Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, capable of reducing measurement latency. A source base station can trigger a target base station to send a synchronization signal block (SSB), for example, the source base station can send a measurement configuration of a terminal to the target base station, wherein the measurement configuration indicates a time domain range for the terminal to measure an SSB, so that the target base station can rationally determine a transmission position for an OD-SSB on the basis of the time domain range for the terminal to measure an SSB, and transmit an SSB. Alternatively, the target base station can indicate, to the source base station, a candidate time domain range used for transmitting an OD-SSB, so that the source base station can determine a rational SSB measurement time domain range on the basis of the candidate time domain range, for example, configuring the two time domain ranges to overlap as much as possible, and the source base station can activate the candidate time domain range upon performing measurement configuration, so that the target base station transmits an SSB within the candidate time domain range. Thus, compared with a target base station transmitting SSBs with a long period or not transmitting SSBs, the measurement latency of a target cell can be reduced.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510367388.7, filed on March 25, 2025, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", 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 communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] In 5G mobile communication systems, the synchronization signal block (SSB) consists of the primary synchronization signal (PSS), the secondary synchronization signal block (SSS), and the physical broadcast channel (PBCH).

[0004] SSBs are periodically broadcast by the base station, with a transmission period of 20 milliseconds (ms), 40ms, 80ms, or 160ms, etc. Terminals can periodically search for and measure SSBs, and the measurement results can be used for radio resource management (RRM), etc.

[0005] Typically, a terminal needs to measure multiple SSBs to complete the measurement of a target cell. If the target cell's SSB transmission period is long, such as 160ms, it can lead to significant measurement delay. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can reduce measurement latency.

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second access network node, or by a component of the second access network node, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the second access network node, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second access network node. The method includes: receiving first information from a first access network node; and sending a first SSB based on the first information. The first information indicates a first time domain range, which is used by a first terminal to measure a synchronization signal block (SSB), or the first information is used to activate a second time domain range, which is used by the second access network node to send an SSB.

[0008] Based on this scheme, the second access network receives first information from the first access network node and sends a first SSB according to the first information. That is, the first access network node can trigger the second access network node to send an SSB. When the first information indicates a first time domain range, the second access network node can know the time domain range of the first terminal's SSB measurement, and thus can send the first SSB at an appropriate location based on the time domain range of the first terminal's SSB measurement, for example, the time domain range of sending the first SSB overlaps with the first time domain range. When the first information is used to activate a second time domain range, the first access network node can know the time domain range of the second access network node's SSB transmission, and thus can reasonably configure the time domain range of the first terminal's SSB measurement based on the time domain range of the second access network node's SSB transmission, for example, configuring the two to overlap. In other words, based on the interaction between the first access network node and the second access network node, the time domain range of the SSB sent by the second access network node and the time domain range of the SSB measured by the terminal can overlap as much as possible. Therefore, compared with the second access network node sending SSB at a larger period (such as the SSB sending period being greater than the SSB measurement period) or not sending SSB at all, the measurement latency of the target cell can be reduced.

[0009] In one possible design, the first information includes an SMTC, and if the SMTC includes a first cycle, sending a first SSB according to the first information includes: sending the first SSB according to a second cycle, where the second cycle is equal to or less than the first cycle.

[0010] Based on this possible design, the first period configured by SMTC is the SSB measurement period. That is, the period during which the second access network node sends the first SSB is less than or equal to the SSB measurement period, thus enabling the terminal to measure the first SSB in the SSB measurement period, thereby reducing the measurement latency of the target cell.

[0011] In one possible design, where the first information is used to activate the second time domain range, the method further includes sending second information to the first access network node, the second information indicating the second time domain range.

[0012] Based on this possible design, the second access network node can indicate to the first access network node the time domain range for transmitting SSBs, enabling the first access network node to determine a suitable time domain range for measuring SSBs based on this time domain range. For example, the time domain range for measuring SSBs can overlap with the second time domain range, thereby enabling the terminal to measure the SSBs transmitted by the second access network node as much as possible within the time domain range for measuring SSBs, thereby reducing measurement latency.

[0013] In one possible design, sending the first SSB based on the first information includes: sending the first SSB within a second time domain.

[0014] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first access network node, or by a component of the first access network node, such as its processor, chip, or chip system, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network node. The method includes: determining first information and sending the first information to a second access network node. The first information indicates a first time domain range, which is used by a first terminal to measure a synchronization signal block (SSB); or, the first information is used to activate a second time domain range, which is used by the second access network node to send an SSB. The technical effects of this second aspect are analogous to those of the first aspect described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0015] In one possible design, where the first information is used to activate the second time domain range, the method further includes: receiving second information from a second access network node, the second information indicating the second time domain range.

[0016] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending a measurement configuration to a first terminal, the measurement configuration indicating a fourth time domain range, the fourth time domain range being used by the first terminal to measure the SSB, the fourth time domain range being determined based on a second time domain range.

[0017] Based on the two possible designs mentioned above, the second access network node can indicate to the first access network node the time domain range (i.e., the second time domain range) for transmitting SSBs, so that the first access network node can determine a suitable time domain range (i.e., the fourth time domain range) for measuring SSBs based on this time domain range. For example, the time domain range for measuring SSBs can overlap with the second time domain range, thereby enabling the terminal to measure the SSBs transmitted by the second access network node as much as possible within the time domain range for measuring SSBs, thereby reducing measurement latency.

[0018] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible design, where the first information indicates a first time domain range, the first information includes a measurement timing configuration SMTC based on the SSB, the SMTC indicating the first time domain range.

[0019] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible design, the first information also includes a measurement interval configuration that indicates the measurement interval, and the first time domain range is located within the measurement interval.

[0020] In conjunction with either the first or second aspect, in one possible design, the second information includes at least one of the following: a start time, an end time, the period of the first SSB, or the offset of the first SSB. The second time-domain range lies between the start and end times, and the offset of the first SSB is used to determine the starting time-domain position of the first SSB.

[0021] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible design, the second time domain range is used to determine the fourth time domain range, which is used by the first terminal to measure the SSB.

[0022] In combination with the first or second aspect, in one possible design, the second access network node is SSB-less.

[0023] Based on this possible design, if the second access network node is SSB-less, the terminal cannot detect the existence of the second access network node. Therefore, the first access network node can trigger the second access network node to send an SSB, thereby reducing the measurement latency of the target cell.

[0024] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first terminal, or by a component of the first terminal, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the first terminal, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first terminal. The method includes: receiving a first signal configuration from a first access network node, the first signal configuration being associated with a first cell, and the access network node to which the first cell belongs being a second access network node; if an SSB of the first cell is detected, sending a first signal to the second access network node according to the first signal configuration, the first signal being used to trigger the second access network node to send the SSB of the first cell according to a second cycle.

[0025] Based on this scheme, the first access network node can pre-configure the first signal associated with the cell managed by the second access network node to the terminal. This allows the terminal to send the first signal to the second access network node based on the signal configuration associated with the cell when it detects the SSB of that cell, thereby triggering the second access network node to send the SSB of that cell according to a second cycle. This enables the second access network node to send the SSB of that cell according to the second cycle after receiving the first signal from the terminal. Therefore, compared to the second access network node consistently sending SSBs at a longer cycle, sending SSBs at a shorter cycle based on the terminal's trigger reduces the measurement latency of the cell.

[0026] In one possible design, detecting the SSB of the first cell includes: detecting the SSB of the first cell transmitted according to a first period, wherein the second period is shorter than the first period.

[0027] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving a measurement configuration from a first access network node; and performing SSB detection based on the measurement configuration.

[0028] In one possible design, the method further includes: measuring the SSB of the first cell transmitted according to a second cycle, and / or measuring the SSB of the first cell transmitted according to a first cycle, based on the measurement configuration.

[0029] In one possible design, receiving a first signal configuration from a first access network node includes: receiving at least one signal configuration from the first access network node, the at least one signal configuration including the first signal configuration, and each of the at least one signal configuration being associated with a cell.

[0030] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending first information to a second access network node, the first information indicating a first duration, during which the period of the SSB of the first cell is a second period.

[0031] In one possible design, the first signal configuration is used to configure at least one of the following: time-domain resources of the first signal, frequency-domain resources of the first signal, a sequence for generating the first signal, or a format of the first signal.

[0032] Fourthly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second access network node, or by a component of the second access network node, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the second access network node, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second access network node. The method includes: sending a first signal configuration to a first access network node, the first signal configuration being associated with a first cell, the access network node to which the first cell belongs being the second access network node, the first signal configuration being used to configure a first signal, and the first access network node being the serving access network node of a first terminal; receiving a first signal from the first terminal; and transmitting the SSB of the first cell according to the first signal and a second cycle. The technical effects of this fourth aspect are similar to those of the third aspect described above, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0033] In one possible design, the method further includes: transmitting the SSB of the first cell according to the first cycle, and the second cycle being shorter than the first cycle.

[0034] In one possible design, sending a first signal configuration to a first access network node includes: sending at least one signal configuration to the first access network node, the at least one signal configuration including the first signal configuration, and each signal configuration in the at least one signal configuration being associated with a cell.

[0035] In one possible design, the first signal configuration is used to configure at least one of the following: time-domain resources of the first signal, frequency-domain resources of the first signal, a sequence for generating the first signal, or a format of the first signal.

[0036] In one possible design, transmitting the SSB of the first cell according to the second cycle includes: transmitting the SSB of the first cell according to the second cycle within a first duration, and stopping transmitting the SSB of the first cell according to the first cycle within the first duration.

[0037] In one possible design, transmitting the SSB of the first cell according to the second cycle includes: transmitting the SSB of the first cell according to the second cycle within a first duration, and transmitting the SSB of the first cell according to the first cycle within a first duration.

[0038] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving first information from a first terminal, the first information indicating a first duration.

[0039] Fifthly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second access network node, or by a component of the second access network node, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the second access network node, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second access network node. The method includes: determining second information indicating a second time domain range used by the second access network node to transmit an SSB; and sending the second information to a first access network node, the second time domain range used to determine a fourth time domain range used by a first terminal to measure the SSB.

[0040] Based on this scheme, the second access network node can indicate to the first access network node the time domain range (i.e., the second time domain range) for transmitting SSBs, so that the first access network node can determine a suitable time domain range (i.e., the fourth time domain range) for measuring SSBs based on this time domain range. For example, the time domain range for measuring SSBs can overlap with the second time domain range, so that the terminal can measure the SSBs transmitted by the second access network node as much as possible within the time domain range for measuring SSBs, thereby reducing the measurement latency.

[0041] In one possible design, the method further includes: transmitting the first SSB within a second time domain.

[0042] Sixthly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first access network node, or by a component of the first access network node, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the first access network node, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network node. The method includes: receiving second information from a second access network node, the second time domain range being used by the second access network node to transmit SSBs; and sending a measurement configuration to a first terminal, the measurement configuration indicating a fourth time domain range, the fourth time domain range being used by the first terminal to measure SSBs, the fourth time domain range being determined based on the second time domain range. The technical effects of this sixth aspect are comparable to those of the fifth aspect described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0043] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing various methods. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the methods, wherein the modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions.

[0044] In some possible designs, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof. The transceiver module may include a receiving module and a transmitting module, respectively used to implement the receiving function and the transmitting function in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof.

[0045] In some possible designs, the transceiver module can consist of transceiver circuits, transceivers, transceivers, or communication interfaces.

[0046] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory being used to store computer instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects and any possible design thereof.

[0047] A ninth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface being used to communicate with a module outside the communication device; the processor being used to execute computer programs or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the above aspects and any possible designs thereof.

