Communication method and device

Abstract

This application relates to a communication method and apparatus. A first network device obtains first QoS information from a first communication network. Based on the first QoS information, the first network device determines the QoS information of data transmitted through a first transmission path in a second communication network. The first network device sends QoS information of a first link to a communication device. The QoS information of the first link is included in the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network. The first link is the link between the communication device and the next-hop device on the first transmission path. The first network device can decompose the QoS information of industrial Ethernet onto each link on the first transmission path, so that each link can clearly determine which QoS information should be transmitted. This provides a specific implementation method for 5GS to adapt to industrial Ethernet, enabling 5GS to adapt to industrial Ethernet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] The introduction of the 5G mobile communication system (5GS) into the industrial sector raises the issue of network compatibility with existing industrial environments. Currently, the mainstream networking methods in operational technology (OT) scenarios are bus-based and industrial Ethernet. However, with the gradual upgrading of industrial equipment and the increasing diversification of industrial needs, industrial Ethernet, due to its flexible networking methods, universal network interfaces, and powerful network performance, is gradually replacing traditional bus-based networking. Therefore, 5GS compatibility with industrial Ethernet has become an inevitable trend.

[0003] A key aspect of 5GS adaptation for industrial Ethernet is Quality of Service (QoS) adaptation. For 5GS to be compatible with industrial Ethernet, the QoS of the industrial Ethernet needs to be converted to the QoS of 5GS. Currently, if 5GS is considered as a node within the industrial Ethernet network, then the QoS obtained by 5GS is the overall QoS for that node. However, 5GS also includes multiple devices, and data transmission within 5GS occurs between these devices. This can lead to inaccurate control over the data transmission process within 5GS, resulting in reduced communication quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus to enable 5GS to adapt to industrial Ethernet.

[0005] Firstly, a first communication method is provided, which can be executed by a network device or a chip system capable of implementing the functions of the network device. Exemplarily, the network device is a core network device, such as an application function (AF), session management function (SMF), or policy control function (PCF). The method includes: a first network device obtaining first QoS information of a first communication network; the first network device determining, based on the first QoS information, QoS information of data transmitted through a first transmission path in a second communication network. The QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network includes QoS information of multiple links on the first transmission path, wherein one endpoint of each of the multiple links is a terminal device in the second communication network, and all the multiple links are located in the second communication network. The first network device sends QoS information of the first link to a communication device, the QoS information of the first link being included in the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network, wherein the first link is a link between the communication device and a next-hop device on the first transmission path, and the communication device is either a second network device or a first terminal device.

[0006] In this embodiment, the first communication network is, for example, an industrial Ethernet network, or it could be another network. The second communication network is, for example, a 5GS network, or it could be another network. The first network device can determine the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network based on the first QoS information of the first communication network. Specifically, the first network device determines the QoS information of multiple links on the first transmission path. That is, the first network device can decompose the QoS information of the industrial Ethernet network onto each link on the first transmission path, so that each link can clearly determine which QoS information should be used for transmission. This provides a specific implementation method for 5GS to adapt to industrial Ethernet, enabling 5GS to be adapted to industrial Ethernet. Furthermore, decomposing the QoS information onto each link allows for better control of the entire transmission path, thereby improving transmission quality.

[0007] In one optional implementation, the first network device determines the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network based on the first QoS information. This includes: the first network device mapping the first QoS information to second QoS information, where the second QoS information is QoS information applied to the second communication network; and the first network device determining the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network based on the second QoS information. The first QoS information is QoS information in Industrial Ethernet, and the first network device is located in 5GS. Since the first network device needs to determine the QoS information of the data in 5GS, it can map the first QoS information to QoS information in 5GS (referred to as the second QoS information). Therefore, it can determine the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network based on the second QoS information. The QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network can include the QoS information of each link in one or more links on the first transmission path. That is, the first network device can decompose the second QoS information according to the links, thereby setting QoS information for each link on the first transmission path. In this way, the QoS information of Industrial Ethernet can be adapted to 5GS, and the data of Industrial Ethernet can be transmitted in 5GS in a manner that meets the QoS information of Industrial Ethernet.

[0008] In one optional implementation, the first network device determines the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network based on the first QoS information. This includes: the first network device determining the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network based on the first QoS information and connection status information. The connection status information indicates the connection status of multiple terminal devices located in the second communication network. These multiple terminal devices are capable of transmitting data to devices located in the first communication network. A terminal device that is an endpoint of each of the multiple links belongs to the multiple terminal devices. For example, if the connection status information includes information on whether the UE supports D2D connection, then the first network device can determine that the first transmission path is a path through a UPF (in various embodiments of this application, "path through a UPF" is also referred to as "path forwarded through a UPF") or a D2D transmission path. As another example, if the connection status information includes latency information between the UE and the various devices connected to the UE, then the first network device can determine the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS based on the first QoS information and the connection status information. For example, when decomposing the second QoS information, the first network device can consider the latency information between the UE and the various devices connected to the UE. By taking connection state information into account, the first network device can determine a transmission path that better reflects the actual data transmission situation, and can also determine more accurate QoS information.

[0009] In one optional implementation, the connection status information includes latency information between the first terminal device and each device connected to it, and / or information on whether the first terminal device supports D2D connection mode, where the first terminal device is one of the plurality of terminal devices. For example, the connection status information can represent the connection status of multiple terminal devices located in the 5GS, or it can include the connection status information of multiple terminal devices located in the 5GS. The connection status information of one terminal device can be referred to as sub-connection status information. Taking the first terminal device as an example, the sub-connection status information of the first terminal device can include latency information (or delay information) between the first terminal device and each device connected to it, or information on whether the first terminal device supports D2D connection mode, or information on latency information between the first terminal device and each device connected to it, and information on whether the first terminal device supports D2D connection mode. Thus, the first network device can better determine the data transmission path in the 5GS based on the connection status information.

[0010] In one optional implementation, the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network includes one or more decomposition information. Each of the one or more decomposition information includes QoS information of multiple links on the first transmission path, wherein the QoS information of at least one link on the first transmission path is different in different decomposition information. It can be considered that when the first network device allocates the second QoS information to the first transmission path, it can adopt one decomposition method or multiple decomposition methods. In each decomposition method, it can include the QoS information of at least one link on the first transmission path, and the sum of the delays corresponding to the QoS information of at least one link on the first transmission path for each decomposition method can be less than or equal to the value of the packet delay budget parameter included in the second QoS information. The at least one link on the first transmission path can include some or all links on the first transmission path. Setting multiple decomposition methods for QoS information for the first transmission path facilitates the selection of different decomposition methods for the first transmission path according to network conditions. For example, at one time, decomposition method 1 can be selected for the first transmission path, and at the next time, decomposition method 2 can be selected. This makes the decomposition of QoS information of links more flexible and can improve the quality and success rate of data transmission.

[0011] In one optional implementation, the first network device sends QoS information of the first link to the communication device, including: the first network device sending the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network to the communication device. The communication device may include a second network device, or a first terminal device, or both a second network device and a first terminal device. The second network device may include, for example, a UPF, or a (R)AN, or both a UPF and a (R)AN. The first network device may only send the QoS information of the first link to the communication device, without having to send the QoS information of other links in the first transmission path. This reduces signaling overhead, and the communication device can still send data packets of the first UE based on the QoS information of the first link. Alternatively, the first network device may also send the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the 5GS to the communication device (the first network device sending the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the 5GS to the UPF is considered as sending the QoS information of the first link to the communication device), so that the communication device can obtain not only the QoS information of the first link, but also the QoS information of other links on the first transmission path.

[0012] In an optional implementation, when the QoS information of the data transmitted via the first transmission path in the second communication network includes multiple decomposition information, the method further includes: the first network device determining first decomposition information corresponding to the communication device from the one or more decomposition information included in the QoS information of the data transmitted via the first transmission path in the second communication network; and the first network device sending an index of the first decomposition information to the communication device. If the QoS information of the data transmitted via the first transmission path in the 5GS includes multiple decomposition information, then the first network device can select one decomposition information for the first UE from these multiple decomposition information, for example, the first network device selects the first decomposition information. If the first network device sends the QoS information of the data transmitted via the first transmission path in the 5GS to the communication device, then the first network device can also send the index of the first decomposition information to the communication device, so that the communication device can know which decomposition information in the QoS information of the data transmitted via the first transmission path in the 5GS should be used.

[0013] In one alternative implementation, some or all of the links on the first transmission path are D2D links. The first transmission path may be, for example, a transmission path through a UPF, and may not include D2D links; or, the first transmission path may be, for example, a D2D transmission path, and may include one or more D2D links.

[0014] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: the first network device sending information about terminal devices that do not support D2D connection communication to the second network device. If there are terminal devices that do not support D2D connection communication, then the communication of these terminal devices needs to go through the second network device. In this case, the first network device can send information about these terminal devices to the second network device, so that the second network device can clearly identify which terminal devices need to forward data.

[0015] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: the first network device determining, based on the first QoS information, the QoS information of data transmitted through the second transmission path in the second communication network, wherein the QoS information of data transmitted through the second transmission path in the second communication network includes the QoS information of multiple links on the second transmission path; the first network device sending handover delay information to the second network device, the handover delay information indicating the time required for the first terminal device to switch from the first transmission path to the second transmission path, wherein in the first transmission path, the link between the first terminal device and the third terminal device is a D2D link, and in the second transmission path, the link between the first terminal device and the third terminal device is a link passing through the second network device; or, in the first transmission path, the link between the first terminal device and the third terminal device is a link passing through the second network device, and in the second transmission path, the link between the first terminal device and the third terminal device is a D2D link. In this embodiment, terminal devices can switch between different transmission paths. For example, if a transmission path cannot meet the corresponding QoS information, the terminal device on that transmission path can consider switching transmission paths. However, if the latency required to switch transmission paths is too long, it may cause service interruptions for terminal devices or affect the system, which is undesirable. Therefore, when switching transmission paths, the switching latency can be considered. The first network device can send the switching latency information to the second network device, so that the second network device can determine whether the first terminal device can switch transmission paths based on the switching latency information, thereby reducing the impact on the system caused by switching transmission paths.

[0016] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: the first network device receiving a determination result from the second network device; if the determination result indicates that the duration indicated by the switching delay information is less than or equal to the lifetime of the data of the first terminal device, the first network device instructs the first terminal device to switch to the second transmission path. For example, the second network device determines whether the first terminal device can perform a path switch based on the switching delay information. The second network device can determine whether the duration indicated by the switching delay information is less than or equal to the lifetime of the data of the first terminal device. If the duration indicated by the switching delay information is less than or equal to the lifetime of the data of the first terminal device, it indicates that the path switch performed by the first terminal device will not affect the system, and the second network device determines that the first terminal device can perform a path switch; if the duration indicated by the switching delay information is less than or equal to the lifetime of the data of the first terminal device, it indicates that the path switch performed by the first terminal device will affect the system, and the second network device determines that the first terminal device cannot perform a path switch. Furthermore, the second network device can send the determination result to the first network device, and the first network device can determine whether the first terminal device can switch transmission paths based on the determination result.

[0017] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: the first network device sending QoS information of the data transmitted via the second transmission path in the second communication network to the second network device and / or the first terminal device. If the data has other transmission paths in the 5GS besides the first transmission path, the first network device can determine the QoS information of the data transmitted via the first transmission path in the second communication network based on the second QoS information, and may also determine the QoS information of other transmission paths. For example, the first network device may also determine the QoS information of the data transmitted via the second transmission path in the second communication network. Then, the first network device can also send the QoS information of the data transmitted via the second transmission path in the second communication network to the second network device and / or the first terminal device, so that the second network device and / or the first terminal device can apply the QoS information of the data transmitted via the second transmission path in the second communication network to transmit the data of the first terminal device on the second transmission path.

[0018] Secondly, a second communication method is provided, which can be executed by a communication device, a chip system, or a larger device including the communication device, the chip system being capable of implementing the functions of the communication device. For example, the communication device is a network device; exemplarily, the network device is a core network device, such as a user plane function (UPF), or, exemplarily, the network device is an access network device, such as (R)AN. Another example is that the communication device is a terminal device, such as a first terminal device. The method includes: the communication device receiving QoS information of a first link, the first link being a link between the communication device and a next-hop device on a first transmission path, wherein the first transmission path includes multiple links in a second communication network, and one endpoint of each of the multiple links is a terminal device, the terminal device being capable of transmitting data for devices located in the first communication network, and the first link being one of the multiple links; the communication device receiving a first data packet, the first data packet corresponding to the first terminal device; and the communication device sending the first data packet to the next-hop device through the first link according to the QoS information of the first link.

[0019] In one optional implementation, the communication device receives QoS information of a first link, including: the communication device receiving QoS information of data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network, wherein the QoS information of data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network includes QoS information of multiple links on the first transmission path in the second communication network, and the QoS information of the multiple links includes the QoS information of the first link.

[0020] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: the communication device receiving an index of first decomposition information, wherein the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network includes one or more decomposition information, each of the one or more decomposition information includes QoS information of multiple links on the first transmission path in the second communication network, and in different decomposition information, the QoS information of at least one link on the first transmission path is different, and the first decomposition information is one of the one or more decomposition information.

[0021] In one optional implementation, the QoS information of the first link is the QoS information of the first link corresponding to the index of the first decomposition information.

[0022] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: the communication device obtaining actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device; the communication device determining, based on the first decomposition information and the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device, whether to reselect decomposition information for the first terminal device. Since the communication device obtains both the first decomposition information and the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device, it can determine the degree of fit between the first decomposition information and the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device, and thus determine whether to reselect decomposition information for the first terminal device, thereby selecting decomposition information that better matches the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device.

[0023] In one optional implementation, the communication device determines whether to reselect decomposition information for the first terminal device based on the first decomposition information and the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device. This includes: if the difference between the latency corresponding to the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device and the latency corresponding to the QoS information of the second link included in the first decomposition information is greater than a first threshold, the communication device reselects decomposition information for the first terminal device, where the second link is the link corresponding to the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device. If the difference between the latency corresponding to the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device and the latency corresponding to the QoS information of the second link included in the first decomposition information is too large, it indicates that the first decomposition information has low applicability to the second link. In this case, the communication device can reselect decomposition information for the first terminal device to select decomposition information that is more suitable for the second link.

[0024] In one optional implementation, the communication device reselects decomposition information for the first terminal device, including: the communication device reselects decomposition information for the first terminal device based on the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device, wherein the latency corresponding to the QoS information of the second link included in the reselected decomposition information is greater than or equal to the latency corresponding to the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device. The decomposition information reselected by the communication device can conform as closely as possible to the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device.

[0025] In one optional implementation, the communication device obtains the actual QoS information of the data from the first terminal device by: the communication device obtaining first cumulative QoS information, which includes the sum of the actual QoS information of all links traversed by the data of the first terminal device from the first device in the first transmission path to the communication device. The actual QoS information of the data from the first terminal device obtained by the communication device may be, for example, the actual QoS information of the second link, or it may be the first cumulative QoS information, which more clearly indicates the QoS information of the links in the first transmission path preceding the communication device.

[0026] In one optional implementation, the communication device determines whether to reselect decomposition information for the first terminal device based on the first decomposition information and the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device. This includes: if the difference between the delay corresponding to the first accumulated QoS information and the delay corresponding to the second accumulated QoS information is greater than a second threshold, the communication device reselects decomposition information for the first terminal device. The delay corresponding to the second accumulated QoS information includes the sum of the delays corresponding to the QoS information of the N links included in the first decomposition information. The N links are all the links traversed by the data of the first terminal device from the first device in the first transmission path to the communication device, and N is a positive integer. If the difference between the delay corresponding to the second accumulated QoS information and the delay corresponding to the first accumulated QoS information is too large, it indicates that the first decomposition information has low applicability to the N links. In this case, the communication device can reselect decomposition information for the first terminal device to select decomposition information that is more suitable for the second link.

[0027] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: the communication device reselecting decomposition information for the first terminal device, comprising: the communication device reselecting decomposition information for the first terminal device based on the first accumulated QoS information and the second accumulated QoS information, wherein the sum of the delays corresponding to the QoS information of the N links included in the reselected decomposition information is greater than or equal to the delay corresponding to the first accumulated QoS information. When reselecting decomposition information, the communication device may consider not affecting the links preceding the communication device on the first transmission path to improve the data transmission success rate.

[0028] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: the communication device receiving QoS information of data transmitted through a second transmission path in the second communication network, wherein the QoS information of data transmitted through the second transmission path in the second communication network includes QoS information of links on the second transmission path, and the second transmission path is the transmission path corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0029] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: the communication device determining that the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network cannot satisfy the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device, but the QoS information of the data transmitted through the second transmission path in the second communication network can satisfy the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device, wherein the second QoS information is the QoS information of the second communication network, wherein in the first transmission path, the first terminal device and the second terminal device are connected via a D2D link, and in the second transmission path, the first device and the second terminal device are connected via a link through the second network device; or, in the first transmission path, the first terminal device and the second terminal device are connected via a link through the second network device, and in the second transmission path, the first terminal device and the second terminal device are connected via a D2D link; the communication device determining whether the duration indicated by the handover delay information is less than or equal to the lifetime of the data of the first terminal device, wherein the handover delay information is used to indicate the duration required for the first terminal device to switch from the first transmission path to the second transmission path; and the communication device sending the determination result to the first network device.

[0030] In one optional implementation, the determination result is used to indicate that the duration indicated by the handover delay information is less than or equal to the data lifetime of the first terminal device, or to indicate that the duration indicated by the handover delay information is greater than the data lifetime of the first terminal device; or, the determination result is used to indicate a normal state, or an abnormal state; or, the determination result is used to indicate that a handover path is allowed, or a handover path is not allowed. The determination result may have multiple indication methods, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0031] In one optional implementation, the communication device sends the first data packet to the next-hop device via the first link, comprising: the communication device sending the first data packet carrying an index of decomposition information of the data of the first terminal device to the next-hop device via the first link. The communication device may not be the last-hop device on the first transmission path, and the communication device may reselect decomposition information for the first terminal device. Therefore, optionally, when the communication device sends the data packet to the next-hop device via the first link, it may carry an index of the decomposition information used by the communication device in the data packet, so that other devices on the first transmission path can clearly identify which decomposition information the communication device used, thereby ensuring that the decomposition information used by each device on the first transmission path is consistent, thus meeting the QoS requirements of industrial Ethernet.

[0032] For information on the technical effects of the second aspect or some of its implementations, please refer to the description of the technical effects of the first aspect or its corresponding implementations.

[0033] Thirdly, a communication device is provided. This communication device may be a first network device as described in the first or second aspect above, or an electronic device (e.g., a chip system) configured in the first network device, or a larger device including the first network device. The first network device includes corresponding means or modules for performing the above-described methods. For example, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a transceiver unit (sometimes also called a transceiver module).

[0034] For example, the processing unit is used to obtain first Quality of Service (QoS) information of the first communication network;

[0035] The processing unit is further configured to determine, based on the first QoS information, the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network, wherein the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network includes the QoS information of multiple links on the first transmission path, wherein one endpoint of each of the multiple links is a terminal device in the second communication network, and all of the multiple links are located in the second communication network.

[0036] The transceiver unit is used to send QoS information of a first link to the communication device. The QoS information of the first link is included in the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network. The first link is the link between the communication device and the next-hop device on the first transmission path. The communication device is a second network device or a first terminal device.

[0037] In one alternative implementation, the communication device includes a storage unit, and the processing unit is coupled to the storage unit and executes programs or instructions in the storage unit to enable the communication device to perform the functions of the first network device described above.

[0038] In one alternative embodiment, the communication device includes a processor coupled to a memory for executing instructions in the memory to implement the method performed by the first network device in the first or second aspect described above. Optionally, the communication device may also include other components, such as an antenna, input / output modules, interfaces, etc. These components may be hardware, software, or a combination of both.

[0039] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be the communication equipment described in the first or second aspect above. The communication device possesses the functions of the aforementioned communication equipment. The communication equipment may be, for example, a network device, such as a second network device, which may be, for example, a core network device, such as a UPF, or an access network device, such as a (R)AN, or a baseband device within a (R)AN. Alternatively, the communication device may be, for example, a terminal device, such as a first terminal device. In one optional implementation, the communication device includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device. In another optional implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a transceiver unit (sometimes also called a transceiver module).

[0040] For example, the transceiver unit is used to receive QoS information of a first link, where the first link is a link between the communication device and the next-hop device on the first transmission path. The first transmission path includes multiple links in the second communication network, and one endpoint of each of the multiple links is a terminal device. The terminal device is capable of transmitting data for devices located in the first communication network, and the first link is one of the multiple links.

[0041] The transceiver unit is also used to receive a first data packet, which corresponds to a first terminal device;

[0042] The processing unit is further configured to send the first data packet to the next-hop device via the first link through the transceiver unit, according to the QoS information of the first link.

