Frequency domain unit switching method, device, and storage medium

Abstract

A frequency domain unit switching method, a device, and a storage medium, relating to the technical field of communications. The method comprises: on a first frequency domain unit, a terminal device receives a downlink signal and / or transmits an uplink signal (210); a network device transmits first information on a first time domain unit, wherein the first information is used for indicating a second frequency domain unit (220); the terminal device receives a downlink signal and / or transmits an uplink signal on the second frequency domain unit starting from a second time domain unit or after the second time domain unit (230). The network device transmits, to the terminal device, the first information indicating the second frequency domain unit, and the terminal device switches from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit on the basis of the first information, thereby achieving flexible switching between different frequency domain units.

Description

Frequency domain unit switching methods, devices and storage media Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method, device and storage medium for switching frequency domain units. Background Technology

[0002] In 5G NR (New Radio) systems, technologies such as multi-carrier aggregation, transmit antenna switching, and SUL (Supplementary Uplink) are introduced to improve network performance.

[0003] With the development of communication technology, the use of frequency domain units in uplink and downlink transmission between terminal devices and network devices still needs further research. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a method, device, and storage medium for switching frequency domain units. The technical solutions provided by this application are as follows.

[0005] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a method for switching frequency domain units is provided, the method being executed by a terminal device, the method comprising:

[0006] First information is received in the first time domain unit, and the first information is used to instruct the second frequency domain unit;

[0007] Based on the first information, the terminal device switches from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit, wherein the terminal device receives downlink signals and / or sends uplink signals on the second frequency domain unit, starting from or after the second time domain unit.

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a method for switching frequency domain units is provided, the method being performed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0009] First information is sent in the first time domain unit, and the first information is used to instruct the second frequency domain unit;

[0010] When switching from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit, the network device transmits downlink signals and / or receives uplink signals in the second frequency domain unit, either starting from or after the second time domain unit.

[0011] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a terminal device is provided, the terminal device comprising:

[0012] The transceiver module is configured to receive first information in a first time domain unit, wherein the first information is used to instruct a second frequency domain unit;

[0013] The processing module is configured to switch from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit according to the first information, wherein the terminal device receives downlink signals and / or sends uplink signals on the second frequency domain unit starting from or after the second time domain unit.

[0014] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a network device is provided, the network device comprising:

[0015] The transceiver module is used to transmit first information in the first time domain unit, wherein the first information is used to instruct the second frequency domain unit;

[0016] A processing module is configured to switch from a first frequency domain unit to a second frequency domain unit, wherein the network device transmits downlink signals and / or receives uplink signals on the second frequency domain unit, either starting from or after the second time domain unit.

[0017] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a terminal device is provided, the terminal device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program to cause the terminal device to perform the frequency domain unit switching method on the terminal device side.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present application, a network device is provided, the network device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program to cause the network device to perform the above-described frequency domain unit switching method on the network device side.

[0019] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the storage medium storing a computer program, the computer program being executed by a processor to implement the above-described method for switching frequency domain units on the terminal device side, or to implement the above-described method for switching frequency domain units on the network device side.

[0020] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a chip is provided, the chip including programmable logic circuits and / or program instructions, which, when the chip is running, are used to implement the above-mentioned frequency domain unit switching method on the terminal device side, or to implement the above-mentioned frequency domain unit switching method on the network device side.

[0021] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product including computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium, a processor reading from the computer-readable storage medium and executing the computer instructions to implement the above-described method for switching frequency domain units on the terminal device side, or to implement the above-described method for switching frequency domain units on the network device side.

[0022] The technical solutions provided in this application embodiment may have the following beneficial effects:

[0023] The network device sends a first message to the terminal device to instruct it to switch to a second frequency domain unit. Based on this first message, the terminal device switches from the first frequency domain unit to the second, enabling flexible switching between different frequency domain units. Furthermore, by sharing some or all functional modules of the terminal device's baseband and RF links across multiple frequency domain units, dynamic switching transmission across multiple frequency domain units is supported. This fully utilizes spectrum resources while reducing the complexity and power consumption of the terminal device. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a frequency domain unit switching method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a transmission interval greater than the switching interval provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of dropping transmissions when the transmission interval is less than the switching interval according to an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a frequency domain unit switching method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a frequency domain unit switching method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a frequency domain unit switching method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 9 is a block diagram of a network device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0037] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, Advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-A) system, New Radio (NR) system, evolution of NR system, LTE-based access to unlicensed spectrum (LTE-U) system, NR-based access to unlicensed spectrum (NR-U) system, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), and Wireless Fidelity (WF). Fidelity (WiFi), 5th-Generation (5G) systems, B5G (Beyound 5G) systems, 6th-Generation (6G) systems, or other communication systems.

[0038] Traditional communication systems typically support a limited number of connections and are easy to implement. However, with the development of communication technology, mobile communication systems will not only support traditional communication but also, for example, device-to-device (D2D) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. The embodiments of this application can also be applied to these communication systems.

[0039] The communication system in this application embodiment can be applied to carrier aggregation (CA) scenarios, dual connectivity (DC) scenarios, and standalone (SA) network deployment scenarios.

[0040] The communication system in this application embodiment can be applied to unlicensed spectrum, wherein unlicensed spectrum can also be considered as shared spectrum; or, the communication system in this application embodiment can also be applied to licensed spectrum, wherein licensed spectrum can also be considered as non-shared spectrum.

[0041] The embodiments of this application can be applied to both non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and terrestrial networks (TN). NTN typically uses satellite communication to provide communication services to terrestrial users. Currently, NTN systems include NR-NTN and IoT-NTN systems, and other NTN systems may be included in the future.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 1, which shows a schematic diagram of a network architecture 100 provided in one embodiment of this application. The network architecture 100 may include: a terminal device 10, an access network device 20, and a core network element 30.

[0043] Terminal device 10 can refer to UE (User Equipment), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, wireless communication device, user agent, or user equipment. In some embodiments, terminal device 10 can also be a cellular phone, cordless phone, SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) phone, WLL (Wireless Local Loop) station, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, vehicle-mounted device, wearable device, terminal device in 5GS (5th Generation System), or terminal device in the future evolved PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network), etc., and this application embodiment is not limited thereto. For ease of description, the devices mentioned above are collectively referred to as terminal devices. The number of terminal devices 10 is usually multiple, and one or more terminal devices 10 can be distributed within the cell managed by each access network device 20. Terminal equipment can also be simply referred to as terminal or UE, the meaning of which can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0044] Access network device 20 is a device deployed in an access network to provide wireless communication functionality to terminal device 10. Access network device 20 may include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, access points, etc. In systems employing different wireless access technologies, the name of the device with access network device functionality may differ; for example, in a 5G NR system, it is called gNodeB or gNB. As communication technologies evolve, the name "access network device" may change. For ease of description, in this embodiment, the aforementioned devices providing wireless communication functionality to terminal device 10 are collectively referred to as access network devices. In some embodiments, a communication relationship can be established between terminal device 10 and core network element 30 through access network device 20. For example, in an LTE (Long Term Evolution) system, access network device 20 may be one or more eNodeBs in an EUTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network) or EUTRAN; in a 5G NR system, access network device 20 may be one or more gNBs in a RAN (Radio Access Network). In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified, the term "network device" refers to access network device 20, such as a base station.

[0045] Core network element 30 is a network element deployed in the core network. Its main functions are to provide user connectivity, manage users, and bear services, serving as an interface to external networks. For example, core network elements in a 5G NR system may include AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) entities, UPF (User Plane Function) entities, and SMF (Session Management Function) entities.

[0046] In some embodiments, the access network device 20 and the core network element 30 communicate with each other via some air interface technology, such as the NG interface in a 5G NR system. The access network device 20 and the terminal device 10 communicate with each other via some air interface technology, such as the Uu interface.

[0047] The "5G NR system" in this application embodiment can also be referred to as a 5G system or an NR system, but those skilled in the art will understand its meaning. The technical solutions described in this application embodiment can be applied to LTE systems, 5G NR systems, and subsequent evolution systems of 5G NR systems (such as B5G (Beyond 5G, a fifth-generation mobile communication technology) systems, 6G systems (6th Generation System, a sixth-generation mobile communication system)), and other communication systems such as NB-IoT (Narrow Band Internet of Things) systems. This application does not limit these applications.

[0048] In this embodiment, the network device can provide services to a cell. The terminal device communicates with the network device through the transmission resources (e.g., frequency domain resources, or spectrum resources) on the carrier used by the cell. The cell can be the cell corresponding to the network device (e.g., a base station). The cell can belong to a macro base station or to a base station corresponding to a small cell. The small cell can include: metro cell, micro cell, pico cell, femto cell, etc. These small cells have the characteristics of small coverage area and low transmission power, and are suitable for providing high-speed data transmission services.

[0049] In the field of wireless communication, carrier aggregation (CA), transmit antenna switching technology, and SUL technology are key technologies for improving network performance. Each has a unique role, and the three can significantly optimize the overall network performance when they work together.

[0050] 1. Multi-carrier aggregation technology

[0051] Multi-carrier aggregation is a technology that increases the bandwidth and data transmission rate of a communication system by aggregating multiple component carriers (CCs). It allows terminal devices to transmit data simultaneously on multiple carriers, thus overcoming the bandwidth limitations of a single carrier. By aggregating multiple independent carrier frequency bands (contiguous or discontinuous), a larger equivalent bandwidth is formed, thereby improving data transmission rate and network capacity.

[0052] 2. Transmit antenna switching technology

[0053] Transmit antenna switching technology is a technique used to improve network uplink performance by dynamically switching the transmit channels of terminal devices to optimize spectrum resource utilization. Introduced in the 3GPP R16 standard, this technology aims to address the shortcomings in uplink coverage and capacity of TDD (Time Division Duplexing) bands (such as 3.5GHz). By intelligently selecting the optimal antenna combination in the antenna array, it dynamically optimizes signal coverage direction and strength, thereby improving communication quality and reliability.

[0054] 3. SUL technology

[0055] SUL technology is an uplink enhancement technology designed to address insufficient uplink coverage in high-frequency bands (such as millimeter waves) by providing a supplementary uplink in a low-frequency band. It supplements the insufficient uplink coverage of high-frequency bands (such as 3.5GHz TDD) with low-frequency bands (such as 2.1GHz), thus solving the problem of limited uplink power in 5G.

[0056] Multi-carrier aggregation, transmit antenna switching, and SUL technology enhance network capabilities from three dimensions: bandwidth expansion, signal optimization, and uplink coverage, respectively.

