Communication method, apparatus, storage medium and program product

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications. Disclosed are a communication method, an apparatus, a storage medium and a program product. The method comprises: a first cell sends first information to a terminal, the first information indicating a first measurement time parameter; and the terminal measures a reference signal of a second cell on the basis of the first measurement time parameter. The solution of the present application can be used for completing measurement of the second cell, thereby avoiding possible impact of neighboring cell measurement on normal communication of terminals, and improving resource utilization.

Description

Communication methods, devices, storage media and software products

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510393021.2, filed on March 28, 2025, entitled "Communication Method, Apparatus, Storage Medium and Program Product", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus, storage medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0003] Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) NTN is a solution that combines narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) technology with non-terrestrial networks (NTN) to extend the coverage of the Internet of Things, especially in remote and marine areas where terrestrial networks are difficult to cover.

[0004] In the new radio (NR) scenario, a measurement timing configuration (SMTC) based on synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (PBCH block) is provided, which can be used to perform SSB measurements of neighboring cells at the same or different frequencies.

[0005] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has introduced the IoT-NTN TDD mode and defined its frame structure. Each frame structure has a guard period, and under this frame structure, all downlink NB-IoT channels within a cell can only use one downlink time slot of the frame structure in one cycle, and all uplink NB-IoT channels within a cell can only use one uplink time slot of the frame structure in one cycle. Therefore, for a terminal, there will be a relatively long time gap in the time domain, during which the terminal and the serving cell cannot transmit data.

[0006] However, SSB does not exist in IoT-NTN TDD mode, therefore measurements cannot be performed based on the aforementioned SMTC. How to provide a solution for measuring neighboring cells is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application discloses a communication method, apparatus, storage medium, and program product for realizing the measurement of neighboring cells.

[0008] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be applied to a first communication device, which may be a terminal device or a communication module applied in the terminal device, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in the terminal device (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core). In this method, the first communication device receives first information from a first cell, the first information indicating a first measurement time parameter; and a reference signal for measuring a second cell based on the first measurement time parameter. The reference signal includes at least one of the following: a narrow-band primary synchronization signal (NPSS), a narrow-band secondary synchronization signal (NSSS), and a narrow-band reference signal (NRS). By using this method, the first communication device can measure the second cell by receiving the first measurement time parameter indicated by the first cell and measuring the second cell based on the first measurement time parameter, thereby avoiding the possibility that neighbor cell measurements may affect the normal communication of the first communication device and improving resource utilization.

[0009] In one possible implementation, measuring the reference signal of the second cell based on the first measurement time parameter includes: measuring the reference signal of the second cell within a first interval based on the first measurement time parameter, wherein the first communication device does not transmit data with the first cell within the first interval.

[0010] By using this method, measurements of neighboring cells of the same or different frequencies are performed by making reasonable use of the first interval. Measurements that should have been performed in other time periods (especially different frequencies) are completed within the first interval (in the prior art, the first communication device cannot perform any operation within the first interval), thus making reasonable use of resources.

[0011] In another possible implementation, the time domain unit of the first cell includes the first interval, a plurality of consecutive uplink time domain units and a plurality of consecutive downlink time domain units. The first cell uses one of the plurality of consecutive uplink time domain units and one of the plurality of consecutive downlink time domain units to transmit data. One uplink time domain unit or downlink time domain unit includes a plurality of subframes.

[0012] In another possible implementation, the first communication device is in IoT-non-terrestrial network time-division multiplexing mode. Existing NTN cells only have frequency division multiplexing (FDD) mode, not time division multiplexing (TDD) mode.

[0013] In another possible implementation, the first measurement time parameter includes at least one of the following parameters: measurement period, a first offset value between the first measurement start time and the start time of the first interval, and measurement duration.

[0014] In another possible implementation, the first measurement time parameter may further include a time domain unit of the second cell, wherein the time domain unit of the second cell includes at least one of the following parameters: time offset, uplink available time domain unit, and downlink available time domain unit.

[0015] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: the first communication device receiving second information from the first cell, the second information indicating a first delay, the first delay being the delay difference between the propagation delay of the first cell and the propagation delay of the second cell. The delay difference between the propagation delay of the first cell and the propagation delay of the second cell may not be equal to 0; in this case, the first communication device, still within the range of the first cell, should take this propagation delay difference into account. Using this method, the first cell can indicate the propagation delay difference to the first communication device.

[0016] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: a first communication device determining a first delay, the first delay being the delay difference between the propagation delay of the first cell and the propagation delay of the second cell. The delay difference between the propagation delay of the first cell and the propagation delay of the second cell may not be equal to 0; in this case, the first communication device, still within the range of the first cell, should consider this propagation delay difference. Using this method, the propagation delay difference can be determined by the first communication device itself.

[0017] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: a first communication device determining a second measurement start time, the second measurement start time being determined based on the first offset value and the first delay. In this manner, after acquiring the transmission delay difference, the first communication device determines the second measurement start time based on the received first offset value and the first delay. This second measurement start time is the actual start time of the measurement action of the first communication device within the measurement period.

[0018] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: a first communication device receiving third information from the second cell, the third information indicating at least one of the following: the time-domain location corresponding to the reference signal of the second cell, and an identifier of the second cell. In this manner, the first communication device can determine at which time-domain location the reference signal of the second cell was measured, and can distinguish which cell is the second cell.

[0019] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: a first communication device receiving fourth information from the first cell, the fourth information instructing the first communication device to perform measurements of a second cell within the first interval. In this manner, the first cell can instruct the first communication device to utilize the idle time provided by the first interval to perform measurements of the second cell, thereby making efficient use of resources.

[0020] In another possible implementation, the first communication device is in a radio resource control (RRC) idle state or an RRC connected state.

[0021] In another possible implementation, the first cell and the second cell may be located on the same frequency, on different frequencies, or belong to different communication systems. Using this method, the first communication device can perform same-frequency measurements, different-frequency measurements, or different-system measurements within the first interval.

[0022] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a second communication device controlling a first cell. The second communication device can be a network device controlling the first cell or a module (e.g., circuit, processor, chip, or chip system) applied in the network device. Taking the application of this method to the second communication device as an example, in this method, the second communication device receives fifth information from the second cell, the fifth information indicating at least one of the following: a second measurement time parameter, a time-domain position corresponding to a reference signal of the first cell, and an identifier of the first cell; and sends first information, the first information indicating a first measurement time parameter, the first measurement time parameter being used for measuring a reference signal of the second cell, the reference signal including at least one of the following: NPSS, SSS, NRS, and the first measurement time parameter being associated with the second measurement time.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the time domain unit of the first cell includes the first interval, a plurality of consecutive uplink time domain units and a plurality of consecutive downlink time domain units. The first cell uses one of the plurality of consecutive uplink time domain units and the first cell uses one of the plurality of consecutive downlink time domain units. An uplink time domain unit or a downlink time domain unit includes a plurality of subframes.

[0024] In another possible implementation, the first measurement time parameter includes at least one of the following parameters: measurement period, a first offset value between the first measurement start time and the start time of the first interval, and measurement duration, wherein the first communication device does not perform service transmission during the first interval.

[0025] In another possible implementation, the first measurement time parameter may further include a time domain unit of the second cell, wherein the time domain unit of the second cell includes at least one of the following parameters: time offset, uplink available time domain unit, and downlink available time domain unit.

[0026] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: sending second information indicating a first delay, the first delay being the propagation delay difference between the first cell and the second cell.

[0027] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a fourth message instructing the first communication device to measure the reference signal of the second cell within the first interval.

[0028] In another possible implementation, the first cell and the second cell may be located on the same frequency, on different frequency, or belong to different communication systems.

[0029] For the beneficial effects of the second aspect or its implementation, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the corresponding implementation of the first aspect above.

[0030] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a third communication device controlling a second cell. The third communication device can be a network device controlling the second cell or a module (e.g., circuit, processor, chip, or chip system) applied in the network device. Taking the application of this method to the third communication device as an example, in this method, the third communication device sends fifth information to the first cell, the fifth information indicating at least one of the following: a second measurement time parameter, a time-domain position corresponding to a reference signal of the second cell, and an identifier of the second cell; and sends a reference signal of the second cell, the reference signal including at least one of the following: NPSS, NSSS, and NRS.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the second measurement time parameter includes at least one of the following parameters: measurement period, a first offset value between the first measurement start time and the start time of the first interval, and measurement duration, wherein the first communication device does not perform service transmission during the first interval.

[0032] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: the second cell sending second information, the second information indicating at least one of the following: the time-domain location corresponding to the signal to be measured in the second cell, and the identifier of the second cell.

[0033] In another possible implementation, the first cell and the second cell may be located on the same frequency, on different frequency, or belong to different communication systems.

[0034] For the beneficial effects of the third aspect or any embodiment of the third aspect, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the first aspect or related embodiments of the first aspect described above.

[0035] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a first communication device, such as the first communication device or a communication module within the first communication device, or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core) responsible for communication functions within the first communication device. Taking the application of this method to a first communication device as an example, in this method, the first communication device receives first information from a first cell, the first information indicating at least one first time-domain location, the at least one first time-domain location being outside the frame's guard time; and performs a measurement of a second cell at the at least one first time-domain location. Using this method, by receiving at least one first time-domain location indicated by the first cell, the first communication device can perform a measurement of the second cell at at least one first time-domain location, thereby enabling the measurement of the second cell, avoiding the possibility that neighbor cell measurements might affect the normal communication of the first communication device, and improving resource utilization.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the measurement of the second cell at the at least one first time domain location includes: measuring the first cell based on the at least one first time domain location and the propagation delay difference between the first cell and the second cell.

