Data transmission method and device

Abstract

The present application provides a method and apparatus for data transmission, the method comprising: a terminal device sends first indication information to a network device via a first communication path, the first indication information being used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path or the second communication path, the first QoS flow being used to transmit data of the terminal device; the terminal device receives first resource configuration information, the first resource configuration information being used to configure access network resources for the first QoS flow, wherein the first communication path is a direct path and the second communication path is an indirect path; or the first communication path is an indirect path and the second communication path is a direct path. In this method, through the indication of the terminal device and the configuration of the first access network device, the first QoS flow can be established on the first communication path or the second communication path, thereby avoiding the use of a fixed communication path to transmit service data and dynamically meeting service transmission requirements.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on November 22, 2021, with application number 202111383206.3 and application name “A Method for Data Transmission”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for data transmission. Background Art

[0003] User equipment (UE) can communicate with a data network (DN) through two paths. One is a direct path, where the UE directly accesses a carrier network (e.g., a base station) and communicates with the DN through the carrier network. The other is an indirect path, where the UE accesses the carrier network through a relay device and then communicates with the DN through the carrier network.

[0004] In the prior art, user equipment uses a fixed path (direct path or indirect path) to transmit service data, which cannot dynamically meet service transmission requirements, such as latency, communication quality, or communication capacity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a method and apparatus for data transmission, which diversify the transmission paths between a terminal device and a data network and can dynamically meet the needs of business transmission.

[0006] In a first aspect, a data transmission method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device, or by a chip or circuit configured in the terminal device, which is not limited in this application. The following description takes the execution by the terminal device as an example.

[0007] The method includes: a terminal device sends a first request message to a network device via a first communication path, the first request message including first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate establishment of a first quality of service (QoS) flow on the first communication path or the second communication path, the first QoS flow being used to transmit data of the terminal device; the terminal device receives first resource configuration information, the first resource configuration information being used to configure access network resources for the first QoS flow, wherein the first communication path is a direct path and the second communication path is an indirect path; or, the first communication path is an indirect path and the second communication path is a direct path.

[0008] According to the above solution, the terminal device can send first indication information to the network device via the first communication path, instructing the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path or the second communication path. The first access network device sends first resource configuration information to the terminal device via the first communication path to configure the access network resources for the first QoS flow. The first resource configuration information is determined based on the first indication information and the first QoS configuration information. In this method, the first QoS flow can be established on the first communication path or the second communication path through the indication of the terminal device and the configuration of the first access network device, avoiding the use of a fixed communication path to transmit service data and dynamically meeting the needs of service transmission.

[0009] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on a first communication path, and the method also includes: the terminal device sends a second request message to the network device through the first communication path, the second request message includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a second QoS flow on the second communication path, and the second QoS flow is used to transmit data of the terminal device; the terminal device receives second resource configuration information, and the second resource configuration information is used to configure access network resources for the second QoS flow.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on a first communication path, and the method also includes: the terminal device sends a third request message to the network device through the first communication path, the third request message including third indication information and QoS flow identification information of the third QoS flow, the third indication information being used to indicate the transfer of the third QoS flow to the second communication path, the third QoS flow being at least one of the first QoS flows; the terminal device receives third resource configuration information, and the third resource configuration information is used to configure access network resources for the third QoS flow.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the third resource configuration information is specifically used to: allocate access network resources for the third QoS flow in the second communication path; and delete access network resources for the third QoS flow in the first communication path.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the third resource configuration information is specifically used to allocate access network resources for the third QoS flow in the second communication path. The method also includes: the terminal device receives fourth configuration information, and the fourth configuration information is used to delete the access network resources for the third QoS flow in the first communication path.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first request message further includes fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate a session management function device that supports multipath.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first communication path is a path that directly connects the terminal device to the first access network device, and the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first communication path is a path that directly connects the terminal device to the first access network device, and the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the second communication path. The method also includes: the terminal device sends the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device, the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device is used to determine the access network device of the first relay terminal device, and the devices of the second communication path include the first relay terminal device.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the terminal device sends the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device, including: the terminal device sends a first measurement report to the first access network device, the first measurement report including the cell identifier of at least one relay terminal device and the proximity service communication PC5 signal strength of at least one relay terminal device, the at least one relay terminal device including the first relay terminal device, and the PC5 signal strength of the at least one relay terminal device is used to determine the first relay terminal device; or, the terminal device sends a radio resource control RRC message to the first access network device, the RRC message including the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device; or, the first request message includes the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the access network device of the first relay terminal device is the first access network device, the second communication path is the path for the terminal device to connect to the first access network device through the first relay terminal device, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the access network device of the first relay terminal device is a second access network device, the second communication path is a path for the terminal device to connect to the second access network device through the first relay terminal device, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the second access network device.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first communication path is a path for the terminal device to connect to the first access network device through the first relay terminal device, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device.

[0020] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first communication path is a path for the terminal device to connect to the first access network device through the first relay terminal device, and the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the second communication path. The method also includes: the terminal device sends a second measurement report to the first access network device, and the second measurement report includes the cell signal strength of the cell where the terminal device can reside, and the cell signal strength is used to determine the access network device of the terminal device.

[0021] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the access network device of the terminal device is a first access network device, the second communication path is a path directly connecting the terminal device to the first access network device, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device.

[0022] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the access network device of the terminal device is a second access network device, the second communication path is a path directly connecting the terminal device to the second access network device, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the second access network device.

[0023] In a second aspect, a data transmission method is provided. The method can be executed by a first access network device, or by a chip or circuit configured in the first access network device, although this application does not limit this. The following description uses the first access network device as an example.

[0024] The method includes: a first access network device receives first indication information and first quality of service (QoS) configuration information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on a first communication path or a second communication path, and the first QoS configuration information is used to determine the access network resources of the first QoS flow, and the first QoS flow is used to transmit data of a terminal device; the first access network device sends first resource configuration information to the terminal device via the first communication path, and the first resource configuration information is determined based on the first indication information and the first QoS configuration information, and the first resource configuration information is used to configure the access network resources of the first QoS flow; wherein the first communication path is a direct path, and the second communication path is an indirect path; or, the first communication path is an indirect path, and the second communication path is a direct path.

[0025] According to the above solution, the terminal device can send first indication information to the network device via the first communication path, instructing the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path or the second communication path. The first access network device sends first resource configuration information to the terminal device via the first communication path to configure the access network resources for the first QoS flow. The first resource configuration information is determined based on the first indication information and the first QoS configuration information. In this method, the first QoS flow can be established on the first communication path or the second communication path through the indication of the terminal device and the configuration of the first access network device, avoiding the use of a fixed communication path to transmit service data and dynamically meeting the needs of service transmission.

[0026] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on a first communication path, and the method also includes: the first access network device receives second indication information and second QoS configuration information, the second indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a second QoS flow on the second communication path, the second QoS configuration information is used to determine the access network resources of the second QoS flow, and the second QoS flow is used to transmit data of the terminal device; the first access network device sends second resource configuration information to the terminal device through the first communication path, the second resource configuration information is determined based on the second indication information and the second QoS configuration information, and the second resource configuration information is used to configure the access network resources of the second QoS flow.

[0027] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on a first communication path, and the method also includes: the first access network device receives third indication information, third QoS configuration information and QoS flow identification information of the third QoS flow, the third indication information is used to indicate the transfer of the third QoS flow to the second communication path, the third QoS configuration information is used to determine the access network resources of the first QoS flow, and the third QoS flow is at least one of the first QoS flows; the first access network device sends third resource configuration information to the terminal device through the first communication path, the third resource configuration information is determined based on the third indication information and the third QoS configuration information, and the third resource configuration information is used to configure the access network resources of the third QoS flow.

[0028] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the third resource configuration information is specifically used to: allocate access network resources for the third QoS flow in the second communication path; and delete access network resources for the third QoS flow in the first communication path.

[0029] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the third resource configuration information is specifically used to allocate access network resources for the third QoS flow on the second communication path. The method also includes: the first access network device sends fourth configuration information, and the fourth configuration information is used to delete the access network resources for the third QoS flow on the first communication path.

[0030] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first communication path is a path that directly connects the terminal device to the first access network device, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device.

[0031] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first communication path is a path that directly connects the terminal device to the first access network device, and the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the second communication path. The method also includes: the first access network device obtains the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device, and the devices of the second communication path include the first relay terminal device; the first access network device determines the access network device of the first relay terminal device based on the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device.

[0032] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first access network device obtains the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device, including: the first access network device determines the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device and the first relay terminal device based on the proximity service communication PC5 signal strength of at least one relay terminal device; or, the first access network device receives a radio resource control RRC message from the terminal device, the RRC message includes the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device; or, the first access network device receives a first message from a first session management function device or an access and mobility management function device, the first message including the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device.

[0033] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the access network device of the first relay terminal device is the first access network device, the second communication path is the path for the terminal device to connect to the first access network device through the first relay terminal device, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the proximity service communication PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device.

[0034] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method also includes: the first access network device sends fifth resource configuration information to the first relay terminal device, the fifth resource configuration information including configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the first relay terminal device and the first access network device.

[0035] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the access network device of the first relay terminal device is a second access network device, the second communication path is a path for the terminal device to connect to the second access network device through the first relay terminal device, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the second access network device.

[0036] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method also includes: the first access network device sends a second message to the second access network device, the second message includes first QoS configuration information; the first access network device receives the first resource configuration information from the second access network device.

[0037] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second message also includes identification information of the terminal device.

[0038] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the second access network device is used to send sixth resource configuration information to the first relay terminal device, and the sixth resource configuration information includes configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the first relay terminal device and the second access network device.

[0039] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first communication path is a path for the terminal device to connect to the first access network device through the first relay terminal device, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device.

[0040] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first communication path is a path for the terminal device to connect to the first access network device through the first relay terminal device, and the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the second communication path. The method also includes: the first access network device determines the access network device of the terminal device based on the cell signal strength of the cell where the terminal device can reside.

[0041] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the access network device of the terminal device is a first access network device, the second communication path is a path directly connecting the terminal device to the first access network device, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal and the first access network device.

[0042] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the access network device of the terminal device is a second access network device, the second communication path is a path directly connecting the terminal device to the second access network device, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the second access network device.

[0043] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method also includes: the first access network device sends a third message to the second access network device, the third message includes first QoS configuration information; the first access network device receives the first resource configuration information from the second access network device.

[0044] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the third message also includes identification information of the terminal device.

[0045] In a third aspect, a data transmission method is provided. This method can be performed by an access and mobility management function device, or by a chip or circuit configured in the access and mobility management function device, although this application does not limit this. The following description uses the access and mobility management function device as an example.

[0046] The access and mobility management function device receives a first request message, which includes fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate the session management function device that supports multi-path communication; the access and mobility management function device determines the first session management function device based on the fourth indication information, and the first session management function device supports multi-path communication.

[0047] According to the above solution, the access and mobility management function device can receive the first request message and, based on the fourth indication information in the first request message, determine a first session management function device that supports multipath communication. In this method, the first session management function device determined by the access and mobility management function is capable of supporting multipath communication, so that the first session management function device, the first access network device, and the terminal device jointly establish a first QoS flow over the first communication path or the second communication path, avoiding the use of a fixed communication path to transmit service data and dynamically meeting service transmission requirements.

[0048] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the first session management function device is used to determine first QoS configuration information, the first QoS configuration information is used to determine first resource configuration information, the first resource configuration information is used to configure access network resources for a first QoS flow, and the first QoS flow is used to transmit data of a terminal device.

[0049] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: the access and mobility management function device sending the first request message to the first session management function device.

[0050] In a fourth aspect, a data transmission method is provided. This method can be performed by a first session management function device, or by a chip or circuit configured in the first session management function device, although this application does not limit this. The following description uses the first session management function device as an example.

[0051] The first session management function device receives a first request message, which includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first quality of service (QoS) flow on the first communication path or the second communication path, and the first QoS flow is used to transmit data of the terminal device; the first session management function device generates first QoS configuration information according to the first request message, and the first QoS configuration information is used to determine first resource configuration information, and the first resource configuration information is used to configure access network resources of the first QoS flow, wherein the first communication path is a direct path and the second communication path is an indirect path; or, the first communication path is an indirect path and the second communication path is a direct path.

[0052] According to the above solution, the first session management function device can receive a first request message and determine first QoS configuration information based on the first indication information in the first request message. The first QoS configuration information is used to determine first resource configuration information, which is used to configure access network resources for a first QoS flow used to transmit data from a terminal device. In this method, the first session management function device, the first access network device, and the terminal device jointly establish the first QoS flow over the first communication path or the second communication path, avoiding the use of a fixed communication path to transmit service data and enabling dynamic service transmission requirements.

[0053] In combination with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: the first session management function device sends first QoS configuration information to the first access network device.

[0054] In a fifth aspect, a device for data transmission is provided. The device may be a terminal device, or may be a chip or circuit configured in the terminal device, which is not limited in this application.

[0055] The device includes: a transceiver unit, used to send a first request message to a network device, the first request message including first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate establishing a first quality of service (QoS) flow on a first communication path or a second communication path, the first QoS flow being used to transmit data of the device; the transceiver unit is also used to: receive first resource configuration information, the first resource configuration information being used to configure access network resources for the first QoS flow, wherein the first communication path is a direct path and the second communication path is an indirect path; or, the first communication path is an indirect path and the second communication path is a direct path.

[0056] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on a first communication path, and the transceiver unit is also used to: send a second request message to the network device through the first communication path, the second request message including second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a second QoS flow on the second communication path, and the second QoS flow is used to transmit data of the device; the transceiver unit is also used to: receive second resource configuration information, and the second resource configuration information is used to configure access network resources for the second QoS flow.

[0057] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path, and the transceiver unit is also used to: send a third request message to the network device through the first communication path, the third request message including third indication information and QoS flow identification information of the third QoS flow, the third indication information is used to indicate the transfer of the third QoS flow to the second communication path, the third QoS flow being at least one of the first QoS flows; the transceiver unit is also used to: receive third resource configuration information, the third resource configuration information being used to configure access network resources for the third QoS flow.

[0058] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the third resource configuration information is specifically used to: allocate access network resources for the third QoS flow in the second communication path; and delete access network resources for the third QoS flow in the first communication path.

[0059] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the third resource configuration information is specifically used to allocate access network resources for the third QoS flow in the second communication path, and the transceiver unit is also used to: receive fourth configuration information, which is used to delete the access network resources for the third QoS flow in the first communication path.

[0060] In combination with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the first request message also includes fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate a session management function device that supports multi-path.

[0061] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the first communication path is a path that directly connects the device to the first access network device, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the device and the first access network device.

[0062] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the first communication path is a path that directly connects the device to the first access network device, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the second communication path, and the transceiver unit is also used to: send the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device, the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device is used to determine the access network device of the first relay terminal device, and the device of the second communication path includes the first relay terminal device.

[0063] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is specifically used to: send a first measurement report to the first access network device, the first measurement report including the cell identifier of at least one relay terminal device and the proximity service communication PC5 signal strength of at least one relay terminal device, the at least one relay terminal device including the first relay terminal device, and the PC5 signal strength of the at least one relay terminal device is used to determine the first relay terminal device; or, send a radio resource control RRC message to the first access network device, the RRC message including the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device; or, the first request message includes the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device.

[0064] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the access network device of the first relay terminal device is the first access network device, the second communication path is the path through which the device connects to the first access network device through the first relay terminal device, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the PC5 interface between the device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the device and the first access network device.

[0065] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the access network device of the first relay terminal device is the second access network device, the second communication path is the path for the device to connect to the second access network device through the first relay terminal device, and the first resource configuration information includes the configuration information of the PC5 interface between the device and the first relay terminal device, and the configuration information of the Uu interface between the device and the second access network device.

[0066] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the first communication path is a path for the device to connect to the first access network device through a first relay terminal device, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the PC5 interface between the device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the device and the first access network device.

[0067] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the first communication path is a path for the device to connect to the first access network device through a first relay terminal device, and the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the second communication path. The transceiver unit is also used to: send a second measurement report to the first access network device, and the second measurement report includes the cell signal strength of the cell where the device can reside, and the cell signal strength is used to determine the access network device of the device.

[0068] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the access network device of the device is a first access network device, the second communication path is a path directly connecting the device to the first access network device, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the device and the first access network device.

[0069] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the access network device of the device is a second access network device, the second communication path is a path directly connecting the device to the second access network device, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the device and the second access network device.

[0070] In a sixth aspect, a data transmission device is provided. The device may be a first access network device, or may be a chip or circuit configured in the first access network device. This application does not limit this.

[0071] The device includes: a transceiver unit, used to receive first indication information and first quality of service QoS configuration information, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on a first communication path or a second communication path, the first QoS configuration information is used to determine the access network resources of the first QoS flow, and the first QoS flow is used to transmit data of a terminal device; the transceiver unit is also used to: send first resource configuration information to the terminal device via the first communication path, the first resource configuration information is determined based on the first indication information and the first QoS configuration information, and the first resource configuration information is used to configure the access network resources of the first QoS flow; wherein the first communication path is a direct path and the second communication path is an indirect path; or, the first communication path is an indirect path and the second communication path is a direct path.

[0072] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path, and the transceiver unit is also used to: receive second indication information and second QoS configuration information, the second indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a second QoS flow on the second communication path, the second QoS configuration information is used to determine the access network resources of the second QoS flow, and the second QoS flow is used to transmit data of the terminal device; the transceiver unit is also used to: send second resource configuration information to the terminal device through the first communication path, the second resource configuration information is determined based on the second indication information and the second QoS configuration information, and the second resource configuration information is used to configure the access network resources of the second QoS flow.

[0073] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path, and the transceiver unit is also used to: receive third indication information, third QoS configuration information and QoS flow identification information of the third QoS flow, the third indication information is used to indicate the transfer of the third QoS flow to the second communication path, the third QoS configuration information is used to determine the access network resources of the first QoS flow, and the third QoS flow is at least one of the first QoS flows; the transceiver unit is also used to: send third resource configuration information to the terminal device through the first communication path, the third resource configuration information is determined based on the third indication information and the third QoS configuration information, and the third resource configuration information is used to configure the access network resources of the third QoS flow.

[0074] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the third resource configuration information is specifically used to: allocate access network resources for the third QoS flow in the second communication path; and delete access network resources for the third QoS flow in the first communication path.

[0075] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the third resource configuration information is specifically used to allocate access network resources for the third QoS flow on the second communication path, and the transceiver unit is also used to: send fourth configuration information, which is used to delete the access network resources for the third QoS flow on the first communication path.

[0076] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the first communication path is a path directly connecting the terminal device to the device, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the device.

[0077] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the first communication path is a path directly connecting the terminal device to the apparatus, and the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the second communication path. The apparatus also includes: a processing unit for obtaining a cell identifier of a first relay terminal device, and the device of the second communication path includes a first relay terminal device; and determining an access network device of the first relay terminal device based on the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device.