[0057] However, the above-mentioned technologies still have the following problems:

[0058] (1) Multi-carrier aggregation technology supports simultaneous transmission and reception of data in multiple frequency bands. Accordingly, the terminal equipment needs to have multiple transceiver systems, and the complexity and power consumption of the terminal equipment are relatively large.

[0059] (2) Transmit antenna switching technology is also an uplink carrier switching technology. It shares the transmit antenna, and a switching time is required when antenna switching occurs. This switching time is included in the uplink scheduling timing constraints. The cell corresponding to antenna switching is independent, meaning HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest) cannot be shared; the initial transmission and retransmission must occur on the same carrier. This technology only applies to uplink; downlink still supports simultaneous reception on multiple frequency bands, and the complexity and power consumption of terminal equipment remain high.

[0060] (3) SUL is an uplink carrier switching technology that uses a multi-carrier aggregation architecture. It does not require consideration of switching time, but the complexity and power consumption of the terminal equipment are relatively large. This technology is only applicable to uplink, and the downlink frequency band does not change with the uplink frequency band.

[0061] In summary, all three technologies mentioned above have the technical problem of leading to higher complexity and power consumption in terminal devices.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 2, which shows a flowchart of a frequency domain unit switching method according to an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to the network architecture shown in Figure 1. The method may include at least one of the following steps 210-220.

[0063] Step 210: The network device sends first information in the first time domain unit, the first information being used to instruct the second frequency domain unit.

[0064] Accordingly, the terminal device receives the first information in the first time domain unit.

[0065] Step 220: The terminal device switches from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit according to the first information. The terminal device receives downlink signals and / or sends uplink signals in the second frequency domain unit, starting from or after the second time domain unit.

[0066] Accordingly, the network device switches from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit, and the network device transmits downlink signals and / or receives uplink signals in the second frequency domain unit, starting from or after the second time domain unit.

[0067] In this embodiment, a time-domain unit refers to a unit for dividing time-domain resources. Optionally, the unit of a time-domain unit can be any of the following: symbol, time slot. The first time-domain unit and the second time-domain unit can be the same or different time-domain units. The unit of the first time-domain unit and / or the second time-domain unit can be any of the following: symbol, time slot.

[0068] In this embodiment, the terminal device switches from a first frequency domain unit to a second frequency domain unit based on first information. The first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit are different frequency domain units. Optionally, the first information includes identification information of the second frequency domain unit. After receiving the first information, the terminal device determines, based on the identification information of the second frequency domain unit, that the network device has instructed it to switch from the currently operating first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit. Optionally, the first information also includes switching indication information, which is used to indicate the switching.

[0069] In the embodiments of this application, a frequency domain unit refers to a unit for dividing frequency domain resources. The first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit are different frequency domain units. A frequency domain unit corresponds to any of the following: a carrier, a band, spectrum resources consisting of multiple non-contiguous carriers, all spectrum resources contained in a cell, and a portion of spectrum resources within a carrier.

[0070] A carrier is the fundamental frequency resource for carrying information in wireless communication. For example, in an FDD (Frequency Division Duplexing) system, the uplink and downlink use different carrier frequencies. In this case, a single carrier can be considered an independent frequency domain unit, used to distinguish communication channels in different directions. For instance, when a frequency domain unit corresponds to one carrier, switching from a first frequency domain unit to a second frequency domain unit can be understood as switching from a first carrier to a second carrier; the first carrier and the second carrier are different carriers.

[0071] A frequency band refers to a continuous range of frequencies allocated to a specific communication system. Examples include the Sub-6GHz band (e.g., 3.5GHz) or millimeter-wave band (e.g., 28GHz) allocated in 5G NR. Each frequency band is managed as a single frequency domain unit, which is particularly suitable for time-division multiplexing scenarios within a single frequency band in TDD systems. For instance, when a frequency domain unit corresponds to a frequency band, switching from a first frequency domain unit to a second frequency domain unit can be understood as switching from a first frequency band to a second frequency band; the first and second frequency bands are different frequency bands.

[0072] A spectrum resource consisting of multiple discontinuous carriers comprises multiple carriers that are not contiguous in the frequency domain. This spectrum resource can be understood as integrating discrete spectrum resources into a logically unified frequency domain unit using CA (Carrier-Aligned Broadband) technology. For example, combining carriers scattered across 700MHz and 2.6GHz can improve transmission bandwidth, suitable for scenarios requiring high throughput, such as eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband). Exemplarily, when a frequency domain unit corresponds to a spectrum resource consisting of multiple discontinuous carriers, switching from a first frequency domain unit to a second frequency domain unit can be understood as switching from a first spectrum resource to a second spectrum resource. The first and second spectrum resources are different spectrum resources, and the first and / or second spectrum resources include multiple discontinuous carriers.

[0073] The spectrum resources contained in a cell refer to the multiple frequency bands or carriers allocated to the same cell. In a cellular network architecture, a single network device (such as a base station) may be allocated multiple frequency bands or carriers to its cell. In this case, a frequency domain unit covers all available spectrum within the cell, used to implement joint allocation of space and frequency resources in multi-user scheduling or Massive MIMO (Massive Multiple Input Multiple Output). For example, when a frequency domain unit corresponds to all spectrum resources contained in a cell, switching from a first frequency domain unit to a second frequency domain unit can be understood as switching from all spectrum resources contained in the first cell to all spectrum resources contained in the second cell; simply put, it is switching from the first cell to the second cell, where the first and second cells are different cells.

[0074] A portion of the spectrum resources within a carrier refers to a portion of the subcarriers or RBs (Resource Blocks) within that carrier. Based on OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) technology, a single carrier can be further divided into subcarriers or RBs. For example, in an LTE system, one RB contains 12 subcarriers (totaling 180kHz). This subdivision method supports finer frequency domain resource allocation, adapting to dynamic scheduling for different service requirements. For instance, when a frequency domain unit corresponds to a portion of the spectrum resources within a carrier, switching from a first frequency domain unit to a second frequency domain unit can be understood as switching from a first portion of the spectrum resources within a carrier to a second portion of the spectrum resources within the same carrier—that is, switching between different spectrum resources within the same carrier; or switching from a portion of the spectrum resources within one carrier to a portion of the spectrum resources within another carrier—that is, switching between spectrum resources within different carriers.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first frequency domain unit corresponds to any one of the following: a carrier, a frequency band, spectrum resources consisting of multiple non-contiguous carriers, all spectrum resources contained in a cell, and a portion of spectrum resources within a carrier.

[0076] In some embodiments, the second frequency domain unit corresponds to any one of the following: a carrier, a frequency band, spectrum resources consisting of multiple non-contiguous carriers, all spectrum resources contained in a cell, and a portion of spectrum resources within a carrier.

[0077] In some embodiments, each frequency domain unit in the set of frequency domain units described below corresponds to any one of the following: a carrier, a frequency band, spectrum resources consisting of multiple non-contiguous carriers, all spectrum resources contained in a cell, or a portion of spectrum resources within a carrier.

[0078] In some embodiments, the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit correspond to the same type of spectrum resource. In some embodiments, each frequency domain unit in the set of frequency domain units corresponds to the same type of spectrum resource.

[0079] For example, both the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit correspond to a carrier, but the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit are two different carriers.

[0080] For example, both the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit correspond to frequency bands, but the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit are two different frequency bands.

[0081] For example, both the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit correspond to spectrum resources composed of multiple non-contiguous carriers. The first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit are two different spectrum resources, each of which is composed of multiple non-contiguous carriers.

[0082] For example, the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit both correspond to all the spectrum resources contained in a cell, and the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit are two different cells.

[0083] For example, the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit both correspond to a portion of the spectrum resources within a carrier. The first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit are two different spectrum resources. These two different spectrum resources belong to the same carrier or to two different carriers.

[0084] In this embodiment, the first information can be understood as a handover instruction, used to indicate a handover from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit. After receiving this first information, the terminal device can know that the network device expects or commands the terminal device to handover from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit. It should be understood that, in addition to the terminal device handing over from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit based on the first information, the network device also needs to handover from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit to ensure that both communicate on the same frequency domain unit.

[0085] In some embodiments, the number of first frequency domain units and the number of second frequency domain units are one or more. For example, there may be one first frequency domain unit and one second frequency domain unit, enabling switching from one frequency domain unit to another. Alternatively, there may be multiple first frequency domain units and multiple second frequency domain units, enabling switching from one set of frequency domain units to another set of frequency domain units. Furthermore, the number of first frequency domain units and the number of second frequency domain units may be the same or different, and this application does not limit this.

[0086] In this embodiment, the timing of the terminal device and / or network device switching from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit may be the second time domain unit. That is, the terminal device switches from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit in the second time domain unit; and / or, the network device switches from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit in the second time domain unit.

[0087] In some embodiments, the first frequency domain unit supports the terminal device in receiving downlink signals and / or transmitting uplink signals. When the first frequency domain unit only supports the terminal device in receiving downlink signals, it is a frequency domain unit used only for downlink transmission. When the first frequency domain unit only supports the terminal device in transmitting uplink signals, it is a frequency domain unit used only for uplink transmission. When the first frequency domain unit supports the terminal device in receiving both downlink and uplink signals, it is a frequency domain unit used for both downlink and uplink transmission.

[0088] In some embodiments, the second frequency domain unit supports the terminal device in transmitting uplink signals and / or receiving downlink signals. When the second frequency domain unit only supports the terminal device in receiving downlink signals, it is a frequency domain unit used only for downlink transmission. When the second frequency domain unit only supports the terminal device in transmitting uplink signals, it is a frequency domain unit used only for uplink transmission. When the second frequency domain unit supports the terminal device in receiving downlink signals and transmitting uplink signals, it is a frequency domain unit used for both downlink and uplink transmission.

[0089] For example, the first frequency domain unit only supports the terminal device to receive downlink signals, and the second frequency domain unit only supports the terminal device to receive downlink signals. Switching from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit, that is, switching from one frequency domain unit that supports downlink transmission to another frequency domain unit that supports downlink transmission, realizes dynamic switching between downlink frequency domain units.

[0090] For example, the first frequency domain unit only supports the terminal device to receive downlink signals, and the second frequency domain unit only supports the terminal device to send uplink signals. Switching from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit means switching from a frequency domain unit that supports downlink transmission to a frequency domain unit that supports uplink transmission, thereby realizing dynamic switching between downlink and uplink frequency domain units.

[0091] For example, the first frequency domain unit only supports the terminal device to receive downlink signals, while the second frequency domain unit supports the terminal device to receive downlink signals and transmit uplink signals. Switching from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit means switching from a frequency domain unit that supports downlink transmission to a frequency domain unit that supports both downlink and uplink transmission.

