Access methods, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are access methods, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. An access method comprises: a terminal determining an available RA resource on the basis of the availability of location information, and then accessing a network device on the basis of the available RA resource. Thus, the resource consumption and power consumption during an RA procedure are reduced.

Description

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

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to access methods, communication equipment, communication systems, storage media, and program products. Background Technology

[0002] Non-terrestrial Network (NTN) is a key technology introduced in 5G mobile communication. It provides wireless resources via satellites (or drones) instead of terrestrial base stations. In NTN, the greater distance between satellites and the ground results in higher transmission latency. Furthermore, the high-speed movement of satellites causes the transmission distance between the satellite and the terminal to constantly change. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides an access method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0004] The first aspect of this application provides an access method, which is executed by a terminal, and the method includes:

[0005] Determine the availability of location information;

[0006] Based on the availability of the location information, determine the available random access (RA) resources;

[0007] The RA resources are used to access network devices.

[0008] A second aspect of this application provides an access method, which is executed by a network device, and the method includes:

[0009] Determine the random access (RA) resource used by the terminal;

[0010] Based on the RA resources, determine the availability of terminal-side location information.

[0011] A third aspect of this application provides an access method for a communication system, the communication system including a terminal and a network device, the method comprising:

[0012] The terminal determines the availability of location information;

[0013] The terminal determines the available random access (RA) resources based on the availability of the location information;

[0014] The terminal uses the RA resources to access the network device;

[0015] Network devices determine the availability of location information in a terminal based on the RA resources used by the terminal.

[0016] A fourth aspect of this application provides a terminal, the terminal comprising:

[0017] The processing module is used to determine the availability of location information;

[0018] The aforementioned processing module is also used to determine available random access (RA) resources based on the availability of the location information;

[0019] The transceiver module is used to access network devices using the RA resources.

[0020] A fifth aspect of this application provides a network device, which includes:

[0021] The processing module is used to determine the random access (RA) resource used by the terminal;

[0022] The aforementioned processing module is also used to determine the availability of terminal-side location information based on the RA resources.

[0023] The solution proposed in this application allows a terminal to select appropriate RA resources to access network devices based on the availability of location information. This enhances RA resources, avoids wasting resources during the RA process, and improves the success rate of RA. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or background art of this application, the following description of the accompanying drawings is provided. The following drawings are merely some embodiments of this application and do not impose specific limitations on the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the satellite communication system provided in the embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 1C shows the timing advance T provided in the embodiment of this disclosure. TA Timing relationship diagram between uplink and downlink frames

[0028] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of an access method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of an access method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 4100 proposed in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 4200 proposed in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0034] This application provides an access method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0035] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application propose an access method, which is executed by a terminal, and the method includes:

[0036] Determine the availability of location information;

[0037] Based on the availability of the location information, determine the available random access (RA) resources;

[0038] The RA resources are used to access network devices.

[0039] In the above embodiments, the terminal can select appropriate RA resources to access the network device based on the availability of location information. This enhances RA resources, avoids wasting resources during the RA process, and improves the success rate of RA.

[0040] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the availability of the aforementioned location information includes at least one of the following: whether there is available location information, the type of available location information, and the accuracy of the available location information.

[0041] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the availability of location information from multiple dimensions, which improves the accuracy and reliability of the determined available RA resources and increases the success rate of RA.

[0042] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0043] Receive configuration information, wherein the configuration information is used to configure at least one RA resource.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned at least one RA resource includes one or more of the following:

[0045] RA resources are used for locations determined based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) locations.

[0046] For RA resources that have location information determined based on specified signals;

[0047] For RA resources with location information;

[0048] RA resources for use without location information.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the priority of the RA resources having location information determined based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is higher than the priority of other RA resources;

[0050] RA resources with location information determined based on a specified signal have a higher priority than RA resources without location information.

[0051] In the above embodiments, the network device can configure RA resources with multiple priorities and applicable to different situations for the terminal, ensuring the success rate of random access of the terminal in various scenarios and improving the performance of the terminal.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned receiving configuration information includes:

[0053] Receive the configuration information by any of the following methods:

[0054] System messages, Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration messages, RRC release messages, handover commands, Media Access Control (MAC) control element CE.

[0055] In the above embodiments, the terminal can receive configuration information through specified message types, ensuring reliable transmission of configuration information and further improving the success rate of RA.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0057] When the availability of the location information changes, an indication message is sent, wherein the indication message is used to indicate that the availability of the location information has changed.

[0058] In the above embodiments, the terminal can send indication information to the network device when the availability of location information changes, so that the network device can perform accurate TA tracking resource configuration, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of TA.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned sending of instruction information includes:

[0060] The instruction information is sent via either of the following: RRC message, MAC CE.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0062] The availability of the location information changes and there are no available uplink resources, triggering a scheduling request (SR).

[0063] In the above embodiments, when the availability of location information changes and there are no available uplink resources, the terminal triggers SR to request uplink resources for sending indication information, ensuring that the terminal can synchronize the availability of location information to the network device in a timely manner.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0065] The availability of the location information changes, and there are no available uplink resources or scheduling request (SR) resources. Therefore, the network device is accessed using RA resources, which have no location information.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the available random access (RA) resources based on the availability of the location information includes:

[0067] If the location information becomes invalid, the available RA resources are determined to be RA resources for which there is no location information.

[0068] In the above embodiments, if the location information becomes invalid or its availability changes, the terminal can use RA resources without location information to access the network device, thereby improving the success rate and reliability of RA.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0070] Based on a specified method, the timing advance TA is determined, wherein the specified method does not include the TA pre-compensation amount associated with the terminal;

[0071] Based on the TA, a random access request is sent to the target network device.

[0072] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the TA (Target Access Controller) based on the specified method indicated by the network device during the handover process, and then access the target network device, thereby simplifying the handover complexity and improving the efficiency of the handover process.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above-described determination of the timing advance based on a specified method includes:

[0074] The switching command indicates that TA pre-compensation is not required, and TA is determined based on the specified method.

