Communication method, communication device, and storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method, a communication device, and a storage medium. The communication method, which is applied to a first communication node, comprises: receiving first indication information, wherein the first indication information comprises at least one of the following: cell information, which is used for indicating a cell to be measured by a first communication node; SSB information; SMTC information; the number N of first-type periods; the number K of second-type periods; a first-type duration; and a second-type duration. In the solution, a first communication node may determine, on the basis of dynamically updated cell information and SSB information, a cell to be measured and / or an SSB in the cell, and determine a duration for measuring said cell and / or SSB by using SMTC configuration information corresponding to SMTC information, such that the situation where the first communication node is required to monitor and measure a plurality of cells or SSBs can be avoided, thereby effectively reducing the energy consumption of the first communication node.

Description

A communication method, communication device and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, specifically to a communication method, communication device, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] While 5G has begun commercial use globally, geographical limitations and business models prevent it from guaranteeing network coverage in remote ocean and land areas. To overcome these terrain constraints, integrating satellite communication with terrestrial networks to create a seamless, multi-dimensional global network covering land, sea, and air has become a hot research topic in academia and industry. Currently, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) focus on integrating satellite communication with 5G to address key issues in New Radio (NR) support for NTNs. Future integrated air-space-ground networks will primarily focus on deep integration, combining diverse communication platforms to provide broader and more diversified communication services.

[0003] In existing 5G networks, to reduce overhead and interference from reference signals from other cells, 5G (NR) networks remove the Cell-Specific Reference Signal (CRS) and introduce a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) for cell signal measurement. This synchronization block consists of the SS and PBCH, and its transmission period is longer than that of the CRS. During the measurement process, there is a problem of high terminal power consumption due to the need to monitor and measure multiple cells. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the issue of high terminal power consumption during measurement, this application provides a communication method, communication device, and storage medium.

[0005] This application provides a communication method applied to a first communication node, the method comprising:

[0006] Receive first indication information; the first indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0007] Cell information, used to indicate the cells that the first communication node needs to measure;

[0008] Synchronization signal block (SSB) information;

[0009] SMTC information;

[0010] The number of cycles of the first type is N;

[0011] The number of cycles of the second type is K;

[0012] Type 1 time;

[0013] Second type of time.

[0014] This application provides a communication method applied to a second communication node, the method comprising:

[0015] Send a first indication message, the first indication message including at least one of the following:

[0016] Cell information, used to indicate the cells that the first communication node needs to measure;

[0017] Synchronization signal block (SSB) information;

[0018] SMTC information;

[0019] The number of cycles of the first type is N;

[0020] The number of cycles of the second type is K;

[0021] Type 1 time;

[0022] Second type of time.

[0023] This application provides a communication device applied to a first communication node, comprising:

[0024] A receiving module is configured to receive first indication information; the first indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0025] Cell information, used to indicate the cells that the first communication node needs to measure;

[0026] Synchronization signal block (SSB) information;

[0027] SMTC information;

[0028] The number of cycles of the first type is N;

[0029] The number of cycles of the second type is K;

[0030] Type 1 time;

[0031] Second type of time.

[0032] This application provides a communication device applied to a second communication node, comprising:

[0033] The sending module is configured to send first indication information, the first indication information including at least one of the following:

[0034] Cell information, used to indicate the cells that the first communication node needs to measure;

[0035] Synchronization signal block (SSB) information;

[0036] SMTC information;

[0037] The number of cycles of the first type is N;

[0038] The number of cycles of the second type is K;

[0039] Type 1 time;

[0040] Second type of time.

[0041] This application provides a communication device, including: a memory, and one or more processors;

[0042] The memory is configured to store one or more programs;

[0043] When the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0044] This application provides a storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the methods described in any of the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1(a) is a schematic diagram of an SSB transmission provided by the prior art;

[0046] Figure 1(b) is a schematic diagram of an SMTC configuration provided by the prior art;

[0047] Figure 2(a) is another schematic diagram of SSB transmission provided by the prior art;

[0048] Figure 2(b) is a schematic diagram of another SMTC configuration provided by the prior art;

[0049] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation of a communication scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 5a is a schematic diagram of a measurement timing configuration provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 5b is a schematic diagram of another measurement timing configuration provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 5c is a schematic diagram of another measurement timing configuration provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 5d is a schematic diagram of another measurement timing configuration provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 5e is a schematic diagram of another measurement timing configuration provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 5f is a schematic diagram of another measurement timing configuration provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 6 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 7 is a structural block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 8 is a structural block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0061] The embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples given are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0062] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the application and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present application, not the entire structure.

[0063] Before discussing the exemplary embodiments in more detail, it should be noted that some exemplary embodiments are described as processes or methods depicted as flowcharts. Although the flowcharts describe the steps as sequential processes, many of these steps can be performed in parallel, concurrently, or simultaneously. Furthermore, the order of the steps can be rearranged. A process can be terminated when its operation is complete, but it may also have additional steps not included in the figures. A process can correspond to a method, function, procedure, subroutine, subroutine, etc.

[0064] It should be noted that the concepts of "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are only used to distinguish different devices, modules, units or other objects, and are not used to limit the order or interdependence of the functions performed by these devices, modules, units or other objects.

[0065] Furthermore, the embodiments and features described herein can be combined with each other, unless otherwise specified.

[0066] NTN downlink coverage is constrained by satellite payload limitations. Due to power and link bandwidth limitations, it may not be possible to activate all beams of a satellite simultaneously. In such scenarios, the need to monitor and measure multiple cells leads to high terminal power consumption, which is a problem that urgently needs to be solved.

[0067] In mobile communication, a terminal (User Equipment, UE) that has entered the connected state will not only continuously measure the serving cell, but also measure neighboring cells according to the network configuration, in case the serving cell signal deteriorates or the cell is switched over for other reasons.

[0068] In a 4G (LTE) network, the base station (eNodeB) continuously transmits CRS, so the UE can measure the signal quality of neighboring cells.

[0069] To reduce overhead and interference from reference signals from other cells, 5G (NR) networks have removed the CRS and introduced the SS / PBCH block (SSB) for cell signal measurement. This synchronization block consists of a synchronization signal (SS) and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), and its transmission period is longer than that of the CRS. The number of SSBs in a single burst depends on the operating frequency band.

[0070] In the network, the SSB period can be configured for each cell (unit) in 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 or 160 ms; while the UE does not need to periodically measure cell signals like the SSB, and can configure a suitable measurement period according to channel conditions to help avoid unnecessary measurements and reduce UE power consumption.

[0071] The window period of the SSB measurement time configuration (SMTC, SS / PBCH block measurement timing configuration) can be set within the SSB broadcast period, such as 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, or 160 ms, and the window duration can be set to 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 ms. Figure 1(a) is a schematic diagram of SSB transmission provided by the prior art, and Figure 1(b) is a schematic diagram of SMTC configuration provided by the prior art. As shown in Figure 1(a), the transmission of SSB on NR cell A is explained, and four SSBs (SSB0, SSB1, SSB2, and SSB3) can be transmitted on cell A.

[0072] Figure 2(a) is another SSB transmission diagram provided by the prior art, and Figure 2(b) is another SMTC configuration diagram provided by the prior art. As shown in Figure 2(a), the transmission of SSB on NR cell B is explained. Eight SSBs (SSB0, SSB1, SSB2, SSB3...SSB7) can be transmitted on cell B.

[0073] By comparing Figure 1(b) and Figure 2(b), different SMTC periods and different SMTC durations can be used for SSB measurement. When the base station notifies the UE of the SMTC measurement window, the UE can detect and measure the SSB within that measurement window and report the measurement results to the base station.

[0074] In view of this, this application provides a communication method in which, when the location of the first communication node moves or the cell is switched, the second communication node can dynamically send a first indication information to the first communication node, and the first indication information carries at least one of cell information, SSB information, SMTC information, number of first type cycles N, number of second type cycles K, first type time and second type time, so that the first communication node can determine the cell and / or SSB within the cell to be measured based on the dynamically updated cell information and SSB information, and determine the duration of measurement of the cell and / or SSB to be measured using the SMTC configuration information corresponding to the SMTC information (i.e., at least one of the number of first type cycles N, number of second type cycles K, first type time and second type time), which can avoid the first communication node needing to monitor and measure multiple cells or SSBs, thereby effectively reducing the energy consumption and measurement efficiency of the first communication node.

[0075] In this embodiment of the application, the first communication node can be a user equipment (UE), and the second communication node can be a network device.

[0076] The UE in this application embodiment can be referred to as a terminal, which can be a mobile terminal, a vehicle-mounted terminal, etc. The UE includes any device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to the user, such as wireless terminal devices, mobile terminal devices, device-to-device (D2D) terminal devices, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) terminal devices, machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC) terminal devices, Internet of Things (IoT) terminal devices, light UEs, reduced-capability UEs (REDCAP UEs), subscriber units, subscriber stations, mobile stations, remote stations, access points (APs), remote terminals, access terminals, user terminals, user agents, or user devices, etc. It can also refer to user devices in future communication systems, but this patent does not limit this.

