WO2025232633A1 - Communication method and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application relates to a communication method and apparatus. In the communication method, when satisfying a first condition, a first terminal, the received power of which falls within a first received power range, can perform random access on the basis of an OCC on a second random access resource associated with a second received power range. In this way, the success rate of random access performed by the first terminal can be improved, and the probability that the first terminal cannot access a network device is reduced.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410558510.4, filed on May 7, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus.

Background Technology

With the rapid development of communication technology, more and more terminals can establish communication connections with network devices. This means that access demand is constantly increasing, while the access capacity of network devices is constantly decreasing. To improve the access capacity of network devices, orthogonal cover code (OCC) has been introduced. Terminals use orthogonal cover code (OCC) for random access. However, how to improve the success rate of random access based on OCC still requires further research.

Summary of the Invention

This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can improve the success rate of random access based on OCC.

Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first communication device. The first communication device can be a first terminal, or a processor, module, chip, or chip system implementing the method within the first terminal. Taking the first communication device as an example of the first terminal executing the communication method, in this communication method, the first terminal can receive first information, thereby enabling random access based on OCC on a second random access resource when a first condition is met. The first information indicates a first random access resource associated with a first received power range and a second random access resource associated with a second received power range, wherein the minimum value of the first received power range is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the second received power range, and the received power of the first terminal is within the first received power range.

As can be seen, in the above embodiments, a first terminal with a received power within a first received power range can, under the condition of satisfying a first condition, perform random access based on OCC on a second random access resource associated with a second received power range. This can improve the success rate of the first terminal performing random access based on OCC and reduce the probability of the first terminal being unable to access the network device.

In one possible implementation, the first condition includes at least one of the following: the number of failed random access transmission attempts based on OCC on the first random access resource reaches x, where x is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Alternatively, the random access transmission attempt based on OCC on the first random access resource fails at maximum transmission power. Alternatively, the duration of initiating random access based on OCC on the first random access resource reaches a first duration. Alternatively, the receive power of the first terminal is within a receive power range determined based on a first offset value and a first receive power range.

In one possible implementation, the method further includes receiving second information, the second information being used to indicate the first condition.

In one possible implementation, x is the maximum number of failed random access transmission attempts based on OCC corresponding to the first receive power range.

In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving third information, the third information being used to allow a communication device (including a first terminal) whose received power is within a first received power range to perform random access on a second random access resource based on OCC.

Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second communication device. This second communication device can be a network device, or a processor, module, chip, or chip system within the network device that implements the method. Taking the second communication device as an example of a network device executing the communication method, in this communication method, the network device can send first information. The first information indicates a first random access resource associated with a first received power range and a second random access resource associated with a second received power range. The minimum value of the first received power range is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the second received power range. The second random access resource is used by a first terminal to perform random access based on OCC when a first condition is met, and the received power of the first terminal is within the first received power range.

In one possible implementation, the first condition includes at least one of the following: the number of failed random access transmission attempts based on OCC on the first random access resource reaches x, where x is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Alternatively, the random access transmission attempt based on OCC on the first random access resource fails at maximum transmission power. Alternatively, the duration of initiating random access based on OCC on the first random access resource reaches a first duration. Alternatively, the receive power of the first terminal is within a receive power range determined based on a first offset value and a first receive power range.

In one possible implementation, the method further includes sending second information, the second information being used to indicate the first condition.

In one possible implementation, x is the maximum number of failed random access transmission attempts based on OCC corresponding to the first receive power range.

In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending third information, the third information being used to allow communication devices with received power within a first received power range to perform random access on a second random access resource based on OCC.

Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first communication device. The first communication device can be a first terminal, or a processor, module, chip, or chip system implementing the method within the first terminal. Taking the first communication device as an example of the first terminal executing the communication method, in this communication method, the first terminal can receive first information, which can be used to indicate a first carrier that supports random access based on OCC and/or a second carrier that does not support random access based on OCC. Thus, if the first terminal supports random access based on OCC, the first terminal performs random access based on OCC on the first carrier. If the first terminal does not support random access based on OCC, the first terminal performs random access on the second carrier.

As can be seen from the above embodiments, the first terminal can learn through the first information which carriers (such as the first carrier) support random access based on OCC and which carriers (such as the second carrier) do not support random access based on OCC. Thus, the first terminal can determine whether to perform random access based on OCC on the corresponding carrier. For example, it can perform random access based on OCC on the first carrier, or on the second carrier. In other words, any terminal within the coverage area of the network device can determine whether to perform random access based on OCC on the corresponding carrier. In this way, the carrier used by terminals supporting random access based on OCC is different from the carrier used by terminals that do not support it. This reduces mutual interference between these two types of terminals during random access on the corresponding carrier, improves the success rate of random access for both types of terminals, and reduces the probability that these two types of terminals cannot access the network device, especially reducing the probability that terminals that do not support random access based on OCC cannot access the network device. On the other hand, for different terminals supporting random access based on OCC, this effectively reduces the near-far effect that occurs when these terminals attempt random access on the same carrier due to significant differences in their received power when the preamble arrives at the network device. This increases the probability of a terminal with lower received power successfully accessing the network. For example, if both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 support random access based on OCC, and Terminal 1's received power is greater than Terminal 2's, then when Terminal 2's preamble arrives at the network device, its signal strength is not only lower than that of Terminal 1, but Terminal 1's preamble also significantly interferes with Terminal 2's preamble. This can cause the network device to fail to distinguish Terminal 2's preamble, resulting in Terminal 2's random access failure.

In one possible implementation, the method further includes: a first terminal receiving second information, the second information indicating that a third carrier supports OCC-based transmission of message B or message 3 and/or does not support OCC-based transmission of message B or message 3 on a fourth carrier. If the first terminal supports OCC-based transmission of message B or message 3, the first terminal transmits message B or message 3 on the third carrier based on OCC. If the first terminal does not support OCC-based transmission of message B or message 3, the first terminal transmits message B or message 3 on the fourth carrier.

As can be seen in the above embodiments, the first terminal can learn through the second information which carriers (such as the third carrier) support sending message B or message 3 based on OCC, and which carriers (such as the fourth carrier) do not support sending message B or message 3 based on OCC. Thus, the first terminal can determine whether to send message B or message 3 based on OCC on the corresponding carrier. For example, it can perform random access based on OCC on the third carrier, or on the fourth carrier. In other words, any terminal within the network device's coverage area can determine whether to send message B or message 3 based on OCC on the corresponding carrier. Therefore, from one perspective, the carriers used by terminals supporting sending message B or message 3 based on OCC are different from those used by terminals not supporting such transmission. This reduces mutual interference between these two types of terminals when sending message B or message 3 on the corresponding carrier, improves the success rate of random access for these two types of terminals, and reduces the likelihood of these two types of terminals being unable to access the network device, especially reducing the probability of terminals not supporting random access based on OCC being unable to access the network device. On the other hand, for different terminals that support sending message B or message 3 based on OCC, this effectively reduces the near-far effect that occurs when corresponding messages arrive at the network device due to significant differences in their receiving power while these terminals are sending message B or message 3 on the same carrier. This increases the probability that message B or message 3 sent by a terminal with lower receiving power can be received by the network device. For example, if both terminal 1 and terminal 2 support sending message B or message 3 based on OCC, and if terminal 1 and terminal 2 send message B or message 3 on the same carrier, and terminal 1's receiving power is greater than terminal 2's, then when message B or message 3 sent by terminal 2 arrives at the network device, its signal strength is not only less than that of message B or message 3 sent by terminal 1, but also significantly interferes with message B or message 3 sent by terminal 2. This could cause the network device to fail to distinguish message B or message 3 sent by terminal 2, potentially leading to random access failure for terminal 2.

