Communication method and apparatuses, and storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method and apparatus, and a storage medium, which can improve the access performance of a terminal device. The method comprises: receiving first PRACH configuration information and second PRACH configuration information, wherein the first PRACH configuration information is used for indicating one or more of the following: one or more first ROs, the number X of SSBs on each first RO, or the number M of preambles corresponding to each SSB on each first RO, and the second PRACH configuration information is used for indicating one or more second ROs and / or the number Y of SSBs on each second RO; and performing PRACH transmission on the basis of the first PRACH configuration information or the second PRACH configuration information, wherein the second PRACH configuration information is further used for indicating the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on each second RO, or the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on each second RO is the same as the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on each first RO, and the number of preambles on each second RO is less than or equal to the total number of preambles, or the number N of preambles corresponding to each SSB on each second RO is determined on the basis of M, X and Y.

Description

Communication methods, devices and storage media

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510382500.4, filed on March 28, 2025, entitled "Communication Method, Apparatus and Storage Medium", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a communication method, apparatus, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0003] In a mobile communication system, in order for a terminal device to access the network, the network device can broadcast physical random access channel (PRACH) configuration information. This PRACH configuration information can indicate the random access channel occasion (RO), and the terminal device transmits the PRACH on the RO.

[0004] Typically, network devices can be configured with longer PRACH periods to reduce power consumption. However, longer PRACH periods may increase access latency for terminal devices. Therefore, network devices can configure an additional set of PRACH configuration information on top of the existing PRACH configuration information. This additional PRACH configuration information can indicate a shorter PRACH period, allowing terminal devices to transmit PRACH based on either the existing PRACH configuration information or the additional PRACH configuration information. This approach saves network device power and reduces access latency for terminal devices.

[0005] However, this additional PRACH configuration information may currently lead to insufficient preambles, affecting the access performance of terminal devices. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and storage medium to avoid the situation of insufficient preamble and improve the access performance of terminal devices.

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to the terminal side, such as a terminal device or a module in the terminal device, or a circuit or chip in the terminal device. The following description uses the application of this method to a terminal device as an example.

[0008] The method includes: receiving first PRACH configuration information, the first PRACH configuration information being used to indicate one or more of the following: one or more first ROs, and synchronization signal blocks on the first ROs. The first PRACH configuration information is activated by default: X is the number of blocks (SSBs), or M is the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, where X is a positive number and M is a positive integer; the second PRACH configuration information is received, which is used to indicate one or more second ROs, and / or Y is the number of SSBs on the second RO, where Y is a positive number and the activation status of the second PRACH configuration information is dynamically indicated; and PRACH transmission is performed based on the first PRACH configuration information or the second PRACH configuration information; wherein, the second PRACH configuration information is also used to indicate the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO; or, the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is the same as the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, and the number of preambles on the second RO is less than or equal to the total number of preambles; or, the number N of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is determined based on M, X, and Y, where N is a positive integer.

[0009] In this application, the first PRACH configuration information is activated by default, or is available by default. The second PRACH configuration information is additional PRACH configuration information configured based on the first PRACH configuration information. For example, the second PRACH configuration information is used to balance the power consumption of network devices and the access latency of terminal devices. For example, the PRACH period indicated by the second PRACH configuration information is shorter than the PRACH period indicated by the first PRACH configuration information.

[0010] The SSB on the first RO refers to the SSB associated with the first RO, and the SSB on the second RO refers to the SSB associated with the second RO.

[0011] The number of preambles on the second RO refers to the number of preambles corresponding to the Y SSBs on the second RO.

[0012] It is understandable that if the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is the same as the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, the number of preambles on the second RO may exceed the total number of preambles.

[0013] In this application, the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is indicated by the second PRACH configuration information, thereby limiting the number of preambles on the second RO to be less than or equal to the total number of preambles.

[0014] Alternatively, the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is the same as the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, but the number of preambles on the second RO is restricted to be less than or equal to the total number of preambles. For example, by restricting the number Y of SSBs on the second RO, the purpose of restricting the number of preambles on the second RO to be less than or equal to the total number of preambles can be achieved.

[0015] Alternatively, the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is the same as the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, but the number N of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is determined based on M, X, and Y, so as to limit the number of SSBs on the second RO to be less than or equal to the total number of preambles.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving first information, the first information being used to activate second PRACH configuration information.

[0017] In this application, after the terminal device receives the second PRACH configuration information, the second PRACH configuration information is temporarily unavailable. The network device can activate the second PRACH configuration information through the first information. The terminal device can perform PRACH transmission based on the activated second PRACH configuration information, or it can perform PRACH transmission based on the default activated first PRACH configuration information, which makes PRACH transmission more flexible.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is the same as the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, the number Y of SSBs on the second RO satisfies the following formula: S, and / or, Where S is the total number of preambles.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the number N of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is determined based on M, X, and Y, including: N being L times M, where L is determined based on X and Y.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the number N of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO satisfies the following formula:

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first PRACH configuration information and the second PRACH configuration information are carried in the second information.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second information is the system information block 1 (SIB1).

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second PRACH configuration information is also used to indicate one or more of the following: the number of preambles in the first preamble set, the starting preamble corresponding to the first feature combination, the number of preambles corresponding to the first feature combination, the RO corresponding to the first feature combination, or the number of preambles in the first preamble set corresponding to the first feature combination; wherein the first preamble set is used to determine the resource requirements of message 3 in the random access procedure.

[0024] Secondly, a communication method is provided that can be applied to the network side, such as a network device or a module in a network device, or a circuit or chip in a network device. The following description uses the application of this method to a network device as an example.

[0025] The method includes: sending first PRACH configuration information, which indicates one or more of the following: one or more first ROs, the number X of SSBs on the first ROs, or the number M of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first ROs, where X is a positive number and M is a positive integer, and the first PRACH configuration information is activated by default; and sending second PRACH configuration information, which indicates one or more second ROs, and / or the number Y of SSBs on the second ROs, where Y is a positive number, and the activation state of the second PRACH configuration information is dynamically indicated; wherein the second PRACH configuration information is further used to indicate the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second ROs; or, the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second ROs is the same as the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first ROs, and the number of preambles on the second ROs is less than or equal to the total number of preambles; or, the number N of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second ROs is determined based on M, X, and Y, where N is a positive integer.

[0026] It is understandable that if the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is the same as the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, the number of preambles on the second RO may exceed the total number of preambles.

