Contextual interaction methods, devices and memory devices

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for context interaction. The method comprises: receiving, by a first device, a first message from a second device, the first message containing context information related to a radio bearer to be used by a user; and sending, by the first device, a second message to the second device, the second message comprising feedback on the context information contained in the first message. A device and a memory device for context interaction are also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly to a method, apparatus, and memory device for context interaction. Background Technology

[0002] In NR (New Radio Access) networks or 5G networks, to support network function virtualization and more efficient resource management and scheduling, base stations (e.g., gNBs) that provide wireless network interfaces to users (UEs) can be further divided into central units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs). A CU has at least Radio Resource Control (RRC) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layers, and may also include Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). A DU has Radio Link Control (RLC), Media Access Control (MAC), and physical layers. The CU and DU share a standardized public interface, F1. The F1 interface can be divided into the control plane F1-C and the user plane F1-U. The F1-C transport network layer is based on IP. To provide more reliable signaling transmission, the Flow Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) is added on top of IP. The application layer protocol is F1AP. SCTP can provide reliable application layer message transmission. The F1-U's transport layer is based on UDP / IP, while the GTP-U is used to carry User Plane Protocol Data Units (PDUs) on top of UDP / IP.

[0003] However, the existing technology does not define the transfer of context-related information between the CU and DU, which results in the inability to effectively transfer context about the radio bearer assigned to the user between the CU and DU.

[0004] Therefore, a technical solution is needed that can effectively transfer context-related information between CU and DU. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To at least partially address the above-mentioned problems, embodiments of this disclosure provide methods, apparatus, and computer storage media for contextual interaction.

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure provides a method for contextual interaction. The method includes: a first device receiving a first message from a second device, the first message containing contextual information relating to a radio bearer to be used by a user; and the first device sending a second message to the second device, the second message including feedback on the contextual information contained in the first message.

[0007] In some examples, the first device is a distribution unit of a base station, and the second device is a central unit of the base station; the radio bearer is a newly created radio bearer or a radio bearer to be modified.

[0008] In some examples, the method further includes at least one of the following: the first device reports radio link status information to the second device; the first device receives radio link configuration information from the second device; the first device sends radio link status information to another base station; the first device receives radio link configuration information from the other base station; the first device sends radio link status information to the other base station via the second device; and the first device receives radio link configuration information from the other base station via the second device.

[0009] In some examples, the wireless link status-related information includes: indications of uplink interruption or recovery; and / or indications of downlink interruption or recovery.

[0010] In some examples, the wireless link configuration information includes indications of the use of uplink and / or downlink resources of the first device.

[0011] In some examples, the method further includes at least one of the following: the first device receiving a request from the second device to report radio link state-related information; the first device receiving a request from the other base station to report radio link state-related information; the first device receiving a request forwarded by the second device from the other base station to report radio link state-related information.

[0012] In some examples, the first device is a centralized unit in a base station, and the second device is a distributed unit of the base station. In this case, the radio bearer is the radio bearer to be modified.

[0013] In this context, in some examples, the method further includes: the first device sending a fifth message to another base station, the fifth message containing contextual information related to the radio bearer served by the base station.

[0014] In some examples, the method further includes at least one of the following: the first device receives radio link status information reported by the second device; the first device sends radio link configuration information to the second device; the first device forwards the radio link status information sent by the second device to another base station; and the first device forwards the radio link configuration information sent by the other base station to the second device.

[0015] In some examples, the wireless link status-related information includes: indications of uplink interruption or recovery; and / or indications of downlink interruption or recovery.

[0016] In some examples, the wireless link configuration information includes indications of the use of uplink and / or downlink resources of the second device.

[0017] In some examples, the method further includes at least one of the following: the first device sends a request to the second device to report radio link state-related information; the first device forwards the request to report radio link state-related information sent by the other base station to the second device.

[0018] In some examples, the context information includes at least one of the following: radio bearer type information; radio link control (RLC) mode information; indication information for reporting RLC mode; uplink configuration information; indication information for reporting UL configuration information; and information related to quality of service (QoS).

[0019] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a method for contextual interaction. The method includes: a second device sending a first message to a first device, the first message containing contextual information relating to a radio bearer to be used by a user; and the second device receiving a second message sent by the first device, the second message including feedback on the contextual information contained in the first message.

[0020] In some examples, the first device is a distribution unit of the base station, and the second device is a central unit of the base station. The radio bearer is a newly established radio bearer or a radio bearer to be modified.

[0021] In some examples, the method further includes: the second device receiving a third message from another base station, the third message containing context information provided by the other base station for a radio bearer served by the base station; and / or the second device sending a fourth message to the other base station, the fourth message containing context information related to a radio bearer served by the base station.

[0022] In some examples, the context information includes at least one of the following: radio bearer type information; radio link control (RLC) mode information; indication information for reporting RLC mode; uplink configuration information; indication information for reporting UL configuration information; and information related to quality of service (QoS).

[0023] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a device for context interaction. The device includes a first message receiving module and a first message sending module. The first message receiving module is configured to receive a first message from a second device, the first message containing context information relating to a radio bearer to be used by a user. The first message sending module is configured to send a second message to the second device, the second message including feedback on the context information contained in the first message.

[0024] In some examples, the device is a distribution unit of a base station, and the second device is a central unit of the base station. The radio bearer is a newly established radio bearer or a radio bearer to be modified.

[0025] In some examples, the device further includes: a second message sending module for sending a message to another base station; and a second message receiving module for receiving a message from the other base station. The first message sending module reports radio link status-related information to the second device; and / or the first message receiving module receives radio link configuration-related information from the second device; and / or the second message sending module sends radio link status-related information to the other base station; and / or the second message receiving module receives radio link configuration-related information from the other base station; and / or the first message sending module sends radio link status-related information to the other base station via the second device; and / or the first message receiving module receives radio link configuration-related information from the other base station via the second device.

[0026] In some examples, the wireless link status-related information includes: indications of uplink interruption or recovery; and / or indications of downlink interruption or recovery.

[0027] In some examples, the wireless link configuration information includes indications of the use of the device's uplink and / or downlink resources.

[0028] In some examples, the first message receiving module receives a request from the second device to report radio link status information; and / or the second message receiving module receives a request from the other base station to report radio link status information; and / or the first message receiving module receives a request from the second device forwarded by the other base station to report radio link status information.

[0029] In some examples, the device is a centralized unit in a base station, and the second device is a distributed unit of the base station. The radio bearer is the radio bearer to be modified.

[0030] In some examples, the device further includes a second message sending module for sending a fifth message to another base station, the fifth message containing context information related to the radio bearer served by the base station.

[0031] In some examples, the device further includes: a second message receiving module for receiving messages from another base station. The first message receiving module receives radio link status information reported by the second device; and / or the first message sending module sends radio link configuration information to the second device; and / or the second message sending module forwards the radio link status information sent by the second device to the other base station; and / or the first message sending module forwards the radio link configuration information sent by the other base station to the second device.

[0032] In some examples, the wireless link status-related information includes: indications of uplink interruption or recovery; and / or indications of downlink interruption or recovery.

[0033] In some examples, the wireless link configuration information includes indications of the use of uplink and / or downlink resources of the second device.

[0034] In some examples, the first message sending module sends a request to the second device to report wireless link status information; and / or the first message sending module forwards a request from the other base station to the second device to report wireless link status information.

