Communication method and device

Abstract

This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and more particularly to methods, apparatus, and systems for configuring or managing Quality of Service (QoS). This application provides a communication method, including receiving a first indication sent by a policy control function entity, the first indication indicating that QoS parameters applied to a downlink data stream between a relay device and a remote device are also applied to an uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device; in response to the first indication, instructing a user plane function entity to add a second indication to data packets of a first downlink data stream, the second indication indicating that QoS parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream, wherein the first downlink data stream is used to transmit downlink data from the remote device to the relay device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to methods, apparatus and systems for configuring or managing quality of service in wireless communication systems. Background Technology

[0002] In wireless communication systems, such as 5G systems, a Quality of Service (QoS) model based on Quality of Service flow (QoS flow) is defined to ensure end-to-end service quality. With the rapid development of mobile communication, new service types, such as video chat, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) data services, have increased users' bandwidth demands. Device-to-device (D2D) communication technologies allow direct communication between terminal devices, thereby effectively improving the utilization of spectrum resources.

[0003] Therefore, configuring the quality of service parameters for terminal devices using device-to-device communication has become a research direction in the field of wireless communication. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and system for configuring quality of service (QoS) parameters for terminal devices, providing a simple method for configuring QoS parameters for terminal devices using device-to-device communication, while saving signaling overhead during the configuration process.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. This method can be applied to a core network device, or a functional module or device within the core network device, such as a chip, chip system, or circuit system. Optionally, the core network device can be a session management function entity or an entity or network element with similar functions. The method includes: receiving a first indication sent by a policy control function entity, the first indication indicating that quality of service parameters applied to a downlink data stream between a relay device and a remote device are also applied to an uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, wherein the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device is used by the relay device to transmit downlink data to the remote device, and the uplink data stream corresponds to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, used by the remote device to transmit uplink data to the relay device; in response to the first indication, instructing a user plane function entity to add a second indication to a data packet of a first downlink data stream, the second indication indicating that the quality of service parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream, wherein the first downlink data stream is used to send the downlink data of the remote device to the relay device. This method provides a simple way to configure the quality of service (QoS) parameters of the uplink data stream between remote devices and relay devices. By applying a reverse QoS mechanism to the uplink data stream between remote devices and relay devices and by adding instructions to the data packets, the QoS configuration of the uplink data stream between remote devices and relay devices is simplified, and the signaling process and signaling load are simplified, avoiding the signaling overhead caused by configuring the QoS parameters of the uplink data stream separately.

[0006] In one possible design, the method further includes sending information about the first downlink data stream to the user plane functional entity.

[0007] In one possible design, the second indication includes a reverse quality of service indication or a reverse quality of service indication for neighboring service communication 5. This second indication can be implemented using information cells from existing information, or it can be implemented using newly added messages or information cells within newly added messages. Reusing existing information cells can further reduce signaling overhead.

[0008] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving information about the first downlink data stream sent by the policy control function entity, and sending the information about the first downlink data stream to the relay device.

[0009] In one possible design, the information of the received first downlink data stream and the first indication are carried in the same message. Sending the first downlink data stream information and the first indication simultaneously in the same message directly associates the first downlink data stream and the first indication. This allows the network element receiving the first downlink data stream information to directly determine the downlink data stream corresponding to the uplink data stream indicated by the first indication, further simplifying the signaling process and reducing overhead. Core network equipment can simultaneously determine the configuration of the uplink data stream's quality of service (QoS) parameters when configuring the downlink data stream, simplifying the processing flow.

[0010] In one possible design, the first indication includes a reverse quality of service (QSS) control identifier or a reverse QSS control identifier for proximity service communication 5. This first indication can be implemented using information elements from existing information, or it can be implemented using newly added messages or information elements within newly added messages. Reusing existing information elements can further reduce signaling overhead.

[0011] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a relay device, or a functional module or device within the relay device, such as a chip, chip system, or circuit system. The method includes: receiving a data packet of a first downlink data stream sent by a user plane functional entity, the first downlink data stream being used to send downlink data from a remote device to the relay device, the data packet including the downlink data and indication information, the indication information indicating that quality of service parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, wherein the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device is used by the relay device to transmit the downlink data to the remote device, and the uplink data stream corresponds to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, used by the remote device to transmit uplink data to the relay device; and, in response to the indication information, sending the quality of service parameters applied to the uplink data stream to the remote device.

[0012] In one possible design, the indication information includes a reverse quality of service indication or a neighboring service communication 5 reverse quality of service indication.

[0013] In one possible design, the method further includes: determining the quality of service (QoS) parameters applied to the uplink data stream based on the QoS parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device. It is understood that the relay device can determine the QoS parameters applied to the uplink data stream based on the indication information; optionally, the relay device can determine that the QoS parameters applied to the uplink data stream are consistent with the QoS parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device. In one possible design, the method further includes: determining the information of the uplink data stream based on the information of the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, and sending the uplink data stream information to the remote device.

[0014] In one possible design, the method further includes sending timer information to the remote device, the timer information indicating the duration of the uplink data stream application quality of service parameters. By controlling the duration of the application quality of service parameters through a timer, the quality of service of the data stream can be managed more precisely, thereby allowing for dynamic adjustment of the quality of service parameters or configurations.

[0015] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending new quality of service parameters applied to the uplink data stream to the remote device in response to a timer timeout, or instructing the remote device to disable the quality of service parameters applied to the uplink data stream in response to a timer timeout, wherein the timer is used to indicate the duration for which the quality of service parameters are applied to the uplink data stream.

[0016] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to core network equipment, or functional modules or devices within the core network equipment, such as chips, chip systems, or circuit systems. Optionally, the core network equipment can be a user plane functional entity or an entity or network element with similar functions. The method includes: in response to an instruction from a session management functional entity, adding indication information to data packets of a first downlink data stream. The indication information is used to indicate that the quality of service parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device. The downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device is used by the relay device to transmit downlink data to the remote device, and the uplink data stream corresponds to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, used by the remote device to transmit uplink data to the relay device. The first downlink data stream is used to send the downlink data of the remote device to the relay device. Optionally, the indication information includes a reverse quality of service indication or a neighboring service communication reverse quality of service indication. The indication received from the session management function entity may be a reverse quality of service control identifier or a neighboring service communication 5 reverse quality of service control identifier.

[0017] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a communication system. The communication system may include at least one of a core network device for implementing the method of the first aspect, a relay device for implementing the method of the second aspect, and a core network device for implementing the method of the third aspect. The communication method may include at least one of the methods described in the first, second, and third aspects above.

[0018] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication system that may include at least one of a core network device for implementing the method of the first aspect, a relay device for implementing the method of the second aspect, and a core network device for implementing the method of the third aspect.