[0027] In this application, the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is indicated by the second PRACH configuration information, thereby limiting the number of preambles on the second RO to be less than or equal to the total number of preambles.

[0028] Alternatively, the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is the same as the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, but the number of preambles on the second RO is restricted to be less than or equal to the total number of preambles. For example, by restricting the number Y of SSBs on the second RO, the purpose of restricting the number of preambles on the second RO to be less than or equal to the total number of preambles can be achieved.

[0029] Alternatively, the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is the same as the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, but the number N of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is determined based on M, X, and Y, so as to limit the number of SSBs on the second RO to be less than or equal to the total number of preambles.

[0030] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending first information, the first information being used to activate second PRACH configuration information.

[0031] In this application, after the network device sends the second PRACH configuration information, the second PRACH configuration information is temporarily unavailable. The network device can activate the second PRACH configuration information through the first information. In this way, the terminal device can perform PRACH transmission based on the activated second PRACH configuration information, or it can perform PRACH transmission based on the default activated first PRACH configuration information, which makes PRACH transmission more flexible.

[0032] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is the same as the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, the number Y of SSBs on the second RO satisfies the following formula: S, and / or, Where S is the total number of preambles.

[0033] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the number N of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is determined based on M, X, and Y, including: N being L times M, where L is determined based on X and Y.

[0034] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the number N of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO satisfies the following formula:

[0035] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first PRACH configuration information and the second PRACH configuration information are carried in the second information.

[0036] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second information is SIB1.

[0037] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second PRACH configuration information is also used to indicate one or more of the following: the number of preambles in the first preamble set, the starting preamble corresponding to the first feature combination, the number of preambles corresponding to the first feature combination, the RO corresponding to the first feature combination, or the number of preambles in the first preamble set corresponding to the first feature combination; wherein, the first preamble set is used to determine the resource requirements of message 3 in the random access procedure.

[0038] It should be understood that the second aspect of this application corresponds to the technical solution of the first aspect of this application, and the beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation are similar, and will not be repeated here.

[0039] Thirdly, a communication apparatus is provided for executing the method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects. Specifically, the apparatus includes a module for executing the method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects.

[0040] In one design, the device may include modules that perform the methods / operations / steps / actions described in any of the above aspects. These modules may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0041] In another design, the device is a communication chip, which may include input circuitry or interface for transmitting information or data, and output circuitry or interface for receiving information or data.

[0042] In another design, the device is a terminal device or a network device, which may include a transmitter for sending information or data and a receiver for receiving information or data.

[0043] In another design, the device is used to perform the method in any of the possible implementations of any of the above aspects, and the device can be configured in a terminal device or a network device.

[0044] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, such that the device performs the method in any possible implementation of any of the preceding aspects.

[0045] Optionally, the device further includes a memory for storing instructions and data. The memory is coupled to the processor, which, when executing the instructions stored in the memory, can implement the methods described in the foregoing aspects.

[0046] Optionally, the device may also include a transmitter and a receiver, which may be separate or integrated together and referred to as a transceiver.

[0047] Fifthly, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), which, when run, causes a computer to perform a method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects.

[0048] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects.

[0049] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting the implementation of the functions involved in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects, such as receiving or processing data involved in the above methods.

[0050] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing program instructions and data, which may be located within or outside the processor.

[0051] Optionally, the chip system may consist of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0052] Eighthly, this application provides a communication system including a terminal device for implementing the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, and a network device for implementing the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0053] It should be understood that the third to eighth aspects of this application correspond to the technical solutions of the first to second aspects of this application, and the beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation are similar, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a competition-based four-step random access method;

[0056] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of a competition-based two-step random access method;

[0057] Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C are schematic diagrams illustrating the mapping relationship between RO and SSB;

[0058] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of different PRACH cycles;

[0059] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a preamble corresponding to each SSB on a first RO provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the preamble corresponding to each SSB on the second RO provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figures 9 and 10 are schematic block diagrams of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Before introducing the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, the following points should be made first.

[0064] First, in the embodiments shown below, the terms and English abbreviations, such as PRACH, PRACH configuration information, RO, preamble, etc., are merely exemplary examples given for ease of description and should not constitute any limitation on this application. This application does not preclude the possibility of defining other terms that can achieve the same or similar functions in existing or future agreements.

[0065] Second, in the embodiments shown below, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations are merely for descriptive convenience to distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and purpose. For example, "first RO" and "second RO" are only used to distinguish different ROs and do not limit their order, nor are they used to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that "first," "second," etc., do not necessarily imply that they are different.

[0066] Third, "at least one" means one or more, while "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can mean: a, or b, or c, or a and b, or a and c, or b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0067] Fourth, in this application, "instruction" can include direct and indirect instructions, explicit and implicit instructions, and instructions used for determination. When describing certain instruction information to indicate A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A. In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementation, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is a correlation between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. Furthermore, the information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information to be sent separately, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information can be the same or different. This application does not limit the specific method of instruction. It is understood that, for the sender of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to indicate the information to be indicated, and for the receiver of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to determine the information to be indicated.

[0068] The information in this application is used to indicate one or more contents, or it may be replaced with the information indicating one or more contents, or the information including one or more contents.

[0069] Fifth, in this application, "when," "if," and "if" all refer to the device taking corresponding actions under certain objective circumstances, not to a time limit, nor do they require the device to perform a judgment action, nor do they imply any other limitations. Unless otherwise specified, "if" and "if" are interchangeable, and "when" and "under the circumstances" are interchangeable. "When" is interchangeable with "if" / "if."

[0070] Sixth, in this application, the words "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate that they are examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design options. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0071] Seventh, "Sending information / data" only indicates the direction of information / data transmission, including direct transmission via the device's communication interface (such as an air interface). "Sending" can also be understood as the "output" of the module interface. "Sending" can include indirect transmission by the processing unit through the communication interface, that is, after the processing unit outputs information / data through the module interface, it is transmitted to the device's communication interface and then sent out. "Receiving information / data" only indicates the direction of information / data transmission, including direct reception via the communication interface. "Receiving" can also be understood as the "input" of the module interface. "Receiving information / data" can include indirect reception by the processing unit through the communication interface, that is, after the communication interface receives information / data, it is transmitted to the module interface of the processing unit and then input to the processing unit. "Sending information / data to… (such as a terminal device)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal device. It can include sending information / data directly or indirectly to the terminal device. "Receiving information / data from… (such as a terminal device)" can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal device, and can include receiving information / data directly or indirectly from the terminal device. Information / data may undergo necessary processing, such as format changes, between the source and destination, but the destination can understand the valid information / data from the source. Similar statements in this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be repeated here.