Fourthly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second communication device. The second communication device can be a network device, or a processor, module, chip, or chip system within the network device that implements the method. Taking the second communication device executing the communication method as an example of a network device, in this communication method, the network device can send first information, which can be used to indicate a first carrier that supports random access based on OCC and/or a second carrier that does not support random access based on OCC.

In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the network device sending second information, the second information being used to indicate that a third carrier supporting OCC-based transmission of message B or message 3 and/or a fourth carrier not supporting OCC-based transmission of message B or message 3.

Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing the method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects. The communication device may be a first communication device or a second communication device.

A sixth aspect provides a communication device including at least one processor; wherein the at least one processor is configured to perform the method described in any one of the first to second aspects. The communication device may be a first communication device or a second communication device. The at least one processor can execute a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to cause the described method to be performed. The memory may be included in the communication device or located outside the communication device. Furthermore, the communication device may also include an interface.

A seventh aspect provides a communication system comprising a first terminal and a network device. The first terminal is configured to perform the method as described in any one of the first aspects, and the network device is configured to perform the method as described in any one of the second aspects. Alternatively, the first terminal is configured to perform the method as described in any one of the third aspects, and the network device is configured to perform the method as described in any one of the fourth aspects.

Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

Ninth aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: computer program code, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

In a tenth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including at least one processor and an interface, the processor being configured to read and execute instructions stored in a memory, wherein when the instructions are executed, the chip causes the chip to perform the method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

Attached Figure Description

Figure 1 shows the basic architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the RAN architecture of the NTN-based device applicable to the embodiments of this application;

Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of various receiving power ranges under various coverage levels provided in an embodiment of this application;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of determining the received power range based on a first offset value according to an embodiment of this application;

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

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

Detailed Implementation

The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. Unless otherwise stated, "/" indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship; for example, A/B can represent A or B. "And/or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and/or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, or a-b-c, where a, b, and c can be one or multiple. Furthermore, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish between network elements and similar items with essentially the same function. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that the terms "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in the embodiments described in this application mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

The following detailed embodiments further illustrate the objectives, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this application. It should be understood that the following are merely specific embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made based on the technical solutions of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and/or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

It should be understood that the technical solution of this application can be applied to non-terrestrial networks (NTN), or scenarios where NTN and terrestrial networks (TN) are integrated. The technical solution of this application can adopt access technologies that evolve after 5G, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5th Generation Mobile Communication (5G), and 6th Generation Mobile Communication (6G).

The basic architecture of the communication system provided in the embodiments of this application is described below. The communication system provided in this application may include one or more network devices and one or more terminals.

The following explanation uses the system architecture shown in Figure 1 as an example. In Figure 1, the communication system includes a network device 10 and a terminal 20 that communicates with the network device 10.

It should be noted that the number of network devices and terminals in Figure 1 is merely illustrative and should not be considered as a specific limitation of this application. The terminals and network devices involved in the system architecture will be described in detail below.

I. Terminal

A terminal is an entity on the user side used to receive signals, or transmit signals, or both. Terminals are used to provide users with one or more of the following: voice services and data connectivity services. A terminal can be a device that includes wireless transceiver capabilities and can cooperate with network equipment to provide communication services to users. Specifically, a terminal can refer to user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, wireless communication equipment, user agent, user apparatus, or roadside unit (RSU). The terminal can also be a drone, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a station (ST) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), a cellular phone, a smartphone, a cordless phone, a wireless data card, a tablet computer, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, a laptop computer, or a machine-type communication device. Wireless terminals include: mobile communication (MTC) terminals, handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices (also known as wearable smart devices), virtual reality (VR) terminals, augmented reality (AR) terminals, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, and wireless terminals in smart homes. Terminals can also be terminals in 5G systems or in next-generation communication systems; this application does not limit the specific implementation of these embodiments.

The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal. The device used to implement the functions of the terminal can be the terminal itself; it can also be a device that supports the terminal in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the terminal or used in conjunction with the terminal. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices.

II. Network Equipment

A network device is an entity on the network side used to transmit signals, or receive signals, or both. A network device can be a means deployed in a radio access network (RAN) to provide wireless communication capabilities to terminals.

In one possible scenario, network equipment can be devices with base station functions, such as evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), transmitting and receiving points (TRPs), transmitting points (TPs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs), next-generation base stations in 6G mobile communication systems, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, and non-terrestrial network equipment, i.e., equipment that can be deployed on high-altitude platforms or satellites. Network equipment can be transmitting and receiving points (TRPs), base stations, and various forms of control nodes, such as network controllers and wireless controllers. Specifically, network equipment can be various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small cells) in heterogeneous network (HetNet) scenarios, relay stations, access points (APs), radio network controllers (RNCs), node Bs (NBs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), home base stations (e.g., home-evolved node Bs or home node Bs (HNBs)), baseband units (BBUs) and remote radio units (RRUs) in distributed base station scenarios, transmitting and receiving points (TRPs), transmitting points (TPs), mobile switching centers, etc., and can also be base station antenna panels. Control nodes can connect to multiple base stations and configure resources for multiple terminals covered by multiple base stations. In systems employing different wireless access technologies, the names of devices with base station functions may differ. For example, it could be a gNB in 5G, network-side equipment in networks after 5G, or network equipment in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs), or equipment that performs base station functions in device-to-device (D2D) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. This application does not limit the specific name of the network equipment. The network equipment can also be a baseband pool (BBU pool) and RRU under an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), cloud radio access network (CRAN), etc.

In another possible scenario, multiple network devices collaborate to assist terminals in achieving wireless access, with each network device performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, network devices may include a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs may be included in radio frequency devices or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). It is understood that network devices can be CU nodes, DU nodes, or devices comprising both CU and DU nodes. Furthermore, the CU can be classified as a network device in the access network (RAN) or as a network device in the core network (CN), without any restrictions.

In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

In the case of satellites as network devices, the satellites may have different functions in different scenarios, specifically:

1. In a transparent satellite architecture shown in Figure 2.2-1, the radio access network (RAN) may include remote radio units (RRUs) and base stations (gNBs in Figure 2). The RRU may include a satellite and an NTN gateway. The satellite is used for radio frequency filtering and frequency conversion and amplification to ensure that the waveform signal repeated by the payload remains unchanged. That is, the satellite primarily acts as a Layer 1 (L1) relay device, used to regenerate physical layer signals (i.e., radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification), without involving other higher protocol layers. The NTN gateway supports all functions of forwarding new radio Uu (NR-Uu) interface signals. The NR-Uu interface is the interface between the terminal and the base station in the protocol.

2. In the regenerative satellite architecture without inter-satellite link shown in Figure 2-2, the RAN includes the satellite and the NTN gateway. The satellite acts as a base station, possessing the processing functions of a base station. The NTN gateway is a transport network layer node and supports the corresponding transport protocols. The satellite and the NTN gateway are connected via the satellite radio interface (SRI), with the NG interface carried over the SRI, responsible for higher-level information transmission.