[0037] In yet another possible implementation, the first communication device is in IoT-non-terrestrial network time-division multiplexing mode.

[0038] In another possible implementation, the first communication device is in an RRC idle state or an RRC connected state.

[0039] In another possible implementation, the first cell and the second cell may be located on the same frequency, on different frequency, or belong to different communication systems.

[0040] For the beneficial effects of any implementation of the fourth aspect, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the relevant implementations of the first aspect above.

[0041] Fifthly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a first cell side, such as the first cell or a module (e.g., circuit, processor, chip, or chip system) within the first cell. Taking the application of this method to a first cell as an example, in this method, the first cell sends first information, the first information indicating at least one first time-domain location, the at least one first time-domain location being outside the guard time of a frame.

[0042] In yet another possible implementation, the first communication device is in IoT-non-terrestrial network time-division multiplexing mode.

[0043] In another possible implementation, the first communication device is in an RRC idle state or an RRC connected state.

[0044] In another possible implementation, the first cell and the second cell may be located on the same frequency, on different frequency, or belong to different communication systems.

[0045] For the beneficial effects of the fifth aspect or any embodiment of the fifth aspect, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the first aspect, the fourth aspect or the related embodiments of the first aspect above.

[0046] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, which has the function of implementing any one of the first to fifth aspects or any one of the embodiments of any one aspect. For example, the communication device includes modules, units or means corresponding to the operation involved in performing any one of the first to fifth aspects or any one of the embodiments of any one aspect. The modules, units or means can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the communication device in the sixth aspect includes modules or units for respectively executing the methods in any one of the first to fifth aspects or any embodiment of any one aspect. For example, the communication device may include a transmitting unit, a receiving unit, and may also include a processing unit. The transmitting unit and the receiving unit may be independent or combined (which may be referred to as a "transmit-receive unit").

[0048] Wherein, when the above-mentioned communication device is used to implement the method of the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect, the transceiver unit is used to receive first information from the first cell, the first information indicating a first measurement time parameter; and the processing unit is used to measure a reference signal of the second cell based on the first measurement time parameter, the reference signal including at least one of the following: NPSS, NSSS, NRS.

[0049] Optionally, the processing unit is configured to measure the reference signal of the second cell within a first interval based on the first measurement time parameter, wherein the first communication device does not perform service transmission within the first interval.

[0050] Optionally, the time domain unit of the first cell includes the first interval, a plurality of consecutive uplink time domain units and a plurality of consecutive downlink time domain units. The first cell uses one of the plurality of consecutive uplink time domain units and the first cell uses one of the plurality of consecutive downlink time domain units. An uplink time domain unit or a downlink time domain unit includes a plurality of subframes.

[0051] Optionally, the first communication device is in Internet of Things-non-terrestrial network time-division multiplexing mode.

[0052] Optionally, the first measurement time parameter includes at least one of the following parameters: measurement period, a first offset value between the first measurement start time and the start time of the first interval, and measurement duration.

[0053] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive second information from the first cell, the second information indicating a first delay, the first delay being the propagation delay difference between the first cell and the second cell.

[0054] Optionally, the processing unit is further configured to determine a first delay, which is the propagation delay difference between the first cell and the second cell.

[0055] Optionally, the processing unit is further configured to determine a second measurement start time, the second measurement start time being determined based on the first offset value and the first time delay.

[0056] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive third information from the second cell, the third information indicating at least one of the following: the time-domain location corresponding to the reference signal of the second cell, and the identifier of the second cell.

[0057] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive fourth information from the first cell, the fourth information instructing the first communication device to perform a measurement of the second cell within the first interval.

[0058] Optionally, the first communication device is in RRC idle state or RRC connected state.

[0059] Optionally, the first cell and the second cell may be located on the same frequency, on different frequency, or belong to different communication systems. Using this method, the first communication device can perform same-frequency measurements, different-frequency measurements, or different-system measurements within the first interval.

[0060] Wherein, when the above-mentioned communication device is used to implement the method of the second aspect or any embodiment of the second aspect, the transceiver unit is used to receive fifth information from the second cell, the fifth information indicating at least one of the following: a first measurement time parameter, a time domain position corresponding to a reference signal of the first cell, and an identifier of the first cell; and the transceiver unit is further used to transmit first information, the first information indicating the first measurement time parameter, the first measurement time parameter being used for measuring the reference signal of the second cell, the reference signal including at least one of the following: NPSS, SSS, NRS.

[0061] Optionally, the time domain unit of the first cell includes the first interval, a plurality of consecutive uplink time domain units and a plurality of consecutive downlink time domain units. The first cell uses one of the plurality of consecutive uplink time domain units and the first cell uses one of the plurality of consecutive downlink time domain units. An uplink time domain unit or a downlink time domain unit includes a plurality of subframes.

[0062] Optionally, the first measurement time parameter includes at least one of the following parameters: measurement period, a first offset value between the first measurement start time and the start time of the first interval, and measurement duration, wherein the first communication device does not perform service transmission within the first interval.

[0063] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to send second information, the second information indicating a first delay, the first delay being the propagation delay difference between the first cell and the second cell.

[0064] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit fourth information, the fourth information instructing the first communication device to measure the reference signal of the second cell within the first interval.

[0065] Optionally, the first cell and the second cell may be located on the same frequency, on different frequency, or belong to different communication systems.

[0066] When the aforementioned communication device is used to implement the method in the third aspect or any embodiment of the third aspect, the transceiver unit is used to send fifth information to the first cell, the fifth information indicating at least one of the following: a first measurement time parameter, a time domain position corresponding to a reference signal of the second cell, and an identifier of the second cell; and the transceiver unit is further used to send a reference signal of the second cell, the reference signal including at least one of the following: NPSS, NSSS, NRS.

[0067] Optionally, the first measurement time parameter includes at least one of the following parameters: measurement period, a first offset value between the first measurement start time and the start time of the first interval, and measurement duration, wherein the first communication device does not perform service transmission within the first interval.

[0068] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit second information, the second information indicating at least one of the following: the time-domain location corresponding to the signal to be measured in the second cell, and the identifier of the second cell.

[0069] Optionally, the first cell and the second cell may be located on the same frequency, on different frequency, or belong to different communication systems.

[0070] Wherein, when the above-mentioned communication device is used to implement the method in the fourth aspect or any embodiment of the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit is used to receive first information from a first cell, the first information indicating at least one first time domain location, the at least one first time domain location being outside the guard time of a frame; and the processing unit is used to perform a measurement of a second cell at the at least one first time domain location.

[0071] Optionally, the processing unit is further configured to measure the first cell based on the at least one first time-domain location and the propagation delay difference between the first cell and the second cell.

[0072] Optionally, the first communication device is in IoT-non-terrestrial network time-division multiplexing mode.

[0073] Optionally, the first communication device is in RRC idle state or RRC connected state.

[0074] Optionally, the first cell and the second cell may be located on the same frequency, on different frequency, or belong to different communication systems.

[0075] When the aforementioned communication device is used to implement the method in the fifth aspect or any embodiment of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is used to send first information, the first information indicating at least one first time domain position, the at least one first time domain position being outside the frame's guard time.

[0076] Optionally, the first communication device is in IoT-non-terrestrial network time-division multiplexing mode.

[0077] Optionally, the first communication device is in RRC idle state or RRC connected state.

[0078] Optionally, the first cell and the second cell may be located on the same frequency, on different frequency, or belong to different communication systems.

[0079] In another possible implementation, the communication device in the sixth aspect includes a memory and one or more processors. The memory stores part or all of the necessary computer program or instructions for implementing the functions involved in any one of the first to fifth aspects or any embodiment of any one aspect. The one or more processors can execute the computer program or instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of any one of the first to fifth aspects or any embodiment of any one aspect.

[0080] In one possible design, the communication device may further include an interface circuit, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0081] In one possible design, the communication device may also include the memory.

[0082] When the aforementioned communication device is used to implement the functions of the first aspect and the fourth aspect, the aforementioned communication device may be a terminal, or a communication module in the terminal, or a chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module.

[0083] When the aforementioned communication device is used to realize the functions of the second, third, and fifth aspects, the aforementioned communication device may be a network device or a component of a network device.

[0084] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein a computer program or instructions are stored therein, which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods described in the above aspects.

[0085] Eighthly, a computer program product is provided that, when a computer reads and executes the computer program product, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the above aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0086] Figure 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a wireless communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c are schematic diagrams of the NTN transparent transmission network structure;

[0088] Figures 2d and 2e are schematic diagrams of the NTN regeneration network structure;

[0089] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an open wireless access network;

[0090] Figures 4a and 4b are schematic diagrams of a possible TDD frame structure;

[0091] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the alignment of the starting point of the TDD mode with the DL1 time slot in Figure 4a;

[0092] Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c-7 are schematic flowcharts of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0093] Figures 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0094] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0095] The technology provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems; for example, the communication system can be a fourth-generation (4G) communication system. th Generation 4G) communication systems (such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems), 5G (5G)th This refers to various communication systems, including generational (5G) communication systems, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, satellite communication systems, integrated systems of multiple systems, and future communication systems. Among these, 5G communication systems can also be called new radio (NR) systems.

