Multipath communication method, apparatus and terminal

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of multi-path communication method, device and terminal, belong to communication technical field, the multi-path communication method of the embodiment of the application includes: first terminal sends the multi-path communication information of the first terminal, and / or, the multi-path communication information of second terminal is received by the first terminal;Wherein, the multi-path communication information includes at least one of the following: multi-path communication capability information, the multi-path communication capability information is used to indicate that source terminal has multi-path communication capability;Multi-path communication demand information, the multi-path demand information is used to indicate that the source terminal requests to establish multi-path communication;In the case where the multi-path communication information is the multi-path communication information of the first terminal, the source terminal is the first terminal, in the case where the multi-path communication information is the multi-path communication information of the second terminal, the source terminal is the second terminal.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of communication, and particularly relates to a multi-path communication method, device and terminal. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the existing technical field of communication, terminal-to-terminal relay communication has been realized. At present, in the relay communication scenario, only one path is selected by default to establish a communication connection between a source terminal and a target terminal, resulting in low data transmission efficiency between terminals. SUMMARY

[0003] Embodiments of the present application provide a multi-path communication method, device and terminal, which can solve the problem of low data transmission efficiency between terminals.

[0004] In a first aspect, a multi-path communication method is provided, comprising:

[0005] The first terminal sends multi-path communication information of the first terminal, and / or the first terminal receives multi-path communication information of a second terminal;

[0006] The multi-path communication information comprises at least one of the following:

[0007] Multi-path communication capability information, the multi-path communication capability information being used to indicate that a source terminal has multi-path communication capability;

[0008] Multi-path communication demand information, the multi-path demand information being used to indicate that the source terminal requests to establish multi-path communication;

[0009] In a case where the multi-path communication information is the multi-path communication information of the first terminal, the source terminal is the first terminal, and in a case where the multi-path communication information is the multi-path communication information of the second terminal, the source terminal is the second terminal.

[0010] In a second aspect, a multi-path communication device is provided, comprising:

[0011] A radio frequency module is configured to send multi-path communication information of the device, and / or to receive multi-path communication information of a second terminal;

[0012] The multi-path communication information comprises at least one of the following:

[0013] Multi-path communication capability information, the multi-path communication capability information being used to indicate that a source terminal has multi-path communication capability;

[0014] Multi-path communication demand information, the multi-path demand information being used to indicate that the source terminal requests to establish multi-path communication;

[0015] In a case that the multi-path communication information is the multi-path communication information of the device, the source terminal is the device, and in a case that the multi-path communication information is the multi-path communication information of the second terminal, the source terminal is the second terminal.

[0016] In a third aspect, a terminal is provided, which includes a processor, a memory, and a program or instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor, and the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the multi-path communication method according to the first aspect.

[0017] In a fourth aspect, a terminal is provided, which includes a processor and a communication interface, and the communication interface is configured to send the multi-path communication information of the first terminal and / or receive the multi-path communication information of the second terminal.

[0018] In a fifth aspect, a readable storage medium is provided, which stores a program or instructions, and the program or instructions, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the multi-path communication method according to the first aspect.

[0019] In a sixth aspect, a chip is provided, which includes a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is configured to execute a program or instructions to implement the multi-path communication method according to the first aspect.

[0020] In a seventh aspect, a computer program / program product is provided, which is stored in a non-transitory storage medium, and the program / program product is executed by at least one processor to implement the steps of the multi-path communication method according to the first aspect.

[0021] In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal can send and / or receive the multi-path communication information, which can inform other terminals that the terminal has the multi-path communication capability and / or needs to establish the multi-path communication, so that the multi-path communication connection can be established between the terminals, and the multi-path communication between the terminals can be realized, so that the terminals can no longer only communicate through the single path, and the communication path between the terminals is expanded, and the transmission efficiency and reliability between the terminals can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system to which the embodiments of the present application can be applied;

[0023] Figure 2 is one of flowcharts of a multi-path communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0024] Figure 3aFlow chart II of a multi-path communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 3b Flow chart III of a multi-path communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 3c Flow chart IV of a multi-path communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 3d Flow chart V of a multi-path communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 3e Flow chart VI of a multi-path communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 3f Flow chart VII of a multi-path communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 4 Structure diagram of a multi-path communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 5 Structure diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 6 Structure diagram of a terminal provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly described below with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, but not all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all the other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0034] The terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the terms used in this way can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first", "second" are generally of a kind, and are not limited to the number of objects, for example, the first object can be one or more. In addition, "and / or" in the specification and claims means at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the front and rear associated objects.

[0035] It is worth noting that the technology described in the embodiments of the present application is not limited to Long Term Evolution (LTE) / LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, but can also be used in other wireless communication systems, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single-carrier Frequency-Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of the present application are often used interchangeably, and the described technology can be used in the above-mentioned systems and radio technologies, as well as in other systems and radio technologies. The following description describes a New Radio (NR) system for example purposes, and NR terminology is used in most of the following description, but these technologies can also be applied outside the NR system application, such as in a 6th Generation (6G) communication system. th

[0036] Figure 1 ​A block diagram of a wireless communication system to which embodiments of the present application can be applied is shown. The wireless communication system includes a terminal 11 and a relay terminal 12. The terminal 11 can be a terminal-side device such as a mobile phone, a tablet personal computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a palmtop computer, a netbook, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a mobile Internet device (MID), an augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) device, a robot, a wearable device, a vehicle-mounted device (VUE), a pedestrian terminal (PUE), a smart home (a home device with a wireless communication function such as a refrigerator, a television, a washing machine, or furniture), and the like. The wearable device includes a smart watch, a smart bracelet, a smart earphone, smart glasses, smart jewelry (a smart bracelet, a smart necklace, a smart ring, a smart necklace, a smart anklet, a smart necklace, and the like), a smart wristband, smart clothing, a game machine, and the like. It should be noted that the present application does not limit the specific type of the terminal 11. The specific device form of the relay terminal 12 can also be the device form described above with reference to the terminal 11, and thus will not be described here.

[0037] The multi-path communication method, device, terminal, and the like provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and some embodiments and application scenarios.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 is one of the flowcharts of the multi-path communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 2 shown, the multi-path communication method includes the following steps:

[0039] Step 201, the first terminal sends the multi-path communication information of the first terminal, and / or the first terminal receives the multi-path communication information of the second terminal.

[0040] The multi-path communication information includes at least one of the following:

[0041] Multi-path communication capability information, the multi-path communication capability information is used to indicate that the source terminal has multi-path communication capability;

[0042] Multi-path communication demand information, the multi-path demand information is used to indicate that the source terminal requests to establish multi-path communication;

[0043] In a case that the multi-path communication information is the multi-path communication information of the first terminal, the source terminal is the first terminal, and in a case that the multi-path communication information is the multi-path communication information of the second terminal, the source terminal is the second terminal.

[0044] For example, in some embodiments, the multi-path communication information sent by the first terminal can only include the multi-path communication capability information, by which the first terminal can inform the opposite terminal (e.g., the second terminal) that the first terminal has the multi-path communication capability, and the opposite terminal can determine whether to establish the multi-path communication connection with the first terminal based on the multi-path communication capability information.

[0045] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the multi-path communication information sent by the first terminal can only include the multi-path communication demand information, by which the first terminal can inform the opposite terminal that the first terminal requests to establish the multi-path communication, and the opposite terminal can establish the multi-path communication connection with the first terminal based on the multi-path communication demand information, so as to realize the multi-path communication between the first terminal and the opposite terminal.

[0046] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the multi-path communication information sent by the first terminal includes the multi-path communication capability information and the multi-path communication demand information, by which the first terminal can inform the opposite terminal that the first terminal has the multi-path communication capability and needs to establish the multi-path communication, and the opposite terminal can establish the multi-path communication with the first terminal based on the above information, so as to realize the multi-path communication between the first terminal and the opposite terminal.

[0047] It should be noted that the first terminal can also receive the multi-path communication information of the second terminal, for example, the multi-path communication information includes the multi-path communication capability information for indicating that the second terminal has the multi-path communication capability, or includes the multi-path communication demand information for indicating that the second terminal requests to establish the multi-path communication, or includes both, which will not be described herein.