[0019] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be applied to a core network device, or a functional module or device within the core network device, such as a chip, chip system, or circuit system. Optionally, the core network device may be a session management function entity or an entity or network element with similar functions. The method includes: receiving a first indication sent by a policy control function entity, the first indication indicating that quality of service parameters applied to the downlink data flow between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data flow between the relay device and the remote device, wherein the downlink data flow between the relay device and the remote device is used by the relay device to transmit downlink data to the remote device, and the uplink data flow corresponds to the downlink data flow between the relay device and the remote device, used by the remote device to transmit uplink data to the relay device; responding to the first indication, sending a second indication to the relay device, wherein the second indication indicates that the quality of service parameters applied to the downlink data flow between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data flow between the relay device and the remote device. Configuring the QoS parameters of the uplink data stream between relay devices and remote devices through the reverse QoS mechanism can simplify the QoS parameter configuration process, reduce signaling load, and avoid the signaling overhead caused by configuring the QoS parameters of the uplink data stream separately.

[0020] In one possible design, the first indication includes a reverse quality of service (QSS) control identifier or a reverse QSS control identifier for proximity service communication 5. This first indication can be implemented using information elements from existing information, or it can be implemented using newly added messages or information elements within newly added messages. Reusing existing information elements can further reduce signaling overhead.

[0021] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving information about a first downlink data stream sent by the policy control function entity, the first downlink data stream being used to send the downlink data of the remote device to the relay device; and sending information about the first downlink data stream to the relay device.

[0022] In one possible design, the information of the received first downlink data stream and the first indication are carried in the same message. Sending the first downlink data stream information and the first indication simultaneously in the same message directly associates the first downlink data stream and the first indication. This allows the network element receiving the first downlink data stream information to directly determine the downlink data stream corresponding to the uplink data stream indicated by the first indication, further simplifying the signaling process and reducing overhead. Core network equipment can simultaneously determine the configuration of the uplink data stream's quality of service (QoS) parameters when configuring the downlink data stream, simplifying the processing flow.

[0023] In one possible design, the method further includes sending information about the first downlink data stream and the second indication to the relay device in the same message.

[0024] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a relay device, or a functional module or device within the relay device, such as a chip, chip system, or circuit system. The method includes: receiving indication information sent by a session management function entity, the indication information indicating that quality of service parameters applied to a downlink data stream between the relay device and a remote device are also applied to an uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, wherein the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device is used by the relay device to transmit downlink data to the remote device, and the uplink data stream corresponds to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, used by the remote device to transmit uplink data to the relay device; determining the quality of service parameters used by the uplink data stream according to the indication information; and sending the quality of service parameters applied to the uplink data stream to the remote device.

[0025] In one possible design, the method further includes sending information from the uplink data stream to the remote device.

[0026] In one possible design, the information of the uplink data stream and the quality of service parameters applied to the uplink data stream are carried in a neighbor service communication 5 message.

[0027] In one possible design, the indication information includes a reverse quality of service indication or a neighboring service communication 5 reverse quality of service indication.

[0028] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving information about a first downlink data stream sent by the session management function entity, the first downlink data stream being used by the relay device to receive downlink data from the remote device.

[0029] In one possible design, the information from the first downlink data stream received is carried in the same message as the indication information.

[0030] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a core network device, or a functional module or device within the core network device, such as a chip, chip system, or circuit system. Optionally, the core network device may be a policy control function entity or an entity or network element with similar functions. The method includes: receiving information of a first downlink data stream, the first downlink data stream being used to transmit downlink data from a remote device to a relay device; determining, based on the information of the first downlink data stream, that the quality of service parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, wherein the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device is used by the relay device to transmit the downlink data to the remote device, and the uplink data stream corresponds to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, and is used by the remote device to transmit uplink data to the relay device; and sending a first indication to a session management function entity, wherein the first indication is used to indicate that the quality of service parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream.

[0031] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving a service request from an application function entity or the remote device, the service request including information from the first downlink service data stream.

[0032] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a communication system. The communication system may include at least one of a core network device for implementing the method of the sixth aspect, a relay device for implementing the method of the seventh aspect, and a core network device for implementing the method of the eighth aspect. The communication method may include at least one of the methods described in the sixth, seventh, and eighth aspects above.

[0033] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system that may include at least one of a core network device for implementing the method of the sixth aspect, a relay device for implementing the method of the seventh aspect, and a core network device for implementing the method of the eighth aspect.

[0034] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a relay device, or a functional module or device within the relay device, such as a chip, chip system, or circuit system. The method includes: sending service quality parameters information of an uplink data stream applied between the relay device and the remote device to a remote device, wherein the uplink data stream is used by the remote device to send uplink data to the relay device; and sending indication information to the remote device, the indication information instructing the remote device to use the service quality parameters on the uplink data stream. By instructing the remote device to start using the service quality parameters through the indication information, flexible and dynamic control of the service quality parameters can be achieved, thereby better controlling the service quality of the service.

[0035] In one possible design, the indication information is carried in a data packet of the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, wherein the uplink data stream corresponds to the downlink data stream. Sending this indication information via data packets simplifies the signaling process.

[0036] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving a data packet of a first downlink data stream sent by a user plane function entity, the first downlink data stream being used to send downlink data of a remote device to the relay device, the data packet including the downlink data and a first indication, the first indication being used to indicate that the quality of service parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, the uplink data stream corresponding to the downlink data stream.

[0037] In one possible design, sending the information of the quality of service parameters of the uplink data stream application between the relay device and the remote device to the remote device includes: in response to the first instruction, sending the information of the uplink data stream and the information of the quality of service parameters of the uplink data stream application to the remote device.

[0038] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a remote device, or a functional module or device within the remote device, such as a chip, chip system, or circuit system. The method includes: receiving information from a relay device regarding quality of service (QoS) parameters applied to an uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device; receiving indication information from the relay device, the indication information instructing the remote device to use the QoS parameters on the uplink data stream; and, in response to the indication information, the remote device applying the QoS parameters to the uplink data stream.

[0039] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a communication system, which may include a relay device for implementing the method of the eleventh aspect and / or a remote device for implementing the method of the twelfth aspect. The communication method may include at least one of the methods described in the eleventh and twelfth aspects above.

[0040] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system that may include a relay device for implementing the method of the eleventh aspect and / or a remote device for implementing the method of the twelfth aspect.

[0041] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including at least one processor, the at least one processor being coupled to a memory to read and execute instructions in the memory to implement the methods described in the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, sixth aspect, seventh aspect, eighth aspect, eleventh aspect, or twelfth aspect.

[0042] In one possible design, the communication device further includes the memory.

[0043] In one possible design, the communication device may also include a transceiver for supporting the transmission of information or data.

[0044] In a sixteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device for implementing the methods described in the first, second, third, sixth, seventh, eighth, eleventh, or twelfth aspects above, including corresponding functional modules, such as processing units, transceiver units, etc., respectively used to implement the steps in the above methods.

[0045] In a seventeenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the methods described in the first, second, third, sixth, seventh, eighth, eleventh, or twelfth aspects.