[0075] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the TA based on a specified method when the network device indicates that TA pre-compensation is not required, thereby ensuring that the terminal and the network device have a consistent understanding of the TA used during the handover process and improving the success rate of the handover process.

[0076] Secondly, embodiments of this application propose an access method, which is used in a network device and includes:

[0077] Determine the random access (RA) resource used by the terminal;

[0078] Based on the RA resources, determine the availability of terminal-side location information.

[0079] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the availability of the aforementioned location information includes at least one of the following: whether there is available location information, the type of available location information, and the accuracy of the available location information.

[0080] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0081] Send configuration information, wherein the configuration information is used to configure at least one RA resource.

[0082] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned at least one RA resource includes one or more of the following:

[0083] RA resources are used for locations determined based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) locations.

[0084] Used for RA resources that have location information determined based on specified signals;

[0085] For RA resources with location information;

[0086] RA resources for use without location information.

[0087] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments,

[0088] RA resources with location information determined by the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) have a higher priority than other RA resources.

[0089] RA resources with location information determined based on a specified signal have a higher priority than RA resources without location information.

[0090] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned sending of configuration information includes:

[0091] Send the configuration information by any of the following methods:

[0092] System messages, Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration messages, RRC release messages, handover commands, Media Access Control (MAC) control element CE.

[0093] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0094] Receive indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate a change in the availability of the location information.

[0095] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned receiving instruction information includes:

[0096] The indication information can be received via either: RRC message, MAC CE.

[0097] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, determining the availability of terminal-side location information based on the RA resource includes:

[0098] The RA resource is a RA resource used for locations without location information, and the location information is determined to be invalid.

[0099] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0100] Send a switching instruction, wherein the switching instruction is used to indicate whether it is allowed to determine the timing advance based on a specified method, wherein the specified method does not include the TA pre-compensation amount associated with the terminal.

[0101] Thirdly, embodiments of this application propose an access method for a communication system, the communication system including a terminal and a network device, the method comprising:

[0102] The terminal determines the availability of location information;

[0103] The terminal determines the available random access (RA) resources based on the availability of the location information;

[0104] The terminal uses the RA resources to access the network device;

[0105] Network devices determine the availability of locations within a terminal based on the RA resources used by the terminal.

[0106] Fourthly, embodiments of this application propose a terminal, which includes a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the processing module is used to determine the availability of location information; the processing module is also used to determine available random access (RA) resources based on the availability of the location information; the transceiver module is also used to access network devices using the RA resources.

[0107] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the availability of the above location information includes at least one of the following: whether there is available location information, the type of available location information, and the accuracy of the available location information.

[0108] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module described above is further configured to receive configuration information, wherein the configuration information is used to configure at least one RA resource.

[0109] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, at least one of the above-mentioned RA resources includes one or more of the following:

[0110] RA resources are used for locations determined based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) locations.

[0111] Used for RA resources that have location information determined based on specified signals;

[0112] For RA resources with location information;

[0113] RA resources for use without location information.

[0114] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments,

[0115] RA resources with location information determined by the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) have a higher priority than other RA resources.

[0116] RA resources with location information determined based on a specified signal have a higher priority than RA resources without location information.

[0117] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module described above is further configured to receive the configuration information via any of the following: system messages, Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration messages, RRC release messages, handover commands, and Media Access Control (MAC) control elements (CEs).

[0118] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module described above is further configured to send indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate a change in the availability of the location information.

[0119] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the above-described transceiver module is further configured to send the indication information via any of the following: RRC message, MAC CE.

[0120] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the availability of the location information changes and there are no available uplink resources, the aforementioned transceiver module is also used to trigger a scheduling request (SR).

[0121] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the availability of the location information changes, and there are no available uplink resources and scheduling request (SR) resources. In such cases, the transceiver module is further configured to use RA resources (which lack location information) to access the network device.

[0122] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned processing module is further configured to determine that the available RA resources are for RA resources without location information when the location information fails.

[0123] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned processing module is further configured to determine the timing advance TA based on a specified method, wherein the specified method does not include the TA pre-compensation amount associated with the terminal;

[0124] The aforementioned transceiver module is also used to send a random access request to the target network device based on the TA.

[0125] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned processing module is further configured to switch the command indication without performing TA pre-compensation, and determine the TA based on the specified method.

[0126] Fifthly, embodiments of this application propose a network device, which includes a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein,

[0127] The aforementioned processing module is used to determine the random access RA resource used by the terminal;

[0128] The aforementioned processing module is also used to determine the availability of terminal-side location information based on the RA resources.

[0129] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the availability of the aforementioned location information includes at least one of the following: whether there is available location information, the type of available location information, and the accuracy of the available location information.

[0130] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the above-described transceiver module is further configured to send configuration information, wherein the configuration information is used to configure at least one RA resource.

[0131] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned at least one RA resource includes one or more of the following:

[0132] RA resources are used for locations determined based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) locations.

[0133] Used for RA resources that have location information determined based on specified signals;

[0134] For RA resources with location information;

[0135] RA resources for use without location information.

[0136] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments,

[0137] RA resources with location information determined by the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) have a higher priority than other RA resources.

[0138] RA resources with location information determined based on a specified signal have a higher priority than RA resources without location information.

[0139] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module described above is further configured to send the configuration information via any of the following: system message, Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message, RRC release message, handover command, and Media Access Control (MAC) control element CE.

[0140] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module described above is further configured to receive indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate a change in the availability of the location information.

[0141] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the above-described transceiver module is further configured to receive the indication information via any of the following: RRC message, MAC CE.

[0142] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the above-described processing module is further configured to determine that the location information is invalid if the RA resource is an RA resource without location information.

[0143] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module described above is further configured to send a switching instruction, wherein the switching instruction is configured to indicate whether it is permissible to determine the timing advance based on a specified method, wherein the specified method does not include the TA pre-compensation amount associated with the terminal.

