A method, network element, system and storage medium for processing quality of service (QoS) parameters

Abstract

A method, a network element, a system and a storage medium for processing a quality of service (QoS) parameter, the method comprising: a control plane network element obtaining a first QoS parameter between a terminal device and a user plane function network element; obtaining capability information of a first network domain, determining a second QoS parameter of the first network domain according to the capability information of the first network domain and the first QoS parameter, and sending first information of the second QoS parameter to the first network domain. The first network domain comprises at least one of a radio access network, a backhaul network and the user plane function network element. By adopting the scheme, the accuracy of data packet scheduling and user experience can be improved.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application, the original application's application number is 201810892877.4, the original application's original date is August 7, 2018, and the original application's entire content is incorporated by reference in this application. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, in particular to a method for processing quality of service (QoS) parameters, a network element, a system and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0003] In a traditional third generation partnership project (3GPP) network, an access network device and a user plane function (UPF) network element schedule and forward data packets according to the priority of the data packets, which can result in large end-to-end latency and jitter (i.e., the change value of latency) of the data packets. As can be seen, the mechanism of forwarding data packets according to priority cannot meet the needs of deterministic services, and the prior art cannot accurately schedule data packets, thereby reducing user experience. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application provides a method for processing quality of service (QoS) parameters, a network element, a system and a storage medium, which can improve the accuracy of data packet scheduling and improve user experience.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a method for processing quality of service (QoS) parameters, the method comprising: a control plane network element obtaining a first QoS parameter between a terminal device and a user plane function network element; the control plane network element obtaining capability information of a first network domain, determining a second QoS parameter of the first network domain according to the capability information of the first network domain and the first QoS parameter, and sending first information of the second QoS parameter to the first network domain. The first network domain includes at least one of a radio access network, a backhaul network and a user plane function network element. The backhaul network can also be referred to as a transport network. For example, the second QoS parameter includes at least one of a latency parameter, a jitter parameter and a reliability parameter.

[0006] According to the method, the control plane network element determines the second QoS parameter of the first network domain according to the capability information of the first network domain and the first QoS parameter (i.e., determines the QoS parameter of at least one network domain), i.e., allocates appropriate QoS parameters to each network domain respectively, and then respectively issues the QoS parameters to each network domain, so as to ensure that the QoS parameter obtained by each network domain is the QoS parameter of the network domain. Compared with the prior art in which each network domain can only schedule data packets according to end-to-end indicators, in the embodiment of the application, the communication device in each network domain can accurately schedule based on the QoS parameter of the network domain, ensuring deterministic transmission, thereby improving user experience. In addition, since the QoS parameter of each network domain can be dynamically allocated, the resource utilization rate of the mobile network can be improved.

[0007] For example, the process in which the control plane network element determines the second QoS parameter of the first network domain and issues the first information can be a process occurring in a session creation stage, or can also be a process occurring in a handover stage. In addition, the determination of the second QoS parameter can refer to the first decomposition of the QoS parameter, or can also be the subsequent re-decomposition of the QoS parameter.

[0008] Based on the first aspect, in a first implementation, when the first network domain includes a radio access network or a user plane function network element, the control plane network element obtains the capability information of the first network domain, including: the control plane network element sends the sending frequency and size of the data packet to the first network domain, and receives the capability information of the first network domain from the first network domain. The capability information of the first network domain is associated with the sending frequency and size of the data packet.

[0009] Based on the first aspect or the first implementation of the first aspect, in a second implementation, when the first network domain includes a radio access network or a user plane function network element, the first information includes a correspondence between a flow identifier and the second QoS parameter, and the flow identifier is used to identify a QoS flow between a terminal device and the user plane function network element.

[0010] Based on the first aspect, in a third implementation, when the first network domain includes a backhaul network, the control plane network element obtains the capability information of the first network domain, including: the control plane network element receives the capability information of the backhaul network from a network management network element; or the control plane network element obtains the capability information of the backhaul network from a data management network element.