[0048] In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal can send and / or receive the multi-path communication information, so as to inform other terminals that the terminal has the multi-path communication capability and / or needs to establish the multi-path communication, so that the terminal and the terminal can establish the multi-path communication connection, and realize the multi-path communication between the terminal and the terminal, so that the terminals can no longer only communicate through the single path, and the communication path between the terminals is expanded, and the transmission efficiency and reliability between the terminals can be improved.

[0049] It should be noted that the first terminal and the second terminal in the embodiments of the present application are only distinguished in name, and are not specifically referred to. In some scenarios, the first terminal can act as a source terminal, and the second terminal acts as a target terminal. In other scenarios, the first terminal can also act as a target terminal, and the second terminal acts as a source terminal. That is, the second terminal can perform the steps and processes performed by the first terminal as an execution body in the embodiments of the present application.

[0050] In some embodiments, the multi-path communication capability information includes at least one of:

[0051] A multi-path transmission control protocol (MPTCP) function, used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal implement multi-path data transmission through the MPTCP function;

[0052] An access traffic steering, switching and splitting low-layer (ATSSS_LL) function, used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal implement multi-path data transmission through the ATSSS_LL function.

[0053] The MPTCP function is used to indicate that the control, switching or splitting of the data sent by the first terminal to the second terminal is implemented through the MPTCP function. The ATSSS_LL function is used to indicate that the control, switching or splitting of the data sent by the first terminal to the second terminal is implemented through the ATSSS_LL function. The multi-path communication capability information can include at least one of the above two functions, and thus the data sent by the first terminal to the second terminal can be controlled, switched or split through the at least one function.

[0054] In the embodiments of the present application, the multi-path communication capability information is used to indicate that the first terminal has a multi-path communication capability, and the multi-path communication capability includes at least one of:

[0055] A high-layer splitting function, which acts on an Internet Protocol (IP) layer or above, including an MPTCP function acting on a PC5 interface;

[0056] A low-layer splitting function, which acts on the IP layer or below, including an ATSSS_LL function acting on the PC5 interface.

[0057] Optionally, the multi-path communication requirement information includes at least one of:

[0058] a multi-path communication indication, for instructing the target terminal to establish a multi-path communication with the source terminal;

[0059] a first service descriptor, for indicating services requiring multi-path data transmission;

[0060] wherein, in a case that the source terminal is the first terminal, the target terminal is the second terminal, and in a case that the source terminal is the second terminal, the target terminal is the first terminal.

[0061] For example, in some embodiments, the multi-path communication requirement information includes a multi-path communication indication, by which the first terminal can directly instruct or trigger the second terminal to establish a multi-path communication. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the multi-path communication requirement information includes a first service descriptor, by which the first terminal can inform the second terminal of services requiring multi-path data transmission. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the multi-path communication requirement information can include both the multi-path communication indication and the first service descriptor.

[0062] It should be noted that the second terminal can also directly instruct or trigger the first terminal to establish a multi-path communication by the multi-path communication indication, and / or inform the first terminal of services requiring multi-path data transmission by the first service descriptor.

[0063] Optionally, the multi-path communication information is carried in at least one of the following messages:

[0064] a discovery message;

[0065] a direct establishment request message.

[0066] For example, taking the multi-path communication message sent by the first terminal as an example, the first terminal can broadcast a discovery message, and the second terminal, a relay terminal, etc. can obtain the first multi-path communication information carried in the discovery message by receiving the discovery message broadcast by the first terminal, i.e. can obtain the multi-path communication capability information and / or the multi-path communication requirement information. It should be noted that if the relay terminal receives the discovery message broadcast by the first terminal, and if the relay terminal decides to serve as a terminal-to-terminal relay (UE to UE relay, U2U relay) between the first terminal and the second terminal, the U2U relay broadcasts a message carrying the first multi-path communication information of the first terminal, and the second terminal can also obtain the first multi-path communication information of the first terminal by receiving the broadcast message of the U2U relay. Further, if the second terminal decides to establish a direct communication with the first terminal or a non-direct communication through the relay terminal, the second terminal can initiate a multi-path communication connection establishment process to the first terminal.

[0067] Alternatively, the first terminal can also send a direct establishment request message to the second terminal to indicate that the first terminal requests to establish a direct communication connection with the second terminal. Further, if the second terminal decides to establish a direct communication connection with the first terminal, the second terminal can send a direct establishment acceptance message to the first terminal, wherein the direct establishment acceptance message carries second multi-path communication information of the second terminal, and then the first terminal and the second terminal perform subsequent establishment of a direct communication link.

[0068] It can be understood that the multi-path communication information sent by the second terminal can be carried in the discovery message and / or the direct establishment request message, which will not be described herein.

[0069] Optionally, the first terminal sends the multi-path communication information of the first terminal, comprising:

[0070] The first terminal directly sends the multi-path communication information of the first terminal to the second terminal; or,

[0071] The first terminal sends the multi-path communication information of the first terminal to the second terminal through a relay terminal.

[0072] For example, the first terminal can directly send the multi-path communication information to the second terminal without going through the relay terminal. In this case, the multi-path communication information can be carried in the direct establishment request message sent by the first terminal, or the multi-path communication message can also be carried in the discovery message broadcasted by the first terminal, which can be directly received by the second terminal.

[0073] Alternatively, the first terminal can also send the multi-path communication information to the second terminal through the relay terminal. For example, the multi-path communication information is carried in the discovery message broadcasted by the first terminal. After receiving the discovery message broadcasted by the first terminal, if the relay terminal decides to be a U2U relay of the first terminal and the second terminal, the relay terminal sends the multi-path communication information to the second terminal through a broadcast message, and the multi-path communication information is carried in the broadcast message of the relay terminal.

[0074] Further, after obtaining the multi-path communication information sent by the first terminal, for example, the first terminal sends the multi-path communication information to the second terminal through the direct establishment request message, the second terminal can generate a multi-path data sending control rule based on a configured strategy or a service requirement, and send the multi-path data sending control rule to the first terminal through the direct establishment acceptance message, so that the first terminal and the second terminal establish a direct communication connection, i.e., a direct communication path.

[0075] The multi-path data transmission control rule is used to define the transmission path of the matched data flow, i.e., which matched service data flow, Quality of Service (QoS) flow or IP data packet is transmitted on which path. The multi-path data transmission control rule includes at least one of an uplink multi-path data transmission control rule and a downlink multi-path data transmission control rule. The uplink multi-path data transmission control rule is used to control the transmission path of the service data flow, QoS flow or IP data packet transmitted by the first terminal to the second terminal. The downlink multi-path data transmission control rule is used to control the transmission path of the service data flow, QoS flow or IP data packet transmitted by the second terminal to the first terminal.

[0076] It should be noted that the uplink multi-path data transmission control rule and / or the downlink multi-path data transmission control rule generated by the second terminal includes an access selection control symbol, which is used to indicate the transmission mode of the matched data flow and / or to indicate the forwarding mode of the matched data flow.

[0077] The transmission mode of the matched data flow includes at least one of the following:

[0078] A backup activation mode, which is used to indicate that the matched data flow is transmitted through another available path in the case that one path is unavailable;

[0079] A minimum delay mode, which is used to indicate that the matched data flow is transmitted on a path with minimum delay;

[0080] A load balancing mode, which is used to indicate that the transmission distribution ratio of the matched data flow is determined according to the load percentage.