[0035] In some examples, the context information includes at least one of the following: radio bearer type information; radio link control (RLC) mode information; indication information for reporting RLC mode; uplink configuration information; indication information for reporting UL configuration information; and information related to quality of service (QoS).

[0036] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a device for context interaction. The device includes a first message receiving module and a first message sending module. The first message sending module is configured to send a first message to a first device, the first message containing context information relating to a radio bearer to be used by a user. The first message receiving module is configured to receive a second message sent by the first device, the second message including feedback on the context information contained in the first message.

[0037] In some examples, the first device is a distribution unit of a base station, and the device is a central unit of the base station. The radio bearer is a newly established radio bearer or a radio bearer to be modified.

[0038] In some examples, the device further includes a second message receiving module and / or a second message sending module. The second message receiving module is configured to receive a third message from another base station, the third message containing context information provided by the other base station for the radio bearer served by the base station. The second message sending module is configured to send a fourth message to the other base station, the fourth message containing context information related to the radio bearer served by the base station.

[0039] In some examples, the context information includes at least one of the following: radio bearer type information; radio link control (RLC) mode information; indication information for reporting RLC mode; uplink configuration information; indication information for reporting UL configuration information; and information related to quality of service (QoS).

[0040] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a method for exchanging link state information, the method comprising: a first device acquiring wireless link state-related information; and reporting the acquired wireless link state-related information to another device.

[0041] In some examples, the first device is a base station, and the other device is another base station. In some examples, the first device is a distribution unit of a base station, and the other device is another base station or a centralized unit of the base station. In some examples, the first device is a centralized unit of a base station, and the other device is another base station or a distribution unit of the base station.

[0042] In some examples, reporting the acquired wireless link state information to another device includes: the first device sending the wireless link state information to the other device through a second device. Wherein, the first device is a distribution unit of a base station, the other device is another base station, and the second device is a central unit of the base station; or the first device is a central unit of a base station, the other device is another base station, and the second device is a distribution unit of the base station.

[0043] In some examples, the wireless link status-related information includes: indications of uplink interruption or recovery; and / or indications of downlink interruption or recovery.

[0044] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a device for context interaction. The device includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores executable instructions. The processor executes the executable instructions stored in the memory to perform the methods described above.

[0045] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the methods described above.

[0046] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present invention enable the centralized unit and the distributed unit to interact with context-related information (e.g., RLC mode, UL configuration information and QoS-related information), thereby enabling the effective establishment of wireless bearers for users. Attached Figure Description

[0047] To gain a more complete understanding of the invention and its advantages, reference will now be made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0048] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a base station to which the technical solution according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied is shown.

[0049] Figure 2 A schematic flowchart of a method for context interaction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0050] Figure 3 A schematic flowchart of another method for context interaction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0051] Figure 4 A schematic block diagram illustrating an example of a device for context interaction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0052] Figure 5 A schematic block diagram of another example of a device for context interaction according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0053] Figure 6 A schematic block diagram of a centralized unit for context interaction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0054] Figure 7 A schematic block diagram of a distribution unit for context interaction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0055] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating the process of context interaction initiated by a central unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0056] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating the process of context interaction initiated by a distributed unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0057] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating an example of a process for reporting the status of a wireless link according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0058] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating another example of a process for reporting the status of a wireless link according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0059] Figure 12 An embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 6 or Figure 7 A schematic block diagram of a specific implementation of the device shown. Detailed Implementation

[0060] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0061] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the,” as used herein, should also include the meanings of “a plurality” and “multiple,” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “including,” etc., as used herein indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, or components.

[0062] All terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise defined. It should be noted that the terms used herein are to be interpreted in a manner consistent with the context of this specification, and not in an idealized or overly rigid way.

[0063] The accompanying drawings show some block diagrams and / or flowcharts. It should be understood that some blocks or combinations thereof in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, so that when executed by the processor, these instructions can create means for implementing the functions / operations described in these block diagrams and / or flowcharts.

[0064] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a base station to which the technical solution according to an embodiment of this disclosure is applied is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the base station is divided into a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU and DU communicate with each other via F1 interfaces (e.g., F1-U and F1-C interfaces).

[0065] The inventors of this invention have discovered that in current technology, when a user is simultaneously connected to two base stations, the base stations exchange some contextual information about the user, namely, the context for each radio bearer, such as RLC mode (AM mode or UM mode), UL configuration information (used to indicate whether the user's uplink is on one base station or two base stations), and information related to QoS parameters. RLC mode information helps the receiving base station set the RLC mode, UL configuration information helps the receiving base station decide whether to schedule the user's uplink, and QoS parameter-related information helps the receiving base station decide what QoS parameters to accept. However, there is currently no agreed-upon method for transmitting this information on the F1 interface. Furthermore, to obtain radio link status information, existing technology supports the distribution unit sending radio link outage / resume information to the central unit. This information allows the central unit to decide whether to place a radio bearer for transmission in another distribution unit, but this information is insufficient to provide the central unit with separate uplink and downlink statuses.

[0066] For a single radio bearer, existing technologies do not address the exchange of contextual information between the centralized unit and the distributed unit, such as RLC mode information, UL configuration information, and QoS-related information. Obtaining this information would help the distributed unit determine the RLC mode, whether to schedule user uplink, and what QoS parameters to accept. Furthermore, existing technologies do not consider having the distributed unit report uplink and downlink status to the centralized unit, which, after distinguishing between uplink and downlink, would help the centralized unit decide whether to schedule user uplink on that distributed unit.

[0067] In order to solve some of the above problems, technical solutions according to embodiments of the present invention are proposed.

[0068] Figure 2 A schematic flowchart of a method for context interaction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0069] like Figure 2 As shown, the method includes operation S210, in which a first device receives a first message from a second device, the first message containing context information related to the radio bearer to be used by the user.

[0070] In some examples, context information may include at least one of the following: Radio Link Control (RLC) mode information, uplink configuration information, and information related to Quality of Service (QoS). However, depending on the specific circumstances, context information may also include other information, such as the identifier of the radio bearer involved, the type of radio bearer, indications for reporting RLC mode, indications for reporting UL configuration information, etc.

[0071] In operation S220, the first device sends a second message to the second device, the second message including feedback on the context information contained in the first message.

[0072] The feedback can differ depending on whether the first device is a distributed unit or a centralized unit of the base station. For example, when the first device is a distributed unit of the base station, the feedback can be the distributed unit's acceptance of context information. When the first device is a centralized unit of the base station, the feedback can be the centralized unit's confirmation of context information. Of course, other types of feedback that are readily conceived by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure are also possible and are within the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0073] In some examples, the first device may be a distributed unit of the base station, and the second device may be a centralized unit of the base station; that is, the context interaction is initiated by the centralized unit. In this case, the radio bearer involved may be a newly created radio bearer or a radio bearer to be modified. Figure 2 The method shown may also include at least one of the following:

[0074] ●The first device reports wireless link status information to the second device;

[0075] ●The first device receives wireless link configuration information from the second device;

[0076] ●The first device sends wireless link status information to another base station;

[0077] ●The first device receives wireless link configuration information from another base station;

[0078] ●The first device sends wireless link status information to another base station through the second device;

[0079] ●The first device receives wireless link configuration information from another base station through the second device.

[0080] In some examples, wireless link status-related information may include: indications of uplink interruption or recovery; and / or indications of downlink interruption or recovery.

[0081] In some examples, wireless link configuration information may include indications of the use of uplink and / or downlink resources of the first device.