[0096] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches are also possible.

[0097] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplarily" and "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the term "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "corresponding, relevant," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0098] The communication systems and service scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0099] In a communication system, a network element can send signals to or receive signals from another network element. These signals can include information, signaling, or data. The term "network element" can also be replaced by an entity, network entity, device, terminal, communication module, node, communication node, etc. This application uses a network element as an example for description. For instance, a communication system may include at least one terminal and at least one access network device. The access network device can send downlink signals to the terminal, and / or the terminal can send uplink signals to the access network device. Furthermore, it is understood that if the communication system includes multiple terminals, these terminals can also exchange signals; that is, both the signal-sending network element and the signal-receiving network element can be a terminal.

[0100] Referring to Figure 1, which is a simplified schematic diagram of a wireless communication system provided in an embodiment of this application, the wireless communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100. The RAN 100 can be a next-generation RAN or a traditional (e.g., 5G, 4G) RAN. One or more terminals (120a-120g, collectively referred to as 120) can be interconnected or connected to one or more network devices (110a-110c, collectively referred to as 110) within the RAN 100, and the connection method can be wired or wireless. Optionally, Figure 1 is only a schematic diagram; the wireless communication system may also include other devices, such as core network devices, wireless relay devices, and / or wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 1.

[0101] Optionally, in practical applications, the wireless communication system may include multiple network devices (also called access network devices) and multiple terminals simultaneously. One network device can serve one or more terminals simultaneously. A terminal can also access one or more network devices simultaneously. This application embodiment does not limit the number of terminals and network devices included in the wireless communication system.

[0102] Satellite communication, also known as non-terrestrial network (NTN), is used to extend 5G coverage. Compared to terrestrial cellular networks (such as 5G NR), NTN networks offer wider coverage, higher path loss, greater latency, faster speeds, and lower costs. As a supplement and extension to terrestrial networks, NTN can achieve wide-area seamless coverage that wired telephone networks and terrestrial mobile communication networks cannot, effectively solving internet access problems in areas lacking communication infrastructure. For example, by deploying a large number of satellites in low Earth orbit, seamless ground coverage can be achieved through reasonable constellation construction, and the round-trip transmission latency between satellites and ground terminals can be significantly reduced compared to geostationary orbit satellites, reaching the tens of milliseconds level. With the use of technologies such as high-frequency bands, multi-beamforming, and frequency reuse, satellite communication capabilities have been significantly improved while reducing unit broadband costs, thus meeting the demands of high-data-rate services. Compared to terrestrial 5G networks and submarine fiber optic cables, NTN also has significant cost advantages. Modern small satellites have low R&D and manufacturing costs, and software-defined technologies can further extend the lifespan of satellites in orbit. In addition to global coverage (such as remote areas and ocean-going vessels), NTN can also be used in emergency relief (such as disaster monitoring and emergency communications), the Internet of Things, and high-speed mobility (such as high-speed rail and airplanes).

[0103] Because satellites are less susceptible to natural disasters or external damage, research is currently underway to use them as access network equipment (such as base stations) in mobile communication systems to provide communication services to areas such as oceans and forests. Unlike terrestrial base stations, satellites move at higher speeds relative to the ground and travel much farther, resulting in greater signal path loss when used as base stations. Current communication mechanisms designed for terminals and terrestrial base stations cannot be directly applied to communication between terminals and satellite base stations.

[0104] For ease of understanding, the technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application are briefly introduced below:

[0105] 1. Non-terrestrial network (NTN):

[0106] NTN is a network that uses transmission equipment on airborne or spaceborne aircraft as relay nodes or base stations. NTN application scenarios include low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites, high earth orbit (HEO) satellites, geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites, high altitude platform stations (HAPS) base stations, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

[0107] The NTN can be understood by referring to Figure 2a, which is a schematic diagram of the NTN transparent transmission network structure. This NTN transparent transmission network includes terminals, a radio access network (RAN), a core network, and a data network. The RAN includes satellites, gateways, and base stations. Terminals can communicate with satellites, satellites can communicate with base stations through gateways, base stations can communicate with the core network, and the core network connects to the data network. In the network architecture shown in Figure 2a, the base stations are also located on the ground, and the satellites can forward signals for both terminals and base stations. The gateway is used to receive information from the satellites and then forward it to the ground base stations; or it can send signals from the ground base stations to the satellites. This gateway can be a ground station. The structure shown in Figure 2a can also be understood by referring to Figures 2b or 2c. As shown in Figure 2b, the satellites wirelessly connect to the ground stations through the S1 interface. The ground stations and ground base stations are connected to the core network via wired or wireless connections. The S1 interface is the interface for interconnection and communication between the satellites and the ground stations. Wireless links exist between satellites. If a satellite only has transparent transmission and forwarding capabilities (i.e., the corresponding base station is deployed on the ground), then only transparent transmission and forwarding are implemented between satellites. If the base station or part of the base station functions are deployed on a satellite, as shown in Figure 2c, the satellites can also complete the signaling interaction and user data transmission between the base stations deployed on the satellite through the S2 interface. The S2 interface is the interface for interconnection and communication between satellites.

[0108] Figure 2d is a schematic diagram of the NTN regeneration network structure. In this NTN regeneration network, the base station is deployed on a satellite, allowing the terminal to communicate directly with the satellite without relaying to the ground. Additionally, the satellite can communicate with the core network through a gateway, and the core network connects to the data network. The regeneration network structure shown in Figure 2d can also be understood by referring to Figure 2e. The terminal accesses the network via an air interface, and the base station is deployed on the satellite and connected to the ground core network via a wireless link.

[0109] Terminal communicates with satellite. For example, the satellite can transmit downlink data to the terminal, where the downlink data can be encoded using channel coding, and the channel-coded downlink data is transmitted to the terminal after constellation modulation; the terminal can also transmit uplink data to the satellite, where the uplink data can also be encoded using channel coding, and the channel-coded uplink data is transmitted to the satellite after constellation modulation.

[0110] Wireless links exist between different satellites to facilitate signaling exchange and user data transmission. Satellites connect to the ground-based core network via these wireless links. The core network is used to implement services such as user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, and accounting. The core network comprises multiple functional units, which can be divided into control plane and data plane functional entities. The control plane functional entity can be the Access and Mobility Management Unit (AMF), responsible for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management. The control plane functional entity can also be the User Plane Function (UPF), responsible for managing user plane data transmission and traffic statistics.

[0111] The RAN in Figures 2a and 2b above can be an open radio access network (O-RAN). As shown in the structural diagram of O-RAN in Figure 3, the Open RAN includes at least one open control unit (O-CU), at least one open distributed unit (O-DU), and at least one open radio unit (O-RU). The O-CU can include a control plane (C-plane) and a user plane (U-plane). The O-CU C-plane and the O-CU U-plane can communicate through the E1 interface. The O-CU and the O-DU can communicate through the F1 interface. The O-DU and the O-RU can communicate through the Open Fronthaul interface.

[0112] O-RAN also defines an orchestration layer with a non-real-time RAN intelligent controller and a functional layer with a near-real-time RAN intelligent controller, and defines the exchange interface A1 between the two layers; in addition, it defines the E2 interface between the near-real-time RAN controller and O-CU and O-DU.

[0113] The terminal can be a wireless terminal capable of receiving network device scheduling and instruction information. The wireless terminal can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to the user, a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem.

[0114] Terminals can communicate with one or more core networks or the Internet via a radio access network (RAN). Terminals can be mobile terminals, such as mobile phones (or "cellular" phones), computers, and data cards. For example, they can be portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices that exchange voice and / or data with the RAN. Examples include personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, and computers with wireless transceiver capabilities. Wireless terminals can also be called subscriber units, subscriber stations, mobile stations (MS), remote stations, access points (APs), remote terminals, access terminals, user terminals, user agents, subscriber stations (SSs), customer premises equipment (CPEs), terminals, user equipment (UEs), mobile terminals (MTs), etc.

[0115] As an example and not a limitation, in this embodiment, the terminal can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices or smart wearable devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on a specific type of application function and require the use of other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets, smart helmets, and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0116] Terminals can also be drones, robots, devices-to-device (D2D) terminals, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) terminals, virtual reality (VR) terminals, augmented reality (AR) terminals, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in telemedicine or telehealth services, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, and so on.

[0117] Furthermore, the terminal can also be a terminal in a future communication system after the fifth generation (5G) communication system, or a terminal in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN). For example, the terminal of the future communication system can further expand the form and function of 5G communication terminals, including but not limited to vehicles, cellular network terminals (integrating satellite terminal functions), drones, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as electronic tags or radio frequency tags.

[0118] In this embodiment, the terminal can also obtain artificial intelligence (AI) services provided by the network device. Optionally, the terminal can also have AI processing capabilities.

[0119] In this application, "base station" is just one example of network equipment. Network equipment can refer to devices within a wireless network, such as RAN nodes (or devices) that connect terminals to the wireless network, and can also be called base stations. Examples of RAN equipment include: base stations, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), gNBs (gNodeBs) in 5G communication systems, transmission reception points (TRPs), evolved Node Bs (eNBs), radio network controllers (RNCs), Node Bs (NBs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved Node Bs, or home Node Bs (HNBs), base band units (BBUs), and wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access points (APs). Furthermore, in a network architecture, network equipment can include central unit (CU) nodes, distributed unit (DU) nodes, or RAN equipment comprising both CU and DU nodes.