[0081] It should be noted that the direct communication path established by the first terminal and the second terminal is considered as the first path; further, if the first terminal decides to establish a second path with the second terminal through the relay terminal, the first terminal can send a direct establishment request message to the relay terminal, and the direct establishment request message carries at least one of the following contents: the identifier of the first path, the multi-path communication capability information and the multi-path communication demand information. After receiving the direct establishment request message, the relay terminal sends the carried contents to the second terminal through another direct establishment request message, and the second terminal performs a security establishment process with the relay terminal; after receiving the another direct establishment request message, the second terminal determines that the second path to be established is another one in the multi-path communication according to the carried contents, and the second terminal can update its own PC5 context, associate the first path with the second path, send a direct establishment acceptance message to the relay terminal, and the relay terminal performs security establishment with the first terminal and sends the direct establishment acceptance message to the first terminal, so that the first terminal can also determine the second path established with the second terminal, and the first terminal can perform association of the two paths. In this way, the first terminal and the second terminal can perform data stream transmission through the two paths. Of course, the first terminal and the second terminal can also establish a third path, a fourth path and the like based on the above-mentioned manner to realize multi-path communication between the first terminal and the second terminal, and improve the transmission efficiency and reliability between terminals.

[0082] It should be noted that after the second terminal associates the first path with the second path, if the multi-path data transmission control rule is updated, the updated multi-path data transmission control rule is sent to the first terminal through the relay terminal, and the first terminal replaces the original multi-path data transmission control rule with the updated multi-path data transmission control rule, so as to ensure that the first terminal and the second terminal can communicate according to the latest multi-path data transmission control rule, and guarantee smooth data transmission.

[0083] Optionally, the second path can be established through a layer 2 relay mode or a layer 3 relay mode.

[0084] In the embodiment of the application, after the first terminal receives the multi-path communication information of the second terminal, the method further comprises:

[0085] The first terminal performs a first operation based on the multi-path communication information of the second terminal, and the first operation is at least one of the following:

[0086] Determine the multi-path between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0087] Generate a multi-path data transmission control rule;

[0088] In a case where the determined multiple paths between the first terminal and the second terminal are determined, a reply message is sent to the second terminal through the determined multiple paths.

[0089] It should be noted that the application provides a terminal-to-terminal multiple path communication method, which involves at least two terminals. The first terminal can send multiple path communication information, and the second terminal can also send multiple path communication information. The first terminal can also receive the multiple path communication information sent by the second terminal or the multiple path communication information sent by the second terminal through a relay terminal, and perform the first operation based on the received multiple path communication information.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first operation is to determine the multiple paths between the first terminal and the second terminal. For example, after receiving the multiple path communication information of the second terminal carried by the direct establishment request information, the first terminal determines the multiple paths between the first terminal and the second terminal, such as the multiple paths including the direct communication established by the first terminal and the second terminal, and / or the multiple paths including the non-direct communication between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the relay terminal.

[0091] In some embodiments, in a case where the multiple paths between the first terminal and the second terminal are determined, the first terminal can also send a reply message to the second terminal through the determined multiple paths. Thus, the second terminal can know the determined multiple paths based on the reply message, so as to realize the subsequent multiple path communication between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0092] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first operation is to generate a multiple path data transmission control rule. For example, after receiving the multiple path communication information of the second terminal, the multiple path communication information includes multiple path communication demand information, i.e., the second terminal requests to establish multiple path communication, the first terminal generates a multiple path data transmission control rule and sends it to the second terminal or sends it to the second terminal through a relay terminal. Thus, the first terminal and the second terminal can perform data transmission based on the multiple path data transmission control rule, such as which matched data flow, QoS flow, IP packet is transmitted on which path, so as to realize the multiple path communication between the first terminal and the second terminal and improve the transmission efficiency.

[0093] Alternatively, in some embodiments, after receiving the multiple path communication information of the second terminal, the first terminal can also determine the multiple paths between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the second multiple path communication information, send a reply message to the second terminal through the determined multiple paths, and generate a multiple path data transmission control rule. Of course, the first operation can also have other specific implementations, which are not enumerated one by one in the embodiments of the application.

[0094] Optionally, the multi-path between the first terminal and the second terminal is determined by at least one of the following:

[0095] a multi-path of non-direct communication between the first terminal and the second terminal established by the relay terminal;

[0096] a multi-path of direct communication between the first terminal and the second terminal established directly.

[0097] For example, the first terminal and the second terminal can be in multi-path communication through a relay terminal, and the multi-path includes a multi-path of non-direct communication between the first terminal and the second terminal established by the relay terminal. Alternatively, the first terminal and the second terminal can be in direct communication without the relay terminal, and the multi-path can also include a multi-path of direct communication between the first terminal and the second terminal established directly.

[0098] Optionally, the multi-path data transmission control rule includes at least one of the following:

[0099] an uplink multi-path data transmission control rule for controlling data transmission from the first terminal to the second terminal;

[0100] a downlink multi-path data transmission control rule for controlling data transmission from the second terminal to the first terminal.

[0101] In the embodiment of the application, after receiving the multi-path communication information of the second terminal, the first terminal can generate a multi-path data transmission control rule based on the multi-path communication information, and then define a transmission path of a matched data flow, so that the first terminal and the second terminal transmit data according to the multi-path data transmission control rule.

[0102] Optionally, the uplink multi-path data transmission control rule includes at least one of the following:

[0103] a second service descriptor for indicating a matched data flow;

[0104] a path selection descriptor for indicating a transmission mode of the matched data flow;

[0105] a forwarding function descriptor for indicating a forwarding mode of the matched data flow.

[0106] Optionally, the downlink multi-path data transmission control rule includes at least one of the following:

[0107] the second service descriptor for indicating a matched data flow;

[0108] the path selection descriptor for indicating a transmission mode of the matched data flow.

[0109] The forwarding function descriptor is used to indicate a forwarding mode of the matched data flow.

[0110] It should be noted that the contents included in the uplink multi-path data transmission control rule can be the same as the contents included in the downlink multi-path data transmission control rule, for example, both of them include the second service descriptor and the path selection descriptor; or the contents included in the two can also be different, for example, the uplink multi-path data transmission control rule only includes the path selection descriptor, and the downlink multi-path data transmission control rule includes the path selection descriptor and the forwarding function descriptor. Of course, the contents included in the two can also be other embodiments, and the embodiments of the present application do not enumerate one by one.

[0111] The transmission mode of the matched data flow includes at least one of the following:

[0112] The standby activation mode is used to indicate that the matched data flow is transmitted through another available path in the case that one path is unavailable;

[0113] The minimum delay mode is used to indicate that the matched data flow is transmitted on a path with minimum delay;

[0114] The load balancing mode is used to indicate that the matched data flow determines a transmission distribution ratio according to a load percentage.

[0115] It can be understood that in the case that the uplink multi-path data transmission control rule and / or the downlink multi-path data transmission control rule includes the path selection descriptor, the first terminal and / or the second terminal can also determine the transmission mode of the matched data flow according to the path selection descriptor, for example, the transmission can be performed on a path with minimum delay, or the transmission distribution ratio on different paths can be determined according to a load percentage. In this way, the reliability of multi-path communication between the first terminal and the second terminal can be ensured.

[0116] Optionally, the forwarding mode of the matched data flow includes at least one of the following:

[0117] The forwarding is realized by the MPTCP function acting on the PC5 interface;

[0118] The forwarding is realized by the ATSSS_LL function acting on the PC5 interface.

[0119] Further, in the case that the first terminal receives the multi-path communication information of the second terminal, the method further includes:

[0120] The first terminal receives first multi-path association information sent by the second terminal, and performs updating of the multi-path data sending control rule based on the first multi-path association information.

[0121] The first terminal sends the updated multi-path data sending control rule to the second terminal.

[0122] The first multi-path communication association information includes one or more path identifiers, and the path identifiers are used to indicate other paths associated with a target path, and the target path is any one of the multi-paths that have been established between the first terminal and the second terminal. For example, a direct communication path is established between the first terminal and the second terminal, and the direct communication path is the first path, and the first path performs the multi-path data sending control rule. If the second terminal establishes a second path through a relay terminal to communicate with the first terminal through the relay terminal, the second terminal can associate the first path with the second path to obtain first multi-path association information, and send the first multi-path association information to the first terminal. The first terminal can perform updating of the multi-path data sending control rule based on the first multi-path association information, and send the updated multi-path data sending control rule to the second terminal, so that the first terminal and the second terminal can perform multi-path communication according to the updated multi-path data sending control rule.

