WO2025000499A1 - Communication method, apparatus, device, and system, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, apparatus, device, and system, and a storage medium. The communication method may be performed by a terminal. The method comprises: sending first information, the first information comprising configuration information of at least one first beam, and the at least one first beam being used for providing a service for a terminal by means of a beam hopping mode. By means of the solution of the present disclosure, support by an NTN for beam hopping can be implemented, and system resource utilization can be improved.

Description

Communication method, device, system, and storage medium Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus, device, system, and storage medium.

Background Art

Currently, the coverage of a single satellite can reach hundreds of kilometers. In this case, the downlink coverage may be affected, and when there are many users within the coverage area, the transmission resources that each user can obtain are relatively limited.

Summary of the invention

In NTN, the network device can configure one or more first beams to the terminal through the first information, so that the terminal can communicate with the network device by beam hopping according to the first information, thereby realizing NTN's support for beam hopping and improving system resource utilization.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, apparatus, device, system, and storage medium.

According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, which is performed by a network device. The method includes: sending first information, the first information includes configuration information of at least one first beam, and the at least one first beam is used to provide services to a terminal by beam hopping.

According to a second aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, which is performed by a terminal. The method includes: receiving first information, the first information includes configuration information of at least one first beam, and the at least one first beam is used to provide services to the terminal by beam hopping.

According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, which is performed by a communication system. The method includes: a network device sends first information, the first information includes configuration information of at least one first beam, and the at least one first beam is used to provide services to a terminal by beam hopping; the terminal communicates with the network device according to the configuration information of the at least one first beam.

According to the fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is proposed, including: a sending module, used to send first information, the first information includes configuration information of at least one first beam, and the at least one first beam is used to provide services to a terminal by beam hopping.

According to the fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is proposed, including: a receiving module, used to receive first information, the first information includes configuration information of at least one first beam, and the at least one first beam is used to provide services to a terminal by beam hopping.

According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is proposed, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to execute the communication method as described in the first aspect.

According to a seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is proposed, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to execute the communication method as described in the second aspect.

According to an eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, comprising: a terminal and a network device, wherein the network device is configured to implement the communication method as described in the first aspect; and the terminal is configured to implement the communication method as described in the second aspect.

According to a ninth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is proposed, wherein the storage medium stores instructions, and wherein when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method as described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

According to a tenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program or a computer program product is provided. The computer program or the computer program product includes codes. When the instructions are executed by a processor, the communication method described in the first aspect or the second aspect is executed.

The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure enables NTN to support beam hopping and improve system resource utilization.

It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory and do not constitute limitations on the embodiments of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings required for describing the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure.

FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an NTN communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing another NTN communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a beam hopping scenario according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG5 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG6 is another schematic diagram of a beam hopping scenario provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is another interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG8 is a flow chart of a communication method executed on a network device side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is another flowchart of a communication method executed on a network device side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method for executing communication on a terminal side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is another flowchart of a communication method executed on a terminal side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is another interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, apparatus, device, system, and storage medium.

In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, which is executed by a terminal. The method includes: sending first information, the first information includes configuration information of at least one first beam, and the at least one first beam is used to provide services to the terminal by beam hopping.

In the disclosed embodiment, the network device can configure one or more first beams to the terminal through the first information, so that the terminal can communicate with the network device by beam hopping according to the first information, thereby realizing NTN's support for beam hopping and improving system resource utilization.

In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, the first beam is a beam that provides services periodically.

In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, the configuration information of the first beam includes at least one of the following: indication information of the first beam, duration for which the first beam provides services, interval duration for which the first beam covers the same target area, and start time for the first beam to provide services after each interval duration.

In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, the first information is sent periodically.

In the disclosed embodiment, the network device periodically sends the first information to the terminal, which can avoid the network device from frequently sending downlink information, reduce system signaling overhead, and reduce terminal power consumption.

In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, the first beam is a beam configured for the first service; the above method also includes: receiving second information sent by the terminal, the second information is used to request to configure a service beam for the first service.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the network device configures a beam that provides service to the terminal according to the business needs of the terminal indicated by the second information, so as to determine the configuration of the hopping beam based on the business needs of the terminal, reduce the delay of the terminal in performing data transmission, and reduce the power consumption of the terminal.

In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, the second information is service request (SR) information; or, the second information is a physical random access channel (PRACH) sequence.

In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, the configuration information of the first beam includes at least one of the following: beam indication information of the first beam, duration of service provided by the first beam, and start time of service provided by the first beam.

In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, the above method further includes: receiving third information sent by the terminal, where the third information is used to request adjustment of the first information.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the network device adjusts the first information according to the third information sent by the terminal to configure the terminal with at least one beam for providing services by beam hopping, thereby achieving flexible configuration of beam hopping and improving system resource utilization.

In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication method executed by a terminal, the method comprising: receiving first information, the first information comprising configuration information of at least one first beam, and the at least one first beam is used to provide services to the terminal by beam hopping.

In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, the first beam is a beam that provides periodic services.

In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, the configuration information of the first beam includes at least one of the following: indication information of the first beam, duration for which the first beam provides services, interval duration for which the first beam covers the same target area, and start time for the first beam to provide services after each interval duration.

In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, the first information is sent periodically.

In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, the first beam is a beam configured for the first service; the above method may include: receiving second information sent by the terminal, the second information is used to request configuration of a service beam for the first service.

In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, the second information is SR information; or, the second information is a PRACH sequence.

In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, the configuration information of the first beam includes at least one of the following: indication information of the first beam, duration of service provided by the first beam, and start time of service provided by the first beam.

In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, the above method also includes: determining coverage information of a service beam based on the first information, the service beam being at least one of the at least one first beam.

According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, which is executed by a communication system, and the method includes: a network device sends first information, the first information includes configuration information of at least one first beam, and the at least one first beam is used to provide services to a terminal by beam hopping; the terminal communicates with the network device according to the configuration information of the at least one first beam.

According to the fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is proposed, including: a sending module, used to send first information, the first information includes configuration information of at least one first beam, and the at least one first beam is used to provide services to a terminal by beam hopping.