[0082] In some examples, Figure 2 The method shown may also include at least one of the following:

[0083] ● The first device receives a request from the second device to report information related to the wireless link status;

[0084] ● The first device receives a request from another base station to report information related to the wireless link status;

[0085] ● The first device receives a request forwarded by the second device from another base station to report information related to the wireless link status.

[0086] In some examples, the first device is a centralized unit in a base station, and the second device is a distributed unit in the base station. In this case, the radio bearer is the radio bearer to be modified.

[0087] In this context, in some examples, the method may further include: the first device sending a fifth message to another base station, the fifth message containing contextual information relating to the radio bearer served by the base station.

[0088] In some examples, Figure 2 The method shown may also include at least one of the following:

[0089] ● The device receives wireless link status information reported by the second device;

[0090] ●The first device sends wireless link configuration information to the second device;

[0091] ●The first device forwards the wireless link status information sent by the second device to another base station;

[0092] ● The first device forwards the wireless link configuration information sent by another base station to the second device.

[0093] In some examples, wireless link status-related information may include: indications of uplink interruption or recovery; and / or indications of downlink interruption or recovery.

[0094] In some examples, wireless link configuration information may include indications of the use of uplink and / or downlink resources of a second device.

[0095] In some examples, Figure 2 The method shown also includes at least one of the following:

[0096] ●The first device sends a request to the second device to report information related to the wireless link status;

[0097] ●The first device forwards a request from another base station to the second device to report information related to the radio link status.

[0098] ● In some examples, the above context information may include at least one of the following:

[0099] ● Wireless bearer type information;

[0100] ● Radio Link Control (RLC) mode information;

[0101] ● Report the instruction information for RLC mode;

[0102] ●Uplink configuration information;

[0103] ●Instructions for reporting UL configuration information;

[0104] ● Information related to Quality of Service (QoS).

[0105] Figure 3 A schematic flowchart of another method for context interaction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 The method shown is the same as Figure 2 The method shown is the corresponding method executed on the opposite side.

[0106] like Figure 3 As shown, the method includes operation S310, in which the second device sends a first message to the first device, the first message containing context information related to the radio bearer to be used by the user.

[0107] In some examples, context information may include at least one of the following: Radio Link Control (RLC) mode information, uplink configuration information, and information related to Quality of Service (QoS). However, depending on the specific circumstances, context information may also include other information, such as the identifier of the radio bearer involved, the type of radio bearer, indications for reporting RLC mode, indications for reporting UL configuration information, etc.

[0108] In operation S320, the second device receives a second message sent by the first device, the second message including feedback on the context information contained in the first message.

[0109] The feedback can differ depending on whether the first device is a distributed unit or a centralized unit of the base station. For example, when the first device is a distributed unit of the base station, the feedback can be the distributed unit's acceptance of context information. When the first device is a centralized unit of the base station, the feedback can be the centralized unit's confirmation of context information. Of course, other types of feedback that are readily conceived by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure are also possible and are within the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0110] In some examples, the first device is the distribution unit of the base station, and the second device is the central unit of the base station. A radio bearer is either a newly created radio bearer or a radio bearer to be modified.

[0111] In some examples, Figure 3The method may further include: the second device receiving a third message from another base station, the third message containing context information provided by the other base station for a radio bearer served by the base station; and / or the second device sending a fourth message to another base station, the fourth message containing context information related to the radio bearer served by the base station.

[0112] In some examples, contextual information may include at least one of the following:

[0113] ● Wireless bearer type information;

[0114] ● Radio Link Control (RLC) mode information;

[0115] ● Report the instruction information for RLC mode;

[0116] ●Uplink configuration information;

[0117] ●Instructions for reporting UL configuration information;

[0118] ● Information related to Quality of Service (QoS).

[0119] Figure 4 A schematic block diagram illustrating an example of a device for context interaction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0120] like Figure 4 As shown, the device includes a first message receiving module 410 and a first message sending module 420.

[0121] The first message receiving module 410 is used to receive a first message from the second device, the first message containing context information related to the radio bearer to be used by the user.

[0122] In some examples, context information may include at least one of the following: Radio Link Control (RLC) mode information, uplink configuration information, and information related to Quality of Service (QoS). However, depending on the specific circumstances, context information may also include other information, such as the identifier of the radio bearer involved, the type of radio bearer, indications for reporting RLC mode, indications for reporting UL configuration information, etc.

[0123] The first message sending module 420 is used to send a second message to the second device, the second message including feedback on the context information contained in the first message.

[0124] Depending on whether the device is a distributed unit or a centralized unit of the base station, the feedback can differ. For example, when the device is a distributed unit of the base station, the feedback can be the distributed unit's acceptance of context information. When the device is a centralized unit of the base station, the feedback can be the centralized unit's confirmation of context information. Of course, other types of feedback that are readily conceived by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure are also possible and are within the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0125] Figure 5 A schematic block diagram of another example of a device for context interaction according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0126] like Figure 5 As shown, the device includes a first message receiving module 510 and a first message sending module 520.

[0127] The first message sending module 520 is used to send a first message to the first device. The first message contains context information related to the radio bearer to be used by the user.

[0128] In some examples, context information may include at least one of the following: Radio Link Control (RLC) mode information, uplink configuration information, and information related to Quality of Service (QoS). However, depending on the specific circumstances, context information may also include other information, such as the identifier of the radio bearer involved, the type of radio bearer, indications for reporting RLC mode, indications for reporting UL configuration information, etc.

[0129] The first message receiving module 510 is used to receive a second message sent by the first device, the second message including feedback on the context information contained in the first message.

[0130] The feedback can differ depending on whether the first device is a distributed unit or a centralized unit of the base station. For example, when the first device is a distributed unit of the base station, the feedback can be the distributed unit's acceptance of context information. When the first device is a centralized unit of the base station, the feedback can be the centralized unit's confirmation of context information. Of course, other types of feedback that are readily conceived by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure are also possible and are within the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0131] In addition to the above structure, the choice depends on whether the first device is a distributed unit or a centralized unit. Figure 4 or Figure 5 The device shown may also have many other modules.

[0132] Figure 6 A schematic block diagram of a centralized unit for context interaction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 6 The first message receiving module 610 and the first message sending module 620 shown are... Figure 4 The first message receiving module 410 and the first message sending module 420 shown are as follows: Figure 5 The first message receiving module 510 and the first message sending module 520 shown may have similar functions, which will not be described in detail here.

[0133] Figure 6 The device shown may also include a second message sending module 630 for sending a message to another base station; and a second message receiving module 640 for receiving a message from the other base station.

[0134] The context interaction in this embodiment can be initiated by a centralized unit or a distributed unit.

[0135] When initiated by a centralized unit, the radio bearer involved can be a newly created radio bearer or a radio bearer to be modified.

[0136] In some examples, the first message sending module 620 may send a request to the distribution unit to report radio link status information; and / or the second message receiving module 640 may receive a request from another base station to report radio link status information, and / or in some examples (e.g., where the information is not available at the central unit) may the first message sending module 620 forward the request to the distribution unit.

[0137] In cases initiated by a centralized unit, the radio bearer involved may be the radio bearer to be modified.

[0138] In some examples, the second message sending module 630 can be used to send a fifth message to another base station, the fifth message containing context information related to the radio bearer served by the base station.