[0078] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the processing unit is specifically used to: determine the first relay terminal device and the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device based on the proximity service communication PC5 signal strength of at least one relay terminal device; or, receive a radio resource control RRC message from the terminal device, the RRC message including the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device; or, receive a first message from a first session management function device or an access and mobility management function device, the first message including the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device.

[0079] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the access network device of the first relay terminal device is the device, the second communication path is the path for the terminal device to connect to the device through the first relay terminal device, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the proximity service communication PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the device.

[0080] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to: send fifth resource configuration information to the first relay terminal device, the fifth resource configuration information including configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the first relay terminal device and the first access network device.

[0081] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the access network device of the first relay terminal device is the second access network device, the second communication path is the path for the terminal device to connect to the second access network device through the first relay terminal device, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the second access network device.

[0082] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to: send a second message to the second access network device, the second message including the first QoS configuration information; and receive the first resource configuration information from the second access network device.

[0083] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the second access network device is used to send sixth resource configuration information to the first relay terminal device, and the sixth resource configuration information includes configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the first relay terminal device and the second access network device.

[0084] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the first communication path is a path for the terminal device to connect to the device through a first relay terminal device, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the device.

[0085] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the first communication path is a path for the terminal device to connect to the device through a first relay terminal device, and the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the second communication path. The device also includes a processing unit for determining the access network device of the terminal device based on the cell signal strength of the cell where the terminal device can reside.

[0086] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the access network device of the terminal device is the apparatus, the second communication path is the path directly connecting the terminal device to the apparatus, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal and the apparatus.

[0087] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the access network device of the terminal device is a second access network device, the second communication path is a path directly connecting the terminal device to the second access network device, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the second access network device.

[0088] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to: send a third message to the second access network device, the third message including the first QoS configuration information; and receive the first resource configuration information from the second access network device.

[0089] In the seventh aspect, a data transmission device is provided. The device may be an access and mobility management function device, or may be a chip or circuit configured in the access and mobility management function device. This application does not limit this.

[0090] The device includes: a transceiver unit for receiving a first request message, the first request message including fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate a session management function device that supports multipath communication; and a processing unit for determining a first session management function device based on the fourth indication information, the first session management function device supporting multipath communication.

[0091] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the device is used to determine first QoS configuration information, the first QoS configuration information is used to determine first resource configuration information, the first resource configuration information is used to configure access network resources for a first QoS flow, and the first QoS flow is used to transmit data of a terminal device.

[0092] In combination with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to: send the first request message to the first session management function device.

[0093] In an eighth aspect, a data transmission device is provided. The device may be a first session management function device, or may be a chip or circuit configured in the first session management function device. This application does not limit this.

[0094] The device includes: a transceiver unit, used to receive a first request message, the first request message including first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate establishment of a first quality of service (QoS) flow on a first communication path or a second communication path, the first QoS flow being used to transmit data of a terminal device; a processing unit, used to generate first QoS configuration information based on the first request message, the first QoS configuration information being used to determine first resource configuration information, the first resource configuration information being used to configure access network resources of the first QoS flow, wherein the first communication path is a direct path and the second communication path is an indirect path; or, the first communication path is an indirect path and the second communication path is a direct path.

[0095] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to: send first QoS configuration information to the first access network device.

[0096] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a processor for executing the methods provided in the above aspects.

[0097] For the operations such as sending and acquiring / receiving involved in the processor, unless otherwise specified, or if they do not conflict with their actual functions or internal logic in the relevant descriptions, they can be understood as processor output, reception, input and other operations, and can also be understood as sending and receiving operations performed by the radio frequency circuit and antenna. This application does not limit this.

[0098] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device comprising: a memory for storing programs; and at least one processor for executing computer programs or instructions stored in the memory to execute the method provided in any one of the above aspects or its implementation.

[0099] In one implementation, the apparatus is a terminal device, a first access network device, an access and mobility management function device, or a first session management function device.

[0100] In another implementation, the apparatus is a chip, a chip system, or a circuit used in a terminal device, a first access network device, an access and mobility management function device, or a first session management function device.

[0101] In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a program code for execution by a device, wherein the program code includes a method for executing any one of the above aspects or its implementation.

[0102] In a twelfth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method provided by any one of the above aspects or its implementation.

[0103] In the thirteenth aspect, the present application provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions stored in the memory through the communication interface and executes the method provided by any one of the above aspects or its implementation method.

[0104] Optionally, as an implementation method, the chip also includes a memory, in which a computer program or instruction is stored, and the processor is used to execute the computer program or instruction stored in the memory. When the computer program or instruction is executed, the processor is used to execute the method provided by any of the above aspects or its implementation methods.

[0105] In a fourteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, comprising the above-mentioned terminal device, the first access network device, the access and mobility management function device and / or the first session management function device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0106] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0107] Figure 2 This is another schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0108] Figure 3 A protocol stack architecture for user plane data transmission by a remote UE via an indirect path is shown.

[0109] Figure 4 The diagram shows a schematic flow chart of a remote UE transmitting user plane data using an indirect path transmission mode.

[0110] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a data transmission method 500 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0111] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of a data transmission method 600 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0112] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing changes in the transmission path of data of a remote UE after applying the method 600 of the present application is shown.

[0113] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of a data transmission method 800 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0114] Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing changes in the transmission path of data of a remote UE after applying the method 800 of the present application is shown.

[0115] Figure 10 1 is a schematic diagram of a data transmission method 1000 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0116] Figure 11 A schematic diagram showing changes in the transmission path of data of a remote UE after applying the method 1000 of the present application is shown.

[0117] Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram of a data transmission method 1200 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0118] Figure 13 A schematic diagram showing changes in the transmission path of data of a remote UE after applying the method 1200 of the present application is shown.

[0119] Figure 14 It is a schematic diagram of a data transmission method 1400 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0120] Figure 15 A schematic diagram showing changes in the transmission path of data of a remote UE after applying the method 1400 of the present application is shown.

[0121] Figure 16 It is a schematic diagram of a data transmission method 1600 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0122] Figure 17 A schematic diagram showing changes in the transmission path of data of a remote UE after applying the method 1600 of the present application is shown.

[0123] Figure 18 It is a schematic diagram of a data transmission method 1800 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0124] Figure 19 A schematic diagram showing changes in the transmission path of data of a remote UE after applying the method 1800 of the present application is shown.

[0125] Figure 20 It is a schematic diagram of a data transmission method 2000 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0126] Figure 21 A schematic diagram showing changes in the transmission path of data of a remote UE after applying the method 2000 of the present application is shown.

[0127] Figure 22 A schematic diagram of a data transmission device 2200 provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0128] Figure 23 A schematic diagram of a data transmission device 2300 provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0129] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0130] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: fifth generation (5G) or new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, etc. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as the sixth generation mobile communication system. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to device to device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine to machine (M2M) communication, machine type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems or other communication systems.

[0131] First, a brief introduction to the network architecture applicable to this application is as follows.

[0132] As an example, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network architecture is shown.

[0133] like Figure 1 As shown, the network architecture 100 takes the 5G system (5GS) as an example. The network architecture may include but is not limited to: network slice selection function (NSSF), authentication server function (AUSF), unified data management (UDM), network exposure function (NEF), network storage function (NF repository function, NRF), policy control function (PCF), application function (AF), access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), user equipment (UE), radio access network equipment, user plane function (UPF), and data network (DN).

[0134] Among them, DN can be the Internet; NSSF, AUSF, UDM, NEF, NRF, PCF, AF, AMF, SMF, UPF belong to the network elements in the core network. Figure 1 Taking the 5G system as an example, the core network can be called the 5G core network (5G core network, 5GC or 5GCN).

[0135] Below Figure 1 A brief introduction is given to each network element shown in FIG.

[0136] 1.UE (including Figure 1 UE1 and UE2 in ): can be called terminal equipment, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user equipment.

[0137] The terminal device can be a device that provides voice / data to users, for example, a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with a wireless connection function. At present, some examples of terminals are: mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks or future evolved public land mobile communication networks (PLMNs). The terminal equipment in the network (PLMN), etc., is not limited to this in the embodiments of the present application.

[0138] As an example and not a limitation, in the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device may also be a wearable device. Wearable devices may also be called wearable smart devices, which are a general term for wearable devices that are intelligently designed and developed using wearable technology for daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. A wearable device is a portable device that is worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories. Wearable devices are not only hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are fully functional, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on smartphones, such as smart watches or smart glasses, as well as those that only focus on a certain type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0139] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in an IoT system. IoT is an important part of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and object-to-object interconnection.

[0140] It should be noted that the terminal device and the access network device can communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology (such as NR or LTE technology). The terminal devices can also communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology (such as NR or LTE technology).

[0141] In the embodiments of the present application, the device for implementing the function of the terminal device can be the terminal device, or it can be a device that can support the terminal device to implement the function, such as a chip system or chip, which can be installed in the terminal device. In the embodiments of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0142] 2. (Radio) Access Network (R)AN) equipment: This equipment provides access to the communications network for authorized users in a specific area. Specifically, it can include wireless network equipment in 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) networks as well as access points in non-3GPP networks. For ease of description, the term "AN" is used below.

[0143] AN equipment can adopt different wireless access technologies. There are currently two types of wireless access technologies: 3GPP access technology (for example, the wireless access technology used in the third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G) or 5G systems) and non-3GPP (non-3GPP) access technology. 3GPP access technology refers to access technology that complies with 3GPP standard specifications. For example, the access network equipment in the 5G system is called the next generation base station node (gNB) or the next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) equipment. Non-3GPP access technologies may include air interface technologies represented by access points (APs) in wireless fidelity (WiFi), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), code division multiple access (CDMA), etc. AN equipment can allow terminal devices and the 3GPP core network to interconnect and communicate using non-3GPP technologies.

[0144] AN equipment is responsible for radio resource management, quality of service (QoS) management, data compression and encryption, etc. on the air interface side. AN equipment provides access services to terminal devices and forwards control signals and user data between terminal devices and the core network.

[0145] AN equipment may include, for example, but is not limited to: a macro base station, a micro base station (also known as a small station), a radio network controller (RNC), a node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (e.g., home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), an AP in a WiFi system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission point (TP) or a transmission and reception point (TRP), etc. It may also be a gNB or transmission point (TRP or TP) in a 5G (e.g., NR) system, one or a group (including multiple antenna panels) of antenna panels of a base station in a 5G system, or a network node constituting a gNB or transmission point, such as a distributed unit (DU), or a base station in a next-generation communication 6G system. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the AN equipment.

[0146] 3. AMF: Mainly used for access control, mobility management, attachment and detachment functions.

[0147] 4. SMF: Mainly used for user-plane network element selection, user-plane network element redirection, Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation for terminal devices, as well as session establishment, modification and release and QoS control.

[0148] 5. UPF: Mainly responsible for receiving and forwarding user plane data. For example, the UPF can receive user plane data from the DN and send it to the terminal device through the AN device. The UPF can also receive user plane data from the terminal device through the AN device and forward it to the DN.

[0149] 6. NEF: Mainly used to securely open the services and capabilities provided by 3GPP network functions to the outside world.

[0150] 7. PCF: A unified policy framework mainly used to guide network behavior and provide policy rule information for control plane network elements (such as AMF, SMF, etc.).

[0151] 8. AF: Mainly used to provide services to the 3GPP network, such as interacting with the PCF for policy control.

[0152] 9. Network slice selection function (NSSF): mainly used for network slice selection.

[0153] 10. UDM: Mainly used for UE contract data management, including storage and management of UE identification, UE access authorization, etc.

[0154] 11. DN: Operator network mainly used to provide data services to UE, such as the Internet, third-party service networks, and IP Multimedia Service (IMS) networks.

[0155] 12. AUSF: Mainly used for user authentication, etc.

[0156] 13. NRF: Mainly used to store description information of network functional entities and the services they provide.

[0157] exist Figure 1 In the network architecture shown, each network element can communicate with each other through interfaces. For example, UE2 is connected to the AN device through the radio resource control (RRC) protocol, and the UE and AN device communicate using the Uu interface. UE1 and UE2 communicate using the PC5 interface, which can be used for mutual discovery between UEs and for data and signaling transmission between UEs. In addition, Figure 1 In the figure, N1 is the interface between UE2 and AMF, N2 is the interface between (R)AN and AMF, which is used for sending non-access stratum (NAS) messages, etc.; N3 is the interface between RAN and UPF, which is used for transmitting user plane data, etc.; N4 is the interface between SMF and UPF, which is used to transmit information such as tunnel identification information of N3 connection, data cache indication information, and downlink data notification messages; N6 interface is the interface between UPF and DN, which is used for transmitting user plane data, etc., and N11 interface is the interface between AMF and SMF.

[0158] It should be understood that the network architecture shown above is only an exemplary illustration, and the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application is not limited to this. Any network architecture that can realize the functions of the above-mentioned network elements is applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

[0159] It should also be understood that Figure 1The AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, UDM, NSSF, AUSF and other functions or network elements shown in the specification can be understood as network elements used to implement different functions, for example, they can be combined into network slices as needed. These network elements can be independent devices, or they can be integrated into the same device to implement different functions, or they can be network elements in hardware devices, or they can be software functions running on dedicated hardware, or they can be virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (for example, a cloud platform). This application does not limit the specific form of the above network elements.

[0160] It should also be understood that the above naming is defined only to facilitate the distinction between different functions and should not constitute any limitation to this application. This application does not exclude the possibility of adopting other naming in 6G networks and other future networks. For example, in a 6G network, some or all of the above network elements may continue to use the terminology used in 5G, or may adopt other names.

[0161] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, a brief explanation of the terms involved in the present application is given.

[0162] 1. Direct path: The terminal device directly connects to the access network device. That is, in this direct path, the terminal device and the access network device establish a direct connection and communicate directly without going through other devices (for example, relay devices).

[0163] It should be understood that in a direct connection path, after the terminal device directly accesses the access network device, data is transmitted with the data network through the access network device and the core network device.

[0164] A direct path may also be called a direct link.

[0165] 2. Indirect path: A terminal device accesses an access network device through a relay device. In this indirect path, a connection is established and communication is conducted between the terminal device and the access network device via one or more relay devices. For example, the relay device is a relay UE, and the terminal device is a remote UE. In this case, the remote UE establishes a connection with the relay UE, and the relay UE establishes a connection with the RAN. Thus, the remote UE can establish a connection with the RAN through the relay UE.

[0166] It should be understood that in a non-direct connection path, after the terminal device accesses the access network device through the relay device, data is transmitted with the data network through the relay device, the access network device and the core network device.

[0167] It should be noted that in a non-direct connection path, the connection method between the terminal device and the relay device can be a connection method in 3GPP, such as proximity-based services communication 5 (PC5) connection, or a connection method in a short-range communication technology, such as Bluetooth connection, WiFi connection, etc. In addition, when a non-direct connection path includes multiple relay devices, the connection method between the terminal device and the relay device can be the same as or different from the connection method between any two relay devices.

[0168] An indirect path may also be called an indirect link.

[0169] 3. Protocol Data Unit (PDU) Session: The 5G core network (5GC) supports PDU connection services. PDU connection services refer to the exchange of PDU data packets between terminal devices and DNs. PDU connection services are implemented by the terminal device initiating the establishment of a PDU session. Once a PDU session is established, a data transmission channel is established between the terminal device and the DN. In other words, PDU sessions are at the UE level. Each terminal device can establish one or more PDU sessions.

[0170] As mentioned above, the SMF is mainly responsible for session management in the mobile network. PDU sessions can be established, modified, or released between the terminal device and the SMF through NAS session management (SM) signaling.

[0171] In the embodiment of the present application, a PDU session can be identified by a PDU session identifier (PDU session identifier, PDU session ID).

[0172] 4. Quality of Service (QoS) Flow: The granularity of QoS differentiation within a PDU session. A QoS flow identifier (QFI) can be used to identify a QoS flow. A PDU session can include multiple QoS flows, and the QFI for each QoS flow is different. In other words, a QFI can be unique within a PDU session.

[0173] Furthermore, a QoS flow corresponding to a service can refer to the QoS flow used to transmit data for that service. For example, when data for that service is transmitted via a QoS flow in a PDU, that QoS flow can be referred to as the QoS flow corresponding to that service. A service carried by a QoS flow can refer to a service transmitted via that QoS flow.

[0174] Furthermore, the QoS requirement of a QoS flow refers to the conditions that the QoS parameters corresponding to the QoS flow must meet. QoS parameters may include, but are not limited to, rate, latency, packet loss rate, priority, reliability, etc. For example, the QoS requirement corresponding to a QoS flow is that the rate in the QoS parameters corresponding to the QoS flow must meet 7 megabits per second (Mbps), i.e., greater than or equal to 7 Mbps.

[0175] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another network architecture is shown. Figure 2 As shown, the network architecture 200 is in Figure 1 Based on the architecture 100 shown, the 3GPP standard provides a solution for a UE (e.g., a remote UE) to access a network through another UE (e.g., a relay UE). Figure 2 In the present invention, the remote UE can communicate with the DN through two paths. One is a direct path. Specifically, the remote UE directly accesses the AN, accesses the remote UE's core network (including the remote UE's AMF, the remote UE's SMF and the remote UE's UPF) through the AN, and performs signaling and data transmission with the DN through the AN and the remote UE's core network. The other is an indirect path. Specifically, the remote UE first accesses the AN through the relay UE, then accesses the remote UE's core network through the AN, and then performs signaling and data transmission with the DN through the AN and the remote UE's core network. For the relay UE, a direct path can also be used to communicate with the DN. Specifically, the relay UE can directly access the AN, access the relay UE's core network (including the relay UE's AMF, the relay UE's SMF and the relay UE's UPF) through the AN, and then performs signaling and data transmission with the DN through the AN and the relay UE's core network.

[0176] It should be understood that Figure 2 The relay UE in the example is a layer-2 Proximity-based services (ProSe) user equipment to network relay (layer-2 ProSe UE-to-network relay).

[0177] Figure 3 FIG1 shows a protocol stack architecture for remote UE to transmit user plane data via a non-direct path. Figure 3 As shown, the protocol data unit (PDU) layer is used to transmit data generated by application software (APP) between the remote UE and the UPF. The service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer is used to map quality of service (QoS) flows to data radio bearers (DRBs). It should be understood that a QoS flow is a data transmission channel with QoS guarantees between the UE and the UPF. The QoS flow consists of two parts: the DRB between the UE and the NG-RAN and the N3 connection between the NG-RAN and the UPF. One or more QoS flows can share a DRB connection, and SDAP is used to map the QoS flow to the DRB. The DRB consists of two layers: the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer and the radio link control (RLC) layer. Among them, the PDCP layer is used to perform functions such as header compression, decompression, encryption / decryption, integrity protection, and integrity verification of user plane data. The PDCP layer is configured by RRC messages.