[0120] Optionally, the RAN node can also be a macro base station, micro base station, indoor station, relay node, donor node, or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. The RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0121] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be CUs, DUs, CUs (control plane, CP), CUs (user plane, UP), or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), radio heads (RHs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0122] 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 open access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN) system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among 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 modules and hardware modules.

[0123] Communication between access network devices and terminals follows a specific protocol layer structure. This protocol layer 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.

[0124] The correspondence between network elements and their achievable protocol layer functions in the ORAN system can be found in Table 1 below.

[0125] Table 1

[0126] Network devices can be other devices that provide wireless communication functions for terminals. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or form of the network device. For ease of description, the embodiments of this application are not limited.

[0127] In addition, the network equipment in the core network may also include core network equipment, such as the mobility management entity (MME), home subscriber server (HSS), serving gateway (S-GW), policy and charging rules function (PCRF), and public data network gateway (PDN gateway or P-GW) in 4th generation (4G) networks; and access and mobility management function (AMF), user plane function (UPF), or session management function (SMF) in 5G networks. Furthermore, this core network equipment may also include other core network equipment in 5G networks and next-generation networks of 5G networks.

[0128] In this embodiment of the application, the network device may also have network nodes with AI capabilities, which can provide AI services to terminals or other network devices. For example, it may be an AI node, computing node, RAN node with AI capabilities, or core network element with AI capabilities on the network side (access network or core network).

[0129] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the function of the network device can be the network device itself, or it can be a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing the function, such as a chip system. This device can be disposed within the network device. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the example of a network device being used to implement the function of the network device is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0130] 2. Satellite:

[0131] This typically refers to a celestial body that orbits a planet and performs periodic orbits in closed orbits. The satellites mentioned in this application may include artificial satellites, drones, unmanned spacecraft, communication balloons, and other similar equipment.

[0132] 3. Artificial satellite:

[0133] Artificial satellites generally refer to spacecraft orbiting the Earth in space. They can include LEO, MEO, HEO, or GEO satellites.

[0134] NB-IoT is a wireless communication technology designed for Internet of Things (IoT) scenarios, particularly to address the needs of low-power wide-area networks (LPWANs). One of NB-IoT's design goals is to significantly reduce device power consumption, enabling devices to operate for extended periods without battery replacements. This is especially important for devices deployed in remote or hard-to-access locations. Compared to traditional cellular networks, NB-IoT chips are less expensive, and the devices are simpler, making them suitable for large-scale deployment. Furthermore, NB-IoT base stations support a large number of device connections, making them suitable for intensive applications such as smart cities and smart agriculture. They also provide more stable and reliable connectivity, ideal for applications requiring long-term stable communication environments. Therefore, NB-IoT is primarily used in applications that do not have high data transmission rate requirements but have high demands for coverage, power consumption, and cost.

[0135] NB-IoT NTN is a solution that combines NB-IoT technology with NTN, aiming to expand the coverage of the Internet of Things (IoT), especially in remote and marine areas where terrestrial networks are difficult to cover. Currently, NB-IoT NTN only supports frequency division duplex (FDD) mode under existing LTE frequency bands and does not yet support TDD mode. This is because TDD mode presents significant challenges, such as the fact that the round trip time (RTT) of the UE in the NTN is much longer than that of the ground station, resulting in large time errors.

[0136] However, with the development of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), problems such as RTT (Real-Time Tolerance) can be effectively solved. GNSS technology is widely used in many fields, including but not limited to transportation, resources and environment, disaster prevention and mitigation, power and telecommunications, urban management, and location services.

[0137] Currently, 3GPP has confirmed the introduction of IoT-NTN TDD mode, defining a TDD mode for NB-IoT NTN systems. This feature is not applicable to existing 3GPP frequency bands, and a new frequency band has been allocated specifically for NB-IoT TDD mode: the 1616-1626.5MHz mobile satellite services (MSS) band.

[0138] Figure 4a shows a schematic diagram of a possible TDD frame structure, illustrating different DL / UL time domain unit pairs (DL / UL slot pairs).

[0139] Additionally, as shown in Figure 4b, another possible TDD frame structure can be specified for an operating NB-IoT cell, using a TDD mode with 9 radio frames (RFs) (RF#0 to RF#8). In this 90ms TDD mode, the first 8 consecutive subframes are the deep loop (DL), and the 8 consecutive subframes from the 56th to the 63rd are the long loop (UL). The remaining subframes within the 9 radio frames constitute the guard time. Network devices can configure which UL and DL a cell uses for scheduling. For a cell in IoT-NTN TDD mode:

[0140] (1) All downlink NB-IoT channels in a cell can only use one downlink time domain unit (DL1, DL2, DL3 or DL4) in the TDD frame structure within a 90ms period;

[0141] (2) All uplink NB-IoT channels within a cell can only use one uplink time domain unit (UL1, UL2, UL3 or UL4) in the TDD frame structure within a 90ms period;

[0142] (3) The same uplink / downlink time domain unit is used in all 90ms cycles of the same cell.

[0143] Therefore, the new frame structure will result in a long time interval (gap) for the UE. The length of the gap is not fixed for different UEs. Assuming that the cell the UE accesses is configured for UL4 and DL2 scheduling, the UE can only perform uplink and downlink service transmissions on UL4 and DL2 respectively. During other times, the UE in the gap cannot perform any services, has no information interaction with the network, and cannot receive broadcast messages from the base station.

[0144] Regarding the alignment issue between the start point of the 90ms TDD mode (as shown in Figure 4a) and the start point of the TDD mode used by another NB-IoT system (as shown in Figure 4b), the protocol specifies the following positions for the 8 DL subframes (i.e., D=8) in the radio frame: [3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0] (spanning two consecutive radio frames). The corresponding numbers represent the subframe numbers (0-9) of the existing NB-IoT system in 3GPP. The radio frame length of the existing NB-IoT system in 3GPP (corresponding to FDD mode) is 10 milliseconds, consisting of 10 subframes, each with a length of 1 millisecond, and the alignment is shown in Figure 5.

[0145] For NB-IoT cells operating in different DL / UL timeslot pairs, the starting point of the TDD mode can be different, so as to be aligned with another TDD mode timeslot DL1, DL2, DL3 or DL4 timeslot respectively.

[0146] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the alignment between the starting point of the TDD mode of the NB-IoT system and the DL1 time slot. The first 8 consecutive subframes in the 90ms TDD mode are DL, corresponding to DL1 of another TDD structure. The 8 consecutive subframes from the 56th to the 63rd subframe are UL, corresponding to DL1 of another TDD structure. That is, the IOT-NTN TDD cell is scheduled on DL1 and UL1. The remaining subframes within the 9 radio frames are the guard time.

[0147] In communication systems, UEs need to perform frequency measurements to obtain better network equipment. Frequency measurements are divided into intra-frequency measurements, inter-frequency measurements, and inter-system measurements (RAT measurements).

[0148] Among them, co-frequency measurement refers to the neighboring cell to be measured by the UE and the serving cell where the UE is located being located on the same frequency.

[0149] Inter-frequency measurement refers to a measurement of a neighboring cell of the UE and the serving cell of the UE, which are not located on the same frequency.

[0150] Inter-system measurement refers to a measurement between a UE and its neighboring cell, which are on different communication systems (e.g., different communication standards: NR and LTE). Since the frequency points between different systems generally do not overlap, inter-system measurement is essentially also a type of inter-frequency measurement.

[0151] For neighboring cells on the same frequency, the UE can perform normal services while taking measurements; for neighboring cells on different frequencies, services are completely stopped when the UE takes measurements.

[0152] In NR, the SSB-based measurement timing configuration (SMTC) represents the timing configuration sent by the base station to the UE when the UE performs SSB-based measurements on a specific cell. This includes the SMTC period, SMTC duration, and SMTC offset. The protocol defines SMTC configuration as a frequency-level configuration, comprising SMTC1 and SMTC2 configurations, with SMTC2 being optional. SMTC1 corresponds to the SSB-MTC cell, which contains two sub-cells: periodicityAndOffset and duration.

[0153] (1)periodicityAndOffset: Represents the SMTC period and SMTC offset.

[0154] Among them, SMTC period (periodicity): characterizes the repetition period of the measurement action, and is guaranteed to be greater than or equal to the SSB scan period of the cell under test;

[0155] SMTC offset: Characterizes the start time of the measurement action within the cycle, that is, how many minutes after the start of each SMTC cycle the measurement action begins.

[0156] (2) duration: indicates the duration of SMTC (characterizes the duration that the measurement action should continue after the measurement action begins).

[0157] The SMTC period can be 5ms, 10ms, 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, or 160ms. The SMTC bias value is set in 1ms increments and ranges from 0 to the SMTC period minus 1ms. The SMTC duration is also set in 1ms increments and can be 1ms, 2ms, 3ms, 4ms, or 5ms.

[0158] However, the above SMTC configuration only applies to NR scenarios and does not support IoT-NTN TDD mode. This is because only NR cells have an SSB, while LTE cells do not have an SSB, but only a primary synchronization signal (PSS) / secondary synchronization signal (SSS).