[0139] In some examples, the first message receiving module 610 receives radio link status information reported by the distribution unit; and / or the first message sending module 620 sends radio link configuration information to the distribution unit; and / or the second message sending module 630 forwards the radio link status information sent by the distribution unit to another base station; and / or the first message sending module 620 forwards the radio link configuration information sent by the other base station to the distribution unit.

[0140] In some examples, wireless link status-related information includes: indications of uplink interruption or recovery; and / or indications of downlink interruption or recovery.

[0141] In some examples, wireless link configuration information includes indications of the use of uplink and / or downlink resources of the distributed unit.

[0142] Figure 6The illustrated device may also include a memory 650 for storing data that is needed or generated during the operation of the modules described above. The memory 650 may be implemented using any technology used or to be used in the art, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0143] Figure 6 The device shown may also include a module / component for generating feedback on the context information contained in the first message, which may be generated in any way, and will not be described in detail here.

[0144] Figure 7 A schematic block diagram of a distribution unit for context interaction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 7 The first message receiving module 710 and the first message sending module 720 shown are... Figure 4 The first message receiving module 410 and the first message sending module 420 shown are as follows: Figure 5 The first message receiving module 510 and the first message sending module 520 shown may have similar functions, which will not be described in detail here.

[0145] Figure 7 The device shown may also include a second message sending module 730 for sending a message to another base station; and a second message receiving module 740 for receiving a message from the other base station.

[0146] The context interaction in this embodiment can be initiated by a centralized unit or a distributed unit.

[0147] When initiated by a centralized unit, the radio bearer involved can be a newly created radio bearer or a radio bearer to be modified.

[0148] In some examples, the first message sending module 720 reports radio link status-related information to the central unit; and / or the first message receiving module 710 receives radio link configuration-related information from the central unit; and / or the second message sending module 730 sends radio link status-related information to another base station; and / or the second message receiving module 740 receives radio link configuration-related information from another base station; and / or the first message sending module 720 sends radio link status-related information to another base station through the central unit; and / or the first message receiving module 710 receives radio link configuration-related information from another base station through the central unit.

[0149] In some examples, the first message receiving module 710 receives a request from the central unit to report radio link status information; and / or the second message receiving module 740 receives a request from another base station to report radio link status information; and / or the first message receiving module 710 receives a request from another base station to report radio link status information forwarded by the central unit.

[0150] In cases initiated by a centralized unit, the radio bearer involved may be the radio bearer to be modified.

[0151] In some examples, the second message sending module 730 can be used to send a fifth message to another base station, the fifth message containing context information related to the radio bearer served by the base station.

[0152] In some examples, wireless link status-related information includes: indications of uplink interruption or recovery; and / or indications of downlink interruption or recovery.

[0153] In some examples, wireless link configuration information includes indications of the use of uplink and / or downlink resources of the distributed unit.

[0154] Figure 7 The illustrated device may also include a memory 750 for storing data that is needed or generated during the operation of the modules described above. The memory 750 may be implemented by any technology used or to be used in the art, and will not be elaborated here.

[0155] Figure 7 The device shown may also include a module / component for generating feedback on the context information contained in the first message, which may be generated in any way, and will not be described in detail here.

[0156] The above will be explained below based on specific embodiments. Figures 2 to 5 The technical solutions shown are described in detail below. It should be noted that the following details are merely examples provided to illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can make any modifications within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0157] As described above, the context interaction process in this embodiment of the invention can be initiated by a centralized unit or by a distributed unit. The following will first describe these two cases separately.

[0158] Procedure 1: Procedure for establishing and modifying radio bearers initiated by the centralized unit

[0159] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating the process of context interaction initiated by a centralized unit according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 8 In the flowchart shown:

[0160] Step 1: The centralized unit sends message 1 to the distributed unit. Message 1 includes at least one of the following information:

[0161] ■ Information on newly established radio bearers (such as data radio bearers and signaling radio bearers) shall include at least one of the following:

[0162] ■ Wireless bearer identifier

[0163] ■ Type information of the radio bearer, which can indicate the location of each protocol layer serving the radio bearer, and includes at least one of the following:

[0164] ◆Information 1: The type of cell group served by this distribution unit, such as the master cell group (MCG) or the secondary cell group (SCG).

[0165] ◆Information 2: Location information of the PDCP serving this radio bearer, such as whether it is located in this centralized unit or in another base station (or another base station's centralized unit).

[0166] ◆Information 3: Location information of the RLC, MAC, and logical channels serving this radio bearer, such as whether it is only located in this distribution unit, only located in other base stations (or distribution units of other base stations), or simultaneously located in this distribution unit and other base stations (or distribution units of other base stations).

[0167] In another embodiment, the type information of the wireless bearer can be an indication that represents any one, two, or a combination of the three pieces of information mentioned above.

[0168] ■ The RLC mode information indicates whether the RLC layer uses acknowledged mode (AM) or unacknowledged mode (UM) when the distributed unit serves the bearer. In one embodiment, if the centralized unit receives the RLC mode information from another base station, the centralized unit sends the received RLC mode information to the distributed unit. In another embodiment, if the centralized unit does not receive the RLC mode information from another base station, the centralized unit indicates the RLC mode used by the distributed unit when serving the bearer.

[0169] ■ Does the distribution unit report RLC mode indication information? In one embodiment, the indication information is explicit. When the distribution unit receives this indication information, it reports the RLC mode information (i.e., AM mode or UM mode) for the radio bearer to the central unit in step 2. In another embodiment, the indication information is implicitly obtained through the aforementioned radio bearer type information. For example, if the PDCP of the bearer is in the central unit, and the RLC, MAC, and logical channels serving the radio bearer are in the distribution unit and other base stations (or other distribution units), then in step 2, the distribution unit reports the RLC mode information (i.e., AM mode or UM mode) for the radio bearer to the central unit. Another example: if the RLC, MAC, and logical channels serving the radio bearer are in the distribution unit and other base stations (or other distribution units), then in step 2, the distribution unit reports the RLC mode information (i.e., AM mode or UM mode) for the radio bearer to the central unit. The unit reports the RLC mode information (i.e., AM mode or UM mode) for the radio bearer; another embodiment is to determine whether to report the RLC mode of the radio bearer in step 2 based on whether the RLC mode information of the radio bearer is received in step 1, that is, if it is not received in step 1, it is reported in step 2; another embodiment is that the indication information determines whether to report the RLC mode of the radio bearer in step 2 based on the type information of the radio bearer and whether the RLC mode of the radio bearer is received in step 1. For example, if the RLC, MAC and logical channel of the radio bearer are served in the distribution unit and other base stations (or other distribution units) and the RLC mode of the radio bearer is not found in step 1, then the distribution unit reports the RLC mode of the radio bearer.

[0170] ■UL configuration information, which indicates whether the distribution unit will be used to serve the user's uplink. In one embodiment, this information indicates: how the user will use the uplink of the distribution unit for this radio bearer, such as using it or not; or whether the distribution unit will schedule the user's uplink for this radio bearer, such as scheduling it or not. In another embodiment, this information indicates: how the user will use the uplink of the distribution unit for this radio bearer, such as using it or not, or using it and the user will also use uplink from other base stations (or other distribution units); or whether the distribution unit will schedule the user's uplink for this radio bearer, such as scheduling it or not, or co-scheduling it with other base stations (or other distribution units). This information can be set in two ways: one is by determining the UL configuration information through information obtained from other base stations; the other is by the central unit setting it itself.

