuration information via the same signaling, such as via the same SI, in which case steps S2101 and S2102 can be executed synchronously.

[0214] Optionally, the first indication information may be sent separately from at least one RACH configuration information via separate signaling.

[0215] In some embodiments, the first indication information may indicate only the time information applicable to activating the RACH configuration information. Alternatively, the first indication information may indicate both the RACH configuration information activated in at least one RACH configuration information, such as indicating the activation or deactivation status of the RACH configuration information, and the time information of the activated RACH configuration information.

[0216] Optionally, the activated RACH configuration information can be either RACH configuration information that can be activated under NES features, or RACH configuration information that can be activated under other scenarios or other features.

[0217] Optionally, the time information is used to indicate the available period, active period, or valid period of the activated RACH configuration information. That is, within the period corresponding to the time information, the activated RACH configuration information is valid or available and can be used for random access.

[0218] In some embodiments, the time information is: the time window or time domain position where the activated RO is located; wherein, the activated RO is associated with the activated RACH configuration information.

[0219] Optionally, the activated RO can be an RO, RO resource, or RACH resource contained in the activated RACH configuration information.

[0220] Optionally, the activated RACH configuration information can be used for random access, including: the terminal can initiate random access in the RO of the activated RACH configuration information, and the MSG1 of the random access can carry the preamble in the activated RACH configuration information.

[0221] Optionally, the time window in which the activated RO is located may include discontinuous SFNs or known periods, such as not spanning different SFNs or different periods.

[0222] Optionally, the time window in which the activated RO is located may include multiple consecutive SFNs or multiple consecutive cycles, such as potentially spanning different SFNs or different cycles.

[0223] Optionally, the first indication information can indicate the active RO by indicating the active RACH configuration information, or it can directly indicate the active RO.

[0224] In the first embodiment, the time window may include one of the following:

[0225] The first SFN among multiple SFNs;

[0226] The first RACH configuration period among multiple RACH configuration periods;

[0227] The first RACH associated period among multiple RACH associated periods.

[0228] Optionally, the first instruction information includes one of the following:

[0229] The first bitmap corresponds one-to-one with multiple SFNs, and the time window includes the first SFN among the multiple SFNs. The first SFN corresponds to the bit with the first value in the first bitmap. If one or more bits in the first bitmap have the first value, it indicates that the RO on the SFN corresponding to that bit or bit is activated, and the SFN corresponding to that bit or bit can be recorded as the first SFN. If the bit value of any bit in the first bitmap is not the first value but is the second value, it indicates that the RO on the SFN corresponding to that bit is deactivated.

[0230] The second bitmap has multiple bits that correspond one-to-one with multiple RACH configuration periods. The time window includes the first RACH configuration period among the multiple RACH configuration periods. The first RACH configuration period corresponds to the bit in the second bitmap with a first value. If the bit value of one or more bits in the second bitmap is the first value, it indicates that the RO is activated in the RACH configuration period corresponding to the one or more bits. The RACH configuration period corresponding to the one or more bits can be recorded as the first RACH configuration period. If the bit value of any bit in the second bitmap is not the first value but is the second value, it indicates that the RO is deactivated in the RACH configuration period corresponding to the bit.

[0231] The third bitmap has multiple bits that correspond one-to-one with multiple RACH association periods. The activation time window includes the first RACH association period among the multiple RACH association periods. The first RACH association period corresponds to the bit in the third bitmap with the first value. If the bit value of one or more bits in the third bitmap is the first value, it indicates that the RO is activated in the RACH association period corresponding to the one or more bits. The RACH association period corresponding to the one or more bits can be recorded as the first RACH association period. If the bit value of any bit in the third bitmap is not the first value but is the second value, it indicates that the RO is deactivated in the RACH association period corresponding to the bit.

[0232] Optionally, the RACH configuration period and / or RACH association period are configured by network device 102 to determine the mapping relationship between SSB and RO.

[0233] Alternatively, the RACH configuration cycle can also be referred to as the RACH cycle.

[0234] Optionally, the first value can be 0 or 1. This embodiment of the disclosure is described with the first value being 1 and the second value being 0 as an example.

