Traffic pattern processing

By introducing a traffic pattern processing mechanism into the 5G system, the SMF provides traffic pattern indications to the UPF and UE/DS-TT, calculates and reports TSCAI, solves the problem of time-sensitive traffic support in 5G systems without TSN deployment, and realizes deterministic transmission of data packets.

CN116134875BActive Publication Date: 2026-03-20ZTE CORP
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2020-07-21
Publication Date
2026-03-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing 5G systems, without the deployment of Time Sensitive Networks (TSNs), struggle to support the deterministic characteristics of time-sensitive traffic, especially when deterministic service requirements parameters are unknown or unprovided. In such cases, the SMF cannot calculate the burst arrival time and period of the TSN QoS.

Method used

The SMF provides traffic pattern indications to the UPF and UE/DS-TT. The UPF and UE/DS-TT calculate the traffic pattern and report it to the SMF. The SMF then calculates the TSCAI based on the received traffic pattern and sends it to the NG-RAN to ensure deterministic transmission of data packets.

Benefits of technology

This enables 5G systems to support the deterministic characteristics of time-sensitive traffic even without TSN deployment, ensuring timely arrival and effective transmission of data packets.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present application relates to methods, systems, and devices related to digital wireless communications, and more specifically, to methods, systems, and devices related to techniques related to traffic pattern handling. In one example aspect, a method of wireless communication is described. The method includes transmitting, by a first network function, a first message to a second network function, the first message including information related to a data flow, wherein the second network function is configured to derive a traffic pattern based on the information related to the data flow included in the first message. The method can further include receiving, by the first network function, a second message from the second network function, the second message including the derived traffic pattern.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent application is generally directed to wireless communication. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile communication technology is propelling the world towards an increasingly interconnected and networked society. The rapid growth and technological advancements in mobile communications have led to greater demands for capacity and connectivity. Other factors, such as energy consumption, equipment cost, spectrum efficiency, and latency, are also important for meeting the needs of various communication scenarios. Various technologies are being discussed, including new methods for providing higher quality of service. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application discloses methods, systems, and apparatuses related to digital wireless communication, and more specifically, methods, systems, and apparatuses related to technologies related to traffic pattern processing.

[0004] In one exemplary aspect, a wireless communication method is disclosed. The method includes: sending a first message from a first network function to a second network function, the first message including information related to a data stream, wherein the second network function is configured to derive a traffic pattern based on the data stream-related information included in the first message. The method may further include: receiving a second message from the second network function by the first network function, the second message including the derived traffic pattern.

[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, a data communication method includes: receiving a first message from a session management function by a user plane function, the first message including information related to a data stream. The method further includes: calculating a traffic pattern by the user plane function based on the data stream-related information included in the first message. The method further includes: sending a second message from the user plane function to the session management function, the second message including the calculated traffic pattern.

[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, a data communication method includes: receiving a first message from a first network function by a terminal, the first message including information related to a data stream. The method further includes: calculating a traffic pattern by the terminal based on the data stream-related information included in the first message. The method further includes: sending a second message to the first network function by the terminal, the second message including the calculated traffic pattern.

[0007] In another exemplary aspect, a wireless communication device including a processor is disclosed. The processor is configured to implement the methods described herein.

[0008] In yet another exemplary aspect, the various techniques described herein may be embodied in processor-executable code and stored on a computer-readable program medium.

[0009] Details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying appendices, drawings, and the following description. Other features will become apparent from the description, drawings, and terms. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is an example block diagram of a 5GS acting as a TSN bridge.

[0011] Figure 2 An example block diagram of a fully centralized TSN network is shown.

[0012] Figure 3 This is an example block diagram of a fully centralized TSN network model.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a sample signaling procedure used for the example TSN configuration process.

[0014] Figure 5 This is the signaling procedure for the example AF request policy authorization process.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a signaling procedure used for the example UPF traffic pattern reporting process.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a signaling procedure used in the example UE / DS-TT traffic pattern reporting process.

[0017] Figure 8 This is the signaling procedure for the example process by which SMF calculates TSCAI based on traffic patterns.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a signaling procedure that illustrates the process by which the SMF notifies the AF of the traffic pattern.