[0046] In an eighteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product that, when run by a computer, enables the computer to implement the methods described in the first, second, third, sixth, seventh, eighth, eleventh, or twelfth aspects.

[0047] Compared to existing technologies, this application describes a communication method, apparatus, and system designed to easily configure the quality of service (QoS) of data flow between relay devices and remote devices, simplify signaling processes, and reduce signaling load. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a re-communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a re-communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] The embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication technology, new radio (NR) systems, or new communication systems that will emerge in the future development of communication. Wherever there is a need for quality of service management or configuration in the communication system, the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application can be used.

[0057] Figure 1 This application provides an embodiment of a communication system that can be applied to it. Figure 1 The communication system shown includes remote equipment, relay equipment, access network equipment, and core network equipment.

[0058] Figure 1Remote devices can communicate with network devices, such as access network devices or core network devices, through relay devices, for example, to exchange service data or signaling. Specifically, remote devices can send uplink information or uplink data to network devices through relay devices, and can also receive downlink information or downlink data sent by network devices through relay devices. It is understandable that remote devices can also communicate directly with network devices. Relay devices can communicate with network devices, for example, sending uplink information or uplink data, and can also receive downlink information or downlink data sent by network devices. Data or signaling transmission and exchange can also occur between remote devices and relay devices. The communication interface between remote devices and relay devices can be a wireless communication interface, such as a Proximity-based Servicescommunication 5 (ProSe Communication 5, PC5) interface. Of course, the interface between remote devices and relay devices may also have other names or use other connection methods, such as wired connections. For ease of description, the embodiments in this application are described using the PC5 interface as an example. However, it is understood that the methods provided in the embodiments of this application can still be applied when the interface name, the technology used by the interface, or the connection method between the remote device and the relay device changes.

[0059] Figure 1 The access network equipment in this application includes communication devices deployed on the network side that wirelessly communicate with remote devices and / or relay devices. This access network equipment communicates with the remote devices and / or relay devices via wireless communication technology, for example, performing one or more functions such as air interface radio resource management, quality of service management, data compression and encryption, or data or signaling interaction. The interface between the access network equipment and the relay device, or between the access network and the remote device (when the remote device directly connects to the access network equipment), is a wireless interface, such as a Uu interface or an air interface. For ease of description, the embodiments in this application use a Uu interface as an example, but it is understood that the methods provided in the embodiments of this application can still be applied even if the interface name, the technology used by the interface, or the connection method between the relay device and / or the remote device and the network device changes.

[0060] Figure 1The core network equipment is connected to the access network equipment, providing user plane and control plane functions for remote equipment and / or relay equipment. User plane functions may include establishing protocol data unit sessions (PDU sessions) with remote equipment and / or relay equipment to transmit service data. Control plane functions may include one or more functions such as authentication and authorization, registration management, session management, mobility management, and policy control. It is understood that the aforementioned user plane and control plane functions can be provided by one or more core network equipment, and this application does not limit this.

[0061] Understandable. Figure 1 This is merely an illustrative diagram and does not specifically limit the type of communication system, or the number and type of devices included within the communication system. The network architecture and service scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will understand, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0062] In this application's embodiments, the terms "system" and "network" can be used interchangeably. "Multiple" refers to two or more, and in this application's embodiments, "multiple" can also be understood as "at least two." "At least one" can be understood as one or more, for example, one, two, or more. For example, including at least one means including one, two, or more, and is not limited to which ones are included. For example, including at least one of A, B, and C, then it could include A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. "At least two" can be understood as two or more. Similarly, the understanding of descriptions such as "at least one" is similar. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / ", unless otherwise specified, generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. Unless otherwise stated, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, sequence, priority or importance of multiple objects.

[0063] The following explanations of some terms used in the embodiments of this application are provided to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0064] 1) Remote device: In this embodiment, the remote device may be a terminal device, including a communication apparatus that provides voice and / or data connectivity to the user. This communication apparatus can communicate with network equipment (e.g., core network equipment) via a radio access network (RAN) (e.g., access network equipment) to exchange voice and / or data. Terminal equipment may include user equipment (UE), wireless terminal equipment, mobile terminal equipment, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, access point (AP), remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, user device, mobile phone (or "cellular" phone), computer with mobile terminal equipment, portable, pocket, handheld, computer-embedded or vehicle-mounted mobile devices, smart wearable devices, personal communication service (PCS) phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), augmented reality (AR) device, virtual reality (VR) device, roadside unit (RSU), drone, and other equipment. The communication device may also include various capability-limited devices, such as devices with low power consumption, limited storage capacity, or limited computing power, for example, barcode recognition devices, radio frequency identification (RFID) devices, sensing devices, global positioning system (GPS) devices, laser scanning devices, and other information sensing devices. The communication device may also include structures or devices built into various terminal devices (e.g., any of the aforementioned devices), such as chips, chip systems, or circuit systems, wherein the chip system includes at least one chip and may also include other discrete circuit devices.

[0065] 2) Relay device: In this embodiment, the relay device can be a terminal device, including a communication device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to the user. The terminal device or communication device can be referred to the description of the remote device above, and will not be repeated here. It is understood that the remote device and terminal device in this embodiment can be the same type of communication device or different types of communication devices. This application does not limit the specific form or type of the remote device and terminal device.

[0066] 3) Access network equipment, including communication devices deployed on the network side that communicate wirelessly with terminal equipment. This communication device can be an access network element or access network functional entity, or a structure or device built into an access network element, such as a chip, chip system, or circuit system. The chip system includes at least one chip and may also include other discrete circuit devices. This communication device can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, access points, or routers. For example, this communication device can include a next-generation node B (gNB) in a fifth-generation (5G) or new radio (NR) system, and can also include a centralized unit (CU) or distributed unit (DU) in the access network, etc.

[0067] 4) Core network equipment, including communication devices deployed in the core network that provide core network functions, such as various network elements or functional entities, or structures or devices built into network elements or functional entities, such as chips, chip systems, or circuit systems. A chip system includes at least one chip and may also include other discrete circuit devices. For example, the Session Management Function (SMF) entity is responsible for selecting user plane network elements, redirecting user plane network elements, allocating Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, establishing, modifying, and releasing bearers, and controlling Quality of Service (QoS). The User Plane Function (UPF) entity is responsible for forwarding and receiving user data. It can receive user data from the data network and transmit it to terminal devices through access network equipment, and it can also receive user data from terminal devices through access network equipment and forward it to the data network. Specifically, the transmission resources and scheduling functions that provide services to terminal devices in the UPF entity can be managed and controlled by the SMF entity. The Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity is primarily responsible for signaling processing, such as access control, mobility management, attach and detach, and gateway selection. It provides control plane storage resources for terminal device sessions, storing session identifiers and associated SMF network element identifiers. The Application Function (AF) entity provides services through interaction with the 3GPP core network, such as influencing data routing decisions, policy control functions, or providing third-party services to the network. The Policy Control Function (PCF) entity is responsible for policy control decisions, providing policy rules for control plane functions, and traffic-based charging control functions. Specifically, the PCF entity can be further divided into the PCF for access management (AM PCF) and the PCF for session management (SM PCF). The AM PCF is responsible for issuing terminal device policies and access control policies, or some PCF functions, during terminal device access-related processes (such as the registration process). The SM PCF is responsible for issuing session-related policies, or some PCF functions, during PDU session-related processes (such as the PDU session establishment process). It is understood that the steps described in the embodiments of this application as being performed by the PCF entity in specific examples can be performed by the AM PCF, the SM PCF, or jointly by both.It is understood that the core network equipment in this application is not limited to the examples above, and may also include other types or names of network elements or entities. The specific entity names mentioned above are also just examples, and can be a network element, an independent communication device, or a unit, module, circuit structure, chip, etc. built into a communication device, and their names are not specifically limited.