[0048] A tenth aspect provides a communication device comprising: at least one processor; said processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to cause the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the foregoing aspects and any possible designs thereof. The memory may be coupled to the processor, or may be independent of the processor.

[0049] In an eleventh aspect, a communication device (e.g., the communication device may be a chip or a chip system) is provided, the communication device including a processor for implementing the functions involved in any of the above aspects and any possible designs thereof.

[0050] In some possible designs, the communication device includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data.

[0051] In some possible designs, when the device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or contain chips and other discrete components.

[0052] The communication device described in the seventh to eleventh aspects may be a second access network and node in the first, fourth or fifth aspects, or a device included in the second access network node, such as a chip or chip system; or the communication device may be a first access network node in the second or sixth aspects, or a device included in the first access network node, such as a chip or chip system; or the communication device may be a first terminal in the third aspect, or a device included in the first terminal, such as a chip or chip system.

[0053] In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided. This communication device may be a second access network node, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, chip system, or circuit) within the second access network node that performs the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first, fourth, or fifth aspects, or a module or unit that can be used in conjunction with the second access network node; or, the communication device may be a first access network node, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, chip system, or circuit) within the first access network node that performs the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second or sixth aspects, or a module or unit that can be used in conjunction with the first access network node; or, the communication device may be a first terminal, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, chip system, or circuit) within the first terminal that performs the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the third aspect, or a module or unit that can be used in conjunction with the first terminal.

[0054] It is understandable that when the communication device provided in any of the seventh to twelfth aspects is a chip, the transmitting action / function of the communication device can be understood as outputting information, and the receiving action / function of the communication device can be understood as inputting information.

[0055] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, enable the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects and any possible designs thereof.

[0056] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided that, when run on a communication device, enables the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the foregoing aspects and any possible design thereof.

[0057] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising a first access network node, a second access network node, and a first terminal. The second access network node can be used to implement the method described in the first aspect and any possible design thereof, the first access network node can be used to implement the method described in the second aspect and any possible design thereof, and the first terminal can be used to implement the method described in the third aspect and any possible design thereof.

[0058] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects seven through fifteen can be found in the technical effects of different design methods in aspects one through six, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0059] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the time-domain location of an SSB provided in this application;

[0060] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a measurement result generation process provided in this application;

[0061] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a measurement time delay extension provided in this application;

[0062] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in this application;

[0063] Figures 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams of a CU and DU provided in this application;

[0064] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an ORAN system provided in this application;

[0065] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a RAN chip architecture provided in this application;

[0066] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in this application;

[0067] Figures 10-13 are schematic flowcharts of a communication method provided in this application;

[0068] Figures 14-16 are schematic diagrams of the structure of a communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0069] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between the related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0070] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item or a plurality of items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0071] Furthermore, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0072] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0073] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0074] It is understood that in this application, “...when,” “if,” and “...under certain circumstances” all refer to taking corresponding actions under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0075] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0076] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments and their implementations in this application, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and their implementations are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features of different embodiments and their implementations can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships. The embodiments described below do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0077] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, a brief introduction to the relevant technologies of this application is given below.

[0078] 1. Synchronization signal block (SSB):

[0079] The SSB consists of the primary synchronization signal (PSS), the secondary signal block (SSS), and the physical broadcast channel (PBCH).

[0080] Typically, SSBs are transmitted periodically. The SSBs transmitted within one SSB cycle are called an SSB burst. An SSB burst can also be understood as a set of SSBs within half a frame, or as a set of SSBs transmitted within half a frame. The pattern of an SSB (i.e., the number of SSBs and the time slots they occupy in an SSB burst) is related to factors such as the subcarrier spacing (SCS) and the carrier frequency.

[0081] For example, taking a subcarrier spacing of 30kHz, time-division duplex (TDD) mode, and a carrier frequency greater than or equal to 1.88GHz as an example, the pattern and temporal structure of SSBs in a half-frame are shown in Figure 1. A maximum of 8 SSBs are transmitted in a half-frame. The indices of these 8 SSBs are 0 to 7, respectively. SSBs with indices 0 and 1 are located in the first time slot of the half-frame (time slot 0 in this example), SSBs with indices 2 and 3 are located in the second time slot (time slot 1 in this example), SSBs with indices 4 and 5 are located in the third time slot (time slot 2 in this example), and SSBs with indices 6 and 7 are located in the fourth time slot (time slot 3 in this example).

[0082] In one possible implementation, based on whether the SSB is associated with a system information block (SIB), the SSB can be divided into cell defining-SSB (CD-SSB) and non-cell defining-SSB (NCD-SSB).

[0083] The CD-SSB's PBCH carries the master information block (MIB). The MIB carries the configuration information of the control-resource set (CORESET) 0 and the configuration information of the monitoring timing of the type 0 physical downlink control channel common search space set (Type 0-PDCCH CSS).

[0084] For example, the primary function of CORESET 0 is to define the time and frequency resources of Type 0-PDCCH CSS and the monitoring timing of Type 0-PDCCH CSS. The terminal can search for the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) based on CORESET 0 and Type 0-PDCCH CSS. This PDCCH is used to schedule the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) carrying SIB1. The terminal receives SIB1 based on the PDCCH, thereby obtaining the minimum system messages required to access the wireless network system. In other words, CD-SSB can be used by the terminal to obtain SIB1.

[0085] The NCD-SSB does not carry CORSET 0 configuration information. The main purpose of the NCD-SSB is radio resource management (RRM). Terminals can obtain RRM measurement results by measuring the CD-SSB or NCD-SSB to support terminal mobility management.

[0086] 2. SSB measurement:

[0087] SSBs are commonly used for time-frequency synchronization, beam management, cell activation, and mobility measurement. For example, networks typically broadcast SSBs every 20 milliseconds (ms), and terminals can retrieve and measure SSBs according to this period, such as performing layer 1 (L1) and layer 3 (L3) measurements. Exemplarily, SSB measurement results can be used for terminal mobility management. For instance, for disconnected terminals, SSB measurement results can be used for cell selection and reselection, while for connected terminals, they can be used for cell handover.

[0088] Typically, the network can send measurement configuration information to the terminal, which then performs SSB measurements and reports the results based on this information. For example, for connected terminals, the measurement configuration information is generally transmitted via a radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration message. This is typically found in the measurement configuration (measConfig) element within the rrcReconfiguration information element (IE) of the RRCReconfiguration message. The main contents of the measurement configuration information are shown in Table 1.

[0089] Table 1

[0090] Measurement objects are the objects that the terminal performs measurements on. These mainly include SSB frequencies, SSB subcarrier spacing, SSB-based measurement timing configuration (SMTC), whitelisted cells, and blacklisted cells. Since each cell periodically transmits multiple SSB beams in the time domain (i.e., SSB beam scanning), and the SSB beams of each cell may be configured with the same frequency domain position, to ensure accurate and complete measurement of all SSB beams under each cell, the base station, when issuing the measurement configuration, not only indicates the SSB frequency points to be measured but also the timing position and duration for initiating SSB measurement. This leads to the concept of SMTC. In other words, SMTC is used to indicate the time window for the terminal to search for SSBs, reducing unnecessary measurement power consumption by the terminal.

[0091] For example, the SMTC configuration includes periodicity and offset configuration, as well as duration configuration. Based on the offset, the starting time-domain position of the measurement time window can be determined, the duration can be the length of the measurement time window, and the period is the period during which the terminal performs SSB measurements. The SMTC configuration can effectively instruct the terminal on the time window for searching SSBs, reducing unnecessary measurement power consumption by the terminal.

[0092] Measurement gaps can be understood as a time period. When the terminal receiver bandwidth is insufficient to simultaneously cover the frequency of the serving cell and the frequency of the neighboring cell to be measured, the terminal will measure the neighboring cell within a certain gap. Within the measurement gap, the terminal suspends communication with the serving cell and tunes the RF module to the frequency of the neighboring cell to perform neighboring cell measurements. Currently, for inter-frequency or inter-system scenarios, the assistance of measurement gaps is required for the terminal to perform effective measurements.

[0093] Reporting configurations are used to configure the standards and format for triggering measurement report reporting. Measurement reports for new radios (NR) are based on SSB measurement results. Each reporting configuration has a unique identifier (reportConfigId), categorized as event-triggered or periodically triggered reporting. Event-triggered reporting configurations include various event categories and threshold values, the duration for which trigger conditions are met, the measurements to be reported, and the reference signal type. Periodically triggered reporting configurations include the reporting period, reference signal type, the measurements to be reported, and a list of whitelisted cells that can be used.

[0094] Reporting configurations are the strategies for triggering event reporting. They involve parameters such as reference signal received power (RSRP), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR).

[0095] For example, RSRP refers to the average received signal power on all resource elements (REs) carrying the reference signal within a given orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol. It is used to identify the downlink reference signal strength (power of a single reference signal subcarrier) of a cell, rather than its quality, and does not include noise or interference. RSRP is used to reflect the reference signal strength of the current channel and can be used not only for cell handover but also for cell coverage measurement, cell selection, and cell reselection.

[0096] For example, RSSI reflects the total signal strength of the current channel. RSRQ reflects the signal-to-noise ratio and interference level of the current channel quality, approximating the ratio of RSRP to RSSI. SINR reflects the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the current channel and is an important indicator for measuring terminal performance.

[0097] Typically, after receiving the measurement configuration, the terminal measures at least one SSB beam of the cell according to the configuration and merges the beam-level measurement results (power values) to derive the cell quality. The NR measurement model adds a beam operation component compared to Long Term Evolution (LTE). Filtering in this process occurs at two different levels: 1. Deriving beam quality at the physical layer; 2. Deriving cell quality from multiple beams at the RRC level.

[0098] For example, the process of generating cell-level measurement results can be seen in the upper part of Figure 2. The process of generating beam-level measurement results can be seen in the lower part of Figure 2.

[0099] Referring to Figure 2, the process of generating cell-level measurement results is explained as follows:

[0100] A: Beam measurement results within the physical layer (i.e., beam-specific samples).

[0101] Layer 1 filtering: For beam-specific samples input at point A, measurements are performed at the physical layer. The accuracy of the filtering depends on the internal implementation. Layer 1 filtering is mainly used to eliminate the effects of fast fading.

[0102] A 1 After the first layer of filtering, the beam measurement results reported from layer 1 to layer 3 are obtained (i.e., beam-specific measurements).

[0103] Beam Consolidation / Selection: Selects and combines specific beam measurements to obtain cell quality. When calculating cell-level beam measurement results, the terminal needs to combine the cell's beam-level measurement results. The beam-level measurement results used for combining must meet the SSB combining threshold requirements. When the terminal measures multiple SSB beams in a cell that meet the SSB combining threshold requirements, it will combine the measurement results of these SSB beams at the cell level, and the maximum number of SSB beams allowed to be combined can be limited.

[0104] For example, the SSB merging threshold and the maximum number of SSB beams allowed to be merged are configured by the network. For instance, the network configures the parameter `absThreshSS-BlocksConsolidation`, which is an absolute threshold for merging Layer 1 SSB measurements. In Layer 3 filtering, SSB beam measurements exceeding this threshold are selected for merging to obtain cell measurement results, while beam measurements below the threshold are ignored. Furthermore, the network configures the parameter `nrofSS-BlocksToAverage` to indicate the maximum number of SSB beam measurements used during merging, i.e., the maximum number of measurements used for merging. The maximum value for both parameters can be 16.