[0072] In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between terminal devices and network devices; or they can occur within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within a device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0073] Eighth, in this application, the solutions in each embodiment can be used in a reasonable combination, and the explanations or descriptions of various terms, similar operations, or steps appearing in the embodiments can be referenced or explained to each other in the various embodiments, without limitation.

[0074] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a possible, non-limiting system architecture. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a radio access network (RAN) 10 and a core network 20. Optionally, the communication system 100 also includes an Internet 30. The RAN 10 may include at least one access network device (110a and 110b in Figure 1) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1). The terminal is wirelessly connected to the access network device, and the access network device is wirelessly or wiredly connected to the core network 20. The core network device and the access network device may be independent and different physical devices, or the functions of the core network device and the logical functions of the access network device may be integrated on the same physical device, or a single physical device may integrate some of the functions of the core network device and some of the functions of the access network device. Terminals and access network devices can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. Figure 1 is just a schematic diagram. The communication system may also include other access network devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 1.

[0075] The radio access network 10 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), such as a 4th generation (4G) mobile communication system (also known as a long term evolution (LTE) system), a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system (also known as a NR system), or it can be applied to future mobile communication systems or other similar communication systems, without specific limitations. The radio access network 10 can also be an open radio access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN) or a cloud radio access network (CRAN). The radio access network 10 can also be a non-terrestrial network (NTN), a satellite communication network, a high altitude platform station (HAPS) communication network, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) communication network, a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) communication network, etc. The radio access network 10 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0076] RAN nodes, also known as radio access network devices, RAN entities, or access nodes, are used to help terminals access a communication system wirelessly. Multiple RAN nodes in communication system 100 can be of the same type or different types.

[0077] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in 5G, a base station in a future mobile communication system, an access point (AP) in a satellite, an IAB node, or a RAN node in an NTN communication system; that is, it can be deployed on a high-altitude platform or satellite. A RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. A RAN node can also be a device that functions as a base station in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, drone communication, or machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. Optionally, a RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, RAN nodes can be roadside units (RSUs).

[0078] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). Here, the CU performs the functions of the base station's RRC protocol and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's radio link control layer and medium access control (MAC) layer, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of the above protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception functions. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes, or they can be integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU) or an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane (CP) and CU-user plane (UP).

[0079] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, a CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). The RAN nodes in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, a RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN nodes. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a RAN node in the following description.

[0080] A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from access network devices. Terminals can also be referred to as terminal devices, user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminals, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as D2D, V2X communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal. The device used to implement the terminal's functions can be the terminal itself; it can also be a device capable of supporting the terminal in implementing these functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal or used in conjunction with the terminal. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components. All or part of the functions of the terminal in this application can also be implemented by software functions running on hardware, or by virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0081] Access network devices and terminals can be fixed in location or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the access network devices and terminals.

[0082] The roles of access network devices and terminals can be relative. For example, the helicopter or drone 120i in Figure 1 can be configured as a mobile access network device. For terminals 120j that access the wireless access network 10 via 120i, terminal 120i is an access network device; however, for access network device 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via an interface protocol between access network devices. In this case, relative to 110a, 120i is also an access network device. Therefore, access network devices and terminals can both be collectively referred to as communication devices. 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with access network device functions, and 120a-120j in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with terminal functions.

[0083] Communication between access network devices and terminals, between access network devices, and between terminals can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0084] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the access network device can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the access network device, or by a control subsystem that includes access network device functions. This control subsystem, including access network device functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0085] Core network equipment refers to the equipment in the core network that provides service support to terminals. Examples of some core network equipment include: access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements, session management function (SMF) network elements, user plane function (UPF) network elements, etc., which will not be listed here.

[0086] In this application, the access network device sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal, and the downlink signals or downlink information are carried on the downlink channel; the terminal sends uplink signals or uplink information to the access network device, and the uplink signals or uplink information are carried on the uplink channel. In order to communicate with the access network device, the terminal needs to establish a radio connection on a cell controlled by the access network device. The cell with which the terminal has established a radio connection is called the terminal's serving cell. When the terminal communicates with the serving cell, it may also be subject to interference from signals from neighboring cells.

[0087] In the embodiments of this application, the time-domain symbol can be an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol or a discrete fourier transform-spread-OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) symbol. Unless otherwise specified, the symbols in the embodiments of this application refer to time-domain symbols.

[0088] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) are only examples of downlink data channels and downlink control channels, respectively, and the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) and physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) are only examples of uplink data channels and uplink control channels, respectively. In different systems and different scenarios, data channels and control channels may have different names, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0089] For ease of understanding, the relevant technologies and concepts involved in this application are introduced below.

[0090] 1. Random access (RA)

[0091] The random access procedure refers to the process from when a terminal sends a random access preamble to attempt to access the network until a basic signaling connection is established with the network. The purpose of random access is to enable uplink synchronization between the terminal device and the network device, allowing the network device to allocate uplink resources to the terminal device. During random access, the terminal device needs to initiate access on specific PRACH time-frequency resources. The signal used by the terminal device to initiate access is the random access preamble, which indicates that the terminal device has a random access request, allowing the network device to estimate the transmission delay between itself and the terminal device. PRACH is closely related to RACH; PRACH carries the communication requirements of RACH.

[0092] Currently, random access includes contention-based random access mechanisms. In contention-based random access, for example, a terminal device randomly selects a random access preamble from the random access preamble configured in SIB1. This can lead to multiple terminal devices selecting the same random access preamble, resulting in a random access preamble collision. Since network devices cannot distinguish between random access preambles sent by different terminal devices, each terminal device needs to send a message related to itself to the network device so that the network device can differentiate between the random access preambles sent by different terminal devices.

[0093] Contention-based random access mechanisms include four-step random access and two-step random access. These two different random access methods are described below.

[0094] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a contention-based four-step random access method 200. As shown in Figure 2, method 200 includes steps S201 to S204, with the specific steps as follows:

[0095] S201, the terminal device sends a random access preamble to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the random access preamble.