[0144] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a terminal, which includes one or more processors; wherein the terminal is used to execute the first aspect and optional implementations of the first aspect.

[0145] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a network device comprising: one or more processors; wherein the network device is configured to execute the second aspect and optional implementations thereof.

[0146] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device for executing the first aspect and optional implementations of the first aspect, as well as the second aspect and optional implementations of the second aspect.

[0147] Ninthly, embodiments of this application propose a communication system, which includes: a terminal and a network device; wherein the terminal is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect and the optional implementation of the first aspect, and the network device is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect and the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0148] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect and its optional implementation, as well as the second aspect and its optional implementation.

[0149] In the eleventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect and its optional implementation, as well as the second aspect and its optional implementation.

[0150] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the first aspect and its optional implementations, the second aspect and its optional implementations.

[0151] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to the first aspect and its optional implementations, the second aspect, and its optional implementations.

[0152] It is understood that the aforementioned terminals, network devices, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, and program products are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0153] This application provides embodiments of an access method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product. In some embodiments, the terms access method, information processing method, and data processing method can be used interchangeably.

[0154] The embodiments in this application are not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0155] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0156] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun after the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0157] In the embodiments of this application, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0158] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0159] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0160] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0161] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this application are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0162] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0163] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0164] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0165] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0166] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “network function,” “network device,” “function,” “node,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0167] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0168] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0169] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0170] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, various embodiments of this application can also be applied to structures that replace communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals with communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, uplink link, downlink link, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0171] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0172] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0173] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0174] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this application embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0175] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0176] As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102.

[0177] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, for example, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) device, satellite communication device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, wireless terminal device in smart home, and red-capped terminal, but is not limited thereto.

[0178] In some embodiments, network device 102 may be a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The network device may include, but is not limited to, nodes such as satellites or drones in non-terrestrial networks, evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), next-generation RAN node (NG-RAN node), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), wireless backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in Wi-Fi system.

[0179] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this application can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this application can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0180] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0181] It is understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0182] The following embodiments of this application can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1A, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1A are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1A, or it may include other main bodies outside of FIG1A. The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0183] The embodiments of this application can be applied to Non-terrestrial Networks (NTN), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), 6G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New Radio Access (NX), Future Generation Radio Access (FX), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), and IEEE IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi, registered trademark), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX, registered trademark), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Narrow Band-IoT (NB-IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other access methods, and next-generation systems built upon them. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G / 6G).

[0184] Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) are an important technology introduced by 5G, which provide wireless resources through satellites (or drones) instead of terrestrial base stations.

[0185] In some embodiments, depending on how the satellite processes the signal, the NTN system can be divided into transparent transmission mode and regeneration mode. In transparent transmission mode, the NTN ground station transmits the gNB signal to the satellite. The satellite converts the signal to its own frequency band and then transmits it to the UE. Apart from frequency conversion and signal amplification, the satellite does not demodulate the gNB signal, similar to a repeater. In regeneration mode, after the NTN ground station transmits the gNB signal to the satellite, the satellite first demodulates and decodes the signal, then re-encodes and modulates it (this process is regeneration) and transmits the regenerated signal through its own frequency band.

[0186] In some embodiments, Timing Advance (TA) is used. Since the 5G network is a synchronous network, the UE needs to ensure uplink and downlink synchronization. Downlink synchronization is achieved by the UE receiving downlink synchronization signals from the base station. After obtaining downlink synchronization, the UE needs to perform uplink synchronization to ensure that the arrival time of all UEs' uplink signals at the base station is aligned with the base station's uplink time. Uplink synchronization is obtained by initiating random access.

[0187] In some embodiments, the UE can send a preamble to the base station. The base station obtains the transmission delay between the UE and the base station by receiving the preamble. Then, the base station sends a timing advance TA command to the UE (the TA value is equal to twice the transmission delay). The UE advances the uplink according to the value indicated by the TA to obtain uplink synchronization.

[0188] In satellite networks, the long distance between satellites and the ground results in significant transmission latency. Furthermore, the high-speed movement of satellites causes the transmission distance between the satellite and the terminal to constantly change. Transmission latency varies depending on the satellite altitude. In transparent transmission, the maximum round-trip time (RTT) can reach as high as 541 milliseconds (ms). Such a large latency cannot be absorbed by preamble alone; therefore, a UE TA pre-compensation mechanism is introduced. This mechanism calculates the RTT between the UE and the satellite based on the UE's own location and the satellite's location, and then advances the uplink transmission time to compensate for this RTT.

[0189] As shown in Figure 1B, the timing advance T TA The following formula (1) can be used to calculate T: TA =(N TA +N TA,UE-specific +NTA,common +N TA,offset )×T c (1)

[0190] N TA It is 0 before initial access, and will be updated according to the TA command issued by the base station thereafter;

[0191] N Tf,UE-specific It is the service link TA calculated by the terminal based on the satellite ephemeris information broadcast by the base station and its own location;

[0192] N TA,common It is the feeder link TA calculated by the terminal based on the common timing advance parameter information broadcast by the base station;

[0193] N TA,offset It is a fixed offset value, defined in the same way as in terrestrial communication networks;

[0194] T c It is the basic time unit in 5G NR, and its definition is the same as that in terrestrial communication networks.

[0195] In some embodiments, the UE may apply the calculated T to the uplink signal before performing uplink transmission. TA The uplink signal is sent in advance after a timed advance.

[0196] Figure 1C shows the timing advance T provided in the embodiment of this disclosure. TA A schematic diagram illustrating the timing relationship between uplink and downlink frames. As shown in Figure 1C, after the UE advances the timing of uplink transmission, the time interval between the uplink frame (Uplink frame i) and the corresponding downlink frame (Downlink frame i) is T. TA .