[0043] In one alternative implementation, the communication device includes a storage unit, and the processing unit is coupled to the storage unit and executes programs or instructions in the storage unit to enable the communication device to perform the functions of the aforementioned communication equipment.

[0044] In one optional embodiment, the communication device includes a processor coupled to a memory for executing instructions in the memory to implement the method performed by the communication device in the first or second aspect described above. Optionally, the communication device may also include other components, such as an antenna, input / output modules, interfaces, etc. These components may be hardware, software, or a combination of both.

[0045] Fifthly, a communication system is provided, which may include the communication device described in the third aspect, as well as the communication device described in the fourth aspect.

[0046] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the methods performed by the communication device or the first network device in the above aspects to be implemented.

[0047] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, enables the methods described in the above aspects to be implemented. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture;

[0049] Figure 2 This is a combined architecture of 5GS and TSN in a layer 2 network;

[0050] Figure 3 A structural diagram of a 5GS-adapted industrial Ethernet designed for an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario according to an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 5 , Figures 7-10 Flowcharts of several communication methods provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0053] Figure 6A This is a schematic diagram illustrating how the first QoS information is mapped to the second QoS information in an embodiment of this application.

[0054] Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram illustrating another application scenario of an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 6C This is a schematic diagram illustrating another application scenario of this application embodiment;

[0056] Figure 11 A schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 12A schematic block diagram of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 13 This is a schematic block diagram of a network device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0059] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] The following explanations of some terms used in the embodiments of this application are provided to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0061] In this embodiment, the terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, which can be a fixed device, mobile device, handheld device, wearable device, vehicle-mounted device, or a wireless device (e.g., a communication module or chip system) built into the aforementioned devices. The terminal device is used to connect people, objects, machines, etc., and can be widely used in various scenarios, including but not limited to the following: cellular communication, device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine / machine-type communication (M2M / MTC) communication, Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, self-driving, remote medical care, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart city, drones, robots, and other scenarios. The terminal device may sometimes be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal, access station, UE station, remote station, wireless communication equipment, or user device, etc. For ease of description, the terminal device in this application embodiment will be described using UE as an example.

[0062] The network devices in the embodiments of this application include, for example, access network devices and / or core network devices.

[0063] The access network device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, used to communicate with the terminal device. The access network device includes, but is not limited to, base stations (BTS, Node B, eNodeB / eNB, or gNodeB / gNB), transceiver points (TRPs), 3GPP subsequent evolution base stations, access nodes, wireless relay nodes, and wireless backhaul nodes in the aforementioned communication systems. The base station can be a macro base station, micro base station, pico base station, small cell, relay station, etc. Multiple base stations can support networks using the same access technology mentioned above, or they can support networks using different access technologies mentioned above. A base station can contain one or more co-located or non-co-located transmission and reception points. The network device can also be a radio controller, centralized unit (CU), and / or distributed unit (DU) in a cloud radio access network (C(R)AN) scenario. The network device can also be a server, wearable device, or vehicle-mounted device, etc. For example, network devices in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be roadside units (RSUs). The following explanation uses a base station as an example to illustrate access network devices. Multiple network devices in the communication system can be base stations of the same type or different types. Base stations can communicate with terminal devices directly, or they can communicate with terminal devices through relay stations. Terminal devices can communicate with multiple base stations using different access technologies.

[0064] The core network equipment is used to implement at least one of the functions of mobility management, data processing, session management, policy and charging. The names of the equipment implementing the core network functions may differ in systems using different access technologies, and this application does not limit this. Taking a 5G system as an example, the core network equipment includes: access and mobility management function (AMF), SMF, or user plane function (UPF), etc.

[0065] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the function of the network device can be the network device itself, or it can be a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing that function, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the network device. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the example of a network device being used to implement the function of the network device is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0066] In this application, the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, refers to "singular nouns or plural nouns," i.e., "one or more." "At least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of singular or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c means: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0067] To facilitate understanding, a brief introduction to the 5G network architecture is provided below. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards organization has defined the next-generation mobile communication network architecture, known as the 5G network architecture. The 5G network architecture supports radio technologies defined by the 3GPP standards organization (such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or 5G Radio Access Network ((R)AN)). Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture. The UE accesses the core network through (R)AN, which includes user plane network elements and control plane network elements. The user plane network elements of the core network include UPF; the control plane network elements of the core network include at least one of the following: authentication server function (AUSF), AMF, SMF, network slice selection function (NSSF), network exposure function (NEF), network function repository function (NRF), unified data management (UDM), PCF, and AF.

[0068] User plane network elements (such as UPF) are mainly responsible for packet forwarding, QoS control, and billing information statistics. Control plane network elements are mainly responsible for service process interaction, issuing packet forwarding policies and QoS control policies to the user plane. In the embodiments of this application, it is considered that devices such as sensors can access the core network through UE and (R)AN devices, so that the controller connected to the sensors and other devices in the industrial Ethernet can perform industrial data communication in the user plane through the UPF.

[0069] The core network control plane can adopt a service-oriented architecture, meaning that interactions between control plane network elements use service calls to replace the point-to-point communication method in the traditional architecture. In a service-oriented architecture, one control plane network element exposes services to other control plane network elements for them to call; in point-to-point communication, the communication interface between control plane network elements uses a specific set of messages that can only be used by the control plane network elements at both ends of the interface during communication.

[0070] The functions of network elements in the core network are described below:

[0071] UPF performs user packet forwarding according to the routing rules of SMF, such as sending uplink data to DN or other UPF, and forwarding downlink data to other UPF or (R)AN.

[0072] AUSF performs security authentication for the UE.

[0073] AMF (Access Management Function) manages the UE's access and mobility. It is responsible for maintaining the UE's state, managing UE reachability, forwarding non-access-stratum (NAS) messages (mobility management, MM), and forwarding N2 messages (session management, SM).

[0074] SMF, or UE Session Management, allocates and releases resources for UE sessions. These resources include Session Quality of Service (QoS), session paths, forwarding rules, etc.

[0075] NSSF selects a network slice for the UE.

[0076] NEF exposes its network functionality to third parties through a northbound application programming interface (API).

[0077] NRF provides other network elements with the functions of storing and selecting network function entity information.

[0078] UDM, User Subscription Context Management.

[0079] PCF, or User Policy Management, is used to generate and manage user, session, and QoS stream processing policies.

[0080] Application Management (AF) is a functional network element that provides various service functions. It can interact with the core network through the NEF and with the policy management framework for policy management.

[0081] The interfaces between network element functions involved in the embodiments of this application include:

[0082] N1: The interface between the UE and the core network control plane.

[0083] N2: Communication interface between access network (AN) elements and core network control plane.

[0084] N3: Communication interface between access network elements and UPF, used for transmitting user data.

[0085] N4: Communication interface between SMF and UPF, used for policy configuration of UPF, etc.

[0086] N6: Communication port between UPF and data network (DN).

[0087] Next, we will introduce the QoS of industrial Ethernet and the QoS of 5GS.

[0088] Industrial Ethernet (IE) is an Ethernet protocol customized for industrial production scenarios based on Ethernet. This protocol primarily improves upon the contention-based channel transmission method of traditional Ethernet, ensuring real-time control and deterministic characteristics in data transmission between devices, including at least one of delay determinism and jitter determinism. Therefore, the QoS definition of IE is relatively simple, mainly describing the characteristics of data transmission, such as packet delay, packet jitter, periodic data period, data volume, and lifetime. Specifically, lifetime refers to the condition that if the data is successfully transmitted within its lifetime, the system will not be affected; however, if the data is not successfully transmitted within its lifetime, the system will be affected.

[0089] 5GS QoS is defined based on data streams, which is more complex than that of industrial Ethernet. 5GS QoS defines three data stream types: non-guaranteed bit rate (GBR), GBR, and critical-GBR. It also defines at least one of the following: data stream scheduling priority, packet delay budget, packet error rate, average window, maximum data burst size, and maximum guaranteed stream bit rate.

[0090] Currently, the 3GPP standard provides an architecture combining 5GS and Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) in Layer 2 networks, which can be referenced. Figure 2 .

[0091] To ensure deterministic communication between TSN nodes, the centralized network configuration (CNC) assigns relevant routing and QoS configurations between two TSN nodes to the intermediate TSN node, referred to as the TSN bridge node. In this architecture, to integrate with TSN, 5GS is simulated as a logical TSN bridge node, called the 5GS logical bridge node, and an AF is added to adapt to the relevant TSN control logic. Additionally, a TSN translator module is added on both the UPF and UE sides to adapt to user plane data transmission. Therefore, the TSN CNC can connect two TSN nodes (e.g., ...) Figure 2 The routing configuration and QoS between the TSN nodes in the lower right and lower left corners are configured to the 5GS logical bridge node via AF. AF can convert relevant information from the TSN CNC into information corresponding to 5GS. The user plane adaptation function on the UE and UPF sides is used to provide necessary decision information to the control plane. In addition, Figure 2 In addition, TSN also includes a network element called TSN centralized user configuration (CUC). TSN CUC can configure users’ requirements for TSN flow data, and TSN CUC can send this configuration to TSN CNC, which will then calculate the configuration requirements of TSN nodes.

[0092] TSN defines Time Sensitive Communication Assistance Information (TSCAI) to describe the traffic characteristics of Industrial Ethernet. TSCAI may include at least one of the following: data flow direction, data cycle, burst data arrival time, etc. After converting the relevant information from TSN CNC into information corresponding to 5GS, AF can send it to SMF. SMF can then derive the TSCAI for each data flow and send it to (R)AN. (R)AN can then perform data scheduling for Industrial Ethernet based on the TSCAI for each data flow.

[0093] Meanwhile, other network elements in SMF or 5GS will also set the corresponding QoS of 5GS based on the characteristics of the time-sensitive communication (TSC) data stream. For example, the maximum data burst volume (MDBV) can be derived using the TSC data burst volume, and the packet delay budget (PDB) can be derived based on the delay requirements of the TSC data stream, thereby setting an appropriate QoS stream for 5GS to transmit TSC data.

[0094] As can be seen, in a 5GS-adapted TSN scenario, 5GS obtains the end-to-end QoS. However, 5GS also includes multiple devices. In a 5GS-adapted industrial Ethernet scenario, data is transmitted between these devices during transmission within 5GS, meaning data traverses multiple links. The QoS obtained by 5GS is only the overall QoS from data entering to leaving 5GS; it cannot determine the specific QoS to be used between the devices within 5GS. This leads to inaccurate control over the transmission of industrial Ethernet data within 5GS, reducing communication quality and potentially preventing data transmission within 5GS altogether. In other words, 5GS becomes unsuitable for industrial Ethernet.

[0095] For example, please refer to Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a 5GS-adapted industrial Ethernet designed according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 3The industrial Ethernet network includes a primary station, a 5GS, secondary station 1, secondary station 2, and secondary station 3. The primary and secondary stations are devices within the industrial Ethernet network. For ease of understanding, the primary, secondary, and secondary stations 1, 2, and 3 can all be considered as User Equipment (UEs). These UEs reside within the industrial Ethernet network. For example, if the primary station needs to send data to secondary station 1, it can do so via the 5GS. The data transmission process involves the primary station, 5GS, and secondary station 1. Within the 5GS, the data may also traverse one or more devices, such as (R)AN, UPF, or one or more UEs. In other words, the data may experience one or more links within the 5GS. Since the 5GS only obtains the end-to-end QoS, it cannot accurately control the QoS of the links the data traverses within the 5GS. This can lead to inaccurate control over the data transmission process and degraded communication quality.

[0096] Therefore, the technical solution of this application embodiment is provided. In this application embodiment, the first network device can determine the QoS information of data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network based on the first QoS information of the first communication network. The first network device determines the QoS information of multiple links on the first transmission path. That is, the first network device can decompose the QoS information of the industrial Ethernet to each link on the first transmission path, so that each link can clearly determine which QoS information should be used for transmission. This provides a specific implementation method for 5GS to adapt to industrial Ethernet, enabling 5GS to adapt to industrial Ethernet. Moreover, decomposing the QoS information to each link also allows for better control of the entire transmission path, thereby improving transmission quality.

[0097] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to 5G systems, such as NR systems, or to next-generation mobile communication systems or other similar communication systems, without any specific limitations.

[0098] For reference Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 The main station and auxiliary station are located in the industrial Ethernet, while all other network elements are located in the 5GS. Figure 4 Taking the example of the main station directly accessing 5GS and the auxiliary station accessing 5GS through a UE. Additionally, Figure 4 Only one master station and one slave station are shown. In practical applications, this master station may connect to one or more slave stations in an industrial Ethernet network. Figure 4The auxiliary station in the industrial Ethernet may also be connected to one or more other auxiliary stations. The main station is, for example, a UE, or other devices in the industrial Ethernet; the auxiliary station is, for example, a UE, or other devices in the industrial Ethernet. Figure 4 The (R)AN in the example is implemented through an access network device, such as a base station.

[0099] The method provided in the embodiments of this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The first communication network described in the various embodiments herein is, for example, an industrial Ethernet network, or other networks such as TSN. The second communication network described in the various embodiments herein is, for example, a 5GS network, or other networks such as a next-generation mobile communication system. In the description of each embodiment, the first communication network is an industrial Ethernet network and the second communication network is a 5GS network as an example. In the various embodiments of this application, a D2D transmission path refers to a transmission path that includes a D2D connection. A D2D connection is a connection between two UEs on the transmission path, through which the two UEs communicate directly without going through the network side. A D2D transmission path may or may not pass through a UPF; as long as a transmission path includes a D2D connection, it is called a D2D transmission path. A transmission path forwarded through a UPF is, for example, a transmission path that does not include a D2D connection.

[0100] For ease of explanation, the embodiments described below will be executed by a network device and a terminal device. The first network device described in the embodiments herein is, for example, an AF, SMF, or PCF. The second network device described in the embodiments herein is, for example, a UPF or (R)AN. Furthermore, the second network device, (R)AN, or first UE described in the embodiments herein can all be collectively referred to as a communication device. In the accompanying drawings corresponding to the embodiments of this application, steps indicated by dashed lines are optional.

[0101] This application provides a first communication method, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the method. For example, this method can be applied to... Figure 4 The network architecture shown.

[0102] S501, The first network device obtains the QoS information of the industrial Ethernet. To distinguish it from other QoS information that will appear later, the QoS information of the industrial Ethernet will be referred to as the first QoS information.

[0103] For example, if the first network device is AF, then AF can... Figure 4The master station shown obtains the first QoS information. For example, if the first network device is PCF, then PCF can obtain the first QoS information from AF. As another example, if the first network device is SMF, then SMF can obtain the first QoS information from PCF.

[0104] or, Figure 4 The master station shown can establish a user plane data channel with the UPF, thereby sending the first QoS information to the UPF. The UPF can extract the first QoS information and send it to the SMF. If the SMF is the first network device, then the first network device obtains the first QoS information. For example, if the first network device is the PCF, then the PCF can obtain the first QoS information from the SMF. As another example, if the first network device is the AF, then the AF can obtain the first QoS information from the PCF.

[0105] S502. The first network device obtains connection status information. This connection status information can represent the connection status of multiple UEs located in the 5GS, or in other words, the connection status information can include the connection status information of multiple UEs located in the 5GS. For clarity, the connection status information of one UE can be referred to as sub-connection status information; therefore, this connection status information includes the sub-connection information of multiple UEs located in the 5GS. These multiple UEs include, for example,... Figure 4 The UEs in the 5GS can also include some or all of the remaining UEs besides the one mentioned. These multiple UEs can connect to devices in the industrial Ethernet (e.g., master or slave stations), and these multiple UEs can forward data for the connected devices in the industrial Ethernet. This can be understood as follows: if a device in the industrial Ethernet needs to send data, and the data transmission needs to pass through the 5GS, then the UEs connected to that device in the 5GS can forward that data. For example, some of these multiple UEs may be connected to the master station in the industrial Ethernet, and different UEs may be connected to the same master station or different master stations. Some of these multiple UEs may be connected to slave stations in the industrial Ethernet, and different UEs may be connected to the same slave station or different slave stations. Alternatively, all of these multiple UEs may be connected to the master station in the industrial Ethernet, and different UEs may be connected to the same master station or different master stations. Or, all of these multiple UEs may be connected to slave stations in the industrial Ethernet, and different UEs may be connected to the same slave station or different slave stations.

[0106] A UE's sub-connection status information may include latency information between the UE and the various devices connected to it, or information on whether the UE supports device-to-device (D2D) connectivity, or information on whether the UE supports D2D connectivity. A UE may connect to one or more devices. For example, a UE may connect to a secondary station in an industrial Ethernet network and also to a UPF in a 5GS network. Taking the example that the UE's sub-connection status information includes latency information between the UE and the various devices connected to it, then the UE's sub-connection status information could include latency information between the UE and all or some of the secondary stations connected to it, as well as latency information between the UE and the UPF.

[0107] Information regarding whether a UE supports D2D connection can be understood as including whether the UE supports D2D connection via the PC5 communication interface, or whether the UE supports D2D connection via the Uu communication interface, or whether the UE supports D2D connection via the PC5 communication interface, and whether the UE supports D2D connection via the Uu communication interface. Furthermore, in this embodiment, information regarding whether a UE supports D2D connection can include whether the UE supports D2D connection with one or more other UEs. For example, the sub-connection status information of UE1 may include information about UE1 supporting D2D connection with UE2; that is, information about whether a UE supports D2D connection can indicate whether the UE supports or does not support D2D connection. Furthermore, whether a UE supports or does not support D2D connection is generally corresponding. For example, if UE1's sub-connection status information includes information that UE1 supports D2D connection with UE2, then UE2's sub-connection status information can also include information that UE2 supports D2D connection with UE1. Conversely, if UE1's sub-connection status information includes information that UE1 does not support D2D connection with UE2, then UE2's sub-connection status information can also include information that UE2 does not support D2D connection with UE1. Therefore, for the first network device, if it obtains information on whether UE1 supports D2D connection, it can determine whether other UEs support D2D connection with UE1.

[0108] For the UE, it can maintain and update its sub-connection state information. For example, the latency information between the UE and some devices is not constant but may change depending on network quality. If the network quality is good, the latency between the UE and some devices may be low, while if the network quality is poor, the latency between the UE and some devices may be high. Therefore, the UE can update the latency information between itself and some or all of the devices connected to it accordingly. Similarly, the UE's support for D2D connectivity may not be constant. For instance, the UE may initially support D2D connectivity but later stop supporting it. Therefore, the UE can also update its information regarding whether it supports D2D connectivity.

[0109] To obtain connection state information, the first network device can do so in one way: by obtaining sub-connection state information from multiple UEs. For example, for a single UE, the UE can send its sub-connection state information to the SMF via non-access stratum (NAS) signaling. If the first network device is the SMF, it obtains the UE's sub-connection state information; if it is the AF or PCF, it can also obtain the UE's sub-connection state information from the SMF. Another example is that a UE can establish a connection with a UPF and send its sub-connection state information to the UPF. The UPF can extract the sub-connection state information and send it to the SMF. If the first network device is the SMF, it obtains the UE's sub-connection state information; if it is the AF or PCF, it can also obtain the UE's sub-connection state information from the SMF. Multiple UEs can use the above methods to send their sub-connection state information to the SMF, thus enabling the first network device to obtain the connection state information.

[0110] S503. The first network device determines the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS based on the first QoS information.

[0111] The first QoS information obtained by the first network device is the QoS information of the industrial Ethernet. Therefore, the first network device can first obtain the QoS information in 5GS based on the first QoS information. For example, the first network device maps the first QoS information to second QoS information, which is the QoS information of 5GS. Essentially, the first network device converts the QoS information of the industrial Ethernet into the QoS information of 5GS.

[0112] For example, the first QoS information may include one or more of the following parameters: packet delay, packet jitter, cycle time, data volume, or survival time. The second QoS information may include one or more of the following: resource type, priority level, packet delay budget (PDB), packet error rate, averaging window, MDBV, guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR), or maximum flow bit rate (MFBR). Mapping the first QoS information to obtain the second QoS information can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 6A For example, the first network device can select the corresponding 5GS packet delay budget parameters based on the packet delay parameters in the first QoS information. The first network device can determine the MFBR and GFBR parameters in the second QoS information based on the periodicity parameters and data volume parameters in the first QoS information. The first network device can calculate the MDBV in the second QoS information based on the data volume parameters of the industrial Ethernet. Then, the first network device can select a 5G QoS identifier (5QI) that satisfies the calculated parameters in the second QoS information, or it can set a new 5QI, thus obtaining the second QoS information.

[0113] After obtaining the second QoS information, the first network device can determine the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS based on the second QoS information. Optionally, the determination of the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS can also refer to the connection status information mentioned above.

[0114] For data to be transmitted in 5GS within an Industrial Ethernet network, a transmission path is required. The first network device can determine one or more transmission paths for the data within 5GS. As mentioned above, there are two types of transmission paths: D2D transmission paths and transmission paths forwarded via UPF. For example, if the first network device does not obtain connection status information, or if the connection status information obtained by the first network device does not include information on whether the UE supports D2D connection mode, then the first network device can determine that the data transmission path is a transmission path forwarded via UPF.