[0077] The network devices in this application embodiment can be access network devices, core network devices, or servers, etc. Access network devices can be base stations in terrestrial communication networks or base stations in NTN networks. For example, evolved NodeBs (eNBs), next-generation nodes (gNBs) in NR systems, roadside units (RSUs), centralized units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs) in cloud access network systems, and access network devices in future communication systems. Base stations in NTN networks can include: transparent base stations, regenerate base stations, and other types of base stations. Base stations can be mounted on non-terrestrial or airborne equipment, such as satellites, space stations, or other spacecraft. Core network devices can be Mobility Management Entities (MMEs), Serving Gateways (SGWs), Packet Data Node Gateways (PGWs), Home Subscriber Servers (HSSs) storing user subscription information, Policy and Charging Rule Functions (PCRFs), etc., and can also be core network devices in future communication systems; this application is not limited to these.

[0078] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application are preferably applicable to scenarios where multiple cells under one satellite are active at the same time, and the active cells are at least one of the following: non-adjacent, discrete, clustered, or adjacent; or, where one cell under one satellite is active at the same time. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided by an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, assuming there are 12 cells under this satellite, where each hexagon represents a cell, and 3 cells are active, i.e., the 3 cells in the filled pattern, these three cells are not adjacent.

[0079] In one embodiment, FIG4 is a flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of this application. This embodiment is applied to the case of measuring a designated active cell and / or the SSB within the active cell. This embodiment can be executed by a first communication node. As shown in FIG4, this embodiment includes: S110.

[0080] S110, Receive first instruction information; the first instruction information includes at least one of the following:

[0081] Cell information, used to indicate the cells that the first communication node needs to measure;

[0082] Synchronization signal block (SSB) information;

[0083] SMTC information;

[0084] The number of cycles of the first type is N;

[0085] The number of cycles of the second type is K;

[0086] Type 1 time;

[0087] Second type of time.

[0088] The cell information mentioned here is used to indicate the cell that the first communication node needs to measure. It can also be understood as the cell information being used to indicate the cell that the first communication node needs to measure, or the cell information being used to indicate the cell that the first communication node is measuring, or the cell information being used to indicate the cell that the first communication node can measure, or the cell information being used to indicate the cell that the first communication node is to measure.

[0089] In one embodiment, the first indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0090] Cell information, used to indicate the cells that the first communication node needs to measure;

[0091] SSB information is used to indicate the SSB that the first communication node needs to measure;

[0092] SMTC information is used to indicate the SMTC used by the first communication node;

[0093] The number of cycles of the first type is N;

[0094] The number of cycles of the second type is K;

[0095] Type 1 time;

[0096] Second type of time.

[0097] The SSB information described here is used to indicate the SSBs that the first communication node needs to measure. This can also be understood as: the SSB information indicates the SSBs that the first communication node needs to measure; or, the SSB information indicates the SSBs that the first communication node needs to measure; or, the SSB information indicates the SSBs that the first communication node can measure; or, the SSB information indicates the SSBs that the first communication node is to measure. In one example, after the first communication node receives the first indication information, the first indication information includes at least one of a first type period N, a second type period K, a first type time, and a second type time. The first communication node measures at least one of the cell information and SSB information in the first indication information based on at least one of the first type period N, the second type period K, the first type time, and the second type time in the first indication information, and using the SMTC configuration information corresponding to the SMTC information.

[0098] In one example, when the second communication node detects or receives that the first communication node has moved into or near a new active cell, or when it detects that the active cell associated with the first communication node has changed, the second communication node sends an updated first indication message to the first communication node so that the first communication node can perform cell or SSB measurements based on the updated first indication message.

[0099] In one example, a first communication node receives first indication information, which includes at least one of the following: cell information, used to indicate the cell that the first communication node needs to measure; SSB information; SMTC information; the first communication node may use the SMTC configuration information corresponding to the SMTC information to measure at least one of the cell information and SSB information in the first indication information.

[0100] In one example, after the first communication node receives the first indication information, if the first indication information does not contain at least one of the first type period N, the second type period K, the first type time, and the second type time, then the SMTC configuration information corresponding to the SMTC information will not be used to measure at least one of the cell information and SSB information in the first indication information.

[0101] In one example, the first indication information may further include PLMN information. In one example, the PLMN information is used to indicate the PLMN corresponding to the cell being measured by the first communication node; or, the PLMN information is used to indicate the PLMN corresponding to the cell being measured by the first communication node using SMTC.

[0102] In one example, PLMN information may include at least one of the following: a PLMN identifier; a PLMN index. For example, the PLMN identifier may be an operator identifier, such as the identifier of operator 1, or the identifier of operator 2.

[0103] In one example, cell information is used to indicate one or more cells that the first communication node needs to measure; or, cell information is used to indicate one or more active cells that the first communication node needs to measure. In one example, cell information refers to cell information that is in an active state. In one example, the cell information corresponds to one of the cells in the list of physical cell identifiers contained in the SMTC configuration information.

[0104] In one example, the first communication node may be located inside the cell corresponding to the cell information, or it may be located near the cell corresponding to the cell information.

[0105] In one example, when the serving cell where the first communication node is located is active, the cell information is the serving cell where the first communication node is located; that is, the cell in which the second communication node instructs the first communication node to perform measurements is the same cell as the serving cell where the first communication node is located. In another example, when the serving cell where the first communication node is located is not active, the cell in which the second communication node instructs the first communication node to perform measurements is not the same cell as the serving cell where the first communication node is located.

[0106] In one example, SSB information may include information about one or more SSBs, and the SSB information may be a subset or the entire set of the SSBs to be measured.

[0107] In one example, the number of first type periods N is used to characterize the number of valid periods or effective periods corresponding to the first indication information; for example, assuming that the second communication node estimates the length of the first communication node staying in the physical cell corresponding to the cell information for two first type periods, the second communication node can configure the number of first type periods N to 2.

[0108] In one example, the second type of cycle quantity K is used to indicate the number of cycles between the effective cycle or period corresponding to the first indication information and the cycle in which the first indication information is received, and the offset between them. For example, assuming K = 3, then the interval between the first type of cycle and the SMTC cycle in which the first indication information is received is 3 SMTC cycles.

[0109] In one example, both the first type of period and the second type of period can be SMTC periods.

[0110] In one example, the first type of time is used to characterize the effective time or valid time corresponding to the first indication information; the second type of time is used to characterize the time interval or offset time length between the effective time or valid time corresponding to the first indication information and the reception time of the first indication information. For example, the units of the first type of time and the second type of time can be milliseconds (ms) and microseconds (μs).

[0111] In the communication method of this application embodiment, when the location of the first communication node moves or the cell is switched, the second communication node can dynamically send a first indication information to the first communication node. The first indication information carries at least one of cell information, SSB information, SMTC information, number of first type cycles N, number of second type cycles K, first type time and second type time. This allows the first communication node to determine the cell and / or SSB within the cell to be measured based on the dynamically updated cell information and SSB information, and to determine the duration of measurement of the cell and / or SSB to be measured using the SMTC configuration information corresponding to the SMTC information (i.e., at least one of the number of first type cycles N, number of second type cycles K, first type time and second type time). This avoids the need for the first communication node to monitor and measure multiple cells or SSBs, thereby effectively reducing the energy consumption and measurement efficiency of the first communication node.

[0112] In one embodiment, cell information is used to indicate the cells that the first communication node is measuring using SMTC. In one example, cell information may be used to indicate one or more cells that the first communication node is measuring using SMTC, or cell information may be used to indicate one or more active cells that the first communication node is measuring using SMTC.

[0113] In one embodiment, the cell information includes one of the following: cell identifier; cell index.

[0114] In one example, a cell identifier can be a unique number or name that identifies a cell, used to distinguish different cells; the cell identifier can be a cell ID, cell name, or something else. Each cell can be numbered according to a numbering rule to obtain a unique cell identifier for each cell. For example, within a base station, multiple configured cells can be numbered in a certain order.

[0115] In one example, a cell index is a cell's location number within a specific list or set, used for quick cell location and access. A cell index can also be called a cell index. The numbering spaces corresponding to cell identifiers and cell indexes are different; that is, a cell identifier can be unique across the entire network or unique within a specific base station, while a cell index is generally unique within a specific list or set.

[0116] In one example, when the cell information is a cell identifier, the cell identifier is a subset of the list of physical cell identifiers. In another example, when the cell information is a cell index, the cell identifier associated with the cell index is also a subset of the list of physical cell identifiers.

[0117] In one embodiment, the cell identifier includes: Physical Cell Identity (PCI), and / or, Cell Global Identifier (CGI).

[0118] In one example, PCI refers to the short identifier code used by the physical layer to distinguish adjacent cells, which is used by the first communication node to quickly identify and synchronize cell signals; CGI refers to the global address used by the network layer to uniquely identify cells, which is used by the core network to accurately locate and manage cells.

[0119] In one embodiment, SSB information is used to indicate the SSB measured by the first communication node using SMTC.

[0120] In one example, SSB information can be used to indicate one or more SSBs that the first communication node needs to measure using SMTC. In one example, the SSB information for each cell can be the same or different.

[0121] In one embodiment, the SSB information includes one of the following: an SSB index; an SSB identifier.

[0122] In one example, the SSB identifier can be a unique number or name that identifies an SSB, used to distinguish different SSBs; the SSB identifier can be an SSB ID, SSB Name, or something else. Each SSB can be numbered according to a numbering rule to obtain a unique SSB identifier for each SSB.