[0197] In some embodiments, if the cell radius is not very large, such as less than 100 km, the RTT difference between terminals at different locations within the cell may not be significant, for example, less than 1 millisecond (ms). In this case, a preamble with an extended cyclic prefix (CP) can be considered for uplink transmission. The main problem with this approach is the high resource consumption of the preamble. Its main advantage is that it eliminates the need for UE positioning, thus reducing power consumption.

[0198] In some embodiments, it is necessary to determine how to reduce the resource overhead of extended CP preamble. For example, the extended CP resources can be used by as few UEs as possible, such as terminals with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) using GNSS; or terminals that can be positioned using SSB and / or PRS can use this method for positioning. Finally, extended CP is used.

[0199] In some embodiments, different priorities or network configuration priorities can be predefined.

[0200] In some embodiments, if the GNSS availability of the UE changes, it is also necessary to determine how to enable the network to quickly learn about the GNSS availability change in order to configure an appropriate time-frequency domain pre-compensation scheme and a TA tracking scheme. For example, the UE can be asked to report its GNSS availability to resolve this issue.

[0201] In some embodiments, during handover, the source base station may be able to predict the TA used at the target base station, but this may not be entirely accurate. Therefore, the base station can configure a T for preamble transmission. TA For the UE, the UE will no longer perform UE-specific TA pre-compensation, but will directly use the T sent by the source base station. TA Pre-compensation is performed on the Preamble before random access is initiated to achieve precise synchronization.

[0202] The access method, communication equipment, communication system, storage medium, and program products provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0203] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of an access method according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2A, this application embodiment relates to an access method, which includes:

[0204] Step S2101: The network device sends configuration information.

[0205] The configuration information is used to configure at least one Random Access (RA) resource.

[0206] In some embodiments, at least some RA resources may include one or more of the following: RA resources for having location information determined based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS); RA resources for having location information determined based on a specified signal; RA resources for having location information; and RA resources for not having location information.

[0207] In some embodiments, the RA resources for having location information, the RA resources for having location information determined based on a specified signal (hereinafter referred to as the second location information), and the RA resources for having location information determined based on a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) (hereinafter referred to as the first location information) may be the same or different.

[0208] In some embodiments, the random access resources for having first location information and the random access resources for having second location information may be the same set of resources, such as the Random Access Channel Resource (RACH) resource, that is, the Physical Random Access Channel Resource (PRACH) resource that requires the UE to perform time-frequency precompensation.

[0209] In some embodiments, the RA resource for having first location information can be a resource for having valid first location information and / or having first location information with required accuracy.

[0210] In some embodiments, terms such as "location information available", "location information valid", "valid location information", "location information reasonable", and "location information reliable" can be used to indicate that the TA pre-compensation amount determined based on the location information meets the TA requirements. In some scenarios, the above terms can be used interchangeably.

[0211] In some embodiments, the RA resource for having second location information can be a resource for validating the second location information and / or for having the accuracy of the second location information that meets the requirements.

[0212] In some embodiments, the RA resource for having location information can be a resource for having valid first location information, or valid second location information, or the accuracy of the first location information meets the requirements, or the accuracy of the second location information meets the requirements, or for location information determined by other positioning methods (such as positioning results indicated by the network).

[0213] In some embodiments, the RA resource for having no location information can be a resource for having no valid first location information, no valid second location information, and where the accuracy of the first location information does not meet the requirements, and the accuracy of the second location information does not meet the requirements.

[0214] In some embodiments, the random access resources for which there is no valid first location information and the random access resources for which there is no valid second location information may be the same set of dedicated resources or different dedicated resources. These dedicated resources do not require the UE to perform time-frequency pre-compensation; for example, the PRACH resources may be configured with a longer extended cyclic prefix (CP) length to cope with a larger UE-gNB propagation delay.

[0215] In some embodiments, the network device can configure PRACH resources of different CP lengths for location information with different precision. The UE can select random access resources whose location information precision meets the corresponding location precision requirements to initiate random access.

[0216] In some embodiments, the network device can configure PRACH resources of different CP lengths based on the number of satellites that can be searched during positioning. The terminal can select random access resources that meet the corresponding number requirements for positioning satellites to initiate random access.

[0217] In some embodiments, network devices can configure different PRACH resources for different positioning methods (such as GNSS, PRS, SSB).

[0218] In some embodiments, the network device can configure at least one RA resource for the terminal, which can be used under different conditions (or scenarios), by sending configuration information to the terminal. The scenario associated with the RA resource can be, for example, whether the RA resource is associated with location information, the type of location information of the associated terminal, and / or the accuracy of the location information, etc. The type of location information can be, for example, location information determined based on a GNSS system, or location information determined based on a specified signal, etc. Associating the RA resource with location information means that the terminal can only use the RA resource if its location information is known; that is, the terminal can use the RA resource if it can determine the TA pre-compensation amount.

[0219] In some embodiments, the designated signal is a signal sent by a network device. The designated signal can be any of the following: synchronization signal block (SSB), positioning reference signal (PRS), sounding reference signal (SRS), channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS), sensing RS, etc.

[0220] In some embodiments, the terminal is a Non-terrestrial Network (NTN) terminal, and the network device is an NTN network device.

[0221] In some embodiments, terms such as "non-terrestrial network," "non-land network," and "satellite network" can all be used to describe networks that communicate via satellite, and in some scenarios, these terms can be used interchangeably.

[0222] In some embodiments, the network device may send configuration information via any of the following: system messages, Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration messages, RRC release messages, handover commands, and Medium Access Control (MAC) control elements.

[0223] In some embodiments, the configuration information may indicate the priority of RA resources for different scenarios. For example, the priority of RA resources associated with first location information is higher than the priority of RA resources associated with other conditions, wherein the first location information is determined based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The priority of RA resources associated with second location information is higher than the priority of RA resources without location information, wherein the second location information is determined based on a specified signal.

[0224] In other words, if valid first location information is available, PRACH resources with first location information are preferentially selected; otherwise, if valid second location information is available based on a specified signal, PRACH resources associated with the second location information are selected; otherwise, PRACH resources without or without UE location information are selected. This ensures that the terminal can select more suitable and accurate PRACH resources, improving the success rate of RA.