In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the first beam is a beam that provides periodic services.

In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the configuration information of the first beam includes at least one of the following: indication information of the first beam, duration for which the first beam provides services, interval duration for which the first beam covers the same target area, and the start time for the first beam to provide services after each interval duration.

In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the first information is sent periodically.

In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the first beam is a beam configured for the first service; the method may include: receiving a beam sent by a terminal; The second information is sent, and the second information is used to request configuration of a service beam for the first service.

In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the second information is SR information; or, the second information is a PRACH sequence.

In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the configuration information of the first beam includes at least one of the following: indication information of the first beam, duration of service provided by the first beam, and start time of service provided by the first beam.

In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the above-mentioned device also includes: a receiving module, used to receive third information sent by the terminal, and the third information is used to request adjustment of the first information.

According to the fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is proposed, including: a receiving module, used to receive first information, the first information includes configuration information of at least one first beam, and the at least one first beam is used to provide services to a terminal by beam hopping.

In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the first beam is a beam that provides periodic services.

In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the configuration information of the first beam includes at least one of the following: indication information of the first beam, duration for which the first beam provides services, interval duration for which the first beam covers the same target area, and the start time for the first beam to provide services after each interval duration.

In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the first information is sent periodically.

In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the first beam is a beam configured for the first service; the above method may include: receiving second information sent by the terminal, the second information being used to request configuration of a service beam for the first service.

In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the second information is SR information; or, the second information is a PRACH sequence.

In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the configuration information of the first beam includes at least one of the following: indication information of the first beam, duration of service provided by the first beam, and start time of service provided by the first beam.

In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the above-mentioned device also includes: a processing unit, used to determine the coverage information of the service beam based on the first information, and the service beam is at least one of the at least one first beam.

In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device. The communication device includes: one or more processors; one or more memories for storing instructions; wherein the processor is used to call the instructions so that the communication device executes the communication method as described in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect and the embodiments thereof.

In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication system. The communication system includes: a terminal and a network device, wherein the network device is configured to implement the communication method as described in any one of the first aspect and its embodiments, and the terminal is configured to implement the communication method as described in any one of the second aspect and its embodiments.

In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage medium storing instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method of any one of the first aspect, the second aspect and the embodiments thereof.

In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer program product. When the computer program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes a communication method as described in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect and their embodiments.

In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a communication device, enables a computer to execute a communication method as described in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the embodiments thereof.

It is understandable that the above communication devices, communication equipment, communication system, readable storage medium, computer program product and computer program are all used to execute the method proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding method, which will not be repeated here.

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a communication device, a device, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms such as communication method, information processing method, and information transmission method can be replaced with each other, the terms such as communication device, information processing device, and information transmission device can be replaced with each other, and the terms such as communication system and information processing system can be replaced with each other.

The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive, but are only illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all of the steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and/or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their internal logical relationships.

The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "aforementioned", "this", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun after the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

In some embodiments, "at least one", "one or more" or "at least one" The terms "or more" and "a plurality of" and "multiple" can be used interchangeably.

In some embodiments, "at least one of A and B", "A and/or B", "A in one case, B in another case", "A in one case, B in another case", etc., may include the following technical solutions according to the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). When there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc., the above is also similar.

In some embodiments, the recording method of "A or B" may include the following technical solutions according to the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). When there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc., the above is also similar.

The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects, and do not constitute restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. The statement of the description object refers to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and should not constitute unnecessary restrictions due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields", and the "first" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number, and can be one or more. Taking the "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes may be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" may be the same device or different devices, and their types may be the same or different. For another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" may be the same information or different information, and their contents may be the same or different.

In some embodiments, “including A”, “comprising A”, “used to indicate A”, and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

In some embodiments, terms such as “…”, “determine…”, “in the case of…”, “at the time of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably.

In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not lower than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "no more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

In some embodiments, devices, etc. can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as "device", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", and "subject" can be used interchangeably.

In some embodiments, "network" may be interpreted as devices included in the network (eg, access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.).

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

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

In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced by a terminal. For example, the various embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the communication between the terminals is replaced by the communication between multiple terminals (for example, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, it can also be set as a structure in which the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can also be replaced by terms corresponding to communication between terminals (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channels, downlink channels, etc. can be replaced by side channels, and uplinks, downlinks, etc. can be replaced by side links.

In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. A structure in which an access network device, a core network device, or a network device has all or part of the functions of a terminal.

In some embodiments, acquisition of data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

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

In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any element, any row, and any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1 , a communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and an access network device 102 .

In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer (Pad), a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited to these.

In some embodiments, the access network device 102 is, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved node B (eNB), a next generation eNB (ng-eNB), a next generation node B (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved node B (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure may be applicable to an open radio access network (Open RAN) architecture. In this case, the interfaces between access network devices or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may become internal interfaces of Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces may be implemented through software or programs.

In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a centralized unit (central unit, CU) and a distributed unit (distributed unit, DU), wherein the CU may also be called a control unit (control unit). The CU-DU structure may be used to split the protocol layer of the access network device, with some functions of the protocol layer being centrally controlled by the CU, and the remaining part or all of the functions of the protocol layer being distributed in the DU, and the DU being centrally controlled by the CU, but not limited to this.

It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. A person of ordinary skill in the art can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1 , or some of the subjects in the communication system 100 , but are not limited thereto. The subjects shown in FIG1 are examples, and the communication system 100 may include all or some of the subjects in FIG1 , or may include other subjects other than FIG1 , and the number and form of the subjects are arbitrary, and the subjects may be physical or virtual, and the connection relationship between the subjects is an example, and the subjects may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, and may be a direct connection or an indirect connection, and may be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to long term evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, international mobile telecommunications-advanced (IMT-Advanced), fourth generation mobile communication system (4G), fifth generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (NXT), new radio access ... The following are some of the following: wireless technology systems: (wireless generation radio access, FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, ultra-wide band (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark)), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device to Device (D2D) systems, Machine to Machine to M2M systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle to-Everything (V2X), systems using other communication methods, and next generation systems based on them, etc. In addition, multiple systems can also be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A and 5G, etc.) for application.