[0123] In the embodiments of the present application, the first terminal can send multi-path communication information to the second terminal, and the second terminal can also generate a multi-path data sending control rule based on the multi-path communication information of the first terminal after receiving the multi-path communication information of the first terminal, for example, generate an uplink multi-path data sending control rule and a downlink multi-path data sending control rule.

[0124] Further, in the case where the first operation is to generate a multi-path data sending control rule, after the first terminal performs the first operation based on the multi-path communication information of the second terminal, the method can further include:

[0125] The first terminal receives the uplink multi-path data sending control rule generated by the second terminal;

[0126] The first terminal performs data sending from the first terminal to the second terminal based on the uplink multi-path data sending control rule.

[0127] Understandably, the uplink multipath data transmission control rule is used to control data transmission from the first terminal to the second terminal, thus enabling the first terminal to execute data transmission from the first terminal to the second terminal according to the uplink multipath data transmission control rule. Furthermore, the second terminal can also generate a downlink multipath data transmission control rule, and the second terminal executes data transmission from the second terminal to the first terminal according to the downlink multipath data transmission control rule. This ensures the reliability of multipath communication between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0128] It should be noted that the uplink multipath data transmission control rule generated by the second terminal may also include at least one of the above-mentioned second service descriptor, path selection descriptor and forwarding function descriptor. The downlink multipath data transmission control rule generated by the second terminal may also include at least one of the above-mentioned second service descriptor, path selection descriptor and forwarding function descriptor. These will not be elaborated on here.

[0129] Optionally, the first terminal receives the uplink multipath data transmission control rules generated by the second terminal, including:

[0130] The first terminal receives a reply message, which carries the uplink multipath data transmission control rules generated by the second terminal.

[0131] In other words, the second terminal sends a reply message to the first terminal, carrying the generated uplink multipath data transmission control rules within the reply message. For example, the first terminal sends a direct establishment request message to the second terminal, which carries the first terminal's multipath communication information. The second terminal generates uplink multipath data transmission control rules based on the multipath communication information and sends these rules in a reply message to the first terminal. The first terminal can then execute data transmission from the first terminal to the second terminal according to the uplink multipath data transmission control rules based on the received reply message.

[0132] Optionally, the first terminal receives a reply message, including:

[0133] The first terminal receives a reply message directly sent by the second terminal; or,

[0134] The first terminal receives the reply message sent by the second terminal through the relay terminal.

[0135] In other words, the second terminal can directly send a reply message to the first terminal; or the second terminal can send the reply message to a relay terminal, which in turn sends the reply message to the first terminal.

[0136] Further, after the first terminal sends the multi-path communication information of the first terminal, the method further comprises:

[0137] The first terminal sends second multi-path communication association information to the second terminal;

[0138] The second multi-path communication association information comprises one or more path identifiers, and the path identifiers are used to indicate other paths associated with a target path, wherein the target path is any one of the multi-paths that have been established between the first terminal and the second terminal. For example, if two communication paths are established between the first terminal and the second terminal, the first terminal can associate the first path with the second path to obtain the second multi-path association information, and send the second multi-path association information to the second terminal, so as to ensure that the first terminal and the second terminal can communicate through the associated multi-paths.

[0139] To better understand the multi-path communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application, the multi-path communication method will be described below through several specific embodiments.

[0140] Embodiment one

[0141] Please refer to Figure 3a , Figure 3a Figure two of the flowchart of the multi-path communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. As shown in Figure 3a , the method comprises the following steps:

[0142] Step 1. The first terminal (UE#1) broadcasts a discovery message, and the discovery message carries the multi-path communication capability information of UE#1, wherein the multi-path communication capability information comprises at least one of high-layer split function and low-layer split function; wherein the high-layer split function acts on IP layer and above, including MPTCP function acting on PC5 interface, and the low-layer split function acts on IP layer and below, including ATSSS_LL function acting on PC5 interface;

[0143] Step 2. After receiving the discovery message, if the relay terminal decides to be a relay (U2U relay) of the first terminal and the second terminal (UE#2), the U2U relay broadcasts a message carrying the multi-path communication capability information of UE#1.

[0144] It is noted that the above embodiments are for the discovery phase of the terminal, in which the terminal broadcasts whether it supports multipath communication and which multipath communication rule it supports. In the above embodiments, the source terminal (i.e. UE#1) discovers the target terminal (e.g. UE#2) through the Model A discovery procedure; after the discovery phase, there is a connection setup procedure, e.g. if UE#2 decides to establish a direct communication path or a non-direct communication (through a relay terminal) path with UE#1, UE#2 initiates a connection setup procedure to UE#1.

[0145] Embodiment Two

[0146] Please refer to Figure 3b , Figure 3b Figure 3 is a flow chart of a method of multipath communication according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 3, the method comprises the following steps: Figure 3b

[0147] Step 1. UE#1 broadcasts a discovery message, which carries the multipath communication capability information of UE#1, including at least one of high layer split function and low layer split function.

[0148] Step 2a. If UE#2 can directly receive the discovery message of UE#1 and decides to establish a connection with UE#1, UE#2 carries the multipath communication capability information of UE#2 in a discovery reply message, which also includes at least one of high layer split function and low layer split function.

[0149] Step 2b. After receiving the discovery message of UE#1, if a relay terminal decides to be a U2U relay for UE#1 and UE#2, the U2U relay carries the multipath communication capability information of UE#1 in a broadcast message.

[0150] Step 3. After UE#2 receives the discovery message of step 2b sent by the U2U relay, if UE#2 decides to establish a non-direct communication link with UE#1, UE#2 sends a discovery reply message to the U2U relay, which carries the multipath communication capability information of UE#2, including at least one of high layer split function and low layer split function.

[0151] Step 4. After the U2U relay receives the discovery reply message of UE#2, the U2U relay sends the multipath communication capability information of UE#2 to UE#1 through a discovery reply message sent by the U2U relay.

[0152] ​The embodiment is also a discovery phase of the terminal, the source terminal (i.e. UE#1) discovers the target terminal (i.e. UE#2) through the Model B discovery process. Further, if UE#2 decides to establish a direct communication path or a non-direct communication (through a relay terminal) path with UE#1, UE#2 initiates a connection establishment process to UE#1.

[0153] Embodiment three

[0154] Please refer to Figure 3c , Figure 3c Figure 4 is a flowchart of a multi-path communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in the figure, the method comprises the following steps: Figure 3c

[0155] Step 1. UE#1 sends a direct establishment request message to UE#2, in which the multi-path communication information of UE#1 is carried.

[0156] Step 2. UE#2 sends a direct establishment acceptance message to UE#1, in which the multi-path communication information of UE#2 is carried.

[0157] In the embodiment, UE#1 notifies the peer terminal of the multi-path communication support of UE#1 through a direct establishment request message when UE#1 and UE#2 establish a connection, which is different from the above-mentioned embodiments one and two which need to notify the peer terminal through a discovery phase.

[0158] After the discovery phase, the terminal can establish a multi-path communication connection based on the obtained multi-path communication capability. The following will introduce the specific implementation process of establishing a multi-path communication between terminals through several embodiments.

[0159] Embodiment four

[0160] Please refer to Figure 3d , Figure 3d Figure 5 is a flowchart of a multi-path communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in the figure, the method comprises the following steps: Figure 3d

[0161] Step 1. After the discovery phase, UE#1 can discover UE#2 directly and discover UE#2 through U2U relay#1, and UE#1 decides to establish a direct path with UE#2 through a direct path first, then UE#1 sends a direct establishment request message to UE#2, in which at least one of the multi-path communication indication, the multi-path communication capability information and the required path number is included.

[0162] ​​The multi-path communication indication is used to indicate that the UE#1 decides to establish a multi-path communication with the UE#2, and the direct path to be established is one of the multi-path communications; the multi-path communication capability information is used to indicate the multi-path transmission function supported by the UE#1, including at least one of the high-layer split function and the low-layer split function; and the required path number is used to indicate the number of multi-paths required to be established by the UE#1 and the UE#2.

[0163] Step 2. The UE#2 performs a security establishment process with the UE#1.