[0171] ■ Instructions regarding whether the distribution unit should report UL configuration information. One embodiment is that this instruction is explicit; upon receiving it, the distribution unit reports the UL configuration information for the radio bearer to the central unit in step 2. Another embodiment is that the instruction is implicitly obtained through the radio bearer type information. For example, if the PDCP of the bearer is in the central unit, and the RLC, MAC, and logical channels serving the radio bearer are in the distribution unit and other base stations (or other distribution units), then the distribution unit reports the UL configuration information for the radio bearer to the central unit in step 2. Another example is if the RLC, MAC, and logical channels serving the radio bearer are in the distribution unit and other base stations (or other distribution units), then the distribution unit reports the UL configuration information for the radio bearer to the central unit in step 2. One embodiment is to determine whether to report the UL configuration information of the radio bearer in step 2 based on whether the UL configuration information of the radio bearer is received in step 1. That is, if it is not received in step 1, it is reported in step 2. Another embodiment is to determine whether to report the UL configuration information in step 2 based on whether the UL configuration information is received in step 1. If it is not received, the UL configuration information is reported in step 2. Another embodiment is to determine whether to report the UL configuration information in step 2 based on the type information of the radio bearer and whether the UL configuration information is received in step 1. If it is determined that the RLC, MAC and logical channel serving the radio bearer are in the distribution unit and other base stations (or other distribution units) and the UL configuration information is not received in step 1, the UL configuration information is reported in step 2.

[0172] ■ Information related to the expected QoS parameters, in one embodiment, indicates the maximum QoS parameters that other base stations can accept for the bearer; in another embodiment, the information indicates the minimum QoS parameters that the distribution unit needs to accept for the bearer.

[0173] ■ The information of the radio bearer to be modified (such as data radio bearer, signaling radio bearer) shall include at least one of the following:

[0174] ■ Wireless bearer identifier

[0175] ■ Type information of the radio bearer, which can indicate the location of each protocol layer serving the radio bearer, and includes at least one of the following:

[0176] ◆Information 1: The cell group type information of the users served by this distribution unit, such as MCG or SCG.

[0177] ◆Information 2: Location information of the PDCP serving this radio bearer, such as whether it is located in this centralized unit or in another base station (or another base station's centralized unit).

[0178] ◆Information 3: Location information of the RLC, MAC, and logical channels serving this radio bearer, such as whether it is only located in this distribution unit, only located in other base stations (or distribution units of other base stations), or simultaneously located in this distribution unit and other base stations (or distribution units of other base stations).

[0179] In another embodiment, the type information of the wireless bearer can be an indication that represents any one, two, or a combination of the three pieces of information mentioned above.

[0180] ■ The RLC mode information indicates whether the distributed unit uses AM or UM mode when serving the bearer. In one embodiment, if the centralized unit receives the RLC mode from another base station, it sends the received RLC mode information to the distributed unit. In another embodiment, if the centralized unit does not receive the RLC mode from another base station, it indicates the RLC mode used by the distributed unit when serving the bearer.

[0181] ■ Does the distribution unit report RLC mode indication information? In one embodiment, the indication information is explicit. When the distribution unit receives this indication information, it reports the RLC mode information (i.e., AM mode or UM mode) for the radio bearer to the central unit in step 2. In another embodiment, the indication information is implicitly obtained through the aforementioned radio bearer type information. For example, if the PDCP of the bearer is in the central unit, and the RLC, MAC, and logical channels serving the radio bearer are in the distribution unit and other base stations (or other distribution units), then in step 2, the distribution unit reports the RLC mode information (i.e., AM mode or UM mode) for the radio bearer to the central unit. Another example: if the RLC, MAC, and logical channels serving the radio bearer are in the distribution unit and other base stations (or other distribution units), then in step 2, the distribution unit reports the RLC mode information (i.e., AM mode or UM mode) for the radio bearer to the central unit. The unit reports the RLC mode information (i.e., AM mode or UM mode) for the radio bearer; another embodiment is to determine whether to report the RLC mode of the radio bearer in step 2 based on whether the RLC mode information of the radio bearer is received in step 1, that is, if it is not received in step 1, it is reported in step 2; another embodiment is that the indication information determines whether to report the RLC mode of the radio bearer in step 2 based on the type information of the radio bearer and whether the RLC mode of the radio bearer is received in step 1. For example, if the RLC, MAC and logical channel of the radio bearer are served in the distribution unit and other base stations (or other distribution units) and the RLC mode of the radio bearer is not found in step 1, then the distribution unit reports the RLC mode of the radio bearer.

[0182] ■UL configuration information, which indicates whether the distribution unit will be used to serve the user's uplink. In one embodiment, this information indicates: how the user will use the uplink of the distribution unit for this radio bearer, such as using it or not; or whether the distribution unit will schedule the user's uplink for this radio bearer, such as scheduling it or not. In another embodiment, this information indicates: how the user will use the uplink of the distribution unit for this radio bearer, such as using it or not using it, or using it and the user will also use the uplink of other base stations (or other distribution units), or whether the distribution unit will schedule the user's uplink for this radio bearer, such as scheduling it or not, or co-scheduling it with other base stations (or other distribution units). This information can be set in two ways: one is by determining the UL configuration information through information obtained from other base stations; the other is by the central unit setting it itself.

[0183] ■ Instructions regarding whether the distribution unit should report UL configuration information. One embodiment is that this instruction is explicit; upon receiving it, the distribution unit reports the UL configuration information for the radio bearer to the central unit in step 2. Another embodiment is that the instruction is implicitly obtained through the radio bearer type information. For example, if the PDCP of the bearer is in the central unit, and the RLC, MAC, and logical channels serving the radio bearer are in the distribution unit and other base stations (or other distribution units), then the distribution unit reports the UL configuration information for the radio bearer to the central unit in step 2. Another example is if the RLC, MAC, and logical channels serving the radio bearer are in the distribution unit and other base stations (or other distribution units), then the distribution unit reports the UL configuration information for the radio bearer to the central unit in step 2. One embodiment is to determine whether to report the UL configuration information of the radio bearer in step 2 based on whether the UL configuration information of the radio bearer is received in step 1. That is, if it is not received in step 1, it is reported in step 2. Another embodiment is to determine whether to report the UL configuration information in step 2 based on whether the UL configuration information is received in step 1. If it is not received, the UL configuration information is reported in step 2. Another embodiment is to determine whether to report the UL configuration information in step 2 based on the type information of the radio bearer and whether the UL configuration information is received in step 1. If it is determined that the RLC, MAC and logical channel serving the radio bearer are in the distribution unit and other base stations (or other distribution units) and the UL configuration information is not received in step 1, the UL configuration information is reported in step 2.

[0184] ■ Information related to the expected QoS parameters, in one embodiment, indicates the maximum QoS parameters that other base stations can accept for the bearer; in another embodiment, the information indicates the minimum QoS parameters that the distribution unit needs to accept for the bearer.

[0185] Step 2: The distributed unit sends message 2 to the centralized unit, which includes at least one of the following information:

[0186] ■ The information received regarding newly established radio bearers (such as data radio bearers and signaling radio bearers) shall include at least one of the following:

[0187] ■ Wireless bearer identifier

[0188] ■RLC mode information: When the distributed unit serves the bearer, whether the RLC layer uses AM mode or UM mode; one embodiment is that the distributed unit always reports the RLC mode information for serving the radio bearer; another embodiment is that if no RLC mode information is received in step 1, the distributed unit reports the RLC mode information for serving the radio bearer; yet another embodiment is that if step 1 specifies that the distributed unit needs to report the RLC mode for the radio bearer, then the distributed unit reports it.