[0092] For example, the first frequency domain unit only supports the terminal device to send uplink signals, and the second frequency domain unit only supports the terminal device to receive downlink signals. Switching from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit means switching from a frequency domain unit that supports uplink transmission to a frequency domain unit that supports downlink transmission, thereby realizing dynamic switching between uplink and downlink frequency domain units.

[0093] For example, the first frequency domain unit only supports the terminal device to send uplink signals, and the second frequency domain unit only supports the terminal device to send uplink signals. Switching from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit, that is, switching from one frequency domain unit that supports uplink transmission to another frequency domain unit that supports uplink transmission, realizes dynamic switching between uplink frequency domain units.

[0094] For example, the first frequency domain unit only supports the terminal device to send uplink signals, while the second frequency domain unit supports the terminal device to receive downlink signals and send uplink signals. Switching from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit means switching from a frequency domain unit that supports uplink transmission to a frequency domain unit that supports both downlink and uplink transmission.

[0095] For example, the first frequency domain unit supports the terminal device to receive downlink signals and transmit uplink signals, while the second frequency domain unit only supports the terminal device to receive downlink signals. Switching from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit means switching from a frequency domain unit that supports both uplink and downlink transmission to a frequency domain unit that supports downlink transmission.

[0096] For example, the first frequency domain unit supports the terminal device to receive downlink signals and transmit uplink signals, while the second frequency domain unit only supports the terminal device to transmit uplink signals. Switching from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit means switching from a frequency domain unit that supports both uplink and downlink transmission to a frequency domain unit that supports uplink transmission.

[0097] For example, the first frequency domain unit supports the terminal device to receive downlink signals and transmit uplink signals, and the second frequency domain unit supports the terminal device to receive downlink signals and transmit uplink signals. Switching from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit means switching from one frequency domain unit that supports uplink and downlink transmission to another frequency domain unit that supports uplink and downlink transmission.

[0098] The embodiments of this application enable flexible switching between frequency domain units with different functions.

[0099] Optionally, for the same frequency domain unit, signals within the frequency domain unit share an RF (Radio Frequency) link, and / or, signals within the frequency domain unit are synchronized in time and frequency. Sharing an RF link within the same frequency domain unit means that multiple signals within the frequency domain unit share the same set of RF transceiver modules. This helps reduce hardware redundancy, improves spectral efficiency, and expands network capacity. Synchronizing signals in time and frequency within the same frequency domain unit means that multiple signals within the frequency domain unit are synchronized in time and frequency. This helps reduce signal collisions and interference, improves transmission reliability and reduces latency, and supports complex modulation techniques and multi-user scenarios.

[0100] Optionally, for the first frequency domain unit, the signals within the first frequency domain unit share an RF link, and / or the signals within the first frequency domain unit are time-frequency synchronized.

[0101] Optionally, for the second frequency domain unit, the signals within the second frequency domain unit share an RF link, and / or the signals within the second frequency domain unit are time-frequency synchronized.

[0102] Optionally, for each frequency domain unit in the set of frequency domain units, the signals within the frequency domain unit share an RF link, and / or the signals within the frequency domain unit are time-frequency synchronized.

[0103] In some embodiments, the second time-domain unit is the first time-domain unit, that is, the first time-domain unit and the second time-domain unit are the same time-domain unit. The terminal device receives first information in the first time-domain unit and in the first frequency-domain unit. The terminal device receives downlink signals and / or transmits uplink signals in the second frequency-domain unit, starting from or after the first time-domain unit.

[0104] In some instances, the second time-domain unit is located after the first time-domain unit, and the interval between the second and first time-domain units is not less than K time-domain units, where K is greater than 0. The terminal device receives the first information in the first time-domain unit. Starting from or after the second time-domain unit (i.e., starting or after a certain period after receiving the first information), the terminal device receives downlink signals and / or transmits uplink signals in the second frequency-domain unit. This method provides sufficient time for the frequency-domain unit handover of the terminal device and / or network device, avoiding signal reception failure due to untimely handover. Optionally, the aforementioned K time-domain units can also be referred to as the handover interval.

[0105] Optionally, the unit of time may be any of the following: symbol, time slot, microsecond, millisecond, or second.

[0106] For example, when the unit of time is microseconds, the value of K can be, but is not limited to, any of the following: 0, 13, 35, 140.

[0107] For example, when the unit of time is symbols, the value of K can be, but is not limited to, any of the following: 0, 1, 2, 4, 8. For instance, for a Subcarrier Spacing (SCS) of 15 kHz, the value of K can be, but is not limited to, any of the following: 0, 1, 2; for a SCS of 30 kHz, the value of K can be, but is not limited to, any of the following: 0, 1, 4; for a SCS of 60 kHz, the value of K can be, but is not limited to, any of the following: 0, 1, 2, 8.

[0108] For example, when the unit of time is a time slot, the value of K can be, but is not limited to, any of the following: 0, 1. For example, for the case where the SCS is 15kHz, 30kHz, or 60kHz, the value of K can be, but is not limited to, any of the following: 0, 1.

[0109] In some embodiments, the value of K is reported by the terminal device to the network device.

[0110] In some embodiments, the K time units are determined based on reference frequency domain units. The reference frequency domain unit is either a frequency domain unit configured by the network device, or the frequency domain unit with the largest SCS in the set of frequency domain units, or the frequency domain unit with the smallest SCS in the set of frequency domain units. For example, the value of K is determined based on the SCS of the reference frequency domain unit, combined with the above example. A description of the frequency domain unit set can be found below.

[0111] In some embodiments, the interval between the second time-domain unit and the first time-domain unit refers to the time interval between the start time of the second time-domain unit and the end time of the first time-domain unit. Alternatively, the interval between the second time-domain unit and the first time-domain unit may also refer to the time interval between the start time of the second time-domain unit and the start time of the first time-domain unit.

[0112] In some embodiments, the interval between the second time-domain unit and the first time-domain unit refers to the time interval between the start time of the time unit to which the second time-domain unit belongs and the end time of the time unit to which the first time-domain unit belongs. Alternatively, the interval between the second time-domain unit and the first time-domain unit may also refer to the time interval between the start time of the time unit to which the second time-domain unit belongs and the start time of the time unit to which the first time-domain unit belongs. Wherein, when the time-domain unit is a symbol, the time unit may be a time slot.

[0113] In some embodiments, after the terminal device switches from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit, it can receive downlink signals and / or transmit uplink signals in the second frequency domain unit.

[0114] In some embodiments, downlink signals include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: downlink data channels (such as PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel)), downlink reference signals (such as CSI-RS (Channel State Information Reference Signal)), broadcast channels and synchronization signals (such as SSB (Synchronization Signal Block) and PBCH (Physical Broadcast Channel)), and downlink control channels (such as PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel)).

[0115] In some embodiments, the uplink signal includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: uplink data channel (such as PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel)), uplink reference signal (such as SRS (Sounding Reference Signal)), random access channel (such as PRACH (Physical Random Access Channel)), and uplink control channel (such as PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel)).

[0116] In some embodiments, the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit belong to the same set of frequency domain units. This supports flexible switching between different frequency domain units within the same set. The set of frequency domain units may include multiple frequency domain units. Each frequency domain unit may support only uplink, only downlink, or both uplink and downlink. Optionally, the set of frequency domain units is configured or indicated by the network device. Optionally, the set of frequency domain units is a subset or the entire set of all frequency domain units configured for the terminal device. For example, the network device configures multiple frequency domain units for the terminal device, and these multiple frequency domain units are available to the terminal device. Further, the terminal device and / or the network device select some or all of the aforementioned multiple frequency domain units as the set of frequency domain units.

[0117] In some embodiments, the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit share some or all of the functional modules in the baseband and radio frequency links of the terminal device. In some embodiments, all frequency domain units in the frequency domain unit set share some or all of the functional modules in the baseband and radio frequency links of the terminal device. By partially or completely sharing the baseband and radio frequency links, dynamic switching transmission on multiple frequency domain units is supported, reducing the complexity and power consumption of the terminal device while making full use of spectrum resources.

[0118] In some embodiments, both the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit are active frequency domain units. A configured frequency domain unit refers to a frequency domain unit pre-configured or allocated to a terminal device by the network device through configuration information (such as RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling). An active frequency domain unit refers to a frequency domain unit indicated to the terminal device by the network device through an activation command (such as MAC CE (Media Access Control Element) or DCI (Downlink Control Information)).

[0119] In some embodiments, the first information is transmitted on the first frequency domain unit, that is, the first information is received from the first frequency domain unit.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first information is transmitted on a third frequency domain unit, that is, the first information is received from a third frequency domain unit, which is another frequency domain unit different from the first and second frequency domain units. For an explanation of the third frequency domain unit, please refer to the explanation of frequency domain units, which will not be repeated here.

[0121] In some embodiments, the interval between the end time of the last transmission or reception on the first frequency domain unit and the start time of the first transmission or reception on the second frequency domain unit is not less than K time units. Here, "not less than" can also be understood as greater than or equal to. K time units are explained above and can also be called the handover interval. Optionally, the handover interval is configured by the network device, predefined by the protocol, or depends on the implementation of the terminal device; this application embodiment does not limit this. Optionally, the handover interval is determined based on the operations and / or the time required for the terminal device to complete the handover between different frequency domain units. Optionally, it is not desirable for the interval between the end time of the last transmission or reception on the first frequency domain unit and the start time of the first transmission or reception on the second frequency domain unit to be less than the handover interval.

[0122] For example, as shown in FIG3, the interval between the end time of the last transmission or reception on the first frequency domain unit and the start time of the first transmission or reception on the second frequency domain unit is defined as the transmission interval, which is denoted by T and the switching interval is denoted by T0. T should be greater than or equal to T0.

[0123] In this way, the transmission interval between the two frequency domain units before and after the switch should be greater than or equal to the switch interval, so as to reserve enough switching time for the terminal equipment and ensure the reliability of signal transmission after the switch.

[0124] In some embodiments, if the interval between the end time of the last transmission or reception on the first frequency domain unit and the start time of the first transmission or reception on the second frequency domain unit is less than K time units (i.e., a switching interval), then the transmission channel or signal on the frequency domain resources corresponding to the K time units (i.e., the switching interval) is stopped, eliminated, or discarded. Here, the transmission channel or signal on the frequency domain resources corresponding to the switching interval refers to a transmission channel or signal whose occupied time domain resources are located within the switching interval. The frequency domain resources corresponding to the switching interval are located in the first frequency domain unit or the second frequency domain unit. The frequency domain resources corresponding to the switching interval are configured by the network device. For example, the network device configures the frequency domain resources corresponding to the switching interval to be located in the first frequency domain unit, or the network device configures the frequency domain resources corresponding to the switching interval to be located in the second frequency domain unit. The stopping, elimination, or discarding of the transmission channel or signal means that the transmitting end does not transmit and the receiving end does not need to receive the transmission channel or signal.