[0159] In addition, a measurement gap (MG) has been introduced. This MG is unrelated to the gap in IoT-NTN TDD mode. The MG reserves a portion of time (i.e., the duration of the measurement gap) specifically for inter-frequency or inter-system measurements. During the duration of the measurement gap, the UE will not send or receive any data, but will tune its receiver to the target frequency to perform inter-frequency or inter-system measurements. When the duration of the measurement gap ends, it will return to the serving cell.

[0160] The key to configuring the measurement interval is to ensure that when measuring at different frequencies or systems, the effective measurement time after subtracting the frequency switching time at the beginning and end of the measurement interval can completely cover the duration of the SMTC of the different frequency point, so as to ensure that the different frequency point can be measured completely.

[0161] Currently, LTE has two measurement interval modes:

[0162] Gap Pattern 1 (Gap Pattern 0): Measurement period is 40ms;

[0163] Interval Pattern 2 (GAP Pattern 1): Measurement period is 80ms.

[0164] The period of the above measurement interval is shorter than the frame period of IoT-NTN TDD mode. If the measurement interval of LTE is directly reused for inter-frequency measurement, the measurement will be performed at least once per frame, which is unnecessary and wasteful of resources.

[0165] How to provide a solution for measuring neighboring cells in IoT-NTN TDD mode is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0166] In view of this, this application provides a communication scheme in which a first cell instructs a terminal to perform a first measurement time parameter, and the terminal performs a measurement of a second cell based on the first measurement time parameter, thereby enabling the measurement of the second cell, avoiding the possibility that neighboring cell measurements may affect the normal communication of the terminal, and improving the utilization rate of resources.

[0167] The communication method provided in this application is described below based on the aforementioned communication system:

[0168] In the embodiments of this application, a first cell (i.e., a second communication device controlling the first cell), a second cell (i.e., a third communication device controlling the second cell), and a terminal (i.e., the first communication device) are used as examples to illustrate the method in the interactive illustration. However, this application does not limit the execution subject of the interactive illustration. For example, the method executed by the second communication device can be executed by the first network device or by a module (e.g., a circuit, processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the first network device; the method executed by the third communication device can be executed by the second network device or by a module (e.g., a circuit, processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the second network device; the method executed by the first communication device can be executed by the terminal or by a communication module applied to the terminal, or by a circuit or chip (e.g., a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a system-on-a-chip or system-in-package chip containing a modem core) in the terminal responsible for communication functions.

[0169] Figure 6a shows a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This embodiment will describe how the UE performs neighbor cell measurements in IoT-NTN TDD mode and when the UE is in RRC idle state. Exemplarily, the method may include the following steps:

[0170] S601a. ​​The second cell sends information 1. Accordingly, the UE receives information 1.

[0171] In this embodiment, the UE is in a cell in IoT-NTN TDD mode.

[0172] In this configuration, the first cell is the serving cell of the UE, and the second cell is a neighboring cell of the first cell. For example, the first cell is an IoT-NTN TDD mode cell; the second cell may or may not be an IoT-NTN TDD mode cell.

[0173] In this context, when the UE is in the RRC idle state, it cannot perform uplink or downlink transmissions even on schedulable time slots. For example, assuming the first cell accessed by the UE is configured for scheduling on UL4 and DL2, because the UE is in the RRC idle state, it cannot perform uplink transmissions on UL4, and the first cell cannot perform downlink transmissions on DL2.

[0174] In this embodiment, for the UE to measure the second cell, it needs to know at which time domain location the reference signal of the second cell is measured, and it needs to distinguish which cell is the second cell. Therefore, the second cell sends information 1 to the UE. Information 1 indicates at least one of the following: the time domain location corresponding to the reference signal of the second cell, and the identifier of the second cell. The time domain location corresponding to the reference signal of the second cell is used to indicate the time period during which the reference signal of the second cell may occur. The UE measures the second cell during this time period; during other time periods, it can perform other operations (e.g., measure other cells) or sleep, to avoid wasting resources and energy by measuring throughout the entire first interval. The identifier of the second cell can be the physical cell identifier (PCI) of the second cell. The UE can distinguish the radio signals of different cells through the PCI, such as distinguishing the reference signals of different cells. Furthermore, when message 1 includes the identifiers of multiple cells, it is used to instruct the UE that when multiple cell reference signals are detected, a measurement window can be divided into two or more discontinuous measurement windows (i.e., if there are no other neighboring cells between receiving reference signals from two cells, the receiver can be turned off), to further save resources. It is understandable that the second cell can also communicate with the first cell, sending the time-domain location corresponding to the reference signal of the second cell and the identifier of the second cell to the first cell. Then, the first cell can send at least one of the time-domain location corresponding to the reference signal of the second cell and the identifier of the second cell to the UE. In one example, the second cell sends the time-domain location corresponding to the reference signal of the second cell to the UE, and the first cell sends the identifier of the second cell to the UE; or, the first cell sends the time-domain location corresponding to the reference signal of the second cell to the UE, and the second cell sends the identifier of the second cell to the UE.

[0175] For example, the reference signal mentioned above can be at least one of the following: NPSS, NSSS, NRS.

[0176] For example, the aforementioned message 1 can be carried in the system information (SI) of the second cell, such as in system information block 2 (SIB2).

[0177] For example, the time-domain location corresponding to the reference signal of the second cell and the identifier of the second cell can also be configured to the UE through operation administration and maintenance (OAM). Therefore, the above step S601 is optional, and is shown as a dashed line in Figure 6a.

[0178] S602a. The first cell sends information 2. Accordingly, the UE receives information 2.

[0179] Here, information 2 indicates the first measurement timing parameter. For example, information 2 could be a new measurement configuration information element introduced for an IoT-NTN TDD mode cell. Similar to the SMTC information element in NR, information 2 could be called Internet of Things-Measurement Timing Configuration (IoT-MTC).

[0180] For example, the information 2 includes at least one of the following first measurement time parameters: measurement period (IoT-Periodicity), first offset value (IoT-Offset) between the first measurement start time and the start time of the first interval, and measurement duration (IoT-Duration).

[0181] The measurement period, which characterizes the repetition period of the measurement action, is greater than or equal to the scanning period of the reference signal of the second cell, and is recommended to be a multiple of 90ms.

[0182] The first offset value is used to characterize the start time of the measurement action within the measurement cycle, that is, how many moments after the start of each measurement cycle the measurement action begins. In this embodiment, the UE is in an idle state. The first offset value is based on the assumption that the difference between the propagation delay of the gNB-UE and the first cell and the second cell is equal to 0ms (i.e., assuming the first offset value is equal to 0). The UE can adjust the actual offset according to the actual propagation delay difference (i.e., determine the first delay) to determine the actual measurement start time (i.e., determine the second measurement start time).

[0183] Measurement duration is used to characterize the duration that a measurement action should continue after it begins.

[0184] For example, the number of start frame (SFN) of IoT-MTC and the number of start subframe of SMTC satisfy the following conditions:

[0185] SFN mod T=FLOOR(IoT-Offset / 10);

[0186] Subframe=IoT-Offset mod 10;

[0187] Where T = IoT - Periodicity / 10;

[0188] In mathematics and computer programming, `mod` usually represents the "modulo" operation, which calculates the remainder when two numbers are divided. `FLOOR` is a mathematical function used to round down to the nearest integer less than or equal to a given number. ` / ` represents the division operation.

[0189] Furthermore, the first measurement time parameter may also include a time-domain unit of the second cell, which includes at least one of the following parameters: time offset, uplink available time-domain unit, and downlink available time-domain unit. The time offset can be the time difference between the sender (UE) and the receiver (here, the second cell); or it can be a first delay, which is the difference between the propagation delay from the UE to the first cell and the propagation delay from the UE to the second cell. For example, this information 2 can be carried in the system information of the first cell, such as SIB2.

[0190] Understandably, after introducing the aforementioned IoT-MTC into the system information, the corresponding information element should also be introduced into the inter-node RRC messages. The second cell can also send the second measurement time parameter to the first cell.

[0191] The second measurement time parameter can be used to search for the NPSS / NSSS / NRS of the cell containing the message.

[0192] Optionally, time information can be determined based on the cell containing the message.

[0193] Optionally, the offset of the second measurement time parameter is calculated based on the assumption that the signal propagation delay from the NTN (satellite) to the ground base station is 0 milliseconds. This is obviously an idealized assumption, because in reality, signal propagation always takes some time.

[0194] For example, the second cell sends a second measurement time parameter to the first cell, assuming the signal propagation delay from the satellite to the ground base station is 0 milliseconds. Upon receiving this second measurement time parameter, the first cell sends a first measurement time parameter. This first measurement time parameter is associated with the second measurement time parameter.

[0195] Furthermore, when the UE receives the above information 2, the propagation delay difference between the first cell and the second cell may not be equal to 0. At this time, the UE that is still within the range of the first cell should take into account the propagation delay difference.

[0196] For example, the UE can obtain this transmission delay difference in the following two ways:

[0197] In one manner, the first cell sends information 6 to the UE, which indicates a first delay, which is the propagation delay difference between the first cell and the second cell.

[0198] Alternatively, the UE itself can determine the aforementioned first delay. For example, the UE can obtain its own and the second cell's possible location and time information through other measurements (such as GNSS measurements) and calculate the aforementioned first delay itself.

[0199] After obtaining the transmission delay difference, the UE determines the second measurement start time based on the first offset value carried in information 2 and the first delay. This second measurement start time is the actual start time of the UE's measurement action within the measurement period.