[0105] If both types of parameters are configured and there is a beam measurement result higher than the threshold, the beam measurement results will be merged; otherwise, if one type of parameter is not configured, or if both types of parameters are configured but the beam measurement results are both lower than the threshold, the highest beam measurement result will be selected and not merged.

[0106] B: Cell measurement results (i.e., cell quality) reported to Layer 3 after beam combining / selection, based on beam-specific measurements.

[0107] Layer 3 filtering for cell quality: This filters the cell measurements provided at point B. Layer 3 filtering primarily smooths shadow fading and a small number of fast fading spikes. Depending on the trigger type, the Layer 3 filter coefficients are either RSRP or RSRQ.

[0108] C: Cell measurement results after processing in the third-layer filter.

[0109] Evaluation of reporting criteria: This evaluation assesses whether an actual measurement report needs to be sent at point D. This evaluation is also based on reference point C. 1 A measurement flow is performed at the location.

[0110] D: Cell-level measurement reports (cell measurement information) sent on the wireless interface.

[0111] Referring to Figure 2, the relevant explanation of the beam-level measurement result generation process is as follows:

[0112] A: Beam measurement results within the physical layer (i.e., beam-specific samples).

[0113] Layer 1 filtering: For beam-specific samples input at point A, measurements are performed at the physical layer. The accuracy of the filtering depends on the internal implementation. Layer 1 filtering is mainly used to eliminate the effects of fast fading.

[0114] A 1 After the first layer of filtering, the beam measurement results reported from layer 1 to layer 3 are obtained (i.e., beam-specific measurements).

[0115] Layer 3 beam filtering: for point A 1 The beam measurement results (i.e., beam-specific measurements) provided are filtered.

[0116] E: Beam measurement results after processing in the beam filter (i.e., beam-specific measurements).

[0117] Beam selection for reporting: Select X measurements from the measurements provided at point E.

[0118] F: Beam-level measurement report (beam measurement information) transmitted via the wireless interface.

[0119] 3. Network energy saving (NES):

[0120] With the continuous increase in base station energy consumption, it has become one of the main reasons for the high operating costs of operators. Therefore, network energy-saving technologies have emerged. Common energy-saving methods include employing different depths of shutdown techniques during periods of no data transmission in the time domain; for example, symbol shutdown can be used for time-domain symbols with no data transmission. The network can also use certain scheduling methods to aggregate data transmissions that were originally scattered in the time domain, increasing the time without data transmission and thus improving the probability of shutdown, thereby achieving network energy saving.

[0121] Furthermore, due to the numerous applications of SSB and the relatively long L3 measurement cycle, base stations typically transmit SSBs for extended periods, resulting in significant power consumption. To reduce base station power consumption, the concept of on-demand SSB (OD-SSB) has been proposed. OD-SSB refers to base stations transmitting SSBs only when needed, and not transmitting them otherwise. Simultaneously, terminals can perform L1 measurements and reporting based on OD-SSBs, as well as L3 measurements and reporting.

[0122] For example, the SSB in OD-SSB can be the CD-SSB mentioned above, or it can be the NCD-SSB mentioned above, or it can be other SSB types, without limitation.

[0123] Typically, a terminal needs to measure multiple SSBs (e.g., N intervals) to complete the measurement of a target cell. For example, as shown in Figure 3, assuming the target cell's SSB period is 20ms, completing the measurement of the target cell requires N × 20ms. If the target cell's SSB period is larger, the measurement latency will be prolonged. For instance, as shown in Figure 3, if the target cell's SSB period is 160ms, the measurement time will be increased by 8 times, becoming N × 160ms. That is, a larger target cell SSB period leads to a larger measurement latency. Furthermore, when the terminal is moving at high speed (e.g., at 350km / h), a larger measurement latency will affect handover performance, such as causing delayed handovers.

[0124] In addition, if the base station is SSB-less, meaning that the base station does not transmit the SSB of the target cell, the terminal will also be unable to complete the measurement, which will affect the performance of subsequent mobility management and other aspects.

[0125] Based on this, this application provides a communication method in which a source base station can trigger a target base station to transmit an SSB. For example, the source base station can send a terminal's measurement configuration to the target base station, instructing the terminal to measure the time domain range of the SSB, so that the target base station can reasonably determine the transmission location of the OD-SSB based on the terminal's measurement of the SSB in the time domain range, thereby transmitting the SSB; or, the target base station can indicate a candidate time domain range for transmitting the OD-SSB to the source base station, so that the source base station can determine a reasonable SSB measurement time domain range based on the candidate time domain range, such as configuring the two to overlap as much as possible, and the source base station can activate the candidate time domain range after performing the measurement configuration, so that the target base station transmits the SSB within the candidate time domain range.

[0126] Based on this scheme, the target base station can be triggered to send SSBs, avoiding the situation where the terminal cannot complete the measurement due to the target base station not sending SSBs. Furthermore, through the aforementioned information exchange between the target base station and the source base station, the time domain range of the SSBs sent by the target base station and the time domain range of the SSBs measured by the terminal can overlap as much as possible. This reduces the measurement latency of the target cell compared to the target base station sending SSBs at a longer interval (e.g., the SSB sending period is longer than the SSB measurement period) or not sending SSBs at all.

[0127] In addition, this application also provides a communication method in which the source base station can send the signal configuration and measurement configuration corresponding to the target cell to the terminal. The terminal performs measurement based on the measurement configuration. After discovering that the target cell broadcasts an SSB with a large period, the terminal can send a signal to the target base station according to the signal configuration corresponding to the target cell, triggering the target base station to send the target cell's SSB with a smaller period, thereby reducing the measurement latency of the target cell.

[0128] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be used in various communication systems, including third-generation partnership project (3GPP) communication systems, such as fourth-generation (4G) systems like Long Term Evolution (LTE), fifth-generation (5G) systems like New Radio (NR), LTE and 5G hybrid networking systems, integrated communication and sensing systems, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, machine-type communication (MTC) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, or other future communication systems. The communication system can also be a non-3GPP communication system; there is no limitation on this.

[0129] The communication systems described above are merely illustrative examples, and are not limited to those described herein. The communication systems provided in this application do not impose any limitations on the solutions described herein. This will be explained uniformly here and will not be repeated below.

[0130] Figure 4 illustrates a possible, non-limiting system diagram. As shown in Figure 4, the communication system 40 includes a radio access network (RAN) 400 and a core network (CN) 500. RAN 400 includes at least one RAN node (410a and 410b in Figure 4, collectively referred to as 410) and at least one terminal (420a-420j in Figure 4, collectively referred to as 420). Core network 500 includes at least one core network device.

[0131] Optionally, RAN 400 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment (not shown in Figure 4). Terminal 420 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 410. RAN node 410 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 500. The core network equipment in core network 500 and RAN node 410 in RAN 400 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and wireless access network logical functions.

[0132] In one possible implementation, RAN 400 can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a 4G, 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system. RAN 400 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), a non-terrestrial network (NTN) (such as an NTN supporting pass-through mode and / or regenerative mode, or an NTN supporting eye-viewing mode (earth fixed cell) and / or non-eye-viewing mode (earth moving cell), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 400 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0133] In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 410 and terminal 420 are relative. For example, in Figure 4, network element 420i can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal 420j accessing RAN 400 through network element 420i, network element 420i is a base station; but for base station 410a, network element 420i is a terminal. RAN node 410 and terminal 420 are sometimes referred to as communication devices. For example, in Figure 4, network elements 410a and 410b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 420a-420j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0134] In some scenarios, communication between RAN node 410 and terminal 420 follows a specific protocol layer structure, which may include a control plane protocol layer and a user plane protocol layer. The control plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: radio resource control (RRC) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, or physical (PHY) layer, etc. The user plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, or physical layer, etc.

[0135] As one possible implementation, terminal 420 can also be referred to as terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as D2D, V2X communication, MTC, 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, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0136] As one possible implementation, RAN node 410, sometimes also referred to as RAN entity or access node, forms part of the communication system to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 410 in communication system 20 can be of the same type or different types.

[0137] In one possible scenario, RAN node 410 can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. RAN nodes can be macro base stations (as shown in Figure 410a), micro base stations or indoor stations (as shown in Figure 410b), relay nodes or donor nodes, or radio controllers in CRAN scenarios. Optionally, RAN nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in V2X technology, the RAN node can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0138] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0139] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called an O-RAN central unit (O-CU), DU can also be called an O-RAN distributed unit (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an O-RAN central unit control plane (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an O-RAN central unit user plane (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an O-RAN radio unit (O-RU). Any of the units CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0140] As one possible implementation, the CU and DU respectively implement some of the protocol layer functions of the access network device. For example, some protocol layer functions are implemented in the CU, and the remaining or all protocol layer functions are implemented in the DU. The CU can control one or more DUs.

[0141] For example, as shown in Figure 5, the CU can deploy the RRC layer, SDAP layer, and PDCP layer. In other words, the CU can be understood as a logical node carrying the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP layers of the access network equipment. Therefore, the CU has the processing capabilities of the RRC, PDCP, and SDAP layers. Of course, the CU can also implement or carry other control functions. Similarly, the DU can deploy the RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer. In other words, the DU can be understood as a logical node carrying the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers. Therefore, the DU has the processing capabilities of the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers. Of course, the DU can also implement or carry other functions.

[0142] Optionally, the CU connects to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces, which can be E2 interfaces, etc. Furthermore, the CU can also implement some core network functions. The CU (e.g., PDCP layer and higher layers) connects to the DU (e.g., RLC layer and lower layers) through interfaces, which can be interfaces such as F1. In some examples, these interfaces (e.g., F1 interface) can provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). For example, F1 supports control plane functions through F1-C and user plane functions through F1-U.

[0143] In one example, the CU may include CU-CP and CU-UP. As shown in Figure 6, CU-CP can be understood as a logical node carrying the RRC layer and the PDCP control plane (PDCP control plane part of PDCP, PDCP-C), used to implement the control plane functions of the CU. CU-CP can communicate with DU through F1-C. CU-UP can be understood as a logical node carrying the SDAP layer and the PDCP user plane (PDCP user plane part of PDCP, PDCP-U), used to implement the user plane functions of the CU. CU-UP can communicate with DU through F1-U.

[0144] CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements can be access and mobility function network elements, such as the AMF network element in a 5G system. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. These network elements can be, for example, UPF network elements.

[0145] The functional division of CU and DU described above is merely an example and does not constitute a limitation on CU and DU. Furthermore, the functions of CU and DU can be configured as needed. For example, CU or DU can be configured as a node with more protocol layer functions, or as a node with partial protocol layer processing functions. For instance, some functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. As another example, the functions of CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency, placing functions that need to meet low latency requirements in the DU and functions that do not need to meet such latency requirements in the CU.

[0146] For example, in some examples, the CU may not carry the PDCP layer, i.e., it may only carry the RRC layer. CU-CP may not carry PDCP-C, CU-UP may not carry PDCP-U, or CU-UP may not exist. In other examples, the DU may not carry the RLC layer. Furthermore, it is also possible to have only the DU without a CU.

[0147] As one possible implementation, the DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. For example, the DU can deploy the RLC layer, MAC layer, and higher physical layer (Higher PHY). The RU can deploy the lower physical layer (Lower PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing functions. The DU can control at least one RU, and the DU and RU can communicate via a fronthaul interface. The DU and RU can be co-located or not.

[0148] The higher physical layer is closer to the MAC layer, and its functions may include at least one of the following: forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, modulation / demodulation, etc. The lower physical layer is closer to the mid-RF side, and its functions may include at least one of the following: fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the physical random access channel (PRACH), etc. The RU is similar to the TRP or remote radio head (RRH) in 3GPP, but it includes lower-level PHY functions, such as FFT / iFFT, or PRACH extraction.