[0019] Figure 10 It is a signaling process used to establish a new QoS flow after TSCAI calculation.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a block diagram of an example method for handling traffic patterns.

[0021] Figure 12 An example of a wireless communication system to which one or more embodiments of the present technology can be applied is shown.

[0022] Figure 13 It is a block diagram representation of a part of a hardware platform. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The development of next-generation wireless communication—5G New Radio (NR)—is part of the ongoing evolution of mobile broadband to meet growing network demands. NR will offer greater throughput, allowing more users to connect simultaneously. Other aspects, such as energy consumption, equipment cost, spectrum efficiency, and latency, are also important for meeting the needs of various communication scenarios.

[0024] In many situations, 5G systems can support IEEE Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) traffic. Examples of such traffic include game data where low latency is critical, two-way audio or video conversations, and so on. Many 5G networks (e.g., 5GS networks) can be enhanced as TSN virtual bridges (e.g., from the perspective of the TSN network, 5GS behaves as a TSN bridge entity).

[0025] Figure 1 This is an example block diagram 100 of a 5GS acting as a TSN bridge. In many cases, 5GS can support strictly periodic traffic of the TSN. This traffic can have explicit periodic characteristics associated with the traffic (e.g., burst arrival time, size, and period).

[0026] However, many existing networks / applications may not have TSN deployed. Therefore, it is currently unknown how to support the deterministic characteristics of time-sensitive traffic without deploying TSN.

[0027] In many cases, only the fully centralized mode of TSN is supported. Figure 2 Example block diagram 200 of a fully centralized TSN network is shown. In addition to TSN terminals and TSN bridges, there may be a centralized user controller (CUC) and a centralized network controller (CNC). The CNC in the TSN network can control / configure all TSN entities within the TSN network. The CUC can transmit TSN application service information with the TSN terminals and send flow configuration information to the CNC. All nodes in the TSN network (TSN terminals and TSN bridges) can report their capabilities and neighbor topology to the CNC. After obtaining this information, the CNC can construct the entire TSN network topology (topology discovery) and capabilities.

[0028] Figure 3 This is an example block diagram 300 of a fully centralized TSN network model. Based on the flow configuration information from the CUC, the CNC can decide whether to establish a TSN flow. The CNC can calculate the end-to-end path of the flow based on the flow sender (or the speaker in the TSN), the flow receiver (or the listener in the TSN), the TSN entity capabilities, link capabilities, and the TSN network topology.

[0029] After calculating the path, the CNC can configure the TSN bridge using any of the following: forwarding rules, flow information in the ingress port (e.g., per-flow forwarding and management (PSPF), such as packet arrival time and flow identifier), and scheduling mechanisms in the egress port.

[0030] When configuring a TSN bridge, the bridge knows how to handle data frames / packets when they arrive, such as when and on which port to forward the received frames to ensure compliance with forwarding rules.

[0031] Furthermore, because the 5GS can emulate a TSN bridge, it can also receive configuration from the CNC. Configuration information can include any of the following: AdminBaseTime, indicating when the first packet of the flow arrives at the bridge (e.g., the 5GS), and Admin CycleTime, indicating the period of the flow's packets, etc.

[0032] For example, Admin BaseTime is T, and Admin CycleTime is P. From the perspective of the 5G system, the time series of data packets arriving at the 5GS ingress (i.e., UPF for DL ​​traffic, UE / DS-TT for UL traffic) is as follows: Figure 3 As shown.

[0033] TSN AF can set the TSN QoS burst arrival time to Admin BaseTime and the TSN QoS period to Admin CycleTime. TSN AF can send these two parameters to SMF.

[0034] SMF can use TSN information from TSN AF to derive TSC auxiliary information (TASCI) corresponding to the QoS stream, which can carry the TSN stream and be sent to NG-RAN.

[0035] A TSCAI may contain three Information Elements (IEs). An example is given in Table 1.