[0068] 5) Quality of Service (QoS) is a performance metric used to characterize a communication system. In different systems or services, it can include one or more performance parameters such as jitter, latency, packet loss rate, bit error rate, and signal-to-noise ratio. For example, in 5G systems, to ensure end-to-end service quality, a 5G QoS model based on QoS flow has been proposed. This 5G QoS model supports both guaranteed bit rate (GBR) QoS flows and non-GBR QoS flows. Data packets controlled by the same QoS flow use the same transmission processing, such as scheduling and admission thresholds. For a terminal device, one or more PDU sessions can be established with the network. Each PDU session can establish one or more QoS flows, and each QoS flow is identified by a QoS flow identifier (QFI). The QoS flow identifier uniquely identifies a QoS flow within the session.

[0069] 6) Quality of Service (QoS) parameters: Different QoS flows can contain different QoS parameters, which can be included in the QoS profile. For example, for a GBR QoS flow, QoS parameters may include one or more of the following: 5G QoS identifier (5QI), allocation and retention priority (ARP), guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR), maximum flow bit rate (MFBR), and QoS notification control (QNC). For a Non-GBR QoS flow, QoS parameters may include one or more of the following: 5QI, ARP, and reflective QoS attribute (RQA). Furthermore, one or more QoS flows can be established on a link over a PC5 interface. Each PC5 QoS flow is identified by a PC5 QoS flow identifier (PFI), which uniquely identifies a QoS flow within the link. The QoS parameters for a PC5 QoS flow can include one or more of PQI, PC5 flowbit rate, and PC5 link aggregated bit rates.

[0070] 7) Data Flow: In this embodiment, the data flow includes a service data flow (SDF). The data flow can include uplink data flow and downlink data flow. Specifically, the uplink data flow typically refers to the data flow used when sending data packets from a terminal device to the network, including the uplink data flow between a remote device and a relay device, and the uplink data flow between a relay device and a network device. The uplink data flow between a remote device and a relay device, for example, the uplink data flow of the PC5 port, can be used to transmit uplink data packets sent from the remote device to the relay device or sent to the network through the relay device. The uplink data flow between a relay device and a network device, for example, the uplink data flow of the Uu port, can be used by the relay device to send uplink data packets sent from the remote device to the network, or by the relay device to send its own uplink data packets to the network device. The downlink data flow typically refers to the data flow used when sending data packets from the network to the terminal device, including the downlink data flow between a remote device and a relay device, and the downlink data flow between a relay device and a network device. The downlink data stream between the remote device and the relay device, such as the downlink data stream of the PC5 port, can be used by the relay device to transmit downlink data packets to the remote device. These downlink data packets can originate from the network or the relay device. The downlink data stream between the relay device and the network device, such as the downlink data stream of the Uu port, can be used by the network to send downlink data packets destined for the remote device to the relay device, or by the network to send downlink data packets from the relay device to the relay device. Each uplink or downlink data stream can have its corresponding QoS stream and application QoS parameters.

[0071] The embodiments provided in this application will now be described with reference to more accompanying drawings.

[0072] The following is combined with Figure 2 A communication method provided in this application is described.

[0073] The communication methods provided in this application include:

[0074] Core network element A receives a first indication sent by core network element B. The first indication is used to indicate that the quality of service parameters applied to the downlink data flow between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data flow between the relay device and the remote device. The downlink data flow between the relay device and the remote device is used for the relay device to transmit downlink data to the remote device. The uplink data flow corresponds to the downlink data flow between the relay device and the remote device and is used for the remote device to transmit uplink data to the relay device.

[0075] In response to the first instruction, the relay device is notified that the Quality of Service (QoS) parameters applied to the downlink data flow between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data flow between the relay device and the remote device. Specifically, a second instruction can be sent to the relay device, wherein the second instruction is used to indicate that the QoS parameters applied to the downlink data flow between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data flow between the relay device and the remote device. Optionally, the above notification process, such as sending the second instruction to the relay device, can be performed by core network element A or by other network elements.

[0076] It is understood that core network element A and core network element B can be any network element, functional entity or functional module used to execute the above methods. This application does not limit the specific names and implementation forms of core network element A and core network element B.

[0077] Specifically, in combination Figure 2 Taking core network element A as the session management function entity and core network element B as the policy control function entity as an example, the above scheme is described.

[0078] In step 201, the session management function entity receives a first indication sent by the policy control function entity. This first indication is used to indicate that the quality of service parameters for the downlink data stream on the PC5 port between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream on the PC5 port. For example, the first indication could be... Figure 2 The reverse QoS control indication shown herein may specifically include a reverse QoS control identifier or a reverse QoS control for PC5 identifier.

[0079] The first indication can use existing information elements in the prior art. For example, information elements with other indication functions in the prior art can be used simultaneously to indicate the reverse use of quality of service parameters on the PC5 port. The first indication can also be implemented by adding signaling or adding specific information elements in the signaling.