[0200] The time-domain unit of the first cell includes a first interval, multiple consecutive uplink time-domain units, and multiple consecutive downlink time-domain units. The first cell uses one uplink time-domain unit from the multiple consecutive uplink time-domain units, and the first cell uses one downlink time-domain unit from the multiple consecutive downlink time-domain units. One uplink time-domain unit or downlink time-domain unit includes multiple subframes. The UE does not perform service transmission within the first interval.

[0201] The time domain unit of the first cell includes a first interval, multiple consecutive uplink time domain units and multiple consecutive downlink time domain units. The first cell uses one uplink time domain unit and one downlink time domain unit from the multiple consecutive uplink time domain units to transmit data. One uplink time domain unit or one downlink time domain unit includes multiple subframes.

[0202] Furthermore, the UE can determine that it is within the first interval.

[0203] If the UE enters the first interval, it is determined that it is within the first interval.

[0204] As shown in Figure 3, the first interval includes at least one of the following: the frame protection time, the uplink time slot that the UE cannot use, and the downlink time slot that the UE cannot use. For example, assuming that the serving cell accessed by the UE is configured for scheduling in UL4 and DL2, the first interval may include the frame protection time, UL1 to UL3, and DL1, DL3, and DL4.

[0205] During the first interval, the UE does not perform service transmissions, meaning the UE does not perform uplink and / or downlink service transmissions. This first interval provides an idle period for the UE, indicating that the UE will not perform uplink and / or downlink service transmissions during this idle period.

[0206] Further, prior to step S603a, the serving cell may instruct the UE to support frequency point search and selection using the first interval, and to perform cell measurements. For example, the serving cell sends information 7 to the UE, which instructs the UE to perform first cell measurements within the first interval, i.e., instructs the UE to perform first cell measurements using the idle period provided by the first interval. Further, information 7 may also instruct the UE to perform first cell measurements during the UL / DL idle period provided by DRX and data scheduling. Exemplarily, information 7 may be an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0207] S603a. The second cell sends a reference signal to the UE.

[0208] For example, the reference signal includes at least one of the following: NPSS, NSSS, NRS.

[0209] S604a. The UE measures the reference signal of the second cell based on the first measurement time parameter.

[0210] For example, the UE can measure the reference signal of the second cell within a first interval based on a first measurement time parameter.

[0211] After the UE obtains the first measurement time parameter and determines that it is within the first interval, it performs the measurement of the second cell within the first interval based on the first measurement time parameter (that is, it receives and measures the reference signal sent by the second cell within the first interval based on the first measurement time parameter of the second cell) and obtains the measurement result.

[0212] For example, the UE can spontaneously perform measurements throughout the entire first interval; alternatively, an IOT-measurement GAP can be introduced, the duration of which can be a multiple of 90ms. When the UE enters the first interval, it can activate the IOT-measurement GAP and perform measurements of the first cell within the duration. This IOT-measurement GAP can be sent by the SI or configured to the UE in advance through Radio Resource Control Reconfiguration (RRCReconfiguration).

[0213] For example, in this embodiment, the first cell and the second cell may be located on the same frequency, on different frequency, or belong to different communication systems (for example, the first cell and the second cell belong to different communication systems). That is, the UE can perform same-frequency measurement, different-frequency measurement, or different-system measurement within the first interval.

[0214] Furthermore, after the connected UE completes the measurement, it sends a measurement report to the first cell in the UL timeslot to notify the first cell that the neighbor cell measurement has been completed;

[0215] Once the Idle-state UE has completed the measurement, it will not send a measurement report even at the UL time. Instead, it may directly initiate an RRC connection establishment request or an RRC connection recovery request to the second cell.

[0216] Existing NTN cells only have FDD mode and do not have the frame structure shown in Figure 3, meaning that the first interval does not exist. In this embodiment, by making reasonable use of the first interval to perform measurements on neighboring cells of the same or different frequencies, measurements that should have been performed in other time periods (especially for different frequencies) are completed within the first interval, thus making reasonable use of resources.

[0217] According to a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, a first cell indicates a first measurement time parameter, and a terminal performs measurement of a second cell based on the first measurement time parameter, thereby enabling the measurement of the second cell, avoiding the possibility that neighboring cell measurements may affect the normal communication of the terminal, and improving resource utilization.

[0218] The above embodiment describes how, in IoT-NTN TDD mode and when the UE is in RRC idle state, the first cell instructs the UE on the first measurement time parameter within the first interval, thereby enabling the UE to complete the measurement of the second cell within the first interval.

[0219] In existing NB-IoT systems, the UE can perform RRC connected state measurements to reduce RRC reconstruction time. However, the UE cannot perform inter-frequency measurements while transmitting services in RRC connected state. Since a dedicated measurement gap is not supported at this time, the UE may have to perform neighbor cell measurements during uplink (UL) / downlink (DL) idle periods provided by discontinuous reception (DRX) or packet scheduling.

[0220] The following example describes how the UE completes the measurement of the second cell within the first interval in IoT-NTN TDD mode and when the UE is in RRC connected state:

[0221] Figure 6b shows a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, the method may include the following steps:

[0222] S601b. The second cell sends information 3 to the UE. Accordingly, the UE receives information 3.

[0223] The information 3 indicates at least one of the following: the time domain location corresponding to the reference signal of the first cell, and the identifier of the first cell.

[0224] S602b. The first cell sends information 4 to the UE. Accordingly, the UE receives information 4.

[0225] Among them, information 4 indicates the first measurement time parameter.

[0226] S603b. The second cell sends a reference signal to the UE.

[0227] S604b.UE measures the reference signal of the second cell based on the first measurement time parameter.

[0228] Furthermore, after the connected UE has completed the measurement, it sends a measurement report to the first cell in the UL timeslot to notify the first cell that the measurement of the second cell has been completed;

[0229] Once the Idle-state UE has completed its measurements, it will not send a measurement report even at the UL time. Instead, it may directly initiate an RRC connection establishment request or an RRC connection recovery request to the second cell. The specific implementation of steps S601b to S604b can be found in steps S601a to S604a of the embodiment shown in Figure 6a, and will not be repeated here. The difference is that in this embodiment, since the UE is in the RRC connection state, it can also transmit uplink and downlink data with the first cell. Specifically, outside the first interval, the UE can send uplink data to the first cell in the scheduled uplink time slot and receive downlink data sent by the first cell in the scheduled downlink time slot.

[0230] Additionally, it should be noted that information 3 and information 4 mentioned above can be carried within system information. Since the UE cannot directly read system information in RRC connected state, for example, the process of reading system information can be carried out before the UE accesses the network, that is, the UE reads the system information first; after the UE accesses the network, it is in RRC connected state and performs normal uplink and downlink services with the network of the first cell.

[0231] Furthermore, the first cell can instruct the UE to support frequency point search and selection using the first interval, and perform cell measurements. For example, the first cell sends information 7 to the UE, which instructs the UE to perform first cell measurements within the first interval, i.e., instructs the UE to perform second cell measurements using the idle period provided by the first interval. Further, information 7 can also instruct the UE to perform second cell measurements during the UL / DL idle period provided by DRX and data scheduling. Exemplarily, information 7 can be an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0232] In addition, when the UE is in connected state, the aforementioned first offset value is based on the propagation delay difference (i.e., the propagation delay difference of the service link) reported by the UE to the two satellites (corresponding to the first cell and the second cell) by the network side (first cell), or on the location of the UE to configure appropriate IOT-MTC (i.e., measurement time parameters).

[0233] According to an embodiment of this application, a communication method is provided in which a first cell instructs a terminal to perform a first measurement time parameter, and the terminal performs a measurement of a second cell based on the first measurement time parameter. This enables the measurement of the second cell, avoids the possibility that neighboring cell measurements may affect the normal communication of the terminal, and improves the utilization rate of resources.

[0234] It is worth noting that, optionally, the network side (first cell) may configure multiple IOT-MTCs (i.e., multiple measurement time parameters, which can be a list of measurement time parameters) for the UE. For a UE in idle state, the UE selects several IOT-MTCs for measurement based on its capabilities. For a UE in connected state, the UE reports its capabilities to the network side, and the network side configures an appropriate number of IOT-MTCs based on the UE's capabilities.

[0235] The offset of each SSB-MTC4 is based on the gNB-UE having a propagation delay difference of 0 ms between the serving cell and neighboring cells. The UE can adjust the actual offset according to the actual propagation delay difference. For UEs that support fewer SMTCs than those included in the list, the UE selects the SMTCs to consider.

[0236] CONNECTED UE is a network-side configuration of appropriate SMTC based on the propagation delay difference between the UE and two satellites (i.e., the propagation delay difference of the service link) reported by the UE or based on the UE's location.

[0237] The network side may configure multiple SMTCs for the UE. For a UE in idle state, the UE selects several SMTCs to perform measurements based on its capabilities. For a UE in connected state, the UE reports its capabilities to the network side, and the network side configures an appropriate number of SMTCs based on the UE's capabilities.

[0238] Figure 6c shows a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, the method may include the following steps:

[0239] S601c. The second cell sends information c1. Accordingly, the UE receives this information c1.

[0240] For the specific implementation of this step, please refer to step S601a shown in Figure 6a.

[0241] S602c. The first cell sends information c2. Accordingly, the UE receives this information c2.