In the disclosed embodiments, the emergence of new Internet applications such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) has put forward higher requirements on wireless communication technology, driving the continuous evolution of wireless communication technology to meet the needs of applications. At present, cellular mobile communication technology is in the evolution stage of a new generation of technology. An important feature of the new generation of technology is to support flexible configuration of multiple business types. Due to the different business types for wireless communication Technologies have different requirements, such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) service type mainly requires large bandwidth, high speed, etc.; ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) service type mainly requires high reliability and low latency; massive machine type communication (mMTC) service type mainly requires a large number of connections. Therefore, the new generation of wireless communication systems requires flexible and configurable designs to support the transmission of multiple service types.

In wireless communication technology, satellite communication is considered an important aspect of the future development of wireless communication technology. Satellite communication refers to the communication performed by radio communication equipment on the ground using satellites as relays. The satellite communication system consists of a satellite part and a ground part. The characteristics of satellite communication are: a large communication range; communication can be performed between any two points as long as they are within the range covered by the radio waves emitted by the satellite; it is not easily affected by land disasters and has high reliability.

As a supplement to the ground communication system, satellite communication has the following characteristics: 1. Extended coverage: For areas that cannot be covered by cellular communication systems or where the coverage cost is high, such as oceans, deserts, and remote mountainous areas, satellite communication can be used to solve communication problems. 2. Emergency communication: In extreme situations such as disasters (such as earthquakes) that make the cellular communication infrastructure unavailable, satellite communication can be used to quickly establish a communication connection. 3. Provide industry applications: For example, for delay-sensitive services over long distances, satellite communication can be used to reduce the delay in service transmission.

It is foreseeable that in future wireless communication systems, satellite communication systems and terrestrial cellular communication systems will gradually achieve deep integration and truly realize the intelligent connection of all things.

Satellite communication can be the communication between radio communication stations on the ground using communication satellites as relay stations to forward radio waves. The communication functions of communication satellites may include: receiving signals, changing the frequency of signals, amplifying signals, forwarding signals and positioning.

In some possible implementations, as shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an NTN communication system (i.e., a communication system 100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication system includes: a terminal 101, a satellite 20, an NTN gateway 30, a core network device 40, and a data network 50. At this time, the NTN communication network is in a transparent transmission mode. Among them, the satellite 20 carries a payload with the functions of the entire access network device (equivalent to the network device 102). The terminal 101 can be connected to the access network device 20 (such as a satellite 20) through a 5G new air interface (such as a Uu interface), the satellite 20 can be connected to the NTN gateway 30 through an interface (such as a satellite radio interface (SRI)), the NTN gateway 30 is connected to the core network device 40 through a wireless link interface (such as an NG interface), and the core network device 40 is connected to the data network 50 through an interface (such as an N6 interface). The access network device establishes a wireless feeder link (feeder link) through the ground NTN gateway and the core network device.

In some other possible implementations, as shown in FIG3, FIG3 is a schematic diagram of another NTN communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. When the access network device adopts a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) architecture (i.e., a CU-DU architecture), the DU is carried on the satellite 20 (it can be understood that the payload carried by the satellite 20 is the DU), and the CU is deployed on the ground base station 60 (such as the gNB). A remote radio unit (RRU) is formed between the satellite 20 and the NTN gateway 30, and the satellite 20, the NTN gateway 30 and the ground base station 60 constitute a next-generation wireless access network (equivalent to the network device 102). At this time, the NTN communication network is in regeneration mode. The terminal 101 and the satellite 20 are connected via a new air interface (such as a Uu interface), the satellite 20 and the NTN gateway 30 communicate via an interface (such as SRI), the ground base station 60 and the core network device 40 communicate via a wireless link interface (such as an NG interface), and the core network device 40 communicates with the data network 50 via an interface (such as an N6 interface). In this way, the DU in the air establishes a wireless feeder link with the CU through the ground NTN gateway 30.

It should be noted that the satellite 20 in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 can be replaced by other airborne platforms with determined orbits, such as drones, hot air balloons, airplanes, etc. Of course, in some possible embodiments, the satellite 20 can also be replaced by other ground platforms with determined orbits, such as buses and ships with determined trajectories, etc., which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

In the disclosed embodiment, the NTN gateway 30 may be a node of a transport network layer (TNL) for implementing transparent transmission of data or signaling; the NTN gateway may also be replaced by a fixed-position receiving node (node) or a donor node (donor node).

It should be understood that FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are merely examples, and the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure may also be applied to other NTN communication systems, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the NTN network, the coverage of a single satellite can reach hundreds of kilometers. In this case, the downlink coverage may be affected, and when there are many users within the coverage area, the transmission resources that each user can obtain are relatively limited.

In one implementation method, the base station can configure multiple service beams for the service satellite, and the service beam can serve the entire satellite coverage area by beam hopping.

Beam hopping is a technology in multi-beam satellite systems that can use satellite resources efficiently and flexibly. In a multi-beam satellite system scenario, the use of beam hopping can reduce the total payload power requirement and increase available capacity, especially when there is uncertainty in business demand. The basic idea of beam hopping technology is to use time slicing technology. In the same time segment, not all beam positions are lit up for work, but only a part of the beam positions are lit up for work. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a beam hopping scenario shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. One or more beams or beam clusters 41 are used to provide services to terminals in different cells 42 at different times, thereby providing services to the entire coverage range of the satellite.

Therefore, a solution is needed to support beam hopping technology in NTN.

As shown in Figure 5, Figure 5 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The present disclosure embodiment relates to a method that can be applied to a communication system 100, such as the NTN system described in Figure 3 above, wherein the network device 102 can be an access network device. The method can include steps S510 to S540.

Step S510: The network device sends first information to the terminal.

Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first information.

In some embodiments, the name of the first information is not limited. For example, the first information can also be expressed as configuration information, beam hopping configuration information, beam hopping information, serving beam configuration information, etc.