[0080] Specifically, the policy control function entity can use an information cell, such as a reflective QoS control identifier, to instruct the session management function entity that the reverse QoS mechanism be applied to the Uu interface between the relay device and the network device, as well as the PC5 interface between the relay device and the remote device. That is, the QoS parameters used by the downlink data flow on the Uu interface between the relay device and the network device are also applied to the uplink data flow on the same Uu interface. At the same time, the QoS parameters of the downlink data flow on the PC5 interface between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data flow on the same PC5 interface. It should be noted that the downlink data stream of the Uu port here corresponds to the uplink data stream of the same Uu port. That is, the source address and source port number of the downlink data stream are the same as the destination address and destination port number of the uplink data stream, or the destination address and destination port number of the downlink data stream are the same as the source address and source port number of the uplink data stream, or the source address and source port number of the downlink data stream are the same as the destination address and destination port number of the uplink data stream, and the destination address and destination port number of the downlink data stream are the same as the source address and source port number of the uplink data stream. The downlink data stream on the aforementioned PC5 port also corresponds to the uplink data stream on the same PC5 port. Specifically, the source address and source port number of the downlink data stream are the same as the destination address and destination port number of the uplink data stream, or the destination address and destination port number of the downlink data stream are the same as the source address and source port number of the uplink data stream, or the source address and source port number of the downlink data stream are the same as the destination address and destination port number of the uplink data stream, and the destination address and destination port number of the downlink data stream are the same as the source address and source port number of the uplink data stream. It is understandable that whether the same information cell is used to indicate whether the Uu port between the relay device and the network device, and the PC5 port between the relay device and the remote device, uses the reverse QoS mechanism, or different information cells are used to indicate the use of the reverse QoS mechanism for the Uu port and the PC5 port respectively, whether the Uu port uses the reverse QoS mechanism and whether the PC5 port uses the reverse QoS mechanism can be determined independently and do not affect each other. Of course, it is also possible to determine whether the PC5 port uses the reverse quality of service mechanism based on whether the Uu port uses the reverse quality of service mechanism.

[0081] Optionally, after receiving an end-to-end service request from the remote device, the policy function entity can determine whether a reverse quality of service (QoS) mechanism can be used on the PC5 port between the remote device and the relay device. That is, whether the QoS parameters used in the downlink data stream sent from the relay device to the remote device can also be applied to the corresponding uplink data stream. The end-to-end service request may also include QoS parameter information, such as rate and latency.

[0082] Specifically, the policy function entity can receive the end-to-end service request from the remote device, for example, in step 206a. The service request can be a request for downlink data flow on PC5 port between the remote device and the relay device, or it can be a request for uplink data flow on PC5 port between the remote device and the relay device.

[0083] Specifically, the policy function entity can also receive the end-to-end service request from the application function entity, for example, in step 206b. This service request can be a request for downlink data flow on the PC5 port between the remote device and the relay device, or a request for uplink data flow on the PC5 port between the remote device and the relay device, or a request for downlink or uplink data flow on the Uu port between the relay device and the access network device of the remote device, wherein the downlink or uplink data flow on the Uu port is used to transmit data from the remote device, or a request for the remote device to transmit downlink or uplink data flow to the network through the relay device.

[0084] Optionally, the policy control function entity can determine whether a reverse Quality of Service (QoS) mechanism is used on the PC5 port between the remote device and the relay device, for example, in step 207b. Specifically, the policy control function entity can determine the QoS of the downlink data stream and / or the QoS of the uplink data stream on the PC5 port between the remote device and the relay device based on the received service request, and determine whether a reverse QoS mechanism can be used on the PC5 port based on all or part of this information. Specifically, the policy control function entity can first determine the configuration of the downlink data stream on the PC5 port, such as the configuration of QoS parameters. After determining that the uplink data stream on the PC5 port corresponding to the downlink data stream can use the same QoS parameters as the downlink data stream, it can then determine whether a reverse QoS mechanism is used on the PC5 port between the remote device and the relay device.

[0085] Optionally, before sending the first instruction, the method provided in this application embodiment may further include:

[0086] The remote device and the relay device establish a PC5 connection, for example, in step 203.

[0087] The relay device can establish a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session through the process of establishing or modifying Protocol Data Units (PDUs), for example, in step 204. This session can be a session dedicated to relay services, used to transmit data from remote devices between the relay device and core network devices.

[0088] The relay device can report information about the remote device to the session management function entity, such as the remote device's identifier (ID) or Internet Protocol (IP) information. The session management function entity then sends this information to the policy control function entity, for example, in step 205. It should be understood that the policy control function entity can determine which data flows are sent to the remote device via the relay device based on the remote device's information. Optionally, the first indication can indicate that the data flow uses the reverse QoS mechanism on both the PC5 port between the remote device and the relay device and the Uu port between the relay device and the access network device. This first indication can be a reverse QoS control identifier.

[0089] Optionally, the policy control function entity can also send information about the downlink data flow on the PC5 port between the relay device and the remote device to the session management function entity. Specifically, the policy control function entity can send the downlink data flow information and the aforementioned first indication in the same message to the session management function entity. The session management function entity can determine, based on the received downlink data flow information and the aforementioned first indication, whether the uplink data flow corresponding to the downlink data flow should use reverse quality of service control.

[0090] Optionally, the first instruction may be sent by the policy control function entity to the session management function entity through a session management policy control update notify message or a session management policy control update response message during the session management policy association process.

[0091] In step 202, in response to the first instruction, the uplink data stream on the relay device's PC5 port is notified to use a reverse Quality of Service (QoS) mechanism. For example, a second instruction is passed to the relay device indicating that the QoS parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device.

[0092] Optionally, the session management function entity can directly send the second indication to the relay device. For example, the session management function entity can send the second indication directly to the relay device via control plane signaling, or it can send the second indication to the relay device via the access and mobility management function entity. Specifically, the session management function entity can include the second indication in a message configuring the downlink data flow of the PC5 port to the relay device or sending the quality of service parameters of the PC5 port downlink data flow. For example, step 202a.

[0093] Optionally, the second indication can also be transmitted to the relay device through other network elements or functional entities. For example, the session management functional entity can configure or instruct the user plane functional entity to carry the second indication in the data packets of the downlink data stream sent to the relay device, thereby notifying the relay device to use the reverse QoS mechanism on the uplink data stream of the PC5 port. The downlink data stream to which the data packet carrying the second indication belongs is the data stream used to send downlink data from the remote device to the relay device. For example, step 202b. It is understood that when the session management functional entity sends the second indication by configuring or instructing other network elements or functional entities, the second indication does not need to be generated by the session management functional entity; it can be directly generated and sent by other network elements or functional entities.

[0094] Optionally, the second indication includes a reflective QoS indicator (RQI), or a reflective QoS indicator for PC5 (RQI for PC5), or a reflective QoS control for PC5. It is understood that the second indication may indicate not only that the QoS parameters for the downlink data flow between the relay device and the user plane functional entity are also applied to the uplink data flow between the relay device and the user plane functional entity, but also that the QoS parameters applied to the downlink data flow between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data flow between the relay device and the remote device. Optionally, the second indication can be a reverse quality of service indication, and simultaneously indicate the use of the reverse quality of service mechanism of the Uu port and the PC5 port. That is, it indicates that the quality of service parameters of the downlink data flow between the relay device and the user plane functional entity are also applied to the uplink data flow between the relay device and the user plane functional entity, and also indicates that the quality of service parameters applied to the downlink data flow between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data flow between the relay device and the remote device.

[0095] Optionally, the second indication can be sent directly by the session management function entity or sent to the relay device through other network elements or function entities. This second indication can utilize existing information elements in the prior art; for example, information elements with other indication functions in the prior art can be used simultaneously to indicate the reverse use of service quality parameters on the PC5 port. This second indication can also be implemented by adding signaling or adding specific information elements to the signaling.