[0011] The capability information of the backhaul network includes a path identifier of a service flow in the backhaul network, a number of available service flows, and a QoS parameter of the service flow. For example, the QoS parameter of the service flow can include a bandwidth parameter and reliability of the service flow.

[0012] In a fourth implementation based on the first aspect or the third implementation, when the first network domain comprises a backhaul network, the first information can comprise a correspondence between a flow identifier and a path identifier, the flow identifier being used to identify a QoS flow between the terminal and the user plane function network element, and the path identifier being used to identify a path in the backhaul network that satisfies the second QoS parameter.

[0013] The correspondence between the flow identifier and the path identifier can be used by the user plane function network element for forwarding and resource scheduling of the downlink data packet when sending the downlink data packet to the access network device, or can also be used by the access network device for forwarding and resource scheduling of the uplink data packet when sending the uplink data packet to the user plane function network element.

[0014] In a fifth implementation based on the first aspect or any one of the first to fourth implementations of the first aspect, the method further comprises: the control plane network element can also obtain subscription data of the terminal device, for example, the subscription data of the terminal device refers to data corresponding to services subscribed by the terminal device, which can comprise QoS parameters corresponding to services subscribed by the terminal device, account information, service type, service level, etc. The determination of the second QoS parameter of the first network domain according to the capability information of the first network domain and the first QoS parameter comprises: when the second information indicating that the services of the terminal device comprise deterministic services is included in the subscription data, i.e., the control plane network element determines that the services of the terminal device comprise deterministic services, and needs to allocate corresponding QoS parameters to the first network domain where the terminal device is located, the control plane network element can determine the second QoS parameter of the first network domain according to the capability information of the first network domain and the first QoS parameter.

[0015] It can be seen that through explicit indication in the subscription data, it can be determined whether the control plane network element needs to decompose the first QoS parameter corresponding to a certain service, so that the first QoS parameter can be decomposed in a targeted manner, and unnecessary QoS parameter decomposition process is reduced.

[0016] In a sixth implementation based on the fifth implementation of the first aspect, the second information comprises a jitter parameter. If the jitter parameter is included in the subscription data, it indicates that the deterministic services of the terminal device have higher requirements for stability in transmission, and the control plane network element needs to specially allocate corresponding second QoS parameters to the first network domain where the terminal device is located. In this way, the stability of the deterministic services of the terminal device in the later stage can be ensured.

[0017] In a seventh implementation form of the first aspect or any implementation form of the first aspect, the second QoS parameter of the first network domain is determined according to the capability information of the first network domain and the first QoS parameter, including: the control plane network element determines the second QoS parameter of the first network domain according to the capability information of the first network domain, the first QoS parameter and the priority of the first network domain. For example, the capability of the radio access network can be prioritized to reserve the least resources. It can be seen that, by using this decomposition principle, the resources of the first network domain can be used more reasonably, and the QoS parameter re-allocation caused by unreasonable resource allocation and terminal device switching in the later stage can be reduced, and thus unnecessary processes of the control plane network element can be reduced.

[0018] In a second aspect, the present application provides a method for processing a quality of service (QoS) parameter, which can be used for a communication device of a first network domain. The method can include: sending, by the communication device of the first network domain, capability information of the first network domain to a control plane network element, and receiving, by the communication device of the first network domain, first information of a QoS parameter of the first network domain from the control plane network element. The capability information of the first network domain is used for determining the QoS parameter of the first network domain, and the first network domain includes a radio access network or a user plane function network element.

[0019] According to the method, the communication device of the first network domain provides the capability information of the first network domain to the control plane network element, so that the control plane network element can accurately determine the QoS parameter of the first network domain, and the communication device of the first network domain obtains the QoS parameter of the first network domain from the control plane network element, so that the communication devices in the network domain can accurately schedule based on the QoS parameter of the network domain, guarantee deterministic transmission, and thus improve user experience. In addition, the utilization rate of mobile network resources can be improved.