In some embodiments, the first information may be sent by the core network device to the access network device.

In some embodiments, the first information may be determined by the access network device itself.

In some embodiments, the first information may be used to configure a first beam for the terminal. Here, the first beam may provide services in a beam hopping manner.

In some embodiments, the first information may be used to configure information related to beam hopping for the terminal. For example, the first information may be expressed as beam hopping information. The beam hopping information may include configuration information of the first beam.

In some embodiments, "beam hopping information" may be interchangeable with terms such as "beam hopping configuration parameter" and "beam hopping parameter".

In some embodiments, the first beam may be one or more beams, and the first beams may belong to the same beam cluster or different beam clusters.

In some embodiments, the first beam may be a beam in one or more beam clusters.

In some embodiments, the first information may include configuration information of the first beam.

In some embodiments, the first beam may be a beam that periodically provides services, and may also be expressed as a periodic beam.

In some embodiments, the first information may be sent periodically.

In some embodiments, the network device periodically sends the first information to the terminal.

In some embodiments, the configuration information of the first beam includes at least one of the following: indication information of the first beam, duration of service provided by the first beam, interval duration of the first beam covering the same target area (also referred to as a beam position), and the start time of service provided by the first beam after each interval duration.

Exemplarily, the indication information of the first beam may be a beam identifier of the first beam, such as a beam ID of the first beam or a transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state.

Exemplarily, the duration for which the first beam provides service may indicate the length of time that the first beam can provide service when covering the target area.

Exemplarily, the interval duration of the first beam covering the same target area (also referred to as a beam position) can indicate the interval duration of the first beam covering the same target area. In this way, the terminal can determine how long the first beam interval can cover the same target area based on the beam hopping period.

Exemplarily, the start time when the first beam provides service after each interval duration can also be expressed as the beam hopping service start time.

In some embodiments, the indication information of the first beam may also be expressed as beam indication information of the first beam.

In some embodiments, the duration for which the first beam provides service can also be expressed as the beam service duration of the first beam, and can also be expressed as the beam available duration of the first beam, the beam available time length, the available duration of the first beam, the available time, the activation duration, the active time, etc.

In some embodiments, the interval duration during which the first beam covers the same target area (also referred to as a beam position) may also be expressed as a beam hopping period of the first beam, or may also be expressed as a beam hopping configuration period of the first beam.

The names of the parameters in the configuration information of the first beam are merely examples, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not specifically limit them.

It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "first beam" can be interchangeably used with terms such as "target beam" and "activated beam".

Step S520: The terminal communicates with the network device based on the configuration information of the first beam.

In some embodiments, the terminal may determine beam information of the first beam according to configuration information of the first beam, such as an identifier of the first beam, a service time of the first beam, a coverage range of the first beam, etc. Next, the terminal communicates with the network device based on the information.

In some embodiments, after determining the beam information of the first beam according to the configuration information of the first beam, the terminal can determine a service beam from at least one first beam according to its own location, service requirements, etc., and use the service beam to communicate with the network device. Here, the service beam is a beam that provides services for the terminal. The service beam can be one or more.

In some embodiments, the terminal determines coverage information of the service beam according to configuration information of the first beam. The service beam is at least one of the at least one first beam.

Exemplarily, Figure 6 is another schematic diagram of a beam hopping scenario provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in (a) of Figure 6, the first information received by the terminal 101 includes configuration information of a first beam. Then, the terminal 101 can determine the coverage information of the service of the first beam based on the configuration information of the first beam, such as the first beam covers area D0 at T0, the first beam covers area D1 at T1, and the first beam covers area D2 at T2. Alternatively, as shown in (b) of Figure 6, the first information received by the terminal 101 includes configuration information of two first beams. Then, the terminal 101 can determine the coverage information of the services of the two first beams based on the configuration information of the two first beams. At T0, the first beam covers area D0, and at T1, the first beam covers area D1. Among them, area D0 and area D1 And area D2 are both located within the coverage D of satellite 20.

Step S530: The terminal sends third information to the network device.

Correspondingly, the network device receives the third information.

In some embodiments, the third information may be used to request the network device to adjust the first information.

In some embodiments, the third information may be used to request configuration of a beam for the terminal that provides services in a beam hopping manner.

In some embodiments, the third information may be used to request configuration of beam hopping related information for the terminal.

In some embodiments, the terminal may periodically send the third information.

In some embodiments, the terminal may send the third information when its location changes, the service load changes, etc.

In some embodiments, the third information may be used to indicate at least one of a location change and a traffic load change of the terminal itself.

In some embodiments, the name of the third information is not limited. For example, the third information can be expressed as request information, indication information, configuration request information, reconfiguration information, etc.

In some embodiments, the above-mentioned "configuration" can be interchangeably with terms such as "reconfiguration", "reconfiguration", "update", and "change".

Step S540: The network device adjusts the first information according to the third information.

In some embodiments, the network device responds to the third information, adjusts the first information according to at least one of the terminal's own demand for system resources and other terminals' demand for system resources, and configures a beam for the terminal to provide services by beam hopping. At this time, the configured beam may be the same beam as the first beam in step S510, or may be a different beam.

In some embodiments, the network device adjusts the first information according to at least one of a location change and a service load change of the terminal itself indicated by the third information.

The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S510 to S540. For example, step S510 and step S520 may be implemented as independent embodiments. For example, the combination of steps S530 and S540 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S510, S520, S530, and S540 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps in steps S510 to S540 are not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, step S510 and step S530 may be exchanged in order, and step S520 and step S530 may be exchanged in order or performed simultaneously.

In some embodiments, steps S510 and S520 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

In some embodiments, steps S530 and S540 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

As shown in Figure 7, Figure 7 is another interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The present disclosure embodiment relates to a method that can be applied to a communication system 100, wherein the network device 102 can be an access network device. The method can include steps S710 to S750.

Step S710: The terminal sends second information to the network device.

Correspondingly, the network device receives the second information.

In some embodiments, the second information may be used to request configuration of a service beam for the first service. Exemplarily, the first service may be an extended reality (XR) service, where XR includes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), cloud game (CG), etc.