[0225] In some embodiments, the terminal may receive configuration information.

[0226] In step S2102, the terminal determines the availability of location information.

[0227] In some embodiments, the location information of the terminal may include location information determined based on GNSS; or, it may also include location information determined based on a specified signal; or, it may also include location information determined based on other positioning methods, etc., and the embodiments disclosed herein do not limit this.

[0228] In some embodiments, the availability of location information may include, for example, at least one of the following: whether location information is available, the type of available location information, and the accuracy of the available location information.

[0229] In some embodiments, the availability of the terminal's location information can be one or more of the following: whether the location information determined based on GNSS is available; whether the location information determined based on a specified signal is available; the accuracy of the location information determined based on GNSS; the accuracy of the location information determined based on a specified signal; etc.

[0230] In step S2103, the terminal determines the available RA resources based on the availability of location information.

[0231] In some embodiments, the terminal can determine the RA resources that match the availability of the current location information based on the RA resources configured in the configuration information and their associated conditions. That is, the RA resources available under the current conditions.

[0232] In some embodiments, if the terminal does not have valid first location information, and / or the accuracy of the first location information does not meet the requirements, then a random access resource dedicated to the absence of valid first location information or the inaccuracy of the first location information is selected. If the terminal has valid first location information and / or the accuracy of the first location information meets the requirements, then a random access resource with valid first location information is selected.

[0233] In some embodiments, if the terminal does not have valid second location information, and / or the accuracy of the second location information does not meet the requirements, then a random access resource dedicated to the absence of valid second location information and / or the inaccuracy of the second location information is selected; if the terminal has valid second location information, and / or the accuracy of the second location information meets the requirements, then a random access resource with valid second location information is selected.

[0234] Step S2104: Use RA resources to access network devices.

[0235] In some embodiments, if the configuration information only configures RA resources associated with location information and RA resources not associated with location information, then the terminal can also determine that the available RA resources are RA resources that do not require location information when the location information is invalid.

[0236] In some embodiments, the location information may fail, for example, the first location information may fail, and / or the second location information may fail, and / or GNSS may fail, and / or the function of determining location information based on a specified signal may fail, etc., and the embodiments disclosed herein do not limit this.

[0237] In some embodiments, after a terminal accesses the network, the network device can determine the RA resources used by the terminal, and then determine the availability of location information in the terminal based on the RA resources used by the terminal. This allows for the configuration of more suitable resources for the terminal based on the availability of its location information, improving resource utilization and avoiding wasted terminal power consumption.

[0238] Step S2105: The availability of location information changes, and an indication message is sent.

[0239] The indication information is used to indicate changes in the availability of location information.

[0240] In some embodiments, the availability information of the location information may include, for example, whether the (first and / or second) location information is available, the accuracy of the (first and / or second) location information, the validity period of the (first and / or second) location information, etc.

[0241] In some embodiments, when the availability of the first location information and / or the second location information changes, the terminal may send an indication message to the network device to synchronize the availability of the first location information and / or the second location information with the network device, thereby enabling the network device to perform accurate resource scheduling and configuration for the terminal.

[0242] In some embodiments, the availability of location information changes, which may be that the location information changes from unavailable to available, or the location information accuracy changes from meeting the requirements to not meeting the requirements, or the positioning function changes from available to unavailable, or the positioning function changes from meeting the requirements to not meeting the requirements, etc. The embodiments disclosed herein do not limit this.

[0243] In some embodiments, the change in location information availability can be a change in GNSS availability, such as GNSS becoming available from unavailable, or becoming unavailable from available.

[0244] In some embodiments, GNSS unavailable means that the UE is currently unable to obtain the latest location information based on GNSS. This does not mean that the UE currently has no valid GNSS location information, but simply that it is unable to obtain the latest GNSS location information, such as being unable to obtain signals from enough positioning satellites.

[0245] In some embodiments, a change in GNSS availability can also mean that GNSS location information changes from valid to invalid, or from invalid to valid.

[0246] In some embodiments, the availability of location information changes, which may be a change in the availability of the function of determining location information based on a specified signal, such as the function of determining location information based on a specified signal changing from unavailable to available, or from available to unavailable.

[0247] In some embodiments, the unavailability of the function to determine location information based on a specified signal means that the UE is currently unable to obtain the latest location information based on the specified signal. This does not mean that the UE currently does not have valid location information determined based on the specified signal, but simply that it is unable to obtain the latest location information, such as being unable to obtain a specified signal sufficient for positioning.

[0248] In some embodiments, a change in the availability of the function to determine location information based on a specified signal may also represent a change in the second location information from valid to invalid, or vice versa.

[0249] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal indicates to the network device that the availability of location information has changed, so that the network device can determine whether resources for TA tracking need to be configured based on the availability of location information on the terminal side.

[0250] In some embodiments, if the location information of the terminal becomes available, the network device may not configure resources for TA tracking for the terminal; otherwise, it may configure resources for TA tracking for the terminal.

[0251] In some embodiments, the terminal can use the resources configured for TA tracking by the network device to send TA tracking, thereby enabling the network device to track and update the TA. For example, the network device can track the TA...

[0252] In some embodiments, "TA tracking signal," "TA adjustment signal," "TA update signal," etc., can all be used to describe signals used to track and adjust TA values. In some scenarios, the above terms can be used interchangeably.

[0253] In some embodiments, the aforementioned TA tracking resources may be any one or more of the following: Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), Reference signal (e.g., Sounding Reference Signal (SRS)), Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), Configuration Grant (CG) resources, etc.

[0254] In some embodiments, the tracking resource may be periodic or one-off.

[0255] In some embodiments, the above resource configuration may include, for example, period, time-frequency domain resource location, time-domain offset, number of uplink tracking signal transmissions, etc.