[0149] The functional division of DU and RU described above is merely an example and does not constitute a limitation on DU and RU. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and RU can be configured to implement radio frequency functions, etc.

[0150] In some scenarios, as shown in Figure 7, the RAN in the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application may further include a RAN intelligent controller (RIC). The RIC may further include a non-real-time RAN intelligent controller (Non-RT RIC or NRT RIC) and a near-real-time RAN intelligent controller (Near-RT RIC or nRT RIC).

[0151] Non-real-time RICs are used to implement non-real-time intelligent management of the RAN, processing non-real-time information, such as latency-insensitive data with latency in the order of seconds. They can also implement artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) workflows, including model training and updates, and guide applications / functions in near-real-time RICs based on policies. Near-real-time RICs are used to implement near-real-time intelligent management of the RAN, processing near-real-time information, such as latency-sensitive data with latency in the order of tens of milliseconds. They can also achieve near-real-time control and optimization of O-RAN modules and resources through data collection and related operations on the E2 interface. The E2 interface can be understood as an open interface between two nodes (or endpoints).

[0152] As one possible implementation, near real-time RICs can be used for model training and inference. For example, they can be used to train AI models and then use those models for inference. Near real-time RICs can obtain network-side and / or terminal-side information from RAN nodes (e.g., CUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, DUs, and / or RUs) and / or terminals. This information can be used as training data or inference data. Optionally, near real-time RICs can deliver inference results to RAN nodes and / or terminals. Optionally, inference results can be exchanged between CUs and DUs, and / or between DUs and RUs. For example, a near real-time RIC might deliver inference results to a DU, which then forwards them to an RU. Non-real-time RICs can also be used for model training and inference. Refer to the relevant documentation on using near real-time RICs for model training and inference; details will not be elaborated here.

[0153] As one possible implementation, near real-time RICs and non-real-time RICs can be configured as separate network elements. Alternatively, near real-time RICs and non-real-time RICs can also be part of other devices. For example, near real-time RICs can be set in RAN nodes (e.g., CU, DU), while non-real-time RICs can be set in OAM, cloud servers, core network devices, or other devices.

[0154] In one possible implementation, Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary RAN chip architecture, divided into a CU, DU, and RU. The CU can perform layer 2 (L2) and layer 3 (L3) functions, and further, the CU can also have some core network functions. The DU can perform layer 1 (L1) and some L2 functions, and the RU can perform L1 computing and radio frequency (RF) digital functions. The midhaul and backhaul interfaces are used to carry traffic between the CU and DU, and between the CU and the core network. The fronthaul interface is used to carry traffic between the RU and DU. An integrated DU can include the aforementioned DU and RU functions.

[0155] For example, in terms of hardware, the CU and DU may include a chassis platform, motherboard, peripheral devices, and cooling equipment. The motherboard includes processing units, memory, internal input / output (I / O) interfaces, and external connection ports. The hardware of the CU and DU may also include hardware accelerators. Hardware accelerators include interfaces and hardware functional components, including: storage for software, hardware, and system debugging interfaces, and a single-board management controller. For example, the processing unit may include a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU).

[0156] As shown in Figure 8, a DU (Duration Unit) is typically implemented using a multi-core processor and one or more hardware accelerators. Parts of the DU protocol stack can be implemented in software running on the multi-core processor, while computationally intensive L1 and L2 functions can be offloaded to a hardware accelerator based on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) / graphics processing unit (GPU); or all L1 functions can be offloaded to an FPGA / GPU-based hardware accelerator, while other protocol stack components are implemented in software running on the processor; or the entire protocol stack can be implemented in software running on the processor. The hardware accelerator supports interconnection with x86 or non-x86 processors. Similarly, the accelerator has a multi-channel peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) interface pointing to the CPU and external connections via gigabit Ethernet (GE) connectivity.

[0157] An RU may include an O-RAN processing unit (OPU), a digital processing unit (DPU), and an RF processing unit.

[0158] The OPU is used to receive Enhanced Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI) frames from the O-RAN fronthaul and perform fronthaul interface, L1 layer (coding, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding), synchronization, beamforming, and resource unit mapping. The OPU can be implemented as a CPU, FPGA, or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0159] The DPU is used to perform synchronization, uplink (UL) digital downconversion (DDC), downlink (DL) digital upconversion (DUC), channel failure ratio (CFR), and digital pre-distortion (DPD) processing. It improves power amplifier efficiency by reducing the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) / adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) of the RF front-end. The DPU can be implemented as an FPGA or ASIC.

[0160] The RF processing unit includes a transceiver module, up / down converters, power amplifiers (PA), low-noise amplifiers (LNA), and Tx / Rx filters. Conversion between the analog and digital domains can be performed within the transceiver module. This conversion includes, but is not limited to: digital-to-analog converter (DAC), analog-to-digital converter (ADC), RF sampling, and frequency conversion using a mixture of RF, intermediate frequency (IF), and local oscillator (LO) during up-conversion and down-conversion. Optionally, the physical and logical partitions within the RF processing unit do not require specific boundaries; that is, it is not necessary to distinguish between physical and logical partitions.

[0161] In one possible implementation, core network equipment can refer to equipment in the core network 500 that provides service support to terminals. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the core network equipment in core network 500 includes at least one of the following: access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements, session management function (SMF) network elements, user plane function (UPF) network elements, policy control function (PCF) network elements, unified data management (UDM) network elements, authentication server function (AUSF) network elements, application function (AF) network elements, network exposure function (NEF) network elements, and network data analytics function (NWDAF) network elements. Of course, core network 500 may also include other core network equipment, without limitation.

[0162] For example, the AMF (Agency Flow Function) element is primarily responsible for mobility management in mobile networks, such as user location updates, user registration with the network, and user handover. The SMF (Signal Flow Function) element is primarily responsible for session management in mobile networks, such as session establishment, modification, and release. The UPF (User Plane Function) element is a user plane functional element, primarily responsible for connecting to external networks and processing user packets, such as forwarding and billing. The PCF (Programmable Flow Function) element is primarily responsible for providing policies to the AMF and SMF, such as Quality of Service (QoS) policies and slice selection policies. The UDM (User Flow Deployment Function) element is used to store user data, such as subscription information and authentication / authorization information. The ASUF (Authorization Streaming Function) element is primarily used to provide authentication services. The AF (Automatic Flow Filter) element is primarily responsible for interacting with the 3GPP core network to provide services, influencing service flow routing, access network capability opening, and policy control. The NEF (Network Flow Function) element is primarily used to open the capabilities of various network functions, responsible for converting internal and external information, and securely opening services and capabilities provided by 3GPP network functions, such as third parties, edge computing, and AF. The NWDAF (Network Data Center Filter) element provides network data collection and analysis functions based on big data and artificial intelligence technologies.

[0163] It should be noted that in this application, network elements can also be referred to as entities or functional entities. For example, an SF network element can also be referred to as an SF entity or an SF functional entity. In addition, the aforementioned AMF network element, SMF network element, UPF network element, PCF network element, UDM network element, AF network element, NEF network element, and NWDAF network element may have other names in future communication systems, and this application does not impose specific limitations on them.

[0164] Furthermore, in the architecture shown in Figure 9, the UPF network element can connect to the data network (DN) via the N6 interface. The data network can provide operator services, internet access, or third-party services. The terminal communicates with the AMF network element via the N1 interface. There is an N2 interface between the RAN and the AMF network element, and an N3 interface between the RAN and the UPF network element. There is an N4 interface between the UPF network element and the SMF network element.

[0165] It should be noted that the system described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0166] The following description, using the communication system shown in Figure 4 as an example, illustrates the communication method provided in this application. It should be noted that the message names, parameter names, or information names between the terminal and the access network node in the following embodiments are merely examples; other names may exist in other embodiments, and the method provided in this application does not specifically limit these.

[0167] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, each communication device may execute some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also execute other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessary to execute all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0168] It is understood that this application uses a terminal and an access network node as examples to illustrate the execution of the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction. For example, the method executed by the terminal in this application can also be executed by a module applied to the terminal (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor), or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the terminal's functions; similarly, the method executed by the access network node in this application can also be executed by a module applied to the access network node (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor), or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the access network node's functions.

[0169] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below. As shown in FIG10, the communication method may include the following steps S1001-S1004.

[0170] S1001, The first access network node determines the first information.

[0171] For example, the first access network node can be the RAN node in the communication system shown in Figure 4. The first access network node can be understood as the serving RAN node of the first terminal, or as the source RAN node, source gNB, or source base station, etc., and the first terminal can be any terminal in the communication system shown in Figure 4.

[0172] Furthermore, this application also relates to a second access network device, where the second access network node can be a RAN node in the communication system shown in Figure 4. The second access network node can be an adjacent access network node to the first access network node, and can also be referred to as a target RAN node, target gNB, or target base station, etc., without limitation.

[0173] The first information can be implemented in the following two ways:

[0174] Method 1: The first information indicates a first time domain range, which is used by the first terminal to measure the SSB.

[0175] That is, the first time domain range can be understood as the SSB measurement time window of the first terminal. Within the first time domain range, the first terminal performs SSB measurement.

[0176] As one possible implementation, the first time domain range is the time domain range indicated / configured by the SMTC, which is the SMTC in the measurement configuration issued by the first access network node to the first terminal. For example, the SMTC can indicate the start position, duration, and period of the first terminal to perform SSB measurement. Based on the start position, duration, and period, the time domain position of the SSB measurement time window can be determined. Please refer to the foregoing description of the SMTC, which will not be repeated here.

[0177] Furthermore, for inter-frequency measurements, such as when the second access network node and the first access network node operate at different frequencies, the measurement configuration sent by the first access network node to the first terminal also includes a measurement interval configuration. This measurement interval configuration indicates the measurement interval (i.e., the measurement gap), and the first time domain range is located within this measurement interval. For example, within this measurement interval, the first terminal stops measuring the frequency of the first access network node, or stops communicating with the first access network node, and measures the frequency of the second access network node.

[0178] As one possible implementation, in this method one, the first information may include the aforementioned SMTC. Optionally, in the case of inter-frequency measurement, the first information may also include the aforementioned measurement interval configuration.

[0179] As another possible implementation, in this first method, the first information may include a measurement configuration, which includes an SMTC (Measurement Management System), and optionally may also include a measurement interval configuration. This measurement configuration is the measurement configuration sent by the first access network node to the first terminal, or in other words, the measurement configuration configured by the first access network node for the first terminal.

[0180] As one possible implementation, the first time domain range may include multiple SSB measurement time windows, which may appear periodically, with the period being the period configured in the SMTC. These multiple SSB measurement time windows may be discontinuous; in this case, the first time domain range can be considered to include multiple discontinuous sub-time domain ranges, or in other words, the first time domain range is not a continuous time domain range.

[0181] Alternatively, the first time domain range may include an SSB measurement time window, which is determined based on the start position and duration configured in the SMTC. In this case, the first time domain range can be the same as the SSB measurement time window, and can be considered as a continuous time domain range.

[0182] Method 2: The first information is used to activate the second time domain range, which is used by the second access network node to send SSB. For example, the first information can be understood as activation signaling.

[0183] As one possible implementation, this second time domain range is an alternative time domain range for the second access network node to transmit OD-SSB. That is, if it is necessary to transmit SSB, the second access network node will transmit SSB within the second time domain range; or, if it is necessary to transmit SSB at a different period than the current period, the second access network node will transmit SSB within the second time domain range at a different period than the current period.