[0115] by Figure 4 Taking the architecture shown as an example, if the first network device does not obtain connection status information, or if the connection status information obtained by the first network device does not include information on whether the UE supports D2D connection mode, then the first network device determines that one transmission path of data in the Industrial Ethernet in 5GS is a path forwarded through UPF. Figure 4 Taking the example of the master station sending data to the auxiliary station, the first network device can determine that the data may traverse a transmission path as: master station - UPF - (R)AN - UE - auxiliary station. Alternatively, after the master station sends data to the auxiliary station, the auxiliary station processes the data accordingly and then sends the processed data back to the master station. In this case, the first network device can determine that the data may traverse a transmission path as: master station - UPF - (R)AN - UE - auxiliary station - UE - (R)AN - UPF - master station.

[0116] Here is another example of a scenario, for instance... Figure 4 Adding another UE to the 5GS shown can be referenced. Figure 6B UE2. For example, the first network device may not obtain connection status information, or the connection status information obtained by the first network device may not include information on whether UE1 or UE2 supports D2D connection mode. Taking the master station sending data to auxiliary stations 1 and 2 as an example, the first network device can determine that the data may take one of the following transmission paths: master station - UPF - (R)AN - UE1 - auxiliary station 1 - UE1 - (R)AN - UPF - (R)AN - UE2 - auxiliary station 2. Or, after the master station sends data to the auxiliary station, the auxiliary station processes the data accordingly and then sends the processed data back to the master station. In this case, the first network device can determine that the data may take one of the following transmission paths: master station - UPF - (R)AN - UE1 - auxiliary station 1 - UE1 - (R)AN - UPF - (R)AN - UE2 - auxiliary station 2 - UE2 - (R)AN - UPF - master station.

[0117] For example, here is another scenario example. Figure 4 The example shown is the main station directly accessing 5GS. Alternatively, there is another method where the main station also accesses 5GS through a UE. For example, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6C UE1 in the diagram is a schematic representation of this scenario. For example, the first network device may not have obtained connection status information, or the connection status information obtained by the first network device may not include information on whether UE1 or UE2 supports D2D connection mode. Figure 6CTaking the example of the master station sending data to the auxiliary station, the first network device can determine that the data may traverse a transmission path as: master station - UE1 - (R)AN 1 - UPF - (R)AN 2 - UE2 - auxiliary station. Alternatively, after the master station sends data to the auxiliary station, the auxiliary station processes the data accordingly and then sends the processed data back to the master station. In this case, the first network device can determine that the data may traverse a transmission path as: master station - UE1 - (R)AN 1 - UPF - (R)AN 2 - UE2 - auxiliary station - UE2 - (R)AN 2 - UPF - (R)AN 1 - UE1 - master station.

[0118] If the first network device obtains the connection status information, it can determine the transmission path of data in the Industrial Ethernet within the 5GS based on this information. For example, the connection status information may include whether the UE supports D2D connectivity. If the UE does not support D2D connectivity, the first network device determines that the transmission path of data in the Industrial Ethernet within the 5GS is a path forwarded via UPF. Alternatively, if the UE supports D2D connectivity, the first network device can determine that, in addition to determining one transmission path via UPF, another transmission path in the 5GS is a path not forwarded via UPF, or in other words, the other transmission path is a D2D transmission path. (See also...) Figure 6B ,For example, Figure 6B The sub-connection state information of UE1 indicates that UE1 supports D2D connection with UE2, and / or Figure 6B The sub-connection state information of UE2 indicates that UE2 supports D2D connections with UE1. Taking the master station sending data to auxiliary stations 1 and 2 as an example, the first network device can determine that another possible transmission path for this data is: master station - UPF - (R)AN - UE1 - auxiliary station 1 - UE1 - UE2 - auxiliary station 2. Alternatively, after the master station sends data to the auxiliary station, the auxiliary station processes the data accordingly and then sends the processed data back to the master station. In this case, the first network device can determine that another possible transmission path for this data is: master station - UPF - (R)AN - UE1 - auxiliary station 1 - UE1 - UE2 - auxiliary station 2 - UE2 - (R)AN - UPF - master station. It should be noted that although this transmission path also passes through the UPF, because the master station and UE1 cannot transmit via D2D, the path between UE1 and UE2 is a D2D path. Therefore, this transmission path can also be considered a D2D transmission path.

[0119] Here is another example for reference. Figure 6C This is a schematic diagram of the scene. For example, Figure 6CThe sub-connection state information of UE1 indicates that UE1 supports D2D connection with UE2, and / or Figure 6C The sub-connection state information of UE2 indicates that UE2 supports D2D connections with UE1. Therefore, based on... Figure 6C Taking the example of the master station sending data to the auxiliary station, the first network device can determine that another possible transmission path for the data is: master station - UE1 - UE2 - auxiliary station. Alternatively, after the master station sends data to the auxiliary station, the auxiliary station processes the data accordingly and then sends the processed data back to the master station. In this case, the first network device can determine that one possible transmission path for the data is: master station - UE1 - UE2 - auxiliary station - UE2 - UE1 - master station. Of course, data transmission in 5GS within industrial Ethernet may have other transmission paths besides these two, and this embodiment does not impose any limitations.

[0120] The first transmission path can be, for example, a transmission path forwarded via UPF, or a D2D transmission path, or other transmission paths. Regardless of the type of the first transmission path, it can include one or more links. For example, applying the embodiments of this application... Figure 4 In the scenario shown, the first transmission path is Figure 4 The first transmission path consists of two links: one is the link from UPF to UE (i.e., UPF-(R)AN-UE), and the other is the link from UE to UPF (i.e., UE-(R)AN-UPF).

[0121] For example, applying the embodiments of this application to Figure 6B In the scenario shown, the first transmission path is Figure 6BIn the configuration of Master Station-UPF-(R)AN-UE1-Auxiliary Station 1-UE1-UE2-Auxiliary Station 2-UE2-(R)AN-UPF-Master Station, the first transmission path includes three links. One of these links is the link from UPF to UE1 (i.e., UPF-(R)AN-UE1), another is the link from UE1 to UE2 (i.e., UE1-UE2), and the third is the link from UE2 to UPF (i.e., UE2-(R)AN-UPF). In this embodiment, one endpoint device of the link is a UE in the 5GS, and the other endpoint device of the link is either the UPF in the 5GS or another UE in the 5GS. A link can be a direct connection between two devices (e.g., a link like UE1-UE2 refers to a direct connection between UE1 and UE2), or it can traverse multiple devices, including direct connections between any two devices (e.g., a link like UE2-(R)AN-UPF includes direct connections between UE2 and (R)AN, as well as direct connections between (R)AN and UPF). It's important to note that links are directional; the direction of the link is the same as the direction of data transmission. Even if the devices traversed are the same, if the data transmission directions are different, they are considered two separate links. For example, UE2-(R)AN-UPF is considered one link, while UPF-(R)AN-UE2 is considered another link.

[0122] It should be noted that the second QoS information described in the embodiments of this application may include the QoS information of each link in the first transmission path. For example, the first network device can obtain the third QoS information based on the first QoS information. The third QoS information includes not only the QoS information of each link in the first transmission path, but also the QoS information of other connections on the first transmission path besides the links defined in the embodiments of this application. For example, other connections may be... Figure 4 The connection between the UE and the slave station, or Figure 6B The connection between UE1 and slave station 1, the connection between UE2 and slave station 2, or Figure 6CThe connection between UE2 and the slave station. Since the QoS information of other connections besides the links defined in this embodiment is known to the first network device, the first network device can obtain the second QoS information by removing the QoS information of other connections on the first transmission path besides the links defined in this embodiment from the third QoS information. That is, the third QoS information can be considered as the 5GS end-to-end QoS information, or understood as the overall QoS information of data from entering to leaving the 5GS. If the first transmission path does not include other connections besides the links defined in this embodiment, i.e., all connections included in the first transmission path are links, then the third QoS information and the second QoS information are the same QoS information. However, if the first transmission path includes other connections besides the links defined in this embodiment, then the second QoS information cannot strictly be considered as 5GS end-to-end QoS information. The first network device first obtains the second QoS information based on the third QoS information, and then decomposes the second QoS information into each link included in the first transmission path, thus obtaining the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS. Therefore, the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS also includes the QoS information of each link in the first transmission path.

[0123] For example, the first transmission path is Figure 6BIn the sequence of main station-UPF-(R)AN-UE1-auxiliary station 1-UE1-UE2-auxiliary station 2-UE2-(R)AN-UPF-main station, the third QoS information can include the QoS information of the data packet from the main station entering the UPF to the data packet leaving the UPF and returning to the main station. This process involves the link UPF-(R)AN-UE1, the connection between UE1 and auxiliary station 1, the connection between auxiliary station 1 and UE1, the link between UE1 and UE2, the connection between UE2 and auxiliary station 2, the connection between auxiliary station 2 and UE2, and the link between UE2-(R)AN-UPF. Among these, the connections UE1-auxiliary station 1, auxiliary station 1-UE1, UE2-auxiliary station 2, and auxiliary station 2-UE2 are not links defined in this embodiment. The QoS information for the connections UE1-auxiliary station 1, auxiliary station 1-UE1, UE2-auxiliary station 2, and auxiliary station 2-UE2 is known to the first network device. Therefore, the first network device can remove the QoS information for the connections UE1-auxiliary station 1, auxiliary station 1-UE1, UE2-auxiliary station 2, and auxiliary station 2-UE2 from the third QoS information, thereby obtaining the second QoS information. The second QoS information includes the QoS information of each link in the first transmission path. The first network device then decomposes the second QoS information into each link included in the first transmission path to obtain the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS.

[0124] If the first network device does not obtain connection status information, or if the connection status information obtained by the first network device does not include the delay information between the UE and the device to which the UE is connected, the first network device can determine the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS based on the second QoS information.

[0125] For the QoS information of data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS determined by any of the above methods, this information may include the QoS information of multiple links in 5GS on the first transmission path. That is, the first network device can decompose the second QoS information according to links, thereby setting QoS information for each link in 5GS on the first transmission path. For example, the second QoS information includes at least one of parameters such as MDBV, MFBR, and GFBR. When decomposing the second QoS information, the first network device can ensure that the value of the MDBV parameter of each link included in the first transmission path is greater than or equal to the value of the MDBV parameter of the second QoS information, the value of the MFBR parameter of each link included in the first transmission path is greater than or equal to the value of the MFBR parameter of the second QoS information, or the value of the GFBR parameter of each link included in the first transmission path is greater than or equal to the value of the GFBR parameter of the second QoS information. For example, if the second QoS information includes packet error rate parameters, when the first network device decomposes the second QoS information, it can make the sum of the packet error rate parameters of each link included in the first transmission path less than or equal to the value of the packet error rate parameters included in the second QoS information.

[0126] For example, if the second QoS information includes a packet delay budget parameter, then when the first network device decomposes the second QoS information, it can allocate a corresponding delay (or, "delay" can also be called "latency") to each link included in the first transmission path. The sum of the delays of each link included in the first transmission path can then be less than or equal to the value of the packet delay budget parameter included in the second QoS information. Optionally, efforts can be made to ensure that the sum of the delays of each link included in the first transmission path is equal to the value of the packet delay budget parameter included in the second QoS information, thereby fully utilizing the second QoS information and improving the transmission success rate.

[0127] Optionally, if the first network device receives connection state information, and the connection state information includes latency information between the UE and each device connected to the UE, then the first network device can determine the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS based on the second QoS information and the connection state information. For example, when decomposing the second QoS information, the first network device can consider the latency information between the UE and each device connected to the UE. For example, if one endpoint device of a link on the first transmission path is a UE, and the UE's sub-connection state information includes latency information between the UE and a device connected to the UE, and this device belongs to the link (for example, the device is another endpoint device of the link, or the device is located between the UE and another endpoint device of the link), then the latency corresponding to the QoS information of the link obtained by the first network device based on the second QoS information can be greater than or equal to the latency between the UE and the device included in the UE's sub-connection state information, thereby improving the transmission success rate on the link.

[0128] For example, the packet delay budget parameter included in the second QoS information is 40ms, and the first transmission path is... Figure 6C In the network architecture, the transmission path is defined as follows: UE1-(R)AN1-UPF-(R)AN2-UE2-auxiliary station-UE2-(R)AN2-UPF-(R)AN1-UE1-master station. The first transmission path includes link 1 from UE1 to UPF, link 2 from UPF to UE2, link 3 from UE2 to UPF, and link 4 from UPF to UE1. The first network device can determine the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS based on the second QoS information. For example, one way to decompose the second QoS information is to allocate a 10ms delay to each of the four links. Then, the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS includes the QoS information of the four links, each with a delay of 10ms. The sum of the delays corresponding to the QoS information of these four links is equal to the value of the packet delay budget parameter of the second QoS information.

[0129] For example, if the first network device receives connection state information, and the connection state information includes latency information between the UE and each device connected to the UE, then the first network device can determine the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS based on the second QoS information and the connection state information. For example, the first transmission path is... Figure 6CThe network structure is: Master Station - UE1 - (R)AN 1 - UPF - (R)AN 2 - UE2 - Auxiliary Station - UE2 - (R)AN2 - UPF - (R)AN1 - UE1 - Master Station. The first transmission path includes Link 1 from UE1 to UPF, Link 2 from UPF to UE2, Link 3 from UE2 to UPF, and Link 4 from UPF to UE1. The sub-connection status information of UE1 includes a delay of 11ms from UE1 to (R)AN1 and a delay of 7ms from (R)AN1 to UE1. Therefore, the delay corresponding to the QoS information allocated by the first network device for Link 1 must be greater than or equal to 11ms, and the delay corresponding to the QoS information allocated for Link 4 must be greater than or equal to 7ms. For example, one way to decompose the second QoS information is to allocate a delay of 12ms for Link 1, a delay of 10ms for Link 2, a delay of 10ms for Link 3, and a delay of 8ms for Link 4. The QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS includes the QoS information of the four links. The sum of the delays corresponding to the QoS information of these four links is equal to the value of the packet delay budget parameter of the second QoS information.

[0130] As an optional implementation, the first network device can configure one or more decomposition methods for the first transmission path. In other words, the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS can include one or more decomposition information. Wherein, if the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS includes one decomposition information, it can also be considered as a whole, referred to as the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS. One decomposition information can include the QoS information of one or more links on the first transmission path. For example, each of the one or more decomposition information can include the QoS information of one or more links on the first transmission path. It can be considered that when the first network device allocates the second QoS information to the first transmission path, it can adopt one decomposition method or multiple decomposition methods. In each decomposition method, the QoS information of multiple links on the first transmission path can be obtained, and the sum of the delays corresponding to the QoS information of each link on the first transmission path for each decomposition method can be less than or equal to the value of the packet delay budget parameter included in the second QoS information. Setting multiple QoS information decomposition methods for the first transmission path allows for the selection of different decomposition methods based on network conditions. For example, decomposition method 1 can be selected for the first transmission path at one time, while decomposition method 2 can be selected at the next time. This makes the decomposition of QoS information for the link more flexible, improving the quality and success rate of data transmission. This will be described in detail later.

[0131] For example, in Figure 6B In this architecture, the master station needs to send data to auxiliary stations 1 and 2. Data processed by auxiliary station 1 must be returned to the master station, and data processed by auxiliary station 2 must also be returned to the master station. For example, such data can be transmitted using a first transmission path, such as... Figure 6B The first transmission path consists of four links: UPF-(R)AN-UE1, UE1-(R)AN-UPF-(R)AN-UE2, UPF-(R)AN-UE2, and UE2-(R)AN-UPF. Taking a packet delay budget parameter of 40ms for the second QoS information as an example, please refer to Table 1 for one implementation method of QoS information for data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS.

[0132] Table 1

[0133] UPF→UE1 UE1→UPF UPF→UE2 UE2→UPF 0 10 10 10 10 1 11 8 8 13 2 9 10 10 11

[0134] In Table 1, "→" indicates the data transmission direction and also represents a link. Each row in Table 1 represents a decomposition of the first transmission path. The 0, 1, and 2 in the first column represent the index of the decomposition information. Because the QoS information of data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS includes multiple decompositions, the first network device can set an index for the decomposition information to distinguish between different decompositions. As can be seen, Table 1 uses three decomposition methods. Under different decomposition methods, the latency corresponding to the QoS information of the same link on the first transmission path may be the same or different. For example, for the UPF link pointed to by UE1, the latency corresponding to the QoS information of this link is 10ms under decomposition method 0, and it is also 10ms under decomposition method 3. As another example, for the link from UPF to UE1, the latency corresponding to the QoS information of this link is 10ms under decomposition method 0, while it is 11ms under decomposition method 1. Furthermore, Table 1 uses a packet delay budget parameter of 40ms as an example for the second QoS information. It shows that under each decomposition method, the sum of the delays corresponding to the QoS information of each link on the first transmission path is equal to 40ms. Of course, Table 1 uses the example of QoS information in 5GS containing three decomposition information for data transmitted through the first transmission path. In practical applications, the QoS information of a transmission path may include fewer or more decomposition information. Moreover, the values ​​in Table 1 are merely examples and not limitations on the solutions of this application's embodiments.

[0135] If the data transmission path in 5GS includes other transmission paths besides the first transmission path, the first network device can also set QoS information for these other transmission paths. For example, if the data has a second transmission path in 5GS, such as the first transmission path being a UPF path and the second transmission path being a D2D path, or vice versa, then the first network device can also set QoS information for the data transmitted through the second transmission path in 5GS. Similarly, the first network device can, optionally, determine the QoS information for the data transmitted through the second transmission path in 5GS based on the second QoS information and connection status information. The method by which the first network device determines the QoS information for the data transmitted through the second transmission path in 5GS is similar to the method by which the first network device determines the QoS information for the data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS, and will not be elaborated further.

[0136] For example, in Figure 6B In this architecture, the master station sends data to auxiliary stations 1 and 2. Data processed by auxiliary station 1 is returned to the master station, and data processed by auxiliary station 2 is also returned to the master station. For example, such data can also be transmitted using a second transmission path. The second transmission path is... Figure 6B The table shows a method for implementing QoS information in 5GS for data transmitted through the second transmission path, with the main station-UPF-(R)AN-UE1-auxiliary station 1-UE1-UE2-auxiliary station 2-UE2-(R)AN-UPF-main station as an example, and taking the value of the packet delay budget parameter of the second QoS information as 40ms. Please refer to Table 2 for an example.

[0137] Table 2

[0138] UPF→UE1 UE1→UE2 UE2→UPF 0 19 4 17 1 17 6 17

[0139] In Table 2, "→" indicates the data transmission direction and also represents a link. Each row in Table 2 represents a decomposition of information for the second transmission path. The 0s and 1s in the first column represent the index of the decomposition information. It can be seen that Table 2 uses two decomposition methods. Under different decomposition methods, the delays corresponding to the QoS information of the same link on the second transmission path may be the same or different. Furthermore, Table 2 uses a packet delay budget parameter of 40ms as an example, showing that under all decomposition methods, the sum of the delays corresponding to the QoS information of each link on the second transmission path is equal to 40ms. Of course, Table 2 uses the example of data transmitted through the second transmission path including two decompositions in 5GS. In practical applications, the QoS information of a transmission path may include fewer or more decompositions, and the values ​​in Table 2 are merely examples and not limitations on the solutions of this application.

[0140] As shown in Tables 1 and 2, the latency between two UEs in the D2D transmission path is less than that in the path forwarded via UPF. For example, according to Table 1, it takes 20ms (corresponding to index 0 or index 2) or 16ms (corresponding to index 1) to travel from UE1 to UE2. However, according to Table 2, it only takes 4ms (corresponding to index 0) or 6ms (corresponding to index 1). With the total latency remaining constant, if data is transmitted via the D2D transmission path, more latency can be allocated to other links in the D2D transmission path besides the D2D connection, thereby improving the success rate of data transmission on these links.

[0141] If the first network device obtains QoS information for multiple transmission paths, then the transmission information for those paths can be stored in a single information set. For example, if the QoS information for transmission paths is implemented in tabular form, then the QoS information for all transmission paths can be stored in one table. For instance, in an application scenario, if the number of links corresponding to different transmission paths is the same, then the QoS information for different transmission paths can be stored in one table; or, even if the number of links corresponding to different transmission paths is different, the QoS information for different transmission paths can still be stored in one table. For example, the QoS information for different transmission paths can be treated as different sub-tables within a single table, such as Table 1 and Table 2, which facilitates unified management. If the QoS information for two different transmission paths includes decomposition information, then these decomposition information sets can be indexed separately. That is, the indices of the decomposition information included in the QoS information of different transmission paths may be the same, but because the transmission paths are different, even if the decomposition information has the same index, the different decomposition information will not be confused. Alternatively, the transmission information for multiple paths can also be stored in different information sets. For example, if the QoS information for transmission paths is implemented in tabular form, then the QoS information for those transmission paths can be stored in different tables, thus avoiding confusion between the QoS information of different transmission paths.