[0256] In some embodiments, the network device can determine the rate of change of TA, such as the first-order rate of change or the second-order rate of change, based on the TA tracking signal, so as to configure the TA automatic adjustment parameters for the UE.

[0257] In some embodiments, after the network device configures the TA automatic adjustment parameters for the UE, the UE can automatically adjust the TA according to the TA automatic adjustment parameters.

[0258] In some embodiments, network devices can send TA (Track Adjustment) parameters via Radio Resource Control (RRC) or MAC CE.

[0259] In some embodiments, the TA automatic adjustment parameters may include first-order rate of change, second-order rate of change, start time, etc.

[0260] In some embodiments, the network device may send indication information via any of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages, or Medium Access Control-Control Element (MAC CE).

[0261] In some embodiments, the RRC message may be such as an RRC connection establishment complete message, an RRC connection reconfiguration complete message, or UE auxiliary information, etc., and this disclosure does not limit the scope of the RRC message.

[0262] In some embodiments, if the availability of location information changes and there are no available uplink resources, the terminal may trigger a scheduling request (SR) to request the network device to configure uplink resources that can be used to send indication information.

[0263] In some embodiments, the SR can be an SR specifically configured for this purpose, or an SR resource configured for logical channel services. The SR resource can be configured to the UE by the network device.

[0264] In some embodiments, if the availability of location information changes and there are no available uplink and SR resources, the terminal can use RA resources, which do not require location information, to access the network device. Since RA resources used for locations without information have a longer CP (Propagation Conversion Rate), they can cope with larger propagation delays, thereby ensuring that the terminal can reliably access the network.

[0265] In some embodiments, during handover, the terminal may determine the timing advance based on a specified method, wherein the specified method does not include the TA pre-compensation amount associated with the terminal; and send a random access request to the target network device based on the determined TA.

[0266] In some embodiments of a macro, the specified manner may be as shown in equation (2) below: T TA =(N TA +N TA,common +N TA,offset )×T c (1)

[0267] In other words, during handover, the terminal does not need to perform TA pre-compensation. Because the original network device knows the approximate location of the terminal during handover, it can configure a suitable N based on this approximate location. TA This is to compensate for the RTT between the terminal and network equipment as much as possible.

[0268] In some embodiments, the network device can configure a suitable N for the terminal via a switching command. TA .

[0269] In some embodiments, the target network device is the network device that the terminal needs to access after executing the handover command.

[0270] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine the TA based on a specified method if the handover command indicates that TA pre-compensation is not required.

[0271] In some embodiments, the network device can explicitly indicate to the terminal via a handover command whether TA pre-compensation is required during handover. Alternatively, the network device can also implicitly indicate to the terminal via a handover command whether TA pre-compensation is required during handover, and so on.

[0272] For example, network devices can indicate to the terminal whether TA pre-compensation is needed during handover by specifying a field in the handover command. Alternatively, network devices can also indicate whether the handover command includes a field for N... TA The offset is adjusted to determine whether TA pre-compensation is needed during handover. If the handover instruction includes an offset, then it can be determined that TA pre-compensation is not needed during handover; otherwise, it can be determined that TA pre-compensation is needed during handover.

[0273] In some embodiments, the network device may also inform the target network device of the availability of location information in the terminal when the terminal is switched.

[0274] In some embodiments, the terms “eNB”, “gNB”, “base station”, and “NG-RAN node” can be used interchangeably.

[0275] In some embodiments, the terms "carrier," "band," and "frequency" can be used interchangeably.

[0276] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0277] In some embodiments, the terms “radio”, “wireless”, “radio access network (RAN)”, “access network (AN)”, and “RAN-based” can be used interchangeably.

[0278] In some embodiments, the terms "synchronization signal (SS)," "synchronization signal block (SSB)," "reference signal (RS)," "pilot," and "pilot signal" can be used interchangeably.

[0279] In some embodiments, "acquire," "get," "obtain," "receive," "transmit," "bidirectional transmission," and "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, acquiring from protocols, acquiring from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation. Protocols include, for example, at least one of the 3GPP protocol, Wi-Fi protocol, and audio and / or video protocols.

[0280] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0281] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0282] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0283] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving on time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data and / or instructions received; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiver to respond to the sent content.

[0284] In some embodiments, if an arrow in the interaction diagram representing the sending of information, signaling, etc. from one subject to another passes through other subjects, it can be interpreted as the information being forwarded from one subject to another via other subjects, or it can be interpreted as the information being sent from one subject to another without passing through other subjects.

[0285] The access method involved in the embodiments of this application may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2108. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102+S2103+S2104 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2103+S2104+S2105 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2106 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2103+S2104+S2105+S2106 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2107 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2107+S2108 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, etc., but not limited thereto.

[0286] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of the access method according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2B, the embodiment of this application relates to an access method, which includes:

[0287] Step S2201: The terminal determines the availability of location information.

[0288] In step S2202, the terminal determines the available random access (RA) resources based on the availability of location information.

[0289] Step S2203: The terminal uses RA resources to access the network device.

[0290] Step S2204: The network device determines the availability of location information in the terminal based on the RA resources used by the terminal.

[0291] In some embodiments, the aforementioned terminal and network device may be terminals and network devices in an NTN network, respectively.

[0292] In some embodiments, the above steps S2201-S2204 and their optional implementations can be referred to in the detailed description of the above steps S2102-S2104, which will not be repeated here.

[0293] The access method involved in the embodiments of this application may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2204. For example, steps S2101+S2102+S2103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2204 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, etc., and the embodiments disclosed herein do not limit this.

[0294] The following is an exemplary description of the methods described in the above embodiments. In the following embodiments, a network device as a base station is used as an example for illustration.

[0295] In some embodiments, before initiating random access to the network, the terminal selects the random access resource to be used based on the availability of the terminal location information.