[0189] ■UL configuration information, the content of which is as described above. One embodiment is that the distribution unit always reports the UL configuration information for the radio bearer; another embodiment is that if no UL configuration information is received in step 1, the distribution unit reports the UL configuration information for the radio bearer; yet another embodiment is that if step 1 specifies that the distribution unit needs to report the UL configuration information for the radio bearer, then the distribution unit reports it.

[0190] ■ Information related to the requested QoS parameters, indicating either the QoS parameters requested for acceptance by other base stations for the radio bearer or the QoS parameters already accepted by the distribution unit for the radio bearer; in one embodiment, if step 1 includes "information related to the desired QoS parameters" for the radio bearer, then step 2 includes this information for the radio bearer.

[0191] ■ The information received regarding the modified radio bearer (such as a data radio bearer or a signaling radio bearer) includes at least one of the following:

[0192] ■ Wireless bearer identifier

[0193] ■RLC mode information: When the distributed unit serves the bearer, whether the RLC layer uses AM or UM mode; whether this information is included depends on whether it has changed. If it has changed, it may need to be included; otherwise, it is not necessary. One embodiment is that if the RLC mode of the radio bearer changes, the distributed unit always reports the RLC mode information for serving the radio bearer. Another embodiment is that if no RLC mode information is received in step 1, and the RLC mode of the radio bearer has changed, the distributed unit reports the RLC mode information for serving the radio bearer. Yet another embodiment is that if step 1 or the information preceding step 1 specifies that the distributed unit needs to report the RLC mode of the radio bearer, and the RLC mode of the radio bearer has changed, then the distributed unit reports it.

[0194] ■UL configuration information, the content of which is as described above. Whether this information is included depends on whether it has changed. If it has changed, it may need to be included; otherwise, it is not necessary. One embodiment is that if the UL configuration of the radio bearer changes, the distribution unit always reports the UL configuration information for that radio bearer. Another embodiment is that if no UL configuration information is received in step 1, and the UL configuration information of the radio bearer has changed, then the distribution unit reports the UL configuration information for that radio bearer. Yet another embodiment is that if step 1 or the information preceding step 1 specifies that the distribution unit needs to report the UL configuration information for that radio bearer, and the UL configuration information of the radio bearer has changed, then the distribution unit reports...

[0195] ■ Information related to the requested QoS parameters, which indicates the QoS parameters requested for acceptance by other base stations for the radio bearer or the QoS parameters that the distribution unit has already accepted for the radio bearer; in one embodiment, if step 1 includes "information related to the desired QoS parameters" for the radio bearer, then step 2 includes the information for the radio bearer.

[0196] The above two steps can be completed through the user context management process between the centralized unit and the distributed unit. Message 1 and Message 2 can be UE Context Setup Request message and UE Context Setup Response message, or UE Context Modification Request message and UE Context Modification Response message, or other messages.

[0197] Optionally, before step 1, there may be step 0: receiving message 0 from another base station, which contains at least one of the following information related to the radio bearer:

[0198] ■ Information on newly established radio bearers (such as data radio bearers and signaling radio bearers) shall include at least one of the following:

[0199] ■ Identification information of wireless bearers

[0200] ■RLC mode information

[0201] ■UL Configuration Information

[0202] ■ Information related to QoS parameters for expected acceptance

[0203] ■ The information of the radio bearer to be modified (such as data radio bearer, signaling radio bearer) shall include at least one of the following:

[0204] ■ Identification information of wireless bearers

[0205] ■RLC mode information

[0206] ■UL Configuration Information

[0207] ■ Information related to QoS parameters for expected acceptance

[0208] Optionally, after step 2, there may also be a step 3: sending message 3 to other base stations, which contains at least one of the following information related to the radio bearer:

[0209] ■ The information of the newly accepted radio bearer (such as a data radio bearer or a signaling radio bearer) shall include at least one of the following:

[0210] ■ Identification information of wireless bearers

[0211] ■RLC mode information

[0212] ■UL Configuration Information

[0213] ■ Information related to QoS parameters requested for acceptance

[0214] ■ The information of the accepted radio bearer to be modified (such as data radio bearer, signaling radio bearer) includes at least one of the following:

[0215] ■ Identification information of wireless bearers

[0216] ■RLC mode information

[0217] ■UL Configuration Information

[0218] ■ Information related to QoS parameters requested for acceptance

[0219] The effect of this scheme is that it allows the centralized unit and the distributed unit to exchange RLC mode, UL configuration information and QoS-related information. This makes it easier to obtain the same RLC mode information between the two, which can determine whether to schedule user uplinks in the distributed unit and what QoS parameters the distributed unit should accept.

[0220] Procedure 2: Procedure for modifying the radio bearer initiated by the distribution unit

[0221] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating the process of context interaction initiated by a distributed unit according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 9 As shown:

[0222] Step 1: The distribution unit sends message 4 to the central unit, which includes at least one of the following information related to the radio bearer to be modified:

[0223] ■ Wireless bearer identifier

[0224] ■RLC mode information: When the distributed unit serves the bearer, whether the RLC layer uses AM or UM mode; whether this information is included depends on whether it has changed. If it has changed, it may need to be included; otherwise, it is not necessary. One embodiment is that if the RLC mode of the radio bearer changes, the distributed unit always reports the RLC mode information for serving the radio bearer. Another embodiment is that if no RLC mode information was received before step 1, and the RLC mode of the radio bearer has changed, the distributed unit reports the RLC mode information for serving the radio bearer. Yet another embodiment is that if the information before step 1 specifies that the distributed unit needs to report the RLC mode of the radio bearer, and the RLC mode of the radio bearer has changed, then the distributed unit reports it.

[0225] ■UL configuration information, the content of which is as described above. Whether this information is included depends on whether it has changed. If it has changed, it may need to be included; otherwise, it is not necessary. One embodiment is that if the UL configuration of the radio bearer changes, the distribution unit always reports the UL configuration information for that radio bearer. Another embodiment is that if no UL configuration information was received before step 1, and the UL configuration information of the radio bearer has changed, then the distribution unit reports the UL configuration information for that radio bearer. Yet another embodiment is that if the information before step 1 specifies that the distribution unit needs to report the UL configuration information for that radio bearer, and the UL configuration information of the radio bearer has changed, then the distribution unit reports...

[0226] ■ Information related to the requested QoS parameters, which indicates the QoS parameters requested for acceptance by other base stations (or distribution units of other base stations) for the radio bearer, or indicates the QoS parameters that the distribution unit has already accepted for the radio bearer;

[0227] Step 2: The centralized unit sends message 5 to the distributed unit. This message can be used to confirm the information received in step 1. Optionally, message 5 may include at least the following information related to the accepted radio bearer to be modified:

[0228] ■ Wireless bearer identifier

[0229] The above two steps can be completed through the user context management process between the centralized unit and the distributed unit. Message 4 and message 5 can be the UE Context Modification Required message and the UE Context Modification Confirm message, respectively, or other messages.

[0230] Optionally, before step 1, there may be step 0: receiving message 6 from the central unit, message 6 containing at least one of the following information related to the radio bearer:

[0231] ■ Identification information of wireless bearers

[0232] ■ Is it necessary to report the RLC mode indication information?