[0125] For example, as shown in FIG4, the interval between the end time of the last transmission or reception on the first frequency domain unit and the start time of the first transmission or reception on the second frequency domain unit is defined as the transmission interval, denoted by T, and the switching interval is denoted by T0. When T is less than T0, since the first transmission or reception on the second frequency domain unit is within the switching interval, transmission is stopped or the first transmission or reception on the second frequency domain unit is eliminated or discarded.

[0126] It should be understood that stopping transmission, eliminating, and discarding all express the same or similar meanings, and the above expressions can be substituted for each other or replaced by other words with similar meanings (such as canceling transmission, abandoning transmission, and not transmitting). This application does not limit this.

[0127] By using the above method, since the terminal device may not have completed the handover within the handover interval, there is a high probability of transmission failure even if transmission is performed within the handover interval. Discarding the transmission within the handover interval can avoid unnecessary transmission and save terminal power consumption.

[0128] In some embodiments, the terminal device does not support simultaneous transmission of signals on the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit, and / or, the terminal device does not support simultaneous reception of signals on the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit. That is, the terminal device can only use one frequency domain unit for transmission or reception at any given time, and cannot achieve inter-frequency full-duplex communication.

[0129] In some embodiments, the first frequency domain unit belongs to the TDD frequency band, and both uplink and downlink transmissions on the first frequency domain unit are switched to the second frequency domain unit. By switching both uplink and downlink transmissions to the second frequency domain unit, the processing flow of the terminal device is simplified, and the complexity is reduced.

[0130] In some embodiments, the first frequency domain unit belongs to the FDD band, and both uplink and downlink transmissions on the first frequency domain unit are switched to the second frequency domain unit. By switching both uplink and downlink transmissions to the second frequency domain unit, the processing flow of the terminal device is simplified, and the complexity is reduced.

[0131] In some embodiments, the first frequency domain unit belongs to the FDD band, and the first information is triggered by downlink scheduling signaling (such as DL grant), causing downlink transmission on the first frequency domain unit to switch to the second frequency domain unit. In this case, uplink transmission on the first frequency domain unit does not switch to the second frequency domain unit and remains on the first frequency domain unit. Switching only downlink transmission to the second frequency domain unit when the first information is triggered by downlink scheduling signaling helps to achieve more flexible handover and scheduling.

[0132] In some embodiments, the first frequency domain unit belongs to the FDD band, and the first information is triggered by uplink scheduling signaling (such as UL grant), causing the uplink transmission on the first frequency domain unit to switch to the second frequency domain unit. In this case, the downlink transmission on the first frequency domain unit does not switch to the second frequency domain unit and remains on the first frequency domain unit. Switching only the uplink transmission to the second frequency domain unit when the first information is triggered by uplink scheduling signaling helps to achieve more flexible handover and scheduling.

[0133] In some embodiments, for an initial transmission on a first frequency domain unit, the corresponding retransmission is located on a second frequency domain unit. For example, a terminal device sends an initial transmission to a network device on the first frequency domain unit, then switches to the second frequency domain unit based on first information. If a retransmission is required, the terminal device sends the retransmission corresponding to the initial transmission to the network device on the second frequency domain unit. Similarly, the network device sends an initial transmission to the terminal device on the first frequency domain unit, then switches to the second frequency domain unit. If a retransmission is required, the network device sends the retransmission corresponding to the initial transmission to the terminal device on the second frequency domain unit. After switching to the second frequency domain unit based on the first information, the terminal device receives the retransmission sent by the network device on the second frequency domain unit. Optionally, the HARQ feedback information for the initial transmission can be on either the first or second frequency domain unit; this application does not limit this. For example, it depends on whether the current time has already switched to the second frequency domain unit, and / or the transmission direction on the second frequency domain unit. Through the above method, HARQ is shared between the first and second frequency domain units, which helps increase the flexibility of resource scheduling.

[0134] In some embodiments, the first information is carried through a first indication field in downlink control signaling, which includes the first indication field for carrying or indicating the first information. Optionally, the downlink control signaling may be downlink scheduling signaling (such as DL grant) or uplink scheduling signaling (such as UL grant) to achieve dynamic switching of frequency domain units, thereby adapting to dynamic service requirements. Optionally, the first information is carried through higher-layer signaling, which may be RRC signaling or MAC CE to achieve semi-static switching of frequency domain units. This method has less signaling overhead compared to dynamic switching.

[0135] Optionally, the correspondence between the value of the first indication field and the frequency domain unit is configured by the network device through higher-layer signaling. For example, based on the value of the first indication field and the correspondence between the value of the first indication field and the frequency domain unit, the terminal device can determine the second frequency domain unit to which it needs to switch. For example, the set of frequency domain units configured by the network device includes frequency domain unit 1, frequency domain unit 2, frequency domain unit 3, and frequency domain unit 4. The values ​​of the first indication field corresponding to the above four frequency domain units are 00, 01, 10, and 11, respectively. If the value of the first indication field in the downlink control signaling received by the terminal device is 01, it indicates that it needs to switch to frequency domain unit 2. In this way, flexible and accurate indication of the frequency domain unit to which the device needs to switch is achieved.

[0136] The technical solution provided in this application embodiment sends a first information instruction to a terminal device via a network device to indicate a second frequency domain unit. The terminal device switches from a first frequency domain unit to a second frequency domain unit according to the first information, thereby realizing flexible switching between different frequency domain units.

[0137] In addition, by sharing some or all of the functional modules in the baseband and RF links of the terminal device through multiple frequency domain units, dynamic switching transmission on multiple frequency domain units is supported, which reduces the complexity and power consumption of the terminal device while making full use of spectrum resources.

[0138] The technical solutions provided in this application will be described and illustrated below through several different examples.

[0139] Example 1: A frequency domain unit corresponds to a carrier, enabling dynamic carrier switching. As shown in Figure 5, the method flow of Example 1 may include at least one of the following steps 510-520. Taking downlink transmission switching as an example, the same applies to uplink transmission.

[0140] Step 510: In the first time domain unit, the network device sends downlink scheduling signaling on the first carrier. The downlink scheduling signaling includes a first indication field, which is used to indicate a handover to the second carrier. The first carrier and the second carrier are different carriers.

[0141] Accordingly, the terminal device receives downlink scheduling signaling on the first carrier in the first time domain unit.

[0142] Step 520: The terminal device receives downlink signals on the second carrier, starting from or after the second time domain unit.

[0143] Accordingly, the network device transmits downlink signals on the second carrier, either starting from or after the second time domain unit.

[0144] For example, taking downlink symbol n as the first time domain unit, when the terminal device receives a DL grant in downlink symbol n of the first carrier, and this DL grant includes a first indication field (optionally, this first indication field can also be called a frequency domain unit switching indication field), and this first indication field indicates the second carrier, the terminal device can receive PDSCH on the second carrier, i.e., K time units from downlink symbol n. That is, the interval between the start symbol of the PDSCH and the end symbol of the DL grant is greater than K time units. The specific interval can be pre-configured according to the DL Grant indication or RRC, or agreed upon by the protocol. Typically, K = 0µs, 13µs, 35µs, or 140µs. The value of K is reported by the terminal device. It should be noted that K only takes effect when the first carrier and the second carrier are different. When the terminal device continuously receives scheduling instructions on the first carrier, K is ineffective, or in other words, K = 0.

[0145] For simplicity, the downlink symbol n can also be the downlink time slot n, and the K time units can be in symbols or time slots. Specifically, when the time unit is a symbol or a time slot, the value of K can be found in the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0146] Optionally, the terminal device cannot simultaneously receive and / or transmit data on the first and second carriers; that is, it is limited to selecting one carrier for transmission and reception. This function is reported by the terminal device to indicate whether it supports carrier switching. Further, the terminal device reports which carrier combinations or frequency band combinations it supports for switching. Switching is used for carriers on different frequency bands. Switching is also used for carriers on the same frequency band, or simultaneous transmission and reception can be used.

[0147] Optionally, the network device configures or configures and activates a first set of carriers for the terminal device to perform carrier switching. This first set indicates the carrier combination for which carrier switching is performed, for example, a switching carrier combination {carrier 1, carrier 2, carrier 3, carrier 4}. The switching carrier combination is a subset or the entire set of carriers configured and / or activated by the network for the terminal device. The size of the first indication field can be determined by the size of the first set or by the size of the carrier set.

[0148] Optionally, after the terminal device switches to the second carrier according to the first indication field in the DL grant, and the terminal device receives the UL grant, and the first indication field in the UL grant indicates the second carrier, then K is ineffective, i.e., K=0. That is, the first indication field in the DL grant is effective for both uplink and downlink simultaneously. Therefore, when the terminal device receives the DL grant on the downlink symbol n of the first carrier, and the DL grant contains the first indication field indicating the second carrier, both the uplink and downlink carriers switch from the first carrier to the second carrier. Therefore, subsequent uplink transmissions on the second carrier do not require another switch. This method is applicable to the TDD band because uplink and downlink share the same frequency band. It can also be applied to the FDD band, with the advantage of avoiding separate switching of uplink and downlink carriers, which introduces two switching delays.

[0149] Alternatively, after the terminal device switches to the second carrier according to the first indication field in the DL Grant, and receives the UL grant, where the first indication field in the UL grant indicates the second carrier, if the terminal device's current uplink transmission occurs on the third carrier (a carrier different from the first and second carriers), then the terminal device can send a PUSCH at least K time units after the downlink symbol n on the second carrier. Uplink data preparation time usually needs to be considered additionally. This method is applicable to FDD bands. The advantage is that uplink and downlink carriers can be managed independently, selecting their respective optimal frequency band resources.

[0150] Optionally, all carriers in the switching carrier combination belong to the same cell.

[0151] Optionally, all carriers in a switching carrier combination share HARQ management. That is, if an initial transmission occurs on the first carrier, a retransmission can be scheduled on either the first or the second carrier, and the first and second carriers belong to the same switching carrier combination. Further, the network device can configure multiple switching carrier combinations, but HARQ management sharing is limited to within the same switching carrier combination. Further still, some carriers in a switching carrier combination share HARQ management; these carriers are configured by the network device.

[0152] Example 2: A frequency domain unit corresponds to all the spectrum resources contained in a cell, enabling dynamic cell handover. As shown in Figure 6, the method flow of Example 2 may include at least one of the following steps 610-620. Taking downlink handover as an example, the same applies to uplink handover.