[0296] In some embodiments, the selection of random access resources based on terminal location information availability includes one or more of the following:

[0297] If the terminal does not have valid GNSS location information, and / or the accuracy of the GNSS location information does not meet the requirements, then a random access resource dedicated to the use of the terminal with invalid GNSS location information and / or the accuracy of the GNSS location information does not meet the requirements will be selected; if the terminal has valid GNSS location information, then a random access resource with valid GNSS location information will be selected.

[0298] If the terminal does not have valid location information obtained based on the specified signal (e.g., PRS or SSB), and / or the accuracy of the location information obtained based on the specified signal does not meet the requirements, then random access resources dedicated to location information obtained based on the specified signal that is not valid and / or does not meet the accuracy requirements are selected; if the terminal has valid location information obtained based on the specified signal, then random access resources that have valid location information obtained based on the specified signal are selected.

[0299] In some embodiments, the random access resources for having valid GNSS location information and the random access resources for having valid location information obtained based on specified signal positioning can be the same set of resources, such as public RACH resources, that is, PRACH resources that require time and frequency pre-compensation by the UE.

[0300] In some embodiments, the random access resources for locations without valid GNSS location information and the random access resources for locations without valid location information obtained from specified signal positioning may be the same set of dedicated resources or different dedicated resources. Their characteristic is that they do not require time-frequency pre-compensation by the UE, and the PRACH resources may be configured with a longer CP length to cope with larger propagation delays between the UE and gNB.

[0301] In some embodiments, the network device can configure PRACH resources with different CP lengths for location information with different precision; then, the UE can select random access resources whose location information precision meets the corresponding location precision requirements to initiate random access.

[0302] In some embodiments, the network device can configure PRACH resources of different CP lengths for the number of satellites that can be searched during positioning; thus, the UE can select random access resources that meet the corresponding number requirements of positioning satellites to initiate random access.

[0303] In some embodiments, network devices can configure different PRACH resources for different positioning methods (GNSS, PRS, SSB).

[0304] In some embodiments, the UE selects PRACH resources in the following order:

[0305] If valid GNSS location information is available, PRACH resources with GNSS location information should be selected first.

[0306] Otherwise, if there is valid location information obtained based on the specified signal positioning, select the PRACH resource used for the valid location information obtained based on the specified signal positioning;

[0307] Otherwise, select the PRACH resource for which there is no or no UE location information.

[0308] In some embodiments, the network device configures the UE with the resource selection priority of one or more of the following PRACH resources:

[0309] PRACH resources with GNSS location information;

[0310] PRACH resources are used for locations with valid location information obtained based on PRS / SSB positioning.

[0311] PRACH resources that require UE location information;

[0312] PRACH resources are used for applications that do not require UE location information.

[0313] In some embodiments, the configuration information may be given to the UE via system messages, RRC reconfiguration messages, RRC release messages, handover commands, or MAC CE instructions.

[0314] In some embodiments, if the GNSS availability of the UE changes, the UE will inform the network of the GNSS availability information.

[0315] In some embodiments, GNSS availability refers to a change in GNSS availability from unavailable to available, or vice versa. GNSS unavailability means that the UE is currently unable to obtain the latest location information based on GNSS. This does not mean that the UE currently lacks valid GNSS location information, but simply that it cannot obtain the latest GNSS location information, for example, it cannot obtain sufficient positioning satellite signals.

[0316] In some embodiments, a change in GNSS availability can also mean that GNSS location information changes from valid to invalid, or from invalid to valid.

[0317] In some embodiments, during a handover, the source base station informs the target base station of GNSS availability information.

[0318] In some embodiments, the UE indicates GNSS availability via MAC CE or RRC messages.

[0319] Optionally, the RRC message may be, for example, an RRC connection establishment complete message, an RRC connection reconfiguration complete message, or UE assistant information.

[0320] In some embodiments, if the UE does not currently have available uplink resources to send the MAC CE, the UE triggers an SR.

[0321] Optionally, the SR can be a SR specifically configured for this purpose, or an SR resource configured for logical channel services. The SR resource is configured to the UE by the network.

[0322] In some embodiments, if the UE does not currently have available uplink resources to send the MAC CE, and SR is triggered, but if the UE does not currently have valid SR resources, the UE initiates random access using random access resources that do not require location information.

[0323] In some embodiments, if the UE's GNSS becomes unavailable, the UE initiates random access using random access resources that do not require location information.

[0324] In some embodiments, the aforementioned GNSS availability failure (or change) can be replaced by availability based on specified signal location (functionality and / or location information).

[0325] In some embodiments, during handover, when the terminal initiates random access to the target base station, it calculates the TA used to send the preamble according to the above formula (2). That is, the UE no longer needs to perform UE-specific TA pre-compensation.

[0326] In some embodiments, N TA The configuration is given to the UE by the network via a handover command.

[0327] In some embodiments, the network device informs the UE in the handover command whether to perform UE-specific TA pre-compensation.

[0328] In some embodiments, unless contradictory, the optional implementations in this embodiment can be implemented as independent embodiments, and the optional implementations in this embodiment can also be combined arbitrarily. The technical features of different feasible implementations in this embodiment can be combined to form new optional implementations based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0329] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0330] This application also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed, which includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed, which includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0331] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0332] In this application embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0333] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal provided in an embodiment of this application. Terminal 3100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3A, terminal 3100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 3101, a processing module 3102, etc. In some embodiments, the processing module is used to determine the availability of location information; the processing module is further used to determine available random access (RA) resources based on the availability of the location information; the transceiver module is used to access network devices using the RA resources.

[0334] Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., S2101, S2104, S2105, but not limited thereto) performed by terminal 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module is used to perform at least one of the other steps (e.g., S2102, S2103, etc.) performed by terminal 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0335] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of the network device proposed in an embodiment of this application. The network device 3200 is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3B, the network device 3200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 3201, a processing module 3202, etc. In some embodiments, the processing module is used to determine the random access (RA) resource used by the terminal; the processing module is also used to determine the availability of terminal-side location information based on the RA resource.