[0096] This step can also be referred to as the transmission of message 1, which includes the random access preamble. Alternatively, this step can also be referred to as the transmission of PRACH, whereby the terminal sends a PRACH to the network device, carrying the random access preamble. Initial random access is initiated by the MAC layer of the terminal device. Before S201, the network device can notify all terminal devices which PRACH resources are allowed to transmit the random access preamble.

[0097] After receiving the random access preamble, the network device detects the random access preamble to obtain the random access preamble identifier (RAPID) and downlink transmission beam, and estimates the transmission delay between the terminal device and the network device.

[0098] S202, the network device sends a random access response (RAR) to the terminal device. The terminal then receives the RAR.

[0099] This step can also be referred to as the transmission of message 2.

[0100] Network devices send random access responses via PDSCH. One PDSCH can carry a random access response and send it to multiple terminals. Random access responses include, but are not limited to, RAPID, backoff indicator (BI), and MAC RAR. MAC RAR includes, but is not limited to, timing advance (TA), uplink grant (UL grant), and temporary cell-radio network temporary identity (TC-RNTI). The uplink grant is used to schedule PUSCH transmission.

[0101] If a network device detects random access requests (with the same RA-RNTI) from multiple terminal devices on the same PRACH resource, the network device can respond to these random access requests using a single MAC protocol data unit (PDU), with each random access request response corresponding to a RAR.

[0102] After sending message 1, the terminal device monitors the PDCCH and waits for a random access response within the RAR window. Specifically, if the RAPID received by the terminal device in the RAR window is the same as the RAPID sent in message 1, the response is successful, and the terminal device can then send uplink scheduling information to the network device. If the terminal device does not receive a response to message 1 within the RAR window or fails to verify the response to message 1, the response fails. In this case, if the number of random access attempts is less than the upper limit, the terminal device continues to send a random access preamble to re-initiate random access; if the number of random access attempts reaches the upper limit, the random access fails.

[0103] S203, the terminal device sends uplink scheduling information to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the uplink scheduling information.

[0104] This step can also be referred to as the transmission of message 3. Message 3 is carried on the PUSCH and includes, but is not limited to: contention resolution identifier, cell-radio network temporary identity (C-RNTI), and common control channel (CCCH) service data unit (SDU).

[0105] After the terminal device sends uplink scheduling information, it starts the contention resolution timer.

[0106] When a PUSCH transmission fails, i.e. the network device fails to receive the PUSCH, the network device can use DCI scrambled by TC-RNTI to schedule the retransmission of the PUSCH.

[0107] S204, the network device sends contention resolution information to the terminal device. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the contention resolution information.

[0108] This step can also be referred to as message 4 transmission. Network devices use the C-RNTI on the PDCCH or the contention resolution identifier on the PDCSH to help end devices resolve contention.

[0109] The terminal device continues to monitor the PDCCH until the contention resolution timer expires. When any of the following conditions are met, the contention is considered successfully resolved and the timer stops:

[0110] (1) The terminal device receives the PDCCH scrambled by C-RNTI.

[0111] (2) The terminal device receives the TC-RNTI scrambled PDCCH and the MAC PDU is successfully decoded. Specifically, the contention resolution identifier received by the terminal device through the PDSCH is the same as the contention resolution identifier carried in message 3 sent by the terminal device.

[0112] If any of the above conditions are not met before the contention resolution timer expires, the terminal device considers the contention resolution to have failed. In this case, if the number of random access attempts has not reached the limit, the terminal device will initiate random access again; if the number of random access attempts reaches the limit, the random access will fail.

[0113] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of a competition-based two-step random access method 300. As shown in Figure 3, method 300 includes steps S301 and S302, and the specific steps are as follows:

[0114] S301, the terminal device sends message A to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives message A.

[0115] Message A can be seen as a packaged message of messages 1 and 3 in the above four-step random access procedure. In other words, message A includes messages 1 and 3 in the above four-step random access procedure, namely PRACH and PUSCH.

[0116] S302, the network device sends message B to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives message B.

[0117] Message B can be considered as message 4 in the above four-step random access procedure. In other words, message B includes the equivalent content of message 4 in the above four-step random access procedure, namely, contention resolution information.

[0118] For ease of description, the random access preamble will be referred to as the preamble in the following text.

[0119] In one possible implementation, SIB1 includes PRACH configuration information, which includes, but is not limited to:

[0120] The configuration index of PRACH, the number of ROs in the frequency domain, the starting resource block (RB) in the PRACH frequency domain, and the total number of preambles. The number N of SSBs associated with a RO ssbperROThe number N of contention-based preambles corresponding to one SSB CBpreamblesperSSB The number of contention-based preambles corresponding to each SSB in group A, the subcarrier spacing of PRACH, the feature combination corresponding to the preamble in the PRACH configuration information, the start preamble corresponding to the feature combination, the number of preambles corresponding to the feature combination, the RO corresponding to the feature combination, and the number of preambles in group A corresponding to the feature combination.

[0121] Each SSB's contention-based preamble can be divided into two groups, Group A and Group B. Group A and Group B are used to distinguish the data size of message 3 in the random access procedure. If the terminal device estimates the data size of message 3 to be greater than a first threshold and the path loss is less than the threshold when accessing the system, the preamble in Group B is used; otherwise, the preamble in Group A is used. The first threshold is configured by the signaling ra-Msg3SizeGroupA.

[0122] Each SSB (Special Support Block) has a contention-based preamble that can be used for different feature combinations. For example, an SSB might have 32 contention-based preambles, with 16 used for feature combination A and the remaining 16 for feature combination B. Each feature combination's preamble can be further divided into group A and group B. For instance, of the 16 preambles applicable to feature combination A, 10 belong to group A and the remaining 6 belong to group B.

[0123] This combination of features may include one or more of the following: reduced capability (RedCap), enhanced coverage, or small data transmission (SDT).

[0124] Where, N ssbperRO The set of possible values ​​for N is, for example, {1 / 8, 1 / 4, 1 / 2, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16}. ssbperRO When N takes the value of 1 / 8, 1 / 4, 1 / 2, or 1, CBpreamblesperSSB It can be configured as {4,8,12,16,20,24,28,32,36,40,44,48,52,56,60,64}; when N ssbperRO When N is 2, CBpreamblesperSSB It can be configured as {4,8,12,16,20,24,28,32}; when N ssbperRO When N is 4, CBpreamblesperSSB It can be configured as {1~16}; when N ssbperRO When N is 8, CBpreamblesperSSB It can be configured as {1~8}; when N ssbperROWhen N is 16, CBpreamblesperSSB It can be configured as {1~4}.