In some embodiments, the second information may be service request (SR) information, a PRACH sequence, etc. Exemplarily, the PRACH sequence may be a preamble sequence in a random access channel.

Exemplarily, the terminal sends second information on the primary cell (Pcell) through an uplink channel, such as an uplink control channel or an uplink data channel, and the network device configures the first beam based on the second information sent by the terminal.

Step S720: The network device sends first information to the terminal.

The optional implementation of step S720 can refer to the optional implementation of step S510 in FIG. 5 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in FIG. 5 , which will not be described in detail here.

In some embodiments, the network device configures the first information for the terminal based on the second information.

In some embodiments, the first beam is a beam configured for a first service.

In some embodiments, the first beam is a beam that provides a service based on the second information sent by the terminal.

In some embodiments, the first beam is a beam that provides services based on service requirements of the terminal.

In some embodiments, the configuration information of the first beam includes at least one of the following: indication information of the first beam, service duration of the first beam, and a start time when the first beam provides service.

Exemplarily, the indication information of the first beam may be the beam identifier of the first beam, such as the beam ID or TCI state of the first beam.

Exemplarily, the duration for which the first beam provides services may be used to indicate the length of time for which the first beam can provide services.

In some embodiments, the indication information of the first beam may also be expressed as beam indication information of the first beam.

In some embodiments, the duration for which the first beam provides service can also be expressed as the beam service duration of the first beam, and can also be expressed as the beam available duration of the first beam, the beam available time length, the available duration of the first beam, the available time, the activation duration, the active time, etc.

The names of the parameters in the configuration information of the first beam are merely examples, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not specifically limit them.

Step S730: The terminal communicates with the network device based on the configuration information of the first beam.

The optional implementation of step S730 can refer to the optional implementation of step S520 in FIG. 5 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in FIG. 5 , which will not be described in detail here.

In some embodiments, the terminal may start detecting the first information of the network device after a predefined or preconfigured time interval after sending the second information.

It should be noted that "specific A", "predetermined A", "preset A", "set A", "instruction A", "certain A", "arbitrary A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol, etc., or as A obtained through setting, configuration or instruction, etc., and can also be interpreted as specific A, certain A, arbitrary A, or first A, etc., but is not limited to this.

Step S740: The terminal sends third information to the network device.

The optional implementation of step S740 can refer to the optional implementation of step S530 in FIG. 5 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in FIG. 5 , which will not be described in detail here.

Step S750: The network device adjusts the first information according to the third information.

The optional implementation of step S750 can refer to the optional implementation of step S540 in Figure 5 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 5, which will not be repeated here.

The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S710 to S750. For example, step S710, step S720, and step S730 may be implemented as independent embodiments. For example, the combination of steps S740 and S750 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S710, S720, S730, S740, and S750 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps in steps S710 to S750 are not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, step S710 and step S740 may be exchanged in order, step S720 and step S740 may be exchanged in order or executed simultaneously, and step S730 and step S740 may be exchanged in order or executed simultaneously.

In some embodiments, steps S710, S720 and S730 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

In some embodiments, steps S740 and S750 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

In some embodiments, the names of information, etc. are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "code element", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

In some embodiments, terms such as "moment", "time point", "time", and "time position" can be interchangeable, and terms such as "duration", "period", "time window", "window", and "time" can be interchangeable.

In some embodiments, the terms "frame", "radio frame", "subframe", "slot", "sub-slot", "mini-slot", "symbol", "symbol", "transmission time interval (TTI)" and so on can be used interchangeably.

In some embodiments, "obtain", "obtain", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and/or receive" can be interchangeable, and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from high levels, obtaining by self-processing, autonomous implementation, etc.

In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "send", "transmit", "communication", "bidirectional transmission", "send and/or receive" can be used interchangeably.

Fig. 8 is a flow chart of a communication method performed by a network device side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The present disclosure embodiment relates to a communication method, which can be applied to a network device, such as an access network device. As shown in Fig. 8, the method includes steps S810 to S830.

Step S810: The network device sends first information.

The optional implementation of step S810 can refer to the optional implementation of step S510 in Figure 5 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 5 and 7, which will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the network device sends the first information to the terminal, but is not limited thereto, and the first information may also be sent to other entities.

In some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to communicate with the network device in a beam hopping manner. See the optional method of step S520 in FIG. 5 , and other related parts in the embodiment involved in FIG. 5 , which will not be described in detail here.

Step S820: The network device receives third information.

The optional implementation of step S820 can refer to the optional implementation of step S530 in Figure 5 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 5 and 7, which will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the network device receives the third information sent by the terminal, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive the third information sent by other entities.

Step S830: The network device adjusts the first information according to the third information.

The optional implementation of step S830 can refer to the optional implementation of step S540 in Figure 5 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 5 and 7, which will not be repeated here.

The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S810 to S830. For example, step S810 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, steps S820 and S830 may be implemented as independent embodiments. For example, the combination of steps S810, S820, and S830 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments composed of one or more steps in steps S810 to S830 are not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, step S810 and step S820 may be swapped in order.

In some embodiments, steps S820 and S830 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

In some embodiments, step S810 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

Fig. 9 is another flow chart of a communication method performed by a network device side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The present disclosure embodiment relates to a communication method, which can be applied to a network device, such as an access network device. As shown in Fig. 9, the method includes steps S910 to S940.

Step S910: The network device receives second information.

The optional implementation of step S910 can refer to the optional implementation of step S710 in Figure 7 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 5 and 7, which will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the network device receives the second information sent by the terminal, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive the second information sent by other entities.

Step S920: The network device sends first information.

The optional implementation of step S920 can refer to the optional implementation of step S720 in Figure 7 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 5 and 7, which will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the network device sends the first information to the terminal, but is not limited thereto, and the first information may also be sent to other entities.

In some embodiments, the first information is used for the terminal to communicate with the network device in a beam hopping manner. The optional implementation method thereof can refer to the optional method of step S730 of FIG. 7 and other related parts of the embodiments involved in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, which will not be repeated here.