[0164] Step 3. After receiving the information in the step 1, the UE#2 generates a multi-path data sending control rule based on a configured policy or a service requirement, etc. The multi-path data sending control rule is used to specify the transmission path of the matched data flow (i.e., which matched service data flow, QoS flow or IP data packet is transmitted on which path). The multi-path data sending control rule includes an uplink multi-path data sending control rule and a downlink multi-path data sending control rule. The uplink multi-path data sending control rule is used to control the transmission path of the service data flow, QoS flow or IP data packet sent by the UE#1 to the UE#2. The downlink multi-path data sending control rule is used to control the transmission path of the service data flow, QoS flow or IP data packet sent by the UE#2 to the UE#1. The uplink multi-path data sending control rule and / or the downlink multi-path data sending control rule includes an access selection control symbol, which is used to indicate the transmission mode of the matched data flow and / or to indicate the forwarding mode of the matched data flow. The transmission mode of the matched data flow includes at least one of the backup activation mode, the minimum latency mode and the load balancing mode. The forwarding mode of the matched data flow includes forwarding through the MPTCP function acting on the PC5 interface and / or forwarding through the ATSSS_LL function acting on the PC5 interface.

[0165] Step 4. The UE#2 sends the uplink multi-path control rule in the step 3 to the UE#1 through a direct establishment acceptance message.

[0166] Step 5. The UE#1 decides to establish a second path through the U2U relay#1 and the UE#1 sends a direct establishment request message to the U2U relay#1. The direct establishment request message carries at least one of the following:

[0167] an identity of the first path (Path#1) established by the steps 1-4, including at least one of the following forms: a layer 2 (L2) identity (ID) of the UE#1 and a L2 ID of the UE#2, an IP address of the UE#1 and an IP address of the UE#2;

[0168] a multi-path communication indication, indicating that the UE#1 decides to establish a multi-path communication with the UE#2, and the established direct path is one of the multi-path communication (same as Step 1);

[0169] a multi-path communication capability information, indicating a multi-path transmission function supported by the UE#1 (same as Step 1);

[0170] Step 6. After receiving the direct establishment request message, the U2U relay#1 sends the information (refer to Step 5) carried by the UE#1 to the UE#2 through another direct establishment request message.

[0171] Step 7. The UE#2 performs a security establishment process with the U2U relay#1.

[0172] Step 8. After receiving the direct establishment request message of the U2U relay#1, the UE#2 determines, according to the carried information, that the currently established path (path#2) is another path in the multi-path communication between the UE#2 and the UE#1, updates the PC5 context of the UE#2, associates the path#1 and the path#2, and sends the updated uplink multi-path data transmission control rule to the UE#1 through the U2U relay#1 if the UE#2 updates the multi-path data transmission control rule. The UE#2 sends a direct establishment acceptance message to the UE#1, and the direct establishment acceptance message carries the updated uplink multi-path data transmission control rule.

[0173] Step 9. The U2U relay#1 performs a security establishment with the UE#1.

[0174] Step 10. The U2U relay#1 sends the updated uplink multi-path data transmission control rule carried by the UE#2 to the UE#1 through a direct establishment acceptance message. The UE#1 performs association of the path#1 and the path#2, and replaces the original uplink multi-path data transmission control rule with the updated uplink multi-path data transmission control rule.

[0175] It should be noted that the establishment of the path#2 in the embodiment can be performed by a layer 3 relay establishment mode.

[0176] Embodiment Five

[0177] Please refer to Figure 3e , Figure 3e Figure 6 is a flowchart of a multi-path communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in the figure, the method comprises the following steps: Figure 3e

[0178] Steps 1-4: refer to the description in the above-mentioned embodiment four, which will not be repeated here;

[0179] Step 5. UE#1 and UE#2 perform layer 2 U2U relay establishment, and then UE#1 and U2U relay#1, UE#2 and U2U relay#1 establish PC5 connection respectively;

[0180] Step 6. UE#1 sends a direct establishment request message to UE#2, which includes at least one of the following: the identification of the first path (Path#1), the multi-path communication indication and the multi-path communication capability information (refer to embodiment four Step 5);

[0181] Step 7. UE#1 and UE#2 perform security establishment process;

[0182] Step 8. After receiving the direct establishment request message from UE#1, UE#2 determines that the current established path (path#2) is another path in the multi-path communication between UE#2 and UE#1 according to the information carried in the direct establishment request message, and updates its own PC5 context to associate path#1 and path#2. If UE#2 updates the multi-path data transmission control rule, it sends the updated uplink multi-path data transmission control rule to UE#1 through a direct establishment acceptance message, which carries the updated uplink multi-path data transmission control rule;

[0183] Step 9. UE#1 performs association of path#1 and path#2, and replaces the original uplink multi-path data transmission control rule according to the updated uplink multi-path data transmission control rule.

[0184] It should be noted that the establishment of path#2 in this embodiment can be performed by layer 2 relay establishment.

[0185] Embodiment six

[0186] Please refer to Figure 3f , Figure 3f Figure 7 is a flowchart of a multi-path communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in the figure, the method comprises the following steps: Figure 3f

[0187] ​​Step 0. UE#1 establishes a direct communication path and a non-direct communication path (through U2U relay#1) with UE#2;

[0188] Step 1. According to service requirements or configuration policy information, UE#1 determines to perform multi-path communication with UE#2 on a specific service, and then UE#1 generates a multi-path data sending control rule, including an uplink multi-path data sending control rule and a downlink multi-path data sending control rule;

[0189] Step 2: UE#1 sends at least one of the following information to UE#2 through a direct link update request:

[0190] A multi-path communication indication, used to indicate that UE#1 decides to perform multi-path communication with UE#2;

[0191] The uplink multi-path data sending control rule;

[0192] Step 3: UE#2 replies to UE#1 with a direct link update acceptance message, and UE2 performs data flow sending from UE2 to UE#1 based on the above uplink multi-path data sending control rule.

[0193] The multi-path communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application enables the terminal and the terminal to no longer communicate through a single path, thereby expanding the communication path between the terminal and the terminal and improving the transmission efficiency and reliability between the terminal and the terminal.

[0194] It should be noted that the multi-path communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application can be executed by a multi-path communication device, or a control module in the multi-path communication device for executing the multi-path communication method. In the embodiment of the present application, the multi-path communication device is taken as an example to illustrate the multi-path communication device provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0195] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 is a structural diagram of a multi-path communication device provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0196] As shown in Figure 4 , the multi-path communication device 400 comprises:

[0197] A radio frequency module 401, configured to send multi-path communication information of the device, and / or configured to receive multi-path communication information of a second terminal;

[0198] The multi-path communication information comprises at least one of the following:

[0199] Multi-path communication capability information, used to indicate that the source terminal has multi-path communication capability;

[0200] multi-path communication requirement information, the multi-path requirement information being used to indicate that the source terminal requests to establish multi-path communication;

[0201] In a case where the multi-path communication information is multi-path communication information of the apparatus, the source terminal is the apparatus, and in a case where the multi-path communication information is multi-path communication information of the second terminal, the source terminal is the second terminal.

[0202] Optionally, the multi-path communication capability information comprises at least one of:

[0203] a multi-path transmission control protocol (MPTCP) function, used to indicate that the apparatus and the second terminal implement multi-path data transmission through the MPTCP function;

[0204] a low-layer access traffic shaping, switching and segmentation (ATSSS_LL) function, used to indicate that the apparatus and the second terminal implement multi-path data transmission through the ATSSS_LL function.

[0205] Optionally, the multi-path communication requirement information comprises at least one of:

[0206] a multi-path communication indication, used to indicate that multi-path communication is established with a target terminal;

[0207] a first service descriptor, used to indicate a service requiring data transmission through multi-path;

[0208] In a case where the source terminal is the apparatus, the target terminal is the second terminal, and in a case where the source terminal is the second terminal, the target terminal is the apparatus.

[0209] Optionally, the multi-path communication information is carried in at least one of the following messages:

[0210] a discovery message;

[0211] a direct establishment request message.

[0212] Optionally, the radio frequency module 401 is further configured to:

[0213] directly send the multi-path communication information of the apparatus to the second terminal; or

[0214] send the multi-path communication information of the apparatus to the second terminal through a relay terminal.