[0123] For example, within a cell, multiple configured SSBs can be numbered in a specific order. In one example, an SSB index is the location number of an SSB within a specific list or set, which can be used for quick location and access to the SSB. An SSB index can be called an SSB Index. The numbering spaces corresponding to SSB identifiers and SSB indices are different; that is, an SSB identifier can be unique throughout the entire network or unique within a specific cell or base station; while an SSB index is generally unique within a specific list or set. Assuming a base station is configured with four beams for scanning to transmit different versions of the same SSB (covering the cell from different directions), these SSBs can be numbered as: SSB 0, SSB 1, SSB 2, and SSB 3, meaning their indices within this SSB set are SSB 0, SSB 1, SSB 2, and SSB 3, respectively.

[0124] In one embodiment, SMTC information is used to indicate the SMTC used by the first communication node. In one example, SMTC information is used to indicate one or more SMTCs used by the first communication node for cell and / or SSB measurements.

[0125] In one example, when the second communication node indicates to the first communication node the multiple SMTCs used by the first communication node through the first indication information, the SMTC applicable to each physical cell can be determined based on the mapping relationship between the SMTC and the list of physical cell identifiers.

[0126] In one embodiment, the SMTC information includes one of the following: SMTC index; SMTC identifier.

[0127] In one example, the SMTC identifier can be a unique number or name that identifies an SMTC, used to distinguish different SMTCs; the SMTC identifier can be an SMTC ID, an SMTC Name, or something else. Each SMTC can be numbered according to a numbering rule to obtain a unique SMTC identifier for each SMTC.

[0128] In one example, an SMTC index is a position number of an SMTC within a specific list or set, which can be used to quickly locate and access SMTCs. An SMTC index can be called an SMTC Index.

[0129] In one embodiment, the timing of the measurement includes at least one of the following:

[0130] Within the SMTC cycle in which the first instruction information is received;

[0131] Within N SMTC cycles after receiving the first instruction message;

[0132] Within N SMTC cycles after receiving the first instruction message (K SMTC cycles);

[0133] Within the first type of time after receiving the first instruction information;

[0134] Within the first type of time after the second type of time following the receipt of the first instruction information.

[0135] In one example, the timing of the measurement can also be referred to as the measurement opportunity, measurement time, measurement gap, or measurement configuration window. In one example, the measurement opportunity is a specific time window or configuration opportunity for the first communication node to perform measurements such as channel quality and neighboring cell signal strength; it can also be the execution time period of the measurement task pre-configured by the second communication node for the first communication node, to ensure that the measurement behavior of the first communication node is synchronized with the scheduling of the second communication node, and to guarantee the normal transmission of data.

[0136] It is important to note that the measurement timing here refers to the SMTC period. This can be understood as the measurement timing being a time range within the SMTC period, meaning measurements can be taken within a specific time range or a portion of the SMTC period. It does not mean that measurements need to be taken at every point in the SMTC period. In some cases, the measurement time can also be the entire SMTC period, meaning measurements can be taken throughout the entire SMTC period.

[0137] Figure 5a is a schematic diagram of a measurement timing configuration provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5a, the measurement timing can be one or more SMTC cycles.

[0138] In one example, the measurement timing is the SMTC cycle in which the first indication information is received; that is, the measurement timing refers to the SMTC cycle in which the first indication information is received. Assuming the SMTC cycle in which the first indication information is received is SMTC cycle 2 (i.e., the second SMTC cycle), then the measurement timing is the second SMTC cycle.

[0139] In one example, the measurement timing is within N SMTC cycles after the first indication information is received. Specifically, the measurement timing refers to the nearest N SMTC cycles after the SMTC cycle in which the first communication node receives the first indication information. Assuming the SMTC cycle in which the first indication information is received is SMTC cycle 2 (i.e., the second SMTC cycle), and N = 3, the measurement timing can include: SMTC cycle 3 (i.e., the third SMTC cycle), SMTC cycle 4 (i.e., the fourth SMTC cycle), and SMTC cycle 5 (i.e., the fifth SMTC cycle).

[0140] In one example, the measurement timing is within N SMTC cycles after K SMTC cycles following the receipt of the first indication information. Specifically, the measurement timing refers to the N SMTC cycles after the SMTC cycle in which the first communication node receives the first indication information. In this case, the measurement timing is not adjacent to the SMTC cycle in which the first indication information is received. Assuming the SMTC cycle in which the first indication information is received is SMTC cycle 2 (i.e., the second SMTC cycle), K=2 and N=3, then the measurement timing can include: SMTC cycle 5 (i.e., the fifth SMTC cycle), SMTC cycle 6 (i.e., the sixth SMTC cycle), and SMTC cycle 7 (i.e., the seventh SMTC cycle).

[0141] In one example, the measurement can be taken within the duration of the SMTC cycle.

[0142] In one example, the timing of the measurement may include at least one of the following:

[0143] During the duration of the SMTC cycle in which the first indication information is received;

[0144] During the duration of N SMTC cycles following the receipt of the first instruction message;

[0145] The duration is within N SMTC cycles after K SMTC cycles following the receipt of the first instruction information.

[0146] In one example, the measurement can be taken for the entire duration of the corresponding SMTC cycle, or for a portion of the duration.

[0147] It should be noted that the measurement timing here refers to the duration within the SMTC period. This can be understood as the measurement timing being any time within the duration of the SMTC period, meaning that the measurement can be performed at any time within the duration of the SMTC period. For example, the measurement can be performed for a portion of the duration, or it can be performed for the entire duration.

[0148] Figure 5b is a schematic diagram of another measurement timing configuration provided by an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5b, the measurement timing can be within a duration of one or more SMTC cycles.

[0149] In one example, the measurement timing is the SMTC cycle in which the first indication information is received; that is, the measurement timing refers to the SMTC cycle in which the receiving time point corresponding to the first indication information is located. Figure 5c is a schematic diagram of another measurement timing configuration provided by an embodiment of this application. For example, as shown in Figure 5c, assuming that the SMTC cycle in which the first indication information is received is SMTC cycle 2 (i.e., the second SMTC cycle), the measurement timing is within the duration of the second SMTC cycle.

[0150] In one example, the measurement timing is within N SMTC cycles after the first indication information is received; that is, the measurement timing refers to the nearest N SMTC cycles after the SMTC cycle in which the first communication node receives the first indication information. Figure 5d is a schematic diagram of another measurement timing configuration provided by an embodiment of this application. For example, as shown in Figure 5d, assuming that the SMTC cycle in which the first indication information is received is SMTC cycle 1 (i.e., the first SMTC cycle), and N=1, the measurement timing may include: within one SMTC cycle after SMTC cycle 1, that is, within the duration of SMTC cycle 2 (i.e., the second SMTC cycle).

[0151] In one example, the measurement timing is within N SMTC cycles after the first indication information is received; that is, the measurement timing refers to the nearest N SMTC cycles after the SMTC cycle in which the first communication node receives the first indication information. Figure 5e is a schematic diagram of another measurement timing configuration provided by an embodiment of this application. For example, as shown in Figure 5e, assuming that the SMTC cycle in which the first indication information is received is SMTC cycle 2 (i.e., the second SMTC cycle), and N=3, the measurement timing may include: the duration within SMTC cycle 3 (i.e., the third SMTC cycle), the duration within SMTC cycle 4 (i.e., the fourth SMTC cycle), and the duration within SMTC cycle 5 (i.e., the fifth SMTC cycle).

[0152] It should be noted that the differences between Figure 5d and Figure 5e include: the time of receiving the first indication information can be located at different positions within the SMTC cycle, for example, it can be located before or after the duration within the SMTC cycle.

[0153] In one example, the measurement timing is within N SMTC cycles after K SMTC cycles following the receipt of the first indication information. That is, the measurement timing refers to the N SMTC cycles after K SMTC cycles following the SMTC cycle in which the first communication node receives the first indication information. In this case, the measurement timing is not adjacent to the SMTC cycle in which the first indication information is received. Figure 5f is a schematic diagram of another measurement timing configuration provided by an embodiment of this application. For example, as shown in Figure 5f, assuming the SMTC cycle in which the first indication information is received is SMTC cycle 2 (i.e., the second SMTC cycle), K=2 and N=3, the measurement timing can include: the duration within SMTC cycle 5 (i.e., the fifth SMTC cycle), the duration within SMTC cycle 6 (i.e., the sixth SMTC cycle), and the duration within SMTC cycle 7 (i.e., the seventh SMTC cycle).

[0154] In one example, K can also be any other integer greater than or equal to 1, without restriction.

[0155] In one example, the measurement timing is within the duration of the SMTC cycle shown in Figures 5b-5f, where the measurement timing can be a part of the duration or the entire duration.

[0156] In one example, the first type of time after receiving the first indication information refers to the most recent first type of time after the SMTC cycle in which the first communication node receives the first indication information. For example, assuming that the SMTC cycle in which the first indication information is received is SMTC cycle 2 (i.e., the second SMTC cycle), and the first type of time = 3ms, the timing of the measurement can include the most recent 3ms after the second SMTC cycle.

[0157] In one example, the first type of time after the second type of time following the receipt of the first indication information refers to the first type of time after the second type of time following the SMTC cycle in which the first communication node receives the first indication information, meaning the measurement timing is not adjacent to the SMTC cycle in which the first indication information is received. For example, assuming the SMTC cycle in which the first indication information is received is SMTC cycle 2 (i.e., the second SMTC cycle), the second type of time is 2ms, and the first type of time is 3ms, then the measurement timing could include the 3ms following 2ms of the second SMTC cycle.