[0096] Based on the received second indication, the relay device determines the quality of service (QoS) configuration information of the uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, such as PC5 QoS parameters and / or information about the uplink data stream, for example, step 208. Optionally, if the data packet of the downlink data stream received by the relay device includes the second indication, for example, the second indication is a reflective QoS indicator (RQI), and the downlink data stream needs to be forwarded by the relay device to the remote device, the relay device can determine that the uplink data stream corresponding to the downlink data stream can use the reflective QoS mechanism between the relay device and the remote device, and thus determine the QoS configuration information of the uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device. For example, it can determine that the QoS parameters of the uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are consistent with the QoS parameters of the corresponding downlink data stream.

[0097] Specifically, the uplink data stream information may include an uplink packet filter. When using Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), the relay device can directly generate an uplink packet filter based on the downlink data stream information from the PC5 port between the relay device and the remote device. When using Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4), the relay device can generate an uplink packet filter based on the downlink data stream information from the PC5 port between the relay device and the remote device, such as the destination IP address and / or destination port information; or it can generate an uplink packet filter based on the downlink data stream information and the remote device's internal network address, such as at least one of the destination IP address, destination port information, and the remote device's source IP address.

[0098] Specifically, PC5 service quality parameters can include the PC5 5G QoS identifier (PQI), transmission rate, etc. The PQI can correspond one-to-one with service quality feature values, which can include one or more of the following: resource type (e.g., guaranteed bit rate (GBR) or non-guaranteed bit rate (non-GBR)), priority level, packet delay budget, and packet error rate. The PC5 service quality parameters for the uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device can be set to be the same as those for the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device.

[0099] After determining the QoS configuration information for the uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, the relay device can send this information to the remote device. Optionally, the relay device can send the QoS configuration information via PC5 signaling (PC5-S) messages.

[0100] Accordingly, the remote device generates a PC5 QoS rule and / or a PC5 QoS context based on the received QoS configuration information of the uplink data stream, for example, in step 2010. The PC5 QoS rule may include the correspondence between packet filters and PC5 QoS flow identifiers (PFIs), and the PC5 QoS context may include at least one of the PC5 QoS flow identifier, PC5 QoS parameters, and packet filters.

[0101] Optionally, the relay device can also determine the duration for which the current quality of service parameters are applied between the relay device and the remote device in the uplink data stream. This duration can be controlled by starting a timer. The relay device can send the timer information to the remote device, for example, in step 209.

[0102] Optionally, the duration for which the current Quality of Service (QoS) parameters are applied between the relay device and the remote device in the uplink data stream can be determined by the relay device based on the duration for which the uplink data in the uplink data stream applies the current QoS parameters when it is transmitted between the relay device and the user plane functional entity. The duration for which the QoS parameters are applied to the uplink data stream when it is transmitted between the relay device and the user plane functional entity can be, for example, controlled by a reflective QoS timer, and can be a default value obtained by the relay device from the network during session establishment or a preset default value. The relay device can set the duration for which the current QoS parameters are applied between the relay device and the remote device in the uplink data stream to be equal to the duration for which the uplink data in the uplink data stream applies the current QoS parameters when it is transmitted between the relay device and the user plane functional entity. The duration for which the current quality of service parameters are applied between the relay device and the remote device in the uplink data stream can also be determined by the policy information received from the policy control function entity when the relay device registers with the network.

[0103] Optionally, in response to a timer timeout for the application of the current Quality of Service (QoS) parameters between the relay device and the remote device in the uplink data stream, or in response to a timer timeout for the application of the QoS parameters between the relay device and the user plane functional entity in the uplink data stream, the relay device may send new QoS parameters to the remote device, or notify the remote device to deactivate the current QoS parameters, for example, in step 2011. The new QoS parameters used for the uplink data stream may be determined by the relay device based on its local configuration.

[0104] Optionally, after the relay device sends the quality of service configuration information to the remote device, the remote device can store the information and then apply the quality of service configuration to the uplink data stream after receiving the instruction information sent by the relay device.

[0105] Figure 3 Another communication method provided in this application embodiment. The method includes:

[0106] Step 301: The policy control function entity sends a first instruction to the session management function entity. This first instruction indicates that the quality of service parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device. The downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device is used for the relay device to transmit downlink data to the remote device, and the uplink data stream corresponds to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, used for the remote device to transmit uplink data to the relay device. The specific implementation of step 301 can be found in the description of step 201 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0107] Step 3021: The session management function entity instructs the user plane function entity to add a second indication to the data packets of the first downlink data stream. The second indication indicates that the Quality of Service (QoS) parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream. The first downlink data stream is used to send the downlink data from the remote device to the relay device. For a detailed implementation of step 3021, please refer to the description of step 202b above.

[0108] Optionally, the policy control entity may also send information about the first downlink data stream to the session management function entity. Specifically, the information about the first downlink data stream may be carried in the same message as the first indication. The session management function entity may then send this information about the first downlink data stream to the relay device.

[0109] Optionally, the second indication may include a reflective QoS indicator (RQI) or a reflective QoS indicator for PC5 (RQI for PC5).

[0110] Optionally, in response to the configuration information or indication information of the policy control function entity, the user plane function entity adds a second indication to the data packet of the first downlink data stream when it detects the first downlink data stream.

[0111] Optionally, the second instruction can be added to the header of the packets in the first downlink data stream.

[0112] Optionally, the session management function entity may also send information about the first downlink data stream to the user plane function entity, and simultaneously instruct the user plane function entity to add a second instruction to the data packets of the first downlink data stream.

[0113] Step 3022: The user plane function entity sends a data packet with the second instruction added to it to the relay device.

[0114] Accordingly, upon receiving a data packet containing the second indication, the relay device can determine, based on the information of the first data stream, that the first data stream is used to transmit data from a remote device, thereby determining that the uplink data stream of the PC5 port indicated by the second indication applies the reverse Quality of Service (QoS) mechanism. Optionally, the relay device can also determine, based on the second indication, such as a reverse QoS control identifier or a reverse QoS indication, that the Uu port between the relay device and the access network device also applies the reverse QoS mechanism.

[0115] Optional, Figure 3 The corresponding methods may also include, for example: Figure 2 The specific implementation of one or more of steps 203, 204, 205, 206a, 206b, 207, 208, 209, 2010 and 2011 shown in the figure will not be described in detail here.

[0116] Figure 4 Another communication method provided in this application embodiment. The method includes:

[0117] Step 401: The policy control function entity sends a first indication to the session management function entity. This first indication indicates that the quality of service parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device. The downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device is used for the relay device to transmit downlink data to the remote device, and the uplink data stream corresponds to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, used for the remote device to transmit uplink data to the relay device. The specific implementation of step 401 can be found in the description of step 201 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0118] Optionally, the policy control function entity sends information about a first downlink data stream to the session management function entity. This first downlink data stream is used to send the downlink data from the remote device to the relay device. Specifically, the information about this first downlink data stream can be sent in the same message as the first indication bearer.