[0178] The media access control (MAC) layer is used to map logical channels to transport channels and combine MAC data from different logical channels into a transport block. The PHY layer is the physical layer (PHY). The adaptation layer is used by the relay UE or NG-RAN to indicate to which remote UE a data packet contained in the relay UE's RLC belongs and to which radio bearer of the remote UE it belongs.

[0179] The General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Tunnel Protocol-User (GTP-U) is a set of IP-based higher-layer protocols that sits above the Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) and User Datagram Protocol / Internet Protocol (UDP / IP). GTP-U messages carry user data across GTP-U entities. L2 stands for Layer 2, while L2 stands for Layer 1.

[0180] like Figure 3 As shown in Figure 1, from the perspective of the NG-RAN, the DRB of the remote UE consists of two parts: the PDCP layer between the NG-RAN and the remote UE, and the RLC layer between the NG-RAN and the relay UE. From the perspective of the remote UE, the DRB of the remote UE consists of two parts: the PDCP layer between the NG-RAN and the remote UE, and the RLC layer between the NG-RAN and the relay UE.

[0181] Specifically, the uplink data transmission process is as follows: the APP layer of the remote UE generates data. The remote UE maps the data to a QoS flow at the PDU layer and sends the data, including the QoS flow identifier, to the Uu-SDAP layer. The remote UE then maps the QoS flow to a DRB based on the QoS flow identifier at the Uu SDAP layer and sends the QoS flow data to the Uu PDCP layer corresponding to the DRB. The remote UE sends the Uu PDCP layer data to the protocol stack of the PC5 interface for processing and then sends it to the relay UE via the PC5 interface. The relay UE parses the remote UE's Uu PDCP data and adds an adaptation layer to the data, which includes the remote UE identifier. The relay UE sends the data to the NG-RAN via the Uu interface with the NG-RAN. Upon receiving the data, the NG-RAN determines that the data belongs to the remote UE based on the remote UE identifier in the adaptation layer. It then uses the remote UE context to parse the remote UE data. The NG-RAN then sends the remote UE data to the UPF via the N3 interface between the NG-RAN and the UPF.

[0182] Similarly, the downlink data transmission process is as follows: the NG-RAN receives data sent by the UPF to the remote UE and, based on the remote UE's context, determines that the remote UE uses a relay UE for data transmission. Furthermore, the NG-RAN adds the remote UE's identifier to the adaptation layer and sends it to the relay UE. After parsing the data, the relay UE determines that the data belongs to the remote UE based on the remote UE identifier in the adaptation layer. It then sends the data to the remote UE via the PC5 interface between the relay UE and the remote UE, which then parses the data.

[0183] Figure 4 FIG. 1 shows a schematic flow chart of a remote UE transmitting user plane data using an indirect path transmission mode. Figure 4 As shown, the method 400 includes the following steps.

[0184] S410: The relay UE and the remote UE independently register with the 5G network.

[0185] S420: The relay UE and the remote UE independently obtain authorization and authentication for executing the relay service, and obtain relevant authorization and authentication information.

[0186] S430: The remote UE performs a relay UE discovery procedure and selects a final UE.

[0187] S440: If the relay UE selected by the remote UE is in idle state, the relay UE enters the connected state through the service request (SR) process after receiving the request from the remote UE.

[0188] S450: The remote UE and the relay UE establish a PC5 connection.

[0189] S460: The remote UE establishes an RRC connection with the NG-RAN through the relay UE. The NG-RAN and the relay UE have the same base station. That is, the remote UE establishes an access stratum (AS) connection.

[0190] At step S470, the remote UE sends a NAS message to the AMF. The NAS message is encapsulated in an RRC message, which is then sent to the NG-RAN via the PC5 interface between the relay UE and the remote UE. In other words, the remote UE establishes a NAS connection.

[0191] S480: The remote UE initiates a PDU session establishment process.

[0192] After that, the data of the remote UE is forwarded through the UPF, NG-RAN and relay UE.

[0193] In current data transmission, the remote UE uses a fixed path (direct path or indirect path) to transmit service data. For example, if the terminal device determines that the transmission path is a direct path, the terminal device initiates a PDU session request to the access network device, establishes a PDU session and QoS flow for the direct path, and then the terminal device transmits data to the data network through the QoS flow of the direct path. Alternatively, if the terminal device determines that the transmission path is an indirect path, the terminal device initiates a PDU session request to the access network device through the relay device, establishes a PDU session and QoS flow for the indirect path, and then the terminal device transmits data to the data network through the QoS flow of the indirect path. This transmission method cannot dynamically meet the transmission requirements of the service, such as latency, communication quality, or communication capacity.

[0194] The present application provides a data transmission method and apparatus, which makes the data transmission path between the terminal device and the data network diverse and can dynamically meet business needs.

[0195] Figure 5 FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a data transmission method 500 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method 500 may include the following steps.

[0196] S510: The terminal device sends a first request message to the network device through a first communication path.

[0197] Accordingly, the network device receives the first request message.

[0198] Specifically, the network device may be a first session management function device.

[0199] The first request message includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate establishing a first QoS flow on the first communication path or the second communication path.

[0200] As an example, the first indication information may be a "direct indication" or an "indirect indication." A "direct indication" indicates that a QoS flow is established on a direct path, and an "indirect indication" indicates that a QoS flow is established on an indirect path.

[0201] For example, assuming that the first communication path is a direct path and the second communication path is an indirect path, if the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path, then the first indication information is a direct indication; if the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the second communication path, then the first indication information is an indirect indication.

[0202] For another example, assuming that the first communication path is a non-direct path and the second communication path is a direct path, if the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path, then the first indication information is an indirect (non-direct) indication; if the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the second communication path, then the first indication information is a direct (direct) indication.

[0203] Specifically, the terminal device may determine whether the path established by the first QoS flow is the first communication path or the second communication path according to service transmission requirements and usage of each communication path, thereby better meeting service transmission requirements.

[0204] The first request message may be a non-access stratum (NAS) message such as a PDU session establishment request message or a PDU session modification request message. The first request message may include identification information of the first PDU session, and the identification information of the first PDU session may be used to identify the first PDU session, for example, a PDU session ID.

[0205] In one example, the first communication path is a direct path, and the second communication path is an indirect path.

[0206] For example, the first communication path is a path directly connecting the terminal device to the first access network device. In this case, the terminal device sends message #A (message #A can be the first request message, or the second request message or the third request message described below) to the network device via the first communication path. This includes: the terminal device sends message #A to the first access network device via the Uu interface, and the first access network device sends message #A to the first session management function device. It should be understood that in this case, the first access network device is the device that provides access services to the terminal device.

[0207] In yet another example, the first communication path is an indirect path, and the second communication path is a direct path.

[0208] For example, the first communication path is the path through which a terminal device connects to a first access network device via a first relay terminal device. In this case, the terminal device sends message #A (message #A can be the first request message, or the second or third request message described below) to the network device via the first communication path. This includes: the terminal device sends message #A to the first relay terminal device via the PC5 interface; the first relay terminal device sends message #A to the first access network device; and the first access network device sends message #A to the first session management function device. It should be understood that in this case, the first access network device is the device that provides access services to the first relay terminal device.

[0209] The first QoS flow is used to transmit data of the terminal device.

[0210] For example, the first QoS flow can be used to transmit data of service #A of the terminal device.

[0211] S520: The first session management function device determines first QoS configuration information according to the first request message.

[0212] The first QoS configuration information is used to determine the access network resources for the first QoS flow. The access network resources for the first QoS flow can also be understood as the radio resources corresponding to the first QoS flow or the radio configuration corresponding to the first QoS flow. For example, the radio resource information or configuration information of PDCP, RLC, MAC, PHY, etc. corresponding to the first QoS flow.

[0213] Specifically, the first session management function device can determine the first QoS configuration information based on the first request message, and the first QoS configuration information includes the QoS parameters of the first QoS flow. For example, the QoS parameters may include: 5G QoS identifier (5GQoS identifier, 5QI) (representing a set of QoS parameters, including bandwidth, delay jitter, etc.), allocation retention priority (allocation retention priority, ARP), guaranteed bit rate (guaranteed bit rate, GBR), maximum bit rate (maximum bit rate, MBR), QoS notification control (qos notification control, QNC), etc.

[0214] As an example, the first QoS configuration information may be a QoS profile of the first QoS flow.

[0215] In addition, the first session management function device stores the correspondence between the first QoS flow and the path indicated by the first indication information. In other words, the first session management function device stores the path of the first QoS flow.

[0216] For example, the first indication information is a direct indication, and the first session management function device stores a correspondence between the first QoS flow and the direct connection path, where the correspondence indicates that the first QoS flow is a QoS flow established on the direct connection path.

[0217] For another example, the first indication information is an indirect indication, and the first session management function device stores a correspondence between the first QoS flow and the indirect path, where the correspondence indicates that the first QoS flow is a QoS flow established on the indirect path.

[0218] S530: The first session management function device sends first indication information and first QoS configuration information to the first access network device.

[0219] Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the first indication information and the first QoS configuration information.

[0220] The first session management function device can send the first indication information and the determined first QoS configuration information to the terminal device, so that the terminal device configures access network resources for the first QoS flow.

[0221] S540: The first access network device sends first resource configuration information to the terminal device through the first communication path.

[0222] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first resource configuration information through the first communication path.

[0223] The first resource configuration information is used to configure access network resources of the first QoS flow.

[0224] Specifically, the access network resources of the first QoS flow include a data radio bearer (DRB) of the first QoS flow.

[0225] Specifically, the DRB of the first QoS flow may include a Uu interface DRB, or the DRB of the first QoS flow includes a Uu interface DRB and a PC5 interface DRB.

[0226] The first resource configuration information is determined according to the first indication information and the first QoS configuration information.

[0227] As an example, the first resource configuration information is determined by the first access network device.

[0228] For example, the first access network device determines to establish a first QoS flow on the first communication path based on the first indication information. In this case, the access network resources of the first QoS flow are the access network resources of the first communication path. The first access network device can determine the first resource configuration information based on the first QoS configuration information, and send the first resource configuration information to the terminal device through the first communication path.

[0229] As another example, the first resource configuration information is determined by the second access network device.

[0230] For example, the first access network device determines to establish a first QoS flow on the second communication path based on the first indication information. In this case, the access network resources of the first QoS flow are the access network resources of the second communication path. Assuming that the second communication path includes a second access network device, the first access network device can send the first QoS configuration information to the second access network device. The second access network device determines the first resource configuration information based on the first QoS configuration information and then sends it to the first access network device.

[0231] According to the method provided in the above embodiment, the terminal device can send first indication information to the network device via the first communication path, indicating that a first QoS flow should be established on the first communication path or the second communication path. The first access network device can send first resource configuration information to the terminal device via the first communication path to configure the access network resources for the first QoS flow. The first resource configuration information is determined based on the first indication information and the first QoS configuration information. In this method, the first QoS flow can be established on the first communication path or the second communication path through the indication of the terminal device and the configuration of the first access network device, avoiding the use of a fixed communication path to transmit service data and dynamically meeting the needs of service transmission.

[0232] It should be understood that the first QoS flow can be one or more QoS flows of the first PDU session, without limitation. For example, assuming that in the above embodiment, the terminal device, the first access network device, and the core network device establish two QoS flows: QoS flow 1 and QoS flow 2 on the first communication path or the second communication path, the first QoS flow here refers to QoS flow 1 and QoS flow 2.

[0233] Optionally, the terminal device is a remote terminal device.

[0234] Optionally, step S510 includes: the terminal device sends the first request message to the access and mobility management function device, and the access and mobility management function device sends the first request message to the first session management function device.

[0235] Specifically, the terminal device may send a first request message to the access and mobility management function device via an uplink (UP) NAS message. Further, the access and mobility management function device may send the first request message to the first session management function device via an N11 message, and the N11 message may be a PDU session creation context (Nsmf_PDUsession_createSMcontext request) request, etc.

[0236] It should be understood that both the NAS message and the N11 message may include identification information of the first PDU session, and the identification information of the first PDU session may be the first PDU session ID.

[0237] Optionally, step S530 includes: the first session management function device sends the first indication information and the first QoS configuration information to the access and mobility management function device, and the access and mobility management function device sends the first indication information and the first QoS configuration information to the first access network device.

[0238] Specifically, the first session management function device may send the first indication information and the first QoS configuration information to the access and mobility management function device via an N11 message. As an example, the N11 message may be an N1N2 message transfer (Namf_communication_N1N2MessageTransfer) message, the N11 message including an N1 SM container (N1 SM container) and an N2 SM container (N2 SM container), the N2 SM container including the first indication information and the first QoS configuration information. Furthermore, the access and mobility management function device sends the first indication information and the first QoS configuration information to the first access network device via an N2 message, the N2 message may be a PDU session resource setup request message or a PDU session resource modify request message, etc.

[0239] It should be understood that both the N11 message and the N2 message may include identification information of the first PDU session, and the identification information of the first PDU session may be the first PDU session ID.

[0240] In addition, the N11 message may further include an N1 SM container (N1 SM container), wherein the N1 SM container includes a PDU session establishment accept message or a PDU session modification accept message. The access and mobility management function device may send the N1 SM container to the terminal device.

[0241] Optionally, in an implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the first indication information is used to indicate establishing a first QoS on the first communication path. The method 500 may further include: the terminal device sends a second request message to the network device through the first communication path.

[0242] Accordingly, the network device receives the second request message.

[0243] Specifically, the network device may be a first session management function device.

[0244] The second request message includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a second QoS flow on the second communication path.

[0245] It should be understood that the second QoS flow can be one or more QoS flows of the first PDU session, without limitation. For example, assuming that two QoS flows have been established on the first communication path: QoS flow 1 and QoS flow 2, and the terminal device requests to establish QoS flow 3 and QoS flow 4 on the second communication path, the second QoS flow here refers to QoS flow 3 and QoS flow 4.

[0246] As an example, the second indication information may be a "direct indication" or an "indirect indication". The "direct indication" indicates that a QoS flow is established on a direct path, and the "indirect indication" indicates that a QoS flow is established on an indirect path.

[0247] For example, if the second communication path is an indirect path, the second indication information is an indirect indication.

[0248] For another example, if the second communication path is a direct path, the second indication information is a direct indication.

[0249] Specifically, the second request message may be a PDU session modification request message. The second request message may include identification information of the first PDU session, for example, a PDU session ID.

[0250] The second QoS flow is used to transmit data of the terminal device.

[0251] As an implementation manner, the second QoS flow can be used to transmit data of service #A of the terminal device.

[0252] That is, the data of service #A of the terminal device can be transmitted through both the first QoS flow of the first communication path and the second QoS flow of the second communication path.

[0253] In this implementation, data of the same service is transmitted through two different communication paths, which can improve the reliability of data transmission of the terminal device.

[0254] As another implementation, the second QoS flow may be used to transmit data of service #B of the terminal device.

[0255] That is, data of service #A of the terminal device can be transmitted through the first QoS flow of the first communication path, and data of service #B of the terminal device can be transmitted through the second QoS flow of the second communication path.

[0256] In this implementation, the data of the two services are transmitted through two different communication paths, which can increase the data transmission rate of the terminal device.

[0257] Optionally, the second QoS flow and the first QoS flow both belong to the first PDU session.

[0258] In the above implementation scenario, the method 500 further includes: the first session management function device determining second QoS configuration information according to the second request message.

[0259] The second QoS configuration information is used to determine the access network resources for the second QoS flow. The access network resources for the second QoS flow can also be understood as the radio resources corresponding to the second QoS flow or the radio configuration corresponding to the second QoS flow. For example, the radio resource information or configuration information of PDCP, RLC, MAC, PHY, etc. corresponding to the second QoS flow.

[0260] Specifically, the first session management function device can determine the second QoS configuration information based on the second request message, and the second QoS configuration information includes QoS parameters of the second QoS flow. For example, the QoS parameters may include: 5QI, ARP, GBR, MBR, QNC, etc.

[0261] As an example, the second QoS configuration information may be a QoS profile of the second QoS flow.

[0262] In addition, the first session management function device may store the correspondence between the second QoS flow and the path indicated by the second indication information. In other words, the first session management function device stores the path of the second QoS flow.

[0263] For example, the second indication information is a direct indication, and the first session management function device stores the correspondence between the second QoS flow and the direct connection path, indicating that the second QoS flow is a QoS flow established on the direct connection path.

[0264] For another example, the second indication information is an indirect indication, and the first session management function device stores the correspondence between the second QoS flow and the indirect path, indicating that the second QoS flow is a QoS flow established on the indirect path.

[0265] In the above implementation scenario, the method 500 further includes: the first session management function device sending second indication information and second QoS configuration information to the first access network device.

[0266] Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the second indication information and the second QoS configuration information.

[0267] In the above implementation scenario, the method 500 further includes: the first access network device sends the second resource configuration information to the terminal device through the first communication path.

[0268] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second resource configuration information through the first communication path.

[0269] The second resource configuration information is used to configure access network resources of the second QoS flow.

[0270] Specifically, the access network resources of the second QoS flow include the DRB of the second QoS flow.

[0271] Specifically, the DRB of the second QoS flow may include the DRB of the Uu interface, or the DRB of the second QoS flow includes the DRB of the Uu interface and the DRB of the PC5 interface.

[0272] The second resource configuration information is determined according to the second indication information and the second QoS configuration information.

[0273] As an example, the second resource configuration information is determined by the first access network device.

[0274] For example, the second communication path is the path that directly connects the terminal device to the first access network device. In this case, the first access network device can determine the path of the second QoS flow based on the second indication information, and determine the second resource configuration information based on the second QoS configuration information, and send the second resource configuration information to the terminal device through the first communication path.

[0275] As another example, the second resource configuration information is determined by the second access network device.

[0276] For example, the second communication path is a path that directly connects the terminal device to the second access network device. In this case, the first access network device can determine the path of the second QoS flow based on the second indication information, and send the second QoS configuration information to the second access network device. The second access network device determines the second resource configuration information based on the second QoS configuration information, and then sends it to the first access network device.

[0277] According to the method provided in the above implementation scenario, the terminal device and the first access network device can also establish a second QoS flow on the second communication path. The second QoS flow is used to transmit the data of the terminal device, so that the communication path between the terminal device and the data network is diverse, which can improve the data transmission rate or provide data transmission reliability.

[0278] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the first indication information is used to indicate establishing a first QoS on the first communication path. The method 500 may further include: the terminal device sends a third request message to the network device through the first communication path.

[0279] Accordingly, the network device receives the third request message.

[0280] Specifically, the network device may be a first session management function device.

[0281] The third request message includes third indication information and QoS flow identification information of the third QoS flow, and the third indication information is used to instruct to transfer the third QoS flow to the second communication path.

[0282] As an example, the third indication information can be any one of the following: "direct indication", "indirect indication", "transfer indication", "transfer to direct indication", "transfer to indirect indication", "transfer indication + direct indication", "transfer indication + indirect indication".