[0153] Step 610: The network device sends downlink scheduling signaling in the first time domain unit on the first cell. The downlink scheduling signaling includes a first indication field, which is used to indicate handover to the second cell. The first cell and the second cell are different cells.

[0154] Accordingly, the terminal device receives downlink scheduling signaling in the first cell within the first time domain unit.

[0155] Step 620: The terminal device receives downlink signals on the second cell, starting from or after the second time domain unit.

[0156] Accordingly, the network device transmits downlink signals on the second cell, starting from or after the second time domain unit.

[0157] For example, taking downlink symbol n as the first time domain unit, when the terminal device receives a DL grant in downlink symbol n of the first cell, and this DL grant includes a first indication field (optionally, this first indication field can also be called a frequency domain unit switching indication field), and this first indication field indicates the second cell, the terminal device can receive PDSCH in the second cell, that is, K time units from downlink symbol n. In other words, the interval between the start symbol of the PDSCH and the end symbol of the DL grant is greater than K time units. The specific interval can be pre-configured according to the DL Grant indication or RRC, or agreed upon by the protocol. Typically, K = 0µs, 13µs, 35µs, or 140µs. The value of K is reported by the terminal device. It should be noted that K only takes effect when the first cell and the second cell are different. When the terminal device continuously receives scheduling instructions in the first cell, K is ineffective, or in other words, K = 0.

[0158] For simplicity, the downlink symbol n can also be the downlink time slot n, and the K time units can be in symbols or time slots. Specifically, when the time unit is a symbol or a time slot, the value of K can be found in the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0159] Optionally, a cell may contain one carrier or multiple non-contiguous carriers. Once the first indication field indicates the second cell and the handover time is satisfied, the terminal device can transmit and receive data on any carrier of the second cell without requiring additional handover time. For example, the second cell contains {carrier 1, carrier 2}. When the terminal device receives a cell handover command indicating the second cell, it schedules data reception on carrier 1. Subsequently, upon receiving a DL grant, it schedules data reception on carrier 2, and the terminal device requires no additional handover time. The DL grants indicating carrier 1 and carrier 2 are adjacent DL grants.

[0160] Optionally, one or more non-contiguous carriers within the same cell may share the RF, or in other words, the signals within the same cell may be synchronized in time and frequency.

[0161] Optionally, the terminal device cannot simultaneously receive and / or transmit data in the first and second cells; that is, it is limited to selecting one cell between the first and second cells for receiving and transmitting data. This function is reported by the terminal device to indicate whether it supports inter-cell handover. Further, the terminal device reports which cell combinations or frequency band combinations it supports for handover. Handover is used between cells on different frequency bands. Handover is also used between cells on the same frequency band, or simultaneous transmission and reception can be used.

[0162] Optionally, the network device configures or configures and activates a first set of cells for handover to the terminal device. This first set indicates the cell combination for handover, for example, a handover cell combination {cell 1, cell 2, cell 3, cell 4}. The handover cell combination is a subset or the entire set of cells configured and / or activated by the network for the terminal device. The size of the first indication field can be determined by the size of the first set or by the size of the cell set.

[0163] Optionally, after the terminal device switches to the second cell according to the first indication field in the DL grant, and the terminal device receives a UL grant, and the first indication field in the UL grant indicates the second cell, then K is ineffective, i.e., K=0. That is, the first indication field in the DL grant is effective for both uplink and downlink. Therefore, when the terminal device receives the DL grant in the downlink symbol n of the first cell, and the DL grant contains the first indication field indicating the second cell, both the uplink and downlink cells switch from the first cell to the second cell. Therefore, subsequent uplink transmissions occurring in the second cell do not require another handover. This method is applicable to the TDD band because uplink and downlink share the same frequency band. It can also be applied to the FDD band, with the advantage of avoiding separate handovers between uplink and downlink cells, resulting in two handover delays.

[0164] Alternatively, after the terminal device switches to the second cell according to the first indication field in the DL Grant, and receives the UL grant, where the first indication field in the UL grant indicates the second cell, if the terminal device's current uplink transmission occurs in a third cell (a cell different from the first and second cells), then the terminal device can send a PUSCH at least K time units from downlink symbol n in the second cell. Uplink data preparation time is usually also considered. This method is applicable to FDD bands. The advantage is that uplink and downlink cells can be managed independently, selecting their respective optimal frequency band resources.

[0165] Optionally, all cells in the cell combination can be switched to belong to the same cell.

[0166] Optionally, all cells in the cell combination can be managed independently using HARQ, meaning that if the initial transmission occurs in the first cell, retransmissions are limited to scheduling in the first cell.

[0167] Alternatively, all cells in a handover cell combination can share HARQ management. That is, if the initial transmission occurs in the first cell, the retransmission can be scheduled in either the first or second cell, and the first and second cells belong to the same handover cell combination. Furthermore, network devices can configure multiple handover cell combinations, but HARQ management sharing is limited to within the same handover cell combination. Even further, some cells in a handover cell combination can share HARQ management; these cells are configured by the network device.

[0168] Example 3: A frequency domain unit corresponds to a carrier, realizing semi-static carrier switching. As shown in Figure 7, the method flow of Example 3 may include at least one of the following steps 710-720. Taking downlink transmission switching as an example, the same applies to uplink transmission.

[0169] Step 710: In the first time domain unit, the network device transmits RRC signaling or MAC CE on the first carrier. The RRC signaling or MAC CE includes a first indication field, which is used to indicate a handover to the second carrier. The first carrier and the second carrier are different carriers.

[0170] Accordingly, the terminal device receives RRC signaling or MAC CE on the first carrier in the first time domain unit.

[0171] Step 720: The terminal device receives downlink signals on the second carrier, starting from or after the second time domain unit.

[0172] Accordingly, the network device transmits downlink signals on the second carrier, either starting from or after the second time domain unit.

[0173] For example, taking downlink symbol n as the first time domain unit, when the terminal device receives RRC signaling or MAC CE on downlink symbol n of the first carrier, and the RRC signaling or MAC CE contains a first indication field (optionally, this first indication field can also be called a frequency domain unit switching indication field), and this first indication field indicates the second carrier, the terminal device can receive PDSCH on the second carrier, i.e., K time units from downlink symbol n. That is, the interval between the start symbol of PDSCH and the end symbol of RRC signaling or MAC CE is greater than K time units. The specific interval can be determined according to the RRC signaling or MAC CE indication, or by pre-configuration or protocol agreement. Typically, K = 0µs, 13µs, 35µs, or 140µs. The value of K is reported by the terminal device. It should be noted that K only takes effect when the first carrier and the second carrier are different. When the terminal device continuously receives scheduling instructions on the first carrier, K is ineffective, or K = 0.

[0174] For simplicity, the downlink symbol n can also be the downlink time slot n, and the K time units can be in symbols or time slots. Specifically, when the time unit is a symbol or a time slot, the value of K can be found in the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0175] Optionally, the terminal device cannot simultaneously receive and / or transmit data on the first and second carriers; that is, it is limited to selecting one carrier for transmission and reception. This function is reported by the terminal device to indicate whether it supports carrier switching. Further, the terminal device reports which carrier combinations or frequency band combinations it supports for switching. Switching is used for carriers on different frequency bands. Switching is also used for carriers on the same frequency band, or simultaneous transmission and reception can be used.

[0176] Optionally, the network device configures or configures and activates a first set of carriers for the terminal device to perform carrier switching. This first set indicates the carrier combination for which carrier switching is performed, for example, a switching carrier combination {carrier 1, carrier 2, carrier 3, carrier 4}. The switching carrier combination is a subset or the entire set of carriers configured and / or activated by the network for the terminal device. The size of the first indication field can be determined by the size of the first set or by the size of the carrier set.

[0177] Optionally, after the terminal device switches to the second carrier according to the first indication field in the RRC signaling or MAC CE, and the terminal device receives a DL grant / UL grant, and the first indication field in the DL grant / UL grant indicates the second carrier, then K is ineffective, i.e., K=0. That is, the first indication field in the RRC signaling or MAC CE is effective for both uplink and downlink. Therefore, when the terminal device receives RRC signaling or MAC CE on the downlink symbol n of the first carrier, and the RRC signaling or MAC CE contains the first indication field, and the first indication field indicates the second carrier, both the uplink and downlink carriers switch from the first carrier to the second carrier. Therefore, subsequent uplink transmissions on the second carrier do not require another switch. This method is applicable to the TDD band because uplink and downlink share the same frequency band. It can also be applied to the FDD band, with the advantage of avoiding separate switching of uplink and downlink carriers, which introduces two switching delays.

[0178] Alternatively, after the terminal device switches the downlink carrier to the second carrier according to the first indication field in the RRC signaling or MAC CE, and the terminal device receives a UL grant, where the first indication field in the UL grant indicates the second carrier, if the terminal device's current uplink transmission occurs on the third carrier (a carrier different from the first and second carriers), then the terminal device can transmit PUSCH at least K time units after the second carrier, counting from downlink symbol n. Uplink data preparation time is usually also considered. This method is applicable to FDD bands. The advantage is that uplink and downlink carriers can be managed independently, selecting their respective optimal frequency band resources.

[0179] Optionally, all carriers in the switching carrier combination belong to the same cell.

[0180] Optionally, all carriers in a switching carrier combination share HARQ management. That is, if an initial transmission occurs on the first carrier, a retransmission can be scheduled on either the first or the second carrier, and the first and second carriers belong to the same switching carrier combination. Further, the network device can configure multiple switching carrier combinations, but HARQ management sharing is limited to within the same switching carrier combination. Further still, some carriers in a switching carrier combination share HARQ management; these carriers are configured by the network device.

[0181] In the above method embodiments, the steps performed by the terminal device can be implemented separately as a switching method for frequency domain units on the terminal device side, and the steps performed by the network device can be implemented separately as a switching method for frequency domain units on the network device side.

[0182] Furthermore, the various embodiments of this application can be combined in any way to form new embodiments, all of which are within the protection scope of this application.

[0183] The following are embodiments of the device described in this application, which can be used to execute the embodiments of the method described in this application. For details not disclosed in the embodiments of the device described in this application, please refer to the embodiments of the method described in this application.

[0184] Please refer to Figure 8, which shows a block diagram of a terminal device provided in one embodiment of this application. This terminal device has the function of performing the frequency domain unit switching method described above on the terminal device side. As shown in Figure 8, the terminal device 800 may include a transceiver module 810 and a processing module 820.

[0185] The transceiver module 810 is used to receive first information in the first time domain unit, wherein the first information is used to instruct the second frequency domain unit.