[0119] Step 402: In response to the first instruction, the session management function entity sends a second instruction to the relay device, wherein the second instruction indicates that the quality of service parameters applied to the downlink data flow between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data flow between the relay device and the remote device. For a detailed implementation of step 402, please refer to the description of step 202a above.

[0120] Optionally, the session management function entity can also send the information of the first downlink data stream to the relay device. Specifically, the information of the downlink data stream can be sent in the same message as the second indication bearer.

[0121] Optional, Figure 4 The corresponding methods may also include, for example: Figure 2 The specific implementation of one or more of steps 203, 204, 205, 206a, 206b, 207, 208, 209, 2010 and 2011 shown in the figure will not be described in detail here.

[0122] Figure 5 Another communication method provided in this application embodiment. The method includes:

[0123] Step 501: The relay device sends information about the Quality of Service (QoS) parameters of the uplink data stream application between the relay device and the remote device to the remote device, wherein the uplink data stream is used by the remote device to send uplink data to the relay device. Optionally, the QoS parameter information of the uplink data stream application may include PC5 QoS parameters and / or information about the uplink data stream. Specifically, the uplink data stream information may include an uplink packet filter.

[0124] Optionally, the relay device can send the service quality parameter information via PC5-S messages.

[0125] Optionally, the relay device may also send the service quality parameter usage duration to the remote device.

[0126] Optionally, prior to step 501, the relay device may also determine the quality of service (QoS) configuration information for the uplink data stream application. For example, step 503; the specific implementation of this step can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2 The description of step 208 in the text.

[0127] Optionally, the remote device can determine the PC5 QoS rule and / or PC5 QoS context based on the received QoS parameter information. For example, step 504, the implementation of which can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2 A detailed description of step 2010.

[0128] Step 502: The relay device sends an indication message to the remote device, the indication message being used to instruct the remote device to use the quality of service parameters on the uplink data stream.

[0129] In response to the indicated information, the remote device begins to apply the quality of service parameters to the uplink data stream.

[0130] In other words, after receiving the service quality parameter information of the uplink data stream, the remote device can choose not to apply or activate the service quality parameter until it receives an instruction from the relay device, at which point it can enable or activate the service quality parameter.

[0131] Optionally, the indication information may include a reverse quality of service indication or a reverse quality of service indication for neighboring service communication 5.

[0132] Specifically, this indication information can be carried in the downlink data packet of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, and specifically, it can be carried in the header of the downlink data packet.

[0133] Understandably, remote devices may determine the PC5 QoS rule and / or PC5 QoS context after receiving this indication information.

[0134] It should be noted that, in addition to steps 208 and 2010 mentioned above, Figure 5 The corresponding method can also be used with Figures 2-4 It is used in combination with at least one other step in the corresponding method.

[0135] It is understood that in the descriptions of the above methods, core network elements or functional entities such as session management functional entities, policy control functional entities, user plane functional entities, and application functional entities are only specific examples of the execution of method steps. The methods provided in the embodiments of this application are not limited to being implemented by the above-mentioned network elements or functional entities, and can also be implemented by other network elements or functional entities. This application does not limit this.

[0136] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a possible communication device involved in the above embodiments is shown.

[0137] The communication device can be a terminal device, such as the remote device or relay device described in the above embodiments. The communication device can also be a device or circuit structure built into the terminal device, such as a circuit system, a chip, or a chip system. The chip system described in this application embodiment includes at least one chip and may also include other discrete devices or circuit structures.

[0138] like Figure 6As shown, in a specific example, the communication device includes at least one processor 610, which is coupled to a memory and executes instructions stored in the memory to implement the method provided in the embodiments of this application. For example, the processor 610 may execute code in the memory to: receive a data packet of a first downlink data stream sent by a user plane functional entity, the first downlink data stream being used to send downlink data from a remote device to a relay device, the data packet including the downlink data and indication information, the indication information being used to indicate that the quality of service parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, wherein the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device is used by the relay device to transmit the downlink data to the remote device, and the uplink data stream corresponds to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, being used by the remote device to transmit uplink data to the relay device; and in response to the indication information, send the quality of service parameters applied to the uplink data stream to the remote device. Alternatively, processor 610 may execute code in memory to: send new Quality of Service (QoS) parameters applied to the uplink data stream to the remote device in response to a timer timeout, or instruct the remote device to disable the QoS parameters applied to the uplink data stream in response to a timer timeout, wherein the timer is used to indicate the duration for which the QoS parameters are applied to the uplink data stream. Alternatively, processor 610 may execute code in memory to: receive indication information sent by a session management function entity, the indication information indicating that QoS parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, wherein the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device is used by the relay device to transmit downlink data to the remote device, and the uplink data stream corresponds to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, used by the remote device to transmit uplink data to the relay device; determine the QoS parameters used by the uplink data stream according to the indication information; and send the QoS parameters applied to the uplink data stream to the remote device. Alternatively, the processor 610 may execute code in memory to: send information about the quality of service parameters of an uplink data stream applied between the relay device and the remote device to the remote device, wherein the uplink data stream is used by the remote device to send uplink data to the relay device; and send indication information to the remote device, the indication information being used to instruct the remote device to use the quality of service parameters on the uplink data stream.Alternatively, the processor 610 may execute code in memory to: receive information from the relay device regarding the quality of service parameters applied to the uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device; receive indication information from the relay device instructing the remote device to use the quality of service parameters on the uplink data stream; and, in response to the indication information, apply the quality of service parameters to the uplink data stream.

[0139] In a specific example, the communication device 600 may further include a memory 620 coupled to at least one processor 610 for storing program instructions. The memory 620 may also be used to store information and / or data as needed by the communication device, for example, storing QoS configuration information, data stream information, or timer information related to the embodiments of this application.

[0140] In a specific example, the communication device 600 may further include a transceiver 630, which supports the communication device 600 in sending or receiving information or data that needs to be transmitted. For example, when the communication device is a relay device, the transceiver 630 can be used to receive indication information, data packets, QoS parameters, or data stream information sent by the core network device. The transceiver 630 can also be used to send data packets, indication information, timer information, or QoS parameters to a remote device, and can also be used to receive data packets sent by a remote device. As another example, when the communication device is a remote device, the transceiver can be used to receive data packets, indication information, timer information, or QoS parameters sent by a relay device. It is understood that the transceiver used by the communication device 600 to communicate with network devices and the transceiver used to communicate with terminal devices can be the same transceiver or different transceivers; this application does not limit this.

[0141] In a specific example, when the communication device 600 is a circuit system, a chip, or a chip system, the at least one processor 610 can be a processing device with a circuit structure or a processing device integrated into a chip. Optionally, when the communication device 600 is a chip or a chip system, the memory 620 can be a storage medium or storage device integrated inside the chip, or it can be a separate storage medium or storage device deployed outside the chip. Optionally, when the communication device 600 is a circuit system, a chip, or a chip system, the transceiver 630 can be implemented through specific circuit structures, chip pins, etc.