[0283] Among them, "direct indication," "transfer to direct indication," and "transfer + direct indication" indicate transferring the third QoS flow to a direct path; "indirect indication," "transfer to indirect indication," and "transfer + indirect indication" indicate transferring the third QoS flow to an indirect path. The "transfer indication" indicates transferring the communication path of the third QoS flow. The first session management function device and the first access network device can determine the post-transfer path based on the current path of the third QoS flow.

[0284] For example, if the second communication path is an indirect path, the third indication information is "indirect indication", "transfer to indirect indication", or "transfer + indirect indication".

[0285] For another example, if the second communication path is a direct connection path, the third indication information is a "direct indication", a "transfer to direct indication", or a "transfer + direct indication".

[0286] For another example, assuming that the third indication information is a "transfer indication", if the current path of the third QoS flow is a non-direct path, the first session management function device and the first access network device determine to transfer the third QoS flow to a direct path according to the "transfer indication"; if the current path of the third QoS flow is a direct path, the first session management function device and the first access network device determine to transfer the third QoS flow to a non-direct path according to the "transfer indication".

[0287] Specifically, the third request message may be a PDU session modification request message. The third request message may include identification information of the first PDU session, for example, a PDU session ID.

[0288] The third QoS flow is at least one of the first QoS flows.

[0289] It should be understood that the third QoS flow can be one or more QoS flows of the first PDU session, without limitation. For example, assuming that two QoS flows have been established on the first communication path: QoS flow 1 and QoS flow 2, and the terminal device requests to transfer QoS flow 1 from the first communication path to the second communication path, the first QoS flow here refers to QoS flow 1 and QoS flow 2, and the third QoS flow refers to QoS flow 1.

[0290] The QoS flow identification information of the third QoS flow may be the QFI of the third QoS flow.

[0291] The third QoS flow is used to transmit data of the terminal device.

[0292] As an implementation manner, the third QoS flow can be used to transmit data of service #A of the terminal device.

[0293] That is, the third QoS flow can be transferred from the first communication path to the second communication path, and the data of the service #A of the terminal device can continue to be transmitted using the third QoS flow.

[0294] In this implementation, data of the same service is transmitted through two different communication paths, which can improve the reliability of data transmission of the terminal device.

[0295] On the other hand, if the first communication path cannot meet the transmission requirements of service #A, the terminal device transfers at least one third QoS flow in the first communication path to the second communication path, and transmits service #A through the third QoS flow in the second communication path, thereby ensuring the transmission requirements of service #A.

[0296] As another implementation, the third QoS flow may be used to transmit data of service #B of the terminal device.

[0297] That is, the third QoS flow can be transferred from the first communication path to the second communication path, and the data of the service #B of the terminal device can be transmitted through the third QoS flow.

[0298] In this implementation, if the first communication path cannot meet the transmission requirements of service #B, the terminal device transfers at least one third QoS flow in the first communication path to the second communication path, and transmits service #B through the third QoS flow in the second communication path. This method not only ensures the transmission requirements of service #B, but also avoids the occupation of transmission resources by creating new QoS flows, helping to improve the data transmission efficiency of the system.

[0299] In the above implementation scenario, the method 500 further includes: the first session management function device determining third QoS configuration information according to the third request message.

[0300] The third QoS configuration information is used to determine the access network resources for the third QoS flow. The access network resources for the third QoS flow can also be understood as the radio resources corresponding to the third QoS flow or the radio configuration corresponding to the third QoS flow. For example, the radio resource information or configuration information of PDCP, RLC, MAC, PHY, etc. corresponding to the third QoS flow.

[0301] Specifically, the first session management function device can determine the third QoS configuration information based on the third request message, and the third QoS configuration information includes QoS parameters of the third QoS flow. For example, the QoS parameters may include: 5QI, ARP, GBR, MBR, QNC, etc.

[0302] As an example, the third QoS configuration information may be a QoS profile of a third QoS flow.

[0303] In addition, the first session management function device may update the correspondence between the third QoS flow and the path of the third QoS flow according to the third indication information.

[0304] For example, the third indication information is a direct indication, and the first session management function device stores the correspondence between the third QoS flow and the direct path, indicating that the third QoS flow is a QoS flow established on the direct path after the transfer.

[0305] For example, the current path of the third QoS flow is a direct indication, the third indication information is a transfer indication, and the first session management function device stores the correspondence between the third QoS flow and the non-direct path, indicating that after the transfer, the third QoS flow is a QoS flow established on the non-direct path.

[0306] In the above implementation scenario, the method 500 further includes: the first session management function device sends third indication information and third QoS configuration information to the first access network device.

[0307] Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the third indication information and the third QoS configuration information.

[0308] In the above implementation scenario, the method 500 further includes: the first access network device sends third resource configuration information to the terminal device through the first communication path.

[0309] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third resource configuration information through the first communication path.

[0310] The third resource configuration information is used to configure access network resources of the third QoS flow.

[0311] Specifically, the access network resources of the third QoS flow include the DRB of the third QoS flow.

[0312] Specifically, the DRB of the third QoS flow may include the DRB of the Uu interface, or the DRB of the third QoS flow includes the DRB of the Uu interface and the DRB of the PC5 interface.

[0313] The third resource configuration information is determined according to the third indication information and the third QoS configuration information.

[0314] As an example, the third resource configuration information is determined by the first access network device.

[0315] For example, the second communication path is the path that directly connects the terminal device to the first access network device. In this case, the first access network device can determine the path of the third QoS flow based on the third indication information, and determine the third resource configuration information based on the third QoS configuration information, and send the third resource configuration information to the terminal device through the first communication path.

[0316] As another example, the third resource configuration information is determined by the second access network device.

[0317] For example, the second communication path is a path that directly connects the terminal device to the second access network device. In this case, the first access network device can determine the path of the third QoS flow based on the third indication information, and send the third QoS configuration information to the second access network device. The second access network device determines the third resource configuration information based on the third QoS configuration information, and then sends it to the first access network device.

[0318] In the above implementation scenario, the method 500 further includes: the first access network device deleting the access network resources of the third QoS flow on the first communication path according to the third indication information.

[0319] Specifically, as an implementation, in the above-described implementation scenario, the third resource configuration information is specifically used to: allocate access network resources for the third QoS flow on the second communication path, and delete the access network resources for the third QoS flow on the first communication path. In other words, the third resource configuration information is not only used to allocate access network resources for the third QoS flow on the second communication path to the terminal device, but also to configure the terminal device to delete the access network resources for the third QoS flow on the first communication path.

[0320] Specifically, as another implementation, in the above-described implementation scenario, the third resource configuration information is specifically used to allocate access network resources for the third QoS flow on the second communication path. The method further includes: the first access network device sending fourth configuration information to the terminal device, where the fourth configuration information is used to delete the access network resources for the third QoS flow on the first communication path. In other words, the third resource configuration information is used to allocate access network resources for the third QoS flow on the second communication path to the terminal device, and the fourth configuration information is used to configure the terminal device to delete the access network resources for the third QoS flow on the first communication path.

[0321] According to the method provided in the above implementation scenario, the terminal device and the first access network device can transfer the third QoS flow to the second communication path, so that the communication path between the terminal device and the data network is diverse, which can improve the data transmission rate or provide data transmission reliability.

[0322] Optionally, in an implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the first request message includes fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate a session management function device that supports multi-path communication.

[0323] Specifically, the fourth indication information may be a "Multi-Path indication".

[0324] The session management function device supporting multi-path communication refers to the session management function device supporting the management of direct connection paths and indirect connection paths at the same time.

[0325] Optionally, in the above implementation scenario, the method 500 further includes: the access and mobility management function device determines a first session management function device according to the fourth indication information, and the first session management function device supports multipath communication.

[0326] Specifically, the access and mobility management function device may select the first session management function device from a plurality of session management function devices supporting multi-path communication according to the fourth indication information.

[0327] Further, the access and mobility management function device sends the first request message to the first session management function device.

[0328] According to the method provided in the above implementation scenario, the terminal device and the first access network device can also transfer the third QoS flow to the second communication path, so that the communication path between the terminal device and the data network is diverse, which can improve the data transmission rate or provide data transmission reliability.

[0329] The following describes Case 1 and Case 2 based on the specific paths indicated by the first communication path and the second communication path.

[0330] Case 1: The first communication path is a direct connection path. Specifically, the direct connection path is a path through which the terminal device is directly connected to the first access network device, and the second communication path is an indirect connection path.

[0331] It should be understood that in situation 1, the first access network device is a device that provides access services for the terminal device.

[0332] In addition, in case 1, information interaction between the terminal device and the first access network device is through a direct connection path.

[0333] In case 1, the description is divided into case 1-1 and case 1-2 according to the specific content indicated by the first indication information.

[0334] Case 1-1: The first indication information is used to instruct establishment of a first QoS flow on a first communication path.

[0335] In this case, the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device.

[0336] Specifically, the configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device can be understood as the configuration of the Uu-PDCP layer, Uu-RLC layer, Uu-MAC layer, and Uu-PHY layer for establishing a connection between the terminal device and the first access network device.

[0337] In case 1-1, the access network resources of the first QoS flow may include resources configured by the first resource configuration information.

[0338] Case 1-2: The first indication information is used to instruct establishment of a first QoS flow on the second communication path.

[0339] In this case, the method 500 may further include: the first access network device obtains a cell identifier of the first relay terminal device, and the device of the second communication path includes the first relay terminal device.

[0340] The cell identifier of the first relay terminal device can be understood as the cell identifier of the access cell of the first relay terminal device. The cell identifier of the first relay terminal device is used to determine the access network device of the first relay terminal device.

[0341] Specifically, the first access network device may obtain the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device in the following manner.

[0342] Method 1: The first access network device determines the first relay terminal device and the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device according to the PC5 signal strength of at least one relay terminal device.

[0343] Specifically, the first access network device can send first measurement configuration information to the terminal device according to the first indication information, and the first measurement configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the PC5 signal strength of at least one relay terminal device. The first measurement configuration information includes the identification of at least one relay terminal device.

[0344] Among them, the identifier (ID) of the relay terminal device can be a cell-radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI), a global unique temporary UE identity (GUTI) or a temporary mobile user identity (S-TMSI).

[0345] The terminal device receives the first measurement configuration information, and then measures the PC5 signal strength of at least one relay terminal device according to the first measurement configuration information.

[0346] The PC5 signal strength of at least one relay terminal device refers to the signal strength of the PC5 connection between each of the at least one relay terminal device and the terminal device.

[0347] The terminal device sends a first measurement report to the first access network device, where the first measurement report includes the identifier of the at least one relay terminal device, the cell identifier of the at least one relay terminal device, and the PC5 signal strength of the at least one relay terminal device.

[0348] Among them, the cell identifier of at least one relay terminal device can be a new radio cell global identifier (NR cellglobal identifier, NCGI).

[0349] The first access network device determines the first relay terminal device according to the PC5 signal strength of at least one relay terminal device.

[0350] Specifically, as an example, the first access network device can select the first relay terminal device based on the PC5 signal strength of at least one relay terminal device, for example, select the relay terminal device with the best PC5 signal strength from at least one relay terminal device as the first relay terminal device.

[0351] Specifically, as another example, the first access network device may select at least one candidate relay terminal device according to the cell identifier of at least one relay terminal device, and determine the first relay terminal device according to the PC5 signal strength of the at least one candidate relay terminal device.

[0352] For example, at least one relay terminal device includes N relay terminal devices, where N is a positive integer. The first access network device determines M candidate relay terminal devices based on the cell identifiers of the N relay terminal devices. The cell identifiers of the M candidate relay terminal devices correspond to the same access network device. For example, the cell identifiers of the M candidate relay terminal devices all correspond to the first access network device. The first access network device selects the relay terminal device with the best PC5 signal strength from the M candidate relay terminal devices as the first relay terminal device.

[0353] Furthermore, after determining the first relay terminal device, the first access network device may determine the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device according to a correspondence between at least one relay terminal device and a cell identifier of at least one relay terminal device.

[0354] Method 2: The first access network device receives a radio resource control (RRC) message from the terminal device, where the RRC message includes a cell identifier of the first relay terminal device.

[0355] Specifically, when the terminal device and the PC5 connection of the first relay terminal device are already in a connected state, the first access network device sends an RRC message to the terminal device, such as a relay terminal request message, which is used to request the terminal device to report information about the relay terminal device. Further, the terminal device replies to the first access network device with an RRC message, such as a relay terminal response message, which includes an identifier of the first relay terminal device and a cell identifier of the first relay terminal device.

[0356] Mode three: The first access network device receives a first message from the first session management function device or the access and mobility management function device, where the first message includes a cell identifier of the first relay terminal device.

[0357] Specifically, when the PC5 connection between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device is in a connected state, the terminal device can carry the identifier of the first relay terminal device and the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device in the first request message, and the first session management function device or the access and mobility management function device can send a first message to the first access network device, and the first message includes the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device.

[0358] For example, in S530, the first message and the first QoS configuration information are sent together.

[0359] In case 1-2, the method 500 may further include: the first access network device determines the access network device of the first relay terminal device according to the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device.

[0360] Specifically, the first access network device may determine, based on the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device, a device that provides access services to the first relay terminal device, that is, the access network device of the first relay terminal device.

[0361] It should be understood that there is a correspondence between a cell identifier and an access network device, and the first access network device can determine the access network device of the first relay terminal device based on the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device and this correspondence. For example, the cell identifier includes the identifier of the access network device, and the first access network device determines the access network device of the first relay terminal device based on the identifier of the access network device in the cell identifier.

[0362] In one embodiment, the access network device of the first relay terminal device is the first access network device, and the second communication path is an indirect path, which is a path for the terminal device to connect to the first access network device through the first relay terminal device.

[0363] At this time, the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device.

[0364] Specifically, the configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device can be understood as the configuration of the PC5-RLC layer, PC5-MAC layer, and PC5-PHY layer for the terminal device to establish a connection with the first relay terminal device, and the configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device can be understood as the configuration of the Uu-PDCP layer for the terminal device to establish a connection with the first access network device through the first relay terminal device.

[0365] At this time, the first resource configuration information is determined by the first access network device.

[0366] In addition, in this implementation, the method 500 further includes: the first access network device generating fifth resource configuration information based on the first QoS configuration information, the fifth resource configuration information including configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the first relay terminal device and the first access network device. Furthermore, the first access network device sends the fifth resource configuration information to the first relay terminal device.

[0367] Specifically, the configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device can be understood as the configuration of the PC5-RLC layer, PC5-MAC layer, and PC5-PHY layer for the first relay terminal device to establish a connection with the terminal device, and the configuration information of the Uu interface between the first relay terminal device and the first access network device can be understood as the configuration of the Uu-RLC layer, Uu-MAC layer, and Uu-PHY layer for the first relay terminal device to establish a connection with the first access network device.

[0368] That is, the first access network device will send the configuration information of the PC5 interface between the first relay terminal device and the terminal device, as well as the configuration information of the Uu interface between the first relay terminal device and the first access network device to the first relay terminal device, thereby completing the resource configuration of the first relay terminal device.

[0369] In this implementation, the access network resources of the first QoS flow may include resources configured by the first resource configuration information and the fifth resource configuration information.

[0370] In another embodiment, the access network device of the first relay terminal device is the second access network device, and the second communication path is an indirect path, which is a path for the terminal device to connect to the second access network device through the first relay terminal device.

[0371] At this time, the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the second access network device.

[0372] Specifically, the configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device can be understood as the configuration of the PC5-RLC layer, PC5-MAC layer, and PC5-PHY layer for the terminal device to establish a connection with the first relay terminal device, and the configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the second access network device can be understood as the configuration of the Uu-PDCP layer for the terminal device to establish a connection with the second access network device through the first relay terminal device.

[0373] At this time, the first resource configuration information is determined by the second access network device.

[0374] That is, the method 500 also includes: the first access network device sends a second message to the second access network device, the second message includes first QoS configuration information, the second access network device determines the first resource configuration information based on the first QoS configuration information, and further, the second access network device sends the first resource configuration information to the first access network device.

[0375] Optionally, the second message further includes an identifier of the first relay terminal device and an identifier of the terminal device.

[0376] In addition, in this implementation, the method 500 further includes: the second access network device generating sixth resource configuration information based on the first QoS configuration information, the sixth resource configuration information including configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the first relay terminal device and the second access network device. Furthermore, the second terminal device sends the sixth resource configuration information to the first relay terminal device.

[0377] Specifically, the configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device can be understood as the configuration of the PC5-RLC layer, PC5-MAC layer, and PC5-PHY layer for the first relay terminal device to establish a connection with the terminal device, and the configuration information of the Uu interface between the first relay terminal device and the second access network device can be understood as the configuration of the Uu-RLC layer, Uu-MAC layer, and Uu-PHY layer for the first relay terminal device to establish a connection with the second access network device.

[0378] That is, the second access network device will send the configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, as well as the configuration information of the Uu interface between the first relay terminal device and the second access network device to the first relay terminal device, thereby completing the resource configuration of the first relay terminal device.

[0379] In this implementation, the access network resources of the first QoS flow may include resources configured by the first resource configuration information and the sixth resource configuration information.

[0380] It should be understood that for situation 1-1, if the terminal device also sends a second request message or a third request message, the specific method for determining the first relay terminal device in the second communication path and the specific method for determining the access network device of the first relay terminal device can refer to situation 1-2. In addition, the content of the access network resources of the first QoS flow can also refer to the description in situation 1-2.

[0381] Case 2: The first communication path is an indirect connection path. Specifically, the indirect connection path is a path through which the terminal device connects to the first access network device through the first relay terminal device, and the second communication path is a direct connection path.

[0382] It should be understood that in situation 2, the first access network device is a device that provides access services for the first relay terminal device.

[0383] In addition, in case 2, information interaction between the terminal device and the first access network device is all through a non-direct connection path.

[0384] In case 2, the description is divided into case 2-1 and case 2-2 according to the specific content indicated by the first indication information.

[0385] Case 2-1: The first indication information is used to instruct establishment of a first QoS flow on a first communication path.

[0386] In this case, the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device.

[0387] Specifically, the configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device can be understood as the configuration of the PC5-RLC layer, PC5-MAC layer, and PC5-PHY layer for the terminal device to establish a connection with the first relay terminal device, and the configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device can be understood as the configuration of the Uu-PDCP layer for the terminal device to establish a connection with the first access network device through the first relay terminal device.

[0388] In case 2-1, the access network resources of the first QoS flow may include resources configured by the first resource configuration information.

[0389] Case 2-2: The first indication information is used to instruct establishment of a first QoS flow on the second communication path.

[0390] In this case, the method 500 may further include: the first access network device obtains the access network device of the terminal device.

[0391] Specifically, the first access network device may obtain the access network device of the terminal device in the following manner.

[0392] Method 1: The first access network device determines the access network device of the terminal device according to the signal strength of the cell where the terminal device can reside.

[0393] Specifically, the first access network device may send second measurement configuration information to the terminal device according to the first indication information, where the second measurement configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the cell in which the terminal device can reside and the cell signal strength of the cell in which the terminal device can reside.