[0215] Optionally, the multi-path communication apparatus 400 further comprises:

[0216] The execution module is configured to perform a first operation based on the multipath communication information of the second terminal, the first operation being at least one of:

[0217] determining a multipath between the apparatus and the second terminal;

[0218] generating a multipath data transmission control rule;

[0219] wherein, in a case where the multipath between the apparatus and the second terminal is determined, a reply message is transmitted to the second terminal through the determined multipath.

[0220] Optionally, the multipath between the multipath communication apparatus 400 and the second terminal comprises at least one of:

[0221] a multipath of non-direct communication between the apparatus and the second terminal established based on a relay terminal;

[0222] a multipath of direct communication between the apparatus and the second terminal established directly.

[0223] Optionally, the multipath data transmission control rule comprises at least one of:

[0224] an uplink multipath data transmission control rule for controlling data transmission from the apparatus to the second terminal;

[0225] a downlink multipath data transmission control rule for controlling data transmission from the second terminal to the apparatus.

[0226] Optionally, the radio frequency module 401 is further configured to:

[0227] receive the uplink multipath data transmission control rule generated by the second terminal;

[0228] The execution module is further configured to perform data transmission from the apparatus to the second terminal based on the uplink multipath data transmission control rule.

[0229] Optionally, the radio frequency module 401 is further configured to:

[0230] receive a reply message, the reply message carrying the uplink multipath data transmission control rule generated by the second terminal.

[0231] Optionally, the radio frequency module 401 is further configured to:

[0232] receive a reply message directly transmitted by the second terminal; or,

[0233] receive the reply message transmitted by the second terminal through a relay terminal.

[0234] Optionally, the uplink multi-path data transmission control rule comprises at least one of the following:

[0235] a second service descriptor, used for indicating a matched data flow;

[0236] a path selection descriptor, used for indicating a transmission mode of the matched data flow;

[0237] a forwarding function descriptor, used for indicating a forwarding mode of the matched data flow;

[0238] the downlink multi-path data transmission control rule comprises at least one of the following:

[0239] the second service descriptor, used for indicating a matched data flow;

[0240] the path selection descriptor, used for indicating a transmission mode of the matched data flow;

[0241] the forwarding function descriptor, used for indicating a forwarding mode of the matched data flow.

[0242] Optionally, the transmission mode of the matched data flow comprises at least one of the following:

[0243] a backup activation mode, used for indicating that the matched data flow is transmitted through another available path in case that one path is unavailable;

[0244] a minimum latency mode, used for indicating that the matched data flow is transmitted on a path with minimum latency;

[0245] a load balancing mode, used for indicating that the matched data flow is transmitted according to a load percentage to determine a transmission distribution ratio.

[0246] Optionally, the multi-path communication device 400 further comprises:

[0247] an updating module, configured to receive first multi-path communication association information sent by the second terminal, and perform updating of the multi-path data transmission control rule based on the first multi-path communication association information;

[0248] the radio frequency module 401 is further configured to send the updated multi-path data transmission control rule to the second terminal;

[0249] The first multi-path communication association information comprises one or more path identifiers, and the path identifier is used for indicating other paths associated with a target path, and the target path is any one of the multi-paths established between the device and the second terminal.

[0250] Optionally, the radio frequency module 401 is further configured to:

[0251] sending second multi-path communication association information to the second terminal;

[0252] The second multi-path communication association information comprises one or more path identifiers, and the path identifiers are used to indicate other paths associated with a target path, wherein the target path is any one of the multi-paths that have been established between the device and the second terminal.

[0253] The multi-path communication device 400 provided by the embodiments of the present application enables the terminals to communicate with each other through multiple paths, thereby expanding the communication paths between the terminals and improving the transmission efficiency and reliability between the terminals.

[0254] The multi-path communication device 400 in the embodiments of the present application can be a device, a device with an operating system, or an electronic device, and can also be a component in a terminal, an integrated circuit, or a chip. The device or the electronic device can be a mobile terminal or a non-mobile terminal. Exemplarily, the mobile terminal can include, but is not limited to, the types of the terminal 11 listed above, and the non-mobile terminal can be a server, a network attached storage (NAS), a personal computer (PC), a television (TV), a cash register, or a self-service machine, etc., which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0255] The multi-path communication device 400 provided by the embodiments of the present application can implement the processes of the method embodiments Figures 2 to 3f , and achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, the details are not described herein.

[0256] Optionally, as shown in Figure 5 , the embodiments of the present application also provide a communication device 500, which comprises a processor 501, a memory 502, a program or instructions stored in the memory 502 and executable on the processor 501. For example, when the communication device 500 is a terminal, the program or instructions are executed by the processor 501 to implement the processes of the above multi-path communication method embodiments, and achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, the details are not described herein.

[0257] The embodiments of the present application also provide a terminal comprising a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to send first multi-path communication information. The terminal embodiment corresponds to the above terminal-side method embodiments, and the processes and implementation manners of the above multi-path communication method embodiments can be applied to the terminal embodiment, and achieve the same technical effects. Specifically, Figure 6 a hardware structure diagram of a terminal for implementing the embodiments of the present application.

[0258] The terminal 600 includes, but is not limited to, at least part of components such as a radio frequency unit 601, a network module 602, an audio output unit 603, an input unit 604, a sensor 605, a display unit 606, a user input unit 607, an interface unit 608, a memory 609, and a processor 610.

[0259] Those skilled in the art can understand that the terminal 600 can further include a power supply (such as a battery) for supplying power to each component, and the power supply can be logically connected to the processor 610 through a power management system, so as to realize functions such as management of charging, discharging, and power consumption management through the power management system. Figure 6 The terminal structure shown in the figure does not constitute a limitation on the terminal, and the terminal can include more or fewer components than those shown, or combine certain components, or different component arrangements, which are not described here.

[0260] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the input unit 604 can include a graphics processor (GPU) 6041 and a microphone 6042. The graphics processor 6041 processes image data of a still picture or a video obtained by an image capture device (such as a camera) in a video capture mode or an image capture mode. The display unit 606 can include a display panel 6061, which can be configured in the form of a liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, etc. The user input unit 607 includes a touch panel 6071 and other input devices 6072. The touch panel 6071 is also called a touch screen. The touch panel 6071 can include two parts of a touch detection device and a touch controller. The other input devices 6072 can include, but are not limited to, a physical keyboard, function keys (such as volume control keys, on-off keys, etc.), trackballs, mice, joysticks, etc., which are not described here.

[0261] In the embodiments of the present application, the radio frequency unit 601 receives downlink data from a network side device and processes the data by the processor 610; in addition, the radio frequency unit 601 sends uplink data to the network side device. Generally, the radio frequency unit 601 includes, but is not limited to, an antenna, at least one amplifier, a transceiver, a coupler, a low noise amplifier, a duplexer, etc.

[0262] The memory 609 can be used to store software programs or instructions and various data. The memory 609 can mainly include a storage program or instruction area and a storage data area, wherein the storage program or instruction area can store an operating system, application programs or instructions required by at least one function (such as a sound playing function, an image playing function, etc.), etc. In addition, the memory 609 can include a high-speed random access memory, and can also include a non-volatile memory, which can be a read-only memory (Read-Only Memory, ROM), a programmable read-only memory (Programmable ROM, PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (Erasable PROM, EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (Electrically EPROM, EEPROM), or a flash memory. For example, at least one magnetic disk storage device, a flash memory device, or other non-volatile solid-state memory device.

[0263] The processor 610 can include one or more processing units; optionally, the processor 610 can integrate an application processor and a modem processor, wherein the application processor mainly processes an operating system, a user interface, and application programs or instructions, etc., and the modem processor mainly processes wireless communication, such as a baseband processor. It can be understood that the above-mentioned modem processor can also not be integrated into the processor 610.

[0264] In the embodiment of the application, the terminal 600 is a first terminal;

[0265] The radio frequency unit 601 is configured to send the multi-path communication information of the first terminal, and / or receive the multi-path communication information of a second terminal.