[0036]

[0037] Table 1 TSC Auxiliary Information

[0038] The Session Management Function (SMF) can use any of the following to calculate the TASCI: the SMF sets the DL TSCAI burst arrival time to the sum of the TSN QoS burst arrival time and the CN PDB (core network packet delay budget, i.e., the delay between the UPF and NG-RAN); the SMF sets the UL TSCAI burst arrival time to the sum of the TSN QoS burst arrival time and the UE-DS-TT dwell time; the SMF sets the period to the TSN QoS period, and so on. When the NG-RAN receives such information, it can perform access control and radio resource reservation in advance.

[0039] Figure 4 This is example signaling procedure 400 used for the example TSN configuration process. In step 414, the UE / TT can establish a PDU session for the TSC. The UE can notify the SMF of the UE-DS-TT dwell time. The TSN can calculate the delay for each TSN traffic category for this PDU session.

[0040] In step 416, CNC 412 can discover the TSN network topology and network entity capabilities.

[0041] In step 418, the TSN AF 410 can register the 5GS TSN bridge capability with the CNC.

[0042] In step 420, CNC 412 can configure the 5GS TSN bridge using TSN flow information.

[0043] In step 422, TSN AF 410 can create TSN information (e.g., TSN QoS burst arrival time, TSN QoS period) according to CNC configuration and send it to SMF via PCF.

[0044] In step 424, SMF 406 can export TSCAI based on the received TSN information.

[0045] In step 426, SMF 406 may send TSCAI to NG-RAN in the N2 request.

[0046] In many deployments (i.e., without TSN), applications can include deterministic latency in 5GS, similar to what 5GS does to support TSN.

[0047] Figure 5This is signaling procedure 500 of the example AF request policy authorization process. In step 510, AF 508 can provide / revoke service information (deterministic service requirements, such as service start time, period, delays in 5G system requirements, etc.) to PCF by invoking the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create request or Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Update request service operation. It can be sent via NEF 506.

[0048] In step 512, PCF 506 can initiate an SM policy association modification to SMF 504 carrying deterministic service requirements.

[0049] In step 514, AF 508 can send a traffic packet that can reach UPF 502 (which will be sent to the UE via the 5G system).

[0050] In some cases, applications may be unable to provide certain parameters of the deterministic service requirements described in this article. This can lead to 5G system latency, which can be provided by the AF (Automatic Front-End).

[0051] In some embodiments, the AF may not be able to determine the service start time during step 510. Even if the AF knows the start time, it may not be able to determine the latency between the application server and the UPF, or the latency between the device (which is connected to the UE) and the UE. This could mean that the SMF cannot know the packet arrival time like it does for TSN QoS burst arrival time. The SMF may not be able to calculate the DL TSCAI burst arrival time. The same may be true for the UL TSCAI burst arrival time. The SMF may not send the TSCAI to the NG-RAN.

[0052] The period can include optional parameters. The Application Filter (AF) can provide these parameters, and the AF can determine the period in step 514 (e.g., when the application server starts sending data). Based on the above analysis, the SMF may be unable to derive the burst arrival time of the TSCAI because the SMF cannot know the exact time the data packets arrive at the 5G system. In some cases, if the AF does not provide these parameters, the SMF may be unable to derive the period of the TSCAI.

[0053] The embodiments disclosed in this application can be used to overcome the above-mentioned technical problems, etc.

[0054] System Overview

[0055] Some disclosed embodiments relate to traffic pattern processing. Specifically, in some embodiments, the SMF can provide the UPF with indications of one or more flows, and when the UPF receives packets for these flows, it can calculate the traffic pattern and report it to the SMF. The SMF can provide the UE / DS-TT with indications for one or more flows, and when the UE / DS-TT receives packets for these flows, it can calculate the traffic pattern and report it to the SMF. The traffic pattern can include any one of the flow's burst arrival time, period, flow direction, and flow jitter. In some embodiments, the indication can be included in monitoring rules received from the PCF.

[0056] SMF can calculate TSCAI based on the received traffic pattern and send it to NG-RAN. TSCAI can include burst arrival time, period, traffic direction, and traffic jitter. SMF can notify AF of some parameters of the traffic pattern via PCF / NEF.