[0394] The terminal device receives the second measurement configuration information, and then measures the resident cell and the cell signal strength of the resident cell according to the second measurement configuration information.

[0395] The terminal device sends a second measurement report to the first access network device, where the second measurement report includes a cell identifier of a cell where the terminal device can reside and a cell signal strength of the cell where the terminal device can reside.

[0396] The cell identifier of the campable cell may be a new radio cell global identifier (NR cell global identifier, NCGI).

[0397] Furthermore, the first access network device can determine the access cell of the terminal device based on the cell signal strength of the resident cell, and determine the device providing access service to the terminal device based on the cell identifier of the access cell of the terminal device, that is, the access network device of the terminal device.

[0398] For example, the first access network device selects a resident cell with the best cell signal strength as the access cell of the terminal device, and determines the access network device of the terminal device according to the cell identifier of the access cell and the correspondence between the cell identifier and the access network device.

[0399] Method 2: The first access network device receives an RRC message from the terminal device, where the RRC message includes a cell identifier of the terminal device. The first access network device determines the access network device of the terminal device based on the cell identifier of the terminal device.

[0400] Specifically, when a direct connection has been established between a terminal device and an access network device, the first access network device sends an RRC message to the terminal device, requesting the terminal device to report its cell information. Furthermore, the terminal device replies to the first access network device with an RRC response message, which includes the terminal device's identifier and the terminal device's cell identifier.

[0401] The first access network device determines, based on the cell identifier of the terminal device, a device providing access services to the terminal device, i.e., the access network device of the terminal device. For example, the cell identifier includes an identifier of the access network device, and the first access network device determines the access network device of the terminal device based on the identifier of the access network device in the cell identifier.

[0402] Method three: The first access network device receives a fourth message from the first session management function device or the access and mobility management function device, where the fourth message includes the cell identifier of the terminal device. The first access network device determines the access network device of the terminal device based on the cell identifier of the terminal device.

[0403] Specifically, when a direct connection has been established between the terminal device and an access network device, the terminal device can carry the terminal device identifier and the terminal device cell identifier in the first request message, and the first session management function device or the access and mobility management function device can send a fourth message to the first access network device, and the fourth message includes the cell identifier of the terminal device.

[0404] For example, in S530, the fourth message and the first QoS configuration information are sent together.

[0405] The first access network device determines, based on the cell identifier of the terminal device, a device providing access services to the terminal device, i.e., the access network device of the terminal device. For example, the cell identifier includes an identifier of the access network device, and the first access network device determines the access network device of the terminal device based on the identifier of the access network device in the cell identifier.

[0406] Among them, in the above-mentioned methods 1 to 3, the cell identifier of the terminal device can be understood as the cell identifier of the access cell of the terminal device.

[0407] In one embodiment, the access network device of the terminal device is a first access network device, and the second communication path is a direct connection path, which is a path for the terminal device to directly connect to the first access network device.

[0408] At this time, the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device.

[0409] Specifically, the configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device can be understood as the configuration of the Uu-PDCP layer, Uu-RLC layer, Uu-MAC layer, and Uu-PHY layer for establishing a connection between the terminal device and the first access network device.

[0410] At this time, the first resource configuration information is determined by the first access network device.

[0411] In this implementation, the access network resources of the first QoS flow may include resources configured by the first resource configuration information.

[0412] In another embodiment, the access network device of the terminal device is a second access network device, and the second communication path is a direct connection path, which is a path for the terminal device to directly connect to the second access network device.

[0413] At this time, the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the second access network device.

[0414] Specifically, the configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the second access network device can be understood as the configuration of the Uu-PDCP layer, Uu-RLC layer, Uu-MAC layer, and Uu-PHY layer to establish a connection between the terminal device and the second access network device.

[0415] At this time, the first resource configuration information is determined by the second access network device.

[0416] In this implementation, the access network resources of the first QoS flow may include resources configured by the first resource configuration information.

[0417] That is, the method 500 also includes: the first access network device sends a third message to the second access network device, the third message includes first QoS configuration information, the second access network device determines the first resource configuration information based on the first QoS configuration information, and further, the second access network device sends the first resource configuration information to the first access network device.

[0418] Optionally, the third message also includes an identifier of the terminal device.

[0419] It should be understood that for situation 2-1, if the terminal device also sends a second request message or a third request message, the specific method of determining the access network device of the terminal device can refer to situation 2-2. In addition, the content of the access network resources of the first QoS flow can also refer to the description in situation 2-2.

[0420] It should be noted that the various implementation scenarios of the embodiment shown in method 500 can be implemented separately or in combination with each other without limitation.

[0421] Figure 6 6 is a schematic diagram of a data transmission method 600 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method 600 can be regarded as a specific implementation of the method 500, and the method 600 may include the following steps.

[0422] S601: The remote UE sends a request message #1 to the AMF on a direct path.

[0423] Specifically, the remote UE sends a request message #1 (an example of the first request message) to gNB1, and gNB1 sends a request message #1 to the AMF.

[0424] The request message #1 includes indication information #1 (an example of first indication information). The indication information #1 is a direct indication, and the direct indication is used to instruct to establish a QoS flow on a direct connection path.

[0425] The request message #1 also includes indication information #4 (an example of the fourth indication information), where the indication information #4 is a Multi-Path indication, and the Multi-Path indication is used to instruct the AMF to select an SMF that supports multi-path communication.

[0426] The request message #1 may be a PDU session establish request message.

[0427] The remote UE may send the request message #1 via a UL NAS message.

[0428] The request message #1 may include the PDU session ID of the PDU session #1.

[0429] The gNB1 is a base station that provides services for remote UEs.

[0430] S602, AMF sends request message #1 to SMF.

[0431] The AMF determines the SMF that supports multipath based on indication information #4 and sends a request message #1 to the SMF.

[0432] The AMF may send a request message #1 to the SMF via an N11 message, where the N11 message may be a PDU session creation context request (Nsmf_PDUsession_createSMcontext request) message, etc.

[0433] S603, SMF determines QoS configuration information #1 according to request message #1.

[0434] The SMF determines QoS configuration information #1 (an example of the first QoS configuration information) based on the request message #1. The QoS configuration information #1 includes QoS parameters of QoS flow #1 (an example of the first QoS flow).

[0435] In addition, the SMF records the path of the established QoS flow #1 as a direct path.

[0436] S604, SMF sends indication information #1, QoS configuration information #1 and response message #1 to gNB1.

[0437] Specifically, the response message #1 is used to respond to the request message #1.

[0438] The response message #1 may be a PDU session establish accept message.

[0439] Specifically, SMF can first send an N11 message to AMF, where the N11 message includes an N1 SM container and an N2 SM container, where the N1 SM container includes a response message #1, and the N2 SM container includes indication information #1 and QoS configuration information #1, where the N11 message can be an N1N2 message transfer (Namf_communication_N1N2MessageTransfer) message.

[0440] Furthermore, AMF sends the N2 SM container and N1 SM container to gNB1.

[0441] S605. gNB1 sends resource configuration information #1 and response message #1 to the remote UE.

[0442] gNB1 determines resource configuration information #1 (an example of the first resource configuration information) based on QoS configuration information #1. The resource configuration information #1 is used to configure the air interface resources of the Uu interface (including the Uu-PDCP layer, Uu-RLC layer, Uu-MAC layer, and Uu-PHY layer of the remote UE) between the remote UE and gNB1.

[0443] gNB1 sends resource configuration information #1 and N1 SM container to the remote UE.

[0444] After S601 to S605 , QoS flow # 1 is established on the direct connection path of the remote UE.

[0445] It should be understood that in the process from S601 to S605, the number of QoS flows established may be one or more. The method 600 is described using one QoS flow as an example, and the one QoS flow is QoS flow #1.

[0446] S606: The remote UE sends a request message #2 to the AMF on the direct path.

[0447] If the remote UE has a need to transmit data on a non-direct path, the remote UE sends a request message #2 to the AMF on the direct path.

[0448] Specifically, the remote UE sends a request message #2 (an example of a second request message) to gNB1, and gNB1 sends a request message #2 to the AMF.

[0449] The request message #2 includes indication information #2 (an example of second indication information). The indication information #2 is an indirect indication, and the indirect indication is used to instruct to establish a QoS flow on an indirect path.

[0450] The request message #2 may be a PDU session modification request message, and the request message #2 may include the PDU session ID of the PDU session #1.

[0451] The remote UE may send the request message #2 via a UL NAS message.

[0452] S607, AMF sends request message #2 to SMF.

[0453] The AMF may send a request message #2 to the SMF via an N11 message, where the N11 message may be a PDU session update context request (Nsmf_PDUsession_updateSMcontext request) message, etc.

[0454] S608, SMF determines QoS configuration information #2 according to request message #2.

[0455] The SMF determines QoS configuration information #2 (an example of the second QoS configuration information) based on the request message #2. The QoS configuration information #2 includes QoS parameters of QoS flow #2 (an example of the second QoS flow).

[0456] In addition, the SMF records that the path of the established QoS flow #2 is a non-direct path.

[0457] S609, SMF sends indication information #2, QoS configuration information #2 and response message #2 to gNB1.

[0458] Specifically, the response message #2 is used to respond to the request message #2.

[0459] The response message #2 may be a PDU session modification accept message.

[0460] Specifically, SMF can first send an N11 message to AMF, where the N11 message includes an N1 SM container and an N2 SM container, where the N1 SM container includes a response message #2, and where the N2 SM container includes indication information #2 and QoS configuration information #2, wherein the N11 message can be a PDU session update context response (Nsmf_PDUsession_updateSMcontext response) message.

[0461] Furthermore, AMF sends the N2 SM container and N1 SM container to gNB1.

[0462] S610, gNB1 sends measurement configuration information #1 to the remote UE according to indication information #2.

[0463] The measurement configuration information #1 is used to instruct the remote UE to report the PC5 strength signal of one or more relay UEs.

[0464] S611: The remote UE sends measurement report #1 to gNB1.

[0465] Specifically, the remote UE measures the PC5 signal strength of one or more relay UEs and sends a measurement report #1 to gNB1. The measurement report #1 includes the ID of one or more relay UEs, cell ID, and PC5 signal strength.

[0466] S612, gNB1 determines to relay UE1.

[0467] gNB1 determines relay UE1 based on the PC5 signal strength of one or more relay UEs.

[0468] S613, gNB1 determines the base station that relays UE1.

[0469] gNB1 determines that the base station providing access service for relay UE1 is gNB1 based on the cell identifier of relay UE1.

[0470] S614, gNB1 sends resource configuration information #2 to relay UE1.

[0471] Specifically, gNB1 determines resource configuration information #2 (an example of the fifth resource configuration information) based on QoS configuration information #2. The resource configuration information #2 is used to configure the air interface resources of the Uu interface between the relay UE1 and gNB1 (including the Uu-RLC layer, Uu-MAC layer, and Uu-PHY layer of the relay UE1), and the air interface resources of the PC5 interface between the remote UE and the relay UE1 (including the PC5-RLC layer, PC5-MAC layer, and PC5-PHY layer of the relay UE1).

[0472] Furthermore, gNB1 sends the resource configuration information #2 to relay UE1. For example, the resource configuration information #2 is sent to relay UE1 via an RRC configuration message.

[0473] S615, gNB1 sends the resource configuration information #13 and response message #2 to the remote UE.

[0474] Specifically, gNB1 determines resource configuration information #13 (an example of second resource configuration information) based on QoS configuration information #2. The resource configuration information #13 is used to configure the air interface resources of the Uu interface between the remote UE and gNB1 (including the Uu-PDCP layer of the remote UE), and the air interface resources of the PC5 interface between the remote UE and the relay UE1 (including the PC5-RLC layer, PC5-MAC layer, and PC5-PHY layer of the remote UE).

[0475] gNB1 can send an RRC configuration message to the remote UE, where the RRC configuration message includes resource configuration information #13 and N1SM container.

[0476] From S601 to S615 , QoS flow # 1 is established on the direct path of the remote UE, and QoS flow # 2 is established on the indirect path of the remote UE. The base station of the direct path is the same as the base station of the indirect path.

[0477] It should be understood that S610 to S612 are mainly applicable to the scenario where the remote UE is not connected to the relay UE. When the remote UE is not connected to the relay UE, S610 to S612 can be used to determine the relay UE1 according to information of one or more relay UEs.

[0478] In another implementation, when the remote UE is already in a connected state with the relay UE1, the following alternatives are included.

[0479] Alternative 1, including S616 and S617, replaces S610 to S612 with S616 and S617. Specifically:

[0480] S616, gNB1 sends an RRC message to the remote UE, which is used to request the relay UE information.

[0481] S617: The remote UE sends an RRC message to gNB1. The RRC message is used to respond to S616. The RRC message includes the identifier of relay UE1 and the cell identifier of relay UE1.

[0482] Alternative solution 2: S610 to S612 are deleted, and S606, S607 and S609 include the identifier of UE1 and the identifier of the cell relaying UE1. Specifically:

[0483] S606 and S607 include the identifier of relay UE1 and the cell identifier of relay UE1. In S609, SMF sends the identifier of relay UE1 and the cell identifier of relay UE1 to gNB1 through N2container.

[0484] Alternative solution 3: Delete S610 to S612, and S606 and S609 include the identity of relay UE1 and the cell identity of relay UE1. Specifically:

[0485] S606 includes the identifier of relay UE1 and the cell identifier of relay UE1. In S609, when AMF sends N2container to gNB1, the N2 SM container includes the identifier of relay UE1 and the cell identifier of relay UE1.

[0486] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing changes in the transmission path of data of a remote UE after applying the method 600 of the present application is shown.

[0487] Among them, UPF is the UPF that provides services for remote UE, and AMF is the AMF that provides services for remote UE. Figure 7 (a) is a schematic diagram of the transmission path of the data of the remote UE after S601 to S605, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in (a), the data transmission path between the remote UE and the UPF is a direct path. Figure 7 (b) is a schematic diagram of the transmission path of the data of the remote UE after S606 to S615, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in (b), the data transmission path between the remote UE and the UPF is a direct path and an indirect path.

[0488] Figure 8 800 is a schematic diagram of a data transmission method 800 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method 800 can be regarded as a specific implementation of the method 500, and the method 800 may include the following steps.

[0489] S801 to S812 may refer to S601 to S612.

[0490] S813, gNB1 determines the base station that relays UE1.

[0491] gNB1 determines that the base station providing access service for relay UE1 is gNB2 based on the cell identifier of relay UE1.

[0492] S814: gNB1 sends an add request message #1 to gNB2.

[0493] The add request message #1 is used to request to add a data channel.

[0494] The add request message #1 includes the UPF's uplink tunnel address, remote UE information, QoS configuration information #2, relay UE identifier, and the QFI of QoS flow #2. The remote UE information includes the remote UE identifier, remote UE capability information, remote UE security-related information, subscription information, etc.

[0495] S815: gNB2 sends an add response message #1 to gNB1.

[0496] The add response message #1 includes the downlink tunnel address of gNB2 and resource configuration information #3 (another example of the sixth resource configuration information) and resource configuration information #14 (an example of the second resource configuration information).

[0497] Specifically, gNB2 determines resource configuration information #3 based on QoS configuration information #2. The resource configuration information #3 is used to configure the air interface resources of the Uu interface between relay UE1 and gNB2 (including the Uu-RLC layer, Uu-MAC layer, and Uu-PHY layer of relay UE1), and the air interface resources of the PC5 interface between the remote UE and relay UE1 (including the PC5-RLC layer, PC5-MAC layer, and PC5-PHY layer of relay UE1).

[0498] In addition, gNB2 can also determine resource configuration information #14 (an example of second resource configuration information) based on the QoS configuration information #2 and the information of the remote UE. The resource configuration information #14 is used to configure the air interface resources of the Uu interface between the remote UE and gNB2 (including the Uu-PDCP layer of the remote UE), and the air interface resources of the PC5 interface between the remote UE and the relay UE1 (including the PC5-RLC layer, PC5-MAC layer, and PC5-PHY layer of the remote UE).

[0499] S816. gNB1 sends the resource configuration information #14 and response message #2 to the remote UE.

[0500] gNB1 can send an RRC configuration message to the remote UE, where the RRC configuration message includes resource configuration information #14 and N1SM container.

[0501] S817, gNB2 sends the resource configuration information #3 to relay UE1.

[0502] For example, gNB2 sends the resource configuration information #3 to relay UE1 through an RRC configuration message.

[0503] S818, gNB1 sends the downlink tunnel address information of gNB2 and the QFI of QoS flow #2 to SMF.

[0504] Specifically, gNB1 can send a PDU session resource modify request message to the AMF. The PDU session resource modify request message includes the downlink tunnel address information of gNB2 and the QFI of QoS flow #2.

[0505] Furthermore, AMF may send an N11 message to SMF, which may be a PDU session update context request (Nsmf_PDUsession_updateSMcontext request) message, etc. The N11 message includes the downlink tunnel address information of gNB2 and the QFI of QoS flow #2.

[0506] S819: SMF responds to gNB1 with the updated UPF uplink tunnel address.

[0507] Specifically, SMF can send an N11 message to AMF, which may be a PDU session update context response (Nsmf_PDUsession_updateSMcontext response) message, etc., and the N11 message includes the updated uplink tunnel address of the UPF.

[0508] Furthermore, the AMF may send a PDU session resource modification response message to gNB1, where the PDU session resource modification response message includes the updated uplink tunnel address of the UPF.

[0509] S820: gNB1 sends the updated UPF uplink tunnel address to gNB2, and gNB2 replies with a response message.

[0510] Specifically, gNB1 can send a modify request message to gNB2, where the modify request message includes the updated uplink tunnel address of the UPF.

[0511] The response message replied by gNB2 may be a modify response message.

[0512] It should be understood that S818 to S820 is the process of establishing an N3 tunnel for QoS flow #2, wherein the N3 tunnel is a tunnel established between gNB2 and UPF, the uplink tunnel address of the N3 tunnel is the uplink tunnel address of the updated UPF, and the downlink tunnel address of the N3 tunnel is the downlink tunnel address of gNB2.

[0513] From S801 to S820 , QoS flow # 1 is established on the direct path of the remote UE, and QoS flow # 2 is established on the indirect path of the remote UE. The base stations of the direct path and the indirect path are different.

[0514] It should be understood that the alternatives in method 600 are also applicable to method 800 .

[0515] Figure 9A schematic diagram showing changes in the transmission path of data of a remote UE after applying the method 800 of the present application is shown.

[0516] Among them, UPF is the UPF that provides services to remote UE, and AMF is the AMF that provides services to remote UE. Figure 9 (a) is a schematic diagram of the transmission path of the data of the remote UE after S801 to S805, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown in (a), the data transmission path between the remote UE and the UPF is a direct path. Figure 9 (b) is a schematic diagram of the transmission path of the data of the remote UE after S806 to S820, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown in (b), the data transmission path between the remote UE and the UPF is a direct path and an indirect path.