[0186] The processing module 820 is configured to switch from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit according to the first information, wherein the terminal device receives downlink signals and / or sends uplink signals on the second frequency domain unit starting from or after the second time domain unit.

[0187] In some embodiments, the first frequency domain unit and / or the second frequency domain unit corresponds to any one of the following: a carrier; a frequency band; spectrum resources consisting of multiple non-contiguous carriers; all spectrum resources contained in a cell; a portion of spectrum resources within a carrier.

[0188] In some embodiments, signals within the first frequency domain unit share an RF link, and / or signals within the first frequency domain unit are time-frequency synchronized; signals within the second frequency domain unit share an RF link, and / or signals within the second frequency domain unit are time-frequency synchronized.

[0189] In some embodiments, the second time-domain unit is the first time-domain unit; or, the second time-domain unit is located after the first time-domain unit, and the interval between the second time-domain unit and the first time-domain unit is not less than K time-domain units, where K is greater than 0.

[0190] In some embodiments, the interval between the end time of the last transmission or reception on the first frequency domain unit and the start time of the first transmission or reception on the second frequency domain unit is not less than K time units, where K is greater than 0.

[0191] In some embodiments, if the interval between the end time of the last transmission or reception on the first frequency domain unit and the start time of the first transmission or reception on the second frequency domain unit is less than K time units, then the transmission channel or signal on the frequency domain resources corresponding to the K time units is stopped, eliminated, or discarded. The frequency domain resources corresponding to the K time units are configured by the network device, where K is greater than 0.

[0192] In some embodiments, the unit of the time unit is any one of the following: symbol, time slot, microsecond, millisecond, second.

[0193] In some embodiments, the K time units are determined based on reference frequency domain units, which are one of the following: frequency domain units configured by the network device; frequency domain units with the largest SCS in the set of frequency domain units; frequency domain units with the smallest SCS in the set of frequency domain units; wherein the set of frequency domain units is a subset or the entire set of all frequency domain units configured for the terminal device.

[0194] In some embodiments, the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit belong to the same set of frequency domain units.

[0195] In some embodiments, both the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit are active frequency domain units.

[0196] In some embodiments, the first information is received from the first frequency domain unit; or, the first information is received from a third frequency domain unit, which is another frequency domain unit different from the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit.

[0197] In some embodiments, the terminal device does not support transmitting signals simultaneously on the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit, and / or, the terminal device does not support receiving signals simultaneously on the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first frequency domain unit belongs to the TDD band, and both uplink and downlink transmissions on the first frequency domain unit are switched to the second frequency domain unit; or, the first frequency domain unit belongs to the FDD band, and both uplink and downlink transmissions on the first frequency domain unit are switched to the second frequency domain unit; or, the first frequency domain unit belongs to the FDD band, and the first information is triggered by downlink scheduling signaling, and the downlink transmission on the first frequency domain unit is switched to the second frequency domain unit; or, the first frequency domain unit belongs to the FDD band, and the first information is triggered by uplink scheduling signaling, and the uplink transmission on the first frequency domain unit is switched to the second frequency domain unit.

[0199] In some embodiments, the retransmission corresponding to the initial transmission on the first frequency domain unit is located on the second frequency domain unit.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first information is carried by a first indication field in downlink control signaling.

[0201] In some embodiments, the correspondence between the value of the first indication field and the frequency domain unit is configured by the network device through higher-layer signaling.

[0202] In some embodiments, the downlink signal includes at least one of the following: a downlink data channel, a downlink reference signal, a broadcast channel and a synchronization signal, and a downlink control channel; and / or, the uplink signal includes at least one of the following: an uplink data channel, an uplink reference signal, a random access channel, and an uplink control channel.

[0203] In some embodiments, the unit of the first time domain unit and / or the second time domain unit is any one of the following: symbol, time slot.

[0204] Please refer to Figure 9, which shows a block diagram of a frequency domain unit switching device according to another embodiment of this application. This device has the function of implementing the frequency domain unit switching method described above on the network device side. This function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. This device can be the network device described above, or it can be installed within a network device. As shown in Figure 9, the device 900 may include a transceiver module 910 and a processing module 920.

[0205] The transceiver module 910 is used to transmit first information in the first time domain unit, wherein the first information is used to instruct the second frequency domain unit.

[0206] The processing module 920 is used to switch from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit, wherein the network device transmits downlink signals and / or receives uplink signals on the second frequency domain unit, starting from or after the second time domain unit.

[0207] In some embodiments, the first frequency domain unit and / or the second frequency domain unit corresponds to any one of the following: a carrier; a frequency band; spectrum resources consisting of multiple non-contiguous carriers; all spectrum resources contained in a cell; a portion of spectrum resources within a carrier.

[0208] In some embodiments, signals within the first frequency domain unit share an RF link, and / or signals within the first frequency domain unit are time-frequency synchronized; signals within the second frequency domain unit share an RF link, and / or signals within the second frequency domain unit are time-frequency synchronized.

[0209] In some embodiments, the second time-domain unit is the first time-domain unit; or, the second time-domain unit is located after the first time-domain unit, and the interval between the second time-domain unit and the first time-domain unit is not less than K time-domain units, where K is greater than 0.

[0210] In some embodiments, the interval between the end time of the last transmission or reception on the first frequency domain unit and the start time of the first transmission or reception on the second frequency domain unit is not less than K time units, where K is greater than 0.

[0211] In some embodiments, if the interval between the end time of the last transmission or reception on the first frequency domain unit and the start time of the first transmission or reception on the second frequency domain unit is less than K time units, then the transmission channel or signal on the frequency domain resources corresponding to the K time units is stopped, eliminated, or discarded. The frequency domain resources corresponding to the K time units are configured by the network device, where K is greater than 0.

[0212] In some embodiments, the unit of the time unit is any one of the following: symbol, time slot, microsecond, millisecond, second.

[0213] In some embodiments, the K time units are determined based on reference frequency domain units, which are one of the following: frequency domain units configured by the network device; frequency domain units with the largest SCS in the set of frequency domain units; frequency domain units with the smallest SCS in the set of frequency domain units; wherein the set of frequency domain units is a subset or the entire set of all frequency domain units configured for the terminal device.

[0214] In some embodiments, the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit belong to the same set of frequency domain units.

[0215] In some embodiments, both the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit are active frequency domain units.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first information is transmitted on the first frequency domain unit; or, the first information is transmitted on a third frequency domain unit, which is another frequency domain unit different from the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit.

[0217] In some embodiments, the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit do not support simultaneous reception of signals from the same terminal device, and / or, the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit do not support simultaneous transmission of signals to the same terminal device.

[0218] In some embodiments, the first frequency domain unit belongs to the TDD band, and both uplink and downlink transmissions on the first frequency domain unit are switched to the second frequency domain unit; or, the first frequency domain unit belongs to the FDD band, and both uplink and downlink transmissions on the first frequency domain unit are switched to the second frequency domain unit; or, the first frequency domain unit belongs to the FDD band, and the first information is triggered by downlink scheduling signaling, and the downlink transmission on the first frequency domain unit is switched to the second frequency domain unit; or, the first frequency domain unit belongs to the FDD band, and the first information is triggered by uplink scheduling signaling, and the uplink transmission on the first frequency domain unit is switched to the second frequency domain unit.

[0219] In some embodiments, the retransmission corresponding to the initial transmission on the first frequency domain unit is located on the second frequency domain unit.

[0220] In some embodiments, the first information is carried by a first indication field in downlink control signaling.

[0221] In some embodiments, the correspondence between the value of the first indication field and the frequency domain unit is configured by the network device through higher-layer signaling.

[0222] In some embodiments,

[0223] The downlink signal includes at least one of the following: downlink data channel, downlink reference signal, broadcast channel and synchronization signal, downlink control channel; and / or, the uplink signal includes at least one of the following: uplink data channel, uplink reference signal, random access channel, uplink control channel.

[0224] In some embodiments, the unit of the first time domain unit and / or the second time domain unit is any one of the following: symbol, time slot.

[0225] It should be noted that the above embodiments only illustrate the division of the above functional modules when implementing the functions of the device. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules according to actual needs, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0226] Regarding the apparatus in the above embodiments, the specific manner in which each module performs its operation has been described in detail in the embodiments related to the method, and will not be elaborated upon here. For details not described in detail in the apparatus embodiments, please refer to the above method embodiments.

[0227] Please refer to Figure 10, which shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in one embodiment of this application. The terminal device 1000 may include a processor 1001, a transceiver 1002, and a memory 1003. The processor 1001 is used to implement various processing functions of the terminal device 1000, such as generating information to be sent, processing received information, controlling transmission and / or reception, etc., for example, to implement the functions of the processing module 820 described above. The transceiver 1002 is used to implement transmission and / or reception functions, for example, to implement the functions of the transceiver module 810 described above.

[0228] The processor 1001 includes one or more processing cores. The processor 1001 executes various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules.

[0229] The transceiver 1002 may include a receiver and a transmitter. For example, the receiver and transmitter may be implemented as the same wireless communication component, which may include a wireless communication chip and a radio frequency antenna.

[0230] The memory 1003 can be connected to the processor 1001 and the transceiver 1002.

[0231] The memory 1003 can be used to store a computer program executed by the processor, and the processor 1001 is used to execute the computer program so that the terminal device performs the various steps performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0232] In some embodiments, transceiver 1002 is configured to receive first information in a first time domain unit, the first information being used to indicate a second frequency domain unit; processor 1001 is configured to switch from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit according to the first information, wherein the terminal device receives downlink signals and / or transmits uplink signals in the second frequency domain unit starting from or after the second time domain unit.

[0233] For details not described in this embodiment, please refer to the embodiments above, which will not be repeated here.

[0234] Furthermore, the memory can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, including but not limited to: magnetic disks or optical disks, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, statically accessible memory, read-only memory, magnetic memory, flash memory, and programmable read-only memory.

[0235] Please refer to Figure 11, which shows a schematic diagram of a network device provided in one embodiment of this application. The network device 1100 may include a processor 1101, a transceiver 1102, and a memory 1103. The processor 1101 can be used to implement various processing functions of the network device 1100, such as generating information to be sent, processing received information, controlling transmission and / or reception, etc., for example, to implement the functions of the processing module 920 described above. The transceiver 1102 is used to implement transmission and / or reception functions, for example, to implement the functions of the transceiver module 910 described above.

[0236] The processor 1101 includes one or more processing cores. The processor 1101 executes various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules.