[0233] ■ Indication regarding whether UL configuration information needs to be reported

[0234] Optionally, after step 1, there may also be step 1a: the central unit sends message 7 to other base stations, message 7 containing at least one of the following information related to the radio bearer:

[0235] ■ Identification information of wireless bearers

[0236] ■RLC mode information

[0237] ■UL Configuration Information

[0238] ■ Information related to QoS parameters requested for acceptance

[0239] The effect of this scheme is that it allows the centralized unit and the distributed unit to exchange RLC mode, UL configuration information and QoS-related information. This makes it easier to obtain the same RLC mode information between the two, which can determine whether to schedule user uplinks in the distributed unit and what QoS parameters the distributed unit should accept.

[0240] In some embodiments of the present invention, a technical solution for exchanging wireless link status between the distributed unit and the centralized unit is also provided, as shown in the following flowchart 3.

[0241] Procedure 3: Wireless Link Status Reporting Procedure

[0242] Implementation Method 1:

[0243] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating an example of a process for reporting radio link status according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 10 As shown:

[0244] Step 1: The distributed unit sends message 8 to the centralized unit. This message can be sent from the user plane or the control plane. Message 8 includes at least one of the following information:

[0245] ■Information related to wireless bearer identifiers

[0246] ■ Information related to the wireless link status, which can reflect the deterioration or recovery of the wireless link status of the wireless bearer on the distribution unit, such as uplink wireless link outage / resume indication information (UL radio link outage / resume), downlink wireless link outage / resume indication information (DL radio link outage / resume), and uplink and downlink wireless link outage / resume indication information (DL+UL radio link outage / resume).

[0247] Optionally, step 2: The centralized unit sends message 9 to the distributed unit. This message 9 can be sent via the control plane or the user plane, and it contains at least one of the following information:

[0248] ■Information related to wireless bearer identifiers

[0249] ■ Information related to radio link configuration, such as whether the bearer uses the uplink and / or downlink resources of the distribution unit, or whether the bearer does not use the uplink and / or downlink resources of the distribution unit.

[0250] Optionally, before step 2, step 1a is also included: other base stations send message 10 to the central unit. This message 10 can be sent via the control plane or via the user plane, and it contains at least one of the following information:

[0251] ■Information related to radio bearer identifiers

[0252] ■ Information related to the radio link status, which can reflect the deterioration or recovery of the radio link status of the radio bearer on other base stations, such as uplink radio link outage / resume indication information (UL radio link outage / resume), downlink radio link outage / resume indication information (DL radio link outage / resume), and uplink and downlink radio link outage / resume indication information (DL+UL radio link outage / resume).

[0253] Optionally, before step 1, there is step 0: the centralized unit sends message 11 to the distributed unit. This message can be transmitted in the control plane or the user plane, and message 11 includes at least one of the following information:

[0254] ■Information related to radio bearer identifiers

[0255] ■ An indication message requiring the reporting of radio link status information. Further, this indication message can specify whether to report uplink radio link status information, downlink radio link status information, or a combination of uplink and downlink radio link status information. If the distribution unit receives this message, the radio link status information sent by the distribution unit in step 1 will be reported according to this "indication message requiring the reporting of radio link status information".

[0256] Implementation Method Two:

[0257] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating another example of a process for reporting radio link status according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 11 As shown:

[0258] Step 1: The distribution unit sends message 12 to other base stations. This message can be sent in the user plane or the control plane. Message 12 includes at least one of the following information:

[0259] ■Information related to radio bearer identifiers

[0260] ■ Information related to the wireless link status, which can reflect the deterioration or recovery of the wireless link status of the wireless bearer on the distribution unit, such as uplink wireless link outage / resume indication information (UL radio link outage / resume), downlink wireless link outage / resume indication information (DL radio link outage / resume), and uplink and downlink wireless link outage / resume indication information (DL+UL radio link outage / resume).

[0261] Regarding message 12, in one embodiment, the message may be sent directly to other base stations by the distribution unit; in another embodiment, the distribution unit may send it to the central unit through the control plane or user plane, and then the central unit may send it to other base stations through the control plane or user plane.

[0262] Optionally, in step 2: other base stations send message 13 to the distribution unit. This message 13 can be sent via the control plane or the user plane, and it contains at least one of the following information:

[0263] ■Information related to radio bearer identifiers

[0264] ■ Information related to radio link configuration, such as whether the bearer uses the uplink and / or downlink resources of the distribution unit, or whether the bearer does not use the uplink and / or downlink resources of the distribution unit.

[0265] Regarding message 13, in one embodiment, the message may be sent directly to the distribution unit by other base stations; in another embodiment, it may be sent to the central unit by other base stations through the control plane or user plane, and then sent to the distribution unit by the central unit through the control plane or user plane.

[0266] Optionally, before step 1, there is step 0: other base stations send message 14 to the distribution unit. This message can be transmitted in the control plane or the user plane. The message can be sent directly to the distribution unit by other base stations, or it can be sent to the distribution unit by other base stations through the central unit. The message 14 includes at least one of the following information:

[0267] ■Information related to radio bearer identifiers

[0268] ■ An indication message requiring the reporting of radio link status information. Further, this indication message can specify whether to report uplink radio link status information, downlink radio link status information, or a combination of uplink and downlink radio link status information. If the distribution unit receives this message, the radio link status information sent by the distribution unit in step 1 will be reported according to this "indication message requiring the reporting of radio link status information".

[0269] Regarding message 14, in one embodiment, the message may be sent directly to the distribution unit by other base stations; in another embodiment, it may be sent to the central unit by other base stations through the control plane or user plane, and then sent to the distribution unit by the central unit through the control plane or user plane.

[0270] The effectiveness of this scheme is that it can identify the uplink and downlink status separately, thereby determining whether to schedule the user's uplink or downlink in the distribution unit.

[0271] In the embodiments described above, the interaction between the centralized unit and the distributed unit allows them to exchange context information for the user's radio bearer, such as RLC mode, UL configuration information, and QoS-related information. This facilitates obtaining the same RLC mode information between the two units, enabling the determination of whether to schedule user uplinks at the distributed unit and what QoS parameters the distributed unit should accept.

[0272] Furthermore, by having the distribution unit report the uplink and / or downlink status, the uplink and downlink status can be identified separately, thereby determining whether to schedule the user's uplink or downlink within the distribution unit.

[0273] Figure 12 An embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figures 4-7 A schematic block diagram of a specific implementation of any of the devices shown.

[0274] Figure 12 The device shown is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting the functionality and scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0275] like Figure 12 As shown, the device 1200 according to this embodiment includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1201, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes according to a program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 1202 or a program loaded from a storage portion 1208 into a random access memory (RAM) 1203. The RAM 1203 also stores various programs and data required for the operation of the device 1200. The CPU 1201, ROM 1202, and RAM 1203 are interconnected via a bus 1204. An input / output (I / O) interface 1205 is also connected to the bus 1204.

[0276] Device 1200 may also include one or more of the following components connected to I / O interface 1205: an input section 1206 including a keyboard or mouse, etc.; an output section 1207 including a cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD) and speakers, etc.; a storage section 1208 including a hard disk, etc.; and a communication section 1209 including a network interface card such as a LAN card or modem. Communication section 1209 performs communication processing via a network such as the Internet. Drive 1210 is also connected to I / O interface 1205 as needed. Removable media 1211, such as a disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, etc., are installed on drive 1210 as needed so that computer programs read from them can be installed into storage section 1208 as needed.