3. In a regenerative satellite with inter-satellite link architecture shown in Figure 2.2-3, similar to Figure 2.2-2, the difference is the presence of SRI, where multiple satellites can be connected via the Xn interface. The Xn interface is carried over the SRI.

4. In the regenerative satellite architecture with distributed unit (DU) processing capabilities shown in Figure 2.2-4, the satellite acts as a DU within the base station, jointly performing base station functions with the central unit (CU). An NTN gateway exists between the DU on the satellite and the CU on the ground. The NTN gateway is a transport network layer node that supports the corresponding transport protocols. The satellite and the NTN gateway are connected via an F1 interface, which is carried over the SRI (F1 over SRI).

5. In a satellite architecture with integrated access and backhaul (IAB) functionality, the satellite acts as a base station with IAB functionality.

When the satellite acts as a Layer 1 relay device (i.e., in a transparent satellite architecture as shown in Figure 2-1), the communication system may further include a base station. The base station can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, an NR system, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). It can also be a WiFi system, an enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) system, an ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC) system, a massive machine-type communication (mMTC) system, a long-range Internet of Things (LoRa) system, or a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) system. The base station may also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. The base station may also be an open radio access network (RAN) (O-RAN).

In this application, the satellite may be, for example, a medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite in a non-geostationary orbit (NGEO), a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a high altitude platform station (HAPS), an evolved NodeB (eNB), or a 5G base station (gNB).

In this embodiment, the form of the network device is not limited. The device used to implement the function of the network device can be the network device itself, or it can be a device that supports the network device in implementing the function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device.

To facilitate understanding of the content of this solution, some terms used in the embodiments of this application will be explained below, so that those skilled in the art can understand them. This part is only for the purpose of understanding and should not be regarded as a specific limitation of this application.

I. Random Access (RA)

The random access process refers to the process from when a terminal sends a preamble to attempt to access the network until a basic signaling connection is established with the network. Through random access, a terminal can transition from an idle or inactive state to a connected state, establish various bearers with network devices, obtain necessary resources and parameter configurations, and then communicate with the network devices.

In one possible implementation, the terminal can establish a connection with the network device using a four-step random access method, specifically:

1. The terminal sends message 1 (Msg1) to the network device. Message 1 is used to request access to the network device.

Accordingly, the network device receives message 1 from the terminal. Message 1 may include a random access preamble, which can be simply referred to as the preamble. Optionally, the terminal sending message 1 to the network device can also be described as the terminal sending a preamble to the network device. The preamble can be used to request access to the network device.

2. The network device sends message 2 (Msg2) to the terminal.

Accordingly, the terminal receives message 2 from the network device. Optionally, message 2 can be called a random access response (RAR). Message 2 may include at least one of the following: preamble identification information, uplink grant (UL grant), temporary cell radio network temporary identifier (TC-RNTI), power control, etc. Message 2 may also include other information, which is not limited here.

Optionally, the identification information of the preamble can be, for example, the preamble number or the preamble index.

It should be noted that if the preamble indicated by the identification information in message 2 is the same as the preamble sent by the terminal to the network device, the terminal considers that message 1 has been successfully received by the network device, and message 2 is a random access response to Msg1. If the preamble indicated by the identification information in message 2 is different from the preamble sent by the terminal to the network device, the terminal considers that message 1 has not been successfully received by the network device, and the terminal can re-trigger the random access procedure.

3. The terminal sends message 3 (Msg3) to the network device.

Accordingly, the network device receives message 3 from the terminal. Message 3 may include the terminal's identification information, such as a System Architecture Evolution Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (S-TMSI), a Globally Unique Temporary Identity (GUTI), a Resume ID, a Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI), or a random number, etc., without limitation. The RNTI here can be a Cell RNTI (C-RNTI) or an Inactive RNTI (I-RNTI), etc.

4. The network device sends message 4 (Msg4) to the terminal.

Accordingly, the terminal receives message 4 from the network device. Message 4 may include a contention resolution identity (CR ID). The contention resolution identity is determined based on the terminal's identification information in message 3; for example, the contention resolution identity is part or all of the terminal's identification information. After receiving message 4, the terminal compares the contention resolution identity with the terminal's identification information in message 3. If they match, the contention resolution is successful, indicating that the terminal has successfully accessed the network device. If the terminal does not receive message 4 or the contention resolution identity does not match the terminal's identification information in message 3, the terminal can re-initiate random access.

In another possible implementation, the terminal can establish a connection with the network device using a two-step random access method, specifically:

1. The terminal sends message A (MsgA) to the network device. Message A is used to request access to the network device.

Accordingly, the network device receives message A from the terminal. Message A includes a preamble. Optionally, the terminal sending message A to the network device can also be described as the terminal sending a preamble to the network device. The preamble can be used to request access to the network device. This preamble can be carried in the physical random access channel (PRACH).

Optionally, message A may also include data. This data may be carried in a physical uplink shared channel (PRACH). Optionally, message A may also include terminal identification information.

2. The network device sends message B (MsgB) to the terminal.

Accordingly, the terminal receives message B from the network device. Message B may include one or more random access responses, including a success response (successRAR) or a fallback response (fallbackRAR). Optionally, message B may carry indication information indicating that the random access response in message B is a success random access response (successRAR) or a fallback random access response (fallbackRAR).

A successful random access response includes the CR ID. Optionally, a successful random access response may indicate that the network device detected the preamble and successfully decoded the data in message A. If the conflict resolution is successful, the terminal terminates the random access process; otherwise, the terminal may re-initiate random access.

A fallback random access response indicates that the network device detected the preamble but failed to decode the data in message A, meaning the terminal did not win in the two-step random access process. After receiving the fallback random access response, the terminal can fall back to the four-step random access mechanism, for example, by sending message 3 to the network device.

II. Carrier

Carriers can be divided into two categories: anchor carriers and non-anchor carriers. Anchor carriers provide the narrowband primary synchronization signal (NPSS), narrowband secondary synchronization signal (NSSS), and carry the narrowband physical broadcast channel (NPBCH) and system information. Terminals can detect anchor carriers through cell identification or cell search methods. Carriers other than anchor carriers are called non-anchor carriers.

For example, in narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) technology, the number of anchor carriers can be 1, and the number of non-anchor carriers can be less than or equal to 15. Of course, with the development of communication technology, the number of anchor carriers or non-anchor carriers can also be other values, which are not limited here.

III. Random Access Resources

Random access resources refer to time-domain and/or frequency-domain resources used for random access. Time-domain resources may include, for example, at least one of the following: at least one frame, at least one subframe, at least one time slot, at least one symbol, etc. Frequency-domain resources may include, for example, at least one of the following: at least one subcarrier, at least one resource block (RB), at least one resource block group (RBG), at least one subchannel, at least one bandwidth part (BWP), at least one carrier.

Optionally, a random access resource may be associated with one or more preambles. The preambles associated with different random access resources may be partially the same, completely different, or completely the same, without limitation.

Generally, in NB-IoT technology, a terminal can determine the narrowband reference signal received power range to which its narrowband reference signal received power belongs, and thus use the random access resources associated with that narrowband reference signal received power range for random access. However, the terminal may encounter inaccurate channel estimation during channel estimation, resulting in the terminal being unable to accurately determine the corresponding narrowband reference signal received power range based on such channel estimation results. In this case, if the terminal performs random access based on OCC on the random access resources associated with that narrowband reference signal received power range, it may affect the success rate of OCC-based random access. Based on this, this application provides an embodiment shown in Figure 3 to solve this problem.