[0235] For example, the first bitmap is an SFN bitmap. Setting the bit corresponding to an SFN to 1 indicates that the RO on that SFN is active; otherwise, it is deactivated. When there is only one first SFN, the time window can be that first SFN; when there are multiple first SFNs, the time window can include all of them, and the multiple first SFNs do not have to be consecutive.

[0236] For example, the second bitmap is a bitmap of the RACH configuration period. Setting the bit corresponding to the RACH configuration period to 1 indicates that the RO is activated in that RACH configuration period, otherwise it is deactivated. When there is only one first RACH configuration period, the time window can be that first RACH configuration period; when there are multiple first RACH configuration periods, the time window can include all of the multiple first RACH configuration periods, and the multiple first RACH configuration periods can be non-contiguous.

[0237] For example, the third bitmap is a bitmap of the RACH associated period. Setting the bit corresponding to the RACH associated period to 1 indicates that the RO is activated in that RACH associated period, otherwise it is deactivated. When there is one first RACH associated period, the time window can be that first RACH associated period; when there are multiple first RACH associated periods, the time window can include all of the first RACH associated periods, and the multiple first RACH associated periods can be discontinuous.

[0238] Optionally, the time window in which the activated RO is located can also be referred to as the time domain location, time, time range, effective time range, available time period, or time period of the activated RO.

[0239] In this embodiment, the terminal can determine that the activated RO includes the first SFN, the first RACH configuration period, or the first RACH association period, so that the activated RO can be used to initiate random access in the first SFN, the first RACH configuration period, or the first RACH association period.

[0240] Alternatively, in this embodiment, the duration of the time window can be configured in the first indication information, using a determined first SFN, first RACH configuration period, or first RACH association period as the start time or start position of the time window, and applying an activated RO to initiate random access within the configured duration. Alternatively, the duration and period of the time window can be configured in the first indication information, using a determined first SFN, first RACH configuration period, or first RACH association period as the start time or start position of the time window, and applying RO to initiate random access within the periodic window.

[0241] In the second embodiment, the first indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0242] The duration of the time window;

[0243] The period of the time window;

[0244] The starting offset of the time window.

[0245] Optionally, the duration of the time window can also be referred to as the activation duration.

[0246] Optionally, the duration of the time window includes at least one of the following:

[0247] Several SFNs, for example, N SFNs; optionally, the N SFNs can be consecutive;

[0248] Several RACH configuration cycles, for example, N RACH configuration cycles; optionally, the N RACH configuration cycles can be consecutive.

[0249] Several RACH association periods, for example, N RACH association periods; optionally, the N RACH association periods can be consecutive.

[0250] Optionally, the duration of the time window can also be ms (milliseconds) or s (seconds), for example, N ms or N s.

[0251] In one example of this embodiment, the start time of the time window is determined based on the start offset.

[0252] In this example, the starting offset can be the default value. The default value can be 0, 1, 2, or other settings.

[0253] In this example, the first indication information needs to include a time offset.

[0254] In this example, the method for determining the start time based on the time offset can be as follows: the start time of the time window is the SFN that satisfies the first condition, which is SFN mod period = start offset. Here, mod represents the modulo operation.

[0255] For example, for different SFNs, if the SFN mod period equals the starting offset, then the SFN is determined to meet the first condition, and the starting time of the time window is determined to be the SFN, such as the starting position of the SFN; if the SFN mod period does not equal the starting offset, then the SFN is determined not to meet the first condition, and other SFNs can be further determined to meet the first condition.

[0256] Optionally, an SFN that satisfies the first condition can be called a starting SFN.

[0257] Alternatively, in this example, the start time of the time window can be equal to the start offset.

[0258] In this embodiment, the first indication information may indicate the activated RACH configuration information or the activation status of each RACH configuration information.

[0259] In this embodiment, the first indication information can configure the duration and start offset of the time window. The terminal determines the start time of the time window based on the start offset, and then determines the position of the time window by combining the duration of the time window. At this time, the time window can be non-periodic. Thus, the terminal can apply the activated RACH configuration information within the time window, such as applying the activated RO to initiate random access.