[0184] As one possible implementation, in this second method, before step S1001, the second access network node may send second information to the first access network node indicating a second time domain range. Correspondingly, the first access network node receives the second information from the second access network node and determines the second time domain range based on the second information.

[0185] For example, the second information may include at least one of the following: start time, end time, period of the first SSB, or offset of the first SSB.

[0186] The second time domain range lies between the start time and the end time. For example, the endpoints of the second time domain range may include the start time and / or the end time, or may not include them. For instance, taking time A as the start time and time B as the end time, as shown in Figure 11(a), the second time domain range can be from time A to time B; or the second time domain range can be from time A to time C, where time C to time B may not be within the second time domain range; or the second time domain range can be from time C to time B (not shown in the figure), where time A to time C may not be within the second time domain range; or the second time domain range can be from time C to time D, where time A to time C and time D to time B may not be within the second time domain range.

[0187] Here, the first SSB is the SSB (such as OD-SSB) to be transmitted by the second access network node. For example, the first SSB can refer to an SSB burst, or one or more SSBs within an SSB burst, etc., without limitation. The period of the first SSB is the period during which the second access network node transmits the first SSB. The offset of the first SSB is used to determine the starting time-domain position of the first SSB.

[0188] For example, the second time domain range may include at least one time period from the start time to the end time. When the second time domain range includes multiple time periods, these multiple time periods occur periodically, and the period is the period of the first SSB. These multiple time periods may be discontinuous. Furthermore, the starting time domain position of the at least one time period is determined based on the offset of the first SSB. For example, the at least one time period may also be referred to as the SSB transmission time window.

[0189] As one possible implementation, the second time domain range may be either active by default or deactivated by default. Alternatively, the second information may also include indication information indicating whether the second time domain range is active or deactivated.

[0190] If the second time domain is deactivated by default, or if the indication information indicates that the second time domain is deactivated, the first access network node can determine the first information. If the second time domain is activated by default, or if the indication information indicates that the second time domain is activated, the first access network node does not need to execute steps S1001-S1002, that is, it does not need to send the activation signaling to the second access network node again. During the start time to the end time, or in other words, within the second time domain, the second access network node will automatically perform SSB transmission.

[0191] S1002, the first access network node sends first information to the second access network node. Correspondingly, the second access network node receives the first information from the first access network node.

[0192] The first piece of information is used to trigger the second access network node to send an SSB.

[0193] In one possible implementation, the second access network node is SSB-less, or the second access network node sends SSBs at a longer interval (e.g., greater than 20ms).

[0194] As one possible implementation, the second access network node being SSB-less can be understood as: the second access network node does not send SSBs. For example, the second access network node does not send SSBs at all, or does not send SSBs for a period of time, or does not send SSBs when there is no event triggering SSB sending or when there is no demand. For example, the second access network node being SSB-less can also be described as: the second access network node is in an SSB-less state, etc.

[0195] As another possible implementation, the second access network node is SSB-less, which can be understood as the target cell managed by the second access network node being an SSB-less cell. This target cell can be the measurement object in the measurement configuration sent by the first access network node to the first terminal, or a neighboring cell of the first terminal's serving cell. For example, the target cell being an SSB-less cell can be understood as: the target cell is a cell without an SSB, such as the absoluteFrequencySSB information element not existing in ServingCellConfigCommon, or the terminal not configuring the SSB and SMTC of the target cell.

[0196] As one possible implementation, the second access network node sends SSBs at a longer interval, which can be understood as: the second access network node sends SSBs at a longer interval before step S1001, such as sending SSBs of one or more cells managed by the second access network node at a longer interval.

[0197] As one possible implementation, the second access network node supports OD-SSB transmission. That is, the second access network node can transmit SSBs only when needed, and not transmit SSBs otherwise.

[0198] As one possible implementation, before step S1001, the first access network node and the second access network node interact. The second access network node can indicate relevant information of the second access network node to the first access network node. For example, the first access network node can request relevant information from the second access network node, or the second access network node can actively send the relevant information to the first access network node.

[0199] For example, the relevant information of the second access network node can indicate whether the second access network node is SSB-less or the period at which the second access network node sends SSBs, and can also indicate whether the second access network node supports OD-SSB transmission. This application will illustrate this by taking the example of the second access network node supporting OD-SSB transmission.

[0200] S1003, the second access network node sends the first SSB according to the first information.

[0201] For example, the first SSB can refer to an SSB burst, or it can refer to one or more SSBs in an SSB burst, etc., without limitation.

[0202] As a first possible implementation, when the first information is implemented in the manner described above, i.e., the first information indicates a first time domain range, the second access network node sending the first SSB according to the first information may include: the second access network node sending the first SSB within a third time domain range, which is determined based on the first information. For example, the third time domain range overlaps with the first time domain range, such as the third time domain range completely overlapping with the first time domain range, or the third time domain range partially overlapping with the first time domain range.

[0203] For example, if the first information includes an SMTC, the second access network node can determine the third time domain range based on the configuration in the SMTC. For instance, if the SMTC is configured with a first period (e.g., 20ms), an offset (e.g., 0), and a duration (e.g., 5ms), the second access network node can determine the third time domain range based on at least one of the first period, the first offset, and the first duration.

[0204] Furthermore, if the first information includes the measurement interval configuration, the second access network node can determine the third time domain range based on the SMTC and the measurement interval configuration.

[0205] For example, when the first information includes an SMTC, and the SMTC includes a first period, the second access network node sending the first SSB according to the first information may include: sending the first SSB according to a second period, where the second period is equal to or less than the first period. For example, the second access network node sends the first SSB according to the second period within a third time domain. Where the second period is equal to the first period, it can also be understood as: the second access network node sends the first SSB according to the first period. Furthermore, SMTC including a first period can also be understood as: the SMTC is configured with a first period, that is, the period during which the first terminal performs SSB measurement is the first period.

[0206] For example, the second period can be 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, or 160ms, etc., without restriction. It is understood that regardless of the second period, it must be equal to or less than the first period. For example, if the first period is 20ms, then the second period is 20ms; or, if the first period is 40ms, the second period is 40ms or 20ms; or, if the first period is 80ms, the second period is 80ms, 40ms, or 20ms.

[0207] As a second possible implementation, the second access network node sending the first SSB according to the first information may include: the second access network node sending the first SSB within a second time domain, or the second access network node sending the first SSB within a second time domain based on the triggering of the first information.

[0208] For example, within the second time domain, the second access network node can transmit the first SSB according to a third period, which can be the period of the first SSB carried in the aforementioned second information. For example, the third period can be 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, or 160ms, etc., without limitation.

[0209] S1004. The first terminal performs the measurement according to the measurement configuration.

[0210] The measurement configuration is sent from the first access network node to the first terminal. This measurement configuration includes SMTC. Optionally, the measurement configuration may also include measurement interval configuration, measurement object, reporting configuration, etc., as detailed in Table 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0211] In a first possible implementation, when the first information is implemented in the manner described above, the first access network node may send the measurement configuration to the first terminal before or after step S1002; or it may send the measurement configuration to both the first terminal and the second access network node simultaneously.

[0212] As one possible implementation, if the first information is implemented in the manner described above, the measurement is configured such that the SSB measurement time window configured for the first terminal is a first time domain range. Therefore, in step S1004, the first terminal performs SSB measurement within the first time domain range.

[0213] In this scenario, since the second access network node can determine the third time domain range based on the first time domain range and send the first SSB within the third time domain range, it can ensure that the first terminal measures the first SSB within the measurement time window when the third time domain range overlaps with the first time domain range. Compared with the second access network node not sending SSB or sending SSB at a larger period (such as the SSB sending period being greater than the SSB measurement period configured in SMTC), the measurement latency can be reduced.

[0214] In a second possible implementation, when the first information is implemented in the above-described method two, the first access network node may send the measurement configuration to the first terminal before or after step S1002; or the measurement configuration may be sent to the first terminal at the same time as sending the first information to the second access network node in step S1002.

[0215] As one possible implementation, when the first information is implemented through the second method described above, the measurement configuration indicates a fourth time domain range, which is used by the first terminal to measure the SSB. That is, the measurement configuration sets the SSB measurement time window configured for the first terminal to be the fourth time domain range. In other words, in step S1004, the first terminal performs SSB measurement within the fourth time domain range. The fourth time domain range is determined based on the second time domain range, or in other words, the second time domain range can be used to determine the fourth time domain range. For example, the fourth time domain range overlaps with the second time domain range; for instance, the fourth time domain range completely overlaps with the second time domain range, or the fourth time domain range partially overlaps with the second time domain range.

[0216] For example, the fourth time-domain range can be indicated by the SMTC in the measurement configuration. For instance, the SMTC configuration can indicate the fourth time-domain range using a period, offset, or duration. The period configured in the SMTC can be equal to or greater than the third period.

[0217] For example, after receiving the second information, the first access network node can determine the SSB measurement time window (i.e., the fourth time domain range) of the first terminal based on the second time domain range indicated by the second information, so that the SSB measurement time window of the first terminal coincides as much as possible with the time domain range (i.e., the second time domain range) in which the second access network node sends the SSB. After determining the fourth time domain range, it can send a measurement configuration indicating the fourth time domain range to the first terminal. In other words, the first access network node can send a measurement configuration indicating the fourth time domain range to the first terminal after receiving the second information.

[0218] In this scenario, the second access network node pre-indicates to the first access network node the alternative time domain range for sending OD-SSB, enabling the first access network node to determine the time window for the first terminal to perform SSB measurement based on the alternative time domain range. This ensures that the time window for SSB measurement overlaps as much as possible with the time domain range for sending SSB by the second access network node, allowing the first terminal to measure the SSB sent by the second access network node within the measurement time window. Compared to the second access network node not sending SSB or sending SSB at a longer interval (such as an SSB sending period longer than the SSB measurement period configured in SMTC), this reduces measurement latency.

[0219] In one possible implementation, after the first terminal performs the measurement according to the measurement configuration, it can determine the measurement result. Further, the first terminal can report the measurement result to the first access network node. This measurement result can be a cell-level measurement result or a beam-level measurement result; the generation process of this measurement result can be referred to the relevant introduction to SSB measurement above, and will not be repeated here.

[0220] It should be noted that there is no strict order between steps S1004 and S1003. During the period when the second access network node sends the first SSB based on the first information, and the first terminal performs the measurement according to the measurement configuration, it can measure the first SSB sent by the second access network node.

[0221] The above explanation uses the example of a second access network node indicating that the second time domain range is inactive by default, or the second access network node indicating that the second time domain range is inactive. Furthermore, this application also provides a communication method in which the second access network node sends second information to the first access network node indicating the second time domain range. After receiving the second information, the first access network node can determine a fourth time domain range based on the second time domain range and send a measurement configuration indication of the fourth time domain range to the first terminal. Subsequently, the first access network node does not need to send additional signaling to the second access network node to trigger the transmission of the OD-SSB; the second access network node can actively transmit the first SSB within the second time domain range when it arrives. The second information, the second time domain range, and the fourth time domain range are as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0222] The above description uses the example of a first access network node triggering a second access network node to send an SSB. In addition, this application also provides a communication method in which a first terminal can trigger a second access network node to send an SSB. As shown in Figure 11(b), this communication method includes the following steps S1101-S1105.

[0223] S1101, the second access network node sends a first signal configuration to the first access network node. Correspondingly, the first access network node receives the first signal configuration from the second access network node.

[0224] For example, the first access network node and the second access network node can be RAN nodes in the communication system shown in Figure 4. The first access network node can be understood as the serving RAN node of the first terminal, and the second access network node can be an adjacent access network node of the first access network node. Refer to the relevant descriptions of the first and second access network nodes in step S1001 above; they will not be repeated here.