Step S930: the network device receives the third information.

The optional implementation of step S930 can refer to the optional implementation of step S740 in Figure 7 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 5 and 7, which will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the network device receives the third information sent by the terminal, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive the third information sent by other entities.

Step S940: The network device adjusts the first information according to the third information.

The optional implementation of step S940 can refer to the optional implementation of step S750 in Figure 7 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 5 and 7, which will not be repeated here.

The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S910 to S940. For example, steps S910 and S920 may be implemented as independent embodiments. For example, steps S930 and S940 may be implemented as independent embodiments. For example, the combination of steps S910, S920, S930, and S940 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps in steps S910 to S940 are not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, step S910 and step S930 may be exchanged in order, step S920 and step S930 may be exchanged in order or executed simultaneously, step S910 and step S940 may be exchanged in order or executed simultaneously, step S920 and step S940 may be exchanged in order or executed simultaneously.

In some embodiments, steps S930 and S940 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

In some embodiments, steps S910 and S920 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

Fig. 10 is a flow chart of a communication method performed by a terminal side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The present disclosure embodiment relates to a communication method, which can be applied to a terminal. As shown in Fig. 10, the method includes steps S1010 to S1030.

Step S1010: the terminal receives first information.

The optional implementation of step S1010 can refer to the optional implementation of step S510 in Figure 5 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 5 and 7, which will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the terminal receives the first information sent by the network device, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive the first information sent by other entities.

Step S1020: The terminal communicates with the network device based on the configuration information of the first beam.

The optional implementation of step S1020 can refer to the optional implementation of step S520 in Figure 5 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 5 and 7, which will not be repeated here.

Step S1030: the terminal sends third information.

The optional implementation of step S1030 can refer to the optional implementation of step S530 in Figure 5 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 5 and 7, which will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the terminal sends the third information to the network device, but is not limited thereto, and the third information may also be sent to other entities.

In some embodiments, the third information is used to request the network device to adjust the first information. The optional implementation method thereof can refer to the optional method of step S540 in FIG5 and other related parts of the embodiments involved in FIG5 and FIG7, which will not be repeated here.

The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S1010 to S1030. For example, steps S1010 and S1020 may be implemented as independent embodiments. For example, step S1030 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S1010, S1020, and S1030 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments composed of one or more steps in steps S1010 to S1030 are not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, step S1010 and step S1030 may be exchanged in order, and step S1020 and step S1030 may be exchanged in order or performed simultaneously.

In some embodiments, step S1030 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

In some embodiments, steps S1010 and S1020 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

Fig. 11 is another flow chart of a communication method performed by a terminal side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The present disclosure embodiment relates to a communication method, which can be applied to a terminal. As shown in Fig. 11, the method includes steps S1110 to S1130.

Step S1110: the terminal sends second information.

The optional implementation of step S1110 can refer to the optional implementation of step S710 in Figure 7 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 5 and 7, which will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the terminal sends the second information to the network device, but is not limited thereto, and the second information may also be sent to other entities.

In some embodiments, the second information is used to request configuration of a service beam for the first service. The optional implementation method thereof can refer to the optional method of step S720 in FIG7 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG5 and FIG7, which will not be described in detail here.

Step S1120: the terminal receives first information.

The optional implementation of step S1120 can refer to the optional implementation of step S720 in Figure 7 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 5 and 7, which will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the terminal receives the first information sent by the network device, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive the first information sent by other entities.

Step S1130: The terminal communicates with the network device based on the configuration information of the first beam.

The optional implementation of step S1130 can refer to the optional implementation of step S730 in Figure 7 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 5 and 7, which will not be repeated here.

Step S1140: the terminal sends third information.

The optional implementation of step S1140 can refer to the optional implementation of step S740 in Figure 7 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 5 and 7, which will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the terminal sends the third information to the network device, but is not limited thereto, and the third information may also be sent to other entities.

In some embodiments, the third information is used to request the network device to adjust the first information. The optional implementation method thereof can refer to the optional method of step S750 in FIG. 7 and other related parts of the embodiments involved in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, which will not be described in detail here.

The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S1110 to S1140. For example, steps S1110, S1120, and S1130 may be implemented as independent embodiments. For example, step S1140 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S1110, S1120, S1130, and S1140 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments composed of one or more steps in steps S1110 to S1140 are not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, step S1110 and step S1140 may be exchanged in order, step S1120 and step S1140 may be exchanged in order or executed simultaneously, and step S1130 and step S1140 may be exchanged in order or executed simultaneously.

In some embodiments, step S1140 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

In some embodiments, steps S1110, S1120, and S1130 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

The embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a network device, and the method includes: the network device sends first information.

Optional implementations of the above steps can be found in step S510 of Figure 5, step S720 of Figure 7, step S810 of Figure 8, and step S920 of Figure 9, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 5, 7, 8, and 9, which will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the above method may include the method described in the above embodiments of the communication system side, terminal side, network device side, etc., which will not be repeated here.

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a terminal, and the method includes: the terminal receives first information.

Optional implementations of the above steps can be found in step S510 of Figure 5, step S720 of Figure 7, step S1010 of Figure 10, and step S1120 of Figure 11, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 5, 7, 10, and 11, which will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the above method may include the method described in the above embodiments of the communication system side, terminal side, network device side, etc., which will not be repeated here.

Fig. 12 is another interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The present disclosure embodiment relates to a communication method. As shown in Fig. 12, the method includes step S1210 and step S1220.

Step S1210: The network device sends first information to the terminal.

The optional implementation of step S1210 can refer to the optional implementation of step S510 in Figure 5, step S720 in Figure 7, step S810 in Figure 8, step S920 in Figure 9, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 5, 7, 8 and 9, which will not be repeated here.

Step S1220: The terminal communicates with the network device based on the configuration information of the first beam.