[0057] Figure 6 This is signaling procedure 600 used for the example UPF traffic pattern reporting process. Figure 6 The SMF can be shown to instruct the UPF / NW-TT to detect the flow pattern of the stream. After calculating the flow pattern, the UPF reports it to the SMF.

[0058] In step 612, AF 610 can provide / revoke business information (the business start time and period may not be included) to PCF by invoking the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create request or the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Update request service operation. It can be sent via NEF.

[0059] In step 614, PCF 608 can initiate an SM policy association modification to SMF carrying service requirements.

[0060] In step 616, SMF 606 may send an N4 request to UPF / NW-TT, which may include an indication of the flow pattern of the UPF / NW-TT compute stream.

[0061] In step 618, the UPF / NW-TT 604 can receive streaming data packets.

[0062] In step 620, the UPF / NW-TT 604 can calculate the flow pattern. The flow pattern can include the burst arrival time of the flow, period, flow direction, and flow jitter.

[0063] In step 622, UPF / NW-TT 604 can report the traffic pattern to SMF 606.

[0064] In step 624, SMF 606 can use the reported traffic patterns from UPF / NW-TT 604 to calculate the traffic pattern.

[0065] Figure 7 This is signaling procedure 700 used for the example UE / DS-TT traffic pattern reporting process. Figure 7 The SMF can instruct the UE / DS-TT to detect traffic patterns for one or more flows. After calculating the traffic patterns, the UE / DS-TT can report them to the SMF.

[0066] In step 714, AF 712 can provide / revoke business information (the business start time and period may not be included) to the PCF by invoking the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create request or the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Update request service operation. It can be sent via NEF.

[0067] In step 716, PCF 710 can initiate an SM policy association modification to SMF carrying service requirements.

[0068] In step 718, SMF 708 can initiate PDU session modification to the UE / DS-TT via AMF and NG-RAN. SMF can invoke Namf_Communication_N1N2 message transmission to AMF, which includes N2 SM information and an N1 SM container. AMF can send an NG-RAN N2 message carrying the N1 SM container. NG-RAN can send the N1 SM message to the UE / DS-TT in RAN-specific signaling.

[0069] In step 720, the UE / DS-TT 702 can receive the stream of data packets.

[0070] In step 722, the UE / DS-TT 702 can calculate the traffic pattern. The traffic pattern can include the burst arrival time of the flow, period, flow direction, and flow jitter.

[0071] In step 724, the UE / DS-TT 702 can report the traffic pattern to the SMF via the NG-RAN and AMF. This can be accomplished by the UE initiating a PDU session modification.

[0072] Figure 8 This is signaling procedure 800, which is an example of the SMF's calculation of TSCAI based on traffic patterns. Figure 8 It can be shown that the SMF calculates the TSCAI based on the received traffic pattern and sends the TSCAI to the NG-RAN.

[0073] In steps 808 and 810, the SMF 806 can receive the traffic pattern from the UE / DS-TT or UPF / NW-TT. Alternatively, the SMF can receive the arrival time and / or jitter of data packets from the UPF / NW-TT and calculate the traffic pattern. The traffic pattern may include the burst arrival time of the flow, period, flow direction, and flow jitter.

[0074] In step 812, SMF 806 can calculate TSCAI based on the traffic pattern. TSCAI can include burst arrival time, period, traffic direction, and traffic jitter.

[0075] In steps 814 and 816, SMF 806 can send TSCAI to NG-RAN 802 via AMF 804.

[0076] Figure 9 This is signaling procedure 900, which illustrates the process by which the SMF notifies the AF of the traffic pattern. Figure 9 This demonstrates how the SMF calculates the TSCAI based on the traffic pattern and sends the parameters of the traffic pattern to the AF.

[0077] In steps 908 and 910, SMF 902 can receive traffic patterns from UE / DS-TT or UPF / NW-TT. Alternatively, SMF can receive the arrival time and / or jitter of data packets from UPF / NW-TT and calculate the traffic pattern. The traffic pattern may include the burst arrival time of the flow, period, flow direction, and flow jitter.

[0078] In step 912, SMF 902 can calculate TSCAI based on the flow pattern.