[0158] In one embodiment, K and / or N are both integers greater than or equal to 1; and / or,

[0159] Type I time and / or Type II time are real numbers greater than or equal to 0.

[0160] In one example, both K and N can be real numbers greater than or equal to 0. In another example, K and N can also be decimals, for example, K = 1.5 and N = 2.5, meaning the measurement can be performed within 2.5 SMTC cycles after 1.5 SMTC cycles following the receipt of the first indication information.

[0161] In one example, the first type of time and / or the second type of time can be integers or decimals, and the first type of time and / or the second type of time have a time unit, such as ms. The values ​​of the first type of time and the second type of time are independent of each other; for example, the first type of time can be 2ms and the second type of time can be 3ms.

[0162] In one embodiment, the determination of K and / or N includes at least one of the following: a protocol stipulation; an instruction; and / or,

[0163] The determination of Type I time and / or Type II time includes at least one of the following: as stipulated in the agreement; or as instructed.

[0164] In one example, K and / or N are determined in at least one of the following ways: as specified by the protocol; or by instruction.

[0165] In one example, the values ​​of K and / or N can be specified in the protocol, meaning the second communication node does not need to indicate the values ​​of K and N to the first communication node, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0166] In one example, the values ​​of K and / or N can be indicated, that is, the second communication node can indicate the values ​​of K and N to the first communication node to ensure flexible configuration of the values ​​of K and N.

[0167] In one example, the determination of the first type of time and / or the second type of time includes at least one of the following: as specified in the agreement; or as instructed.

[0168] In one example, the values ​​of the first type of time and / or the second type of time can be specified in the protocol, meaning that the second communication node does not need to indicate the values ​​of the first type of time and / or the second type of time to the first communication node, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0169] In one example, the values ​​of the first type of time and / or the second type of time can be indicated, that is, the second communication node can indicate the values ​​of the first type of time and / or the second type of time to the first communication node, so as to ensure the flexible configuration of the values ​​of the first type of time and / or the second type of time.

[0170] In one example, K and / or N are determined in at least one of the following ways: by protocol specification; by instruction; and the first type of time and / or the second type of time are determined in at least one of the following ways: by protocol specification; by instruction.

[0171] In one example, the values ​​of K and / or N, as well as the first type of time and / or the second type of time, can be specified in the protocol, meaning that the second communication node does not need to indicate the values ​​of K and / or N, as well as the first type of time and / or the second type of time, to the first communication node, in order to reduce signaling overhead.

[0172] In one example, the values ​​of K and / or N, as well as the first type of time and / or the second type of time, can be indicated. That is, the second communication node can indicate the values ​​of K and / or N, as well as the first type of time and / or the second type of time, to the first communication node to ensure flexible configuration of the values ​​of K and / or N, as well as the first type of time and / or the second type of time.

[0173] In one example, various configuration messages, reconfiguration messages, signaling messages, and other related messages can be used to indicate the values ​​of K and / or N, the first type of time, and / or the second type of time.

[0174] In one embodiment, K and / or N are indicated in the first indication information; and / or,

[0175] The first type of time and / or the second type of time are indicated in the first instruction information.

[0176] In one example, the values ​​of K and / or N can be indicated in the first indication information; further, the values ​​of K and / or N can be indicated by one or more fields in the first indication information.

[0177] In one example, the values ​​of the first type of time and / or the second type of time can be indicated in the first indication information; further, the values ​​of the first type of time and / or the second type of time can be indicated by one or more fields in the first indication information.

[0178] In one embodiment, the first indication information may be carried by at least one of the following messages:

[0179] Non-Access Stratum (NAS) messages;

[0180] Access Stratum (AS) messages;

[0181] Radio Resource Control (RRC) message;

[0182] Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) messages;

[0183] Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) messages;

[0184] Radio Link Control (RLC) messages;

[0185] Medium Access Control (MAC) message;

[0186] Physical Layer (PHY) messages.

[0187] In one example, the first instruction information may also be carried by other messages, and there is no limitation on this.

[0188] It should be noted that the first indication information provided in this invention can be an independent message, or it can be associated with other messages, such as configuration messages, reconfiguration messages, or any other messages that can indicate this function. There is no limitation on this.

[0189] In one embodiment, a satellite contains one or more cells. In one example, in the case of a satellite containing multiple cells, the cell types of the multiple cells contained in the satellite can be the same or different.

[0190] In one example, when multiple cells are activated simultaneously under a single satellite, the activated cells are not adjacent.

[0191] In one embodiment, the distribution of cells simultaneously active under a satellite includes at least one of the following: clustered; dispersed.

[0192] In one example, there can be one or more cells that are active under a single satellite; if there are multiple cells that are active under a single satellite, the multiple active cells can be clustered together, that is, these cells are adjacent to each other; or, the multiple active cells can be dispersed, that is, these cells are not adjacent to each other.

[0193] In one example, the cells that are active simultaneously under a satellite are clustered, which can be applied to scenarios where multiple first communication nodes are concentrated in a certain area; the cells that are active under a satellite are dispersed, which can be applied to scenarios where multiple first communication nodes are dispersed in several areas.

[0194] In one embodiment, an active cell includes at least one of the following: a cell in which all beams are active; or a cell in which some beams are active.

[0195] In one example, the cells that are active are known to the second communication node. In one example, an active cell is one in which all beams of all types are active, meaning that all beams of all types in the cell are active; an active cell is one in which some beams are active, meaning that all beams of some types or some beams of all types in the cell are active.

[0196] In one embodiment, an active cell includes at least one of the following: a cell in which all SSB beams are active; or a cell in which some SSB beams are active.

[0197] In one example, an active cell is a cell in which all SSB beams are active, meaning that at least all SSB beams in the cell are active; an active cell is a cell in which some SSB beams are active, meaning that at least some SSB beams in the cell are active.

[0198] In one embodiment, each cell is covered by at least one beam.

[0199] In one example, each cell can be covered by the same beam type; for example, each cell can be covered by one or more SSB beams. In another example, each cell can be covered by multiple beam types; for example, each cell can be covered by one or more SSB beams and one or more data beams.

[0200] In one embodiment, at the same time, the activation state of the beams contained in each cell includes one of the following: all beams are activated simultaneously; all beams are deactivated simultaneously; some beams are activated; and some beams are deactivated.

[0201] In one example, "all beams" refers to all beams of all beam types contained within a cell; "partial beams" refers to all beams of some beam types contained within a cell, or some beams of all beam types. For example, if a cell contains SSB beams, control beams, and data beams, then all beams of the three beam types within the cell can be activated simultaneously, or all beams of the three beam types within the cell can be deactivated simultaneously; or, all SSB beams within the cell can be activated simultaneously, and all control beams and all data beams can be deactivated simultaneously; or, some SSB beams and some control beams within the cell can be activated simultaneously, and some SSB beams, beam control beams, and all data beams can be deactivated simultaneously.

[0202] In one embodiment, at the same time, the activation state of the beams contained in each cell includes one of the following: all SSB beams are activated simultaneously; all SSB beams are deactivated simultaneously; some SSB beams are activated; and some SSB beams are deactivated.

[0203] In one example, "all SSB beams" refers to all beams of type SSB contained within a cell; "partial beams" refers to a portion of the beams of type SSB contained within a cell. For example, if a cell contains SSB beams, control beams, and data beams, then all beams of type SSB within that cell may be activated simultaneously, or all beams of type SSB within that cell may be deactivated simultaneously; or, some beams of type SSB within that cell may be activated simultaneously, and some beams of type SSB may be deactivated simultaneously.

[0204] In one embodiment, the number of SMTCs is one or more, or at most four SMTCs. In one example, the number of SMTCs determined by the first communication node can be one or more, or at most four SMTCs, and the number of SMTCs configured by the second communication node can be one or more, or at most four SMTCs.

[0205] In one embodiment, one or more SMTCs, or up to four SMTCs, are configured under one satellite; and / or,

[0206] Each frequency, layer, or point may be configured with one or more SMTCs, or up to four SMTCs.

[0207] In one example, one or more SMTCs can be configured for each frequency, layer, or point under a satellite, or up to four SMTCs can be configured for each frequency, layer, or point under a satellite.

[0208] In one embodiment, SMTC is used for some or all cells under a frequency, frequency layer, or frequency point.

[0209] In one embodiment, the SMTC is used for some or all cells under a frequency, frequency layer, or frequency point; or, the SMTC is used for some or all cells under a frequency layer; or, the SMTC is used for some or all cells under a frequency point.

[0210] In one example, when configuring a single SMTC, some cells under a frequency, stratum, or frequency point use the same SMTC, or all cells under a frequency, stratum, or frequency point use the same SMTC.

[0211] In one example, when multiple SMTCs are configured, a subset of cells under a frequency, stratum, or frequency point uses one SMTC, while another subset of cells under the same frequency, stratum, or frequency point uses a different SMTC.

[0212] In one embodiment, each SMTC applies to at least one cell. In one example, each SMTC applying to at least one cell can be understood as configuring SMTCs at the cell level.