[0242] For the specific implementation of this step, please refer to step S602a shown in Figure 6a.

[0243] S603c.UE determines that it is within the first interval.

[0244] If the UE enters the first interval, it is determined that it is within the first interval.

[0245] In this first interval, the UE does not transmit data with the first cell, meaning the UE does not transmit uplink and / or downlink data during this interval. This first interval provides an idle period for the UE, indicating that the UE will not transmit uplink and / or downlink data during this idle period.

[0246] S604c. The second cell sends a reference signal of the second cell to the UE.

[0247] S605c.UE measures the reference signal of the second cell within a first interval based on a first measurement time parameter.

[0248] After the UE obtains the first measurement time parameter and determines that it is within the first interval, it performs the measurement of the second cell within the first interval based on the first measurement time parameter (that is, receives and measures the reference signal sent by the second cell within the first interval based on the first measurement time parameter) and obtains the measurement result.

[0249] For example, the UE can spontaneously perform measurements throughout the entire first interval; alternatively, an IOT-measurement GAP can be introduced, with a duration that is a multiple of 90ms. When the UE enters the first interval, it can activate the IOT-measurement GAP and perform measurements of the first cell within the duration. This IOT-measurement GAP can be sent by the SI or configured to the UE in advance via Radio Resource Control Reconfiguration (RRCReconfiguration).

[0250] For example, in this embodiment, the first cell and the second cell may be located on the same frequency, on different frequency, or belong to different communication systems (for example, the first cell and the second cell belong to different communication systems). That is, the UE can perform same-frequency measurement, different-frequency measurement, or different-system measurement within the first interval.

[0251] Furthermore, the method may also include the following steps:

[0252] Existing NTN cells only have FDD mode and do not have the frame structure shown in Figure 3, meaning that the first interval does not exist. In this embodiment, by making reasonable use of the first interval to perform measurements on neighboring cells of the same or different frequencies, measurements that should have been performed in other time periods (especially for different frequencies) are completed within the first interval, thus making reasonable use of resources.

[0253] According to a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, a first cell instructs a terminal to perform a first measurement time parameter within a first interval. When the terminal is within the first interval, the terminal performs a measurement of the first cell within the first interval based on the first measurement time parameter. This enables the measurement of the first cell to be completed within the first interval, avoiding interference with the normal communication of the terminal while improving resource utilization.

[0254] The above embodiments describe how, in IoT-NTN TDD mode, a first cell instructs the UE to perform a first measurement time parameter, and the serving cell instructs the UE to perform measurements of a second cell, enabling the UE to complete the measurement of the second cell within a first interval. The following embodiments will describe how the UE performs measurements of the second cell in IoT-NTN TDD mode when the first cell has not configured the UE with the first measurement time parameter within the first interval:

[0255] Figure 7 shows a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, the method may include the following steps:

[0256] S701. The first cell sends information 5 to the UE. Accordingly, the UE receives information 5.

[0257] In this embodiment, for example, the first cell of the UE can be an IoT-NTN TDD mode cell.

[0258] In this embodiment, the first cell is the serving cell of the UE. For example, the first cell may have multiple neighboring cells.

[0259] In some scenarios, the satellites are synchronized, and a second cell in the vicinity occupies all possible downlink time slots within the first interval. In this case, the first cell does not need to indicate the first measurement time parameter within the first interval to the UE as described above, because satellite synchronization means that the time offset of the UE and the network is consistent, and there is no need to indicate the time offset separately. The fact that the surrounding neighboring cells occupy all downlink time slots within the first interval means that the measurement of all downlink time slots within the first interval is valid, and there is no need to indicate the measurement window of the second cell separately. It is only necessary to receive the reference signal from different neighboring cells in all downlink time slots except the downlink time slots that can be scheduled by the first cell.

[0260] In connected state, the first cell can send the data first, or the first cell can send the data (each neighboring cell is a second cell, and each cell sends the measurement indication separately).

[0261] In Idle state, the first cell sends (each neighboring cell is a second cell, and each sends an indication measurement).

[0262] Therefore, the first cell sends information 5 to the UE. This information 5 indicates at least one first time-domain location. This at least one first time-domain location is outside the guard time of the frame. The meaning of the first interval and the guard time can be found in the description above. For example, this at least one first time-domain location is also outside the uplink timeslot of the frame.

[0263] For example, the unit of at least one first time-domain location can be a subframe, a time slot, a micro-time slot, an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, etc.

[0264] S702. The second cell sends a reference signal to the terminal.

[0265] For example, the reference signal includes at least one of the following: NPSS, NSSS, NRS.

[0266] S703. The UE measures the reference signal of the second cell at at least one first time domain location.

[0267] After receiving the above message 5, the UE can perform measurements of the second cell at at least one first time domain location.

[0268] Furthermore, the propagation delay difference between the first cell and the second cell may not be zero. In this case, the UE, which is still within the range of the first cell, should take this propagation delay difference into account. Therefore, the UE can autonomously adjust the propagation delay difference to determine the actual measurement time. For example, the measurement of the first cell can be based on at least one first time domain location and the propagation delay difference between the first cell and the second cell.

[0269] For example, in this embodiment, the UE can be in RRC idle state or RRC connected state.

[0270] For example, in this embodiment, the first cell and the second cell may be located on the same frequency, on different frequency, or belong to different communication systems (for example, the first cell and the second cell belong to different communication systems). That is, the UE can perform same-frequency measurement, different-frequency measurement, or different-system measurement at at least one first time domain location.

[0271] According to an embodiment of this application, a communication method is provided in which a first cell indicates at least one first time domain location to a UE, and the UE can perform measurement of a second cell at at least one first time domain location. This enables the measurement of the second cell, avoids the possibility that neighbor cell measurement may affect the normal communication of the UE, and improves the utilization of resources.

[0272] The above mainly describes the solutions provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of the UE and the first cell. Accordingly, the embodiments of this application also provide a communication device for implementing the various methods described above. This communication device can be the UE in the above method embodiments, or a communication module in the UE, or a circuit or chip in the UE responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a system-on-a-chip or system-in-package chip containing a modem core); or, the communication device can be the first cell in the above method embodiments, or a module applied to the first cell (e.g., a circuit, processor, chip, or chip system). It is understood that, in order to implement the above 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, in conjunction with the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in 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.

[0273] 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 its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing unit. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules. 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.

[0274] Based on the same concept as the above communication method, this application also provides the following communication device:

[0275] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 800 includes a transceiver unit 801 and a processing unit 802; wherein:

[0276] When the communication device is used to implement the functions of the UE in the above method embodiments, the transceiver unit 801 is used to execute one or more of the operations performed by the UE in steps S601a, S602a, and S603a in the embodiment shown in FIG6a, and the processing unit 802 is used to execute step S604a in the embodiment shown in FIG6a; or, the transceiver unit 801 is used to execute one or more of the operations performed by the UE in steps S601b, S602b, and S603b in the embodiment shown in FIG6b, and the processing unit 802 is used to execute step S604b in the embodiment shown in FIG6b; or, the transceiver unit 801 is used to execute one or more of the operations performed by the UE in steps S701 and S702 in the embodiment shown in FIG7, and the processing unit 802 is used to execute step S703 in the embodiment shown in FIG7.

[0277] When the communication device is used to implement the function of the first cell in the above method embodiment, the transceiver unit 801 is used to perform the operation performed by the first cell in step S602a of the embodiment shown in FIG6a; or, the transceiver unit 801 is used to perform the operation performed by the first cell in step S602c of the embodiment shown in FIG6b; or, the transceiver unit 801 is used to perform the operation performed by the first cell in step S701 of the embodiment shown in FIG7.

[0278] For specific implementation details of the transceiver unit 801 and the processing unit 802, please refer to the description in the above method embodiments.

[0279] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 900 includes one or more processors 901 (one processor is illustrated in Figure 9). Optionally, the communication device 900 may also include an interface circuit 902 (shown as a dashed line in the figure), with the processor 901 and the interface circuit 902 coupled together. It is understood that the interface circuit 902 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 900 may also include a memory 903 (shown as a dashed line in Figure 9). The memory 903 is used to store instructions executed by the processor 901, or to store input data required by the processor 901 to execute instructions, or to store data generated after the processor 901 executes instructions.

[0280] When the communication device is used to implement the functions of the UE in the above method embodiments, the interface circuit 902 is used to execute one or more of the operations performed by the UE in steps S601a, S602a, and S603a in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6a, and the processor 901 is used to execute step S604a in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6a; or, the interface circuit 902 is used to execute one or more of the operations performed by the UE in steps S601b, S602b, and S603b in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6b, and the processor 901 is used to execute step S604b in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6b; or, the interface circuit 902 is used to execute one or more of the operations performed by the UE in steps S701 and S702 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, and the processor 901 is used to execute step S703 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

[0281] When the communication device is used to implement the function of the first cell in the above method embodiment, the interface circuit 902 is used to perform the operation performed by the first cell in step S602a of the embodiment shown in FIG6a; or, the interface circuit 902 is used to perform the operation performed by the first cell in step S602c of the embodiment shown in FIG6b; or, the interface circuit 902 is used to perform the operation performed by the first cell in step S701 of the embodiment shown in FIG7.

[0282] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to the UE, the chip implements the functions of the UE in the above method embodiments. The chip receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the UE, which is sent to the UE by the first cell; or, the chip sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the UE, which is sent to the first cell by the UE.