[0266] The multi-path communication information includes at least one of the following:

[0267] The multi-path communication capability information is used to indicate that the source terminal has a multi-path communication capability.

[0268] The multi-path communication demand information is used to indicate that the source terminal requests to establish a multi-path communication.

[0269] In a case where the multi-path communication information is the multi-path communication information of the first terminal, the source terminal is the first terminal; in a case where the multi-path communication information is the multi-path communication information of the second terminal, the source terminal is the second terminal.

[0270] Optionally, the multi-path communication capability information includes at least one of the following:

[0271] A multi-path transmission control protocol, MPTCP, function is configured to instruct the first terminal and the second terminal to implement multi-path data transmission by the MPTCP function.

[0272] A low-layer access traffic control, switching and segmentation, ATSSS_LL, function is configured to instruct the first terminal and the second terminal to implement multi-path data transmission by the ATSSS_LL function.

[0273] Optionally, the multi-path communication requirement information comprises at least one of:

[0274] A multi-path communication instruction is configured to instruct to establish a multi-path communication with a target terminal.

[0275] A first service descriptor is configured to indicate a service requiring data transmission by a multi-path.

[0276] Wherein, in a case that the source terminal is the first terminal, the target terminal is the second terminal, and in a case that the source terminal is the second terminal, the target terminal is the first terminal.

[0277] Optionally, the multi-path communication information is carried in at least one of the following messages:

[0278] A discovery message;

[0279] A direct establishment request message.

[0280] Optionally, the radio frequency unit 601 is further configured to:

[0281] directly send the multi-path communication information of the first terminal to the second terminal; or

[0282] send the multi-path communication information of the first terminal to the second terminal through a relay terminal.

[0283] Optionally, the processor 610 is configured to perform a first operation based on the multi-path communication information of the second terminal, the first operation being at least one of:

[0284] determining a multi-path between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0285] generating a multi-path data transmission control rule;

[0286] Wherein, in a case that the multi-path between the first terminal and the second terminal is determined, a reply message is sent to the second terminal through the determined multi-path.

[0287] Optionally, the multi-path between the first terminal and the second terminal comprises at least one of:

[0288] a plurality of paths of non-direct communication between the first terminal and the second terminal established based on the relay terminal;

[0289] a plurality of paths of direct communication between the first terminal and the second terminal established directly.

[0290] Optionally, the multi-path data transmission control rule comprises at least one of:

[0291] an uplink multi-path data transmission control rule for controlling data transmission from the first terminal to the second terminal;

[0292] a downlink multi-path data transmission control rule for controlling data transmission from the second terminal to the first terminal.

[0293] Optionally, the radio frequency unit 601 is further configured to:

[0294] receive the uplink multi-path data transmission control rule generated by the second terminal;

[0295] the processor 610 is further configured to perform data transmission from the first terminal to the second terminal based on the uplink multi-path data transmission control rule.

[0296] Optionally, the radio frequency unit 601 is further configured to:

[0297] receive a reply message carrying the uplink multi-path data transmission control rule generated by the second terminal in the reply message.

[0298] Optionally, the radio frequency unit 601 is further configured to:

[0299] receive a reply message directly transmitted by the second terminal; or

[0300] receive the reply message transmitted by the second terminal through the relay terminal.

[0301] Optionally, the uplink multi-path data transmission control rule comprises at least one of:

[0302] a second service descriptor for indicating a matched data flow;

[0303] a path selection descriptor for indicating a transmission mode of the matched data flow;

[0304] a forwarding function descriptor for indicating a forwarding mode of the matched data flow;

[0305] the downlink multi-path data transmission control rule comprises at least one of:

[0306] the second service descriptor for indicating a matched data flow;

[0307] the path selection descriptor is configured to indicate a transmission mode of the matched data flow;

[0308] the forwarding function descriptor is configured to indicate a forwarding mode of the matched data flow.

[0309] Optionally, the transmission mode of the matched data flow comprises at least one of:

[0310] a backup activation mode, configured to indicate that the matched data flow is transmitted through another available path in case that one path is unavailable;

[0311] a minimum latency mode, configured to indicate that the matched data flow is transmitted on a path with minimum latency;

[0312] a load balancing mode, configured to indicate that the matched data flow is transmitted according to a load percentage to determine a transmission distribution ratio.

[0313] Optionally, after the radio frequency unit 601 receives the multi-path communication information of the second terminal, the radio frequency unit 601 is further configured to receive first multi-path communication association information sent by the second terminal;

[0314] The processor 610 is further configured to perform an update of the multi-path data transmission control rule based on the first multi-path communication association information.

[0315] The radio frequency unit 601 is further configured to send the updated multi-path data transmission control rule to the second terminal.

[0316] The first multi-path communication association information comprises one or more path identifiers, and the path identifiers are used to indicate other paths associated with a target path, and the target path is any one of the multi-paths established between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0317] Optionally, after the radio frequency unit 601 sends the multi-path communication information of the first terminal, the radio frequency unit 601 is further configured to:

[0318] send second multi-path communication association information to the second terminal.

[0319] The second multi-path communication association information comprises one or more path identifiers, and the path identifiers are used to indicate other paths associated with a target path, and the target path is any one of the multi-paths established between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0320] In this embodiment of the application, multi-path communication can be achieved between terminals instead of being limited to single-path communication, thereby expanding the communication paths between terminals and improving the transmission efficiency and reliability between terminals.

[0321] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing a program or instructions. When the program or instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the various processes of the above-described multipath communication method embodiments and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0322] The processor mentioned above is the processor in the terminal described in the above embodiments. The readable storage medium includes computer-readable storage media, such as computer read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0323] This application embodiment also provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the various processes of the above-described multipath communication method embodiments and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0324] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a system-on-a-chip, system chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip, etc.

[0325] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0326] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the above-mentioned example methods can be realized by means of software and a necessary general hardware platform, and of course, can also be realized by hardware, but in many cases, the former is a better embodiment. Based on such understanding, the technical solutions of the present application can be embodied in the form of a computer software product in essence or in the form of a part that contributes to the prior art, which is stored in a storage medium (such as a ROM / RAM, a magnetic disc, an optical disc), and includes a plurality of instructions for causing a terminal (which can be a mobile phone, a computer, a server, an air conditioner, or a network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in various embodiments of the present application.

[0327] The embodiments of the present application are described above in combination with the drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned specific embodiments, and the above-mentioned specific embodiments are only illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many forms under the inspiration of the present application without departing from the scope of the present application and the scope protected by the claims.

Claims

1. A multi-path communication method, characterized by, Comprise: The first terminal sends the multi-path communication information of the first terminal, and / or the first terminal receives the multi-path communication information of the second terminal; Wherein, the multi-path communication information comprises at least one of: Multi-path communication capability information, the multi-path communication capability information is used to indicate that the source terminal has multi-path communication capability; Multi-path communication demand information, the multi-path demand information is used to indicate that the source terminal requests to establish multi-path communication; In the case of the multi-path communication information being the multi-path communication information of the first terminal, the source terminal is the first terminal, and in the case of the multi-path communication information being the multi-path communication information of the second terminal, the source terminal is the second terminal; After the first terminal receives the multi-path communication information of the second terminal, the method further comprises: The first terminal receives the first multi-path communication association information sent by the second terminal, and updates the multi-path data sending control rule based on the first multi-path communication association information; The first terminal sends the updated multi-path data sending control rule to the second terminal; Wherein, the first multi-path communication association information comprises one or more path identifiers, and the path identifier is used to indicate other paths associated with a target path, and the target path is any one of the multi-paths established between the first terminal and the second terminal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The multi-path communication capability information comprises at least one of: Multi-path transmission control protocol (MPTCP) function, used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal implement multi-path data sending through the MPTCP function; Low-layer access traffic control, switching and segmentation (ATSSS_LL) function, used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal implement multi-path data sending through the ATSSS_LL function.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The multi-path communication demand information comprises at least one of: Multi-path communication indication, used to indicate that multi-path communication is established with a target terminal; First service descriptor, used to indicate that the service needs to send data through multi-path; Wherein, in the case of the source terminal being the first terminal, the target terminal is the second terminal, and in the case of the source terminal being the second terminal, the target terminal is the first terminal.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The multi-path communication information is carried in at least one of the following messages: Discovery message; Direct establishment request message.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first terminal sends the multi-path communication information of the first terminal, comprising: The first terminal directly sends the multi-path communication information of the first terminal to the second terminal; or The first terminal sends the multi-path communication information of the first terminal to the second terminal through a relay terminal.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, After the first terminal receives the multi-path communication information of the second terminal, the method further comprises: The first terminal performs a first operation based on the multi-path communication information of the second terminal, and the first operation is at least one of: Determining the multi-path between the first terminal and the second terminal; Generating a multi-path data sending control rule; In a case where the first terminal determines a multi-path between the first terminal and the second terminal, the method further comprises:

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, sending a reply message to the second terminal via the determined multi-path. The multi-path between the first terminal and the second terminal comprises at least one of: a multi-path of a non-direct communication between the first terminal and the second terminal established based on a relay terminal; 8. The method of claim 6, wherein, a multi-path of a direct communication between the first terminal and the second terminal established directly. The multi-path data transmission control rule comprises at least one of: an uplink multi-path data transmission control rule for controlling data transmission from the first terminal to the second terminal; 9. The method of claim 8, wherein, a downlink multi-path data transmission control rule for controlling data transmission from the second terminal to the first terminal. In a case where the first operation is to generate a multi-path data transmission control rule, after the first terminal performs the first operation based on the multi-path communication information of the second terminal, the method further comprises: the first terminal receiving the uplink multi-path data transmission control rule generated by the second terminal; 10. The method of claim 9, wherein, the first terminal performing data transmission from the first terminal to the second terminal based on the uplink multi-path data transmission control rule. The first terminal receiving the uplink multi-path data transmission control rule generated by the second terminal comprises:

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, the first terminal receiving a reply message, wherein the reply message carries the uplink multi-path data transmission control rule generated by the second terminal. The first terminal receiving the reply message comprises: the first terminal receiving a reply message directly sent by the second terminal; or 12. The method of claim 8, wherein, the first terminal receiving the reply message sent by the second terminal via a relay terminal. The uplink multi-path data transmission control rule comprises at least one of: a second service descriptor for indicating a matched data flow; a path selection descriptor for indicating a transmission mode of the matched data flow; a forwarding function descriptor for indicating a forwarding mode of the matched data flow. The downlink multi-path data transmission control rule comprises at least one of: the second service descriptor for indicating a matched data flow; the path selection descriptor for indicating a transmission mode of the matched data flow; 13. The method of claim 12, wherein, the forwarding function descriptor for indicating a forwarding mode of the matched data flow. The transmission mode of the matched data flow comprises at least one of: a backup activation mode for indicating that the matched data flow is transmitted via another available path in a case where one path is unavailable; a minimum latency mode for indicating that the matched data flow is transmitted on a path with minimum latency; 14. The method of claim 1, wherein, a load balancing mode for indicating that the matched data flow is transmitted according to a load percentage to determine a transmission distribution ratio. After the first terminal sends the multi-path communication information of the first terminal, the method further comprises: the first terminal sending second multi-path communication association information to the second terminal; and the first terminal receiving the uplink multi-path data transmission control rule generated by the second terminal based on the second multi-path communication association information. The second multi-path communication association information comprises one or more path identifiers, and the path identifiers are used to indicate other paths associated with a target path, wherein the target path is any one of the multi-paths that have been established between the first terminal and the second terminal.

15. A multipath communication device, comprising: The method comprises the following steps: The radio frequency module is used to send the multi-path communication information of the device, and / or receive the multi-path communication information of the second terminal. The multi-path communication information comprises at least one of the following: The multi-path communication capability information is used to indicate that the source terminal has the multi-path communication capability; The multi-path communication demand information is used to indicate that the source terminal requests to establish the multi-path communication; In the case that the multi-path communication information is the multi-path communication information of the device, the source terminal is the device; in the case that the multi-path communication information is the multi-path communication information of the second terminal, the source terminal is the second terminal. The device further comprises: The updating module is used to receive the first multi-path communication association information sent by the second terminal, and perform the update of the multi-path data sending control rule based on the first multi-path communication association information; The radio frequency module is further used to send the updated multi-path data sending control rule to the second terminal. The first multi-path communication association information comprises one or more path identifiers, and the path identifiers are used to indicate other paths associated with a target path, wherein the target path is any one of the multi-paths that have been established between the device and the second terminal.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein, The multi-path communication capability information comprises at least one of the following: The MPTCP function is used to indicate that the device and the second terminal implement the multi-path data sending through the MPTCP function; The ATSSS_LL function is used to indicate that the device and the second terminal implement the multi-path data sending through the ATSSS_LL function.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein, The multi-path communication demand information comprises at least one of the following: The multi-path communication indication is used to indicate that the multi-path communication is established with the target terminal; The first service descriptor is used to indicate the service that needs to send data through the multi-path. In the case that the source terminal is the device, the target terminal is the second terminal; in the case that the source terminal is the second terminal, the target terminal is the device.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein, The multi-path communication information is carried in at least one of the following messages: The discovery message; The direct establishment request message.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein, The radio frequency module is further used to: Send the multi-path communication information of the device to the second terminal directly; or Send the multi-path communication information of the device to the second terminal through a relay terminal.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein, The device further comprises: The execution module is used to perform a first operation based on the multi-path communication information of the second terminal, wherein the first operation is at least one of the following: Determine the multi-path between the device and the second terminal; Generate the multi-path data sending control rule; wherein, in a case that a multi-path between the apparatus and the second terminal is determined, a reply message is sent to the second terminal through the determined multi-path.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein, The multi-path between the apparatus and the second terminal comprises at least one of: a multi-path of non-direct communication between the apparatus and the second terminal established based on a relay terminal; a multi-path of direct communication between the apparatus and the second terminal established directly.

22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein, The multi-path data sending control rule comprises at least one of: an uplink multi-path data sending control rule for controlling data sending from the apparatus to the second terminal; a downlink multi-path data sending control rule for controlling data sending from the second terminal to the apparatus.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein, The radio frequency module is further configured to: receive the uplink multi-path data sending control rule generated by the second terminal; The execution module is further configured to perform data sending from the apparatus to the second terminal based on the uplink multi-path data sending control rule.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein, The radio frequency module is further configured to: receive a reply message, wherein the reply message carries the uplink multi-path data sending control rule generated by the second terminal.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein, The radio frequency module is further configured to: receive a reply message sent directly by the second terminal; or receive the reply message sent by the second terminal through a relay terminal.

26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein, The uplink multi-path data sending control rule comprises at least one of: a second service descriptor for indicating a matched data flow; a path selection descriptor for indicating a transmission mode of the matched data flow; a forwarding function descriptor for indicating a forwarding mode of the matched data flow. The downlink multi-path data sending control rule comprises at least one of: the second service descriptor for indicating a matched data flow; the path selection descriptor for indicating a transmission mode of the matched data flow; the forwarding function descriptor for indicating a forwarding mode of the matched data flow.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein, The transmission mode of the matched data flow comprises at least one of: a backup activation mode for indicating that the matched data flow is transmitted through another available path in a case that one path is unavailable; a minimum latency mode for indicating that the matched data flow is transmitted on a path with minimum latency; a load balancing mode for indicating that the matched data flow is transmitted according to a load percentage to determine a transmission distribution ratio.

28. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein, The radio frequency module is further configured to: send second multi-path communication association information to the second terminal; wherein the second multi-path communication association information comprises one or more path identifiers, and the path identifiers are used to indicate other paths associated with a target path, and the target path is any one of the multi-paths already established between the apparatus and the second terminal.

29. A terminal, characterized by A processor, a memory, and a program or instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the program or instructions are executed by the processor to implement the steps of the multi-path communication method according to any one of claims 1-14.

30. A readable storage medium, characterized by, The readable storage medium stores programs or instructions, which, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the multi-path communication method of any one of claims 1-14.

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