The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. In these embodiments, the first communication device or the second communication device can be any two devices capable of communication shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2. For example, the first communication device can be a terminal, and the second communication device can be a network device. For ease of description, the following description will use the example of the first communication device being a terminal (referred to as the first terminal for easy distinction) and the second communication device being a network device, and this should not be considered a limitation of this application.

Figure 3 illustrates a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication method shown in Figure 3 can improve the success rate of random access. This communication method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

301. The network device sends first information, which indicates a first random access resource associated with a first receive power range and a second random access resource associated with a second receive power range, wherein the minimum value of the first receive power range is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the second receive power range.

For example, a network device can broadcast first information. In this case, terminals within the network device's coverage area (such as a first terminal) can receive the first information. This first information can be carried in a system message (such as a system information block (SIB)). Alternatively, the first information is a system message; this application does not specify which type of broadcast message the first information carries.

Optionally, the first random access resource associated with the first received power range and the second random access resource associated with the second received power range can be notified by the network device to terminals (such as the first terminal, etc.) located within the coverage area of the network device, either directly or indirectly.

For example, the first information includes a first random access resource, a second random access resource, a correspondence between the first random access resource and a first receive power range, and a correspondence between the second random access resource and the second receive power range.

For example, the first information includes a first random access resource and a second random access resource. The network device can notify or instruct the first random access resource to be associated with a first received power range and the second random access resource to be associated with one or more items in a second received power range by the order of the first random access resource and the second random access resource in the first information.

For example, the first information includes a first random access resource and a second random access resource. The correspondence between the first random access resource and the first received power range can be predefined or preconfigured in terminals (such as the first terminal) located within the coverage area of the network device, or the correspondence can be indicated to the terminal by the network device. In this way, the terminal can know that the first random access resource included in the first information is associated with the first received power range. Similarly, the correspondence between the second random access resource and the second received power range can be predefined or preconfigured in terminals (such as the first terminal) located within the coverage area of the network device, or the correspondence can be indicated to the terminal by the network device. In this way, the terminal can know that the second random access resource included in the first information is associated with the second received power range.

For example, the first information includes a first receive power range and a second receive power range. The correspondence between the first random access resource and the first receive power range can be predefined or preconfigured in terminals (such as the first terminal) located within the coverage area of the network device, or the correspondence can be indicated to the terminal by the network device. In this way, the terminal can know that the first receive power range included in the first information is associated with the first random access resource. Similarly, the correspondence between the second random access resource and the second receive power range can be predefined or preconfigured in terminals (such as the first terminal) located within the coverage area of the network device, or the correspondence can be indicated to the terminal by the network device. In this way, the terminal can know that the second receive power range included in the first information is associated with the second random access resource.

It should be noted that the above are some examples of how a terminal (such as the first terminal) located within the coverage area of a network device can learn which random access resources are associated with each receiving power range. There are other implementation methods, which will not be listed in this application.

Optionally, the first and second receiving power ranges can be within the same or different coverage levels. For example, the first receiving power range may be within a first coverage level, and the second receiving power range may be within a second coverage level. The first and second coverage levels can be the same or different. For example, in Figure 4, coverage level 0 is the interval consisting of receiving power R1 and receiving power R2, and coverage level 1 is the interval consisting of receiving power R2 and receiving power R3. For instance, assuming both the first and second coverage levels are coverage level 1 in Figure 4, the first receiving power range is the interval consisting of receiving power r3 (minimum) and receiving power r2 (maximum), and the second receiving power range can be the interval consisting of receiving power r4 (minimum) and receiving power r3 (maximum), or the second receiving power range can be the interval consisting of receiving power R3 (minimum) and receiving power r4 (maximum). For example, suppose the first coverage level is coverage level 0 in Figure 4, the second coverage level is coverage level 1 in Figure 4, the first received power range is the interval consisting of received power R2 (minimum) and received power r1 (maximum), the second received power range can be the interval consisting of received power r2 (minimum) and received power R2 (maximum), or the second received power range can be the interval consisting of received power r3 (minimum) and received power r2 (maximum), etc.

It should be noted that a certain received power range (such as the first received power range or the second received power range mentioned above) or a certain coverage level (such as the first coverage level or the second coverage level) mentioned in this application may include an interval determined by a minimum value and a maximum value. The received power range may also include boundary points or exclude boundary points, such as the minimum value and/or the maximum value, which is not limited here. Furthermore, a certain received power range (such as the first received power range or the second received power range mentioned above) or a certain coverage level (such as the first coverage level or the second coverage level) mentioned in this application may be divided based on the received power of the signal received by a terminal (such as the first terminal) located within the coverage area of the network device. This application does not limit how the received power range or coverage level is specifically divided. Optionally, the received power is the result obtained by measuring the signal quality or signal energy of a signal (such as a reference signal). The reference signal can be used for channel estimation, etc. For example, the reference signal is a narrowband reference signal (NRS), and the received power of the first terminal can be the narrowband reference signal received power (NRSRP). It should be understood that any signal that can be used for channel estimation can be understood as the reference signal in this application, and any result that can be used to represent the signal quality or signal energy measurement can be understood as the received power in this application.

Optionally, a terminal (such as the first terminal) located within the coverage area of the network device can determine which receive power range or coverage level its received power falls within. For example, the first terminal can measure its received power based on a narrowband reference signal from the network device, thereby determining whether the received power falls within a first receive power range or a first coverage level. That is, the first terminal's received power is within the first receive power range, or the first terminal's received power is within the first coverage level. Optionally, since the first terminal's received power is within the first receive power range, and the first receive power range is within the first coverage level, this can also be considered as the first terminal's received power being within the first coverage level.

Optionally, a certain coverage level in this application (such as the first coverage level or the second coverage level mentioned above) may be notified by the network device to the terminal (such as the first terminal) located within the coverage area of the network device directly or indirectly, or the coverage level may be predefined or preconfigured in the terminal (such as the first terminal) located within the coverage area of the network device. This application does not limit this.

302. Under the condition that the first condition is met, the first terminal performs random access on the second random access resource based on OCC.

For example, the first condition may include at least one of the following:

1. The number of failed random access transmission attempts based on OCC on the first random access resource reaches x. That is, after the first terminal fails to make a random access transmission attempt based on OCC on the first random access resource once, it can try again based on OCC on the first random access resource. If it still fails, it can continue to try again based on OCC on the first random access resource, and so on, until the number of random access transmission attempts based on OCC on the first random access resource reaches x. At this point, the first terminal can attempt random access based on OCC on the second random access resource. In other words, if the first terminal fails to make random access transmission attempts based on OCC on the first random access resource x times, it indicates that the first terminal's random access is being interfered with by other terminals with received power within the first received power range, preventing it from successfully accessing the first random access resource. For example, if the received power of the first terminal is lower than that of other terminals, and both the first terminal and other terminals attempt random access based on OCC on the first random access resource, then when the preamble of the other terminals reaches the network device, its signal strength is not only greater than that of the first terminal, but also significantly interferes with the first terminal's preamble. This can cause the network device to fail to distinguish the first terminal's preamble, resulting in the first terminal's random access failing. Therefore, to improve the success rate of the first terminal's random access based on OCC, the first terminal can attempt random access based on OCC on a random access resource associated with a lower received power (such as a second random access resource associated with a second received power range). This is equivalent to the first terminal with received power within the first received power range being able to attempt random access based on OCC on the second random access resource with a terminal whose received power is within the second received power range. Here, the minimum value of the first received power range is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the second received power range, meaning the first terminal's received power is greater than the received power of the terminal (i.e., the terminal whose received power is within the second received power range). Therefore, when the preamble of the first terminal arrives at the network device, its signal strength is greater than that when the preamble of the first terminal arrives at the network device. This helps the network device to successfully distinguish the preamble of the first terminal, thereby better ensuring that the first terminal can successfully access the network device and reducing the probability that the first terminal cannot access the network device.