[0142] S504, the first network device determines that the first UE has established a protocol data unit (PDU) session. The first UE is, for example, one of the plurality of UEs, or in other words, the connection state information may include the sub-connection state information of the first UE. If... Figure 4 Taking the scenario shown as an example, the first UE is, for example, Figure 4 In the UE. Or, in Figure 6B Taking the scenario shown as an example, the first UE is, for example, Figure 6B UE1 or UE2 in the system. Or, in the context of UE1 or UE2. Figure 6C Taking the scenario shown as an example, the first UE is, for example, Figure 6C UE1 or UE2 in the system.

[0143] If the first UE needs to send or receive data, it can initiate the PDU session establishment process. When a UE registers with the core network, both the UE and the core network equipment can determine which devices the UE may communicate with. Therefore, a UE can determine whether communication requires going through a UPF; if so, a PDU session needs to be established. For example, the technical solution of this application embodiment is applied to... Figure 6BIn the illustrated embodiment, the transmission path is, for example, primary station - UPF - (R)AN - UE1 - secondary station 1 - UE1 - UE2 - secondary station 2 - UE2 - (R)AN - UPF - primary station. For example, for UE1, although UE1 does not yet know the transmission path, UE1 can know that if UE1 wants to communicate, then UE1 needs to communicate with the UPF, so UE1 can establish a PDU session. The same applies to UE2.

[0144] If a UE determines that its communication does not require passing through a UPF, then the UE does not need to establish a PDU session, but only a D2D session. Therefore, S504 can be changed to: The first network device determines that the first UE has established a D2D session. Since this application mainly discusses transmission paths forwarded through a UPF, this content will be described in later embodiments.

[0145] If the first UE establishes a PDU session to forward data for devices in the industrial Ethernet network, then once the PDU session is established, the first network device can determine that the first UE needs to transmit data. In other words, the first network device can determine that data needs to be transmitted between the master and slave stations; that is, the first network device can determine the data sender and the final receiver. However, if the first UE establishes a PDU session not to forward data for devices in the industrial Ethernet network, but for other communication processes, then after establishing the PDU session, if the first UE needs to forward data for devices in the industrial Ethernet network, the first UE can inform the first network device. The first network device can then determine that data needs to be transmitted between the master and slave stations; that is, the first network device can determine the data sender and the final receiver. In this case, the first network device may be a participant in the first UE's PDU session establishment process, in which case the first network device can determine that the first UE has established a PDU session; or, if the first network device is not a participant in the first UE's PDU session establishment process, then the first network device can determine that the first UE has established a PDU session through other network devices.

[0146] S505, The first network device allocates a transmission path for the first UE.

[0147] Once the first network device determines the data sender and receiver, it can allocate a transmission path for the first UE accordingly. For example, if the first network device determines one or more transmission paths for the sender and receiver via S503, it can allocate one of these transmission paths for the first UE. Since not all UEs support D2D transmission paths—for example, some UEs may not support establishing D2D connections—the first network device can default to allocating a transmission path via UPF forwarding when allocating a transmission path for the UE. However, this is not limited to this; for example, the first network device can also allocate a D2D transmission path for the first UE. This embodiment uses the example of the first network device allocating a path via UPF forwarding for the first UE. For example, the first transmission path is a path forwarded via UPF.

[0148] In an optional implementation, S503 may also occur after S505. That is, after the first network device learns that the first UE needs to transmit data, it allocates a transmission path for the first UE. After allocating the transmission path, the first network device then obtains the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the 5GS. For example, the first network device can directly allocate a transmission path forwarded via UPF to the first UE; or, if the first network device obtains connection state information, and the connection state information includes information on whether the UE supports D2D connection mode, then if the first UE does not support D2D connection mode, the first network device can allocate a transmission path forwarded via UPF to the first UE, and if the first UE supports D2D connection mode, the first network device can allocate a D2D transmission path to the first UE. For example, the first network device first allocates a first transmission path to the first UE, and then obtains the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the 5GS. The method by which the first network device obtains the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the 5GS can be referred to the description of S503.

[0149] S506. The first network device sends QoS information of the first link to the UPF, and correspondingly, the UPF receives the QoS information of the first link from the first network device. The first link is a link included in the first transmission path, and the QoS information of the first link can be included in the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS. For example, the first link is a link between the UPF and the next-hop device on the first transmission path, for example, the first transmission path is... Figure 6C In the sequence of Master Station-UE1-(R)AN 1-UPF-(R)AN 2-UE2-Auxiliary Station, the first link can be the link from UPF to UE2. It should be noted that the "previous hop device" or "next hop device" described in the various embodiments of this application is relative to the link. For example, the first transmission path is... Figure 6C In the main station-UE1-(R)AN 1-UPF-(R)AN 2-UE2-auxiliary station, the actual next-hop device of UPF is (R)AN2. However, since the link refers to the link between UPF and UE2, this embodiment of the application regards UE2 as the next-hop device of UPF. Similarly, for UE, the actual previous-hop device should be (R)AN1. However, since the link refers to the link between UPF and UE1, this embodiment of the application regards UPF as the previous-hop device of UE1.

[0150] Because this embodiment of the application takes a path where the first transmission path is forwarded by a UPF as an example, the first network device needs to send the QoS information of the first link to the UPF so that the UPF can send the data packets of the first UE based on the QoS information of the first link. The first network device can send only the QoS information of the first link to the UPF without sending the QoS information of other links in the first transmission path, which can reduce signaling overhead, and the UPF can also send the data packets of the first UE based on the QoS information of the first link. On the first transmission path, for the UPF, the first link may include one or more links. Therefore, the QoS information of the first link sent by the first network device to the UPF may include the QoS information of one link or the QoS information of multiple links. For example, the first transmission path is... Figure 6B In the sequence Master-UPF-(R)AN-UE1-Secondary Station 1-UE1-(R)AN-UPF-(R)AN-UE2-Secondary Station 2-UE2-(R)AN-UPF-Master Station, for UPF, the next-hop device can be UE1 or UE2. Therefore, the QoS information of the first link sent by the first network device to UPF can include the QoS information of the link from UPF to UE1, and / or include the QoS information of the link from UPF to UE2.

[0151] Alternatively, the first network device may send QoS information for each link in the first transmission path to the UPF (sending QoS information of data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS to the UPF is considered sending QoS information for the first link to the UPF), so that the UPF can obtain not only the QoS information of the first link, but also the QoS information of other links on the first transmission path. If the QoS information of data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS includes multiple decomposition information, the first network device can select one decomposition information for the first UE from these multiple decomposition information, for example, the first network device selects the first decomposition information. If the first network device sends the QoS information of data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS to the UPF, the first network device can also send the index of the first decomposition information to the UPF, so that the UPF can know which decomposition information in the QoS information of data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS should be used.

[0152] Alternatively, if the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the 5GS includes multiple decomposition information, then the first network device can select one decomposition information for the first UE from these multiple decomposition information and send the decomposition information to the UPF. Sending the decomposition information to the UPF by the first network device is considered as sending the QoS information of the first link to the UPF.

[0153] Optionally, the first network device may also send the QoS information of the first link to the first UE. The method by which the first network device sends the QoS information of the first link to the first UE can refer to the method by which the first network device sends the QoS information of the first link to the UPF. Additionally, if the first transmission path also includes a (R)AN, then optionally, the first network device may also send the QoS information of the first link to the (R)AN. The method by which the first network device sends the QoS information of the first link to the (R)AN can refer to the method by which the first network device sends the QoS information of the first link to the UPF. It should be noted that the first link may include different links for the UPF, the first UE, and the (R)AN. For example, the first link involved in the QoS information of the first link sent to the UPF has its starting point at the UPF. However, the first link involved in the QoS information of the first link sent to the first UE has its starting point at the first UE.

[0154] S507, UPF receives the first data packet, which corresponds to the first UE. The UPF can receive the first data packet on the first transmission path. For example, the first transmission path is... Figure 6B The main site - UPF-(R)AN-UE1- auxiliary site

[0155] The transmission path is as follows: 1-UE1-(R)AN-UPF-(R)AN-UE2-Secondary Station 2-UE2-(R)AN-UPF-Primary Station. The first data packet may originate from the primary station or from (R)AN. Following this first transmission path, if the first data packet originates from the primary station, the UPF will send it to UE1 via (R)AN. If the first data packet originates from (R)AN, the UPF will send it to UE2 or the primary station via (R)AN. The first data packet corresponding to the first UE means that the first data packet passes through the first UE during transmission. The first UE may be the receiver or the sender of the first data packet. Taking the above first transmission path as an example, if the first UE is UE2, then "the first data packet corresponding to the first UE" means that UE2 will receive the first data packet from the UPF, and UE2 will also resend the first data packet to the secondary station.

[0156] In various embodiments of this application, a device receives a data packet and then forwards it. The data packet received by the device and the data packet forwarded by the device may be the same data packet or they may not be the same data packet. For example, the device may process the received data packet before forwarding it, so strictly speaking, the two data packets are not the same data packet. However, for ease of description, in the embodiments of this application, the data packets received and sent by a device are referred to by the same name. For example, the data packet received by the UPF is called the first data packet, and the data packet forwarded by the UPF is also called the first data packet.

[0157] S508 and UPF send the first data packet to the next-hop device on the first transmission path through the first link according to the QoS information of the first link.

[0158] For example, the first transmission path is Figure 6B The sequence is: Master Station - UPF - (R)AN - UE1 - Auxiliary Station 1 - UE1 - (R)AN - UPF - (R)AN - UE2 - Auxiliary Station 2 - UE2 - (R)AN - UPF - Master Station. When the UPF receives the first data packet to be sent from the Master Station, the first link is, for example, the link from the UPF to UE1 (or, the first link is the link from UPF to (R)AN to UE1), and the next-hop device of the UPF is, for example, UE1. When the UPF receives the first data packet to be sent from UE1 via (R)AN, the first link is, for example, the link from the UPF to UE2 (or, the first link is the link from UPF to (R)AN to UE2), and the next-hop device of the UPF on the first transmission path is, for example, UE2.

[0159] If the UPF receives only the QoS information of the first link in S506, then the UPF can directly use the QoS information of the first link. Alternatively, if the UPF receives the QoS information of data transmitted through the first transmission path in the 5GS in S506, then the UPF can determine the QoS information of the first link from the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the 5GS. Or, if the QoS information of data transmitted through the first transmission path in the 5GS includes multiple decomposition information, then the UPF determines the first decomposition information corresponding to the index of the first decomposition information from the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the 5GS, and determines the QoS information of the first link based on the first decomposition information.

[0160] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, steps S502, S504, S505, S507, and S508 are all optional.

[0161] Using the above method, the first network device can determine the QoS information of data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS based on the first QoS information of the first communication network. Specifically, the first network device determines the QoS information of each of the multiple links on the first transmission path. In other words, the first network device can decompose the QoS information of the industrial Ethernet onto each link on the first transmission path, ensuring that each link clearly defines the QoS information to be used for transmission. This provides a concrete implementation method for 5GS adaptation to industrial Ethernet, enabling 5GS to be compatible with industrial Ethernet. Furthermore, decomposing the QoS information onto each link allows for better control of the entire transmission path, thereby improving transmission quality.

[0162] Optional, Figure 5 The illustrated embodiments may also include the following steps:

[0163] S509 and UPF obtain the actual QoS information of the first UE's data.

[0164] In this embodiment, the communication device can obtain the actual QoS information of the first UE's data based on third information, such as first information, second information, or both. For the UPF, the third information may include, for example, first and second information. For instance, the UPF can determine the first and second information to obtain the actual QoS information of the first UE's data. In this embodiment, the actual QoS information of the first UE's data obtained by the UPF based on the first and second information may be, for example, the actual QoS information of the second link. The second link may include, for example, the link between the last location of the UPF and its current location on the first transmission path. Alternatively, the actual QoS information of the first UE's data obtained by the UPF based on the first and second information may be, for example, cumulative QoS information, such as first cumulative QoS information. The first cumulative QoS information may include, for example, the sum of the actual QoS information of all links traversed by the first UE's data from the first device in the 5GS on the first transmission path to the UPF. On the first transmission path, for the UPF, the second link may include one or more links; therefore, the actual QoS information of the second link obtained by the UPF may include the actual QoS information of one link or multiple links.

[0165] For example, the first transmission path is Figure 6BIn the transmission path of the main station-UPF-(R)AN-UE1-auxiliary station 1-UE1-(R)AN-UPF-(R)AN-UE2-auxiliary station 2-UE2-(R)AN-UPF-main station, if the current location of the UPF on the first transmission path is after the main station, then the UPF is appearing for the first time on the first transmission path, and in this case, the UPF cannot obtain the actual QoS information of the first UE's data. Alternatively, if the current location of the UPF on the first transmission path is between two (R)ANs, then the last location of the UPF on the first transmission path was after the main station. If the UPF obtains the actual QoS information of the second link, then the actual QoS information of the second link includes the QoS information of the link from the UPF to UE1 (or the link from UPF-(R)AN-UE1), and the QoS information of the link from UE1 to the UPF (or the link from UE1-(R)AN-UPF). In this scenario, the actual QoS information of the second link obtained by the UPF is actually the first accumulated QoS information. Alternatively, if the current location of the UPF on the first transmission path is before the master station, then the last location of the UPF on the first transmission path was between two (R)ANs. If the UPF obtains the actual QoS information of the second link, then the actual QoS information of the second link includes the QoS information of the link from the UPF to UE2 (or the link from UPF to (R)AN to UE2), as well as the QoS information of the link from UE2 to the UPF (or the link from UE2 to (R)AN to the UPF). If the UPF obtains the first cumulative QoS information, then the first cumulative QoS information includes the QoS information of the link from the UPF to UE1 (or the link from UPF to (R)AN to UE1), the QoS information of the link from UE1 to the UPF (or the link from UE1 to (R)AN to the UPF), the QoS information of the link from the UPF to UE2 (or the link from UPF to (R)AN to UE2), as well as the QoS information of the link from UE2 to the UPF (or the link from UE2 to (R)AN to the UPF).

[0166] In one of these cases, the content of a data packet is recognizable by the UPF, or the packet header carries a data packet identifier (such as a sequence number or other identifier) ​​that the UPF can also recognize. Since the UPF also knows the first transmission path, it can determine its position within the first transmission path based on the data packet's recognition. The first transmission path is... Figure 6BTaking the following example, in the transmission path: Master Station - UPF - (R)AN - UE1 - Auxiliary Station 1 - UE1 - (R)AN - UPF - (R)AN - UE2 - Auxiliary Station 2 - UE2 - (R)AN - UPF - Master Station, during data transmission, when the UPF receives a data packet, if the UPF determines that this is the first time it has received the packet, it can determine that the UPF's current position is after the Master Station. If it determines that this is the second time it has received the packet, it can determine that the UPF's current position is between the two (R)ANs, and so on. If other communication devices (such as (R)ANs or corresponding UEs) need to identify their position in the first transmission path, a similar method can be used, which will not be elaborated further below.

[0167] It should be noted that in this first transmission path, the connection between the master station and the UPF may be wired, and its corresponding latency and other information are fixed. Therefore, the QoS information corresponding to the connection between the master station and the UPF is not within the scope of consideration in this application embodiment. Thus, there is no link between the master station and the UPF as defined in this application embodiment, and the master station is not considered as the upstream device of the UPF. The same applies to the connection between the auxiliary station and the UE, and between (R)AN and the UPF. For any connection with relatively fixed QoS information, its QoS information is not within the scope of consideration in this application embodiment. The QoS information that needs to be considered in this application embodiment may include one or more of the following: the QoS information of the Uu interface between the UE and (R)AN, the QoS information of the PC5 interface between the UE and the UE, or the QoS information between the UE and the UPF.

[0168] As an optional implementation, the first information includes one or more of the following: the transmission time of one or more data packets of the first UE, the total data volume of the first UE transmitted, or the data volume of the first UE transmitted per unit time. For example, the UPF can obtain the first information to transmit data packets of the first UE. For example, the first transmission path is... Figure 6BIn the sequence of main station-UPF-(R)AN-UE1-auxiliary station 1-UE1-(R)AN-UPF-(R)AN-UE2-auxiliary station 2-UE2-(R)AN-UPF-main station, the UPF can send data packets of the first UE to (R)AN (or UE1) or to (R)AN (or UE2). Each time the UPF sends a data packet of the first UE, it records the timestamp of the packet's transmission, thus obtaining the transmission time of that packet. Therefore, the UPF can obtain the transmission time of one or more data packets of the first UE, which may be all or part of the data packets transmitted by the first UE through the first transmission path. For example, the UPF can obtain the transmission time of data packets of the first UE sent to UE1, and also the transmission time of data packets of the first UE sent to UE2. Furthermore, the UPF can obtain the total amount of data of the first UE transmitted by the UPF; for example, the UPF can obtain the total amount of data of the first UE sent to UE1, and also the total amount of data of the first UE sent to UE2. Furthermore, the UPF can also obtain the amount of data transmitted to the first UE per unit time (which can also be understood as the transmission rate of the UPF to the first UE). For example, the UPF can obtain the transmission rate of the first UE's data transmitted to UE1, and also the transmission rate of the first UE's data transmitted to UE2. The data packet of the first UE refers to the data packet corresponding to the first UE, which can be referred to in the previous introduction.

[0169] As an optional implementation, the second information includes one or more of the following: the reception time of one or more data packets of the first UE, the total amount of data received from the first UE, or the amount of data received from the first UE per unit time. For example, the UPF can obtain the second information to receive data packets from the first UE. For example, the first transmission path is... Figure 6BIn the network structure, the main station is configured as follows: UPF-(R)AN-UE1-auxiliary station 1-UE1-(R)AN-UPF-(R)AN-UE2-auxiliary station 2-UE2-(R)AN-UPF-main station. The UPF can receive data packets from the first UE (either from (R)AN or UE1) or from the first UE (either from (R)AN or UE2). Each time the UPF receives a data packet from the first UE, it records the timestamp of that data packet, thus obtaining the reception time of that data packet. Therefore, the UPF can obtain the reception time of one or more data packets from the first UE, which may be all or part of the data packets transmitted by the first UE through the first transmission path. For example, the UPF can obtain the reception time of data packets received from the first UE from UE1, and also the reception time of data packets received from the first UE from UE2. Furthermore, the UPF can obtain the total amount of data received from the first UE; for example, the UPF can obtain the total amount of data received from the first UE from UE1, and also the total amount of data received from the first UE from UE2. In addition, the UPF can also obtain the amount of data received from the first UE per unit time (which can also be understood as the UPF's data reception rate for the first UE). For example, the UPF can obtain the transmission rate of the data received from the first UE from UE1, and it can also obtain the transmission rate of the data received from the first UE from UE2.

[0170] For example, the data packets whose received timestamps are recorded by the UPF and the data packets whose sent timestamps are recorded by the UPF can be from the same batch of data packets. For instance, for a batch of data packets, if the UPF's current location on the first transmission path is after the master station, then the UPF records time 1 for sending each data packet in this batch to UE1; if the UPF's current location on the first transmission path is between two (R)ANs, the UPF can record time 2 for receiving each data packet from UE1 and time 3 for sending each data packet to UE2; if the UPF's current location on the first transmission path is before the master station, the UPF can record time 4 for receiving each data packet from UE2. It should be noted that time 1, time 2, time 3, and time 4 can all refer to a specific moment, not a duration. If the current location of the UPF on the first transmission path is between two (R)ANs, and the delay from UE1 to auxiliary station 1 and the delay from auxiliary station 1 to UE1 are relatively fixed delays known to the UPF, then the UPF can obtain the actual QoS information of the second link based on time 1 and time 2. For example, the delay corresponding to the actual QoS information of the second link is the duration between time 2 and time 1, minus the delay from UE1 to auxiliary station 1 and the delay from auxiliary station 1 to UE1. At this time, the actual QoS information of the second link includes the actual QoS information of the link between UPF-(R)AN-UE1 and the actual QoS information of the link between UE1-(R)AN-UPF. At this time, the first accumulated QoS information and the actual QoS information of the second link are the same QoS information. Alternatively, if the current location of the UPF on the first transmission path is before the primary station, and the delays from UE2 to secondary station 2 and from secondary station 2 to UE2 are relatively fixed delays known to the UPF, then the UPF can obtain the actual QoS information of the second link based on time 3 and time 4. For example, the delay corresponding to the actual QoS information of the second link is the duration between time 4 and time 3, minus the delays from UE2 to secondary station 2 and from secondary station 2 to UE2. In this case, the actual QoS information of the second link includes the actual QoS information of the link between UPF-(R)AN-UE2 and the actual QoS information of the link between UE2-(R)AN-UPF. Alternatively, the UPF can obtain the first cumulative QoS information based on time 1 and time 4. The first cumulative QoS information includes the actual QoS information of the link between UPF-(R)AN-UE1, the actual QoS information of the link between UE1-(R)AN-UPF, the actual QoS information of the link between UPF-(R)AN-UE2, and the actual QoS information of the link between UE2-(R)AN-UPF. Of course, when calculating actual QoS information, it may also be necessary to consider data volume and sending or receiving rates, etc. This is just to illustrate the relationship between sending time, receiving time and data packets.