[0142] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a possible communication device involved in the above embodiments is shown.

[0143] The communication device 700 can be a core network device, such as an SMF entity, a PCF entity, or other communication device or core network device that can be used to implement the above-described methods. The communication device 700 can also be a device or circuit structure built into the core network device, such as a circuit system, a chip, or a chip system. The chip system described in this embodiment includes at least one chip and may also include other discrete devices or circuit structures.

[0144] like Figure 7As shown, in a specific example, the communication device includes at least one processor 710, which is coupled to a memory and executes instructions stored in the memory to implement the method provided in the embodiments of this application. For example, the processor 710 may execute code in the memory to: receive a first indication sent by a policy control function entity, the first indication indicating that quality of service parameters applied to a downlink data stream between a relay device and a remote device are also applied to an uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, wherein the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device is used by the relay device to transmit downlink data to the remote device, and the uplink data stream corresponds to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, used by the remote device to transmit uplink data to the relay device; in response to the first indication, instruct a user plane function entity to add a second indication to a data packet of a first downlink data stream, the second indication indicating that quality of service parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream, wherein the first downlink data stream is used to transmit the downlink data of the remote device to the relay device. For example, processor 710 can execute code in memory to: receive a first instruction sent by a policy control function entity, the first instruction indicating that the quality of service parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, wherein the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device is used by the relay device to transmit downlink data to the remote device, and the uplink data stream corresponds to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, used by the remote device to transmit uplink data to the relay device; and in response to the first instruction, send a second instruction to the relay device, wherein the second instruction indicates that the quality of service parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device.For example, processor 710 can execute code in memory to: receive information about a first downlink data stream, the first downlink data stream being used to send downlink data from a remote device to a relay device; determine, based on the information about the first downlink data stream, that the quality of service parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, wherein the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device is used by the relay device to transmit the downlink data to the remote device, and the uplink data stream corresponds to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device, and is used by the remote device to transmit uplink data to the relay device; send a first indication to a session management function entity, wherein the first indication is used to indicate that the quality of service parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream, and so on.

[0145] In a specific example, the communication device 700 may further include a memory 720 coupled to at least one processor 710 for storing program instructions. The memory 720 may also be used to store information and / or data as needed by the communication device 700.

[0146] In a specific example, the communication device 700 may also include a transceiver 730 for supporting the communication device in sending or receiving information or data that needs to be transmitted.

[0147] In a specific example, when the communication device 700 is a circuit system, a chip, or a chip system, the at least one processor 710 can be a processing device with a circuit structure or a processing device integrated into a chip. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip or a chip system, the memory 720 can be a storage medium or storage device integrated inside the chip, or it can be a separate storage medium or storage device deployed outside the chip. Optionally, when the communication device is a circuit system, a chip, or a chip system, the transceiver 730 can be implemented through specific circuit structures, chip pins, etc.

[0148] Optionally, at least one processor in the aforementioned communication device 600 or 700 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, circuits, or functions described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The at least one processor may also be a combination that implements computational functions, such as including one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc.

[0149] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This application merely illustrates a simplified design of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. In practical applications, the communication device may also include any number of transceivers, transmitters, receivers, processors, memories, etc., and may also include other required software or hardware structures. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the specific structure in the communication device.

[0150] The steps of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application can be implemented in hardware or by at least one processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Alternatively, the ASIC can be located within the communication device. Of course, the processor and the storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the communication device.

[0151] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in one or more of the examples above, the functions described in this application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The system receives a first instruction sent by a policy control function entity. The first instruction indicates that the quality of service parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device. The downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device is used by the relay device to transmit downlink data to the remote device. The uplink data stream corresponds to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device and is used by the remote device to transmit uplink data to the relay device. In response to the first indication, the user plane function entity is instructed to add a second indication to the data packets of the first downlink data stream. The second indication includes a proximity service communication 5 reverse quality of service indication. The second indication is used to indicate that the quality of service parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream, wherein the first downlink data stream is used to send the downlink data of the remote device to the relay device.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes, Send the information of the first downlink data stream to the user plane function entity.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive information about the first downlink data stream sent by the policy control function entity; The information of the first downlink data stream is sent to the relay device.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The information of the first downlink data stream received and the first indication are carried in the same message.

5. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The system receives a data packet of a first downlink data stream sent by a user plane function entity. The first downlink data stream is used to send downlink data from a remote device to a relay device. The data packet includes the downlink data and indication information. The indication information includes a reverse quality of service (QoS) indication for proximity service communication. The indication information is used to indicate that the QoS parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device. The downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device is used by the relay device to transmit the downlink data to the remote device. The uplink data stream corresponds to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device and is used by the remote device to transmit uplink data to the relay device. In response to the indication information, the quality of service parameters of the uplink data stream application are sent to the remote device.

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: The quality of service (QoS) parameters applied to the uplink data stream are determined based on the QoS parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device.

7. The method as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, Also includes: The information of the uplink data stream is determined based on the information of the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device; Send the information of the uplink data stream to the remote device.

8. The method as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, Also includes: Send timer information to the remote device, the timer information being used to indicate the duration of the uplink data stream application quality of service parameters.

9. The method as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, Also includes: In response to a timer timeout, a new Quality of Service (QoS) parameter applied to the uplink data stream is sent to the remote device; or, in response to a timer timeout, the remote device is instructed to disable the QoS parameter applied to the uplink data stream, wherein the timer is used to indicate the duration for which the QoS parameter is applied to the uplink data stream.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive instructions from the session management function entity; In response to the indication, indication information is added to the data packets of the first downlink data stream. The indication information includes a reverse quality of service indication for proximity service communication 5. The indication information is used to indicate that the quality of service parameters applied to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device are also applied to the uplink data stream between the relay device and the remote device. The downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device is used by the relay device to transmit downlink data to the remote device. The uplink data stream corresponds to the downlink data stream between the relay device and the remote device and is used by the remote device to transmit uplink data to the relay device. The first downlink data stream is used to send the downlink data of the remote device to the relay device.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a module for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1-4.

12. The communication device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The device is a session management function entity.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a module for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 5-9.

14. The communication device as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, The device is a relay equipment.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a module for implementing the method as described in claim 10.

16. The communication device as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, The device is a user-plane functional entity.

17. A computer storage medium, characterized in that, The system stores instructions that, when executed, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-4, or the method as described in any one of claims 5-9, or the method as described in claim 10.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run, the method as described in any one of claims 1-4, or the method as described in any one of claims 5-9, or the method as described in claim 10 is implemented.

19. A communication system, characterized in that, This includes the communication device as described in claim 11 or 12, the communication device as described in claim 13 or 14, and the communication device as described in claim 15 or 16.

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