[0225] The first signal configuration is associated with the first cell. The access network node to which the first cell belongs is the second access network node, or in other words, the first cell is a cell managed by the second access network node.

[0226] The first signal configuration is used to configure the first signal. The first signal is used to trigger the second access network node to send the SSB of the first cell according to the second cycle.

[0227] For example, the first signal can take the form of a wake-up signal (WUS), a service request, a preamble, or a wake-up signaling. Of course, the first signal can also take other forms, and this application does not specifically limit this. Furthermore, in this application, the signal configured in the signal configuration can refer to a type of signal sent by a terminal in the network to trigger, wake up, or indicate a certain state switch of the network.

[0228] As one possible implementation, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the second access network node sends SSB at a longer period (denoted as the first period). For example, the second access network node sends the SSB of the first cell at the first period before receiving the first signal.

[0229] As one possible implementation, the second cycle is shorter than the first cycle. For example, the second cycle is 20ms, and the first cycle is 160ms.

[0230] As one possible implementation, the first signal configuration is used to configure the first signal, and may include: the first signal configuration is used to configure at least one of the following: the time domain resources of the first signal, the frequency domain resources of the first signal, the sequence for generating the first signal, the format of the first signal, or the SSB period (i.e., the second period) corresponding to the first signal, etc.

[0231] For example, time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources of the first signal are used to carry the first signal, such as when the first signal is transmitted on the time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources.

[0232] For example, the sequence used to generate the first signal can be a ZC sequence, a Gold sequence, etc. The protocol can predefine a variety of sequences, and the first signal configuration can carry an identifier of a certain sequence to indicate that the sequence corresponding to the identifier is used to generate the first signal.

[0233] For example, different formats of the first signal can correspond to different sequence lengths, subcarrier spacings, number of sequence samples, etc.

[0234] For example, the period corresponding to the first signal (i.e., the second period) can be the period during which the second access network node sends an SSB after receiving the first signal. This second period can be negotiated between the first and second access network nodes, or it can be determined by the second access network node, or it can be determined by the first access network node, which will not be elaborated further.

[0235] As one possible implementation, the identification information of the first cell, such as the physical cell identifier (PCI), cell global identity (CGI), or the identifier of the second access network node (which may be part of the CGI), can be carried in the first signal configuration. Alternatively, the identifier of the first signal configuration can be carried in the configuration of the first cell, or the identifier of the first cell can be sent simultaneously with the first signal configuration to indicate the association between the first signal configuration and the first cell. Optionally, the first signal configuration may also include the identifier of the second access network node.

[0236] As one possible implementation, a cell can be associated with multiple signal configurations, each with a different SSB period for its configured signals. Furthermore, at least one of the time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, sequence, and format of the signals configured in these multiple signal configurations must differ. For example, a first cell can be associated with first signal configuration 1 and first signal configuration 2, where the SSB period for the first signal in first signal configuration 1 is period 1, and the SSB period for the first signal in first signal configuration 2 is period 2. If a second access network node receives a first signal sent according to first signal configuration 1, it can send the SSB of the first cell according to period 1; if the second access network node receives a first signal sent according to first signal configuration 2, it can send the SSB of the first cell according to period 2.

[0237] As one possible implementation, if multiple cells exist within the cell managed by the second access network node, and these cells can serve as neighboring cells of the serving cell of the first terminal, the second access network node can send the signal configurations associated with each of these multiple cells to the first access network node. That is, the second access network node can send at least one signal configuration to the first access network node, where each of the at least one signal configurations is associated with a cell, and the at least one signal configuration includes a first signal configuration.

[0238] As one possible implementation, the above signal configuration may be requested by the first access network node from the second access network node, or it may be actively sent by the second access network node to the first access network node, without restriction.

[0239] S1102, the first access network node sends a first signal configuration to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the first signal configuration from the first access network node.

[0240] As one possible implementation, the first access network node can configure at least one neighboring cell for the first terminal, where the at least one neighboring cell includes the first cell. In this scenario, the first access network node can obtain the signal configuration associated with each neighboring cell. At this time, step S1102 may include: the first access network node sending at least one signal configuration to the first terminal, where the at least one signal configuration includes a first signal configuration, and each signal configuration in the at least one signal configuration is associated with a cell (i.e., a neighboring cell of the serving cell). The implementation of the signal configuration can be referred to the relevant description of the first signal configuration above, and will not be repeated here.

[0241] S1103. The first terminal performs SSB detection according to the measurement configuration.

[0242] As one possible implementation, step S1103 can also be understood as: the first terminal performs SSB measurement according to the measurement configuration, and the two can be interchanged.

[0243] As one possible implementation, the measurement configuration is sent from the first access network node to the first terminal. That is, before step S1103, the method further includes: the first access network node sending the measurement configuration to the first terminal. Accordingly, the first terminal receives the measurement configuration from the first access network node.

[0244] For example, the measurement configuration includes an SMTC, and the SSB measurement period of the SMTC configuration can be equal to or greater than the second period. The measurement configuration may also include the measurement object, measurement interval configuration, etc., as described above in the relevant explanation of the measurement configuration, and will not be repeated here.

[0245] It should be noted that there is no strict order in which the first access network node sends the first signal configuration to the first terminal and the first access network node sends the measurement configuration to the first terminal. The first access network node may send the first signal configuration to the first terminal first, and then send the measurement configuration; or, the first access network node may send the measurement configuration to the first terminal first, and then send the first signal configuration; or, the first access network node may send both the measurement configuration and the first signal configuration to the first terminal simultaneously, without restriction.

[0246] If the first terminal detects an SSB in the first cell, step S1104 is executed. For example, the first terminal detects an SSB in the first cell during SSB detection according to the measurement configuration.

[0247] Understandably, during steps S1101-S1103 when the first terminal performs SSB detection according to the measurement configuration, the second access network node sends the SSB of the first cell according to the first cycle. Therefore, in step S1103, the first terminal detects the SSB of the first cell, which includes: the first terminal detects the SSB of the first cell sent according to the first cycle.

[0248] For example, the first terminal detecting the SSB of the first cell can also be understood as: the first terminal discovering the SSB of the first cell, or discovering the SSB of the first cell transmitted according to the first period. Furthermore, if the first terminal detects the SSB of the first cell, it can also be understood as: the first terminal detecting or discovering the SSB of the first cell, or the first terminal detecting or discovering the SSB of the first cell transmitted according to the first period; or it can also be understood as: when the first terminal detects or discovers the SSB of the first cell, or when the first terminal detects or discovers the SSB of the first cell transmitted according to the first period.

[0249] S1104. The first terminal sends a first signal to the second access network node according to the first signal configuration. Correspondingly, the second access network node receives the first signal from the first terminal.

[0250] The first signal triggers the second access network node to transmit the SSB of the first cell according to a second period. This second period is shorter than the first period. Optionally, the second period is equal to or less than the SSB measurement period configured in the SMTC measurement configuration, and this SSB measurement period is less than or equal to the first period.

[0251] As one possible implementation, in step S1103 above, if the first terminal detects the SSB of the first cell, it can parse the SSB of the first cell, obtain the identifier of the first cell from the SSB of the first cell, and then search for the first signal configuration associated with the first cell from at least one signal configuration according to the identifier of the first cell, thereby sending the first signal to the second access network node according to the first signal configuration.

[0252] As one possible implementation, the first terminal sending a first signal to the second access network node according to the first signal configuration may include: the first terminal sending the first signal on time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources configured in the first signal configuration. Furthermore, the first signal is generated according to a sequence configured in the first signal configuration, and the format of the first signal satisfies the format configured in the first signal configuration.

[0253] S1105. The second access network node sends the SSB of the first cell according to the first signal and the second cycle.

[0254] As one possible implementation, the second access network node sends the SSB of the first cell according to the second cycle based on the triggering of the first signal.

[0255] As one possible implementation, the second access network node can determine the second period based on the first signal. For example, when the first cell is associated with one signal configuration, the second access network node can learn the second period corresponding to the first signal configured by that first signal configuration when sending the first signal configuration. When the first cell is associated with multiple signal configurations, the second access network node can determine the signal configuration used by the first terminal based on the time-frequency location and corresponding sequence of the received first signal, thereby determining the second period to be the period corresponding to that signal configuration.

[0256] For example, a first cell can be associated with a first signal configuration 1 and a first signal configuration 2. In the first signal configuration 1, the SSB period corresponding to the first signal is period 1, and in the first signal configuration 2, the SSB period corresponding to the first signal is period 2. If a second access network node receives a first signal sent according to the first signal configuration 1, then the second period is period 1, and it can send the SSB of the first cell according to period 1; if a second access network node receives a first signal sent according to the first signal configuration 2, then the second period is period 2, and it can send the SSB of the first cell according to period 2.

[0257] For example, in step S1105, the second access network node may send the SSB of the first cell in the following first and second possible implementations.

[0258] In a first possible implementation, the second access network node transmits the SSB of the first cell according to a second cycle during the first duration, and stops transmitting the SSB of the first cell according to the first cycle during the first duration. Furthermore, after the first duration, the second access network node continues to transmit the SSB of the first cell according to the first cycle, and stops transmitting the SSB of the first cell according to the second cycle.

[0259] In other words, during the first period, the second access network node transmits the SSB of the first cell according to only one cycle. For example, taking a first cycle of 160ms and a second cycle of 20ms as an example, during the period before step S1104, the second access network node transmits the SSB of the first cell according to a 160ms cycle. After receiving the first signal, the second access network node learns from the first signal that it needs to change the SSB cycle of the first cell from 160ms to 20ms. At this time, the second access network node will stop transmitting the SSB of the first cell according to a 160ms cycle and transmit the SSB of the first cell according to a 20ms cycle during the subsequent first period. After the first period, the original transmission cycle is resumed, transmitting the SSB of the first cell according to a 160ms cycle, and the transmission of the SSB of the first cell according to a 20ms cycle is stopped.

[0260] In the second possible implementation, the second access network node transmits the SSB of the first cell according to a second cycle within the first duration, and also transmits the SSB of the first cell according to a first cycle within the first duration. Furthermore, after the first duration, the second access network node stops transmitting the SSB of the first cell according to the second cycle, but continues to transmit the SSB of the first cell according to the first cycle.

[0261] In other words, during the first duration, the second access network node transmits the SSB of the first cell at multiple intervals. For example, taking a first interval of 160ms and a second interval of 20ms as an example, during the time period before step S1104, the second access network node transmits the SSB of the first cell at a 160ms interval. After receiving the first signal, the second access network node learns from the first signal that it needs to change the SSB interval of the first cell from 160ms to 20ms. At this time, during the subsequent first duration, the second access network node needs to transmit the SSB of the first cell at a 20ms interval in addition to transmitting it at a 160ms interval. After the first duration, it stops transmitting the SSB of the first cell at a 20ms interval and resumes transmitting it at a 160ms interval.

[0262] For example, within the first duration, the SSB of the first cell transmitted by the second access network node according to the first cycle overlaps with the SSB of the first cell transmitted according to the second cycle. For instance, the time domain locations of the SSBs in the two cycles may overlap or be the same.

[0263] As one possible implementation, in the two possible implementations described above, the first duration can be determined by the second access network node; or it can be indicated by the first access network node to the second access network node; or it can be negotiated by the first access network node and the second access network node. For example, when the second access network node and the first access network node are exchanging signal configurations, they can also exchange the first duration; or it can be indicated by the first terminal to the second access network node.