[0517] Figure 10 1 is a schematic diagram of a data transmission method 1000 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Method 1000 can be regarded as a specific implementation of method 500, and method 1000 can include the following steps.

[0518] S1001, the remote UE sends a request message #3 to the AMF over an indirect path.

[0519] Specifically, the remote UE relays the UE to send a request message #3 (an example of the first request message), the relay UE sends a request message #3 to gNB1, and gNB1 sends a request message #3 to the AMF.

[0520] The request message #3 includes indication information #3 (an example of first indication information). The indication information #3 is an indirect indication, and the indirect indication is used to instruct to establish a QoS flow on an indirect path.

[0521] The request message #3 also includes indication information #4 (an example of the fourth indication information), where the indication information #4 is a Multi-Path indication, and the Multi-Path indication is used to instruct the AMF to select an SMF that supports multi-path communication.

[0522] The request message #3 may be a PDU session establish request message.

[0523] The remote UE may send the request message #1 via a UL NAS message.

[0524] The request message #3 may include the PDU session ID of the PDU session #1.

[0525] The gNB1 is a base station that provides services for relay UEs.

[0526] S1002, AMF sends request message #3 to SMF.

[0527] The AMF determines the SMF that supports multipath based on indication information #4 and sends a request message #3 to the SMF.

[0528] The AMF may send a request message #3 to the SMF via an N11 message, where the N11 message may be a PDU session create context request (Nsmf_PDUsession_createSMcontext request) message, etc.

[0529] S1003, SMF determines QoS configuration information #3 according to request message #3.

[0530] The SMF determines QoS configuration information #3 (an example of the first QoS configuration information) based on the request message #3. The QoS configuration information #3 includes QoS parameters of QoS flow #3 (an example of the first QoS flow).

[0531] In addition, the SMF records that the path of the established QoS flow #3 is a non-direct path.

[0532] S1004, SMF sends indication information #3, QoS configuration information #3 and response message #3 to gNB1.

[0533] Specifically, the response message #3 is used to respond to the request message #3.

[0534] The response message #3 may be a PDU session establish accept message.

[0535] Specifically, SMF can first send an N11 message to AMF, where the N11 message includes an N1 SM container and an N2SM container, where the N1 SM container includes a response message #3, and where the N2 SM container includes indication information #3 and QoS configuration information #3, where the N11 message can be an N1N2 message transfer (Namf_communication_N1N2MessageTransfer) message.

[0536] Furthermore, AMF sends the N2 SM container and N1 SM container to gNB1.

[0537] S1005. gNB1 sends resource configuration information #4 and response message #3 to the remote UE.

[0538] gNB1 determines resource configuration information #4 (an example of the first resource configuration information) based on QoS configuration information #3. The resource configuration information #4 is used to configure the air interface resources of the PC5 interface between the remote UE and the relay UE (including the PC5-RLC layer, PC5-MAC layer, and PC5-PHY layer of the remote UE), and the air interface resources of the Uu interface between the remote UE and gNB1 (including the Uu-PDCP layer of the remote UE).

[0539] In addition, gNB1 determines resource configuration information #15 based on QoS configuration information #3. The resource configuration information #15 is used to configure the air interface resources of the PC5 interface between the relay UE and gNB1 (including the PC5-RLC layer, PC5-MAC layer, and PC5-PHY layer of the relay UE1), and the air interface resources of the Uu interface between the relay UE1 and gNB1 (including the Uu-RLC layer, Uu-MAC layer, and Uu-PHY layer of the relay UE).

[0540] gNB1 sends resource configuration information #4 and N1 SM container to the remote UE and sends resource configuration information #15 to the relay UE.

[0541] After S1001 to S1005 , QoS flow # 3 is established on the indirect path of the remote UE.

[0542] It should be understood that in the process from S1001 to S1005, the QoS flows established may be one or more. Method 1000 is described using one QoS flow as an example, and the one QoS flow is QoS flow #3.

[0543] S1006: The remote UE sends a request message #4 to the AMF over an indirect path.

[0544] If the remote UE has a need to transmit data on a direct path, the remote UE sends a request message #4 to the AMF on an indirect path.

[0545] Specifically, the remote UE sends a request message #4 (an example of the second request message) to gNB1, and gNB1 sends a request message #4 to the AMF.

[0546] The request message #4 includes indication information #5 (an example of second indication information). The indication information #5 is a direct indication, and the direct indication is used to instruct to establish a QoS flow on a direct connection path.

[0547] The request message #4 may be a PDU session modification request message, and the request message #4 may include the PDU session ID of the PDU session #1.

[0548] The remote UE may send the request message #4 via a UL NAS message.

[0549] S1007, AMF sends request message #4 to SMF.

[0550] The AMF may send a request message #4 to the SMF via an N11 message, where the N11 message may be a PDU session update context request (Nsmf_PDUsession_updateSMcontext request) message, etc.

[0551] S1008, SMF determines QoS configuration information #4 according to request message #4.

[0552] The SMF determines QoS configuration information #4 (an example of second QoS configuration information) based on the request message #4. The QoS configuration information #4 includes QoS parameters of the QoS flow #4.

[0553] In addition, the SMF records the path of the established QoS flow #4 as a direct path.

[0554] S1009, SMF sends indication information #5, QoS configuration information #4 and response message #4 to gNB1.

[0555] Specifically, the response message #4 is used to respond to the request message #4.

[0556] The response message #4 may be a PDU session modification accept message.

[0557] Specifically, SMF can first send an N11 message to AMF, where the N11 message includes an N1 SM container and an N2 SM container, where the N1 SM container includes the response message #4, and the N2 SM container includes indication information #5 and QoS configuration information #4, where the N11 message can be a PDU session update context response (Nsmf_PDUsession_updateSMcontext response) message.

[0558] Furthermore, AMF sends the N2 SM container and N1 SM container to gNB1.

[0559] S1010, gNB1 sends measurement configuration information #2 to the remote UE according to indication information #5.

[0560] The measurement configuration information #2 is used to instruct the remote UE to report the campable cell.

[0561] S1011: The remote UE sends measurement report #2 to gNB1.

[0562] Specifically, the remote UE measures the resident cell and the signal strength of the resident cell, and sends a measurement report #2 to gNB1, where the measurement report #2 includes the cell identifier of the resident cell and the cell signal strength of the resident cell.

[0563] S1012, gNB1 determines the base station of the remote UE.

[0564] gNB1 determines that the base station of the remote UE is gNB1 based on the cell identifier of the cell that can be resided and the cell signal strength of the cell that can be resided.

[0565] S1013, gNB1 sends resource configuration information #5 and response message #4 to the remote UE.

[0566] Specifically, gNB1 determines resource configuration information #5 (an example of second resource configuration information) based on QoS configuration information #4. The resource configuration information #5 is used to configure the air interface resources of the Uu interface (including the Uu-PDCP layer, Uu-RLC layer, Uu-MAC layer, and Uu-PHY layer of the remote UE) between the remote UE and gNB1.

[0567] gNB1 can send an RRC configuration message to the remote UE, where the RRC configuration message includes resource configuration information #5 and N1SM container.

[0568] In another implementation, when the remote UE has established a connection with a gNB, the following alternatives are included.

[0569] Alternative 1, including S1014 and S1016, replaces S1010 to S1012 with S1014 and S1015. Specifically:

[0570] S1014, gNB1 sends an RRC message to the remote UE, where the RRC message is used to request information about the remote UE.

[0571] At step S1015, the remote UE sends an RRC message to gNB1. This RRC message is used to respond to step S1014 and includes the cell identifier of the remote UE.

[0572] S1016, gNB1 determines that the gNB to which the remote UE is connected is gNB1 based on the cell identifier of the remote UE.

[0573] Alternative solution 2: Delete S1010 to S1012, and S1006, S1007 and S1009 include the cell identifier of the remote UE. Specifically:

[0574] S1006 and S1007 include the cell identifier of the remote UE. In S1009, the SMF sends the cell identifier of the remote UE to gNB1 through the N2 container.

[0575] Alternative 2 also includes the above-mentioned S1016.

[0576] Alternative solution 3: Delete S1010 to S1012, and S1006 and S1009 include the cell identifier of the remote UE. Specifically:

[0577] S1006 includes the cell identifier of the remote UE. In S1009, when the AMF sends the N2 container to gNB1, the N2SM container includes the cell identifier of the remote UE.

[0578] Alternative 3 also includes the above-mentioned S1016.

[0579] From S1001 to S1013 , QoS flow # 3 is established on the indirect path of the remote UE, and QoS flow # 4 is established on the direct path of the remote UE. The base station of the direct path is the same as the base station of the indirect path.

[0580] Figure 11 A schematic diagram showing changes in the transmission path of data of a remote UE after applying the method 1000 of the present application is shown.

[0581] Among them, UPF is the UPF that provides services to remote UE, and AMF is the AMF that provides services to remote UE. Figure 11 (a) is a schematic diagram of the transmission path of the data of the remote UE after S1001 to S1005, as shown in FIG. Figure 11 As shown in (a), the data transmission path between the remote UE and the UPF is a non-direct path. Figure 11 (b) is a schematic diagram of the transmission path of the data of the remote UE after S1006 to S1013, as shown in FIG. Figure 11 As shown in (b), the data transmission path between the remote UE and the UPF is an indirect path and a direct path.

[0582] Figure 12 1 is a schematic diagram of a data transmission method 1200 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method 1200 can be regarded as a specific implementation of the method 500, and the method 1200 may include the following steps.

[0583] S1201 to S1211 may refer to S1001 to S1011.

[0584] S1212, gNB1 determines the base station of the remote UE.

[0585] gNB1 determines that the base station of the remote UE is gNB2 based on the cell identifier of the cell that can be resided and the cell signal strength of the cell that can be resided.

[0586] S1213: gNB1 sends an add request message #2 to gNB2.

[0587] The add request message #2 is used to request to add a data channel.

[0588] The add request message #2 includes the uplink tunnel address of the UPF, information about the remote UE, QoS configuration information #4, and the QFI of QoS flow #4. The information about the remote UE includes security-related information, subscription information, etc. of the remote UE.

[0589] S1214: gNB2 sends an add response message #2 to gNB1.

[0590] The add response message #2 includes the downlink tunnel address of gNB2 and resource configuration information #6 (another example of the second resource configuration information).

[0591] Specifically, gNB2 determines resource configuration information #6 based on QoS configuration information #4, and the resource configuration information #6 is used to configure the air interface resources of the Uu interface between the remote UE and gNB2 (including the Uu-PDCP layer, Uu-RLC layer, Uu-MAC layer, and Uu-PHY layer of the remote UE).

[0592] S1215, gNB1 sends the resource configuration information #6 and response message #4 to the remote UE.

[0593] gNB1 can send an RRC configuration message to the remote UE, where the RRC configuration message includes resource configuration information #6 and N1SM container.

[0594] S1216, gNB1 sends the downlink tunnel address information of gNB2 and the QFI of QoS flow #4 to SMF.

[0595] Specifically, gNB1 can send a PDU session resource modify request message to the AMF. The PDU session resource modify request message includes the downlink tunnel address information of gNB2 and the QFI of QoS flow #4.

[0596] Furthermore, AMF may send an N11 message to SMF, which may be a PDU session update context request (Nsmf_PDUsession_updateSMcontext request) message, etc. The N11 message includes the downlink tunnel address information of gNB2 and the QFI of QoS flow #4.

[0597] S1217: SMF responds to gNB1 with the updated UPF uplink tunnel address.

[0598] Specifically, SMF can send an N11 message to AMF, which may be a PDU session update context response (Nsmf_PDUsession_updateSMcontext response) message, etc., and the N11 message includes the updated uplink tunnel address of the UPF.

[0599] Furthermore, the AMF may send a PDU session resource modification response message to gNB1, where the PDU session resource modification response message includes the updated uplink tunnel address of the UPF.

[0600] At S1218, gNB1 sends the updated UPF uplink tunnel address to gNB2, and gNB2 responds with a response message.

[0601] Specifically, gNB1 can send a modify request message to gNB2, where the modify request message includes the updated uplink tunnel address of the UPF.

[0602] The response message replied by gNB2 may be a modify response message.

[0603] It should be understood that S1216 to S1218 is the process of establishing an N3 tunnel for QoS flow #4, wherein the N3 tunnel is a tunnel established between gNB2 and UPF, the uplink tunnel address of the N3 tunnel is the uplink tunnel address of the updated UPF, and the downlink tunnel address of the N3 tunnel is the downlink tunnel address of gNB2.

[0604] From S1201 to S1218 , QoS flow # 3 is established on the indirect path of the remote UE, and QoS flow # 4 is established on the direct path of the remote UE. The base station of the direct path is different from the base station of the indirect path.

[0605] It should be understood that the alternatives in method 1000 are also applicable to method 1200.

[0606] Figure 13A schematic diagram showing changes in the transmission path of data of a remote UE after applying the method 1200 of the present application is shown.

[0607] Among them, UPF is the UPF that provides services to remote UE, and AMF is the AMF that provides services to remote UE. Figure 13 (a) is a schematic diagram of the transmission path of the data of the remote UE after S1201 to S1205, as shown in FIG. Figure 13 As shown in (a), the data transmission path between the remote UE and the UPF is a non-direct path. Figure 13 (b) is a schematic diagram of the transmission path of the data of the remote UE after S1206 to S1218, as shown in FIG. Figure 13 As shown in (b), the data transmission path between the remote UE and the UPF is an indirect path and a direct path.

[0608] Figure 14 1 is a schematic diagram of a data transmission method 1400 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Method 1400 can be regarded as a specific implementation of method 500, and method 1400 may include the following steps.

[0609] S1401 to S1405 may refer to S601 to S605 , and method 1400 is described by taking the establishment of two QoS flows, namely, QoS flow # 1 and QoS flow # 5 (two examples of the first QoS flow) on the direct connection path of the remote UE as an example.

[0610] S1406: The remote UE sends a request message #5 to the AMF on the direct path.

[0611] If the remote UE has a need to transmit data on a non-direct path, the remote UE sends a request message #5 (an example of a third request message) to the AMF on the direct path.

[0612] Specifically, the remote UE sends a request message #5 to gNB1, and gNB1 sends a request message #5 to the AMF.

[0613] The request message #5 includes indication information #6 (an example of the third indication information) and the QFI of QoS flow #5 (an example of the third QoS flow), and the indication information #6 is a "transfer to indirect indication". The "transfer to indirect indication" is used to indicate that QoS flow #5 is transferred to a non-direct path.

[0614] The request message #5 may be a PDU session modification request message, and the request message #5 may include the PDU session ID of the PDU session #1.

[0615] The remote UE may send the request message #5 via a UL NAS message.

[0616] S1407, AMF sends request message #5 to SMF.

[0617] The AMF may send a request message #5 to the SMF via an N11 message, where the N11 message may be a PDU session update context request (Nsmf_PDUsession_updateSMcontext request) message, etc.

[0618] S1408, SMF determines QoS configuration information #5 based on request message #5.

[0619] The SMF determines QoS configuration information #5 (an example of third QoS configuration information) based on the request message #5. The QoS configuration information #5 includes QoS parameters of the QoS flow #5.

[0620] In addition, the SMF records the path after the transfer of QoS flow #5 as a non-direct path.

[0621] S1409: SMF sends indication information #6, QFI of QoS flow #5, QoS configuration information #5, and response message #5 to gNB1.

[0622] Specifically, the response message #5 is used to respond to the request message #5.

[0623] The response message #5 may be a PDU session modification accept message.

[0624] Specifically, SMF can first send an N11 message to AMF, where the N11 message includes an N1 SM container and an N2 SM container, where the N1 SM container includes a response message #5, and where the N2 SM container includes indication information #6, QFI of QoS flow #5, and QoS configuration information #5, where the N11 message can be a PDU session update context response (Nsmf_PDUsession_updateSMcontext response) message.

[0625] Furthermore, AMF sends the N2 SM container and N1 SM container to gNB1.

[0626] S1410, gNB1 sends measurement configuration information #3 to the remote UE according to indication information #6.

[0627] The measurement configuration information #3 is used to instruct the remote UE to report the PC5 strength signal of one or more relay UEs.

[0628] S1411: The remote UE sends measurement report #3 to gNB1.

[0629] Specifically, the remote UE measures the PC5 signal strength of one or more relay UEs and sends a measurement report #3 to gNB1, which includes the ID of one or more relay UEs, cell ID and PC5 signal strength.

[0630] S1412, gNB1 determines to relay UE1.

[0631] gNB1 determines relay UE1 based on the PC5 signal strength of one or more relay UEs.

[0632] S1413, gNB1 determines the base station that relays UE1.

[0633] gNB1 determines that the base station providing access service for relay UE1 is gNB1 based on the cell identifier of relay UE1.

[0634] S1414, gNB1 sends resource configuration information #7 to relay UE1.

[0635] Specifically, gNB1 determines resource configuration information #7 (an example of the sixth resource configuration information) based on QoS configuration information #5. The resource configuration information #7 is used to configure the air interface resources of the Uu interface between the relay UE1 and gNB1 (including the Uu-RLC layer, Uu-MAC layer, and Uu-PHY layer of the relay UE1), and the air interface resources of the PC5 interface between the remote UE and the relay UE1 (including the PC5-RLC layer, PC5-MAC layer, and PC5-PHY layer of the relay UE1).

[0636] Furthermore, gNB1 sends the resource configuration information #7 to relay UE1. For example, the resource configuration information #7 is sent to relay UE1 via an RRC configuration message.

[0637] S1415, gNB1 sends the resource configuration information #16, resource configuration information #8 and response message #5 to the remote UE.

[0638] Specifically, gNB1 determines resource configuration information #16 (an example of the third resource configuration information) based on the QoS configuration information #5. The resource configuration information #16 is used to configure the air interface resources of the Uu interface between the remote UE and gNB1 (including the Uu-PDCP layer of the remote UE), and the air interface resources of the PC5 interface between the remote UE and the relay UE1 (including the PC5-RLC layer, PC5-MAC layer, and PC5-PHY layer of the remote UE).

[0639] gNB1 can send an RRC configuration message to the remote UE, which includes resource configuration information #16 and N1SM container.

[0640] In addition, gNB1 sends resource configuration information #8 (an example of the third resource configuration information and also an example of the fourth resource configuration information) to the remote UE based on the indication information #6 and the QFI of QoS flow #5. The resource configuration information #8 is used to configure the remote UE to delete the air interface resources of QoS flow #5 on the direct connection path.

[0641] After S1401 to S1415 , the QoS flow # 5 of the direct path of the remote UE is transferred to the indirect path, and the base station of the direct path is the same as the base station of the indirect path.

[0642] It should be understood that the alternatives in method 600 are also applicable to method 1400.

[0643] The main difference between method 1400 and method 600 is that the contents indicated by indication information #6 and indication information #2 are different, and method 1400, while configuring the non-direct path of QoS flow #5, also deletes the air interface resources of QoS flow #5 on the direct path.

[0644] Figure 15 A schematic diagram showing changes in the transmission path of data of a remote UE after applying the method 1400 of the present application is shown.