[0171] S510 and UPF determine whether to reselect decomposition information for the first UE based on the first decomposition information and the actual QoS information of the first UE's data.

[0172] For example, the UPF can determine whether to reselect decomposition information based on the latency corresponding to the QoS information. For instance, if the actual QoS information of the first UE's data is the actual QoS information of the second link, and the difference (or the absolute value of the difference) between the latency corresponding to the actual QoS information of the second link and the latency corresponding to the QoS information of the second link included in the first decomposition information is greater than a second threshold, it indicates that the actual QoS information of the second link differs significantly from the QoS information of the second link included in the first decomposition information, or that the first decomposition information is not very suitable for the second link. In this case, the UPF can reselect decomposition information for the first UE. However, if the difference (or the absolute value of the difference) between the latency corresponding to the actual QoS information of the second link and the latency corresponding to the QoS information of the second link included in the first decomposition information is less than or equal to the second threshold, it indicates that the difference between the actual QoS information of the second link and the QoS information of the second link included in the first decomposition information is small, or that the first decomposition information is relatively suitable for the second link. In this case, the UPF does not need to reselect decomposition information for the first UE and can continue to apply the first decomposition information.

[0173] The second threshold can be specified through a protocol, determined by a device such as an SMF or AMF, or determined by a UPF. For example, the second threshold can be 0, or it can be any other value greater than 0.

[0174] If, for the UPF, the second link includes multiple links, and the actual QoS information of the second link obtained by the UPF includes the actual QoS information of multiple links, then the UPF can determine whether to reselect decomposition information for the first UE based on the first decomposition information and the actual QoS information of one link in the second link. Alternatively, the UPF can also determine whether to reselect decomposition information for the first UE based on the first decomposition information and the actual QoS information of all links in the second link.

[0175] For example, the UPF determines whether to reselect decomposition information for the first UE based on the first decomposition information and the actual QoS information of one link in the second link. This includes: the UPF can determine whether to reselect decomposition information for the first UE based on whether the difference (or the absolute value of the difference) between the delay corresponding to the actual QoS information of one link in the second link and the delay corresponding to the QoS information of that link included in the first decomposition information is greater than a second threshold.

[0176] For example, the UPF determines whether to reselect decomposition information for the first UE based on the first decomposition information and the actual QoS information of all links in the second link. This includes: the UPF can determine the delay corresponding to the actual QoS information of each link in the second link, and determine whether the difference (or the absolute value of the difference) between the sum of the delays corresponding to the actual QoS information of all links included in the second link and the sum of the delays corresponding to the QoS information of these links included in the first decomposition information is greater than a second threshold. If the difference (or the absolute value of the difference) between the sum of the delays corresponding to the actual QoS information of all links included in the second link and the sum of the delays corresponding to the QoS information of these links included in the first decomposition information is greater than the second threshold, then the UPF can reselect decomposition information for the first UE; otherwise, the UPF does not need to reselect decomposition information for the first UE.

[0177] Alternatively, the actual QoS information of the first UE's data might also be the first accumulated QoS information. For example, the UPF can still determine whether to reselect decomposition information for the first UE based on the latency corresponding to the QoS information. In this case, if the difference (or the absolute value of the difference) between the latency corresponding to the first accumulated QoS information and the latency corresponding to the second accumulated QoS information is greater than a second threshold, the UPF can reselect decomposition information for the first UE. However, if the difference between the latency corresponding to the first accumulated QoS information and the latency corresponding to the second accumulated QoS information is less than or equal to the second threshold, or if the absolute value of the difference between the latency corresponding to the first accumulated QoS information and the latency corresponding to the second accumulated QoS information is less than or equal to the second threshold, the UPF does not need to reselect decomposition information for the first UE and can continue to use the first decomposition information.

[0178] The second cumulative QoS information includes, for example, the sum of delays corresponding to the QoS information of N links included in the first decomposition information, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 0. The N links may include all links traversed by the first UE's data as it travels from the first device in the 5GS on the first transmission path to the UPF. For example, the first transmission path is... Figure 6B In the sequence, the main station is UPF-(R)AN-UE1-auxiliary station 1-UE1-(R)AN-UPF-(R)AN-UE2-auxiliary station 2-UE2-(R)AN-UPF-main station. UPF is currently located between the two (R)ANs on the first transmission path. Therefore, N links include the link between UPF-(R)AN-UE1 and the link between UE1-(R)AN-UPF. The second accumulated QoS information can include the sum of the QoS information of the link between UPF-(R)AN-UE1 and the QoS information of the link between UE1-(R)AN-UPF in the first decomposition information.

[0179] The second threshold can be specified through a protocol, determined by a device such as an SMF or AMF, or determined by a UPF. For example, the second threshold can be 0, or it can be any other value greater than 0.

[0180] S511 and UPF are the decomposition information for the first UE to reselect.

[0181] If the UPF determines from S510 that it is necessary to reselect decomposition information for the first UE, then S511 can be executed; if the UPF determines from S510 that it is not necessary to reselect decomposition information for the first UE, then S511 can be omitted.

[0182] For example, the UPF can select decomposition information based on the latency corresponding to the QoS information. For instance, if the UPF calculates the actual QoS information of the second link, it can reselect decomposition information for the first UE based on the latency corresponding to the actual QoS information of the second link. For example, the latency corresponding to the QoS information of the second link included in the reselected decomposition information can be greater than or equal to the latency corresponding to the actual QoS information of the second link. Reselecting decomposition information for the first UE here can be understood as: re-determining the QoS information for links that have not yet transmitted data packets, and then controlling the transmission of data packets on that link based on the updated QoS information.

[0183] For example, the first transmission path is Figure 6BThe sequence is: Main Station - UPF - (R)AN - UE1 - Auxiliary Station 1 - UE1 - (R)AN - UPF - (R)AN - UE2 - Auxiliary Station 2 - UE2 - (R)AN - UPF - Main Station. For example, when the UPF is located between two (R)ANs, the second link includes the link of UPF-(R)AN-UE1 and the link of UE1-(R)AN-UPF. Refer to Table 1. For example, if the first decomposition information is the decomposition information corresponding to index 0 in Table 1, then the QoS information of the second link included in the first decomposition information corresponds to a latency of 20ms. M links include the link of UPF-(R)AN-UE1 and the link of UE1-(R)AN-UPF. The QoS information of the link of UPF-(R)AN-UE1 included in the first decomposition information corresponds to a latency of 10ms, and the QoS information of the link of UE1-(R)AN-UPF corresponds to a latency of 10ms. The actual QoS information for the second link determined by the UPF corresponds to a latency of 18ms. It can be seen that the latency corresponding to the actual QoS information for the second link is less than the latency corresponding to the QoS information for the second link included in the first decomposition information. In other words, a smaller latency is sufficient to meet the requirements of the second link. Therefore, the UPF can consider reselecting decomposition information for the first UE. The latency corresponding to the QoS information for the second link included in the reselected decomposition information can, for example, be as close to 18ms as possible. This is equivalent to saving 2ms of latency for the second link. The saved latency can be used for subsequent links to improve the transmission success rate of subsequent links. For example, the UPF can reselect decomposition information for the first UE from the decomposition information included in the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the 5GS. Continuing with Table 1 as an example, it can be seen that the latency corresponding to the actual QoS information for the second link included in the decomposition information corresponding to index 1 is 19ms, and the latency corresponding to the actual QoS information for the second link included in the decomposition information corresponding to index 2 is also 19ms. Therefore, the UPF can select the decomposition information corresponding to index 1 or index 2 for the first UE, instead of applying the decomposition information corresponding to index 0. Although this does not save 2ms of latency, it can still save 1ms of latency. By shortening the latency corresponding to the QoS information of the second link, the latency of other links on the first transmission path can be relaxed accordingly, thereby improving the data transmission success rate.

[0184] Optionally, when selecting decomposition information, the UPF can consider the QoS information of M links in addition to the links whose actual QoS information has already been calculated, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 0. For example, if the UPF calculates the actual QoS information of the second link, it can reselect decomposition information for the first UE based on the delays corresponding to the QoS information of the M links included in the first decomposition information, and the delays corresponding to the actual QoS information of the second link. The M links include all links traversed by the UPF from the first device in the first transmission path to the first UE's data, excluding the second link. For example, the sum of the delays corresponding to the QoS information of the M links included in the reselected decomposition information by the UPF can be greater than or equal to the sum of the delays corresponding to the QoS information of the M links included in the first decomposition information, and the delay corresponding to the QoS information of the second link included in the reselected decomposition information by the UPF can be greater than or equal to the delay corresponding to the actual QoS information of the second link. In this way, the impact on links that data packets have already traversed can be reduced.

[0185] The UPF may not be the last hop device on the first transmission path, and the UPF may reselect decomposition information for the first UE. Therefore, optionally, when sending data packets to the next hop device, the UPF can carry an index of the decomposition information used by the UPF in the data packet, so that other devices on the first transmission path can clearly know which decomposition information the UPF used, thereby ensuring that the decomposition information used by each device on the first transmission path is consistent, to meet the QoS requirements of industrial Ethernet. For example, when the UPF sends data packets of the first UE to (R)AN, the data packets sent by the UPF to (R)AN may carry a General Packet Radio Services Tunneling Protocol-User Plane (GTP-U) header and an Ethernet header. Then, the UPF can add an index of the decomposition information used by the UPF to the GTP-U header and / or the Ethernet header.

[0186] If the first network device also sends the QoS information of the first link to the (R)AN, then optionally, the (R)AN can also calculate the actual QoS information of the second link, or calculate the first cumulative QoS information, thereby deciding whether to reselect decomposed information for the first UE. Of course, for the (R)AN, the links included in the second link may be different from those included in the UPF's second link. For example, for the (R)AN, the second link may include, for example, the link between the location where the (R)AN last appeared and the current location of the (R)AN on the first transmission path. For example, the first transmission path is... Figure 6BIn the sequence of main station-UPF-(R)AN-UE1-auxiliary station 1-UE1-(R)AN-UPF-(R)AN-UE2-auxiliary station 2-UE2-(R)AN-UPF-main station, if (R)AN is currently located after UE1 on the first transmission path, then the second link can include the link of UPF-(R)AN-UE1 and the link of UE1-(R)AN-UPF. It is important to note that for (R)AN, the calculation should focus on the actual QoS information of (R)AN-UE1 and the actual QoS information of UE1-(R)AN. However, since the delays between UPF-(R)AN and between (R)AN and UPF are relatively fixed, they can be considered known to (R)AN. (R)AN can obtain the actual QoS information of the second link based on the actual QoS information of (R)AN-UE1, the actual QoS information of UE1-(R)AN, the delays between UPF-(R)AN, and the delay of (R)AN-UPF. Alternatively, for (R)AN, the second link may include, for example, the link on the first transmission path where the (R)AN is located. Taking the first transmission path as an example, if the (R)AN is currently ahead of UE1 on the first transmission path, then the second link could be the link UPF-(R)AN-UE1.

[0187] If the second link includes the link where the (R)AN is located on the first transmission path, then the (R)AN can obtain the actual QoS information of the second link based on the third information. For the (R)AN, the third information may include the first information, or include the second information, or include both the first and second information. Of course, for the (R)AN and UPF, the first information may be the same or different, and the second information may also be the same or different. For example, if the second link includes the link UPF-(R)AN-UE1, the (R)AN can determine the time when it sends a data packet to UE1. After receiving the data packet, UE1 can send a hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledge (HARQ-ACK) message to the (R)AN, so the (R)AN can roughly determine the time when UE1 receives the data packet. Therefore, the (R)AN can determine the actual QoS information between (R)AN and UE1, which is equivalent to the (R)AN being able to determine the actual QoS information of the second link based on the first information. As mentioned earlier, the QoS information between UPF and (R)AN is relatively fixed and can be considered known to (R)AN. Therefore, (R)AN can determine the actual QoS information of the link between UPF, (R)AN, and UE1. For example, if the second link includes the link between UE1, (R)AN, and UPF, UE1 sends data packets to (R)AN, which is pre-scheduled by (R)AN. Therefore, (R)AN can determine the time when UE1 sends data packets and the time when (R)AN receives data packets. Thus, (R)AN can determine the actual QoS information between (R)AN and UE1, which is equivalent to (R)AN determining the actual QoS information of the second link based on the second information.

[0188] If the second link includes the link between the last location of the (R)AN on the first transmission path and the current location of the (R)AN, then the (R)AN can obtain the actual QoS information of the second link based on the first information and the second information. For details on how the first and second information are obtained, and how the (R)AN obtains the actual QoS information of the second link, please refer to the relevant introductions above.

[0189] Alternatively, (R)AN can also obtain the first cumulative QoS information. For details on how (R)AN obtains the first cumulative QoS information, please refer to the relevant introduction above.

[0190] The (R)AN can determine whether to reselect decomposition information for the first UE based on the obtained QoS information of the second link or the first cumulative QoS information. For details on the determination method, please refer to the previous section on the determination process of the UPF. Furthermore, if the (R)AN determines to reselect decomposition information for the first UE, the method for the (R)AN to reselect decomposition information can also be found in the previous section on the method for reselecting decomposition information using the UPF.

[0191] For (R)AN, it may not be the last hop device on the first transmission path, and (R)AN may reselect decomposition information for the first UE. Therefore, optionally, when (R)AN sends a data packet to the next hop device, it can carry the index of the decomposition information used by (R)AN in the data packet, so that other devices on the first transmission path can clearly know which decomposition information (R)AN used, thereby ensuring that the decomposition information used by each device on the first transmission path is consistent, thus meeting the QoS requirements of industrial Ethernet. For example, if (R)AN wants to send a data packet of the first UE to the first UE, the data packet sent by (R)AN to the first UE can carry an Ethernet header, and (R)AN can add the index of the decomposition information used by (R)AN in the Ethernet header. As another example, if (R)AN wants to send a data packet of the first UE to the UPF, the data packet sent by (R)AN to the UPF can carry a GTP-U header, and (R)AN can add the index of the decomposition information used by (R)AN in the GTP-U header.

[0192] If the first network device also sends the QoS information of the first link to the first UE, then optionally, the first UE can also calculate the actual QoS information of the second link, or calculate the first cumulative QoS information, thereby deciding whether to reselect decomposed information for the first UE. Of course, for the first UE, the links included in the second link may be different from those included in the second link of the UPF or (R)AN. For example, for the first UE, the second link may include the link between the previous hop device on the first transmission path and the first UE. For example, the first transmission path is... Figure 6B In the main station-UPF-(R)AN-UE1-auxiliary station 1-UE1-(R)AN-UPF-(R)AN-UE2-auxiliary station 2-UE2-(R)AN-UPF-main station, if the first UE is UE1, then the second link can include the link of UPF-(R)AN-UE1.

[0193] For the first UE, the actual QoS information of the second link can be obtained based on the third information. For example, for the first UE, the third information includes the second information. For example, if the first UE is UE1, and the second link includes the UPF-(R)AN-UE1 link, (R)AN will schedule UE1 to receive data packets. UE1 can determine the time when (R)AN sends data packets through the scheduling information, and UE1 can also determine the time when UE1 receives data packets. Therefore, UE1 can determine the actual QoS information between (R)AN and UE1, which is equivalent to UE1 being able to determine the actual QoS information of the second link based on the second information. As mentioned earlier, the QoS information between UPF-(R)AN is relatively fixed. When UE1 establishes a PDU session, the core network device can send the QoS information between UPF-(R)AN to UE1. Therefore, the QoS information between UPF-(R)AN is known to UE1, and UE1 can determine the actual QoS information of the UPF-(R)AN-UE1 link.

[0194] Alternatively, for the first UE, the third information may include the first information, or it may include both the first and second information. Of course, for the UPF, the first UE, or the (R)AN, the first information may be the same or different, and the second information may be the same or different.

[0195] The first UE can determine whether to reselect decomposition information based on the obtained QoS information of the second link. For details on the determination method, please refer to the previous section on the determination process of UPF. Alternatively, if the first UE determines that it needs to reselect decomposition information, the method for reselecting decomposition information can also be found in the previous section on the method for reselecting decomposition information using UPF.

[0196] For the first UE, it may not be the last hop device on the first transmission path, and the first UE may reselect decomposition information. Therefore, optionally, when the first UE sends a data packet to the next hop device, it can carry the index of the decomposition information used by the first UE in the data packet, so that other devices on the first transmission path can clearly know which decomposition information the first UE used, thereby ensuring that the decomposition information used by each device on the first transmission path is consistent, so as to meet the QoS information requirements of industrial Ethernet. For example, if the first UE wants to send its data packet to the UPF, the data packet sent by the first UE to the UPF can carry an Ethernet header, and the first UE can add the index of the decomposition information used by the first UE to the Ethernet header. In various embodiments of this application, if the index of the decomposition information is to be added to the Ethernet header, one way is to add the index of the decomposition information to the Virtual Local Area Network Tag (VLAN tag) field of the Ethernet header.

[0197] In summary, it can be understood that in this embodiment, the communication device can obtain the actual QoS information of the first UE's data, and thus determine whether to reselect decomposition information for the first UE based on the actual QoS information of the first UE's link. As described above, the communication device includes, for example, one or more of the first UE, UPF, or (R)AN. Therefore, by adopting the solution of this embodiment, multiple decomposition methods of QoS information can be set for a transmission path. When transmitting the data of the first UE, the device on the first transmission path (e.g., UPF) can select an appropriate decomposition method according to the actual network conditions, thereby improving the flexibility of data transmission and increasing the success rate of data transmission while satisfying the QoS information of industrial Ethernet.

[0198] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the first transmission path is primarily an example of a path forwarded via UPF. The following describes a second communication method provided by embodiments of this application, in which the first transmission path is, for example, a D2D transmission path. Please refer to... Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the method. For example, this method can be applied to... Figure 4 The network architecture shown.

[0199] S701, The first network device obtains the QoS information of the industrial Ethernet. To distinguish it from other QoS information that will appear later, the QoS information of the industrial Ethernet will be referred to as the first QoS information.

[0200] For more information about the S701, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S501 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0201] S702, The first network device obtains connection status information.

[0202] For more information about the S702, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S502 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0203] S703. The first network device determines the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS based on the first QoS information.

[0204] For more information about the S703, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S503 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0205] S704. The first network device configures K UEs to establish D2D connections, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0206] For example, the first network device can determine, based on connection status information, whether there are any UE pairs among the multiple UEs in the 5GS that can support establishing D2D connections. A "UE pair" refers to two UEs that support establishing D2D connections between themselves; these two UEs are considered a pair, or a single UE pair. For K UEs, there may be P UE pairs, where P is, for example, a positive integer, and P is less than or equal to [(K-1)+(K-2)+(K-3)+……+1]. For example, for K UEs, P can be equal to (K-1), such as K=3. In this case, UE1 and UE2 form a UE pair, UE2 and UE3 form a UE pair, resulting in 2 UE pairs. Alternatively, for K UEs, P can be equal to K, such as K=3. In this case, UE1 and UE2 form a UE pair, UE2 and UE3 form a UE pair, and UE1 and UE3 form a UE pair, resulting in 3 UE pairs. Or, for K UEs, P can be equal to... This indicates rounding up x. For example, if K = 4, UE1 and UE2 are a pair of UEs, and UE3 and UE4 are a pair of UEs, then these 4 UEs include 2 pairs of UEs. Alternatively, P can be any other value less than or equal to [(K-1)+(K-2)+(K-3)+……+1].

[0207] The first network device can be configured to establish D2D connections between some or all of the K UE pairs, where the D2D connection is established between the two UEs constituting a UE pair. For example, if the first network device is a PCF, the PCF can configure one or more of the authentication information, connection information, or policy information for the D2D connection to the K UEs through the AMF, thereby configuring the corresponding UE pairs to establish D2D connections. For example, if K=4, and these 4 UEs include two UE pairs, namely UE1 and UE2, and UE3 and UE4, then the first network device can configure UE1 and UE2 to establish a D2D connection, and configure UE3 and UE4 to establish a D2D connection.

[0208] Optionally, the first network device may configure corresponding UE pairs among the K UEs to establish D2D connections according to the first transmission path. For example, although two UEs are a UE pair, according to the first transmission path, it is not necessary to establish a D2D connection between these two UEs, so the first network device may not configure these two UEs to establish a D2D connection.

[0209] S705. The first network device determines that the first UE has established a PDU session. The first UE is, for example, one of multiple UEs in an industrial Ethernet network, or the connection status information may include the sub-connection status information of the first UE.