[0336] Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., S2101, S2104, S2105, but not limited thereto) performed by the network device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the network device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0337] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0338] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module.

[0339] In some embodiments, the processing module can be replaced by the processor, and the transceiver module can be replaced by the transceiver.

[0340] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 4100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 4100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 4100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0341] As shown in Figure 4A, the communication device 4100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 4100 includes one or more processors 4101. The processor 4101 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 4100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 4101 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 4100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0342] In some embodiments, the communication device 4100 further includes one or more transceivers 4102. When the communication device 4100 includes one or more transceivers 4102, the transceiver 4102 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., S2101, S2105, S2106, but not limited thereto) in the above-described method, and the processor 4101 performs at least one of the other steps. In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0343] In some embodiments, the communication device 4100 further includes one or more memories 4103 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 4101 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 4103 to cause the communication device 4100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 4103 may also be located outside the communication device 4100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 4100 may include one or more interface circuits 4104. Optionally, the interface circuit 4104 is connected to the memory 4102 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 4102 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 4102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 4104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 4102 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 4101.

[0344] The communication device 4100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 4100 described in this application is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 4100 may not be limited by FIG4A. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data, programs and / or instructions; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0345] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 4200 according to an embodiment of this application. For cases where the communication device 4100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 4200 shown in Figure 4B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0346] Chip 4200 includes one or more processors 4201. Chip 4200 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0347] In some embodiments, chip 4200 further includes one or more interface circuits 4202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 4200 further includes one or more memories 4203 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 4203 may be located outside of chip 4200. Optionally, the interface circuits 4202 are connected to the memories 4203, and the interface circuits 4202 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memories 4203 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memories 4203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 4202 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memories 4203 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 4201.

[0348] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 4202 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., S2101, but not limited thereto) in the above-described method, such as sending and / or receiving. For example, the interface circuit 4202 performing the communication steps (e.g., sending and / or receiving) in the above-described method means that the interface circuit 4202 performs data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 4201, the chip 4200, the memory 4203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 4201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0349] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0350] This application also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0351] This application also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0352] This application also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. An access method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a terminal, and the method includes: Determine the availability of location information; Based on the availability of the location information, determine the available random access (RA) resources; The RA resources are used to access network devices.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The availability of the location information includes at least one of the following: whether there is available location information, the type of available location information, and the accuracy of the available location information.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive configuration information, wherein the configuration information is used to configure at least one RA resource.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The at least one RA resource includes one or more of the following: RA resources are used for locations determined based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) locations. Used for RA resources that have location information determined based on specified signals; For RA resources with location information; RA resources for use without location information.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, RA resources with location information determined by the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) have a higher priority than other RA resources. RA resources with location information determined based on a specified signal have a higher priority than RA resources without location information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The received configuration information includes: Receive the configuration information by any of the following methods: System messages, Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration messages, RRC release messages, handover commands, Media Access Control (MAC) control element CE.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send an indication message, wherein the indication message is used to indicate a change in the availability of the location information.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The sending instruction information includes: The instruction information is sent via either of the following: RRC message, MAC CE.

9. The method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: The availability of the location information changes and there are no available uplink resources, triggering a scheduling request (SR).

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: The availability of the location information changes, and there are no available uplink resources or scheduling request (SR) resources. Therefore, the network device is accessed using RA resources, which have no location information.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The step of determining available random access (RA) resources based on the availability of the location information includes: If the location information becomes invalid, the available RA resources are determined to be RA resources for which there is no location information.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on a specified method, the timing advance TA is determined, wherein the specified method does not include the TA pre-compensation amount associated with the terminal; Based on the TA, a random access request is sent to the target network device.

13. The method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The determination of the timing advance based on the specified method includes: The switching command indicates that TA pre-compensation is not required, and TA is determined based on the specified method.

14. An access method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a network device, and the method includes: Determine the random access (RA) resource used by the terminal; Based on the RA resources, determine the availability of terminal-side location information.

15. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The availability of the location information includes at least one of the following: whether there is available location information, the type of available location information, and the accuracy of the available location information.

16. The method as described in claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send configuration information, wherein the configuration information is used to configure at least one RA resource.

17. The method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The at least one RA resource includes one or more of the following: RA resources are used for locations determined based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) locations. Used for RA resources that have location information determined based on specified signals; For RA resources with location information; RA resources for use without location information.

18. The method as described in claim 17, characterized in that, RA resources with location information determined by the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) have a higher priority than other RA resources. RA resources with location information determined based on a specified signal have a higher priority than RA resources without location information.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16-18, characterized in that, The configuration information to be sent includes: Send the configuration information by any of the following methods: System messages, Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration messages, RRC release messages, handover commands, Media Access Control (MAC) control element CE.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14-19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate a change in the availability of the location information.

21. The method as described in claim 20, characterized in that, The receiving indication information includes: The indication information can be received via either: RRC message, MAC CE.

22. The method according to any one of claims 14-21, characterized in that, Determining the availability of terminal-side location information based on the RA resources includes: The RA resource is a RA resource used for locations without location information, and the location information is determined to be invalid.

23. The method according to any one of claims 14-22, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a switching instruction, wherein the switching instruction is used to indicate whether it is allowed to determine the timing advance based on a specified method, wherein the specified method does not include the TA pre-compensation amount associated with the terminal.

24. A terminal, characterized in that, The terminal includes: The processing module is used to determine the availability of location information; The processing module is further configured to determine available random access (RA) resources based on the availability of the location information; The transceiver module is used to access network devices using the RA resources.

25. A network device, characterized in that, The network device includes: The processing module is used to determine the random access (RA) resource adopted by the terminal; The processing module is also used to determine the availability of terminal-side location information based on the RA resources.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: One or more processors; The processor is used to execute the access method according to any one of claims 1-13, or the processor is used to execute the access method according to any one of claims 14-23.

27. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the access method as described in any one of claims 1-23.

28. A program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, characterized in that, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by the communication device, the access method according to any one of claims 1-23 is implemented.

Images