Where x can be an integer greater than or equal to 1. For example, x can be the maximum number of failed random access transmission attempts based on OCC corresponding to the first coverage level or the first receive power range.

Optionally, the first terminal performs random access based on OCC on a certain random access resource (such as a first random access resource or a second random access resource, etc.). This can be understood as the first terminal multiplying the preamble by the OCC and then mapping it to that random access resource for transmission. For example, the first terminal multiplies the first preamble by the OCC and then maps it to the first random access resource for transmission. For example, the first terminal multiplies the second preamble by the OCC and then maps it to the second random access resource for transmission. This application does not limit this. Optionally, the first preamble and the second preamble can be the same preamble or different preambles.

2. The attempt to perform random access transmission based on OCC at the maximum transmit power on the first random access resource fails. In other words, after the first terminal fails to perform a random access transmission attempt based on OCC at the initial transmit power, it can perform power ramping based on the initial transmit power and power ramping step size, and then attempt random access transmission based on OCC at a higher transmit power. This process continues until the first terminal reaches its maximum transmit power and fails to perform a random access transmission attempt based on OCC at the maximum transmit power on the first random access resource. At this point, the first terminal can attempt random access based on OCC at the second random access resource. In other words, the failure of the first terminal to perform a random access transmission attempt based on OCC at the maximum transmit power indicates that the first terminal's random access is being interfered with by other terminals with received power within the first received power range, preventing it from successfully performing random access on the first random access resource. For example, if the maximum transmit power of the first terminal is still less than the receive power of other terminals, and both the first terminal and other terminals attempt random access based on OCC on the first random access resource, then when the preamble of the other terminals arrives at the network device, its signal strength is not only greater than that of the first terminal, but also significantly interferes with the first terminal's preamble. This can cause the network device to fail to distinguish the first terminal's preamble, resulting in the first terminal's random access failing. Therefore, to improve the success rate of the first terminal's random access based on OCC, the first terminal can attempt random access based on OCC on a random access resource associated with a smaller receive power (such as a second random access resource associated with a second receive power range). This is equivalent to the first terminal with receive power within the first receive power range being able to attempt random access based on OCC on the second random access resource with a terminal whose receive power is within the second receive power range. Here, the minimum value of the first receive power range is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the second receive power range, meaning the first terminal's receive power is greater than the receive power of the terminal (i.e., the terminal whose receive power is within the second receive power range). Therefore, when the preamble of the first terminal arrives at the network device, its signal strength is greater than that when the preamble of the first terminal arrives at the network device. This helps the network device to successfully distinguish the preamble of the first terminal, thereby better ensuring that the first terminal can successfully access the network device and reducing the probability that the first terminal cannot access the network device.

Optionally, the maximum transmit power can be the maximum transmit power corresponding to the first coverage level or the first receive power range. For example, the first terminal reaches the maximum transmit power by power ramping up within the first coverage level or the first receive power range. Optionally, the initial transmit power can be the initial transmit power corresponding to the first coverage level or the first receive power range, and the power ramping step size can be the power ramping step size corresponding to the first coverage level or the first receive power range. In this case, the first coverage level can be coverage level 0. At least one of the maximum transmit power, initial transmit power, and power ramping step size can be notified by the network device to terminals (such as the first terminal) within the network device's coverage area, either directly or indirectly, or predefined, and is not limited here.

3. The duration of the first terminal's random access attempt based on OCC on the first random access resource reaches the first duration. That is, if the duration of the first terminal's random access attempt based on OCC on the first random access resource reaches the first duration, it can attempt random access based on OCC on the second random access resource. This can improve the success rate of the first terminal's random access and reduce the probability of the first terminal failing to access the network device. Optionally, all attempts by the first terminal to initiate random access transmission based on OCC on the first random access resource fail within the first duration. That is, if all attempts by the first terminal to initiate random access transmission based on OCC on the first random access resource fail within the first duration, it indicates that the first terminal's random access is being interfered with by other terminals with received power within the first received power range, preventing it from successfully accessing the first random access resource. For example, if the first terminal's received power is lower than that of other terminals, and both the first terminal and other terminals attempt random access based on OCC on the first random access resource, then when the preamble of the other terminals arrives at the network device, its signal strength is not only greater than that of the first terminal's preamble, but also significantly interferes with the first terminal's preamble. This can lead to network devices failing to distinguish the preamble of the first terminal, resulting in random access failure for the first terminal. Therefore, to improve the success rate of random access based on OCC, the first terminal can perform random access based on OCC on random access resources associated with a smaller received power (such as second random access resources associated with a second received power range). This is equivalent to the first terminal with received power within the first received power range being able to perform random access based on OCC with a terminal with received power within the second received power range on the second random access resource. Here, the minimum value of the first received power range is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the second received power range, meaning the received power of the first terminal is greater than the received power of the terminal (i.e., the terminal with received power within the second received power range). Therefore, when the preamble of the first terminal arrives at the network device, its signal strength is greater than when the preamble of the other terminal arrives at the network device. This helps the network device successfully distinguish the preamble of the first terminal, thus better ensuring successful random access for the first terminal and reducing the probability of the first terminal failing to access the network device.

The first duration can be greater than 0, and the unit can be microseconds or seconds, etc. This application does not limit its size.

4. The received power of the first terminal is within the received power range determined based on the first offset value and the first received power range. That is, when the received power of the first terminal is within this range, the first terminal can perform random access based on OCC on the second random access resource. In other words, the first terminal can perform random access based on OCC on random access resources associated with a smaller received power (such as the second random access resource associated with the second received power range). This is equivalent to the first terminal with received power within the first received power range being able to perform random access based on OCC on the second random access resource with a terminal whose received power is within the second received power range. Wherein, the minimum value of the first received power range is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the second received power range, meaning the received power of the first terminal is greater than the received power of the terminal (i.e., the terminal whose received power is within the second received power range). Therefore, when the preamble of the first terminal arrives at the network device, its signal strength is greater than when the preamble of the first terminal arrives at the network device. This helps the network device successfully distinguish the preamble of the first terminal, thereby better ensuring that the first terminal can successfully access the network device and reducing the probability of the first terminal failing to access the network device.

Optionally, if the receiving power of the first terminal is within the range of the receiving power, the first terminal may attempt random access based on OCC on the second random access resource after a failed random access transmission attempt based on OCC on the first random access resource. For example, the first terminal may attempt random access based on OCC on the second random access resource if the number of failed random access transmission attempts based on OCC on the first random access resource reaches x. For example, if the first terminal fails to attempt random access transmission based on OCC on the first random access resource with maximum transmission power, it may attempt random access based on OCC on the second random access resource. For example, if the duration of the first terminal's random access attempt based on OCC on the first random access resource reaches a first duration, it may attempt random access based on OCC on the second random access resource.