[0079] In step 914 or 916, SMF 902 may notify AF 906 of some parameters of the flow pattern via PCF / NEF 904.

[0080] The SMF can provide the UPF with indications for one or more flows. The UPF can receive packets for these flows and calculate the flow pattern. The calculated flow pattern can then be reported back to the SMF.

[0081] The SMF can provide the UE / DS-TT with indications for one or more flows. The UE / DS-TT can receive packets for flows, calculate the flow pattern, and report the flow pattern to the SMF.

[0082] Traffic patterns can include any of the burst arrival times, periods, traffic directions, and traffic jitter of one or more flows.

[0083] SMF calculates TSCAI based on the received traffic pattern and sends it to NG-RAN.

[0084] SMF notifies AF of some parameters of the flow pattern via PCF / NEF.

[0085] Figure 10 This is signaling procedure 1000 used to establish a new QoS flow after TSCAI calculation. This flow can be carried on the new QoS flow. In step 1012, SMF 1008 can receive a traffic pattern from UE / DS-TT 1002 or UPF / NW-TT. Alternatively, SMF 1008 can receive the arrival time and / or jitter of data packets from UPF / NW-TT and calculate the traffic pattern. The traffic pattern may include the burst arrival time, period, traffic direction, and traffic jitter of the flow.

[0086] In step 1014, SMF 1008 can calculate TSCAI based on the flow pattern.

[0087] In step 1016, SMF 1008 can determine that a new QoS flow is needed to carry the flow. SMF initiates PDU session modification. SMF can call Namf_Communication_N1N2 message transmission to AMF, which includes N2 SM information and N1 SM container.

[0088] In step 1018, AMF 1006 may send an NG-RAN N2 message carrying an N1 SM container.

[0089] In step 1020, NG-RAN 1004 may send an N1 SM message to UE / DS-TT in RAN-specific signaling. UE / DS-TT acknowledges the received message.

[0090] In step 1022, NG-RAN 1004 can send an N2 response to AMF.

[0091] In step 1024, AMF 1005 may send a PDU session update to notify SMF of the N2 response.

[0092] In step 1026, SMF 1008 may send an N4 request to notify UPF of the added QoS flow information.

[0093] Figure 11 This is block diagram 1100 of an example method for traffic pattern processing. The method may include: sending a first message from a first network function to a second network function, the first message including information related to the data flow (block 1102). The second network function may be configured to derive a traffic pattern based on the data flow-related information included in the first message. For example, the first network function may include, for example... Figure 6-10The SMF described in [the document]. For example, the second network function may include, as […]. Figure 6-10 The UPF and / or UE described herein.

[0094] The method may further include: receiving a second message (box 1104) from a second network function by a first network function, including the derived traffic pattern.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first network function includes a session management function (SMF).

[0096] In some embodiments, the second network function includes a user plane function (UPF).

[0097] In some embodiments, the method includes: receiving a session management policy association modification message including monitoring rules from a policy control function by a first network function, the policy control function being configured to receive service information from an application function.

[0098] In some embodiments, the method includes: calculating Time-Sensitive Network (TSN) Communication (TSC) Auxiliary Information (TSCI) by a first network function based on a derived traffic pattern received in a second message; and forwarding the calculated TSCAI to a radio access node by the first network function.

[0099] In some embodiments, the method includes: transmitting traffic pattern information from a derived traffic pattern to the policy control function by a first network function, wherein the policy control function is configured to forward the derived traffic pattern to an application function, and wherein the traffic pattern information includes any one of burst arrival time, period, and traffic jitter.

[0100] In some embodiments, the method includes: sending monitoring rules for one or more data streams from a first network function to a second network function, wherein the second network function is configured to report arrival times of data packets to the first network function, wherein the first network function calculates a traffic pattern based on the reported arrival times.

[0101] In some embodiments, TSCAI includes any one of burst arrival time, period, traffic direction, and traffic jitter.

[0102] In some embodiments, the method includes establishing a new Quality of Service (QoS) flow by a first network function based on the calculated TSCAI.