[0210] For more information about the S705, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S504 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0211] S706, The first network device allocates a transmission path for the first UE.

[0212] For example, if the first UE is one of K UEs, meaning the first UE supports D2D transmission paths, then the first network device can allocate a D2D transmission path for the first UE. For example, in this embodiment, the first transmission path is a D2D transmission path. For example, all or part of the links included in the first transmission path are D2D links. For example, the first transmission path is... Figure 6B In the sequence, UE1 is the first UE, and UE1 is the first UE. Figure 6BFor example, if the path of transmission through UPF is adopted, the transmission path is: main station - UPF - (R)AN - UE1 - auxiliary station 1 - UE1 - (R)AN - UPF - (R)AN - UE2 - auxiliary station 2 - UE2 - (R)AN - UPF - main station. That is to say, after the data packet arrives at auxiliary station 1, it still needs to be transmitted back to UPF before it can be sent to auxiliary station 2. However, if the D2D transmission path is adopted, the data packet can directly reach UE2 from UE1, which greatly reduces the latency of the entire communication cycle and also provides more QoS scheduling space for other links in multi-link transmission.

[0213] Alternatively, S705 can be replaced by the first network device determining that the first UE has established a D2D session. If the first network device determines that the first UE has established a D2D session, then the first network device can also allocate a D2D transmission path for the first UE. For example, if the embodiments of this application are applied to... Figure 6C In the scenario shown, the first UE is UE1, and the first network device determines that UE1 has established a D2D session with UE2. Therefore, the first network device can allocate a D2D transmission path for the first UE. In this scenario, UE1's communication does not need to pass through the UPF, so UE1 does not need to establish a PDU session. That is, for UEs using a D2D transmission path, if the D2D transmission path passes through the UPF, the UE can establish a PDU session; if the D2D transmission path does not pass through the UPF, the UE does not need to establish a PDU session. For UEs that do not need to establish a PDU session, the first network device can configure these UEs to establish D2D connections through S704, or these UEs can establish D2D connections themselves when they need to transmit data, without requiring configuration from the first network device. After a UE pair has established a D2D connection, one UE in the UE pair can send feedback information to the first network device, indicating whether the D2D connection establishment is complete or failed. If the feedback information indicates that the D2D connection has been established, the first network device can determine that the UE pair has established a D2D connection, and thus the first network device can allocate a transmission path for the UE pair.

[0214] For more information about S706, such as the possibility that S703 could occur after S706, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 5 The following is a description of the embodiments shown.

[0215] S707, the first network device sends QoS information of the first link to the first UE, and correspondingly, the first UE receives the QoS information of the first link from the first network device. The first link is a link included in the first transmission path, and the QoS information of the first link can be included in the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS. For example, the first link is a link between the first UE and the next-hop device on the first transmission path, for example, the first transmission path is... Figure 6B In the sequence, the first UE is UE1, and the first link can be the link between UE1 and UE2.

[0216] Because this embodiment of the application takes a D2D transmission path as an example, the first network device needs to send the QoS information of the first link to the first UE so that the first UE can send its data packets according to the QoS information of the first link. For the method by which the first network device sends the QoS information of the first link to the first UE, please refer to... Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment describes how the first network device sends QoS information for the first link to the UPF.

[0217] Furthermore, even in a D2D transmission path, the data may pass through a UPF, for example... Figure 6B The transmission path from the primary station to the UPF, then to the (R)AN, then to UE1, then to the secondary station, then to UE1, then to UE2, then to the secondary station, then to UE2, then to (R)AN, then to the primary station, passes through the UPF. Therefore, optionally, the first network device can also send the QoS information of the first link to the UPF. If the D2D transmission path does not pass through the UPF, the first network device does not need to send the QoS information of the first link to the UPF. Furthermore, even in a D2D transmission path, it may still pass through (R)AN, for example... Figure 6B The transmission path from the primary station to the UPF, (R)AN, UE1, secondary station 1, UE1, UE2, secondary station 2, UE2, (R)AN, UPF, and primary station passes through (R)AN. Therefore, optionally, the first network device can also send the QoS information of the first link to (R)AN. If the D2D transmission path does not pass through (R)AN, the first network device does not need to send the QoS information of the first link to (R)AN. For information on how the first network device sends the QoS information of the first link to devices such as the UPF or (R)AN, please refer to [link to documentation]. Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment describes how the first network device sends QoS information for the first link to the UPF.

[0218] S708. The first UE receives the first data packet, and the first data packet corresponds to the first UE. The first UE receives the first data packet on the first transmission path, for example, the first transmission path is... Figure 6B In the diagram, the main station is UPF-(R)AN-UE1-auxiliary station 1-UE1-UE2-auxiliary station 2-UE2-(R)AN-UPF-main station, and UE1 is the first UE. The first UE can receive the first data packet from UPF or from the auxiliary station through (R)AN.

[0219] S709. The first UE sends the first data packet to the next-hop device on the first transmission path through the first link according to the QoS information of the first link.

[0220] If the first UE receives only the QoS information of the first link in S707, then the first UE can directly use the QoS information of the first link. Alternatively, if the first UE receives the QoS information of data transmitted through the first transmission path in the 5GS in S707, then the first UE can determine the QoS information of the first link from the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the 5GS. Or, if the first UE receives the QoS information of data transmitted through the first transmission path in the 5GS in S707, and the first UE also receives an index of first decomposition information, indicating that the QoS information of data transmitted through the first transmission path in the 5GS includes multiple decomposition information, then the first UE determines the first decomposition information corresponding to the index of the first decomposition information from the QoS information of data transmitted through the first transmission path in the 5GS, and determines the QoS information of the first link based on the first decomposition information.

[0221] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, steps S702, S704-S706, S708, and S709 are all optional.

[0222] In this embodiment, the first network device can determine the QoS information of data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS based on the first QoS information of the first communication network. Specifically, the first network device determines the QoS information of each of the multiple links on the first transmission path. In other words, the first network device can decompose the QoS information of the industrial Ethernet onto each link on the first transmission path, ensuring that each link clearly defines the QoS information to be used for transmission. This provides a concrete implementation method for 5GS adaptation to industrial Ethernet, enabling 5GS to be compatible with industrial Ethernet. Furthermore, decomposing the QoS information onto each link allows for better control of the entire transmission path, thereby improving transmission quality.

[0223] Optional, Figure 7 The illustrated embodiments may also include the following steps:

[0224] S710, the first UE obtains the actual QoS information of the first UE's data.

[0225] The actual QoS information of the data obtained by the first UE is, for example, the actual QoS information of the second link. For the first UE, the second link includes, for example, the link between the previous hop device on the first transmission path and the first UE. For example, the first transmission path is... Figure 6B In the main station-UPF-(R)AN-UE1-auxiliary station 1-UE1-(R)AN-UPF-(R)AN-UE2-auxiliary station 2-UE2-(R)AN-UPF-main station, if the first UE is UE1, then the second link can include the link of UPF-(R)AN-UE1, or if the first UE is UE2, then the second link can include the link of UPF-(R)AN-UE2.

[0226] Regarding the method by which the first UE obtains the actual QoS information of the second link, and Figure 5 The way the UPF obtains the actual QoS information of the second link is similar; please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 5 The illustrated embodiments are described below.

[0227] S711. The first UE determines whether to reselect decomposition information for the first UE based on the first decomposition information and the actual QoS information of the first UE's data.

[0228] More information about S711, including whether the first UE determines whether to reselect the method for decomposing information, and... Figure 5 The method by which the UPF determines whether it is the first UE and reselects decomposition information is similar; please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 5 The following is a description of the embodiments shown.

[0229] S712, The first UE reselects decomposition information for the first UE.

[0230] If the first UE determines, according to S711, that it needs to reselect decomposition information, then S712 can be executed. However, if the first UE determines, according to S711, that it does not need to reselect decomposition information, then S712 can be skipped. More details about S712, and the method by which the first UE reselects decomposition information, are related to... Figure 5 The method by which the UPF reselects decomposed information for the first UE is similar; please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 5 The following is a description of the embodiments shown.

[0231] Furthermore, the first UE may not be the last-hop device on the first transmission path, and the first UE may reselect decomposition information. Therefore, optionally, when the first UE sends a data packet to the next-hop device, for example, if the first UE wants to send its data packet to the UPF, the data packet sent by the first UE to the UPF may carry an Ethernet header. In this case, the first UE can add an index of the decomposition information used by the first UE to the Ethernet header. In various embodiments of this application, if an index of the decomposition information is to be added to the Ethernet header, one way is to add the index of the decomposition information to the VLAN tag field of the Ethernet header. Therefore, by adopting the scheme of the embodiments of this application, multiple decomposition methods of QoS information can be set for a transmission path. When the device on the first transmission path (e.g., the UPF) transmits the data of the first UE, it can select an appropriate decomposition method according to the actual network conditions, so as to improve the flexibility of data transmission and improve the success rate of data transmission while satisfying the QoS information of industrial Ethernet. Moreover, the embodiments of this application can transmit data through D2D transmission paths as much as possible, thereby shortening the data transmission path and reducing the data transmission latency.

[0232] Figure 5 The illustrated example describes a transmission path where the transmission path is forwarded via UPF. Figure 7 The illustrated embodiment depicts a D2D transmission path. However, considering the architecture of actual industrial Ethernet, UEs may use both UPF forwarding and D2D connection methods. Therefore, the following describes a third communication method provided by this application embodiment, which illustrates how to decompose QoS information in the presence of multiple connection methods. Please refer to... Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the method. For example, this method can be applied to... Figure 4 The network architecture shown.

[0233] S801, The first network device obtains the QoS information of the industrial Ethernet. To distinguish it from other QoS information that will appear later, the QoS information of the industrial Ethernet will be referred to as the first QoS information.

[0234] For more information about the S801, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S501 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0235] S802, The first network device obtains connection status information.

[0236] For more information about the S802, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S502 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0237] S803. The first network device determines the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the 5GS in the second communication network based on the first QoS information.

[0238] For more information about the S803, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S503 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0239] S804. The first network device configures K UEs to establish D2D connections, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0240] For more information about S804, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 S704 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0241] S805, the first network device sends information about the UE that does not support D2D connection communication to the UPF, and correspondingly, the UPF receives information about the UE that does not support D2D connection communication from the first network device.

[0242] For example, the PCF sends information about K UEs to the SMF, which can then filter out UEs that need to be forwarded through the UPF, or in other words, filter out UEs that do not support D2D connection communication. For instance, if the information about the K UEs includes information that UE1 and UE2 are a UE pair, and information that UE3 and UE4 are a UE pair, then the SMF can determine that UE2 and UE3 need to be forwarded through the UPF. As another example, the first network device can determine the UEs that need to be forwarded through the UPF based on the connection state information.

[0243] S806: The first network device determines that the first UE has established a PDU session. Alternatively, the first network device determines that the first UE has established a D2D session. The first UE is, for example, one of multiple UEs in an industrial Ethernet network; or, in other words, the connection status information may include the sub-connection status information of the first UE. For more information on S806, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5 S504 in the illustrated embodiment, or refer to Figure 7 S705 or S706 in the illustrated embodiments.

[0244] S807, The first network device allocates a transmission path for the first UE.

[0245] If the first UE supports D2D connections with other UEs, the first network device can allocate a D2D transmission path for the first UE. If the first UE does not support D2D connections with other UEs, the first network device can allocate a transmission path forwarded via UPF for the first UE. Whether the first UE supports D2D connections with other UEs can be determined by the first network device based on connection status information. For example, the technical solution of this application embodiment is applied to... Figure 6B In the illustrated embodiment, the first UE is UE1. If UE1 supports D2D connection with UE2, the first network device can allocate a D2D transmission path for UE1. This D2D transmission path is, for example, primary station-UPF-(R)AN-UE1-secondary station 1-UE1-UE2-secondary station 2-UE2-(R)AN-UPF-primary station. If UE1 does not support D2D connection with UE2, the first network device can allocate a transmission path for UE1 via UPF forwarding. This transmission path is, for example, primary station-UPF-(R)AN-UE1-secondary station 1-UE1-(R)AN-UPF-(R)AN-UE2-secondary station 2-UE2-(R)AN-UPF-primary station.

[0246] For more information about the S807, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S505 in the illustrated embodiment, or as shown in the reference Figure 7 S706 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0247] S808. The first network device sends QoS information of the first link to the UPF, and the UPF receives the QoS information of the first link from the first network device; or, the first network device sends QoS information of the first link to the first UE, and the first UE receives the QoS information of the first link from the first network device; or, the first network device sends QoS information of the first link to the (R)AN, and the (R)AN receives the QoS information of the first link from the first network device; or, the first network device sends QoS information of the first link to both the UPF and the (R)AN, and the UPF and (R)AN respectively receive the QoS information of the first link from the first network device; or, the first network device sends QoS information of the first link to both the UPF and the first UE, and the UPF and the first UE respectively receive the QoS information of the first link from the first network device; or, the first network device sends QoS information of the first link to both the (R)AN and the first UE, and the (R)AN and the first UE respectively receive the QoS information of the first link from the first network device. This can be understood as the first network device sending QoS information of the first link to the communication device, and correspondingly, the communication device receiving QoS information of the first link from the first network device. The communication device includes one or more of UPF, (R)AN or the first UE.

[0248] For example, if the first network device allocates a transmission path via UPF forwarding to the first UE, then the communication device may include the UPF; conversely, if the first network device allocates a D2D transmission path to the first UE, then the communication device may include the first UE. Alternatively, even if the first network device allocates a D2D transmission path to the first UE, the D2D transmission path may still include a UPF (e.g., the D2D transmission path is...). Figure 6B In the network architecture (main station - UPF - (R)AN - UE1 - auxiliary station 1 - UE1 - UE2 - auxiliary station 2 - UE2 - (R)AN - UPF - main station), the communication equipment can include the first UE and the UPF. Additionally, if the transmission path allocated by the first network device for the first UE passes through (R)AN, then the communication equipment can also include (R)AN. Of course, the first link may be different for the first UE, (R)AN, and UPF.

[0249] For more information about the S808, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S506 in the illustrated embodiment, or referenced Figure 7 S707 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0250] S809, the UPF receives the first data packet, which corresponds to the first UE. The UPF can receive the first data packet on the first transmission path. For example, the first transmission path is a transmission path forwarded by the UPF, such as... Figure 6B In the sequence, the first UE is, for example, UE1 (or UE2), and the first data packet is, for example, from the master station on the first transmission path.

[0251] If the first network device allocates a transmission path via UPF forwarding to the first UE, then the first UE's data packets will pass through the UPF. Alternatively, even if the first network device allocates a D2D transmission path to the first UE, for example... Figure 6B The transmission path from the main station to the UPF (R)AN-UE1-auxiliary station 1-UE1-UE2-auxiliary station 2-UE2-(R)AN-UPF-main station will pass through the UPF, so the data packets of the first UE will also pass through the UPF.

[0252] S810 and UPF send the first data packet to the next-hop device on the first transmission path through the first link according to the QoS information of the first link. For example, the first transmission path is... Figure 6BIn the sequence S808, the first network device sends the QoS information of the first link to the UPF, such as the QoS information of the link from the UPF to UE2. Then the UPF can send data packets to UE2 according to the QoS information of the link from UPF-(R)AN-UE1.

[0253] For more information about the S810, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S508 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0254] exist Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, steps S802, S804-S807, and S809 are all optional.

[0255] In this embodiment, the first network device can determine the QoS information of data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS based on the first QoS information of the first communication network. Specifically, the first network device determines the QoS information of each of the multiple links on the first transmission path. In other words, the first network device can decompose the QoS information of the industrial Ethernet onto each link on the first transmission path, ensuring that each link clearly defines the QoS information to be used for transmission. This provides a concrete implementation method for 5GS adaptation to industrial Ethernet, enabling 5GS to be compatible with industrial Ethernet. Furthermore, decomposing the QoS information onto each link allows for better control of the entire transmission path, thereby improving transmission quality.

[0256] Optional, Figure 8 The illustrated embodiments may also include the following steps:

[0257] S811 and UPF obtain the actual QoS information of the first UE's data.

[0258] For details on how the UPF obtains the actual QoS information of the first UE's data, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S509 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0259] S812, UPF determines whether to reselect decomposition information for the first UE based on the first decomposition information and the actual QoS information of the first UE's data.

[0260] For more information about the S812, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S510 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0261] S813 and UPF are the decomposition information for the first UE to reselect.

[0262] For more information about the S813, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S511 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0263] S814. The first UE receives the second data packet, which corresponds to the first UE. The first UE can receive the second data packet on the first transmission path.

[0264] Regardless of whether the first network device allocates a transmission path via UPF forwarding or a D2D transmission path to the first UE, the transmission path will always pass through the first UE. For example, if the first transmission path is a transmission path via UPF forwarding, such as... Figure 6B In the sequence, the main station-UPF-(R)AN-UE1-auxiliary station 1-UE1-(R)AN-UPF-(R)AN-UE2-auxiliary station 2-UE2-(R)AN-UPF-main station, the first UE is, for example, UE1, and the first data packet is, for example, from the UPF on the first transmission path (or from (R)AN), or from the auxiliary station 1 on the first transmission path.

[0265] For more information about the S814, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 S708 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0266] S815. The first UE sends a second data packet to the next-hop device on the first transmission path through the first link according to the QoS information of the first link.

[0267] For more information about the S815, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 S709 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0268] S816, The first UE obtains the actual QoS information of the data of the first UE.

[0269] For more information about the S816, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 S710 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0270] S817. The first UE determines whether to reselect decomposition information for the first UE based on the first decomposition information and the actual QoS information of the first UE's data.

[0271] For more information about the S817, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 S711 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0272] S818, The first UE reselects decomposition information for the first UE.

[0273] For more information about the S818, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 S712 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0274] If the first network device allocates a transmission path via UPF forwarding to the first UE, then S809 to S813, or S814 to S817, or S809 to S813 and S814 to S817 can be executed; or, if the first network device allocates a transmission path via D2D to the first UE, then S814 to S817 can be executed.

[0275] If the first network device also sends the QoS information of the first link to the (R)AN, then optionally, the (R)AN can also calculate the actual QoS information of the first UE's data, and thus decide whether to reselect decomposed information for the first UE. For more information on this, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 5 The following is a description of the embodiments shown.

[0276] This application embodiment allows for multiple decomposition methods to set QoS information for a single transmission path. When transmitting data from the first UE, a device on the first transmission path (e.g., a UPF) can select an appropriate decomposition method based on the actual network conditions. This improves data transmission flexibility and success rate while meeting the QoS requirements of industrial Ethernet. Furthermore, this application embodiment can allocate different transmission paths to different UEs. For example, a D2D transmission path can be allocated to UEs that support D2D connection communication to shorten the data transmission path and reduce transmission latency. Conversely, a transmission path via UPF forwarding can be allocated to UEs that do not support D2D connection communication to improve data transmission success rate.

[0277] As described in the foregoing embodiments, industrial Ethernet data can be transmitted in 5GS via either UPF forwarding or D2D transmission paths. If forwarded via UPF, the resulting transmission latency may be significant, and the transmission path using UPF forwarding may not meet the QoS requirements of industrial Ethernet. Therefore, this application provides a fourth communication method. This method allows switching to another transmission path when one path does not meet the QoS requirements of industrial Ethernet, thereby improving the data transmission success rate. Please refer to... Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the method. For example, this method can be applied to... Figure 4 The network architecture shown.

[0278] S901, The first network device obtains the QoS information of the industrial Ethernet. To distinguish it from other QoS information that will appear later, the QoS information of the industrial Ethernet will be referred to as the first QoS information.

[0279] For more information about the S901, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S501 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0280] S902, The first network device obtains connection status information.

[0281] For more information about the S902, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S502 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0282] S903. The first network device determines the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the 5GS based on the first QoS information. For example, the first network device also determines the QoS information of the data transmitted through the second transmission path in the 5GS based on the first QoS information. For example, the first transmission path is a transmission path forwarded via UPF, and the second transmission path is a D2D transmission path, or the second transmission path is a transmission path forwarded via UPF, and the first transmission path is a D2D transmission path. A transmission path passing through the first UE and the second UE, where the transmission path is a transmission path forwarded via UPF, can be implemented such that the link between the first UE and the second UE on this transmission path is a link forwarded via UPF; a transmission path passing through the first UE and the second UE, where the transmission path is a D2D transmission path, can be implemented such that the link between the first UE and the second UE on this transmission path is a D2D link. For example, a transmission path forwarded via UPF... Figure 6C The D2D transmission path in the sequence is: Main station - UE1 - (R)AN 1 - UPF - (R)AN 2 - UE2 - Auxiliary station - UE2 - (R)AN 2 - UPF - (R)AN1 - UE1 - Main station. Figure 6C In the sequence, the path is: Master Station - UE1 - UE2 - Auxiliary Station - UE2 - UE1 - Master Station; another example is the transmission path forwarded via UPF. Figure 6B The D2D transmission path in the sequence is: Main Station - UPF - (R)AN - UE1 - Auxiliary Station 1 - UE1 - (R)AN - UPF - (R)AN - UE2 - Auxiliary Station 2 - UE2 - (R)AN - UPF - Main Station. Figure 6B The main station is UPF-(R)AN-UE1-auxiliary station 1-UE1-UE2-auxiliary station 2-UE2-(R)AN-UPF-main station.