The minimum value of the received power range determined based on the first offset value and the first received power range can be the minimum value of the first received power range. The maximum value of the received power range is determined based on the maximum value of the first received power range and the first offset value. For example, the maximum value of the received power range is the sum of the maximum value of the first received power range and the first offset value. For instance, in Figure 5, the first received power range is an interval consisting of received power r2 (minimum value) and received power r3 (maximum value). The minimum value of the received power range determined based on the first offset value and the first received power range is r3, and the maximum value of the received power range is the sum of r2 and the first offset value.

Optionally, the offset values used to determine each received power range can be the same or different. For example, the first offset value can be greater than, equal to, or less than the second offset value corresponding to the second received power range, and this application does not limit this.

Optionally, the contents of the first condition may be notified by the network device to the terminal (such as the first terminal) within the coverage area of the network device directly or indirectly, or the contents of the first condition may be predefined or preconfigured, which is not limited in this application.

For example, a network device can send (or broadcast) a second message indicating the first condition. This second message can be carried within a system message (such as an SIB). Alternatively, the second message is a system message, and this application does not specify which broadcast message the second message should be carried.

For example, if the first condition includes the failure of a random access transmission attempt based on OCC on the first random access resource with maximum transmission power, the first condition can be predefined in a terminal (such as a first terminal) located within the coverage area of the network device.

It should be noted that the above are some examples of how a terminal (such as the first terminal) located within the coverage area of a network device can learn about the first condition. There are other implementation methods, which will not be listed in this application.

Optionally, the various contents included in the first condition can be sent multiple times or simultaneously by the network device. That is, the various contents included in the first condition can be carried in different messages or in the same message. These messages can be system messages.

Optionally, in this application, by default, if the first condition is met, the first terminal can perform random access on the second random access resource based on OCC. Or, if the first terminal learns that the network device allows terminals (including the first terminal) with a received power within the first received power range to perform random access on the second random access resource based on OCC, and the first condition is met, the first terminal performs random access on the second random access resource based on OCC.

The first terminal can determine whether the network device allows it to perform random access based on OCC on the second random access resource through the following methods. For example, the first terminal can receive third information, which indicates that terminals (including the first terminal) whose received power is within the first received power range are allowed to perform random access based on OCC on the second random access resource.

Optionally, the third information can be implemented in the following way, specifically:

1. The third information is a single piece of information. Different values of the third information, or different values of some bits within the third information, indicate whether the third information is used to determine whether a terminal (including the first terminal) with a received power within the first received power range is allowed to perform random access on the second random access resource based on OCC. For example, one bit in the third information can indicate whether a terminal (including the first terminal) with a received power within the first received power range is allowed to perform random access on the second random access resource based on OCC. For example, a bit state of 1 indicates that a terminal (including the first terminal) with a received power within the first received power range is allowed to perform random access on the second random access resource based on OCC. For example, a bit state of 0 indicates that a terminal (including the first terminal) with a received power within the first received power range is not allowed to perform random access on the second random access resource based on OCC. The reverse is also true.

Specifically, if the third information indicates that terminals (including the first terminal) with received power within the first received power range are allowed to perform random access based on OCC on the second random access resource, and the first condition is met, then the first terminal may perform random access based on OCC on the second random access resource. Conversely, if the third information indicates that terminals (including the first terminal) with received power within the first received power range are not allowed to perform random access based on OCC on the second random access resource, then the first terminal may not perform random access based on OCC on the second random access resource.

2. The third information is either the fourth or the fifth information. This should be understood as the first terminal potentially receiving either the fourth or the fifth information; that is, it can also be described as: the first terminal receives either the fourth or the fifth information. Specifically, the fourth information instructs terminals (including the first terminal) whose received power is within the first received power range to perform random access on the second random access resource based on OCC. The fifth information instructs terminals (including the first terminal) whose received power is not within the first received power range to perform random access on the second random access resource based on OCC. In this case, the first terminal determines whether the network device allows it to perform random access on the second random access resource based on OCC by determining whether the network device sends the fourth or the fifth information.

3. The third information is a single piece of information. In one possible implementation, the network device transmitting the third information indicates that terminals (including the first terminal) with reception power within the first reception power range are allowed to perform random access based on OCC on the second random access resource. Not transmitting the third information indicates that they are not allowed to perform random access based on OCC on the second random access resource. This can also be described as: the first terminal receives the fourth information. Conversely, it can be described as: the first terminal receives the fifth information. That is, the first terminal learns whether the network device allows it to perform random access based on OCC on the second random access resource by whether the network device sends or receives the fourth or fifth information. For example, the network device may not send the fourth information, meaning the first terminal does not receive it. In this case, the first terminal can know that the network device does not allow it to perform random access based on OCC on the second random access resource. Alternatively, the network device may send the fourth information, meaning the first terminal receives it. In this case, the first terminal can know that the network device allows it to perform random access based on OCC on the second random access resource.

4. The third information is a single piece of information, carrying a field of one bit (or multiple bits, e.g., 2 bits, 3 bits, etc.). If this field is absent, it indicates that terminals (including the first terminal) with received power within the first received power range are not allowed to perform random access based on OCC on the second random access resource. If this field is present, it indicates that terminals (including the first terminal) with received power within the first received power range are allowed to perform random access based on OCC on the second random access resource. The reverse is also true.

Optionally, the above methods can be combined without conflict, and no limitation is made here. Optionally, the above third information can be carried in system messages (such as SIBs). In other words, the third information is a system message, and this application does not limit which broadcast message the third information is carried in.

The above describes a communication method that can improve the success rate of random access based on OCC for terminals with receiving power within a certain range. Below, another communication method is introduced. Implementing this method reduces mutual interference between terminals supporting OCC-based random access and those not supporting OCC-based random access, improving the success rate of random access for both types of terminals and reducing the probability of these terminals failing to access the network device, especially reducing the probability of terminals not supporting OCC-based random access failing to access the network device. Furthermore, for different terminals supporting OCC-based random access, this method reduces the near-far effect that occurs when preambles arrive at the network device due to significant differences in receiving power during random access on the same carrier, increasing the probability of successful random access for terminals with lower receiving power. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, another communication method provided in this application embodiment is illustrated. This communication method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

601. The network device sends first information, which is used to indicate a first carrier that supports random access based on OCC and/or a second carrier that does not support random access based on OCC.

For example, a network device can broadcast first information. In this case, terminals within the network device's coverage area (such as a first terminal) can receive the first information. The first information can be carried in a system message (such as an SIB). Alternatively, the first information is a system message; this application does not specify which type of broadcast message the first information carries.

Optionally, the first carrier that supports random access based on OCC and/or the second carrier that does not support random access based on OCC can be notified by the network device to the terminal (such as the first terminal) within the coverage area of the network device directly or indirectly, or predefined, and this application does not limit this.

For example, the first piece of information is a bitmap, where one bit corresponds to the first carrier and another bit corresponds to the second carrier. For instance, the carriers are mapped one-to-one with the bits in the bitmap in ascending order of their indices, or vice versa. When a bit in the bitmap is set to 0, it indicates that the carrier corresponding to that bit does not support random access based on OCC. When the bit is set to 1, it indicates that the carrier corresponding to that bit supports random access based on OCC, and vice versa. For example, if the bitmap is 0101, the first bit (the leftmost bit, or the most significant bit (MSB)) corresponds to carrier 0, and its value of 0 indicates that carrier 0 does not support random access based on OCC. The second bit corresponds to carrier 1, and its value of 1 indicates that carrier 1 supports random access based on OCC. The third bit corresponds to carrier 2, and its value of 0 indicates that carrier 2 does not support random access based on OCC. The fourth bit corresponds to carrier 3. The value of the fourth bit is 1, indicating that carrier 3 supports random access based on OCC.