[0103] In another embodiment, a method for data communication may include: receiving a first message from a session management function by a user plane function, the message including information related to a data stream. The method may further include calculating a traffic pattern by the user plane function based on the data stream-related information included in the first message. The method may also include sending a second message including the calculated traffic pattern to the session management function by the user plane function.

[0104] In some embodiments, the calculated traffic pattern includes burst arrival times of the data stream.

[0105] In some embodiments, the calculated traffic pattern includes the period of the data stream.

[0106] In some embodiments, the calculated traffic pattern includes the direction of data flow.

[0107] In some embodiments, the calculated traffic pattern includes traffic jitter of the data stream.

[0108] In another embodiment, a data communication method includes: receiving a first message from a first network function by a terminal, the first message including information related to a data stream. The method may further include calculating a traffic pattern by the terminal based on the data stream-related information contained in the first message. The method may also include sending a second message including the calculated traffic pattern to the first network function by the terminal.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first network function includes a session management function (SMF).

[0110] In some embodiments, the first message includes a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session information message.

[0111] In some embodiments, the calculated traffic pattern includes any one of the burst arrival time of the data stream, the period of the data stream, the direction of the data stream, and the jitter of the data stream.

[0112] Example wireless system

[0113] Figure 12An example of a wireless communication system in which one or more embodiments of the present technology can be applied is shown. The wireless communication system 1200 may include one or more base stations (BS) 1205a, 1205b, one or more wireless devices or terminals 1210a, 1210b, 1210c, 1210d, and a core network 1225. Base stations 1205a, 1205b may provide wireless services to wireless devices 1210a, 1210b, 1210c, and 1210d in one or more wireless sectors. In some embodiments, base stations 1205a, 1205b include directional antennas that generate two or more directional beams to provide wireless coverage in different sectors. The base stations may implement cell scheduling or candidate cell functionality, as described in this application.

[0114] The core network 1225 can communicate with one or more base stations 1205a and 1205b. The core network 1225 provides connectivity with other wireless and wired communication systems. The core network may include one or more service subscription databases to store information related to subscribed wireless devices 1210a, 1210b, 1210c, and 1210d. The first base station 1205a can provide wireless services based on a first wireless access technology, while the second base station 1205b can provide wireless services based on a second wireless access technology. Depending on the deployment scenario, base stations 1205a and 1205b can be installed in quasi-coordinated locations or separately in the field. Wireless devices 1210a, 1210b, 1210c, and 1210d can support multiple different wireless access technologies.

[0115] In some implementations, a wireless communication system may include multiple networks using different wireless technologies. Dual-mode or multi-mode wireless devices include two or more wireless technologies that can be used to connect to different wireless networks.

[0116] Figure 13This is a block diagram representation of a hardware platform. Hardware platform 1305, such as a network node, base station, terminal, or wireless device (or UE), may include processor electronics 1310, such as a microprocessor implementing one or more technologies proposed in this application. Hardware platform 1305 may include transceiver electronics 1315 for transmitting and / or receiving wired or wireless signals via one or more communication interfaces (e.g., antenna 1320 or wired interface). Hardware platform 1305 may implement other communication interfaces having defined protocols for transmitting and receiving data. Hardware platform 1305 may include one or more memories (not explicitly shown) configured to store information such as data and / or instructions. In some embodiments, processor electronics 1310 may include at least a portion of transceiver electronics 1315. In some embodiments, hardware platform 1305 is used to implement at least some of the disclosed technologies, modules, or functions.

[0117] in conclusion

[0118] This embodiment relates to the derivation of traffic patterns. A second network function (e.g., UPF) can derive the traffic pattern based on information related to the data stream provided by a first network function (e.g., SMF). The second network function can report the traffic pattern to the first network function.