[0283] For more information about the S903, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S503 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0284] S904. The first network device determines that the first UE has established a PDU session. Alternatively, the first network device determines that the first UE has established a D2D session. The first UE is, for example, one of multiple UEs in the 5GS, or in other words, the connection state information may include the sub-connection state information of the first UE. For example, the first UE is... Figure 6B UE1 in the middle, or is Figure 6C UE2 in the middle.

[0285] S905, The first network device allocates a transmission path for the first UE.

[0286] It can be similar to Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the first network device can by default allocate a transmission path forwarded via UPF to the first UE; more details can be found in S505; or it can be similar. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, if the first UE supports D2D connection, the first network device can allocate a D2D transmission path for the first UE; if the first UE does not support D2D connection, the first network device can allocate a transmission path forwarded via UPF for the first UE. For more details, please refer to S807. For example, the first network device allocates a first transmission path for the first UE.

[0287] S906. The first network device sends the QoS information of the first link to the UPF, and correspondingly, the UPF receives the QoS information of the first link from the first network device.

[0288] For more information about the S906, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S506 in the illustrated embodiment, or referenced Figure 7 S707 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0289] S907, The first network device determines the handover delay information of at least one UE.

[0290] At least one UE includes a UE requiring path switching, and at least one UE may include a first UE. The UE requiring path switching may include a UE traversed by both the first and second transmission paths, and the transmission directions of this UE on the first and second transmission paths are different. For example, for... Figure 6B In the scenario shown, the first transmission path is Figure 6B The second transmission path shown is: Main station - UPF - (R)AN - UE1 - Auxiliary station 1 - UE1 - (R)AN - UPF - (R)AN - UE2 - Auxiliary station 2 - UE2 - (R)AN - UPF - Main station. Figure 6BThe diagram shows the path: Master Station - UPF - (R)AN - UE1 - Auxiliary Station 1 - UE1 - UE2 - Auxiliary Station 2 - UE2 - (R)AN - UPF - Master Station. Therefore, UEs traversed by both transmission paths include UE1 and UE2. For UE1, the transmission direction in the first transmission path includes receiving data from the UPF and sending data to the UPF, while the transmission direction in the second transmission path includes receiving data from the UPF and sending data to UE2. It is evident that UE1's transmission directions differ between the two transmission paths, making UE1 the UE requiring path switching. Similarly, for UE2, the transmission direction in the first transmission path includes receiving data from the UPF and sending data to the UPF, while the transmission direction in the second transmission path includes receiving data from UE1 and sending data to the UPF. Again, UE2's transmission directions differ between the two transmission paths, making UE2 also a UE requiring path switching.

[0291] A UE's handover delay information can indicate the time required for the UE to switch from a first transmission path to a second transmission path. For example, a UE's handover delay information may include one or more of the following: the delay required for the UE to perform a path handover, the delay for the UE to establish a D2D connection, or the delay for the UE to send a handover success message to the network after completing the path handover.

[0292] S908. The first network device sends handover delay information of at least one UE to the UPF, and correspondingly, the UPF receives handover delay information of at least one UE from the first network device.

[0293] S909, the UPF receives the first data packet, which corresponds to the first UE. The UPF can receive the first data packet on the first transmission path, meaning that the UPF begins transmitting data from the first UE. If the first network device allocates a transmission path for the first UE that forwards data through the UPF, then the first UE's data packets will pass through the UPF. Alternatively, even if the first network device allocates a D2D transmission path for the first UE, the D2D transmission path may still include the UPF, in which case the first UE's data packets will also pass through the UPF.

[0294] S910 and UPF send the first data packet to the next-hop device on the first transmission path via the first link, according to the QoS information of the first link. For example, the first transmission path is... Figure 6C If the main station is UE1-(R)AN 1-UPF-(R)AN 2-UE2-auxiliary station, then the next-hop device of UPF on the first transmission path is UE2, and the first link is the link from UPF to UE2.

[0295] For more information about the S910, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5S508 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0296] exist Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, steps S902, S904, S905, and S907 to S910 are all optional.

[0297] In this embodiment, the first network device can determine the QoS information of data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS based on the first QoS information of the first communication network. Specifically, the first network device determines the QoS information of each of the multiple links on the first transmission path. In other words, the first network device can decompose the QoS information of the industrial Ethernet onto each link on the first transmission path, ensuring that each link clearly defines the QoS information to be used for transmission. This provides a concrete implementation method for 5GS adaptation to industrial Ethernet, enabling 5GS to be compatible with industrial Ethernet. Furthermore, decomposing the QoS information onto each link allows for better control of the entire transmission path, thereby improving transmission quality.

[0298] Optional, Figure 9 The illustrated embodiments may also include the following steps:

[0299] S911 and UPF obtain the actual QoS information of the first UE's data.

[0300] For more information about the S910, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S509 in the illustrated embodiment, or as shown in the reference Figure 8 S811 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0301] S912, UPF determines whether to reselect decomposition information for the first UE based on the first decomposition information and the actual QoS information of the first UE's data.

[0302] For more information about the S912, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S509 in the illustrated embodiment, or as shown in the reference Figure 8 S812 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0303] In addition, if the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS only includes one decomposition information, then UPF can execute S913, and S912 does not need to be executed.

[0304] S913, UPF determines that the data transmitted through the first transmission path does not have the required decomposition information in the QoS information of the 5GS, and that the data transmitted through the second transmission path can meet the requirements in the QoS information of the 5GS.

[0305] For example, if the UPF determines via S912 that it needs to reselect decomposition information for the first UE, then the UPF can reselect decomposition information for the first UE. For details on how the UPF selects decomposition information for the first UE, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 5 S511 in the illustrated embodiment, or as shown in the reference Figure 8 S812 in the illustrated embodiment. For example, after the UPF performs the process of reselecting decomposition information for the first UE, it determines that the data transmitted through the first transmission path does not have any decomposition information in the 5GS that can satisfy the actual QoS information of the first UE's data. For example, the UPF determines that in the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path, the delay corresponding to the QoS information of the second link included in all decomposition information is less than the delay corresponding to the actual QoS information of the second link. Then the UPF can determine that no decomposition information can satisfy the delay corresponding to the actual QoS information of the first UE's data. This is equivalent to determining that in the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path, no decomposition information in the 5GS can satisfy the actual QoS information of the first UE's data.

[0306] If the QoS information of the data transmitted via the first transmission path in the 5GS does not contain any decomposition information that satisfies the actual QoS information of the first UE's data, and if the UPF also obtains QoS information from other transmission paths, the UPF can further determine whether the QoS information of the other transmission paths satisfies the actual QoS information of the first UE's data. For example, if the UPF also obtains the QoS information of the data transmitted via the second transmission path in the 5GS, and the UPF determines that the QoS information of the data transmitted via the second transmission path in the 5GS satisfies the actual QoS information of the first UE's data, for example, if the QoS information of the data transmitted via the second transmission path in the 5GS includes only one decomposition information, then the UPF determines that the QoS information of the data transmitted via the second transmission path in the 5GS satisfies the actual QoS information of the first UE's data; or, for example, if the QoS information of the data transmitted via the second transmission path in the 5GS includes multiple decomposition information, then the UPF determines that at least one decomposition information included in the QoS information of the data transmitted via the second transmission path in the 5GS satisfies the actual QoS information of the first UE's data.

[0307] Additionally, S907 and S908 can occur before S909. Figure 9 Taking this as an example. Alternatively, S909 to S913 can be executed first. After executing S913, the UPF can request the first network device to obtain the handover delay information of the first UE. After receiving the request from the UPF, the first network device then executes S907 and S908.

[0308] S914, UPF determines whether at least one UE is capable of path handover. For an explanation of at least one UE, please refer to the preceding text.

[0309] If the data transmitted through the first transmission path does not have decomposed QoS information in the 5GS that satisfies the actual QoS information of the first UE's data, but the data transmitted through the second transmission path does have QoS information in the 5GS that satisfies the actual QoS information of the first UE's data, then the UPF can determine whether at least one UE can perform a path handover. That is, the UPF determines whether at least one UE can switch from the first transmission path to the second transmission path. For example, if the number of at least one UE is 1, the UPF can determine whether the duration indicated by the handover delay information of that UE is less than or equal to the lifetime of the first UE's data. The lifetime has been introduced previously. If the duration indicated by the handover delay information is less than or equal to the lifetime of the first UE's data, it indicates that the path handover of that UE will not affect the system, and the UPF determines that the UE can perform a path handover, which is equivalent to determining that a path handover is possible. Conversely, if the duration indicated by the handover delay information is less than or equal to the lifetime of the first UE's data, it indicates that the path handover of that UE will affect the system, and the UPF determines that the UE cannot perform a path handover, which is equivalent to determining that a path handover is not possible.

[0310] Alternatively, if the number of at least one UE is greater than one, the UPF receives handover delay information from multiple UEs via S908. The UPF determines the handover delay information with the largest value and checks if the duration indicated by this handover delay information is less than or equal to the lifetime of the first UE's data. If the duration indicated by this handover delay information is less than or equal to the lifetime of the first UE's data, it indicates that a path handover by at least one UE will not affect the system, and the UPF determines that at least one UE can perform a path handover, which is equivalent to determining that a path handover is possible. Conversely, if the duration indicated by this handover delay information is less than or equal to the lifetime of the first UE's data, it indicates that a path handover by at least one UE will affect the system, and the UPF determines that at least one UE cannot perform a path handover, which is equivalent to determining that a path handover is not possible.

[0311] For example, the first transmission path is Figure 6BThe diagram shows the sequence: Master Station - UPF - (R)AN - UE1 - Auxiliary Station 1 - UE1 - (R)AN - UPF - (R)AN - UE2 - Auxiliary Station 2 - UE2 - (R)AN - UPF - Master Station. The first decomposition information is the decomposition information corresponding to index 0 in Table 1. The actual QoS information of the first UE obtained by the UPF is the actual QoS information of the second link. The latency corresponding to the QoS information of the second link is the sum of the latency corresponding to the QoS information of the link UPF-(R)AN-UE1 and the latency corresponding to the QoS information of the link UE1-(R)AN-UPF. Assume the latency corresponding to the actual QoS information of the second link is 24ms. According to Table 1, the sum of the latency corresponding to the QoS information of the link UPF-(R)AN-UE1 and the latency corresponding to the QoS information of the link UE1-(R)AN-UPF included in the first decomposition information is 20ms, which cannot satisfy the actual QoS information of the second link. In Table 1, the sum of the delays corresponding to the QoS information of the UPF-(R)AN-UE1 link and the QoS information of the UE1-(R)AN-UPF link in the decomposition information corresponding to index 1 is 19ms. Similarly, the sum of the delays corresponding to the QoS information of the UPF-(R)AN-UE1 link and the QoS information of the UE1-(R)AN-UPF link in the decomposition information corresponding to index 2 is also 19ms. Neither of these sums satisfies the actual QoS requirements of the second link. In other words, the data transmitted through the first transmission path lacks decomposition information in the 5GS that satisfies the actual QoS requirements of the second link.

[0312] For example, the UPF also obtains the QoS information of the data transmitted through the second transmission path in the 5GS, as shown in Table 2. The UPF can then determine whether the QoS information of the data transmitted through the second transmission path in the 5GS meets the actual QoS information of the second link. Since the second link includes two links, and the UE1-(R)AN-UPF link is not included in Table 2, the UPF can split the actual QoS information of the second link onto the two links for evaluation based on the UPF-(R)AN-UE1 link. For example, the UPF can take the average delay corresponding to the actual QoS information of the second link, and this average value becomes the QoS information of each link included in the second link. Of course, this example uses an arithmetic average; in other examples, the UPF could also take a weighted average, or the UPF could determine the actual QoS information of each link included in the second link in other ways. Since the actual QoS information for the second link is 24ms, UPF determines the latency corresponding to the actual QoS information of each of these two links to be 12ms by taking the arithmetic mean. That is, the latency corresponding to the QoS information of the UPF-(R)AN-UE1 link is 12ms. According to Table 2, the latency corresponding to the QoS information of the UPF-(R)AN-UE1 link included in the decomposition information corresponding to the two indices in Table 2 is greater than 12ms. Therefore, the decomposition information corresponding to the two indices in Table 2 can satisfy the actual QoS information of the second link.

[0313] Furthermore, if the at least one UE at this time includes UE1 and UE2, then the UPF can determine the handover delay information with the larger value between the handover delay information of UE1 and the handover delay information of UE2, and determine whether the duration indicated by the handover delay information is less than or equal to the data survival time of the first UE. Based on this determination process, the UPF can obtain the determination result. For example, if the duration indicated by the handover delay information is less than or equal to the lifespan of the first UE's data, the determination result can indicate that the duration indicated by the handover delay information is less than or equal to the lifespan of the first UE's data; conversely, if the duration indicated by the handover delay information is greater than the lifespan of the first UE's data, the determination result can indicate that the duration indicated by the handover delay information is greater than the lifespan of the first UE's data. For another example, if the duration indicated by the handover delay information is less than or equal to the lifespan of the first UE's data, the determination result can indicate a normal state; conversely, if the duration indicated by the handover delay information is greater than the lifespan of the first UE's data, the determination result can indicate an abnormal state. Furthermore, if the duration indicated by the handover delay information is less than or equal to the lifespan of the first UE's data, the determination result can indicate that path switching is allowed; conversely, if the duration indicated by the handover delay information is greater than the lifespan of the first UE's data, the determination result can indicate that path switching is not allowed.

[0314] For example, the first transmission path is Figure 6BThe diagram shown is: Master Station - UPF - (R)AN - UE1 - Auxiliary Station 1 - UE1 - (R)AN - UPF - (R)AN - UE2 - Auxiliary Station 2 - UE2 - (R)AN - UPF - Master Station. The UPF determines whether at least one UE can switch transmission paths. When the UPF makes this determination, it means that the UPF has already received some data packets from the first UE; that is, some data packets from the first UE have already been transmitted to the UPF. If the UPF determines that at least one UE can switch transmission paths, the data packets from the first UE that the UPF has already received may be discarded. Furthermore, if the first UE's data packets are still being transmitted during the path switching process, these data packets transmitted during the path switching process may also be discarded. Therefore, when determining whether at least one UE can switch transmission paths, the UPF uses the lifetime of the data. Packet loss within the first UE's lifetime is tolerable for the system, or at least does not affect it. Therefore, if the maximum handover delay of at least one UE is less than or equal to the lifetime of the first UE's data, the UPF determines that at least one UE can perform a path switch. However, if packet loss occurs after the first UE's lifetime, the system may not tolerate it and it will affect the system. Therefore, if the maximum handover delay of at least one UE is greater than the lifetime of the first UE's data, it indicates that at least one UE has not completed the path switch after the first UE's data lifetime has expired. In this case, packet loss may still occur during the path switch, which is unacceptable to the system. Therefore, in this situation, the UPF determines that at least one UE cannot perform a path switch. Furthermore, since at least one UE is involved in a path switch, meaning there may be one or more UEs involved, it is reasonable for the UPF to uniformly determine whether these UEs should perform a path switch.

[0315] S915, UPF sends a confirmation result to the first network device, and the first network device receives the confirmation result from UPF accordingly.

[0316] For example, the determination result indicates that the duration indicated by the handover delay information is less than or equal to the lifetime of the first UE's data, or indicates that the duration indicated by the handover delay information is greater than the lifetime of the first UE's data. If the determination result indicates that the duration indicated by the handover delay information is less than or equal to the lifetime of the first UE's data, the first network device can determine that the first UE can perform a path handover; if the determination result indicates that the duration indicated by the handover delay information is greater than the lifetime of the first UE's data, the first network device can determine that the first UE cannot perform a path handover.

[0317] For example, the determination result may indicate a normal state or an abnormal state. If the determination result indicates a normal state, the first network device can determine that the first UE can perform path switching; if the determination result indicates an abnormal state, the first network device can determine that the first UE cannot perform path switching.

[0318] For example, the determination result may indicate that path switching is allowed or disallowed. If the determination result indicates that path switching is allowed, the first network device can determine that the first UE can perform path switching; if the determination result indicates that path switching is disallowed, the first network device can determine that the first UE cannot perform path switching.

[0319] If the first network device determines that the first UE is capable of path switching, the first network device can instruct the UE to perform path switching. For example, the SMF can send path switching signaling to the UE through the AMF, which instructs the UE to switch to the second transmission path. After receiving the path switching signaling, the UE can switch to the second transmission path. Since the duration indicated by the handover delay information is less than or equal to the data lifetime of the first UE, the UE's path switching will not affect the system, and the handover can improve the data transmission success rate of the first UE.

[0320] Additionally, if the first network device instructs the first UE to switch to the second transmission path, the first network device can also send QoS information for the third link to the communication device. Correspondingly, the communication device receives the QoS information for the third link from the first network device. The communication device includes one or more of a UPF, (R)AN, or the first UE. The third link is a link included in the second transmission path, and the QoS information for the third link can be included in the QoS information of the data transmitted through the second transmission path in the 5GS. For example, if the first network device sends the QoS information for the third link to the communication device, the third link could be a link between the communication device and the next-hop device on the second transmission path. The third link may vary depending on the communication device.

[0321] Alternatively, the first network device may send QoS information for each link in the second transmission path to the communication device (sending QoS information of the data transmitted through the second transmission path in 5GS to the communication device is considered equivalent to sending QoS information of the third link to the communication device), so that the communication device can obtain not only the QoS information of the third link, but also the QoS information of other links on the second transmission path. If the QoS information of the data transmitted through the second transmission path in 5GS includes multiple decomposition information, the first network device can select one decomposition information for the first UE from these multiple decomposition information, for example, the first network device selects the second decomposition information. If the first network device sends the QoS information of the data transmitted through the second transmission path in 5GS to the communication device, the first network device can also send the index of the second decomposition information to the communication device, so that the communication device can know which decomposition information in the QoS information of the data transmitted through the second transmission path in 5GS should be used.

[0322] Alternatively, if the QoS information of the data transmitted via the second transmission path in the 5GS includes multiple decomposition information, then the first network device can select one decomposition information for the first UE from these multiple decomposition information and send the decomposition information to the communication device. The first network device sending this decomposition information to the communication device is considered as sending the QoS information of the third link to the communication device.

[0323] If the communication device obtains the QoS information of the third link, it can send the data packets of the first UE according to the QoS information of the third link. In addition, the communication device can continue to calculate the actual QoS information of the first UE's data, and can also continue to determine whether the second decomposed information needs to be adjusted, etc. For details on these, please refer to the relevant content above.

[0324] In this embodiment of the application, if a transmission path cannot meet the actual QoS requirements, the network can instruct the UE to switch transmission paths to improve the data transmission success rate and transmission quality.

[0325] In the foregoing embodiments, both the UPF and the UE can select decomposed information. The following describes a fifth communication method provided by embodiments of this application, through which the (R)AN can also select decomposed information. Please refer to... Figure 10 The flowchart below illustrates the method. In this embodiment, for example, the main station also accesses 5GS via a UE. The applicable scenarios for this embodiment can be found by referring to... Figure 11 .

[0326] For example, this method can be applied to Figure 6C The network architecture shown.

[0327] S1001, The first network device obtains the QoS information of the industrial Ethernet. To distinguish it from other QoS information that will appear later, the QoS information of the industrial Ethernet will be referred to as the first QoS information.

[0328] For more information about S1001, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S501 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0329] S1002, The first network device obtains connection status information.

[0330] For more information about S1002, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S502 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0331] S1003. The first network device determines the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS based on the first QoS information.

[0332] For more information about S1003, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S503 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0333] S1004. The first network device determines that the first UE has established a PDU session. Alternatively, the first network device determines that the first UE has established a D2D session. The first UE is, for example, one of multiple UEs in the 5GS, or in other words, the connection state information may include the sub-connection state information of the first UE.

[0334] For more information about S1005, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S504 in the illustrated embodiment, or as can be referred to Figure 7 S705 or S706 in the illustrated embodiments.

[0335] S1005, The first network device allocates a transmission path for the first UE.

[0336] It can be similar to Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the first network device can by default allocate a transmission path forwarded via UPF to the first UE; more details can be found in S505; or it can be similar. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, if the first UE supports D2D connection communication, the first network device allocates a D2D transmission path for the first UE; if the first UE does not support D2D connection communication, the first network device allocates a transmission path forwarded via UPF for the first UE. For more details, please refer to S807. For example, the first network device allocates a first transmission path for the first UE.