[0213] In one embodiment, one SMTC is configured for each cell. In one example, the SMTC associated with each cell can be different, or the SMTC associated with every two adjacent cells can be different.

[0214] In one embodiment, when the cells are clustered, a maximum of four SMTCs are configured per frequency, frequency layer, or frequency point; and / or,

[0215] When the distribution of cells is dispersed, the number of SMTCs is 1 or at most 4.

[0216] By configuring four or more SMTCs as described above, it is possible to ensure that the SMTCs of two adjacent cells under the coverage of a single satellite are different.

[0217] In one embodiment, a satellite may contain one or more cells, and the distribution of cells that are simultaneously active under a satellite is clustered, so the number of SMTCs configured under each frequency, frequency layer or frequency point is at most 4.

[0218] In one embodiment, a satellite may contain one or more cells, and the distribution of cells that are simultaneously active under a satellite is clustered, so the number of SMTCs configured under each frequency, frequency layer or frequency point is at most 4.

[0219] In one embodiment, a satellite may contain one or more cells, and the distribution of cells that are active simultaneously under a satellite is dispersed. Therefore, the number of SMTCs configured under a satellite can be one or at most four.

[0220] In one embodiment, a satellite may contain one or more cells, and the distribution of cells that are simultaneously active under a satellite may be clustered or dispersed. At the same time, all beams contained in each cell may be active simultaneously, or all beams may be inactive simultaneously, or some beams may be active and some beams may be inactive.

[0221] In one embodiment, a satellite may contain one or more cells, and the distribution of cells that are simultaneously active under a satellite may be clustered or dispersed. At the same time, all SSB beams contained in each cell may be active simultaneously, or all SSB beams may be inactive simultaneously, or some SSB beams may be active and some SSB beams may be inactive.

[0222] In one embodiment, one or more SMTCs are configured under a satellite, or up to four SMTCs; and one SMTC is configured for each cell.

[0223] In one embodiment, one or more SMTCs are configured under a satellite, or up to four SMTCs; and each cell is configured with one SMTC, and the SMTCs configured for each two adjacent cells are different.

[0224] In one embodiment, one or more SMTCs are configured under each frequency, frequency layer or frequency point, or up to four SMTCs are configured; and one SMTC is configured for each cell.

[0225] In one embodiment, one or more SMTCs are configured under each frequency, frequency layer or frequency point, or up to four SMTCs; and one SMTC is configured for each cell, and the SMTCs configured for each two adjacent cells are different.

[0226] In one embodiment, one or more SMTCs are configured under each frequency, frequency layer or frequency point; if the distribution of cells that are active at the same time under a satellite is clustered, then a maximum of 4 SMTCs can be configured under each frequency, frequency layer or frequency point; and each cell is configured with one SMTC.

[0227] In one embodiment, one or more SMTCs are configured under each frequency, frequency layer, or frequency point; if the distribution of cells that are simultaneously active under a satellite is clustered, then a maximum of 4 SMTCs can be configured under each frequency, frequency layer, or frequency point; and, each cell is configured with one SMTC, and the SMTCs configured for each two adjacent cells are different.

[0228] In one embodiment, a satellite may contain one or more cells, each cell is covered by one or more beams, each beam may carry an SSB, and the number of SMTCs configured under a satellite may be one or more, with one SMTC configured for each cell.

[0229] In one embodiment, a satellite may contain one or more cells, each cell is covered by one or more beams, each beam may carry an SSB, the number of SMTCs configured under a satellite may be one or more, and each cell is configured with one SMTC, and the SMTCs of two adjacent cells under a satellite are different.

[0230] In one embodiment, the communication method applied to the first communication node further includes: receiving SMTC configuration information. In one example, before receiving the first indication information sent by the second communication node, the first communication node receives the SMTC configuration information, so that after receiving the first indication information, the first communication node can directly perform cell or SSB measurements based on the SMTC configuration information corresponding to the SMTC information contained in the first indication information, thereby ensuring measurement efficiency and quality.

[0231] It should be noted that the English name for SMTC configuration information can be: SSB-MTC Information.

[0232] In one embodiment, the SMTC configuration information includes at least one of the following: period; offset; duration; physical cell identifier list; and SSB to be measured.

[0233] In one example, the period can be referred to as periodicity or other terms; the offset can be referred to as offset or other terms; the duration refers to the time window, measurement window, or measurement time window, which is used to characterize the duration of the measurement performed by the first communication node; the physical cell identifier list can be referred to as Pci-List or other terms, which is used to characterize which cells the SMTC parameters are applicable to, i.e., which cells the period, offset, and duration included in the SMTC configuration information are applicable to; the SSB to be measured can be referred to as SSB-ToMeasure or other terms, and the SSB to be measured can include the type of SSB to be measured, the number of SSBs to be measured, or the type of SSB to be measured, etc.; the SSB type of each cell may be different, and a cell can contain multiple SSBs. The SSB to be measured can be used to characterize which types of SSBs are to be measured, i.e., which types of SSBs the period, offset, and duration included in the SMTC configuration information are applicable to for measurement.

[0234] In one example, an SMTC configuration information can also be a set of SMTC configuration information, and each SMTC configuration information includes at least one of the following: period; offset; duration; physical cell identifier list; and SSB to be measured. Furthermore, the period included in one SMTC configuration information may be different from the period included in another SMTC configuration information, the offset included in one SMTC configuration information may be different from the offset included in another SMTC configuration information, the duration included in one SMTC configuration information may be different from the duration included in another SMTC configuration information, the physical cell identifier list included in one SMTC configuration information may be different from the physical cell identifier list included in another SMTC configuration information, and the SSB to be measured included in one SMTC configuration information may be different from the SSB to be measured included in another SMTC configuration information.

[0235] In one example, if the offset is 0, the start time of the duration coincides with the start time of the period; if the offset is not 0, the start time of the duration does not coincide with the start time of the period.

[0236] In one example, when multiple SMTC configuration information is configured, each SMTC configuration information applies to different cells. For instance, two SMTC configuration information (e.g., SMTC1 and SMTC2) are configured. SMTC1 applies to cells 1, 2, ..., 5; while SMTC2 applies to cells 6, 7, ..., 10. This can be understood as the number N of the first-type cycles corresponding to SMTC1 and SMTC2 being infinite, meaning that SMTC1 and SMTC2 are always active, only the applicable cells are different.

[0237] In one embodiment, the period in the SMTC configuration information is shorter than the SSB period. In one example, the period in the SMTC configuration information can be smaller, for example, it can be shorter than the SSB period. In one example, the SSB period refers to the time interval at which the second communication node periodically sends an SSB; for example, the SSB period can be 5ms, 10ms, 20ms, etc.

[0238] In one embodiment, SMTC configuration information is carried by at least one of the following messages: system message; RRC reconfiguration message; RRC release message; New Radio (NR) measurement object.

[0239] In one example, system messages may include System Information Block 2 (SIB2) and SIB4. In one example, SIB2 is used for radio resource configuration during the initial access of the first communication node; SIB4 is used for cell reselection, that is, the first communication node can evaluate the signal quality of neighboring cells based on SIB4 to determine whether to perform a handover to a better cell.

[0240] In one example, an RRC reconfiguration message can also be called an RRC Reconfiguration message; an RRC release message can also be called an RRC Release message; and an NR measurement object can also be called a Meas Object NR, or an NR measurement event.

[0241] In one embodiment, FIG6 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of this application. This embodiment is applied to the case of measuring a specified cell and SSB. This embodiment can be executed by a first communication node. As shown in FIG6, this embodiment includes: S210.

[0242] S210. Send first instruction information, the first instruction information including at least one of the following:

[0243] Cell information, used to indicate the cells that the first communication node needs to measure;

[0244] Synchronization signal block (SSB) information;

[0245] SMTC information;

[0246] The number of cycles of the first type is N;

[0247] The number of cycles of the second type is K;

[0248] Type 1 time;

[0249] Second type of time.

[0250] In one embodiment, cell information is used to indicate the cell that the first communication node is measuring using SMTC.

[0251] In one embodiment, the cell information includes one of the following: cell identifier; cell index.

[0252] In one embodiment, the cell identifier includes: Physical Cell Identifier (PCI).

[0253] In one embodiment, SSB information is used to indicate the SSB measured by the first communication node using SMTC.

[0254] In one embodiment, the SSB information includes one of the following: an SSB index; an SSB identifier.

[0255] In one embodiment, SMTC information is used to indicate the SMTC used by the first communication node.

[0256] In one embodiment, the SMTC information includes one of the following: SMTC index; SMTC identifier.

[0257] In one embodiment, the timing of the measurement includes at least one of the following:

[0258] Within the SMTC cycle in which the first instruction information is received;

[0259] Within N SMTC cycles after receiving the first instruction message;

[0260] Within N SMTC cycles after receiving the first instruction message (K SMTC cycles);

[0261] Within the first type of time after receiving the first instruction information;

[0262] Within the first type of time after the second type of time following the receipt of the first instruction information.

[0263] In one embodiment, K and / or N are both real numbers greater than or equal to 1; and / or,

[0264] Type I time and / or Type II time are real numbers greater than or equal to 0.

[0265] In one embodiment, the determination of K and / or N includes at least one of the following: a protocol stipulation; an instruction; and / or,

[0266] The determination of Type I time and / or Type II time includes at least one of the following: as stipulated in the agreement; or as instructed.