The optional implementation methods of step S720 can refer to the optional implementation methods of step S510 in Figure 5, step S720 in Figure 7, step S1010 in Figure 10, step S1120 in Figure 11, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 5, 7, 10, and 11, which will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the above method may include the method described in the above terminal side and network device side embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a terminal, the method comprising the steps of: the terminal can interact with services based on periodic beam configuration or demand-based beam configuration.

In one embodiment, a periodic beam configuration.

In one embodiment, the terminal receives a configuration instruction from the base station to determine periodic beam configuration information, where the beam configuration information includes at least one of the following indication information:

Beam indication information: Beam indication information is used to indicate information related to the beam ID, such as beam ID or TCI state;

Beam available time length information is used to indicate the available time information of the beam, which means the time length information that the target beam can provide services when providing coverage for the target area;

The configuration period of beam hopping is used to indicate the beam hopping period of the beam, which is used to identify how long the target beam covers the same target area;

The beam hopping service time is used to indicate information related to the service start time of the beam in each beam hopping cycle.

In one embodiment, after receiving the configuration information, the terminal determines that it can obtain the time information of the beam coverage, and performs data interaction within the time information.

In one embodiment, the beam configuration information received by the terminal may include configuration information of one or more beams.

Exemplarily, as shown in FIG6 , the configuration information received by the terminal includes configuration information of one target beam, and the terminal determines the coverage information of the service beam.

Exemplarily, as shown in FIG7 , the configuration information received by the terminal may further include configuration information of one more target beam, and the terminal determines the coverage information of the service beam.

In one embodiment, the terminal may also report indication information to the base station based on changes in its own location information or changes in service load, and the base station may adjust its beam hopping configuration parameters based on the indication information reported by the terminal.

In one embodiment, the beam configuration based on demand

In one embodiment, the terminal sends a service request on the Pcell through an uplink control channel or an uplink data channel, and the base station configures a service beam based on the service request sent by the terminal.

In one embodiment, the terminal may indicate a new service demand through an SR.

In one embodiment, the terminal may also indicate a service request by sending a PRACH. For example, the terminal sends a PRACH sequence for service request based on a predefined or preconfigured PRACH sequence or a time-frequency domain resource of a PRACH transmission.

In one embodiment, the terminal starts detecting the configuration of the base station after a predefined or preconfigured time interval of sending the service demand indication information. The configuration information shall contain at least one of the following information:

Beam indication information: Beam indication information is used to indicate information related to the beam ID, such as beam ID or TCI state;

Beam available time length information is used to indicate the available time information of the beam, which means the time length information that the target beam can provide services when providing coverage for the target area;

The beam available time starting position information is used to indicate the available time starting position of the beam.

In one embodiment, after receiving the configuration information, the terminal determines that it can obtain the time information of the beam coverage, and performs data interaction within the time information.

The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a communication device, such as a terminal, a network device, etc., for implementing any of the above methods. For example, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication device, including a unit or module for implementing each step performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another communication device is also provided, including a unit or module for implementing each step performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, or a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

It should be understood that the division of the units or modules in the above communication device is only a division of logical functions, which can be fully or partially integrated into one physical entity or physically separated in actual implementation. In addition, the units or modules in the communication device can be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and instructions are stored in the memory. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the units or modules of the above device, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory inside the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules may be implemented by designing the hardware circuits. The hardware circuits may be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the hardware circuits are application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and the functions of some or all of the above units or modules may be implemented by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuits; for another example, in another implementation, the hardware circuits may be implemented by programmable logic devices (PLDs), and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) may be used as an example, which may include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits may be configured by configuring the configuration files, thereby implementing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices may be implemented in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in the form of software called by the processor, and the remaining part may be implemented in the form of hardware circuits.

In the disclosed embodiments, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capability. In one implementation, the processor may be a circuit with instruction reading and running capability, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which may be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP); in another implementation, the processor may implement certain functions through the logical relationship of a hardware circuit, and the logical relationship of the above hardware circuit may be fixed or reconfigurable, such as a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document to implement the hardware circuit configuration may be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

As shown in FIG13 , FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 1300 may include at least one of a sending module 1310 , a processing module 1320 , and a receiving module 1330 .

In some embodiments, the communication device 1300 may be a network device or a chip or system on chip in the network device, or may be a functional module in the network device for implementing the methods described in the above embodiments. The communication device may implement the functions performed by the network device in the above embodiments, and these functions may be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. These hardware or software include one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. At this time, the communication device 1300 may include a sending module 1310 and a receiving module 1330.

In some embodiments, the sending module 1310 is used to send first information, where the first information includes configuration information of at least one first beam, and the at least one first beam is used to provide services to the terminal by beam hopping.

In some embodiments, the first beam is a beam that provides periodic service.

In some embodiments, the configuration information of the first beam includes at least one of the following: beam indication information, used to indicate the first beam; beam service duration information, used to indicate the duration of the service provided by the first beam; beam hopping period information, used to indicate the interval duration of the first beam covering the same target area; beam hopping service time information, used to indicate the starting time of the first beam providing service after each interval duration.

In some embodiments, the first information is sent periodically.

In some embodiments, the first beam is a beam that provides a service based on second information sent by the terminal, and the second information is used to request configuration of a service beam for the first service.

In some embodiments, the second information is SR information; or, the second information is a PRACH sequence.

In some embodiments, the configuration information of the first beam includes at least one of the following: beam indication information, used to indicate the first beam; beam service duration information, used to indicate the duration of the service provided by the first beam; beam service start time information, used to indicate the time when the first beam provides the service The starting moment.

In some embodiments, the receiving module 1330 is used to receive third information, where the third information is used to request adjustment of the first information.

In some embodiments, the communication device 1300 may be a terminal or a chip or system on chip in the terminal, or may be a functional module in the terminal for implementing the methods described in the above embodiments. The communication device may implement the functions performed by the terminal in the above embodiments, and these functions may be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. These hardware or software include one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. At this time, the communication device 1300 may include a processing module 1320 and a receiving module 1330.

In some embodiments, the receiving module 1330 is used to receive first information, where the first information includes configuration information of at least one first beam, and the at least one first beam is used to provide services to the terminal by beam hopping.

In some embodiments, the first beam is a beam that provides periodic service.