[0283] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to the first cell, the chip implements the functions of the first cell in the above method embodiments. The chip receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the first cell, which is sent by the UE to the first cell; or, the chip sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the first cell, which is sent by the first cell to the UE.

[0284] Furthermore, it should be noted that the aforementioned transceiver unit and / or processing unit can be implemented through virtual modules. For example, the processing unit can be implemented through software functional units or virtual devices, and the transceiver unit can be implemented through software functions or virtual devices. Alternatively, the processing unit or transceiver unit can also be implemented through physical devices. For example, if the device is implemented using a chip / chip circuit, the transceiver unit can be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface, performing input operations (corresponding to the aforementioned receiving operation) and output operations (corresponding to the aforementioned sending operation); the processing unit is an integrated processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit.

[0285] The module division in this application is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods are possible. Furthermore, the functional modules in the various examples of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0286] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0287] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, implement the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0288] This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0289] This application also provides a communication system, including the communication device described above.

[0290] This application also provides a circuit coupled to a memory, which is used to perform the methods shown in the above embodiments. This circuit may include a chip circuit.

[0291] When the aforementioned communication device is a module applied to a satellite, the satellite module implements the functions of the satellite in the above method embodiments. The satellite module receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) within the satellite, information sent from the terminal to the satellite; or, the satellite module sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) within the satellite, information sent from the satellite to the terminal. Here, the satellite module can be the satellite's baseband chip, a CU, DU, or other modules, or a device under an O-RAN architecture, such as an open CU, open DU, etc.

[0292] It should be noted that one or more of the above units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above units is implemented by software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow.

[0293] In this application, the processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, or all or part of the circuitry in the aforementioned devices used to implement the processing functions, capable of implementing or executing the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in this application can be directly embodied in the execution of the hardware processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0294] When the above units or components are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, application-specific digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the above method flow independently of software.

[0295] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a chip system, including: at least one processor and an interface, wherein the at least one processor is coupled to a memory via the interface, and when the at least one processor executes a computer program or instructions in the memory, the chip system performs the method in any of the above method embodiments. Optionally, the chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices; embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0296] The memory in this application can also be a circuit or any other device capable of performing storage functions, used to store program instructions and / or data. Memory is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. For example, memory can be non-volatile memory, such as digital versatile disc (DVD), hard disk drive (HDD), or solid-state drive (SSD), or it can be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM).

[0297] The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, as used in this application as described above, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or optionally include other steps or units inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus. It should be noted that in this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate illustrative, explanatory, or descriptive purposes. Any method or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other methods or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0298] It should be understood that in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B; where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Additionally, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of 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" do not necessarily imply difference. In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being better or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. 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.

[0299] 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, network device, or data center to another website, computer, network device, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means.

[0300] 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, a single processor or other unit may 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.

[0301] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0302] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0303] The components in the device described in this application embodiment can be combined, divided, or removed according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can combine or integrate the different embodiments and features described in this specification.

[0304] In this application, examples may reference each other without logical contradiction. For example, methods and / or terms between method embodiments may reference each other, functions and / or terms between device embodiments may reference each other, and functions and / or terms between device examples and method examples may reference each other.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method applied to a first communication device comprises: receiving first information from a first cell, the first information indicating a first measurement time parameter, the first measurement time parameter comprising a time domain unit of a second cell, the time domain unit of the second cell comprising at least one of the following parameters: a time offset, an uplink available time domain unit, or a downlink available time domain unit; measuring a reference signal of the second cell based on the first measurement time parameter, the reference signal comprising at least one of the following: a narrowband primary synchronization signal (NPSS), a narrowband secondary synchronization signal (NSSS), or a narrowband reference signal (NRS).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The measuring the reference signal of the second cell based on the first measurement time parameter comprises: measuring the reference signal of the second cell in a first interval, wherein the first communication device does not perform data transmission with the first cell in the first interval.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first interval comprises at least one of the following: a guard time of a frame, an uplink time slot that the first communication device cannot use, or a downlink time slot that the first communication device cannot use.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving third information from the first cell, the third information indicating at least one of the following: a time domain position corresponding to the reference signal of the second cell, or an identity of the second cell.

5. The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein, The time domain unit of the first cell comprises the first interval, a plurality of consecutive uplink time domain units, and a plurality of consecutive downlink time domain units, the first cell transmitting data using one of the plurality of consecutive uplink time domain units and one of the plurality of consecutive downlink time domain units, one uplink time domain unit or downlink time domain unit comprising a plurality of subframes.

6. The method of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The first communication device is in an Internet of Things-Non-Terrestrial Network (IoT-NTN) Time Division Duplex (TDD) mode.

7. The method of any one of claims 2-6, wherein, The first measurement time parameter comprises at least one of the following parameters: a measurement period, a first offset value between a first measurement start time and a start time of the first interval, or a measurement duration.

8. The method of any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving second information from the first cell, the second information indicating the time offset, the time offset being a time delay difference between a propagation time delay of the first cell and a propagation time delay of the second cell.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The method further comprises: determining a second measurement start time, the second measurement start time being determined based on the first offset value and the first time delay, the second measurement start time being an actual measurement start time of the first communication device.

10. The method of any one of claims 2-9, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving fourth information from the first cell, the fourth information indicating that the first communication device performs the measurement of the reference signal of the second cell in the first interval.

11. The method of any one of claims 1-10, wherein, The first communication device is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state or an RRC connected state.

12. The method of any one of claims 1-11, wherein, The first cell and the second cell are located on a same frequency point, different frequency points, or belong to different communication systems.

13. A method of communication, comprising: The method applied to a second communication device comprises: receiving fifth information from the second cell, the fifth information indicating at least one of: a second measurement time parameter, a time domain position corresponding to a reference signal of the second cell, an identity of the second cell, wherein the second cell is controlled by a third communication device; sending first information, the first information indicating a first measurement time parameter, the first measurement time parameter being used for measurement of a reference signal of the second cell, the first measurement time parameter comprising a time domain unit of the second cell, the time domain unit of the second cell comprising at least one of: a time offset, an uplink available time domain unit, or a downlink available time domain unit, the reference signal comprising at least one of: a narrowband primary synchronization signal (NPSS), a narrowband secondary synchronization signal (NSSS), a narrowband reference signal (NRS), the first measurement time parameter being associated with the second measurement time.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, the time domain unit of the first cell comprises a first interval, a plurality of consecutive uplink time domain units, and a plurality of consecutive downlink time domain units, the first cell using one of the plurality of consecutive uplink time domain units, and the first cell using one of the plurality of consecutive downlink time domain units, one uplink time domain unit or downlink time domain unit comprising a plurality of subframes.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first measurement time parameter further comprises at least one of: a measurement period, a first offset value between a first measurement start time and a start time of the first interval, a measurement duration, wherein, the first communication device does not perform traffic transmission in the first interval.

16. The method of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving third information from the second cell, the third information indicating at least one of: a time domain position corresponding to a reference signal of the second cell, an identity of the second cell; sending the third information.

17. The method of any one of claims 13-16, wherein, The method further comprises: sending second information, the second information indicating the time offset, the time offset being a difference of propagation delay between the first cell and the second cell.

18. The method of any one of claims 15-17, wherein, The method further comprises: sending fourth information, the fourth information indicating that the first communication device performs measurement of a reference signal of the second cell in the first interval.

19. The method of any one of claims 13-18, wherein, The first cell and the second cell are located on a same frequency point, located on different frequency points, or belong to different communication systems.

20. A method of communication, comprising: The method applied to a third communication device, the method comprising: sending fifth information to a first cell, the fifth information indicating at least one of: a second measurement time parameter, a time domain position corresponding to a reference signal of the second cell, an identity of the second cell, wherein the second cell is controlled by the third communication device; sending the reference signal of the second cell, the reference signal comprising at least one of: a narrowband primary synchronization signal (NPSS), a narrowband secondary synchronization signal (NSSS), a narrowband reference signal (NRS).

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, The second measurement time parameter comprises at least one of: a measurement period, a first offset value between a first measurement start time and a start time of the first interval, a measurement duration, wherein the first communication device does not perform traffic transmission in the first interval.

22. The method of claim 20 or 21, wherein, The method further comprises: sending third information, the third information indicating at least one of: a time domain position corresponding to a to-be-measured signal of the second cell, an identity of the second cell.

23. The method of any one of claims 20-22, wherein, The first cell and the second cell are located on the same frequency point, different frequency points, or belong to different communication systems.

24. A communications device, characterized by The apparatus includes modules or units for implementing the method of any of claims 1-12, or the apparatus includes modules or units for implementing the method of any of claims 13-19, or the apparatus includes modules or units for implementing the method of any of claims 20-23.

25. A communications device, characterized by comprise: a processor configured to execute a program stored in the memory, which when executed causes the apparatus to perform the method of any of claims 1-12, or causes the apparatus to perform the method of any of claims 13-19, or causes the apparatus to perform the method of any of claims 20-23.

26. A computer readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer program or instructions stored in the computer readable storage medium, when executed by a computer, implement the method of any of claims 1-12, or implement the method of any of claims 13-19, or implement the method of any of claims 20-23.

27. A computer program product, characterised in that, When the computer reads and executes the computer program product, the computer is caused to perform the method of any of claims 1-12, or perform the method of any of claims 13-19, or perform the method of any of claims 20-23.

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