[0645] Among them, UPF is the UPF that provides services to remote UE, and AMF is the AMF that provides services to remote UE. Figure 15 (a) is a schematic diagram of the transmission path of the data of the remote UE after S1401 to S1405, as shown in FIG. Figure 15 As shown in (a), the data transmission path between the remote UE and the UPF is a direct path. Figure 15 (b) is a schematic diagram of the transmission path of the data of the remote UE after S1406 to S1415, as shown in FIG. Figure 15 As shown in (b), the data transmission path between the remote UE and the UPF is a direct path and an indirect path.

[0646] Figure 161 is a schematic diagram of a data transmission method 1600 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Method 1600 can be regarded as a specific implementation of method 500, and method 1600 may include the following steps.

[0647] S1601 to S1612 may refer to S1401 to S1412.

[0648] S1613, gNB1 determines the base station that relays UE1.

[0649] gNB1 determines that the base station providing access service for relay UE1 is gNB2 based on the cell identifier of relay UE1.

[0650] S1614: gNB1 sends an add request message #3 to gNB2.

[0651] The add request message #3 is used to request to add a data channel.

[0652] The add request message #3 includes the UPF's uplink tunnel address, remote UE information, QoS configuration information #5, the relay UE's identifier, and the QFI of QoS flow #5. The remote UE information includes the remote UE's identifier, remote UE capability information, remote UE security-related information, subscription information, etc.

[0653] S1615: gNB2 sends an add response message #3 to gNB1.

[0654] The add response message #3 includes the downlink tunnel address of gNB2 and resource configuration information #9 (another example of the sixth resource configuration information) and resource configuration information #17 (an example of the third resource configuration information).

[0655] Specifically, gNB2 determines resource configuration information #9 based on QoS configuration information #5. The resource configuration information #9 is used to configure the air interface resources of the Uu interface between relay UE1 and gNB2 (including the Uu-RLC layer, Uu-MAC layer, and Uu-PHY layer of relay UE1), and the air interface resources of the PC5 interface between the remote UE and relay UE1 (including the PC5-RLC layer, PC5-MAC layer, and PC5-PHY layer of relay UE1).

[0656] In addition, gNB2 can also determine resource configuration information #17 (an example of third resource configuration information) based on the QoS configuration information #5 and the information of the remote UE. The resource configuration information #17 is used to configure the air interface resources of the Uu interface between the remote UE and gNB2 (including the Uu-PDCP layer of the remote UE), and the air interface resources of the PC5 interface between the remote UE and the relay UE1 (including the PC5-RLC layer, PC5-MAC layer, and PC5-PHY layer of the remote UE).

[0657] S1616, gNB1 sends the resource configuration information #17, resource configuration information #8 and response message #5 to the remote UE.

[0658] gNB1 can send an RRC configuration message to the remote UE, which includes resource configuration information #17 and N1SM container.

[0659] In addition, gNB1 sends resource configuration information #8 (an example of the third resource configuration information and also an example of the fourth resource configuration information) to the remote UE based on the indication information #6 and the QFI of QoS flow #5. The resource configuration information #8 is used to configure the remote UE to delete the air interface resources of QoS flow #5 on the direct connection path.

[0660] S1617, gNB2 sends the resource configuration information #9 to relay UE1.

[0661] For example, gNB2 sends the resource configuration information #9 to relay UE1 through an RRC configuration message.

[0662] S1618: gNB1 sends gNB2's downlink tunnel address information and QFI of QoS flow #5 to SMF.

[0663] Specifically, gNB1 can send a PDU session resource modify request message to the AMF. The PDU session resource modify request message includes the downlink tunnel address information of gNB2 and the QFI of QoS flow #5.

[0664] Furthermore, AMF may send an N11 message to SMF, which may be a PDU session update context request (Nsmf_PDUsession_updateSMcontext request) message, etc. The N11 message includes the downlink tunnel address information of gNB2 and the QFI of QoS flow #5.

[0665] At S1619, SMF responds to gNB1 with the updated UPF uplink tunnel address.

[0666] Specifically, SMF can send an N11 message to AMF, which may be a PDU session update context response (Nsmf_PDUsession_updateSMcontext response) message, etc., and the N11 message includes the updated uplink tunnel address of the UPF.

[0667] Furthermore, the AMF may send a PDU session resource modification response message to gNB1, where the PDU session resource modification response message includes the updated uplink tunnel address of the UPF.

[0668] At S1620, gNB1 sends the updated UPF uplink tunnel address to gNB2, and gNB2 responds with a response message.

[0669] Specifically, gNB1 can send a modify request message to gNB2, where the modify request message includes the updated uplink tunnel address of the UPF.

[0670] The response message replied by gNB2 may be a modify response message.

[0671] It should be understood that S1618 to S1620 is the process of updating the N3 tunnel for QoS flow #5, wherein the updated N3 tunnel is the tunnel between gNB2 and UPF, the uplink tunnel address of the N3 tunnel is the uplink tunnel address of the updated UPF, and the downlink tunnel address of the N3 tunnel is the downlink tunnel address of gNB2.

[0672] After S1601 to S1620 , the QoS flow # 5 of the direct path of the remote UE is transferred to the indirect path, and the base station of the direct path is different from the base station of the indirect path.

[0673] It should be understood that the alternatives in method 600 also apply to method 1600.

[0674] Figure 17 A schematic diagram showing changes in the transmission path of data of a remote UE after applying the method 1600 of the present application is shown.

[0675] Among them, UPF is the UPF that provides services for remote UE, and AMF is the AMF that provides services for remote UE. Figure 17 (a) is a schematic diagram of the transmission path of the data of the remote UE after S1601 to S1605, as shown in FIG. Figure 17 As shown in (a), the data transmission path between the remote UE and the UPF is a direct path. Figure 17 (b) is a schematic diagram of the transmission path of the data of the remote UE after S1606 to S1620, as shown in FIG. Figure 17 As shown in (b), the data transmission path between the remote UE and the UPF is a direct path and an indirect path.

[0676] Figure 181 is a schematic diagram of a data transmission method 1800 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Method 1800 can be regarded as a specific implementation of method 500, and method 1800 may include the following steps.

[0677] S1801 to S1805 may refer to S1001 to S1005 , and method 1800 is described by taking the establishment of two QoS flows, namely QoS flow #3 and QoS flow #6 (two examples of the first QoS flow), on the non-direct connection path of the remote UE as an example.

[0678] S1806: The remote UE sends a request message #6 to the AMF over an indirect path.

[0679] If the remote UE has a need to transmit data on a direct path, the remote UE sends a request message #6 (an example of a third request message) to the AMF on a non-direct path.

[0680] Specifically, the remote UE sends a request message #6 to gNB1, and gNB1 sends a request message #6 to the AMF.

[0681] The request message #6 includes indication information #7 (an example of the third indication information) and the QFI of QoS flow #6 (an example of the third QoS flow), and the indication information #7 is "transfer + direct indication", and the "transfer + direct indication" is used to indicate that QoS flow #6 is transferred to the direct path.

[0682] The request message #6 may be a PDU session modification request message, and the request message #6 may include the PDU session ID of the PDU session #1.

[0683] The remote UE may send the request message #6 via a UL NAS message.

[0684] S1807, AMF sends request message #6 to SMF.

[0685] The AMF may send a request message #6 to the SMF via an N11 message, where the N11 message may be a PDU session update context request (Nsmf_PDUsession_updateSMcontext request) message, etc.

[0686] S1808, SMF determines QoS configuration information #6 based on request message #6.

[0687] The SMF determines QoS configuration information #6 (an example of third QoS configuration information) based on the request message #6. The QoS configuration information #6 includes QoS parameters of the QoS flow #6.

[0688] In addition, the SMF records the path after the transfer of QoS flow #6 as a direct path.

[0689] S1809: SMF sends indication information #7, QFI of QoS flow #6, QoS configuration information #6, and response message #6 to gNB1.

[0690] Specifically, the response message #6 is used to respond to the request message #6.

[0691] The response message #6 may be a PDU session modification accept message.

[0692] Specifically, SMF can first send an N11 message to AMF, where the N11 message includes an N1 SM container and an N2 SM container, where the N1 SM container includes the response message #6, and the N2 SM container includes indication information #7, QFI of QoS flow #6, and QoS configuration information #6, where the N11 message can be a PDU session update context response (Nsmf_PDUsession_updateSMcontext response) message.

[0693] Furthermore, AMF sends the N2 SM container and N1 SM container to gNB1.

[0694] S1810, gNB1 sends measurement configuration information #4 to the remote UE according to indication information #7.

[0695] The measurement configuration information #4 is used to instruct the remote UE to report the campable cell.

[0696] S1811: The remote UE sends measurement report #4 to gNB1.

[0697] Specifically, the remote UE measures the resident cell and the signal strength of the resident cell, and sends a measurement report #4 to gNB1, where the measurement report #4 includes the cell identifier of the resident cell and the cell signal strength of the resident cell.

[0698] S1812, gNB1 determines the base station of the remote UE.

[0699] gNB1 determines that the base station of the remote UE is gNB1 based on the cell identifier of the cell that can be resided and the cell signal strength of the cell that can be resided.

[0700] In step S1813, gNB1 sends resource configuration information #10, resource configuration information #11, and response message #6 to the remote UE.

[0701] Specifically, gNB1 determines resource configuration information #10 (an example of the third resource configuration information) based on QoS configuration information #6. The resource configuration information #10 is used to configure the air interface resources of the Uu interface (including the Uu-PDCP layer, Uu-RLC layer, Uu-MAC layer, and Uu-PHY layer of the remote UE) between the remote UE and gNB1.

[0702] gNB1 can send an RRC configuration message to the remote UE, where the RRC configuration message includes resource configuration information #10 and N1SM container.

[0703] In addition, gNB1 sends resource configuration information #11 (an example of the third resource configuration information and also an example of the fourth resource configuration information) to the remote UE based on the indication information #7 and the QFI of QoS flow #6. The resource configuration information #11 is used to configure the remote UE to delete the air interface resources of QoS flow #6 on the non-direct connection path.

[0704] After S1801 to S1813 , the QoS flow # 6 of the indirect path of the remote UE is transferred to the direct path, and the base station of the direct path is the same as the base station of the indirect path.

[0705] It should be understood that the alternatives in method 1000 are also applicable to method 1800.

[0706] Figure 19 A schematic diagram showing changes in the transmission path of data of a remote UE after applying the method 1800 of the present application is shown.

[0707] Among them, UPF is the UPF that provides services to remote UE, and AMF is the AMF that provides services to remote UE. Figure 19 (a) is a schematic diagram of the transmission path of the data of the remote UE after S1801 to S1805, as shown in FIG. Figure 19 As shown in (a), the data transmission path between the remote UE and the UPF is a non-direct path. Figure 19 (b) is a schematic diagram of the transmission path of the data of the remote UE after S1806 to S1813, as shown in FIG. Figure 19 As shown in (b), the data transmission path between the remote UE and the UPF is an indirect path and a direct path.

[0708] Figure 202 is a schematic diagram of a data transmission method 2000 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method 2000 can be regarded as a specific implementation of the method 500, and the method 2000 may include the following steps.

[0709] S2001 to S2011 may refer to S1801 to S1811.

[0710] S2012, gNB1 determines the base station of the remote UE.

[0711] gNB1 determines that the base station of the remote UE is gNB2 based on the cell identifier of the cell that can be resided and the cell signal strength of the cell that can be resided.

[0712] S2013: gNB1 sends an add request message #4 to gNB2.

[0713] The add request message #4 is used to request to add a data channel.

[0714] The add request message #4 includes the uplink tunnel address of the UPF, information about the remote UE, QoS configuration information #6, and the QFI of QoS flow #6. The information about the remote UE includes security-related information, subscription information, etc. of the remote UE.

[0715] S2014: gNB2 sends an add response message #4 to gNB1.

[0716] The add response message #6 includes the downlink tunnel address of gNB2 and resource configuration information #12 (another example of the third resource configuration information).

[0717] Specifically, gNB2 determines resource configuration information #12 based on QoS configuration information #6, and the resource configuration information #12 is used to configure the air interface resources of the Uu interface between the remote UE and gNB2 (including the Uu-PDCP layer, Uu-RLC layer, Uu-MAC layer, and Uu-PHY layer of the remote UE).

[0718] In step S2015, gNB1 sends the resource configuration information #12, resource configuration information #11, and response message #6 to the remote UE.

[0719] gNB1 can send an RRC configuration message to the remote UE, where the RRC configuration message includes resource configuration information #12 and N1SM container.

[0720] In addition, gNB1 sends resource configuration information #11 (an example of the third resource configuration information and also an example of the fourth resource configuration information) to the remote UE based on the indication information #7 and the QFI of QoS flow #6. The resource configuration information #11 is used to configure the remote UE to delete the air interface resources of QoS flow #6 on the non-direct connection path.

[0721] In S2016, gNB1 sends the downlink tunnel address information of gNB2 and the QFI of QoS flow #6 to SMF.

[0722] Specifically, gNB1 can send a PDU session resource modify request message to the AMF. The PDU session resource modify request message includes the downlink tunnel address information of gNB2 and the QFI of QoS flow #6.

[0723] Furthermore, AMF may send an N11 message to SMF, which may be a PDU session update context request (Nsmf_PDUsession_updateSMcontext request) message, etc. The N11 message includes the downlink tunnel address information of gNB2 and the QFI of QoS flow #6.

[0724] At S2017, SMF responds to gNB1 with the updated UPF uplink tunnel address.

[0725] Specifically, SMF can send an N11 message to AMF, which may be a PDU session update context response (Nsmf_PDUsession_updateSMcontext response) message, etc., and the N11 message includes the updated uplink tunnel address of the UPF.

[0726] Furthermore, the AMF may send a PDU session resource modification response message to gNB1, where the PDU session resource modification response message includes the updated uplink tunnel address of the UPF.

[0727] At S2018, gNB1 sends the updated UPF uplink tunnel address to gNB2, and gNB2 responds with a response message.

[0728] Specifically, gNB1 can send a modify request message to gNB2, where the modify request message includes the updated uplink tunnel address of the UPF.

[0729] The response message replied by gNB2 may be a modify response message.

[0730] It should be understood that S2016 to S2018 is the process of updating the N3 tunnel for QoS flow #6, wherein the updated N3 tunnel is the tunnel between gNB2 and UPF, the uplink tunnel address of the N3 tunnel is the uplink tunnel address of the updated UPF, and the downlink tunnel address of the N3 tunnel is the downlink tunnel address of gNB2.

[0731] After S2001 to S2018 , the QoS flow # 6 of the indirect path of the remote UE is transferred to the direct path, and the base station of the direct path is different from the base station of the indirect path.

[0732] It should be understood that the alternatives in method 1000 are also applicable to method 2000.

[0733] Figure 21 A schematic diagram showing changes in the transmission path of data of a remote UE after applying the method 2000 of the present application is shown.

[0734] Among them, UPF is the UPF that provides services to remote UE, and AMF is the AMF that provides services to remote UE. Figure 21 (a) is a schematic diagram of the transmission path of the data of the remote UE after S2001 to S2005, as shown in FIG. Figure 21 As shown in (a), the data transmission path between the remote UE and the UPF is a non-direct path. Figure 21 (b) is a schematic diagram of the transmission path of the data of the remote UE after S2006 to S2018, as shown in FIG. Figure 21 As shown in (b), the data transmission path between the remote UE and the UPF is an indirect path and a direct path.

[0735] Figure 22 A schematic diagram of a data transmission device 2200 provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0736] The device 2200 includes a transceiver unit 2210, which can be used to implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver unit 2210 can also be called a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0737] Optionally, the device 2200 may further include a processing unit 2220, which may be configured to perform data processing.

[0738] Optionally, the device 2200 also includes a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing unit 2220 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the device implements the actions of different devices in the aforementioned method embodiments, for example, the actions of the terminal device, the first access network device, the second access network device, the access and mobility management function device or the first session management function device.

[0739] As a design, the device 2200 is used to execute the actions performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0740] Specifically, the transceiver unit 2210 is used to send a first request message to the network device, where the first request message includes first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate establishing a first QoS flow on a first communication path or a second communication path, where the first QoS flow is used to transmit data of the device; the transceiver unit 2210 is also used to: receive first resource configuration information, where the first resource configuration information is used to configure access network resources for the first QoS flow, where the first communication path is a direct path and the second communication path is a non-direct path; or, the first communication path is a non-direct path and the second communication path is a direct path.

[0741] Optionally, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path, and the transceiver unit 2210 is also used to: send a second request message to the network device through the first communication path, the second request message includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a second QoS flow on the second communication path, and the second QoS flow is used to transmit data of the device; the transceiver unit 2210 is also used to: receive second resource configuration information, and the second resource configuration information is used to configure the access network resources of the second QoS flow.

[0742] Optionally, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path, and the transceiver unit 2210 is also used to: send a third request message to the network device through the first communication path, the third request message including third indication information and QoS flow identification information of the third QoS flow, the third indication information is used to indicate the transfer of the third QoS flow to the second communication path, and the third QoS flow is at least one of the first QoS flows; the transceiver unit 2210 is also used to: receive third resource configuration information, and the third resource configuration information is used to configure the access network resources of the third QoS flow.

[0743] Optionally, the third resource configuration information is specifically used to: allocate access network resources of the third QoS flow on the second communication path; and delete access network resources of the third QoS flow on the first communication path.

[0744] Optionally, the third resource configuration information is specifically used to allocate access network resources of the third QoS flow in the second communication path, and the transceiver unit 2210 is also used to: receive fourth configuration information, which is used to delete the access network resources of the third QoS flow in the first communication path.

[0745] Optionally, the first request message further includes fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate a session management function device that supports multipath.

[0746] Optionally, the first communication path is a path directly connecting the device to the first access network device, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the device and the first access network device.

[0747] Optionally, the first communication path is a path that directly connects the apparatus to the first access network device, and the first indication information is used to indicate establishment of a first QoS flow on the second communication path. The transceiver unit 2210 is also used to: send the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device, and the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device is used to determine the access network device of the first relay terminal device. The devices of the second communication path include the first relay terminal device.

[0748] Optionally, the transceiver unit 2210 is specifically used to: send a first measurement report to the first access network device, the first measurement report including the cell identifier of at least one relay terminal device and the proximity service communication PC5 signal strength of at least one relay terminal device, the at least one relay terminal device including the first relay terminal device, and the PC5 signal strength of the at least one relay terminal device is used to determine the first relay terminal device; or, send a radio resource control RRC message to the first access network device, the RRC message including the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device; or, the first request message includes the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device.

[0749] Optionally, the access network device of the first relay terminal device is the first access network device, the second communication path is the path through which the device connects to the first access network device through the first relay terminal device, and the first resource configuration information includes the configuration information of the PC5 interface between the device and the first relay terminal device, and the configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device.