In some embodiments, the configuration information of the first beam includes at least one of the following: beam indication information, used to indicate the first beam; beam service duration information, used to indicate the duration of the service provided by the first beam; beam hopping period information, used to indicate the interval duration of the first beam covering the same target area; beam hopping service time information, used to indicate the starting time of the first beam providing service after each interval duration.

In some embodiments, the first information is sent periodically.

In some embodiments, the first beam is a beam that provides a service based on second information sent by the terminal, and the second information is used to request configuration of a service beam for the first service.

In some embodiments, the second information is SR information; or, the second information is a PRACH sequence.

In some embodiments, the configuration information of the first beam includes at least one of the following: beam indication information, used to indicate the first beam; beam service duration information, used to indicate the duration of the service provided by the first beam; beam service time information, used to indicate the start time of the service provided by the first beam.

In some embodiments, the processing unit 1320 is used to determine coverage information of a service beam based on the first information, where the service beam is at least one of the at least one first beam.

As shown in Figure 14, Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 14 can be a network device, or a terminal, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the network device or the terminal to implement any of the above methods. The communication device can be used to implement the communication method described in the above method embodiment, and the details can be referred to the description in the above method embodiment.

The communication device 1400 includes one or more processors 1401. The processor 1401 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process the communication protocol and the communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute a program, and process the data of the program. The processor 1401 is used to call instructions so that the communication device 1400 executes any of the above communication methods.

In some embodiments, the communication device 1400 further includes one or more memories 1402 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memory 1402 may also be outside the communication device 1400.

In some embodiments, the communication device 1400 further includes one or more transceivers 1403. When the communication device 1400 includes one or more transceivers 1403, the communication steps such as sending and receiving in the above method are performed by the transceiver 1403, and the other steps are performed by the processor 1401.

In some embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, and the receiver and the transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms such as transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc. may be replaced with each other, the terms such as transmitter, transmission unit, transmitter, transmission circuit, etc. may be replaced with each other, and the terms such as receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc. may be replaced with each other.

Optionally, the communication device 1400 further includes one or more interface circuits 1404, which are connected to the memory 1402. The interface circuit 1404 can be used to receive signals from the memory 1402 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 1402 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 1404 can read instructions stored in the memory 1402 and send the instructions to the processor 1401.

The communication device 1400 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 1400 described in the embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 1400 may not be limited by FIG. 9. The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: an independent integrated circuit (IC), or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data and programs; an ASIC, such as a modem; a module that can be embedded in other devices; a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, a vehicle-mounted device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; other devices.

The embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a storage medium, on which instructions are stored, and when the instructions are executed on a processor, the processor executes any of the above communication methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but it can also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, but it can also be a temporary storage medium.

The embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a program product, and when the program product is executed by a processor, the processor executes any one of the above communication methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

The embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a computer program, which, when executed on a processor, enables the processor to execute any one of the above communication methods.

Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. The disclosure is intended to cover any variation, use or adaptation of the disclosure, which follows the general principles of the disclosure and includes common knowledge or customary technical means in the technical field not disclosed in the disclosure. The description and examples are to be regarded as exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact structures that have been described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims (24)

A communication method, performed by a network device, comprising: First information is sent, where the first information includes configuration information of at least one first beam, and the at least one first beam is used to provide service to the terminal by beam hopping. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first beam is a beam that provides service periodically. The method according to claim 2, wherein the configuration information of the first beam comprises at least one of the following: indication information of the first beam; The duration of time during which the first beam provides service; The interval duration during which the first beam covers the same target area; The first beam provides a start time of service after each interval duration. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first information is sent periodically. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first beam is a beam configured for a first service; the method further comprising: Receive second information sent by the terminal, where the second information is used to request configuration of a service beam for the first service. The method according to claim 5, wherein the second information is service request SR information; or the second information is a physical random access channel PRACH sequence. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the configuration information of the first beam includes at least one of the following: indication information of the first beam; The duration of time during which the first beam provides service; The starting time of providing service by the first beam. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the method further comprises: The third information sent by the terminal is received, where the third information is used to request adjustment of the first information. A communication method, executed by a terminal, comprising: First information is received, where the first information includes configuration information of at least one first beam, and the at least one first beam is used to provide service to the terminal by beam hopping. The method according to claim 9, wherein the first beam is a beam that provides service periodically. The method according to claim 10, wherein the configuration information of the first beam comprises at least one of the following: indication information of the first beam; The duration of time during which the first beam provides service; The interval duration during which the first beam covers the same target area; The first beam provides a start time of service after each interval duration. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the first information is sent periodically. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first beam is a beam configured for a first service; the method further comprising: Send second information, where the second information is used to request configuration of a service beam for the first service. The method according to claim 13, wherein the second information is service request SR information; or the second information is a physical random access channel PRACH sequence. The method according to claim 14, wherein the configuration information of the first beam comprises at least one of the following: indication information of the first beam; The duration of time during which the first beam provides service; The starting time of providing service by the first beam. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the method further comprises: Coverage information of a service beam is determined according to the first information, where the service beam is at least one of the at least one first beam. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein the method further comprises: Sending third information sent by the terminal, where the third information is used to request adjustment of the first information. A communication method, performed by a communication system, comprising: The network device sends first information, where the first information includes configuration information of at least one first beam, where the at least one first beam is used to provide a service for the terminal by beam hopping; The terminal communicates with the network device according to the configuration information of the at least one first beam. A communication device, comprising: The sending module is used to send first information, where the first information includes configuration information of at least one first beam, and the at least one first beam is used to provide service to the terminal by beam hopping. A communication device, comprising: The receiving module is used to receive first information, where the first information includes configuration information of at least one first beam, and the at least one first beam is used to provide service to the terminal by beam hopping. A communication device, comprising: one or more processors; The processor is configured to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A communication device, comprising: one or more processors; The processor is configured to execute the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 17. A communication system, comprising: a terminal and a network device, wherein: The network device is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 8; The terminal is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 9 to 17. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 or 9 to 17.