[0277] In particular, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the processes described above with reference to the flowcharts can be implemented as computer software programs. For example, embodiments of this disclosure include a computer program product comprising a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium, the computer program containing program code for performing the methods shown in the flowcharts. In such embodiments, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network via communication section 1209, and / or installed from removable medium 1211. When the computer program is executed by central processing unit (CPU) 1201, it performs the functions defined in the apparatus of embodiments of this disclosure.

[0278] It should be noted that the computer-readable medium disclosed herein may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium, or any combination thereof. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example,—but not limited to—an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of a computer-readable storage medium may include, but are not limited to: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium containing or storing a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. In this disclosure, a computer-readable signal medium may include a data signal propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying computer-readable program code. Such propagated data signals may take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. Computer-readable signal media can also be any computer-readable medium other than computer-readable storage media, which can send, propagate, or transmit a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The program code contained on the computer-readable medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to: wireless, wire, optical fiber, or RF, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0279] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of this disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the blocks may occur in a different order than those indicated in the drawings. For example, two consecutively indicated blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in a block diagram or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in a block diagram or flowchart, may be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0280] The methods, apparatus, units, and / or modules according to the embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented using hardware or firmware such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), systems-on-a-chip, systems-on-a-substrate, systems-on-package, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any other reasonable means for integrating or packaging circuits, or by a suitable combination of software, hardware, and firmware implementations. The system may include a storage device to implement the storage described above. When implemented in these ways, the software, hardware, and / or firmware used are programmed or designed to perform the corresponding methods, steps, and / or functions described above according to this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can appropriately implement one or more, or some or more, of these systems and modules using different implementations described above, depending on actual needs. All such implementations fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0281] As those skilled in the art will understand, for any and all purposes, such as in providing a written description, all scopes disclosed in this application also encompass any and all possible subscopes and combinations thereof. Any listed scope can be readily identified as sufficiently descriptive and such that the same scope can be decomposed into at least two, three, four, five, ten, etc., equivalent parts. As a non-limiting example, each scope discussed in this application can be readily decomposed into a lower third, a middle third, and an upper third, etc. As those skilled in the art will also understand, all language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” etc., includes the quantity expressed and refers to a scope that can be subsequently decomposed into subscopes as discussed above. Finally, as those skilled in the art will understand, a scope includes individual components. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 units means a group having 1, 2, or 3 units. Similarly, a group having 1-5 units means a group having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 units, etc.

[0282] Although the invention has been shown and described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made to this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention should not be limited to the above embodiments, but should be determined not only by the appended claims, but also by their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for execution by a centralized unit (CU) node, the method comprising: Send a request message to the Distribution Unit (DU) node, the request message including: The data radio bearer carries the identification information of the DRB. The DRB contains information related to Quality of Service (QoS). The Radio Link Control (RLC) mode information of the DRB indicates one of the RLC layer modes used for the DRB in the DU node, including RLC Acknowledged Mode (AM) and RLC Unacknowledged Mode (UM). Receive a response message from the DU node based on the request message, wherein the response message includes: identification information of one or more successfully established or modified DRBs. The CU node is associated with Radio Resource Control (RRC), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and Service Data Adaptive Protocol (SDAP), while the DU node is associated with Radio Link Control (RLC), Media Access Control (MAC), and the physical layer.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the request message further comprises: The uplink configuration information of the DRB, wherein the uplink configuration information is used to indicate one of the uplink scheduling schemes; The uplink scheduling scheme includes: a scheme in which UL scheduling is not performed at the DU node, a scheme in which UL scheduling is performed at the DU node, and a scheme in which UL scheduling is performed at the DU node and another node.

3. The method according to claim 1 further includes receiving DRB status information from the DU node. in, The status information indicates one of the following states: uplink UL wireless link interruption, downlink DL wireless link interruption, UL wireless link recovery, and DL wireless link recovery, wherein the method further includes: If the status information indicates that the UL wireless link is interrupted, it is determined that UL transmission on the DRB is unavailable at the DU node; If the status information indicates that the DL wireless link is interrupted, it is determined that DL transmission on the DRB is unavailable at the DU node; If the status information indicates that the UL wireless link has been restored, it is determined that UL transmission on the DRB is available at the DU node; and If the status information indicates that the DL radio link has been restored, determine that DL transmission on the DRB is available at the DU node; or The wireless link status further includes wireless link interruption and wireless link recovery, and the method further includes: In the event that the status information indicates a wireless link interruption, it is determined that both UL and DL transmissions on the DRB are unavailable at the DU node; and If the status information indicates that the wireless link has been restored, it is confirmed that both UL and DL transmissions on the DRB are available at the DU node.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The request message includes: a message requesting the establishment of a user equipment (UE) context or a message requesting the change of the UE context; and / or The response message includes either a message confirming the establishment of a UE context or a message confirming the change of the UE context.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The request message is transmitted on the F1 interface, and the response message is transmitted on the F1 interface.

6. A method for execution by a distributed unit (DU) node, the method comprising: Receive a request message from the centralized unit (CU) node, the request message including: The data radio bearer carries the identification information of the DRB. The DRB contains information related to Quality of Service (QoS). Radio Link Control (RLC) mode information of the DRB, wherein the RLC mode information indicates one of the RLC layer modes used for the DRB in the DU node, the modes including RLC acknowledged mode AM and RLC unacknowledged mode UM; A response message is sent to the CU node according to the request message, wherein the response message includes: identification information of one or more successfully established or modified DRBs. The CU node is associated with Radio Resource Control (RRC), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and Service Data Adaptive Protocol (SDAP), while the DU node is associated with Radio Link Control (RLC), Media Access Control (MAC), and the physical layer.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the request message further comprises: The uplink configuration information of the DRB, wherein the uplink configuration information is used to indicate one of the uplink scheduling schemes; The uplink scheduling scheme includes: a scheme in which UL scheduling is not performed at the DU node, a scheme in which UL scheduling is performed at the DU node, and a scheme in which UL scheduling is performed at the DU node and another node.

8. The method according to claim 6 further includes sending DRB status information to the CU node. in, The status information indicates one of the following states: uplink UL wireless link interruption, downlink DL wireless link interruption, UL wireless link recovery, and DL wireless link recovery, wherein the method further includes: In the event that the status information indicates a UL wireless link interruption, the DU node is informed that UL transmission on the DRB is unavailable at the DU node; If the status information indicates that the DL wireless link is interrupted, the DU node is informed that DL transmission on the DRB is unavailable at the DU node; If the status information indicates that the UL wireless link has been restored, the DU node is informed that UL transmission on the DRB is available at the DU node; and If the status information indicates that the DL radio link has been restored, the DU node is informed that DL transmission on the DRB is available at the DU node; or The wireless link status further includes wireless link interruption and wireless link recovery, and the method further includes: In the event that the status information indicates a wireless link interruption, the DU node is informed that both UL and DL transmissions on the DRB are unavailable at the DU node; and If the status information indicates that the wireless link has been restored, the DU node is instructed that both UL and DL transmissions on the DRB are available at the DU node.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The request message includes: a message requesting the establishment of a user equipment (UE) context or a message requesting the change of the UE context; and / or The response message includes either a message confirming the establishment of a UE context or a message confirming the change of the UE context.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The request message is transmitted on the F1 interface, and the response message is transmitted on the F1 interface.

11. A lumped unit (CU) node, comprising: At least one processor; as well as, A memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein, The at least one processor is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-5.

12. A distributed unit (DU) node, comprising: At least one processor; as well as, A memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein, The at least one processor is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 6-10.

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