For example, the first piece of information is P bits, corresponding to 2^ ^P states. One state indicates whether a carrier supports random access based on OCC, and P can be an integer greater than or equal to 1. For instance, P can be 1, corresponding to two states '1' and '0'. '1' indicates that the first carrier supports random access based on OCC, and '0' indicates that the second carrier does not support random access based on OCC. The reverse is also possible. Or, '1' indicates that the first carrier supports random access based on OCC, and '0' indicates that the first carrier does not support random access based on OCC. The reverse is also possible. Or, '1' indicates that the second carrier supports random access based on OCC, and '0' indicates that the second carrier does not support random access based on OCC. The reverse is also possible.

For example, the first information is one of multiple first information. This should be understood as the first terminal possibly receiving multiple first information, i.e., it can also be described as: the first terminal receives multiple first information. In this case, it can be understood as: one of the multiple first information is used to indicate a first carrier that supports random access based on OCC. Another of the multiple first information is used to indicate a second carrier that does not support random access based on OCC, etc.

In this application, a carrier (such as the first carrier, the second carrier, the third carrier, or the fourth carrier) may be an anchor carrier or a non-anchor carrier, and no limitation is made here.

602. If the first terminal supports random access based on OCC, the first terminal performs random access based on OCC on the first carrier.

For example, the first terminal multiplies the preamble by the OCC and maps it onto the first carrier for transmission.

603. If the first terminal does not support random access based on OCC, the first terminal performs random access on the second carrier.

For example, the first terminal transmits a preamble on the second carrier.

In one possible implementation, the first terminal may further receive second information, which indicates whether a third carrier supports OCC-based transmission of message B or message 3 and/or does not support a fourth carrier. Wherein, if the first terminal supports OCC-based transmission of message B or message 3, the first terminal transmits message B or message 3 on the third carrier. If the first terminal does not support OCC-based transmission of message B or message 3, the first terminal transmits message B or message 3 on the fourth carrier.

Optionally, the second information can be carried in a system message (such as an SIB). In other words, the second information is a system message, and this application does not specify which broadcast message the second information is carried in.

Optionally, the third carrier that supports sending message B or message 3 based on OCC and/or the fourth carrier that does not support sending message B or message 3 based on OCC can be notified directly or indirectly by the network device to the terminal (such as the first terminal), or it can be predefined, and is not limited here. The method of 'the second information indicating that the third carrier supports sending message B or message 3 based on OCC and/or the fourth carrier does not support sending message B or message 3 based on OCC' is similar to the method of 'the first information indicating that the first carrier supports random access based on OCC and/or the second carrier does not support random access based on OCC', and will not be elaborated here.

In this context, the first terminal sending message B or message 3 on the third carrier based on OCC can be understood as follows: the first terminal multiplies message B or message 3 by OCC and then maps it to the third carrier for transmission.

It should be noted that the carrier involved in the embodiment described in FIG6 can be replaced with frequency domain resources and/or time domain resources of other granularities. For example, the carrier involved in the embodiment described in FIG6 can be replaced with at least one subcarrier, at least one resource block, at least one resource block group, at least one subchannel, or at least one portion of bandwidth. And/or, the carrier involved in the embodiment described in FIG6 can be replaced with at least one frame, at least one subframe, at least one time slot, at least one symbol, etc. This application does not limit this.

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

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

Referring to Figure 7, Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication device 700 can be applied to the methods shown in the embodiments of Figure 3 or Figure 6 above. As shown in Figure 7, the communication device 700 includes a processing module 701 and a transceiver module 702. The processing module 701 may be one or more processors, and the transceiver module 702 may be a transceiver or a communication interface. This communication device can be used to implement the terminal (such as a first terminal) or network device involved in any of the above method embodiments, or to implement the functions of network elements involved in any of the above method embodiments. The network element or network function can be a network component in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualization function instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). Optionally, the communication device 700 may also include a storage module 703 for storing the program code and data of the communication device 700.

In one example, the communication device functions as a terminal (such as the first terminal) or as a chip applied to a terminal (such as the first terminal), i.e., a chip used in the terminal (such as the first terminal), and executes the steps performed by the terminal (such as the first terminal) in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 702 is used to specifically execute the sending and/or receiving actions performed by the terminal (such as the first terminal) in the embodiments shown in FIG3 or FIG6, for example, supporting the terminal (such as the first terminal) in performing other processes of the technology described herein. The processing module 701 can be used to support the communication device 700 in performing the processing actions in the above method embodiments, for example, supporting the terminal (such as the first terminal) in performing other processes of the technology described herein.

For example, the transceiver module 702 is configured to: receive first information; and, if a first condition is met, perform random access on a second random access resource based on an orthogonal cover code (OCC). The first information indicates a first random access resource associated with a first received power range and a second random access resource associated with a second received power range, wherein the minimum value of the first received power range is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the second received power range, and the received power of the communication device 700 is within the first received power range.

In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to receive second information, which is used to indicate the first condition.

In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to receive third information, which allows terminals (including the first terminal) whose received power is within the first received power range to perform random access on the second random access resource based on OCC.

For example, the transceiver module 702 is configured to: receive first information, which may be used to indicate a first carrier that supports OCC-based random access and/or a second carrier that does not support OCC-based random access; perform OCC-based random access on the first carrier if the communication device 700 supports OCC-based random access; and perform random access on the second carrier if the communication device 700 does not support OCC-based random access.

In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to: receive second information, the second information indicating that a third carrier supports OCC-based transmission of message B or message 3 and/or does not support a fourth carrier supporting OCC-based transmission of message B or message 3. If the communication device 700 supports OCC-based transmission of message B or message 3, message B or message 3 is transmitted on the third carrier based on OCC. If the communication device 700 does not support OCC-based transmission of message B or message 3, message B or message 3 is transmitted on the fourth carrier.

In one example, when the communication device functions as a network device or as a chip applied within a network device (i.e., a chip used in a network device), it executes the steps performed by the network device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 702 is used to specifically execute the sending and/or receiving actions performed by the network device in the embodiments shown in FIG3 or FIG6, for example, supporting the network device in performing other processes of the technology described herein. The processing module 701 can be used to support the communication device 700 in performing the processing actions in the above method embodiments, for example, supporting the network device in performing other processes of the technology described herein.

For example, the transceiver module 702 is used to send first information, which is used to indicate a first random access resource associated with a first receive power range and a second random access resource associated with a second receive power range. The minimum value of the first receive power range is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the second receive power range. The second random access resource is used by the first terminal to perform random access based on OCC when the first condition is met, and the receive power of the first terminal is within the first receive power range.

In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to send second information, which is used to indicate the first condition.

In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to send third information, which allows communication devices with receiving power within a first receiving power range to perform random access on a second random access resource based on OCC.

For example, the transceiver module 702 is used to transmit first information, which may be used to indicate a first carrier that supports random access based on OCC and/or a second carrier that does not support random access based on OCC.

In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to transmit second information, the second information being used to indicate that a third carrier supporting the transmission of message B or message 3 based on OCC is supported and/or a fourth carrier not supporting the transmission of message B or message 3 based on OCC is not supported.