[0264] For example, before step S1105, the first terminal may send first information to the second access network node, the first information indicating a first duration. Correspondingly, the second access network node receives the first information from the first terminal, determines the first duration based on the first information, and then sends the SSB of the first cell according to a second cycle within the first duration. The first terminal may send the first signal first, then the first information; or it may send the first information first, then the first signal; or it may send the first information and the first signal simultaneously, without restriction.

[0265] Alternatively, the first duration can be indicated by a first signal. For example, a first signal configuration can be associated with a first duration. After receiving a first signal sent according to the first signal configuration, the second access network node can determine the first duration. As another example, when a first cell is associated with multiple signal configurations, the second access network node can determine the signal configuration used by the first terminal based on the time-frequency location and corresponding sequence of the received first signal, thereby determining the first duration as the duration corresponding to that signal configuration. For instance, the first cell can be associated with first signal configuration 1 and first signal configuration 2, with first signal configuration 1 associated with duration 1 and first signal configuration 2 associated with duration 2. If the second access network node receives a first signal sent according to first signal configuration 1, the first duration is duration 1; if the second access network node receives a first signal sent according to first signal configuration 2, the first duration is duration 2.

[0266] As one possible implementation, after transmitting the first signal, the first terminal can, according to the measurement configuration, measure the SSB of the first cell transmitted according to the second period, and perform a cell quality assessment of the first cell based on the measurement result of the SSB of the first cell transmitted according to the second period. Of course, the first terminal can also measure the SSB of the first cell transmitted according to the first period according to the measurement configuration, without limitation.

[0267] Based on the above scheme, the target access network node can pre-configure the first signal of the cell it manages, and the source access network node can send this signal configuration to the terminal. The terminal performs measurements according to the measurement configuration. Upon discovering that the target cell broadcasts a SSB with a longer period, the terminal can send the first signal to the target access network node according to the signal configuration associated with the target cell, triggering the target access network node to send the target cell's SSB with a shorter period. After receiving the terminal's first signal, the target access network node can send the target cell's SSB with a shorter period. Therefore, compared to the target access network node continuously sending SSBs with a longer period, sending SSBs with a shorter period based on the terminal's trigger reduces the measurement latency of the target cell, thereby reducing the impact of measurement latency on handover performance and other mobility management performance.

[0268] In one possible implementation, if the second access network node is SSB-less, the method shown in Figure 10 can be used, whereby the first access network node triggers the second access network node to send an SSB. If the second access network node sends an SSB at a longer interval, the method shown in Figure 10 can be used, whereby the first access network node triggers the second access network node to send an SSB, or the method shown in Figure 11 can be used, whereby the terminal triggers the second access network node to send an SSB. Therefore, since the second access network node does not send an SSB when it is SSB-less, the terminal cannot detect its presence. Thus, in this scenario, the first access network node can trigger the second access network node to send an SSB, thereby reducing the terminal's measurement latency.

[0269] In one possible implementation, for the above method embodiments, in a traditional network architecture, the access network node can be an access network device, such as a base station. In an ORAN system, the function of interaction between the access network node and the terminal can be implemented by the DU. The function of interaction between access network nodes can be implemented by the CU, and there is an interface (such as an XN interface) between CUs. The information sent by the access network node to the terminal can be generated by the DU or by the CU. The processing function of the access network node can be implemented by the CU, or by the DU, or by a combination of the CU and DU, without limitation.

[0270] For example, taking a first access network node comprising a first CU and a first DU, and a second access network handover point comprising a second CU and a second DU as an example, under the O-RAN architecture, the process shown in Figure 10 can be modified into the process shown in Figure 12. As shown in Figure 12, this process includes the following steps:

[0271] S1201, The first CU determines the first information.

[0272] Wherein, the first information indicates a first time domain range, which is used by the first terminal to measure the SSB; or, the first information is used to activate a second time domain range, which is used by the second DU point to transmit the SSB. Refer to the relevant description in step S1001 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0273] S1202, the first CU sends first information to the second CU. Correspondingly, the second CU receives the first information from the first CU. Refer to the relevant explanation in step S1002 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0274] S1203, the second DU sends the first SSB according to the first information.

[0275] As one possible implementation, the second CU can first send the first information to the second DU, so that the second DU sends the first SSB according to the first information; or, the second CU can control or configure the second DU to send the first SSB according to the first information, without restriction.

[0276] The implementation of step S1203 can be referred to the relevant description of step S1003 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0277] S1204. The first terminal performs the measurement according to the measurement configuration.

[0278] As one possible implementation, the measurement configuration is sent from the first DU to the first terminal. This measurement configuration can be generated by the first DU, or it can be generated by the first CU and sent to the first DU; there is no limitation on this.

[0279] The implementation of step S1204 can be referred to the relevant description of step S1004 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0280] For example, taking a first access network node comprising a first CU and a first DU, and a second access network handover point comprising a second CU and a second DU as an example, under the O-RAN architecture, the process shown in Figure 11 can be modified into the process shown in Figure 13. As shown in Figure 13, this process includes the following steps:

[0281] S1301, the second CU sends a first signal configuration to the first CU. Correspondingly, the first CU receives the first signal configuration from the second CU.

[0282] The first signal configuration is associated with the first cell. The first signal configuration is used to configure the first signal. The first signal is used to trigger the second DU to transmit the SSB of the first cell according to the second cycle. Refer to the relevant description of step S1101 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0283] S1302, the first DU sends a first signal configuration to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the first signal configuration from the first DU.

[0284] As one possible implementation, after receiving the first signal configuration, the first CU can send the first signal configuration to the first DU, thereby the first DU sends the first signal configuration to the first terminal.

[0285] The implementation of step S1302 can be referred to the relevant description of step S1102 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0286] S1303, The first terminal performs SSB detection according to the measurement configuration.

[0287] As one possible implementation, the measurement configuration is sent from the first DU to the first terminal. This measurement configuration can be generated by the first DU, or it can be generated by the first CU and sent to the first DU; there is no limitation on this.

[0288] If the first terminal detects the SSB of the first cell, the following step S1304 is executed.

[0289] The implementation of step S1303 can be referred to the relevant description of step S1103 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0290] S1304. The first terminal sends a first signal to the second DU according to the first signal configuration. Correspondingly, the second DU receives the first signal from the first terminal.

[0291] The first signal is used to trigger the second access network node to send the SSB of the first cell according to the second cycle. This second cycle is shorter than the first cycle. Refer to the relevant explanation of step S1104 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0292] S1305, the second DU sends the SSB of the first cell according to the first signal and the second cycle.

[0293] The implementation of step S1305 can be referred to the relevant description of step S1105 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0294] The method provided in this application has been described above. In addition, this application also provides a communication device for implementing the functions described in the above method embodiments.

[0295] It is understood that, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0296] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiment. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0297] Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of another communication device 140. This communication device 140 includes a processing module 1401 and a transceiver module 1402. This communication device 140 can be used to implement the functions of the aforementioned terminal or access network node.

[0298] In some embodiments, the communication device 140 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG14) for storing program instructions and data.

[0299] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1402, also referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement sending and / or receiving functions. The transceiver module 1402 may consist of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0300] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1402 may include a receiving module and a sending module, respectively configured to perform the receiving and sending steps performed by the terminal or access network node in the above method embodiments, and / or other processes to support the technology described herein; the processing module 1401 may be configured to perform the processing steps performed by the terminal or access network node in the above method embodiments, and / or other processes to support the technology described herein.

[0301] When the communication device 140 is used to implement the function of the second access network node:

[0302] The transceiver module 1402 is used to receive first information from the first access network node; the first information indicates a first time domain range, which is used by the first terminal to measure the synchronization signal block (SSB), or the first information is used to activate a second time domain range, which is used by the second access network node to send an SSB; the transceiver module 1402 is also used to send a first SSB according to the first information.

[0303] In one implementation, the first information includes an SMTC, and in the case that the SMTC includes a first period, the transceiver module 1402 is used to send a first SSB according to the first information, including: the transceiver module 1402 is used to send the first SSB according to a second period, the second period being equal to or less than the first period.

[0304] In one implementation, when the first information is used to activate the second time domain range, the transceiver module 1402 is also used to send the second information to the first access network node, the second information indicating the second time domain range.

[0305] As one implementation, processing module 1401 is used to determine the second information.

[0306] As one implementation, the transceiver module 1402 is used to send a first SSB according to the first information, including: the transceiver module 1402 is used to send the first SSB within a second time domain range.

[0307] When the communication device 140 is used to implement the function of the first access network node:

[0308] Processing module 1401 is used to determine first information, the first information indicating a first time domain range, the first time domain range being used by the first terminal to measure the synchronization signal block (SSB), or the first information being used to activate a second time domain range, the second time domain range being used by the second access network node to send the SSB; transceiver module 1402 is used to send the first information to the second access network node.

[0309] In one implementation, when the first information is used to activate the second time domain range, the transceiver module 1402 is also used to receive second information from the second access network node, the second information indicating the second time domain range.

[0310] As one implementation, the transceiver module 1402 is also used to send a measurement configuration to the first terminal, the measurement configuration indicating a fourth time domain range, the fourth time domain range being used by the first terminal to measure the SSB, the fourth time domain range being determined based on the second time domain range.

[0311] When the communication device 140 is used to implement the functions of the first terminal:

[0312] The transceiver module 1402 is used to receive a first signal configuration from a first access network node. The first signal configuration is associated with a first cell, and the access network node to which the first cell belongs is a second access network node. If an SSB of the first cell is detected, the transceiver module 1402 is also used to send a first signal to the second access network node according to the first signal configuration. The first signal is used to trigger the second access network node to send the SSB of the first cell according to a second cycle.

[0313] As one implementation, the transceiver module 1402 is also used to receive measurement configuration from the first access network node; the processing module 1401 is used to perform SSB detection according to the measurement configuration.

[0314] As one implementation, the processing module 1401 is also used to measure the SSB of the first cell transmitted according to the second cycle, and / or to measure the SSB of the first cell transmitted according to the first cycle, based on the measurement configuration.

[0315] As one implementation, the transceiver module 1402 is used to receive a first signal configuration from a first access network node, including: the transceiver module 1402 is used to receive at least one signal configuration from the first access network node, the at least one signal configuration includes the first signal configuration, and each signal configuration in the at least one signal configuration is associated with a cell.

[0316] As one implementation, the transceiver module 1402 is also used to send first information to the second access network node. The first information indicates a first duration, during which the period of the SSB of the first cell is a second period.

[0317] All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0318] In this application, the communication device 140 can be presented in an integrated manner by dividing it into various functional modules. Here, "module" can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0319] In some embodiments, when the communication device 140 in FIG14 is a chip or chip system, the function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1402 can be implemented through the input / output interface (or communication interface) of the chip or chip system, and the function / implementation process of the processing module 1401 can be implemented through the processor (or processing circuit) of the chip or chip system.

[0320] Since the communication device 140 provided in this embodiment can execute the above method, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0321] As a possible product form, the terminal or access network node described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented using one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gate logic, discrete hardware components, any other suitable circuits, or any combination of circuits capable of performing the various functions described throughout this application.

[0322] As another possible product form, the terminal or access network node described in this application embodiment can be implemented using a general bus architecture. For ease of explanation, refer to Figure 15, which is a schematic diagram of the communication device 1500 provided in this application embodiment. The communication device 1500 includes a processor 1501 and a transceiver 1502. The communication device 1500 can be a terminal, or a chip or chip system therein; or, the communication device 1500 can be an access network node, or a chip or module therein. Figure 15 only shows the main components of the communication device 1500. In addition to the processor 1501 and transceiver 1502, the communication device may further include a memory 1503 and input / output devices (not shown in Figure 15).