[0337] S1006. The first network device sends QoS information of the first link to the second network device, and the second network device receives the QoS information of the first link from the first network device; or, the first network device sends QoS information of the first link to the first UE, and the first UE receives the QoS information of the first link from the first network device; or, the first network device sends QoS information of the first link to the second network device, and the second network device receives the QoS information of the first link from the first network device; and the first network device sends QoS information of the first link to the first UE, and the first UE receives the QoS information of the first link from the first network device.

[0338] The second network device may include, for example, a UPF, or a (R)AN, or both a UPF and a (R)AN. It should be noted that the first link may include the same or different links for different devices; for ease of description, it is collectively referred to as the first link. For example, for the UPF, (R)AN, and the first UE, the first link may include the same link or different links.

[0339] Regarding the method by which the first network device sends QoS information for the first link, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 5 S506 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0340] S1007, UPF sends the first data packet to the next-hop device on the first transmission path through the first link according to the QoS information of the first link.

[0341] For more information about S1007, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S508 and S509 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0342] exist Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, steps S1002, S1004, S1005, and S1007 are all optional.

[0343] In this embodiment, the first network device can determine the QoS information of data transmitted through the first transmission path in 5GS based on the first QoS information of the first communication network. Specifically, the first network device determines the QoS information of each of the multiple links on the first transmission path. In other words, the first network device can decompose the QoS information of the industrial Ethernet onto each link on the first transmission path, ensuring that each link clearly defines the QoS information to be used for transmission. This provides a concrete implementation method for 5GS adaptation to industrial Ethernet, enabling 5GS to be compatible with industrial Ethernet. Furthermore, decomposing the QoS information onto each link allows for better control of the entire transmission path, thereby improving transmission quality.

[0344] Optional, Figure 10 The illustrated embodiments may also include the following steps:

[0345] S1008, UPF determines whether to reselect decomposition information for the first UE based on the first decomposition information and the actual QoS information of the first UE's data.

[0346] For more information about S1008, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S510-S511 in the illustrated embodiment, or refer to Figure 8 S811 to S813 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0347] S1009. The (R)AN, according to the QoS information of the first link, sends the second data packet to the next-hop device on the first transmission path via the first link. It should be noted that for the (R)AN, the first link can be any link traversed by the (R)AN. For example, the first transmission path is... Figure 6C In the network configuration of Master Station-UE1-(R)AN1-UPF-(R)AN2-UE2-Auxiliary Station, the first network device can send information about the first link to (R)AN1 in S1006. This first link is the link from UE1 to UPF. For (R)AN1, data packets can be sent to UPF through the first link according to the QoS information of the first link. And / or, the first network device can send information about the first link to (R)AN2 in S1006. This first link is the link from UPF to (R)AN2 to UE2. For (R)AN2, data packets can be sent to UE2 through the first link according to the QoS information of the first link.

[0348] For more information about S1009, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S508 and S509 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0349] S1010 and (R)AN determine whether to reselect decomposition information for the first UE based on the first decomposition information and the actual QoS information of the second link.

[0350] For more information about the S1010, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S510 to S511 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0351] S1011. The first UE sends a third data packet to the next-hop device on the first transmission path through the first link according to the QoS information of the first link.

[0352] For more information about S1011, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S508 and S509 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0353] S1012. The first UE determines whether to reselect decomposition information based on the first decomposition information and the actual QoS information of the second link.

[0354] For more information about S1012, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 S510 to S511 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0355] In this embodiment, since the UPF, (R)AN, and the first UE may all select decomposition information, in order to enable other devices on the first transmission path to clearly identify which decomposition information is currently being used, optionally, when the communication device sends a data packet of the first UE to the next-hop device on the first transmission path, it can carry an index of the currently used decomposition information in the data packet. This allows other devices on the first transmission path to clearly identify which decomposition information the communication device is using, thereby ensuring that the decomposition information used by each device on the first transmission path is consistent, thus meeting the QoS requirements of industrial Ethernet. The communication device may include, for example, one or more of the following: UPF, (R)AN, or the first UE.

[0356] For example, if the UPF wants to send a data packet of the first UE to the (R)AN, and the data packet sent by the UPF to the (R)AN can carry a GTP-U header and an Ethernet header, then the UPF can add an index of the decomposition information used by the UPF to the GTP-U header and / or the Ethernet header. Similarly, if the (R)AN wants to send a data packet of the first UE to the first UE, and the data packet sent by the (R)AN to the first UE can carry an Ethernet header, then the (R)AN can add an index of the decomposition information used by the (R)AN to the Ethernet header. Again, if the (R)AN wants to send a data packet of the first UE to the UPF, and the data packet sent by the (R)AN to the UPF can carry a GTP-U header, then the (R)AN can add an index of the decomposition information used by the (R)AN to the GTP-U header. Finally, if the UPF wants to send a data packet of the first UE to the first UE, and the data packet sent by the UPF to the first UE can carry an Ethernet header, then the UPF can add an index of the decomposition information used by the UPF to the Ethernet header. For example, if a first UE wants to send its data packets to a UPF, and the data packets sent by the first UE to the UPF can carry an Ethernet header, then the first UE can add an index of the decomposition information used by the first UE to the Ethernet header. In various embodiments of this application, if an index of the decomposition information is to be added to the Ethernet header, one way is to add the index of the decomposition information to the VLAN tag field of the Ethernet header.

[0357] This application provides a scenario where both the master and slave stations of an industrial Ethernet network are accessed wirelessly via a UE. It also designs a dynamic QoS scheduling mechanism involving (R)AN. By carrying an index of decomposition information in the header of the data packet, the devices on the first transmission path can perceive the decomposition information currently in use, thereby enabling more flexible dynamic QoS scheduling and making full use of network resources to meet the QoS requirements of the industrial Ethernet network.

[0358] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application is provided. The communication device 1100 may be... Figure 5 The illustrated embodiments Figure 7 The illustrated embodiments Figure 8 The illustrated embodiments Figure 9 The illustrated embodiments or Figure 10 The communication device or its chip system described in the illustrated embodiments is used to implement the method corresponding to the communication device in the above method embodiments. The communication device includes, for example, the second network device and / or the first UE described in the foregoing embodiments. Alternatively, the communication device may also be... Figure 5 The illustrated embodiments Figure 7 The illustrated embodiments Figure 8 The illustrated embodiments Figure 9 The illustrated embodiments or Figure 10 The first network device or chip system of the first network device described in the illustrated embodiment is used to implement the method corresponding to the first network device in the above method embodiments. For specific functions, please refer to the description in the above method embodiments.

[0359] The communication device 1100 includes one or more processors 1101. The processor 1101, also referred to as a processing unit, can implement certain control functions. The processor 1101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data. The CPU can be used to control the communication device 1100, execute software programs, and / or process data. Different processors can be independent devices or integrated into one or more processing circuits, for example, integrated onto one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0360] Optionally, the communication device 1100 includes one or more memories 1102 for storing instructions 1104, which can be executed on the processor to cause the communication device 1100 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memories 1102 may also store data. The processor and memories can be provided separately or integrated together.

[0361] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may include instructions 1103 (sometimes referred to as code or program), which can be executed on the processor to cause the communication device 1100 to perform the methods described in the above embodiments. Data may be stored in the processor 1101.

[0362] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may also include a transceiver 1105 and an antenna 1106. The transceiver 1105 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, transceiver, input / output interface, etc., and is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device 1100 through the antenna 1106.

[0363] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may further include one or more of the following components: a wireless communication module, an audio module, an external memory interface, internal memory, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a power management module, an antenna, a speaker, a microphone, an input / output module, a sensor module, a motor, a camera, or a display screen, etc. It is understood that in some embodiments, the communication device 1100 may include more or fewer components, or some components may be integrated, or some components may be separated. These components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0364] The processor 1101 and transceiver 1105 described in this application embodiment can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency identification (RFID) integrated circuits, mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), or electronic devices. The communication device described herein can be a standalone device (e.g., a standalone integrated circuit, a mobile phone, etc.) or a part of a larger device (e.g., a module embedded in other devices). For details, please refer to the foregoing description of the communication device and the first network device; further details will not be repeated here.

[0365] This application provides a terminal device (referred to as UE for convenience) that can be used in the foregoing embodiments. The terminal device includes components for implementing... Figure 5 The illustrated embodiments Figure 7 The illustrated embodiments Figure 8 The illustrated embodiments Figure 9 The illustrated embodiments or Figure 10The embodiments shown include corresponding means, units, and / or circuits for the first UE function. For example, a terminal device includes a transceiver module to support the terminal device in implementing transceiver functions, and a processing module to support the terminal device in processing signals.

[0366] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application is given.

[0367] The terminal device 1200 is applicable to Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6B or Figure 6C In the architecture shown in any of the attached figures. For ease of illustration, Figure 12 Only the main components of the terminal device 1200 are shown. (Example) Figure 12 As shown, the terminal device 1200 includes a processor, memory, control circuitry, antenna, and input / output devices. The processor is primarily used to process communication protocols and data, control the entire terminal device 1200, execute software programs, and process the data from those programs. The memory is mainly used to store software programs and data. The control circuitry is primarily used for converting baseband signals to radio frequency signals and processing radio frequency signals. The antenna is primarily used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as a touchscreen, display screen, microphone, and keyboard, are primarily used to receive user input data and output data to the user.

[0368] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for ease of explanation, Figure 12 Only one memory and processor are shown. In some embodiments, the terminal device 1200 may include multiple processors and memories. Memory may also be referred to as storage medium or storage device, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0369] In one example, the antenna and control circuit with transceiver functions can be considered as the transceiver unit 1210 of the terminal device 1200, and the processor with processing functions can be considered as the processing unit 1220 of the terminal device 1200. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the terminal device 1200 includes a transceiver unit 1210 and a processing unit 1220. The transceiver unit can also be referred to as a transceiver, transceiver device, or transceiver apparatus. Optionally, the device in the transceiver unit 1210 used to implement the receiving function can be considered as a receiving unit, and the device in the transceiver unit 1210 used to implement the transmitting function can be considered as a transmitting unit; that is, the transceiver unit 1210 includes both a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. For example, the receiving unit can also be referred to as a receiver, receiver circuit, or receiving device, and the transmitting unit can be referred to as a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit.

[0370] This application also provides a network device that can be used in the foregoing embodiments. The network device includes components for implementing... Figure 5 The illustrated embodiments Figure 7 The illustrated embodiments Figure 8 The illustrated embodiments Figure 9 The illustrated embodiments or Figure 10 The embodiments shown include means, units, and / or circuits for implementing the functions of the first network device. Alternatively, the network device includes means, units, and / or circuits for implementing... Figure 5 The illustrated embodiments Figure 7 The illustrated embodiments Figure 8 The illustrated embodiments Figure 9 The illustrated embodiments or Figure 10 The embodiments shown include means, units, and / or circuits for the functions of the second network device. For example, the network device includes a transceiver module to support the first or second network device in implementing transceiver functions, and a processing module to support the first or second network device in processing signals.

[0371] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided in an embodiment of this application is given. Figure 13 As shown, the network device is suitable for Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6B or Figure 6C In the architecture shown in any of the accompanying figures, the network device includes: a baseband device 1301, a radio frequency (RF) device 1302, and an antenna 1303. In the uplink direction, the RF device 1302 receives information transmitted by the terminal device through the antenna 1303 and transmits the information to the baseband device 1301 for processing. In the downlink direction, the baseband device 1301 processes the information from the terminal device and transmits it to the RF device 1302, which then processes the information and transmits it to the terminal device through the antenna 1303.

[0372] The baseband device 1301 includes one or more processing units 13011, a storage unit 13012, and an interface 13013. The processing unit 13011 supports the network device in performing the functions of the network device in the above method embodiments. The storage unit 13012 stores software programs and / or data. The interface 13013 interacts with the radio frequency device 1302, and includes interface circuitry for information input and output. In one implementation, the processing unit is an integrated circuit, such as one or more ASICs, or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of these integrated circuit types. These integrated circuits can be integrated together to form a chip. The storage unit 13012 and the processing unit 13011 can reside on the same chip, i.e., an on-chip storage element. Alternatively, the storage unit 13012 can reside on a different chip than the processing unit 13011, i.e., an off-chip storage element. The storage unit 13012 can be a single memory or a collective term for multiple memories or storage elements.

[0373] Network device 1300 can implement some or all of the steps in the above method embodiments through one or more processing unit schedulers. For example, implementing... Figure 5 The illustrated embodiments Figure 7 The illustrated embodiments Figure 8 The illustrated embodiments Figure 9 The illustrated embodiments or Figure 10 The embodiments shown illustrate the corresponding functions of the first or second network device in any of the illustrated embodiments. The one or more processing units may support the same type of wireless access technology or different types of wireless access technologies.

[0374] When the embodiments provided in this application are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. This computer software product, stored in a storage medium, includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access. For example, but not limited to, a computer-readable medium may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures that can be accessed by a computer.

[0375] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of this application should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The first network device obtains the first Quality of Service (QoS) information of the first communication network; The first network device determines the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network based on the first QoS information. The QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network includes the QoS information of multiple links on the first transmission path. Each endpoint of each of the multiple links is a terminal device in the second communication network, and all the multiple links are located in the second communication network. The QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network includes one or more decomposition information. Each of the one or more decomposition information includes the QoS information of multiple links on the first transmission path. In different decomposition information, the QoS information of at least one link on the first transmission path is different. The first network device sends QoS information of the first link to the communication device. The QoS information of the first link is included in the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network. The first link is the link between the communication device and the next-hop device on the first transmission path. The communication device is either the second network device or the first terminal device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first network device determines the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network based on the first QoS information, including: The first network device maps the first QoS information to second QoS information, where the second QoS information is QoS information applied to the second communication network; The first network device determines the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network based on the second QoS information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first network device determines the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network based on the first QoS information, including: The first network device determines the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network based on the first QoS information and the connection status information. The connection status information is used to indicate the connection status of multiple terminal devices located in the second communication network. The multiple terminal devices are capable of transmitting data to devices located in the first communication network. A terminal device that is an endpoint of each of the multiple links belongs to the multiple terminal devices.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connection status information includes latency information between the first terminal device and each device connected to the first terminal device, and / or information on whether the first terminal device supports D2D connection mode, wherein the first terminal device is one of the plurality of terminal devices.

5. The method according to claim 1, 2 or 4, characterized in that, The first network device sends QoS information of the first link to the communication device, including: The first network device sends the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network to the communication device.

6. The method according to claim 1, 2 or 4, characterized in that, When the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network includes multiple decomposed information, the method further includes: The first network device determines the first decomposition information corresponding to the communication device from the one or more decomposition information included in the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network; The first network device sends the index of the first decomposition information to the communication device.

7. The method according to claim 1, 2, or 4, characterized in that, Some or all of the links on the first transmission path are device-to-device (D2D) links.

8. The method according to claim 1, 2, or 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network device sends information about the terminal device that does not support D2D connection communication to the second network device.

9. The method according to claim 1, 2, or 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network device determines the QoS information of the data transmitted through the second transmission path in the second communication network based on the first QoS information, wherein the QoS information of the data transmitted through the second transmission path in the second communication network includes the QoS information of multiple links on the second transmission path; The first network device sends handover delay information to the second network device. The handover delay information is used to indicate the time required for the first terminal device to switch from the first transmission path to the second transmission path. In the first transmission path, the first terminal device and the third terminal device are connected via a D2D link. In the second transmission path, the first terminal device and the third terminal device are connected via a link through the second network device. Alternatively, in the first transmission path, the first terminal device and the third terminal device are connected via a link through the second network device. In the second transmission path, the first terminal device and the third terminal device are connected via a D2D link.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network device receives the determination result from the second network device; If the determination result indicates that the duration indicated by the switching delay information is less than or equal to the data lifespan of the first terminal device, the first network device instructs the first terminal device to switch to the second transmission path.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network device sends the QoS information of the data transmitted through the second transmission path in the second communication network to the second network device and / or the first terminal device.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, include: A communication device receives QoS information from a first link, which is a link between the communication device and a next-hop device on a first transmission path. The first transmission path in a second communication network includes multiple links, each of which has an endpoint that is a terminal device capable of transmitting data to a device located in the first communication network. The first link is one of the multiple links, and its QoS information is included in the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network. The QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network includes one or more decomposition information. Each of the one or more decomposition information includes the QoS information of multiple links on the first transmission path. In different decomposition information, the QoS information of at least one link on the first transmission path is different. The QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network is determined based on the first QoS information of the first communication network. The communication device receives a first data packet, and the first data packet corresponds to a first terminal device; The communication device sends the first data packet to the next-hop device through the first link according to the QoS information of the first link.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The communication device receives QoS information from the first link, including: The communication device receives QoS information of data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network, wherein the QoS information of data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network includes QoS information of multiple links on the first transmission path in the second communication network, and the QoS information of the multiple links includes the QoS information of the first link.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: The communication device receives the index of the first decomposition information, wherein the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network includes one or more decomposition information, each of the one or more decomposition information includes the QoS information of multiple links on the first transmission path in the second communication network, and in different decomposition information, the QoS information of at least one link on the first transmission path is different, and the first decomposition information is one of the one or more decomposition information.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The QoS information of the first link is the QoS information of the first link corresponding to the index of the first decomposition information.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: The communication device obtains the actual QoS information of the data from the first terminal device; The communication device determines whether to reselect decomposition information for the first terminal device based on the first decomposition information and the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The communication device determines whether to reselect decomposition information for the first terminal device based on the first decomposition information and the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device, including: If the difference between the latency corresponding to the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device and the latency corresponding to the QoS information of the second link included in the first decomposition information is greater than a first threshold, the communication device reselects decomposition information for the first terminal device, and the second link is the link corresponding to the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The communication device reselects decomposed information for the first terminal device, including: The communication device reselects decomposition information for the first terminal device based on the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device, wherein the delay corresponding to the QoS information of the second link included in the reselected decomposition information is greater than or equal to the delay corresponding to the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device.

19. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The communication device obtains the actual QoS information of the data from the first terminal device, including: The communication device obtains first cumulative QoS information, which includes the sum of the actual QoS information of all links traversed by the data of the first terminal device from the first device in the first transmission path to the communication device.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The communication device determines whether to reselect decomposition information for the first terminal device based on the first decomposition information and the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device, including: If the difference between the delay corresponding to the first accumulated QoS information and the delay corresponding to the second accumulated QoS information is greater than the second threshold, the communication device reselects decomposed information for the first terminal device. Wherein, the latency corresponding to the second accumulated QoS information includes the sum of the latency corresponding to the QoS information of the N links included in the first decomposition information, and the N links are all the links that the data of the first terminal device traverses from the first device in the first transmission path to the communication device, and N is a positive integer.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The communication device reselects decomposed information for the first terminal device, including: The communication device reselects decomposition information for the first terminal device based on the first accumulated QoS information and the second accumulated QoS information, wherein the sum of the delays corresponding to the QoS information of the N links included in the reselected decomposition information is greater than or equal to the delay corresponding to the first accumulated QoS information.

22. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: The communication device receives QoS information of data transmitted through the second transmission path in the second communication network. The QoS information of the data transmitted through the second transmission path in the second communication network includes the QoS information of the links on the second transmission path. The second transmission path is the transmission path corresponding to the first terminal device.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The method further includes: The communication device determines that the QoS information of the data transmitted through the first transmission path in the second communication network cannot meet the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device, but the QoS information of the data transmitted through the second transmission path in the second communication network can meet the actual QoS information of the data of the first terminal device. In the first transmission path, the link between the first terminal device and the second terminal device is a D2D link, and in the second transmission path, the link between the first terminal device and the second terminal device is a link through the second network device; or, in the first transmission path, the link between the first terminal device and the second terminal device is a link through the second network device, and in the second transmission path, the link between the first terminal device and the second terminal device is a D2D link. The communication device determines whether the duration indicated by the handover delay information is less than or equal to the data lifespan of the first terminal device, wherein the handover delay information is used to indicate the duration required for the first terminal device to switch from the first transmission path to the second transmission path; The communication device sends a confirmation result to the first network device.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The determination result is used to indicate that the duration indicated by the handover delay information is less than or equal to the data lifespan of the first terminal device, or to indicate that the duration indicated by the handover delay information is greater than the data lifespan of the first terminal device. or, The determination result is used to indicate whether the state is normal or abnormal. or, The determination result is used to indicate whether switching paths is allowed or not.

25. The method according to any one of claims 12-15 and 17-24, characterized in that, The communication device sends the first data packet to the next-hop device through the first link, including: The communication device sends the first data packet, which carries the index of the decomposition information of the data of the first terminal device, to the next-hop device through the first link.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Processor and memory; The memory is used to store one or more computer programs, the one or more computer programs including computer execution instructions. When the communication device is running, the processor executes the one or more computer programs stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 25.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 25.

28. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 25.

29. A chip system, characterized in that, The chip system includes: A processor and an interface, the processor being configured to call and execute instructions from the interface, wherein when the processor executes the instructions, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or implements the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 25.

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