In one possible implementation, when the aforementioned device is a chip, the transceiver module 702 can be a communication interface, pins, or circuits. The communication interface can be used to input data to be processed to the processor and can output the processor's processing results. Specifically, the communication interface can be a general purpose input/output (GPIO) interface, which can connect to multiple peripheral devices (such as LCD displays, cameras, radio frequency (RF) modules, antennas, etc.). The communication interface is connected to the processor via a bus.

The processing module 701 can be a processing circuit, which may be one or more processors, or all or part of the circuitry within one or more processors used for control and/or processing. This processing circuit or processor can execute computer execution instructions stored in the storage module to cause the chip to execute the methods involved in the embodiments shown in FIG3 or FIG6. Further, the processor may include a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and registers. For example, the controller is primarily responsible for instruction decoding and issuing control signals for the operations corresponding to the instructions. The ALU is primarily responsible for performing fixed-point or floating-point arithmetic operations, shift operations, and logical operations, and can also perform address operations and conversions. The registers are primarily responsible for storing register operands and intermediate operation results temporarily stored during instruction execution. In specific implementations, the processor's hardware architecture can be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) architecture, a microprocessor without interlocked piped stages architecture (MIPS) architecture, an advanced reduced instruction set machine (RISC) machine (ARM) architecture, or a network processor (NP) architecture, etc. The processor can be single-core or multi-core. The storage module can be an on-chip storage module, such as registers or caches. Alternatively, the storage module can be an external storage module, such as read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM), etc.

It should be noted that the functions of the processor and interface can be implemented through hardware design, software design, or a combination of both; no restrictions are imposed here.

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. It is understood that the communication device 810 includes necessary means such as modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, appropriately configured together to execute this solution. The communication device 810 can be the aforementioned terminal (such as the first terminal) or network device, or a component (such as a chip) within these devices, used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. The communication device 810 includes one or more processors 811. The processor 811 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a terminal (such as the first terminal), network device, or chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

Optionally, in one design, the processor 811 may include a program 813 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which can be executed on the processor 811 to cause the communication device 810 to perform the methods described in the above embodiments. In yet another possible design, the communication device 810 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG8) for implementing the functions of a terminal (such as a first terminal), network device, etc., as described in the above embodiments. Optionally, the communication device 810 may include one or more memories 812 storing a program 814 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which can be executed on the processor 811 to cause the communication device 810 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

Optionally, data may also be stored in the processor 811 and/or the memory 812. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

Optionally, if the communication device 810 is a terminal (such as the first terminal) or a network device, it may also include a transceiver 815 and/or an antenna 816. The processor 811, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device (e.g., the terminal (such as the first terminal) or network device). The transceiver 815, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or simply a transceiver, is used to implement the transmission and reception functions of the communication device via the antenna 816.

Optionally, if the communication device 810 is a chip for a terminal (such as a first terminal) or network device, it may also include transceiver circuitry, such as an input/output interface, or a transceiver interface.

This application also provides a communication device, which includes at least one processor; wherein the at least one processor is configured to perform the method described in any one of the embodiments shown in FIG3 or FIG6.

This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed, cause the computer to perform the method described in any of the embodiments shown in FIG3 or FIG6.

This application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code. When the computer program code is run, it causes the computer to perform the method described in any of the embodiments shown in FIG3 or FIG6.

This application also provides a chip, which includes at least one processor and an interface. The processor is used to read and execute instructions stored in a memory. When the instructions are executed, the chip causes the chip to perform the method described in any of the embodiments shown in FIG3 or FIG6.

Optionally, the processing performed by a single execution entity (terminal or network device) shown in any of the above embodiments can also be divided into multiple execution entities, which can be logically and/or physically separated. For example, the processing performed by the network device can be divided into execution by at least one of CU, DU, and RU.

Furthermore, the various embodiments of this application are merely illustrative examples of executing all the steps included, and should not be considered as specific limitations on this application. For example, the order of steps in various embodiments can be simply changed according to their function and internal logic; or, for example, all steps in various embodiments can be executed, or only a portion of them can be executed, as long as the same function as in the embodiments of this application can be achieved.

In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to a network device" can be understood as the destination of the information being the network device, which can include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission via the air interface from other units or modules. "Receive information from a network device" can be understood as the source of the information being the network device, which can include direct reception from the network device via the air interface or indirect reception from the network device via the air interface from other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminals; or they can occur within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within a device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

In the embodiments of this application, "when," "if," "if," and "in the case of" all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when it is implemented, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

In this application, the words “example,” “exemplarily,” “for example,” or “such as” are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as “example,” “exemplarily,” “for example,” or “such as” in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the words “example,” “exemplarily,” “for example,” or “such as” is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims (16)

A communication method, characterized in that it includes: A first communication device receives first information, which indicates a first random access resource associated with a first received power range and a second random access resource associated with a second received power range, wherein the minimum value of the first received power range is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the second received power range, and the received power of the first communication device is within the first received power range. If the first condition is met, the first communication device performs random access on the second random access resource based on the orthogonal coverage code OCC. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first condition includes at least one of the following: The number of failed random access transmission attempts based on OCC on the first random access resource reaches x, where x is an integer greater than or equal to 1; or, Attempts to perform random access transmission based on OCC on the first random access resource at maximum transmission power failed; or, The duration for initiating random access based on OCC on the first random access resource reaches the first duration; or, The receiving power of the first communication device is within the receiving power range determined based on the first offset value and the first receiving power range. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the method further comprises: Receive second information, which is used to indicate the first condition. According to the method of claim 2, the x is the maximum number of failed random access transmission attempts based on OCC corresponding to the first received power range. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the method further comprises: Receive third information, the third information being used to allow communication devices whose received power is within the first received power range to perform random access on the second random access resource based on OCC. A communication method, characterized in that it includes: The second communication device sends first information, which is used to indicate a first random access resource associated with a first received power range and a second random access resource associated with a second received power range, wherein the minimum value of the first received power range is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the second received power range. The second random access resource is used by the first communication device to perform random access based on the orthogonal coverage code OCC when the first condition is met, and the receiving power of the first communication device is within the first receiving power range. The method according to claim 6, wherein the first condition includes at least one of the following: The number of failed random access transmission attempts based on OCC on the first random access resource reaches x, where x is an integer greater than or equal to 1; or, Attempts to perform random access transmission based on OCC on the first random access resource at maximum transmission power failed; or, The duration for initiating random access based on OCC on the first random access resource reaches the first duration; or, The receiving power of the first communication device is within the receiving power range determined based on the first offset value and the first receiving power range. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the method further comprises: Send a second message, which indicates the first condition. According to the method of claim 7, the x is the maximum number of failed random access transmission attempts based on OCC corresponding to the first received power range. The method according to any one of claims 6-9, characterized in that the method further comprises: Send a third message, the third message being used to allow communication devices whose received power is within the first received power range to perform random access on the second random access resource based on OCC. A communication device, characterized in that it includes a unit or module for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10. A communication device, characterized in that the communication device includes at least one processor; wherein the at least one processor is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 10. A communication system, characterized in that the communication system includes a first communication device and a second communication device; The first communication device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5; The second communication device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 6 to 10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10. A computer program product, characterized in that the computer program product comprises: computer program code, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10. A chip, characterized in that the chip includes at least one processor and an interface, the processor being configured to read and execute instructions stored in a memory, wherein when the instructions are executed, the chip causes the chip to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.