[0125] The following example illustrates the number of preambles on each RO, using a frequency domain with 4 ROs, 4 SSBs (labeled 0-3), and a total of 64 preambles. The number of preambles on each RO refers to the number of preambles corresponding to all SSBs on that RO. The number of preambles on each RO is:

[0126] For example, as shown in Figure 4A, N ssbperRO The value is 1 / 4, N CBpreamblesperSSB A value of 60 indicates that one RO is associated with 1 / 4 of an SSB. In other words, one SSB is associated with four ROs, and the number of preambles on each RO is 60 (marked as 0 to 59).

[0127] For example, as shown in Figure 4B, N ssbperRO The value can be 1, N CBpreamblesperSSB A value of 56 indicates that one RO is associated with one SSB, and the number of preambles on each RO is 56 (identified as 0 to 55).

[0128] For example, as shown in Figure 4C, N ssbperRO The value is 4, N CBpreamblesperSSB A value of 12 indicates that one RO is associated with four SSBs, each SSB corresponds to 12 preambles, and each RO has 60 preambles. Specifically, SSB#0 corresponds to preambles #0 to #11, SSB#1 corresponds to preambles #16 to #27, SSB#2 corresponds to preambles #32 to #43, and SSB#3 corresponds to preambles #48 to #59. It should be understood that these preambles refer to contention-based preambles.

[0129] 2. PRACH dynamic adjustment

[0130] Frequent PRACH reception by network devices increases their power consumption. Therefore, to reduce power consumption, a longer PRACH period can be configured. For example, as shown in Figure 5, Example 1 shows multiple ROs with longer periods, requiring the network device to continuously receive PRACH on these ROs. However, the longer period also increases the access latency of terminal devices. To address this, the network device can configure an additional PRACH resource to indicate extra ROs, such as the RO shown in Example 2 of Figure 5. Furthermore, the network device can activate this extra RO via DCI. This saves network device power and reduces access latency for terminal devices.

[0131] It is understood that Figure 1 can be regarded as the original PRACH resource, and Figure 2 is the additional PRACH resource. For ease of distinction, in this application, the configuration information used to indicate the original PRACH resource is referred to as the first PRACH configuration information, and the configuration information used to indicate the additional PRACH resource is referred to as the second PRACH configuration information.

[0132] Understandably, network devices can configure one or more sets of first PRACH configuration information for terminal devices that support different combinations of features. For example, there might be four sets of first PRACH configuration information: one set is suitable for terminal devices supporting RedCap, another set is suitable for terminal devices supporting coverage enhancement, another set is suitable for terminal devices supporting small packet transmission, and the remaining set is suitable for terminal devices that do not support these feature combinations. Coverage enhancement, for example, could be the multiple / repeated transmission of message 1 or message 3 in a random access procedure.

[0133] The parameters included in the first PRACH configuration information can be found in the description above, and will not be repeated here. The second PRACH configuration information includes the following parameters: the configuration index of the PRACH, the starting RB in the frequency domain of the PRACH, the number of ROs in the frequency domain, and the number of SSBs associated with one RO.

[0134] As can be seen, the second PRACH configuration information includes some parameters. Other parameters, such as the number of contention-based preambles corresponding to one SSB, the number of contention-based preambles corresponding to each SSB in group A, and the subcarrier spacing of the PRACH, can be understood as being the same as those indicated in the first PRACH configuration information. For example, the first PRACH configuration information indicates the number N of contention-based preambles corresponding to one SSB. CBpreamblesperSSB If the value is 15, it means that the number of contention-based preambles corresponding to each SSB on each RO indicated by the second PRACH configuration information is also 15.

[0135] It is understandable that if a network device configures one or more sets of first PRACH configuration information, the second PRACH configuration information corresponds to one of these sets of first PRACH configuration information. For example, the network device can instruct the second PRACH configuration information to correspond to one of these sets of first PRACH configuration information. The second PRACH configuration information can reuse some parameters from its corresponding first PRACH configuration information, such as parameters in the first PRACH configuration information other than those included in the second PRACH configuration information.

[0136] For ease of distinction, the RO indicated by the first PRACH configuration information is referred to as the first RO, and there are one or more first ROs. The RO indicated by the second PRACH configuration information is referred to as the second RO, and there are one or more second ROs. The number of SSBs associated with the first RO is denoted as X, the number of contention-based preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO is denoted as M, the number of SSBs associated with the second RO is denoted as Y, and the number of contention-based preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is denoted as N.

[0137] It is understandable that if the total number of preambles is S, then the number of preambles on the first RO should be less than or equal to S, and the number of preambles on the second RO should be less than or equal to S. Here, the number of preambles on the first RO refers to the total number or number of preambles corresponding to all SSBs on the first RO.

[0138] However, if the second PRACH configuration information includes some parameters, certain configurations may result in insufficient preambles.

[0139] For example, if the total number of preambles S = 64, and X = 4, M = 15, and Y = 8, then for the first RO, it is associated with 4 SSBs (SSB#0 to SSB#3), and each SSB corresponds to 15 contention-based preambles, as shown in Figure 6. For the second RO, it is associated with 8 SSBs, and each SSB corresponds to 15 contention-based preambles, requiring a total of 120 preambles, which is greater than the total number of preambles 64.

[0140] In view of this, this application provides a communication method in which network devices are configured appropriately to avoid insufficient preambles, thereby improving the access performance of terminal devices.

[0141] The methods provided in the embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0142] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 700 provided in an embodiment of this application. The steps of method 700 can be interactively executed by a terminal device (or modules in the terminal device, such as processors, chips, chip systems, circuits, etc.) and a network device (or modules in the network device, such as processors, chips, chip systems, circuits, etc.). The following description uses a terminal device and a network device as examples. Furthermore, the processing performed by a single execution entity can also be divided into multiple execution entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated. For example, the processing performed by the network device can be divided into execution by at least one of CU, DU, RU, etc.

[0143] Method 700 includes, but is not limited to, S701 to S703. Each step is described in detail below.

[0144] S701, the network device sends first PRACH configuration information, which indicates one or more of the following: one or more first ROs, the number X of SSBs on the first ROs, or the number M of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first ROs, where X is a positive number and M is a positive integer. The first PRACH configuration information is activated by default. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the first configuration information.