[0267] In one embodiment, K and / or N are indicated in the first indication information; and / or,

[0268] The first type of time and / or the second type of time are indicated in the first instruction information.

[0269] In one embodiment, the first indication information is carried by at least one of the following messages:

[0270] Non-access stratum messages;

[0271] Access layer messages;

[0272] Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages;

[0273] Service Data Adaptation Protocol Message;

[0274] Packet data aggregation protocol messages;

[0275] Radio Link Control (RLC) messages;

[0276] Media access control MAC messages;

[0277] Physical layer message.

[0278] In one embodiment, a satellite comprises one or more cells.

[0279] In one embodiment, the distribution of cells simultaneously active under a satellite includes at least one of the following: clustered; dispersed.

[0280] In one embodiment, an active cell includes at least one of the following: a cell in which all beams are active; or a cell in which some beams are active.

[0281] In one embodiment, an active cell includes at least one of the following: a cell in which all SSB beams are active; or a cell in which some SSB beams are active.

[0282] In one embodiment, each cell is covered by at least one beam.

[0283] In one embodiment, at the same time, the activation state of the beams contained in each cell includes one of the following: all beams are activated simultaneously; all beams are deactivated simultaneously; some beams are activated; and some beams are deactivated.

[0284] In one embodiment, at the same time, the activation state of the beams contained in each cell includes one of the following: all SSB beams are activated simultaneously; all SSB beams are deactivated simultaneously; some SSB beams are activated; and some SSB beams are deactivated.

[0285] In one embodiment, the number of SMTCs is one or more, or up to four SMTCs.

[0286] In one embodiment, one or more SMTCs, or up to four SMTCs, are configured under one satellite; and / or,

[0287] Each frequency, layer, or point may be configured with one or more SMTCs, or up to four SMTCs.

[0288] In one embodiment, SMTC is used for some or all cells under a frequency, frequency layer, or frequency point.

[0289] In one embodiment, each SMTC applies to at least one cell.

[0290] In one embodiment, one SMTC is configured for one cell.

[0291] In one embodiment, when the cells are clustered, a maximum of four SMTCs are configured per frequency, frequency layer, or frequency point; and / or,

[0292] When the distribution of cells is dispersed, the number of SMTCs is 1 or at most 4.

[0293] In one embodiment, the communication method applied to the second communication node further includes: sending SMTC configuration information.

[0294] In one embodiment, the SMTC configuration information includes at least one of the following: period; offset; duration; physical cell identifier list; and SSB to be measured.

[0295] In one embodiment, the period in the SMTC configuration information is shorter than the SSB period.

[0296] In one embodiment, SMTC configuration information is carried by at least one of the following messages: system message; RRC reconfiguration message; RRC release message; new air interface NR measurement object.

[0297] It should be noted that the explanations of parameters such as the first indication information, cell information, SMTC information, SSB information, number of first type cycles, number of second type cycles, first type time, and second type time in the communication method applied to the second communication node can be found in the descriptions of the corresponding parameters in the communication method applied to the first communication node, and will not be repeated here.

[0298] In the following embodiments, taking the first communication node as the UE and the second communication node as the base station as an example, the process of determining the relevant parameters corresponding to the measurement using SMTC will be explained.

[0299] For the UE side:

[0300] The UE receives the first indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate relevant information of the SMTC.

[0301] In one example, the first indication information may include at least one of the following:

[0302] Cell information, used to indicate the cells that the first communication node needs to measure;

[0303] Synchronization signal block (SSB) information;

[0304] SMTC information;

[0305] The number of cycles of the first type is N;

[0306] The number of cycles of the second type is K;

[0307] Type 1 time;

[0308] Second type of time.

[0309] In one example, cell information is used to indicate the cell that the UE is measuring using SMTC.

[0310] In one example, the actual measurement may include at least one of the following:

[0311] Within the SMTC cycle in which the first instruction information is received;

[0312] Within the most recent N SMTC cycles after receiving the first instruction message;

[0313] Within the most recent N SMTC cycles after the K most recent SMTC cycles following the receipt of the first instruction information;

[0314] Within the first type of time period immediately following the receipt of the first instruction information;

[0315] Within the most recent second type of time after receiving the first instruction information, within the most recent first type of time.

[0316] In one example, both K and N are integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0317] In one example, K and N can be specified by the protocol or indicated.

[0318] In one example, K and N can be indicated in the first instruction information.

[0319] In one example, SSB information can be used to indicate the SSB that the UE uses to measure with SMTC.

[0320] In one example, SSB information can be SSBIndex or SSB ID, etc.

[0321] In one example, the first indication information is carried by at least one of the following messages: NAS message; AS message; RRC message; SDAP message; PDCP message; RLC message; MAC message; PHY message.

[0322] In one example, SMTC information can be one or more SMTC configuration information.

[0323] In one example, an SMTC can be used for all or some cells under a frequency, frequency layer, or frequency point; that is, an SMTC can be configured for all or some cells under a frequency, frequency layer, or frequency point.

[0324] In one example, STMC can be used for all or some cells under M frequencies, frequency layers, or frequency points; where the value of M is the same as the number of pre-configured SMTCs. For example, if the number of pre-configured SMTCs is 3, then the pre-configured SMTCs can be applied to all or some cells under 3 frequencies, frequency layers, or frequency points.

[0325] In one example, the SMTCs configured at multiple frequencies, frequency layers, or frequency points can be the same or different.

[0326] In one example, SMTC can be used for all or part of the cells under a satellite.

[0327] In one example, an SMTC is configured for all cells under a frequency, frequency layer, or frequency point, and the first indication information includes an SMTC identifier, or the indication information does not include an SMTC identifier. By default, the first indication information corresponds to that one SMTC.

[0328] In one example, multiple SMTCs are configured for all cells under a frequency, frequency layer, or frequency point, and the first indication information may include an SMTC identifier; or, if the first indication information does not include an SMTC identifier, the first indication information corresponds to the SMTC associated with the PCI in the first indication information.

[0329] In one example, different neighboring cells at the same frequency layer can have different SSB cycles.

[0330] In one example, in an NR NTN cell, SSB beam transmission in different spatial directions is possible, just as in an NR TN cell: the entire cell can be covered by different SSB beams in half a frame.

[0331] In one example, if a cell is defined by multiple satellite beams, then these satellite beams are either active or inactive simultaneously. In other words, beam hopping applies equally to all satellite beams of a given cell.

[0332] In one embodiment, FIG7 is a structural block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. This embodiment is applied to a first communication node. As shown in FIG7, the communication device in this embodiment includes: a receiving module 310.

[0333] The receiving module 310 is configured to receive first indication information; the first indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0334] Cell information, used to indicate the cells that the first communication node needs to measure;

[0335] Synchronization signal block (SSB) information;

[0336] SMTC information;

[0337] The number of cycles of the first type is N;

[0338] The number of cycles of the second type is K;

[0339] Type 1 time;

[0340] Second type of time.

[0341] In one embodiment, cell information is used to indicate the cell that the first communication node is measuring using SMTC.

[0342] In one embodiment, the cell information includes one of the following: cell identifier; cell index.

[0343] In one embodiment, the cell identifier includes: Physical Cell Identifier (PCI), and / or, Globally Unique Cell Identifier (CGI).

[0344] In one embodiment, SSB information is used to indicate the SSB measured by the first communication node using SMTC.

[0345] In one embodiment, the SSB information includes one of the following: an SSB index; an SSB identifier.

[0346] In one embodiment, SMTC information is used to indicate the SMTC used by the first communication node.

[0347] In one embodiment, the SMTC information includes one of the following: SMTC index; SMTC identifier.

[0348] In one embodiment, the timing of the measurement includes at least one of the following:

[0349] Within the SMTC cycle in which the first instruction information is received;

[0350] Within N SMTC cycles after receiving the first instruction message;

[0351] Within N SMTC cycles after receiving the first instruction message (K SMTC cycles);

[0352] Within the first type of time after receiving the first instruction information;

[0353] Within the first type of time after the second type of time following the receipt of the first instruction information.

[0354] In one embodiment, K and / or N are both integers greater than or equal to 1; and / or,

[0355] Type I time and / or Type II time are real numbers greater than or equal to 0.

[0356] In one embodiment, the determination of K and / or N includes at least one of the following: a protocol stipulation; an instruction; and / or,

[0357] The determination of Type I time and / or Type II time includes at least one of the following: as stipulated in the agreement; or as instructed.

[0358] In one embodiment, K and / or N are indicated in the first indication information; and / or,

[0359] The first type of time and / or the second type of time are indicated in the first instruction information.

[0360] In one embodiment, the first indication information is carried by at least one of the following messages:

[0361] Non-access stratum NAS messages;

[0362] Access layer AS messages;

[0363] Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages;

[0364] Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) messages;

[0365] Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) messages;

[0366] Radio Link Control (RLC) messages;

[0367] Media access control MAC messages;

[0368] Physical layer (PHY) message.

[0369] In one embodiment, a satellite comprises one or more cells.

[0370] In one embodiment, the distribution of cells simultaneously active under a satellite includes at least one of the following: clustered; dispersed.

[0371] In one embodiment, an active cell includes at least one of the following: a cell in which all beams are active; or a cell in which some beams are active.

[0372] In one embodiment, an active cell includes at least one of the following: a cell in which all SSB beams are active; or a cell in which some SSB beams are active.