[0237] Transceiver 1102 may include a receiver and a transmitter. For example, transceiver 1102 may include a wired communication component, which may include a wired communication chip and a wired interface (such as a fiber optic interface). Optionally, transceiver 1102 may also include a wireless communication component, which may include a wireless communication chip and a radio frequency antenna.

[0238] The memory 1103 can be connected to the processor 1101 and the transceiver 1102.

[0239] The memory 1103 can be used to store a computer program executed by the processor, and the processor 1101 is used to execute the computer program so that the network device performs the various steps performed by the network device in the above method embodiments.

[0240] In some embodiments, transceiver 1102 is configured to transmit first information in a first time domain unit, the first information being used to indicate a second frequency domain unit; processor 1101 is configured to switch from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit, wherein the network device transmits downlink signals and / or receives uplink signals in the second frequency domain unit, either starting from or after the second time domain unit.

[0241] For details not described in this embodiment, please refer to the embodiments above, which will not be repeated here.

[0242] Furthermore, memory 1103 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, including but not limited to: magnetic disks or optical disks, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, static on-demand memory, read-only memory, magnetic memory, flash memory, and programmable read-only memory.

[0243] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for execution by a processor to implement the frequency domain unit switching method on the terminal device side or the frequency domain unit switching method on the network device side. In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may include ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random-Access Memory), SSD (Solid State Drives), or optical disc, etc. The random access memory may include ReRAM (Resistance Random Access Memory) and DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0244] This application also provides a chip, which includes programmable logic circuits and / or program instructions, and when the chip is running, it is used to implement the above-mentioned frequency domain unit switching method on the terminal device side.

[0245] This application also provides a chip, which includes programmable logic circuitry and / or program instructions. When the chip is running in a terminal device, it is used to: receive first information in a first time domain unit, the first information being used to instruct a second frequency domain unit; and switch from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit according to the first information, wherein the terminal device receives downlink signals and / or transmits uplink signals in the second frequency domain unit, either starting from or after the second time domain unit. When the chip is running in the terminal device, it is also used to implement other steps performed by the terminal device as described in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0246] This application also provides a chip, which includes programmable logic circuits and / or program instructions, and when the chip is running, it is used to implement the above-mentioned frequency domain unit switching method on the network device side.

[0247] This application also provides a chip, which includes programmable logic circuitry and / or program instructions. When the chip is running in a network device, it is used to: transmit first information in a first time domain unit, the first information being used to instruct a second frequency domain unit; and switch from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit, wherein the network device transmits downlink signals and / or receives uplink signals in the second frequency domain unit, either starting from or after the second time domain unit. When the chip is running in the network device, it is also used to implement other steps performed by the network device as described in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0248] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor reads and executes the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium to implement the above-described method for switching frequency domain units on the terminal device side, or to implement the above-described method for switching frequency domain units on the network device side.

[0249] It should be understood that the term "instruction" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a direct instruction, an indirect instruction, or an indication of a relationship. For example, A instructing B can mean that A directly instructs B, such as B being able to obtain information through A; it can also mean that A indirectly instructs B, such as A instructing C, so B can obtain information through C; or it can mean that there is a relationship between A and B.

[0250] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "correspondence" may indicate that there is a direct or indirect correspondence between two things, or that there is an association between two things, or that there is a relationship of instruction and being instructed, configuration and being configured, etc.

[0251] In some embodiments of this application, "predefined" can be achieved by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device (e.g., including terminal devices and network devices). This application does not limit the specific implementation method. For example, predefined can refer to what is defined in the protocol.

[0252] In some embodiments of this application, the term "protocol" may refer to standard protocols in the field of communications, such as BLE protocol, Wi-Fi protocol, and related protocols applied in future communication systems. This application does not limit the scope of these protocols.

[0253] In this article, "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0254] In this article, "greater than or equal to" can mean greater than or equal to, and "less than or equal to" can mean less than or equal to.

[0255] Furthermore, the step numbers described herein are merely illustrative of one possible execution order between steps. In some other embodiments, the steps may not be executed in the order of their numbers, such as two steps with different numbers being executed simultaneously, or two steps with different numbers being executed in the reverse order of the illustration. This application does not limit this.

[0256] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the functions described in the embodiments of this application in one or more of the above examples can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0257] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for switching frequency domain units, characterized in that, The method is executed by a terminal device, and the method includes: First information is received in the first time domain unit, and the first information is used to instruct the second frequency domain unit; Based on the first information, the terminal device switches from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit, wherein the terminal device receives downlink signals and / or sends uplink signals on the second frequency domain unit, starting from or after the second time domain unit.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first frequency domain unit and / or the second frequency domain unit corresponds to any one of the following: One carrier wave; One frequency band; Spectrum resources consisting of multiple discontinuous carriers; All spectrum resources contained in a cell; A portion of the spectrum resources within a carrier wave.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The signals within the first frequency domain unit share a radio frequency (RF) link, and / or the signals within the first frequency domain unit are time-frequency synchronized; The signals within the second frequency domain unit share an RF link, and / or the signals within the second frequency domain unit are time-frequency synchronized.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The second time-domain unit is the first time-domain unit; or, The second time-domain unit is located after the first time-domain unit, and the interval between the second time-domain unit and the first time-domain unit is not less than K time-domain units, where K is greater than 0.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The interval between the end time of the last transmission or reception in the first frequency domain unit and the start time of the first transmission or reception in the second frequency domain unit is not less than K time units, where K is greater than 0.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, If the interval between the end time of the last transmission or reception on the first frequency domain unit and the start time of the first transmission or reception on the second frequency domain unit is less than K time units, then the transmission channel or signal on the frequency domain resources corresponding to the K time units is stopped, eliminated, or discarded. The frequency domain resources corresponding to the K time units are configured by the network device, where K is greater than 0.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The unit of time can be any of the following: symbol, time slot, microsecond, millisecond, or second.

8. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that, The K time units are determined based on a reference frequency domain unit, which is one of the following: Frequency domain units configured in network devices; The frequency domain cell with the largest subcarrier spacing (SCS) in the set of frequency domain cells; The frequency domain cell with the smallest SCS in the set of frequency domain cells; The frequency domain unit set is either a subset or the entire set of all frequency domain units configured for the terminal device.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit belong to the same set of frequency domain units.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Both the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit are active frequency domain units.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The first information is received from the first frequency domain unit; or, The first information is received from a third frequency domain unit, which is a different frequency domain unit from the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The first frequency domain unit belongs to the Time Division Multiplexing (TDD) frequency band, and both uplink and downlink transmissions on the first frequency domain unit are switched to the second frequency domain unit; or, The first frequency domain unit belongs to the frequency division multiplexing (FDD) band, and both uplink and downlink transmissions on the first frequency domain unit are switched to the second frequency domain unit; or, The first frequency domain unit belongs to the FDD band, and the first information is triggered by downlink scheduling signaling, causing the downlink transmission on the first frequency domain unit to switch to the second frequency domain unit; or, The first frequency domain unit belongs to the FDD frequency band, and the first information is triggered by uplink scheduling signaling, and the uplink transmission on the first frequency domain unit is switched to the second frequency domain unit.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The retransmission corresponding to the initial transmission on the first frequency domain unit is located on the second frequency domain unit.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the first indication field of the downlink control signaling.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The correspondence between the value of the first indication field and the frequency domain unit is configured by the network device through higher-layer signaling.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, The downlink signal includes at least one of the following: a downlink data channel, a downlink reference signal, a broadcast channel and a synchronization signal, and a downlink control channel; and / or, The uplink signal includes at least one of the following: uplink data channel, uplink reference signal, random access channel, and uplink control channel.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, The unit of the first time domain unit and / or the second time domain unit is any one of the following: symbol, time slot.

18. A method for switching frequency domain units, characterized in that, The method is performed by a network device, and the method includes: First information is sent in the first time domain unit, and the first information is used to instruct the second frequency domain unit; When switching from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit, the network device transmits downlink signals and / or receives uplink signals in the second frequency domain unit, either starting from or after the second time domain unit.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first frequency domain unit and / or the second frequency domain unit corresponds to any one of the following: One carrier wave; One frequency band; Spectrum resources consisting of multiple discontinuous carriers; All spectrum resources contained in a cell; A portion of the spectrum resources within a carrier wave.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The signals within the first frequency domain unit share a radio frequency (RF) link, and / or the signals within the first frequency domain unit are time-frequency synchronized; The signals within the second frequency domain unit share an RF link, and / or the signals within the second frequency domain unit are time-frequency synchronized.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that, The second time-domain unit is the first time-domain unit; or, The second time-domain unit is located after the first time-domain unit, and the interval between the second time-domain unit and the first time-domain unit is not less than K time-domain units, where K is greater than 0.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that, The interval between the end time of the last transmission or reception in the first frequency domain unit and the start time of the first transmission or reception in the second frequency domain unit is not less than K time units, where K is greater than 0.

23. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that, If the interval between the end time of the last transmission or reception on the first frequency domain unit and the start time of the first transmission or reception on the second frequency domain unit is less than K time units, then the transmission channel or signal on the frequency domain resources corresponding to the K time units is stopped, eliminated, or discarded. The frequency domain resources corresponding to the K time units are configured by the network device, where K is greater than 0.

24. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that, The unit of time can be any of the following: symbol, time slot, microsecond, millisecond, or second.

25. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that, The K time units are determined based on a reference frequency domain unit, which is one of the following: The frequency domain unit configured in the network device; The frequency domain cell with the largest subcarrier spacing (SCS) in the set of frequency domain cells; The frequency domain cell with the smallest SCS in the set of frequency domain cells; The frequency domain unit set is either a subset or the entire set of all frequency domain units configured for the terminal device.

26. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 25, characterized in that, The first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit belong to the same set of frequency domain units.

27. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 26, characterized in that, Both the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit are active frequency domain units.

28. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 27, characterized in that, The first information is transmitted on the first frequency domain unit; or, The first information is transmitted on a third frequency domain unit, which is a different frequency domain unit from the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit.

29. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 28, characterized in that, The first frequency domain unit belongs to the Time Division Multiplexing (TDD) frequency band, and both uplink and downlink transmissions on the first frequency domain unit are switched to the second frequency domain unit; or, The first frequency domain unit belongs to the frequency division multiplexing (FDD) band, and both uplink and downlink transmissions on the first frequency domain unit are switched to the second frequency domain unit; or, The first frequency domain unit belongs to the FDD band, and the first information is triggered by downlink scheduling signaling, causing the downlink transmission on the first frequency domain unit to switch to the second frequency domain unit; or, The first frequency domain unit belongs to the FDD frequency band, and the first information is triggered by uplink scheduling signaling, and the uplink transmission on the first frequency domain unit is switched to the second frequency domain unit.

30. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 29, characterized in that, The retransmission corresponding to the initial transmission on the first frequency domain unit is located on the second frequency domain unit.

31. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 30, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the first indication field of the downlink control signaling.

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that, The correspondence between the value of the first indication field and the frequency domain unit is configured by the network device through higher-layer signaling.

33. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 32, characterized in that, The downlink signal includes at least one of the following: a downlink data channel, a downlink reference signal, a broadcast channel and a synchronization signal, and a downlink control channel; and / or, The uplink signal includes at least one of the following: uplink data channel, uplink reference signal, random access channel, and uplink control channel.

34. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 33, characterized in that, The unit of the first time domain unit and / or the second time domain unit is any one of the following: symbol, time slot.

35. A terminal device, characterized in that, The terminal device includes: The transceiver module is configured to receive first information in a first time domain unit, wherein the first information is used to instruct a second frequency domain unit; The processing module is configured to switch from the first frequency domain unit to the second frequency domain unit according to the first information, wherein the terminal device receives downlink signals and / or sends uplink signals on the second frequency domain unit starting from or after the second time domain unit.

36. The terminal device according to claim 35, characterized in that, The first frequency domain unit and / or the second frequency domain unit corresponds to any one of the following: One carrier wave; One frequency band; Spectrum resources consisting of multiple discontinuous carriers; All spectrum resources contained in a cell; A portion of the spectrum resources within a carrier wave.

37. The terminal device according to claim 35 or 36, characterized in that, The signals within the first frequency domain unit share a radio frequency (RF) link, and / or the signals within the first frequency domain unit are time-frequency synchronized; The signals within the second frequency domain unit share an RF link, and / or the signals within the second frequency domain unit are time-frequency synchronized.

38. The terminal device according to any one of claims 35 to 37, characterized in that, The second time-domain unit is the first time-domain unit; or, The second time-domain unit is located after the first time-domain unit, and the interval between the second time-domain unit and the first time-domain unit is not less than K time-domain units, where K is greater than 0.

39. The terminal device according to any one of claims 35 to 38, characterized in that, The interval between the end time of the last transmission or reception in the first frequency domain unit and the start time of the first transmission or reception in the second frequency domain unit is not less than K time units, where K is greater than 0.

40. The terminal device according to any one of claims 35 to 39, characterized in that, If the interval between the end time of the last transmission or reception on the first frequency domain unit and the start time of the first transmission or reception on the second frequency domain unit is less than K time units, then the transmission channel or signal on the frequency domain resources corresponding to the K time units is stopped, eliminated, or discarded. The frequency domain resources corresponding to the K time units are configured by the network device, where K is greater than 0.

41. The terminal device according to any one of claims 38 to 40, characterized in that, The unit of time can be any of the following: symbol, time slot, microsecond, millisecond, or second.

42. The terminal device according to any one of claims 38 to 41, characterized in that, The K time units are determined based on a reference frequency domain unit, which is one of the following: Frequency domain units configured in network devices; The frequency domain cell with the largest subcarrier spacing (SCS) in the set of frequency domain cells; The frequency domain cell with the smallest SCS in the set of frequency domain cells; The frequency domain unit set is either a subset or the entire set of all frequency domain units configured for the terminal device.

43. The terminal device according to any one of claims 35 to 42, characterized in that, The first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit belong to the same set of frequency domain units.

44. The terminal device according to any one of claims 35 to 43, characterized in that, Both the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit are active frequency domain units.

45. The terminal device according to any one of claims 35 to 44, characterized in that, The first information is received from the first frequency domain unit; or, The first information is received from a third frequency domain unit, which is a different frequency domain unit from the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit.

46. ​​The terminal device according to any one of claims 35 to 45, characterized in that, The terminal device does not support transmitting signals simultaneously on the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit, and / or the terminal device does not support receiving signals simultaneously on the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit.

47. The terminal device according to any one of claims 35 to 46, characterized in that, The first frequency domain unit belongs to the Time Division Multiplexing (TDD) frequency band, and both uplink and downlink transmissions on the first frequency domain unit are switched to the second frequency domain unit; or, The first frequency domain unit belongs to the frequency division multiplexing (FDD) band, and both uplink and downlink transmissions on the first frequency domain unit are switched to the second frequency domain unit; or, The first frequency domain unit belongs to the FDD band, and the first information is triggered by downlink scheduling signaling, causing the downlink transmission on the first frequency domain unit to switch to the second frequency domain unit; or, The first frequency domain unit belongs to the FDD frequency band, and the first information is triggered by uplink scheduling signaling, and the uplink transmission on the first frequency domain unit is switched to the second frequency domain unit.

48. The terminal device according to any one of claims 35 to 47, characterized in that, The retransmission corresponding to the initial transmission on the first frequency domain unit is located on the second frequency domain unit.

49. The terminal device according to any one of claims 35 to 48, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the first indication field of the downlink control signaling.

50. The terminal device according to claim 49, characterized in that, The correspondence between the value of the first indication field and the frequency domain unit is configured by the network device through higher-layer signaling.

51. The terminal device according to any one of claims 35 to 50, characterized in that, The downlink signal includes at least one of the following: a downlink data channel, a downlink reference signal, a broadcast channel and a synchronization signal, and a downlink control channel; and / or, The uplink signal includes at least one of the following: uplink data channel, uplink reference signal, random access channel, and uplink control channel.

52. The terminal device according to any one of claims 35 to 51, characterized in that, The unit of the first time domain unit and / or the second time domain unit is any one of the following: symbol, time slot.

53. A network device, characterized in that, The network device includes: The transceiver module is used to transmit first information in the first time domain unit, wherein the first information is used to instruct the second frequency domain unit; A processing module is configured to switch from a first frequency domain unit to a second frequency domain unit, wherein the network device transmits downlink signals and / or receives uplink signals on the second frequency domain unit, either starting from or after the second time domain unit.

54. The network device according to claim 53, characterized in that, The first frequency domain unit and / or the second frequency domain unit corresponds to any one of the following: One carrier wave; One frequency band; Spectrum resources consisting of multiple discontinuous carriers; All spectrum resources contained in a cell; A portion of the spectrum resources within a carrier wave.

55. The network device according to claim 53 or 54, characterized in that, The signals within the first frequency domain unit share a radio frequency (RF) link, and / or the signals within the first frequency domain unit are time-frequency synchronized; The signals within the second frequency domain unit share an RF link, and / or the signals within the second frequency domain unit are time-frequency synchronized.

56. The network device according to any one of claims 53 to 55, characterized in that, The second time-domain unit is the first time-domain unit; or, The second time-domain unit is located after the first time-domain unit, and the interval between the second time-domain unit and the first time-domain unit is not less than K time-domain units, where K is greater than 0.

57. The network device according to any one of claims 53 to 56, characterized in that, The interval between the end time of the last transmission or reception in the first frequency domain unit and the start time of the first transmission or reception in the second frequency domain unit is not less than K time units, where K is greater than 0.

58. The network device according to any one of claims 53 to 57, characterized in that, If the interval between the end time of the last transmission or reception on the first frequency domain unit and the start time of the first transmission or reception on the second frequency domain unit is less than K time units, then the transmission channel or signal on the frequency domain resources corresponding to the K time units is stopped, eliminated, or discarded. The frequency domain resources corresponding to the K time units are configured by the network device, where K is greater than 0.

59. The network device according to any one of claims 56 to 58, characterized in that, The unit of time can be any of the following: symbol, time slot, microsecond, millisecond, or second.

60. The network device according to any one of claims 56 to 59, characterized in that, The K time units are determined based on a reference frequency domain unit, which is one of the following: The frequency domain unit configured in the network device; The frequency domain cell with the largest subcarrier spacing (SCS) in the set of frequency domain cells; The frequency domain cell with the smallest SCS in the set of frequency domain cells; The frequency domain unit set is either a subset or the entire set of all frequency domain units configured for the terminal device.

61. The network device according to any one of claims 53 to 60, characterized in that, The first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit belong to the same set of frequency domain units.

62. The network device according to any one of claims 53 to 61, characterized in that, Both the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit are active frequency domain units.

63. The network device according to any one of claims 53 to 62, characterized in that, The first information is transmitted on the first frequency domain unit; or, The first information is transmitted on a third frequency domain unit, which is a different frequency domain unit from the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit.

64. The network device according to any one of claims 53 to 63, characterized in that, The first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit do not support simultaneous reception of signals from the same terminal device, and / or the first frequency domain unit and the second frequency domain unit do not support simultaneous transmission of signals to the same terminal device.

65. The network device according to any one of claims 53 to 64, characterized in that, The first frequency domain unit belongs to the Time Division Multiplexing (TDD) frequency band, and both uplink and downlink transmissions on the first frequency domain unit are switched to the second frequency domain unit; or, The first frequency domain unit belongs to the frequency division multiplexing (FDD) band, and both uplink and downlink transmissions on the first frequency domain unit are switched to the second frequency domain unit; or, The first frequency domain unit belongs to the FDD band, and the first information is triggered by downlink scheduling signaling, causing the downlink transmission on the first frequency domain unit to switch to the second frequency domain unit; or, The first frequency domain unit belongs to the FDD frequency band, and the first information is triggered by uplink scheduling signaling, and the uplink transmission on the first frequency domain unit is switched to the second frequency domain unit.

66. The network device according to any one of claims 53 to 65, characterized in that, The retransmission corresponding to the initial transmission on the first frequency domain unit is located on the second frequency domain unit.

67. The network device according to any one of claims 53 to 66, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the first indication field of the downlink control signaling.

68. The network device according to claim 67, characterized in that, The correspondence between the value of the first indication field and the frequency domain unit is configured by the network device through higher-layer signaling.

69. The network device according to any one of claims 53 to 68, characterized in that, The downlink signal includes at least one of the following: a downlink data channel, a downlink reference signal, a broadcast channel and a synchronization signal, and a downlink control channel; and / or, The uplink signal includes at least one of the following: uplink data channel, uplink reference signal, random access channel, and uplink control channel.

70. The network device according to any one of claims 53 to 69, characterized in that, The unit of the first time domain unit and / or the second time domain unit is any one of the following: symbol, time slot.

71. A terminal device, characterized in that, The terminal device includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, and the processor executing the computer program to cause the terminal device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 17.

72. A network device, characterized in that, The network device includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program to cause the network device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 18 to 34.

73. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program that is executed by a processor to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 18 to 34.

74. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes programmable logic circuitry and / or program instructions, which, when the chip is running, are used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 18 to 34.

75. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium, which a processor reads from and executes to implement the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 34.

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