[0145] Here, the SSB on the first RO refers to the SSB associated with the first RO, or the SSB mapped by the first RO.

[0146] For example, X = 1 / 8 and M = 12 means that the first RO is associated with 1 / 8 of the SSBs, that is, one SSB is associated with 8 first ROs, and each first RO corresponds to 12 preambles.

[0147] For example, X=2, M=32 means that the first RO is associated with 2 SSBs, and each SSB corresponds to 32 preambles.

[0148] The preamble for each SSB on the first RO refers to the contention-based preamble for each SSB on the first RO. A contention-based preamble means that the preamble is used for contention-based random access. For example, if the total number of preambles is 64, 60 preambles are used for contention-based random access, and the remaining 4 preambles are used for non-contention-based random access.

[0149] In this application, the SSB on the first RO can be replaced by the SSB associated with the first RO, or the SSB corresponding to the first RO, or the SSB that has a mapping or association relationship with the first RO.

[0150] In this application, the first PRACH configuration information is activated by default. This can be replaced by saying that the first PRACH configuration information is available by default. In other words, the first PRACH does not require additional signaling activation or deactivation and is in a usable state.

[0151] S702, the network device sends a second PRACH configuration information, which is used to indicate one or more second ROs, and / or the number Y of SSBs on the second RO, where Y is a positive number, and the activation status of the second PRACH configuration information is dynamically indicated.

[0152] As described above, the second PRACH configuration information is additional PRACH configuration information compared to the first PRACH configuration information, and is designed to balance the power consumption and access latency of network devices.

[0153] Here, the SSB on the second RO refers to the SSB associated with the second RO, or the SSB mapped by the second RO.

[0154] It is understandable that the number of SSBs X on the first RO and the number of SSBs Y on the second RO may be the same or different.

[0155] In this application, the SSB on the second RO can be replaced by the SSB associated with the second RO, or the SSB corresponding to the second RO, or the SSB that has a mapping relationship with the second RO.

[0156] The activation status of the second PRACH configuration information is dynamically indicated. This can be understood as the network device being able to dynamically indicate whether the second PRACH configuration information is activated or deactivated.

[0157] In one possible implementation, after the terminal device receives the second PRACH configuration information, the second PRACH configuration information is temporarily unavailable or unavailable by default, meaning its activation state is inactive. Optionally, the network device can dynamically activate the second PRACH configuration information, for example, through DCI. Then, the terminal device can perform PRACH transmissions on the activated second PRACH configuration information, meaning the second PRACH configuration information is available. Alternatively, the second PRACH configuration information can be activated for a specific period, meaning it is only active or available during that period. Optionally, some of the ROs configured in the second PRACH configuration information may be available during that period.

[0158] In another possible implementation, after the terminal device receives the second PRACH configuration information, the second PRACH configuration information is available by default, meaning its activation status is active, and the terminal device can perform PRACH transmissions on the active second PRACH configuration information. Optionally, the network device can dynamically instruct the deactivation of the second PRACH configuration information, meaning the second PRACH configuration information is unavailable.

[0159] In one possible implementation, after the terminal device receives the second PRACH configuration information, the second PRACH configuration information is temporarily unavailable or unavailable by default; that is, the activation status of the second PRACH configuration information is inactive. Optionally, the network device can dynamically activate the second PRACH configuration information, for example, through DCI. The terminal device can then perform PRACH transmissions on the activated second PRACH configuration information. Subsequently, the network device can dynamically instruct the activation of the second PRACH configuration information, for example, through DCI.

[0160] After the terminal device receives the second PRACH configuration information, optionally, the network device sends first information to the terminal device, the first information being used to activate the second PRACH configuration information. Optionally, the network device may subsequently instruct the deactivation of the second PRACH configuration information. Optionally, the first information is DCI.

[0161] It is understood that the first PRACH configuration information and the second PRACH configuration information can be transmitted together; for example, the first PRACH configuration information and the second PRACH configuration information are carried in the second information. The second information may be, for example, system information or broadcast information. Optionally, the second information is SIB1.

[0162] Optionally, the first PRACH configuration information and the second PRACH configuration information can be transmitted separately. For example, the first PRACH configuration information can be transmitted in SIB1, while the second PRACH configuration information can be transmitted in other system information, broadcast information, or RRC messages. For example, the second PRACH configuration information can be transmitted in an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0163] In the embodiments of this application, in order to avoid the situation where there is not enough preamble, the following implementation methods can be used.

[0164] In the first implementation, the second PRACH configuration information is also used to indicate the number N of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO. Understandably, in implementation method one, the network device can configure the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO. In this case, the number Y of SSBs associated with the second RO and the number N of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO satisfy a constraint relationship. For example, if the total number of preambles is 64, when Y takes the value of 1 / 8, 1 / 4, 1 / 2, or 1, N can be configured as {4,8,12,16,20,24,28,32,36,40,44,48,52,56,60,64}; when Y takes the value of 2, N can be configured as {4,8,12,16,20,24,28,32}; when Y takes the value of 4, N can be configured as {1~16}; when Y takes the value of 8, N can be configured as {1~8}; and when Y takes the value of 16, N can be configured as {1~4}. Based on the above constraints, the situation where the number of preambles on the second RO exceeds the total number of preambles can be avoided. For example, the situation where the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is the same as the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO can be avoided, thus preventing the number of preambles on the second RO from exceeding the total number of preambles.

[0165] In the second implementation method, the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is the same as the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, and the number of preambles on the second RO is less than or equal to the total number of preambles S.

[0166] In this approach, the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is the same as the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO. With the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO already configured, it is equivalent to configuring the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO. Since the number of preambles on the second RO is related to the number of SSBs associated with the second RO, when the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is determined, the number of preambles on the second RO can be limited to be less than or equal to the total number of preambles by restricting the number of SSBs associated with the second RO. Specifically, the number of preambles on the second RO is: Where M is the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, and also the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO. This means rounding x up. For example, if x is 1 / 2, the value after rounding up is 1. For example, if x = 2, the value after rounding up is 2.

[0167] Optionally, in order to limit It can be launched, but needs to be restricted. For example, S = 64, M = 15, Therefore, Y can take the values ​​1 / 8, 1 / 4, 1 / 2, 1, 2, or 4. For example, S = 64, M = 4. Therefore, Y can take the values ​​1 / 8, 1 / 4, 1 / 2, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16.