[0750] Optionally, the access network device of the first relay terminal device is the second access network device, the second communication path is the path for the device to connect to the second access network device through the first relay terminal device, and the first resource configuration information includes the configuration information of the PC5 interface between the device and the first relay terminal device, and the configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the second access network device.

[0751] Optionally, the first communication path is the path through which the device connects to the first access network device through the first relay terminal device, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path, and the first resource configuration information includes the configuration information of the PC5 interface between the device and the first relay terminal device, and the configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device.

[0752] Optionally, the first communication path is a path for the device to connect to the first access network device through the first relay terminal device, and the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the second communication path. The transceiver unit 2210 is also used to: send a second measurement report to the first access network device, and the second measurement report includes the cell signal strength of the cell where the device can reside, and the cell signal strength is used to determine the access network device of the device.

[0753] Optionally, the access network device of the apparatus is a first access network device, the second communication path is a path directly connecting the apparatus to the first access network device, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the apparatus and the first access network device.

[0754] Optionally, the access network device of the apparatus is a second access network device, the second communication path is a path directly connecting the apparatus to the second access network device, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the apparatus and the second access network device.

[0755] The apparatus 2200 can implement the steps or processes executed by the terminal device in the method embodiment according to the embodiment of the present application. The apparatus 2200 may include a method for executing Figure 5 The unit of the method executed by the terminal device in the embodiment shown, or including Figure 6 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 12 、 Figure 14 、 Figure 16 、 Figure 18 and Figure 20 The units of the method executed by the remote UE in the illustrated embodiment.

[0756] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit executing the above corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0757] As a design, the device 2200 is used to execute the actions performed by the first access network device in each of the above method embodiments.

[0758] Specifically, the transceiver unit 2210 is used to receive first indication information and first quality of service QoS configuration information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path or the second communication path, and the first QoS configuration information is used to determine the access network resources of the first QoS flow, and the first QoS flow is used to transmit data of the terminal device; the transceiver unit 2210 is also used to: send first resource configuration information to the terminal device via the first communication path, and the first resource configuration information is determined based on the first indication information and the first QoS configuration information, and the first resource configuration information is used to configure the access network resources of the first QoS flow; wherein the first communication path is a direct path and the second communication path is a non-direct path; or, the first communication path is a non-direct path and the second communication path is a direct path.

[0759] Optionally, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path, and the transceiver unit 2210 is also used to: receive second indication information and second QoS configuration information, the second indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a second QoS flow on the second communication path, the second QoS configuration information is used to determine the access network resources of the second QoS flow, and the second QoS flow is used to transmit data of the terminal device; the transceiver unit 2210 is also used to: send second resource configuration information to the terminal device through the first communication path, the second resource configuration information is determined based on the second indication information and the second QoS configuration information, and the second resource configuration information is used to configure the access network resources of the second QoS flow.

[0760] Optionally, the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path, and the transceiver unit 2210 is also used to: receive third indication information, third QoS configuration information and QoS flow identification information of the third QoS flow, the third indication information is used to indicate the transfer of the third QoS flow to the second communication path, the third QoS configuration information is used to determine the access network resources of the first QoS flow, and the third QoS flow is at least one of the first QoS flows; the transceiver unit 2210 is also used to: send third resource configuration information to the terminal device through the first communication path, the third resource configuration information is determined based on the third indication information and the third QoS configuration information, and the third resource configuration information is used to configure the access network resources of the third QoS flow.

[0761] Optionally, the third resource configuration information is specifically used to: allocate access network resources of the third QoS flow on the second communication path; and delete access network resources of the third QoS flow on the first communication path.

[0762] Optionally, the third resource configuration information is specifically used to allocate access network resources for the third QoS flow on the second communication path, and the transceiver unit 2210 is also used to: send fourth configuration information, which is used to delete the access network resources for the third QoS flow on the first communication path.

[0763] Optionally, the first communication path is a path directly connecting the terminal device to the apparatus, the first indication information is used to indicate establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the apparatus.

[0764] Optionally, the first communication path is a path directly connecting the terminal device to the apparatus, and the first indication information is used to indicate establishment of a first QoS flow on the second communication path. The apparatus further includes: a processing unit 2220, for obtaining a cell identifier of a first relay terminal device, and the devices of the second communication path include the first relay terminal device; and determining an access network device of the first relay terminal device based on the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device.

[0765] Optionally, the processing unit 2220 is specifically used to: determine the first relay terminal device and the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device based on the proximity service communication PC5 signal strength of at least one relay terminal device; or, receive a radio resource control RRC message from the terminal device, the RRC message including the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device; or, receive a first message from a first session management function device or an access and mobility management function device, the first message including the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device.

[0766] Optionally, the access network device of the first relay terminal device is the device, the second communication path is the path for the terminal device to connect to the device through the first relay terminal device, and the first resource configuration information includes the configuration information of the proximity service communication PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and the configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the device.

[0767] Optionally, the processing unit 2220 is used to: send fifth resource configuration information to the first relay terminal device, the fifth resource configuration information including configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the first relay terminal device and the first access network device.

[0768] Optionally, the access network device of the first relay terminal device is the second access network device, the second communication path is the path for the terminal device to connect to the second access network device through the first relay terminal device, and the first resource configuration information includes the configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and the configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the second access network device.

[0769] Optionally, the transceiver unit 2210 is further configured to: send a second message to the second access network device, where the second message includes the first QoS configuration information; and receive the first resource configuration information from the second access network device.

[0770] Optionally, the second access network device is used to send sixth resource configuration information to the first relay terminal device, and the sixth resource configuration information includes configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the first relay terminal device and the second access network device.

[0771] Optionally, the first communication path is a path for the terminal device to connect to the device through a first relay terminal device, the first indication information is used to indicate establishment of a first QoS flow on the first communication path, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the device.

[0772] Optionally, the first communication path is a path for the terminal device to connect to the device through a first relay terminal device, and the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first QoS flow on the second communication path. The device also includes a processing unit 2220, which is used to determine the access network device of the terminal device based on the cell signal strength of the cell where the terminal device can reside.

[0773] Optionally, the access network device of the terminal device is the apparatus, the second communication path is a path directly connecting the terminal device to the apparatus, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal and the apparatus.

[0774] Optionally, the access network device of the terminal device is a second access network device, the second communication path is a path directly connecting the terminal device to the second access network device, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the second access network device.

[0775] Optionally, the transceiver unit 2210 is further used to: send a third message to the second access network device, where the third message includes the first QoS configuration information; and receive the first resource configuration information from the second access network device.

[0776] The apparatus 2200 may implement the steps or processes executed by the first access network device in the method embodiment according to the embodiment of the present application. The apparatus 2200 may include a method for executing Figure 5 The unit of the method performed by the first access network device in the embodiment shown may include Figure 6 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 12 、 Figure 14 、 Figure 16 、 Figure 18 and Figure 20 Units of the method performed by gNB1 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0777] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit executing the above corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0778] As a design, the device 2200 is used to execute the actions performed by the access and mobility management function devices in the above method embodiments.

[0779] Specifically, the transceiver unit 2210 is used to receive a first request message, which includes fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate a session management function device that supports multi-path communication; the processing unit 2220 is used to determine a first session management function device based on the fourth indication information, and the first session management function device supports multi-path communication.

[0780] Optionally, the apparatus is used to determine first QoS configuration information, the first QoS configuration information is used to determine first resource configuration information, the first resource configuration information is used to configure access network resources of a first QoS flow, and the first QoS flow is used to transmit data of a terminal device.

[0781] Optionally, the transceiver unit 2210 is further configured to: send the first request message to the first session management function device.

[0782] The apparatus 2200 can implement the steps or processes executed by the access and mobility management function device in the method embodiment according to the embodiment of the present application. The apparatus 2200 may include a method for executing Figure 5 The unit of the method performed by the access and mobility management function device in the embodiment shown, or including Figure 6 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 12 、 Figure 14 、 Figure 16 、 Figure 18 and Figure 20 Elements of the method performed by the AMF in the illustrated embodiment.

[0783] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit executing the above corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0784] As a design, the device 2200 is used to execute the actions performed by the first session management function device in each of the above method embodiments.

[0785] Specifically, the transceiver unit 2210 is used to receive a first request message, which includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a first quality of service (QoS) flow on a first communication path or a second communication path, and the first QoS flow is used to transmit data of the terminal device; the processing unit 2220 is used to generate first QoS configuration information according to the first request message, and the first QoS configuration information is used to determine first resource configuration information, and the first resource configuration information is used to configure access network resources of the first QoS flow, wherein the first communication path is a direct path and the second communication path is a non-direct path; or, the first communication path is a non-direct path and the second communication path is a direct path.

[0786] Optionally, the transceiver unit 2210 is further configured to: send first QoS configuration information to the first access network device.

[0787] The apparatus 2200 can implement the steps or processes executed by the first session management function device in the method embodiment according to the embodiment of the present application. The apparatus 2200 may include a method for executing Figure 5 The unit of the method performed by the first session management function device in the embodiment shown, or including Figure 6 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 12 、 Figure 14 、 Figure 16 、 Figure 18 and Figure 20 Elements of the method performed by the SMF in the illustrated embodiment.

[0788] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit executing the above corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0789] Figure 23 Schematic diagram of a data transmission device 2300 provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown. The device 2300 includes a processor 2310, which is coupled to a memory 2320. The memory 2320 is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 2310 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 2320, or read the data stored in the memory 2320, to execute the methods in the above method embodiments. Figure 23 As shown, the device 2300 further includes a transceiver 2330, which is used to receive and / or send signals. For example, the processor 2310 is used to control the transceiver 2330 to receive and / or send signals.

[0790] Optionally, there are one or more processors 2310.

[0791] Optionally, the memory 2320 is one or more.

[0792] Optionally, the memory 2320 is integrated with the processor 2310 or provided separately.

[0793] As a solution, the device 2300 is used to implement the operations performed by the terminal device, the first access network device, the second access network device, the access and mobility management function device or the first session management function device in the above method embodiments.

[0794] For example, the processor 2310 is configured to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory 2320 to implement the relevant operations of the first access network device in each of the above method embodiments. Figure 4 The method performed by the first access network device in the embodiment shown, or Figure 6 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 12 、 Figure 14 、 Figure 16 、 Figure 18 and Figure 20 The method performed by gNB1 in any of the illustrated embodiments.

[0795] For another example, the processor 2310 is configured to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory 2320 to implement the relevant operations of the terminal device in the above various method embodiments. Figure 4 The method performed by the terminal device in the embodiment shown, or Figure 6 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 12 、 Figure 14 、 Figure 16 、 Figure 18 and Figure 20 The method performed by the UE in any of the embodiments shown.

[0796] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0797] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0798] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0799] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0800] The present application also provides a computer-readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, which implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments when executed by a computer.

[0801] The present application also provides a computer program product, which implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments when executed by a computer.

[0802] The present application also provides a system, which includes the aforementioned first access network device, second access network device, access and mobility management function device and first session management function device.

[0803] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a high-density digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0804] In the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" and "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the word "exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete way.

[0805] It should be understood that references to "embodiments" throughout this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, various embodiments throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0806] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence number of each process does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiment of the present application. The names of all nodes and messages in this application are merely names set by this application for the convenience of description. The names in the actual network may be different. It should not be understood that this application limits the names of various nodes and messages. On the contrary, any name with the same or similar function as the node or message used in this application is regarded as the method or equivalent replacement of this application, and is within the scope of protection of this application.

[0807] It should also be understood that in this application, "when", "if" and "if" all mean that the UE or base station will take corresponding measures under certain objective circumstances. It does not limit the time, and does not require the UE or base station to take judgment actions when implementing it, nor does it mean that there are other limitations.

[0808] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, "pre-setting", "pre-configuration", etc. can be achieved by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in a device (for example, a terminal device). This application does not limit its specific implementation method, such as the preset rules, preset constants, etc. in the embodiments of the present application.

[0809] Additionally, the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably. The term "and / or" is simply used to describe an association between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone.

[0810] As used herein, the term "at least one of" or "at least one of" refers to all or any combination of the listed items. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, B and C together, and A, B, and C together. As used herein, "at least one" means one or more. "A plurality" means two or more.

[0811] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A and can be determined based on A. However, it should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean determining B solely based on A; B can also be determined based on A and / or other information. The terms "include," "comprising," "having," and their variations all mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0812] It should be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the first, second, and various numerical numbers are merely distinctions for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0813] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0814] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0815] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0816] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0817] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0818] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0819] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A data transmission method, characterized in that: include: The terminal device sends a first request message to the network device through a first communication path, where the first request message includes first indication information, where the first indication information is used to instruct to establish a first quality of service (QoS) flow on the first communication path, where the first QoS flow is used to transmit data of the terminal device; The terminal device receives first resource configuration information, where the first resource configuration information is used to configure access network resources for the first QoS flow. The terminal device sends a second request message to the network device through the first communication path, where the second request message includes second indication information, where the second indication information is used to instruct to establish a second QoS flow on the second communication path, where the second QoS flow is used to transmit data of the terminal device; The terminal device receives second resource configuration information, where the second resource configuration information is used to configure access network resources for the second QoS flow; The first communication path is a direct path, and the second communication path is an indirect path; or The first communication path is an indirect connection path, and the second communication path is a direct connection path.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first request message also includes fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate a session management function device that supports multipath.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first communication path is a direct connection path, and the second communication path is a non-direct connection path, wherein the first communication path is a path for the terminal device to directly connect to the first access network device, and the first resource configuration information includes the configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: The terminal device sends a cell identifier of a first relay terminal device, where the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device is used to determine an access network device of the first relay terminal device, and the devices of the second communication path include the first relay terminal device.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The terminal device sending the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device includes: The terminal device sends a first measurement report to the first access network device, where the first measurement report includes a cell identifier of at least one relay terminal device and a proximity service communication PC5 signal strength of at least one relay terminal device, where the at least one relay terminal device includes the first relay terminal device, and the PC5 signal strength of the at least one relay terminal device is used to determine the first relay terminal device; or The terminal device sends a radio resource control RRC message to the first access network device, where the RRC message includes a cell identifier of the first relay terminal device; or The second request message includes the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that The access network device of the first relay terminal device is the first access network device, and the second communication path is a path for the terminal device to connect to the first access network device through the first relay terminal device. The second resource configuration information includes configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device.

7. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that The access network device of the first relay terminal device is a second access network device, and the second communication path is a path for the terminal device to connect to the second access network device through the first relay terminal device. The second resource configuration information includes configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the second access network device.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first communication path is a non-direct connection path, and the second communication path is a direct connection path, wherein the first communication path is the path for the terminal device to connect to the first access network device through the first relay terminal device, and the first resource configuration information includes the configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and the configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The method further comprises: The terminal device sends a second measurement report to the first access network device, where the second measurement report includes the cell signal strength of the cell in which the terminal device can reside, and the cell signal strength is used to determine the access network device of the terminal device.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The access network device of the terminal device is the first access network device, and the second communication path is a path directly connecting the terminal device to the first access network device. The second resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The access network device of the terminal device is a second access network device, and the second communication path is a path directly connecting the terminal device to the second access network device. The second resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the second access network device.

12. A data transmission method, characterized in that: include: The first access network device receives first indication information and first quality of service (QoS) configuration information, where the first indication information is used to instruct establishment of a first QoS flow on a first communication path, the first QoS configuration information is used to determine access network resources for the first QoS flow, and the first QoS flow is used to transmit data of a terminal device; The first access network device sends first resource configuration information to the terminal device through a first communication path, where the first resource configuration information is determined according to the first indication information and the first QoS configuration information, and the first resource configuration information is used to configure access network resources for the first QoS flow; The first access network device receives second indication information and second QoS configuration information, where the second indication information is used to instruct establishment of a second QoS flow on the second communication path, the second QoS configuration information is used to determine access network resources for the second QoS flow, and the second QoS flow is used to transmit data of the terminal device; The first access network device sends second resource configuration information to the terminal device through the first communication path, where the second resource configuration information is determined according to the second indication information and the second QoS configuration information, and the second resource configuration information is used to configure access network resources for the second QoS flow; The first communication path is a direct path, and the second communication path is an indirect path; or The first communication path is an indirect connection path, and the second communication path is a direct connection path.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The first communication path is a direct connection path, and the second communication path is an indirect connection path, wherein the first communication path is a path for the terminal device to directly connect to the first access network device, and the first resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The method further comprises: The first access network device obtains a cell identifier of a first relay terminal device, and the devices of the second communication path include the first relay terminal device; The first access network device determines the access network device of the first relay terminal device according to the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The first access network device acquiring the cell identifier of the first relay terminal device includes: The first access network device determines the cell identifiers of the first relay terminal device and the first relay terminal device according to the proximity service communication PC5 signal strength of at least one relay terminal device; or, The first access network device receives a radio resource control RRC message from a terminal device, where the RRC message includes a cell identifier of the first relay terminal device; or The first access network device receives a first message from a first session management function device or an access and mobility management function device, where the first message includes a cell identifier of the first relay terminal device.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The access network device of the first relay terminal device is the first access network device, and the second communication path is a path for the terminal device to connect to the first access network device through the first relay terminal device. The second resource configuration information includes configuration information of a proximity service communication PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of a Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first access network device sends fifth resource configuration information to the first relay terminal device, and the fifth resource configuration information includes configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the first relay terminal device and the first access network device.

18. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The access network device of the first relay terminal device is a second access network device, and the second communication path is a path for the terminal device to connect to the second access network device through the first relay terminal device. The second resource configuration information includes configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the second access network device.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first access network device sends the second QoS configuration information to the second access network device; The first access network device receives the second resource configuration information from the second access network device.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein The second access network device is used to send sixth resource configuration information to the first relay terminal device, and the sixth resource configuration information includes configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and configuration information of the Uu interface between the first relay terminal device and the second access network device.

21. The method according to claim 12, wherein The first communication path is a non-direct connection path, and the second communication path is a direct connection path, wherein the first communication path is the path for the terminal device to connect to the first access network device through the first relay terminal device, and the first resource configuration information includes the configuration information of the PC5 interface between the terminal device and the first relay terminal device, and the configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first access network device determines the access network device of the terminal device according to the cell signal strength of the cell in which the terminal device can reside.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The access network device of the terminal device is the first access network device, and the second communication path is a path directly connecting the terminal device to the first access network device. The second resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the first access network device.

24. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The access network device of the terminal device is a second access network device, and the second communication path is a path directly connecting the terminal device to the second access network device. The second resource configuration information includes configuration information of the Uu interface between the terminal device and the second access network device.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first access network device sends the second QoS configuration information to the second access network device; The first access network device receives the second resource configuration information from the second access network device.

26. A data transmission device, characterized in that: include: Unit for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

27. A data transmission device, characterized in that: include: A processor, configured to execute a computer program stored in a memory, so that the apparatus performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

28. The device according to claim 27, characterized in that The apparatus further comprises the memory.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is run on a computer, the computer is caused to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises instructions for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 25.

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