[0323] Optionally, the processor 1501 is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process the data of the software programs, thereby implementing the methods provided in the above-described method embodiments. The memory 1503 is mainly used to store software programs and data. The transceiver 1502 may include radio frequency (RF) circuitry and an antenna. The RF circuitry is mainly used for converting baseband signals to RF signals and processing RF signals. The antenna is mainly used for transmitting and receiving RF signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are mainly used to receive user input data and output data to the user.

[0324] Optionally, the processor 1501, transceiver 1502, and memory 1503 can be connected via a communication bus.

[0325] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 1501 can read the software program in the memory 1503, execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 1501 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit processes the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1501. The processor 1501 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0326] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be set up independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be arranged remotely, independent of the communication device.

[0327] In some embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the above-described communication device 140 can be implemented in the form of the communication device 1500 shown in FIG15.

[0328] As an example, the function / implementation of the processing module 1401 in Figure 14 can be achieved by the processor 1501 in the communication device 1500 shown in Figure 15 calling computer execution instructions stored in the memory 1503. The function / implementation of the transceiver module 1402 in Figure 14 can be achieved by the transceiver 1502 in the communication device 1500 shown in Figure 15.

[0329] As another possible product form, the terminal or access network node in this application may adopt the composition structure shown in FIG16, or include the components shown in FIG16. FIG16 is a schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device 1600 provided in this application. The communication device 1600 may be a terminal or a chip or system-on-a-chip in a terminal; or, it may be an access network node or a chip or system-on-a-chip in an access network node.

[0330] As shown in FIG16, the communication device 1600 includes at least one processor 1601 and at least one communication interface (FIG16 is merely an example illustrating the inclusion of a communication interface 1604 and a processor 1601). Optionally, the communication device 1600 may further include at least one of a communication bus 1602, a memory 1603, and a computer-readable storage medium 1607.

[0331] Processor 1601 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor (e.g., x86, ARM), a microcontroller, an FPGA, a GPU, a PLD, a state machine, gated logic, discrete hardware circuitry, other suitable hardware configured to perform various functions, or any combination thereof. Processor 1601 may also be other devices with processing capabilities, such as circuits, devices, or software modules, without limitation.

[0332] Communication bus 1602 is used to connect different components in communication device 1600, enabling these components to communicate. For example, communication bus 1602 communicatively couples various circuits together. Communication bus 1602 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. This bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 16, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus. For example, communication bus 1602 can include any number of interconnect buses and bridges, depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of the communication device. In addition, communication bus 1602 can also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits.

[0333] As one possible implementation, communication interface 1604 is used for communication with other devices or communication networks. Exemplarily, communication interface 1604 can be a transceiver module, interface, circuit, transceiver, or any device capable of communication. The transceiver can be coupled to an antenna array, and the transceiver and antenna array can be used together to communicate with the appropriate network type. The transceiver module is capable of both transmitting and receiving functions. When the transceiver module performs the transmitting function, it can be called a transmitting module (sometimes also called a transmitting unit), and when the transceiver module performs the receiving function, it can be called a receiving module (sometimes also called a receiving unit). The transmitting module and the receiving module can be the same functional module, called the transceiver module, which performs both transmitting and receiving functions; or, the transmitting module and the receiving module can be different functional modules, with "transceiver module" being a collective term for these functional modules.

[0334] As another possible implementation, the communication interface 1604 can also be an input / output interface located within the processor 1601, used to implement signal input and signal output of the processor.

[0335] As another possible implementation, communication interface 1604 can also be understood as a bus interface. It provides an interface between the communication bus and the transceiver. The transceiver can provide an interface or device for communicating with various other devices via wireless / wired transmission media. The transceiver can be coupled to an antenna array, and the transceiver and antenna array can be used together for communication with the appropriate type of network.

[0336] The memory 1603 can be a device with storage function for storing instructions and / or data. The instructions can be computer programs. For example, the memory 1603 can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and / or instructions; it can also be a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and / or instructions; it can also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, etc., without limitation.

[0337] It should be noted that the memory 1603 can exist independently of the processor 1601, or it can be integrated with the processor 1601. The memory 1603 can be located inside or outside the communication device 1600, without limitation.

[0338] The processor 1601 can be used to execute instructions stored in the memory 1603, or to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium 1607, to implement the methods provided in the above embodiments of this application.

[0339] For example, the processor 1601 may also implement at least one of the following functions, or the processor 1601 executes instructions or computer programs stored in the memory 1603 or computer-readable storage medium 1607 to implement at least one of the following functions: encoding, decoding, rate matching, rate matching de-scrambling, scrambling, modulation, demodulation, layer mapping, fast fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT), inverse discrete fourier transform (IDFT), precoding, resource element (RE) mapping, channel equalization, RE de-mapping, digital beamforming (BF), adding cyclic prefix (CP), removing CP, etc.

[0340] Optionally, the processor 1601 and / or memory 1603 may include an artificial intelligence (AI) module, which is used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio network intelligent controller (RIC) module. For example, the AI ​​module can be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0341] As an optional implementation, the communication device 1600 may also include an output device 1605 and an input device 1606 (neither shown in Figure 16). The output device 1605 communicates with the processor 1601 and can display information in various ways. For example, the output device 1605 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector, etc. The input device 1606 communicates with the processor 1601 and can receive user input in various ways. For example, the input device 1606 may be a mouse, keyboard, touchscreen device, or sensing device, etc.

[0342] In some embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the communication device 140 shown in FIG14 can take the form of the communication device 1600 shown in FIG16 in terms of hardware implementation.

[0343] As an example, the function / implementation process of the processing module 1401 in Figure 14 can be implemented by the processor 1601 in the communication device 1600 shown in Figure 16 calling computer execution instructions stored in the memory 1603. The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1402 in Figure 14 can be implemented by the communication interface 1604 in the communication device 1600 shown in Figure 16.

[0344] It should be noted that the structure shown in Figure 16 does not constitute a specific limitation on the terminal or access network node. For example, in other embodiments of this application, the terminal or access network node may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements. The components shown in the figure may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0345] In one possible implementation, the processor in this application embodiment may include communication and processing circuitry. The communication and processing circuitry may include one or more hardware components that provide a physical structure that performs various processes related to wireless communication or sensing (such as signal reception and / or signal transmission). The communication and processing circuitry may include two or more transmit / receive chains. The functions implemented by the communication and processing circuitry may also be processed on a computer-readable medium.

[0346] In some embodiments, this application also provides a communication device, which includes a processor for implementing the methods in any of the above method embodiments.

[0347] As one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory. This memory stores necessary computer programs and data. The computer program may include instructions, which a processor can invoke to instruct the communication device to execute the methods described in any of the above method embodiments. Alternatively, the memory may not be present in the communication device.

[0348] As another possible implementation, the communication device also includes an interface circuit, which is a code / data read / write interface circuit, used to receive computer execution instructions (which are stored in memory and may be read directly from memory or may be transmitted through other devices) and transmit them to the processor.

[0349] As another possible implementation, the communication device also includes a communication interface for communicating with modules outside the communication device.

[0350] It is understood that the communication device can be a chip or a chip system. When the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0351] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above-described method embodiments.

[0352] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0353] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0354] It is understood that the systems, apparatuses, and methods described in this application can also be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0355] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0356] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0357] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, implementation can be, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device containing one or more servers, data centers, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state drive (SSD)). In this embodiment, the computer may include the aforementioned apparatus.

[0358] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, disclosure, and appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0359] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely illustrative descriptions of the application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from its scope. Thus, if such modifications and modifications fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a second access network node, and the method includes: Receive first information from a first access network node; the first information indicates a first time domain range, the first time domain range being used by the first terminal to measure a synchronization signal block (SSB), or the first information is used to activate a second time domain range, the second time domain range being used by the second access network node to send an SSB; The first SSB is sent based on the first information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, When the first information indicates a first time domain range, the first information includes a measurement timing configuration (SMTC) based on the SSB, the SMTC indicating the first time domain range.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first information also includes a measurement interval configuration, which indicates a measurement interval, wherein the first time domain range is located within the measurement interval.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The SMTC includes a first cycle; sending the first SSB according to the first information includes: The first SSB is sent according to a second cycle, where the second cycle is equal to or less than the first cycle.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, When the first information is used to activate the second time domain range, the method further includes: Send a second message to the first access network node, the second message indicating the second time domain range.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The second information includes at least one of the following: start time, end time, period of the first SSB, or offset of the first SSB; The second time domain range is located between the start time and the end time, and the offset of the first SSB is used to determine the start time domain position of the first SSB.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The second time domain range is used to determine the fourth time domain range, which is used by the first terminal to measure the SSB.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5-7, characterized in that, Sending the first SSB according to the first information includes: The first SSB is transmitted within the second time domain.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The second access network node is SSB-less.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first access network node, and the method includes: The first information is determined, indicating a first time domain range, which is used by the first terminal to measure the synchronization signal block (SSB); or, the first information is used to activate a second time domain range, which is used by the second access network node to send the SSB. The first information is sent to the second access network node.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, When the first information indicates a first time domain range, the first information includes a measurement timing configuration (SMTC) based on the SSB, the SMTC indicating the first time domain range.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first information also includes a measurement interval configuration, which indicates a measurement interval, wherein the first time domain range is located within the measurement interval.

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, When the first information is used to activate the second time domain range, the method further includes: Receive second information from the second access network node, the second information indicating the second time domain range.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second information includes at least one of the following: start time, end time, period of the first SSB, or offset of the first SSB; The second time domain range is located between the start time and the end time, and the offset of the first SSB is used to determine the start time domain position of the first SSB.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: A measurement configuration is sent to a first terminal, the measurement configuration indicating a fourth time domain range, the fourth time domain range being used by the first terminal to measure SSB, the fourth time domain range being determined based on the second time domain range.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10-15, characterized in that, The second access network node is SSB-less.

17. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive a first signal configuration from a first access network node, the first signal configuration being associated with a first cell, and the access network node to which the first cell belongs is a second access network node; If an SSB of the first cell is detected, a first signal is sent to the second access network node according to the first signal configuration. The first signal is used to trigger the second access network node to send the SSB of the first cell according to the second cycle.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, Detecting the SSB of the first cell includes: detecting the SSB of the first cell transmitted according to a first period, wherein the second period is shorter than the first period.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive measurement configuration from the first access network node; SSB detection is performed according to the measurement configuration described.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: According to the measurement configuration, the SSB of the first cell transmitted according to the second period is measured, and / or the SSB of the first cell transmitted according to the first period is measured.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17-20, characterized in that, Receiving a first signal configuration from a first access network node, including: Receive at least one signal configuration from the first access network node, the at least one signal configuration including the first signal configuration, each of the at least one signal configuration being associated with a cell.

22. The method according to any one of claims 17-21, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send first information to the second access network node. The first information indicates a first duration. During the first duration, the period of the SSB of the first cell is the second period.

23. The method according to any one of claims 17-22, characterized in that, The first signal configuration is used to configure at least one of the following: time-domain resources of the first signal, frequency-domain resources of the first signal, a sequence for generating the first signal, or a format of the first signal.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor; the processor is configured to run a computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-9, or to cause the communication device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 10-16, or to cause the communication device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 17-23.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions or programs that, when executed on a computer, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-9 to be performed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 10-16 to be performed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 17-23 to be performed.

26. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions; when some or all of the computer instructions are executed on a computer, they cause the method of any one of claims 1-9 to be performed, or cause the method of any one of claims 10-16 to be performed, or cause the method of any one of claims 17-23 to be performed.

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