[0373] In one embodiment, each cell is covered by at least one beam.

[0374] In one embodiment, at the same time, the activation state of the beams contained in each cell includes one of the following: all beams are activated simultaneously; all beams are deactivated simultaneously; some beams are activated; and some beams are deactivated.

[0375] In one embodiment, at the same time, the activation state of the beams contained in each cell includes one of the following: all SSB beams are activated simultaneously; all SSB beams are deactivated simultaneously; some SSB beams are activated; and some SSB beams are deactivated.

[0376] In one embodiment, the number of SMTCs is one or more, or up to four SMTCs.

[0377] In one embodiment, one or more SMTCs, or up to four SMTCs, are configured under one satellite; and / or,

[0378] Each frequency, layer, or point may be configured with one or more SMTCs, or up to four SMTCs.

[0379] In one embodiment, SMTC is used for some or all cells under a frequency, frequency layer, or frequency point.

[0380] In one embodiment, each SMTC applies to at least one cell.

[0381] In one embodiment, one SMTC is configured for one cell.

[0382] In one embodiment, when the cells are clustered, a maximum of four SMTCs are configured per frequency, frequency layer, or frequency point; and / or,

[0383] When the distribution of cells is dispersed, the number of SMTCs is 1 or at most 4.

[0384] In one embodiment, the communication device applied to the first communication node further includes:

[0385] The receiving module is also used to receive SMTC configuration information.

[0386] In one embodiment, the SMTC configuration information includes at least one of the following: period; offset; duration; physical cell identifier list; and SSB to be measured.

[0387] In one embodiment, the period in the SMTC configuration information is shorter than the SSB period.

[0388] In one embodiment, SMTC configuration information is carried by at least one of the following messages:

[0389] System message; RRC reconfiguration message; RRC release message; New air interface NR measurement object.

[0390] The communication device provided in this embodiment is configured to implement the communication method applied to the first communication node in the embodiment shown in Figure 4. The implementation principle and technical effect of the communication device provided in this embodiment are similar, and will not be described again here.

[0391] In one embodiment, FIG8 is a structural block diagram of another communication device provided in this application embodiment. This embodiment is applied to a second communication node. As shown in FIG8, the communication device in this embodiment includes: a transmitting module 410.

[0392] The sending module 410 is configured to send first indication information, the first indication information including at least one of the following:

[0393] Cell information, used to indicate the cells that the first communication node needs to measure;

[0394] Synchronization signal block (SSB) information;

[0395] SMTC information;

[0396] The number of cycles of the first type is N;

[0397] The number of cycles of the second type is K;

[0398] Type 1 time;

[0399] Second type of time.

[0400] In one embodiment, cell information is used to indicate the cell that the first communication node is measuring using SMTC.

[0401] In one embodiment, the cell information includes one of the following: cell identifier; cell index.

[0402] In one embodiment, the cell identifier includes: Physical Cell Identifier (PCI).

[0403] In one embodiment, SSB information is used to indicate the SSB measured by the first communication node using SMTC.

[0404] In one embodiment, the SSB information includes one of the following: an SSB index; an SSB identifier.

[0405] In one embodiment, SMTC information is used to indicate the SMTC used by the first communication node.

[0406] In one embodiment, the SMTC information includes one of the following: SMTC index; SMTC identifier.

[0407] In one embodiment, the timing of the measurement includes at least one of the following:

[0408] Within the SMTC cycle in which the first instruction information is received;

[0409] Within N SMTC cycles after receiving the first instruction message;

[0410] Within N SMTC cycles after receiving the first instruction message (K SMTC cycles);

[0411] Within the first type of time after receiving the first instruction information;

[0412] Within the first type of time after the second type of time following the receipt of the first instruction information.

[0413] In one embodiment, K and / or N are both real numbers greater than or equal to 1; and / or,

[0414] Type I time and / or Type II time are real numbers greater than or equal to 0.

[0415] In one embodiment, the determination of K and / or N includes at least one of the following: a protocol stipulation; an instruction; and / or,

[0416] The determination of Type I time and / or Type II time includes at least one of the following: as stipulated in the agreement; or as instructed.

[0417] In one embodiment, K and / or N are indicated in the first indication information; and / or,

[0418] The first type of time and / or the second type of time are indicated in the first instruction information.

[0419] In one embodiment, the first indication information is carried by at least one of the following messages:

[0420] Non-access stratum messages;

[0421] Access layer messages;

[0422] Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages;

[0423] Service Data Adaptation Protocol Message;

[0424] Packet data aggregation protocol messages;

[0425] Radio Link Control (RLC) messages;

[0426] Media access control MAC messages;

[0427] Physical layer message.

[0428] In one embodiment, a satellite comprises one or more cells.

[0429] In one embodiment, the distribution of cells simultaneously active under a satellite includes at least one of the following: clustered; dispersed.

[0430] In one embodiment, an active cell includes at least one of the following: a cell in which all beams are active; or a cell in which some beams are active.

[0431] In one embodiment, an active cell includes at least one of the following: a cell in which all SSB beams are active; or a cell in which some SSB beams are active.

[0432] In one embodiment, each cell is covered by at least one beam.

[0433] In one embodiment, at the same time, the activation state of the beams contained in each cell includes one of the following: all beams are activated simultaneously; all beams are deactivated simultaneously; some beams are activated; and some beams are deactivated.

[0434] In one embodiment, at the same time, the activation state of the beams contained in each cell includes one of the following: all SSB beams are activated simultaneously; all SSB beams are deactivated simultaneously; some SSB beams are activated; and some SSB beams are deactivated.

[0435] In one embodiment, the number of SMTCs is one or more, or up to four SMTCs.

[0436] In one embodiment, one or more SMTCs, or up to four SMTCs, are configured under one satellite; and / or,

[0437] Each frequency, layer, or point may be configured with one or more SMTCs, or up to four SMTCs.

[0438] In one embodiment, SMTC is used for some or all cells under a frequency, frequency layer, or frequency point.

[0439] In one embodiment, each SMTC applies to at least one cell.

[0440] In one embodiment, one SMTC is configured for one cell.

[0441] In one embodiment, when the cells are clustered, a maximum of four SMTCs are configured per frequency, frequency layer, or frequency point; and / or,

[0442] When the distribution of cells is dispersed, the number of SMTCs is 1 or at most 4.

[0443] In one embodiment, the communication device applied to the second communication node further includes:

[0444] The sending module is also used to send SMTC configuration information.

[0445] In one embodiment, the SMTC configuration information includes at least one of the following: period; offset; duration; physical cell identifier list; and SSB to be measured.

[0446] In one embodiment, the period in the SMTC configuration information is shorter than the SSB period.

[0447] In one embodiment, SMTC configuration information is carried by at least one of the following messages: system message; RRC reconfiguration message; RRC release message; new air interface NR measurement object.

[0448] The communication device provided in this embodiment is configured to implement the communication method applied to the second communication node in the embodiment shown in FIG6. The implementation principle and technical effect of the communication device provided in this embodiment are similar, and will not be described again here.

[0449] In one embodiment, FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in this application. As shown in FIG9, the device provided in this application includes: a processor 510, a memory 520, and a communication module 530. The number of processors 510 in the device can be one or more; FIG9 shows one processor 510 as an example. The number of memories 520 in the device can be one or more; FIG9 shows one memory 520 as an example. The processor 510, memory 520, and communication module 530 of the device can be connected via a bus or other means; FIG9 shows a connection via a bus as an example. In this embodiment, the device can be a first communication node or a second communication node.

[0450] The memory 520, as a computer-readable storage medium, can be configured to store software programs, computer-executable programs, and modules, such as program instructions / modules corresponding to the device in any embodiment of this application (e.g., receiving module 310 applied to the communication device of the first communication node). The memory 520 may include a program storage area and a data storage area, wherein the program storage area may store an operating system and an application program required for at least one function; the data storage area may store data created according to the use of the device, etc. Furthermore, the memory 520 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other non-volatile solid-state storage device. In some instances, the memory 520 may further include memory remotely located relative to the processor 510, and these remote memories can be connected to the device via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, corporate intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0451] When the communication device is the first communication node, the device provided above can be configured to execute the communication method applied to the first communication node provided in any of the above embodiments, and has the corresponding functions and effects.

[0452] When the communication device is a second communication node, the device provided above can be configured to execute the communication method provided in any of the above embodiments for the second communication node, and has the corresponding functions and effects.

[0453] This application embodiment also provides a storage medium containing computer-executable instructions. When executed by a computer processor, the computer-executable instructions are used to perform a communication method applied to a first communication node. The method includes: receiving first indication information; the first indication information includes at least one of the following: cell information, used to indicate the cell that the first communication node needs to measure; synchronization signal block (SSB) information; SMTC information; a first type of period number N; a second type of period number K; a first type of time; and a second type of time.

[0454] This application embodiment also provides a storage medium containing computer-executable instructions. When executed by a computer processor, the computer-executable instructions are used to perform a communication method applied to a second communication node. The method includes: sending first indication information, the first indication information including at least one of the following: cell information, used to indicate the cell that the first communication node needs to measure; synchronization signal block (SSB) information; SMTC information; number of first type cycles N; number of second type cycles K; first type time; second type time.