[0260] In this embodiment, the first indication information can be configured with the duration, start offset, and period of the time window, so that the terminal can determine the position of the periodic time window. Within multiple periodic time windows, the terminal can apply the activated RO to initiate random access.

[0261] In the third embodiment, the start time of the time window in which the activated RO is located is determined based on the time when the activation command is received.

[0262] In this embodiment, please refer to the description of step S2103, where the activation command is the second instruction information.

[0263] In this embodiment, a time window can be determined in conjunction with the second embodiment. For example, the first indication information may only include the duration of the time window, and the position of the time window is determined based on the determined start time and duration. Alternatively, the first indication information may include the duration and period of the time window, and the position of a periodic time window is determined based on the determined start time, duration, and period. In this embodiment, a start offset may not be configured. In some embodiments, the above three embodiments may be implemented independently, or may have the same configuration or indication. For example, the three embodiments may indicate the activation status of RACH configuration information, the duration of the time window, or the period of the time window, etc.

[0264] In step S2103, network device 102 sends second instruction information to terminal 101.

[0265] In some embodiments, terminal 101 receives second instruction information sent by network device 102.

[0266] In some embodiments, the second indication information is used to indicate the activation of one or more RACH configuration information from at least one RACH configuration information. Optionally, one or more RACH configuration information may also be referred to as a set or multiple sets of RACH configuration information.

[0267] Optionally, the second instruction information may be an activation command, which may be a paging DCI or RAR.

[0268] Optionally, the second indication information may indicate the activation of one or more RACH configuration information among at least one RACH configuration information.

[0269] For example, the second instruction information carries one or more indexes associated with RACH configuration information, indicating the activation of the RACH configuration information associated with the one or more indexes.

[0270] For example, the second indication information includes a bitmap, where each bit corresponds to a RACH configuration information. The value of each bit determines whether to activate the RACH configuration information corresponding to that bit. For example, when the bit is the first value, it indicates that the RACH configuration information corresponding to that bit is activated, and when the bit is the second value, it indicates that the RACH configuration information corresponding to that bit is deactivated.

[0271] Optionally, the second instruction information is sent via paging DCI.

[0272] Optionally, the second instruction information is sent via RAR.

[0273] Optionally, the second indication information is sent via SI.

[0274] In some embodiments, as described in the third embodiment of step S2102, the time of receiving the second indication information can be used to determine the start time of the time window. In this case, the start offset may not be configured in the first indication information, saving parameter configuration.

[0275] Optionally, the start time of the time window is one of the following:

[0276] The time of receiving the second instruction information;

[0277] The next SFN after the SFN where the reception time is located, starting from the next SFN;

[0278] The end time of the RACH configuration period in which the reception time is located;

[0279] The end time of the RACH associated period in which the reception time is located.

[0280] Optionally, the end time of the RACH configuration period in which the reception time is located can be referred to as the end boundary of the RACH configuration period in which the reception time is located, and the end time of the RACH association period in which the reception time is located can be referred to as the end boundary of the RACH association period in which the reception time is located.

[0281] Optionally, the time window in which the activated RO occurs can also be called the activation time window.

[0282] In some embodiments, after receiving the second instruction information and without receiving an explicit deactivation command, the time window is periodic or appears periodically, with a period as configured in the first instruction information.

[0283] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “time range,” “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0284] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0285] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0286] In step S2104, terminal 101 sends MSG1 based on time information and activated RACH configuration information.

[0287] In some embodiments, terminal 101 initiates random access based on activated RACH configuration information, such as terminal 101 initiating random access based on the activated RO associated with the activated RACH configuration information.

[0288] Optionally, if the time information includes the time domain location or time window determined in the aforementioned embodiments, the terminal 101 sends MSG1 to the network device 102 according to the activated RO within the corresponding time domain location or time window, that is, initiates random access.

[0289] Optionally, MSG1 includes a preamble associated with the activated RACH configuration information.