[0119] The disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, modules, and functional operations described in this application, can be implemented in digital electronic circuits, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware (including the structures disclosed in this application and their equivalents), or in a combination of one or more of them. The disclosed and other embodiments can be implemented as one or more computer program products (i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer-readable medium) for execution by a data processing apparatus or for controlling the operation of a data processing apparatus. The computer-readable medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a storage device, a composition influencing machine-readable propagation signals, or a combination of one or more of them. The term "data processing apparatus" covers all means, devices, and machines for processing data, including, for example, a programmable processor, a computer, or a plurality of processors or computers. In addition to hardware, the apparatus may also include code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question, for example, code constituting processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of one or more of them. Propagation signals are artificially generated signals, such as machine-generated electrical signals, optical signals, or electromagnetic signals, which are generated to encode information for transmission to a suitable receiving device.

[0120] Computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, scripts, or code) can be written in any programming language (including compiled or interpreted languages) and can be deployed in any form, including as standalone programs or as modules, components, subroutines, or other units suitable for a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. A program may be stored as part of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple co-located files (e.g., a file storing one or more modules, subroutines, or code sections). A computer program can be deployed to execute on a single computer, or on multiple computers located in one location or distributed across multiple locations and interconnected by a communication network.

[0121] The processes and logic flows described in this application can be executed by one or more programmable processors, which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by processing input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be executed using dedicated logic circuits, and the apparatus can also be implemented as dedicated logic circuits, such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits).

[0122] Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, for example, general-purpose microprocessors and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors including any kind of digital computer. Typically, a processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The basic components of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to, one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, to receive data from or send data to, or both of these mass storage devices. However, a computer does not need to have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include various forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM optical disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented or incorporated into special-purpose logic circuitry.

[0123] While this patent application contains numerous details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any invention or the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be characteristic of particular embodiments of a particular invention. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments of this patent application may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually in multiple embodiments or in any suitable sub-combination. Furthermore, although the foregoing features may be described as functioning in certain combinations, or even originally claimed in this way, in some cases one or more features from said combination may be removed from that combination, and said combination may involve sub-combinations or variations thereof.

[0124] Similarly, although operations are described in a specific order in the accompanying drawings, this should not be construed as requiring these operations to be performed in the specific order or sequential order shown, or requiring all of the shown operations to obtain the desired result. Furthermore, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described in this patent application should not be construed as requiring such separation in all embodiments.

[0125] Only some implementation methods and examples are described, and other implementation methods, enhancements and variations can be made based on the content described and illustrated in this patent application.

Claims

1. A method for data communication, comprising: A first network function sends a first message to a second network function, the first message including an instruction instructing the second network function to calculate a traffic pattern related to the data stream, wherein the second network function is configured to derive the traffic pattern based on the instruction related to the data stream included in the first message. The first network function includes a Session Management Function (SMF), and The second network function includes User Plane Function (UPF); and The first network function receives a second message from the second network function, the second message including the traffic pattern. The traffic pattern includes at least one of the following: burst arrival time, period, traffic direction, and traffic jitter of the data stream.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The first network function receives a session management policy association modification message, including monitoring rules, from the policy control function, which is configured to receive service information from the application function.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The first network function calculates Time Sensitive Network (TSN) communication TSC Auxiliary Information (TSCAI) based on the derived traffic pattern received in the second message; as well as The calculated TSCAI is forwarded to the wireless access node by the first network function.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The first network function sends the traffic pattern information from the exported traffic pattern to the policy control function, wherein the policy control function is configured to forward the exported traffic pattern to the application function, and wherein the traffic pattern information includes any one of burst arrival time, period, and traffic jitter.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The first network function receives a report of the arrival time of data packets from the second network function; as well as The first network function calculates the traffic pattern based on the reported arrival time.

6. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The TSCAI includes any one of burst arrival time, period, traffic direction, and traffic jitter.

7. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: The first network function establishes a new Quality of Service (QoS) flow based on the calculated TSCAI.

8. A method for data communication, comprising: The user plane function receives a first message from the session management function, the first message including an instruction instructing the user plane function to calculate a traffic pattern related to the data stream; The user plane function calculates the traffic pattern based on the indications related to the data stream included in the first message; as well as The user plane function sends a second message to the session management function, the second message including the calculated traffic pattern. The traffic pattern includes at least one of the following: burst arrival time, period, traffic direction, and traffic jitter of the data stream.

9. A wireless communication device comprising a processor configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having code stored thereon, said code, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 8.