[0168] Optionally, because Therefore, in order to limit Can be restricted For example, if X = 1 / 4, then Y can take the values ​​1 / 8, 1 / 4, 1 / 2, or 1. As another example, if X = 8, then Y can take the values ​​1 / 8, 1 / 4, 1 / 2, 1, 2, 4, and 8.

[0169] In the third implementation method, the number N of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is determined based on M, X, and Y, and N is a positive integer.

[0170] Optionally, N is L times M, where L is determined based on X and Y, and L can be a fraction or an integer.

[0171] Optionally, For example, if X = 1 / 2 and Y = 1 / 4, then L = 1 and N = M. Another example: if X = 1 / 2 and Y = 2, then L = 1 / 2 and N = M / 2. Yet another example: if X = 8 and Y = 4, then L = 2 and N = 2 × M.

[0172] Optionally, the number N of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO satisfies the following formula: in, This means rounding x down. For example, if x is 2.4, the value after rounding down is 2. For example, if x = 3.8, the value after rounding down is 3.

[0173] For example, as shown in Figure 8, the number of SSBs associated with the first RO is X = 4, the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO is M = 15, the number of SSBs associated with the second RO is Y = 8, and the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is N = 7.

[0174] S703, the terminal device performs PRACH transmission based on the first PRACH configuration information or the second PRACH configuration information.

[0175] The terminal device can choose to transmit PRACH using either the first PRACH configuration information or the second PRACH configuration information. In one possible scenario, if the second PRACH configuration information is unavailable after the terminal device receives it, and no instruction to activate the second PRACH configuration information is received, then the terminal device will transmit PRACH based on the first PRACH configuration information.

[0176] Based on the technical solution of this application embodiment, the situation of insufficient preambles under certain PRACH configurations can be avoided, so that each SSB on the second RO has a corresponding preamble for the terminal device to use, thereby improving the access performance of the terminal device.

[0177] Optionally, the second PRACH configuration information is also used to indicate one or more of the following: the number of preambles in the first preamble set, the starting preamble corresponding to the first feature combination, the number of preambles corresponding to the first feature combination, the RO corresponding to the first feature combination, or the number of preambles in the first preamble set corresponding to the first feature combination. The first preamble set is used to determine the resource requirements of message 3 in the random access procedure. For example, the first preamble set is group A as described above. The first feature combination may include at least one of the following: RedCap, small packet transmission, message 3 repetition, message 1 repetition, or enhanced RedCap, etc.

[0178] The first preamble set is used to determine the resource requirements of message 3 in the random access procedure. This can be understood as follows: if the terminal device selects a preamble from the first preamble set for PRACH transmission, it indicates that the data size of message 3 in the random access procedure is less than a first threshold. Therefore, the network device can allocate an appropriate amount of resources to the terminal device to match the data size of message 3. Alternatively, the first preamble set can be used to determine the size of message 3 in the random access procedure.

[0179] Optionally, if the second PRACH configuration information is also used to indicate the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO, the second PRACH configuration information is also used to indicate one or more of the above-mentioned items. This is because if the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is different from the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, then the second RO no longer applies one or more of the above-mentioned items configured in the first PRACH configuration information. Therefore, the network device configures one or more of the above-mentioned items for the second RO in the second PRACH configuration information.

[0180] Optionally, the second PRACH configuration information can also be used to indicate the total number of preambles.

[0181] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0182] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the first communication device and the second communication device include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0183] The communication method according to the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to FIG. 7. The communication device according to the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be the terminal device 120 shown in FIG. 1, the network device 110 shown in FIG. 1, or a module (such as a chip) applied to the terminal device or network device.

[0184] As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 900 includes a transceiver module 910 and a processing module 920. The processing module 920 is used for data processing. The transceiver module 910 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication module. The communication device 900 is used to perform the actions performed by the terminal device or network device in the embodiment shown in Figure 7. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0185] The communication device 900 can be used to perform the actions performed by the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments. The communication device 900 can be a component (e.g., a chip) configured in the terminal device or network device. The processing module 920 is used to perform processing-related operations of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 910 is used to perform receiving and transmitting-related operations of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments.

[0186] Optionally, the transceiver module 910 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments.

[0187] It should be noted that the communication device 900 may include a transmitting module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 900 may include a receiving module but not a transmitting module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme executed by the communication device 900 includes both transmitting and receiving actions.

[0188] Optionally, the communication device 900 may further include a storage module, which may be used to store data and / or to store computer programs or instructions. The processing module 920 may read the computer programs / instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device 900 implements the above-described method embodiments.

[0189] When the communication device 900 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG7, the transceiver module 910 is configured to: receive first PRACH configuration information, the first PRACH configuration information indicating one or more of the following: one or more first ROs, the number X of the same SSB on the first RO, or the number M of the preamble corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, where X is a positive number and M is a positive integer, and the first PRACH configuration information is activated by default; and receive second PRACH configuration information, the second PRACH configuration information indicating one or more second ROs, and / or the number Y of the SSBs on the second RO, where Y is a positive number. The activation status of the second PRACH configuration information is dynamically indicated; the processing module 920 is used to: perform PRACH transmission based on the first PRACH configuration information or the second PRACH configuration information; wherein, the second PRACH configuration information is also used to indicate the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO; or, the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is the same as the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, and the number of preambles on the second RO is less than or equal to the total number of preambles; or, the number N of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is determined based on M, X, Y, and N is a positive integer.

[0190] Optionally, the transceiver module 910 is used to: receive first information, which is used to activate second PRACH configuration information.

[0191] Optionally, when the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is the same as the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, the number Y of SSBs on the second RO satisfies the following formula: And / or, Where S is the total number of preambles.

[0192] Optionally, the number N of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is determined based on M, X, and Y, including: N is L times M, where L is determined based on X and Y.

[0193] Optionally, the number N of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO satisfies the following formula:

[0194] Optionally, the first PRACH configuration information and the second PRACH configuration information are carried in the second information.

[0195] Optionally, the second information is SIB1.

[0196] Optionally, the second PRACH configuration information is also used to indicate one or more of the following: the number of preambles in the first preamble set, the starting preamble corresponding to the first feature combination, the number of preambles corresponding to the first feature combination, the RO corresponding to the first feature combination, or the number of preambles in the first preamble set corresponding to the first feature combination; wherein, the first preamble set is used to determine the resource requirements of message 3 in the random access procedure.