[0290] In some embodiments, after the terminal 101 sends MSG1, the method may further include steps S1102-S1104 as shown in FIG1B, so that the terminal establishes a random connection with the network device, which will not be described in detail here.

[0291] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2104. For example, step S2102 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and steps S2102 and S2103 may be implemented as separate embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0292] In some embodiments, steps S2101, S2103, and S2104 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0293] In some embodiments, steps S2101 and S2104 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0294] In some embodiments, steps S2101 and S2102 may be performed in an alternating or synchronous order.

[0295] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0296] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:

[0297] In step S3101, network device 102 sends first instruction information to terminal 101.

[0298] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3101 can be referred to the implementation of step S2102 in FIG2.

[0299] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0300] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:

[0301] In step S3201, network device 102 sends first instruction information to terminal 101.

[0302] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3201 can be referred to the implementation of step S2102 in FIG2.

[0303] In step S3202, network device 102 sends second instruction information to terminal 101.

[0304] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3202 can be referred to the implementation of step S2103 in FIG2.

[0305] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0306] In the method provided in this disclosure, the network device notifies the terminal about the available time period of newly activated RACH resources, enabling the terminal to correctly use the RACH resources and achieve load balancing. To facilitate understanding of this disclosure, some embodiments are listed below:

[0307] Example 1:

[0308] In some embodiments, the network side is configured with at least one RACH configuration, which is used to determine the configuration of RACH RO.

[0309] Optionally, the network side configures at least one RACH configuration via system broadcast information.

[0310] In some embodiments, each RACH configuration corresponds to an index 0, 1, 2...N.

[0311] In some embodiments, the network side may simultaneously configure multiple sets of RACH configurations that are activated by default. The set of RACH configurations that are activated by default may include multiple RACH configurations that are activated by default.

[0312] Alternatively, multiple RACH configurations also have the following characteristics:

[0313] Each RACH configuration is associated with a configuration of 64 preambles. That is, the preamble configuration is configured per RACH or configured in a per RACH configuration group (i.e., multiple RACH configurations are associated with one preamble configuration).

[0314] In some embodiments, the RACH configuration corresponds to the RACH configuration information in the foregoing embodiments.

[0315] Example 2:

[0316] The network side notifies the terminal about the valid time range or period for RACH activation.

[0317] Example 2-1:

[0318] The system broadcast configures the duration of the activated RACH as N SFNs, N RACH periods, N RACH associated periods, N ms, N s, etc. The activation window starts at the moment the activation command is received, or at the next SFN after the SFN containing the received activation command, or at the end boundary of the RACH period containing the received activation command, or at the end boundary of the RACH associated period containing the received activation command. The activation command can be paging DCI or RAR.

[0319] Optionally, the network side can also configure a period and / or offset (the default is 0), where SFN mod period = offset is the start time of RACH activation. If an activation command is received and no explicit deactivation command is received, the RACH activation period will occur periodically.

[0320] Optionally, the window, the RACH activation time period, and the activated window correspond to the time window of the aforementioned embodiment, and the moment the activation command is received corresponds to the time of receiving the second indication information of the aforementioned embodiment.

[0321] Example 2-2:

[0322] The system broadcast is configured with at least one of the following information: the activation status of the RACH resource, the start SFN and activation duration, where the activation duration is the number of SFNs, the number of RACH cycles, and the number of RACH associated cycles. Alternatively, it may indicate an SFN bitmap, with the corresponding bit set to 1 indicating that the RO on that SFN is active, otherwise deactivated. Alternatively, it may indicate a RACH cycle bitmap, with the corresponding bit set to 1 indicating that the RO on that RACH cycle is active, otherwise deactivated. Alternatively, it may indicate a RACH associated cycle bitmap, with the corresponding bit set to 1 indicating that the RO on that RACH associated cycle is active, otherwise deactivated.

[0323] In some embodiments, notifying other UEs about the time period during which newly activated RACH resources are available can be done by specifying an SFN as the start time, receiving an activation command as the start time, or a predefined periodic time period. The activation duration can be the number of SFNs, the number of RACH cycles, or the number of RACH associated cycles.

[0324] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0325] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed 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.