[0455] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term user equipment covers any suitable type of wireless user equipment, such as mobile phones, portable data processing devices, portable web browsers, or vehicle-mounted mobile stations.

[0456] Generally, the various embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, although this application is not limited thereto.

[0457] Embodiments of this application can be implemented by executing computer program instructions through the data processor of a mobile device, for example, in a processor entity, or through hardware, or through a combination of software and hardware. The computer program instructions can be assembly instructions, Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, status setting data, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages.

[0458] Any block diagram of logical flow in the accompanying drawings of this application may represent program steps, or may represent interconnected logic circuits, modules, and functions, or may represent a combination of program steps and logic circuits, modules, and functions. The computer program may be stored on memory. Memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), optical storage devices and systems (Digital Video Disc (DVD) or Compact Disk (CD)), etc. Computer-readable media may include non-transitory storage media. The data processor may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, such as, but not limited to, general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures.

[0459] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: Applied to a first communication node, the method includes: Receive first indication information; the first indication information includes at least one of the following: Cell information, used to indicate the cells that the first communication node needs to measure; Synchronization signal block (SSB) information; SMTC information; The number of cycles of the first type is N; The number of cycles of the second type is K; Type 1 time; Second type of time.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The cell information is used to indicate the cell that the first communication node is measuring using SMTC.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The cell information includes one of the following: cell identifier; cell index.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The cell identifier includes: Physical Cell Identifier (PCI), and / or, Globally Unique Cell Identifier (CGI).

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The SSB information is used to indicate the SSB measured by the first communication node using SMTC.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, The SSB information includes one of the following: SSB index; SSB identifier.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, The SMTC information is used to indicate the SMTC used by the first communication node.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein, The SMTC information includes one of the following: SMTC index; SMTC identifier.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The timing of the measurement includes at least one of the following: Within the SMTC cycle in which the first indication information is received; Within N SMTC cycles after receiving the first indication information; Within N SMTC cycles after receiving the first indication information (K SMTC cycles later); Within a first type of time period after receiving the first indication information; Within the first type of time after the second type of time following the receipt of the first indication information.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein, The K and / or N are both integers greater than or equal to 1; and / or, The first type of time and / or the second type of time are real numbers greater than or equal to 0.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein, The determination of K and / or N includes at least one of the following methods: as stipulated by agreement; as instructed; and / or, The determination of the first type of time and / or the second type of time includes at least one of the following: as specified in the agreement; or as instructed.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein, The K and / or the N are indicated in the first indication information; and / or, The first type of time and / or the second type of time are indicated in the first indication information.

13. The method of any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The first indication information is carried by at least one of the following messages: Non-access stratum NAS messages; Access layer AS messages; Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages; Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) messages; Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) messages; Radio Link Control (RLC) messages; Media access control MAC messages; Physical layer (PHY) message.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, A satellite contains one or more cells.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The distribution of cells that are simultaneously active under a satellite includes at least one of the following: clustered; dispersed.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The cell in the active state includes at least one of the following: a cell in which all beams are active; or a cell in which some beams are active.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein, The cell in the active state includes at least one of the following: a cell in which all SSB beams are active; or a cell in which some SSB beams are active.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Each cell is covered by at least one beam.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, At any given time, the activation status of the beams contained in each cell includes one of the following: all beams are activated simultaneously; all beams are deactivated simultaneously; some beams are activated; and some beams are deactivated.

20. The method of any one of claims 1-8, wherein, At any given time, the activation status of the beams contained in each cell includes one of the following: all SSB beams are activated simultaneously; all SSB beams are deactivated simultaneously; some SSB beams are activated; and some SSB beams are deactivated.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein, The number of SMTCs is one or more, or a maximum of four SMTCs.

22. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, One or more SMTCs can be configured under one satellite, or up to four SMTCs; and / or, Each frequency, layer, or point may be configured with one or more SMTCs, or up to four SMTCs.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein, The SMTC is used for some or all cells under a frequency, frequency layer, or frequency point.

24. The method of claim 1, wherein, Each of the SMTCs applies to at least one cell.

25. The method of claim 1, wherein, One SMTC is configured for each community.

26. The method according to any one of claims 21-25, characterized in that, When the cell distribution is clustered, a maximum of 4 SMTCs can be configured per frequency, frequency layer, or frequency point; and / or, When the distribution of cells is dispersed, the number of SMTCs is 1 or at most 4.

27. The method of any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The method further includes: Receive SMTC configuration information.

28. The method according to any one of claims 27, characterized in that, The SMTC configuration information includes at least one of the following: period; offset; duration; physical cell identifier list; SSB to be measured.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein, The period in the SMTC configuration information is less than the SSB period.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein, The SMTC configuration information is carried by at least one of the following messages: System message; RRC reconfiguration message; RRC release message; New air interface NR measurement object.

31. A method of communication, comprising: Applied to a second communication node, the method includes: Send a first indication message, the first indication message including at least one of the following: Cell information, used to indicate the cells that the first communication node needs to measure; Synchronization signal block (SSB) information; SMTC information; The number of cycles of the first type is N; The number of cycles of the second type is K; Type 1 time; Second type of time.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein, The cell information is used to indicate the cell that the first communication node is measuring using SMTC.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein, The cell information includes one of the following: cell identifier; cell index.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein, The cell identifier includes: Physical Cell Identifier (PCI).

35. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that, The SSB information is used to indicate the SSB measured by the first communication node using SMTC.

36. The method of claim 31, wherein, The SSB information includes one of the following: SSB index; SSB identifier.

37. The method of claim 31, wherein, The SMTC information is used to indicate the SMTC used by the first communication node.

38. The method of claim 31, wherein, The SMTC information includes one of the following: SMTC index; SMTC identifier.

39. The method according to any one of claims 31-38, characterized in that, The timing of the measurement includes at least one of the following: Within the SMTC cycle in which the first indication information is received; Within N SMTC cycles after receiving the first indication information; Within N SMTC cycles after receiving the first indication information (K SMTC cycles later); Within a first type of time period after receiving the first indication information; Within the first type of time after the second type of time following the receipt of the first indication information.

40. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that, The K and / or N are both real numbers greater than or equal to 1; and / or, The first type of time and / or the second type of time are real numbers greater than or equal to 0.

41. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that, The determination of K and / or N includes at least one of the following methods: as stipulated by agreement; as instructed; and / or, The determination of the first type of time and / or the second type of time includes at least one of the following: as specified in the agreement; or as instructed.

42. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that, The K and / or the N are indicated in the first indication information; and / or, The first type of time and / or the second type of time are indicated in the first indication information.

43. The method according to any one of claims 31-38, characterized in that, The first indication information is carried by at least one of the following messages: Non-access stratum messages; Access layer messages; Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages; Service Data Adaptation Protocol Message; Packet data aggregation protocol messages; Radio Link Control (RLC) messages; Media access control MAC messages; Physical layer message.

44. The method according to any one of claims 31-38, characterized in that, A satellite contains one or more cells.

45. The method according to any one of claims 31-38, characterized in that, The distribution of cells that are simultaneously active under a satellite includes at least one of the following: clustered; dispersed.

46. ​​The method according to claim 45, characterized in that, The cell in the active state includes at least one of the following: a cell in which all beams are active; or a cell in which some beams are active.

47. The method according to claim 45, characterized in that, The cell in the active state includes at least one of the following: a cell in which all SSB beams are active; or a cell in which some SSB beams are active.

48. The method according to any one of claims 31-38, characterized in that, Each cell is covered by at least one beam.

49. The method according to any one of claims 31-38, characterized in that, At any given time, the activation status of the beams contained in each cell includes one of the following: all beams are activated simultaneously; all beams are deactivated simultaneously; some beams are activated; and some beams are deactivated.

50. The method according to any one of claims 31-38, characterized in that, At any given time, the activation status of the beams contained in each cell includes one of the following: all SSB beams are activated simultaneously; all SSB beams are deactivated simultaneously; some SSB beams are activated; and some SSB beams are deactivated.

51. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that, The number of SMTCs is one or more, or a maximum of four SMTCs.

52. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that, One or more SMTCs can be configured under one satellite, or up to four SMTCs; and / or, Each frequency, layer, or point may be configured with one or more SMTCs, or up to four SMTCs.

53. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that, The SMTC is used for some or all cells under a frequency, frequency layer, or frequency point.

54. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that, Each of the SMTCs applies to at least one cell.

55. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that, One SMTC is configured for each community.

56. The method according to any one of claims 51-55, characterized in that, When the cell distribution is clustered, a maximum of 4 SMTCs can be configured per frequency, frequency layer, or frequency point; and / or, When the distribution of cells is dispersed, the number of SMTCs is 1 or at most 4.

57. The method according to any one of claims 31-38, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send SMTC configuration information.

58. The method according to any one of claims 57, characterized in that, The SMTC configuration information includes at least one of the following: period; offset; duration; physical cell identifier list; SSB to be measured.

59. The method according to claim 57, characterized in that, The period in the SMTC configuration information is less than the SSB period.

60. The method according to claim 57, characterized in that, The SMTC configuration information is carried by at least one of the following messages: system message; RRC reconfiguration message; RRC release message; new air interface NR measurement object.

61. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Memory, and one or more processors; The memory is configured to store one or more programs; When the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-30 or 31-60.

62. A storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-30 or 31-60.

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