[0197] When the communication device 900 is used to implement the function of the second communication device in the method embodiment shown in FIG7, the transceiver module 910 is used to: send first PRACH configuration information, the first PRACH configuration information being used to indicate one or more of the following: one or more first ROs, the number X of the same SSB on the first RO, or the number M of the preamble corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, where X is a positive number and M is a positive integer, and the first PRACH configuration information is activated by default; and send second PRACH configuration information, the second PRACH configuration information being used to indicate one or more second ROs, and / or the number Y of the SSBs on the second RO, where Y is a positive number, and the activation state of the second PRACH configuration information is dynamically indicated.

[0198] Optionally, the transceiver module 910 is used to: send first information, which is used to activate second PRACH configuration information.

[0199] Optionally, when the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is the same as the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, the number Y of SSBs on the second RO satisfies the following formula: And / or, Where S is the total number of preambles.

[0200] Optionally, the number N of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is determined based on M, X, and Y, including: N is L times M, where L is determined based on X and Y.

[0201] Optionally, the number N of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO satisfies the following formula:

[0202] Optionally, the first PRACH configuration information and the second PRACH configuration information are carried in the second information.

[0203] Optionally, the second information is SIB1.

[0204] Optionally, the second PRACH configuration information is also used to indicate one or more of the following: the number of preambles in the first preamble set, the starting preamble corresponding to the first feature combination, the number of preambles corresponding to the first feature combination, the RO corresponding to the first feature combination, or the number of preambles in the first preamble set corresponding to the first feature combination; wherein, the first preamble set is used to determine the resource requirements of message 3 in the random access procedure.

[0205] For a more detailed description of the above-mentioned processing module 920 and transceiver module 910, please refer to the relevant description in the method embodiment shown in Figure 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0206] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 1000 includes one or more processors 1010 and an interface circuit 1020. The one or more processors 1010 and the interface circuit 1020 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1020 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 1000 may also include a memory 1030 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1010, or for storing input data required by the processor 1010 to execute instructions, or for storing data generated after the processor 1010 executes instructions. Sometimes, the interface circuit 1020 can also be understood as part of the one or more processors 1010, in which case the communication device 1000 includes the one or more processors 1010.

[0207] The one or more processors 1010 and memory 1030 can be configured separately or integrated, and this application does not limit this.

[0208] When the communication device 1000 is used to implement the method shown in FIG7, the one or more processors 1010 are used to implement the functions of the processing module 920, and the interface circuit 1020 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver module 910.

[0209] When the aforementioned communication device 1000 is a chip applied to a terminal device, the chip of the terminal device implements the functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The chip of the terminal device receiving information from the network device can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the terminal device, and then sent to the chip of the terminal device by these modules. The chip of the terminal device sending information to the network device can be understood as the information being first sent to other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the terminal device, and then sent to the network device by these modules.

[0210] When the aforementioned communication device 1000 is a chip used in a network device, the chip of the network device implements the functions of the network device in the above method embodiments. The chip of the network device receives information from the terminal device, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the network device, and then sent to the chip of the network device by these modules. The chip of the network device sends information to the terminal device, which can be understood as the information being first sent to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the network device, and then sent to the terminal device by these modules.

[0211] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the above embodiments. Alternatively, the computer program includes instructions for implementing the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0212] This application also provides a computer program product, including: a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described above.

[0213] This application also provides an apparatus, which can be a chip, including at least one processor for supporting the implementation of the methods in the above embodiments, such as receiving or processing data involved in the methods in the above embodiments.

[0214] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the processor can be a central processing unit, or it can be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0215] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, optical discs, or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can reside in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and the storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the base station or terminal.

[0216] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0217] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0218] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive first physical random access channel (PRACH) configuration information. The first PRACH configuration information is used to indicate one or more of the following: one or more first random access channel timings (RO), the number of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) (X) on the first RO, or the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, where X is a positive number and M is a positive integer. The first PRACH configuration information is activated by default. Receive second PRACH configuration information, which is used to indicate one or more second ROs, and / or the number Y of SSBs on the second RO, where Y is a positive number, and the activation status of the second PRACH configuration information is dynamically indicated; PRACH transmission is performed based on either the first PRACH configuration information or the second PRACH configuration information; wherein... The second PRACH configuration information is also used to indicate the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO; or, The number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is the same as the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, and the number of preambles on the second RO is less than or equal to the total number of preambles; or, The number N of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is determined based on M, X, and Y, where N is a positive integer.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first information, which is used to activate the second PRACH configuration information.

3. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send first physical random access channel (PRACH) configuration information. The first PRACH configuration information is used to indicate one or more of the following: one or more first random access channel timings (RO), the number of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) (X) on the first RO, or the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, where X is a positive number and M is a positive integer. The first PRACH configuration information is activated by default. Send second PRACH configuration information, which indicates one or more second ROs, and / or the number Y of SSBs on the second RO, where Y is a positive number. The activation status of the second PRACH configuration information is dynamically indicated; wherein, The second PRACH configuration information is also used to indicate the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO; or, The number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is the same as the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, and the number of preambles on the second RO is less than or equal to the total number of preambles; or, The number N of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is determined based on M, X, and Y, where N is a positive integer.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first message, which is used to activate the second PRACH configuration information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, When the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is the same as the number of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the first RO, the number Y of SSBs on the second RO satisfies the following formula: And / or, Where S is the total number of preambles.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The number N of the preamble corresponding to each SSB on the second RO is determined based on M, X, and Y, including: N is L times M, where L is determined based on X and Y.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The number N of preambles corresponding to each SSB on the second RO satisfies the following formula:

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first PRACH configuration information and the second PRACH configuration information are carried in the second information.

9. The method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The second information is System Information Block (SIB) 1.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The second PRACH configuration information is also used to indicate one or more of the following: The number of preambles in the first preamble set, the starting preamble corresponding to the first feature combination, the number of preambles corresponding to the first feature combination, the RO corresponding to the first feature combination, or the number of preambles in the first preamble set corresponding to the first feature combination. The first preamble set is used to determine the resource requirements of message 3 in the random access procedure.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1, 2, 5 to 10, or modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 3 to 10.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices. The processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1, 2, 5 to 10, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 3 to 10, through logic circuits or execution code instructions.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1, 2, 5 to 10, or the method as described in any one of claims 3 to 10.

14. A computer program product, characterized in that, include: A computer program or instruction, when executed by a communication device, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1, 2, 5 to 10, or implements the method as described in any one of claims 3 to 10.

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