[0326] 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.

[0327] 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).

[0328] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Terminal 4100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4A, terminal 4100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 4101, a processing module 4102, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 4101 is used to receive first indication information sent by a network device, the first indication information indicating the time information corresponding to the activated RACH configuration information in at least one random access channel (RACH) configuration information. Optionally, the transceiver module 4101 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by terminal 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 4102 is used to execute at least one of the other steps performed by terminal 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0329] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The network device 4200 is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4B, the network device 4200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 4201, a processing module 4202, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 4201 is used to send first indication information to a terminal, the first indication information indicating the time information corresponding to the activated RACH configuration information in at least one random access channel (RACH) configuration information. Optionally, the transceiver module 4201 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the network device 4200 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 4202 is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the network device 4200 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0330] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0331] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module.

[0332] In some embodiments, the processing module can be replaced by the processor, and the transceiver module can be replaced by the transceiver.

[0333] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 5100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 5100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 5100 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.

[0334] As shown in Figure 5A, the communication device 5100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 includes one or more processors 5101. The processor 5101 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 5100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 5101 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 5100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0335] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more transceivers 5102. When the communication device 5100 includes one or more transceivers 5102, the transceiver 5102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method, and the processor 5101 performs at least one of the other steps. In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0336] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more memories 5103 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 5101 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 5103 to cause the communication device 5100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 5103 may also be located outside the communication device 5100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 5100 may include one or more interface circuits 5104. Optionally, the interface circuit 5104 is connected to the memory 5102 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 5102 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 5102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 5104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 5102 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 5101.

[0337] The communication device 5100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 5100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 5100 may not be limited by FIG. 5A. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection having one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data, programs and / or instructions; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0338] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 5200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 5100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 5200 shown in Figure 5B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0339] Chip 5200 includes one or more processors 5201. Chip 5200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0340] In some embodiments, chip 5200 further includes one or more interface circuits 5202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 5200 further includes one or more memories 5203 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 5203 may be located outside of chip 5200. Optionally, the interface circuit 5202 is connected to the memories 5203, and the interface circuit 5202 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memories 5203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 5202 can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memories 5203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 5202 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memories 5203 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 5201.

[0341] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 5202 performs at least one of the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method. For example, the interface circuit 5202 performing the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method means that the interface circuit 5202 performs data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 5201, the chip 5200, the memory 5203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 5201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0342] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0343] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device 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.

[0344] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0345] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods. Industrial applicability

[0346] The terminal can determine the time information corresponding to the activated RACH configuration information in at least one RACH configuration information according to the first indication information sent by the network device, thereby determining the available time period of the activated RACH configuration information, making reasonable use of RACH resources, facilitating load balancing, and improving random access performance.

Claims

1. A communication method, executed by a terminal, the method comprising: The network device receives a first indication message, which indicates the time information corresponding to the activated RACH configuration information in at least one random access channel (RACH) configuration information.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The time information refers to the time window in which the activated random access opportunity (RO) is located. The activated RO is associated with the activated RACH configuration information.

3. The method as described in claim 2, wherein, The first indication information includes one of the following: The first bitmap, wherein multiple bits in the first bitmap correspond one-to-one with multiple system frame numbers (SFNs), and the time window includes the first SFN among the multiple SFNs; wherein the first SFN corresponds to the bit in the first bitmap with a value of a first value; The second bitmap has multiple bits that correspond one-to-one with multiple RACH configuration periods, and the time window includes the first RACH configuration period among the multiple RACH configuration periods; wherein, the first RACH configuration period corresponds to the bit in the second bitmap that has a first value. The third bitmap, wherein multiple bits in the third bitmap correspond one-to-one with multiple RACH association periods, and the time window includes the first RACH association period among the multiple RACH association periods; wherein the first RACH association period corresponds to the bit in the third bitmap with a value of the first value. The RACH configuration period and / or the RACH association period are configured by the network device to determine the mapping relationship between the synchronization signal block (SSB) and the random access opportunity (RO).

4. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first indication information includes at least one of the following: The duration of the time window; The period of the time window; The starting offset of the time window.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The duration of the time window includes at least one of the following: Several SFNs; Several RACH configuration cycles; Several RACH associated cycles.

6. The method as described in any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein, The start time of the time window is determined based on the start offset.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The start time of the time window is the SFN that satisfies the first condition, which is SFN mod period = start offset.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The method further includes: The network device receives a second indication message, which indicates the activation of one or more RACH configuration messages among the at least one RACH configuration messages.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The start time of the time window in which the activated RO is located is determined based on the time of receiving the second instruction information.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The start time of the time window is one of the following: The time of receiving the second instruction information; The next SFN in which the receiving time is located; The end time of the RACH configuration period in which the receiving time is located; The receiving time is the end time of the RACH associated period.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein, The second indication information is sent via paging downlink control information (DCI) or random access response (RAR).

12. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The at least one RACH configuration information satisfies at least one of the following: Each RACH configuration information is associated with an index; Each RACH configuration information is associated with a corresponding preamble information; Each RACH configuration information is associated with a corresponding random access opportunity (RO). The at least one RACH configuration information includes RACH configuration information that is activated or deactivated by the network device.

13. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The first indication information is broadcast via System Information (SI).

14. A communication method performed by a network device, the method comprising: Send a first indication message to the terminal, the first indication message being used to indicate: the time information corresponding to the activated RACH configuration information in at least one random access channel RACH configuration information.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The time information refers to the time window in which the activated random access opportunity (RO) is located. The activated RO is associated with the activated RACH configuration information.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The first indication information includes one of the following: The first bitmap, wherein multiple bits in the first bitmap correspond one-to-one with multiple system frame numbers (SFNs), and the time window includes the first SFN among the multiple SFNs; wherein the first SFN corresponds to the bit in the first bitmap with a value of a first value; The second bitmap has multiple bits that correspond one-to-one with multiple RACH configuration periods, and the time window includes the first RACH configuration period among the multiple RACH configuration periods; wherein, the first RACH configuration period corresponds to the bit in the second bitmap that has a first value. The third bitmap, wherein multiple bits in the third bitmap correspond one-to-one with multiple RACH association periods, and the time window includes the first RACH association period among the multiple RACH association periods; wherein the first RACH association period corresponds to the bit in the third bitmap with a value of the first value. The RACH configuration period and / or the RACH association period are configured by the network device to determine the mapping relationship between the synchronization signal block (SSB) and the random access opportunity (RO).

17. The method of claim 15, wherein, The first indication information includes at least one of the following: The duration of the time window; The period of the time window; The starting offset of the time window.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The duration of the time window includes at least one of the following: Several SFNs; Several RACH configuration cycles; Several RACH associated cycles.

19. The method of any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein, The start time of the time window is determined based on the start offset.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The start time of the time window is the SFN that satisfies the first condition, which is SFN mod period = start offset.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein, The method further includes: Send a second indication message to the terminal, the second indication message being used to indicate the activation of one or more of the at least one RACH configuration information.

22. The method of claim 8, wherein, The start time of the time window in which the activated RO is located is determined based on the time of receiving the second instruction information.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, The start time of the time window is one of the following: The time of receiving the second instruction information; The next SFN in which the receiving time is located; The end time of the RACH configuration period in which the receiving time is located; The receiving time is the end time of the RACH associated period.

24. The method of claim 9, wherein, The second indication information is sent via paging downlink control information (DCI) or random access response (RAR).

25. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein, The at least one RACH configuration information satisfies at least one of the following: Each RACH configuration information is associated with an index; Each RACH configuration information is associated with a corresponding preamble information; Each RACH configuration information is associated with a corresponding random access opportunity (RO). The at least one RACH configuration information includes RACH configuration information that is activated or deactivated by the network device.

26. The method of any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein, The first indication information is broadcast via System Information (SI).

27. A communication device, wherein, The communication device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or any one of claims 14 to 26.

28. A communication system comprising a terminal and network equipment, wherein, The terminal is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13; The network device is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 26.

29. A storage medium storing instructions, wherein, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13 or any one of claims 14 to 26.

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

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