[0020] Based on the second aspect, in a first implementation form, the communication device can further report the capability information of the first network domain to the control plane network element, which can include one of the following: the communication device periodically reports the capability information of the first network domain to the control plane network element. Alternatively, the communication device feeds back the capability information of the first network domain to the control plane network element after receiving a request message from the control plane network element. For example, the communication device obtains the capability information of the first network domain according to the transmission frequency and size of the data packet after receiving the transmission frequency and size of the data packet from the control plane network element, and then feeds back to the control plane network element.

[0021] It can be seen that, by dynamically feeding back the capability information of the first network domain to the control plane network element, the control plane network element can more accurately and reasonably decompose the QoS parameter between the terminal device and the user plane function network element, and thus guarantee the stability of the deterministic service of the terminal device.

[0022] In the second implementation of the second aspect or the first implementation of the second aspect, in a second implementation, the first information can include a correspondence between a flow identifier and a QoS parameter, the flow identifier being used to identify a QoS flow between the terminal device and the user plane function network element. For example, when the first network domain includes a radio access network, the first information includes a correspondence between the flow identifier and a QoS parameter of the radio access network. When the first network domain includes the user plane function network element, the first information includes a correspondence between the flow identifier and a QoS parameter of the user plane function network element.

[0023] In this way, after the access network device in the radio access network and the user plane function network element receive the QoS parameter of the respective domain, the access device in the radio access network can find the QoS parameter corresponding to the data packet according to the correspondence between the flow identifier and the QoS parameter of the radio access network, and forward the uplink / downlink data packet according to the QoS parameter, and the user plane function network element can find the QoS parameter corresponding to the data packet according to the correspondence between the flow identifier and the QoS parameter of the user plane function network element, and forward the uplink / downlink data packet according to the QoS parameter.

[0024] The following describes the process of forwarding the uplink / downlink data packet by the access network device and the user plane function network element according to the type of the first network domain.

[0025] In the third implementation of the second implementation of the second aspect, when the first network domain includes a radio access network, the communication apparatus is a first access network device in the radio access network. The method further includes at least one of the following:

[0026] The first access network device receives a downlink data packet from the user plane function network element, the downlink data packet including a first flow identifier; and the first access network device sends the downlink data packet to the terminal device according to a QoS parameter corresponding to the first flow identifier in the first information.

[0027] Alternatively, the first access network device receives an uplink data packet from the terminal device, the uplink data packet including a second flow identifier; and the first access network device sends the uplink data packet to the user plane function network element through a backhaul network according to a QoS parameter corresponding to the second flow identifier in the first information.

[0028] In the third implementation of the third implementation of the second aspect, in a fourth implementation, the first access network device can further receive a correspondence between the second flow identifier and a path identifier of the first path from the control plane network element. Correspondingly, when forwarding the uplink data packet, the first access network device can send the uplink data packet to the user plane function network element through the first path in the backhaul network according to the correspondence between the second flow identifier and the path identifier of the first path.

[0029] It can be seen that the first access network device can realize accurate resource scheduling and data packet forwarding operation through the correspondence between the flow identifier and the path identifier, thereby guaranteeing the performance of the deterministic service of the terminal device.

[0030] In the fifth implementation of the second aspect or any of the first to second implementations of the second aspect, when the first network domain includes a user plane function network element, the communication device is the user plane function network element, the user plane function network element can also forward the uplink / downlink data packet based on the allocated QoS parameter, and the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0031] The user plane function network element receives the downlink data packet from the application server, obtains the first flow identifier in the downlink data packet, and sends the downlink data packet to the first access network device through the backhaul network according to the QoS parameter corresponding to the first flow identifier in the first information.

[0032] Alternatively, the user plane function network element receives the uplink data packet from the first access network device, obtains the second flow identifier in the uplink data packet, and sends the uplink data packet to the application server according to the QoS parameter corresponding to the second flow identifier in the first information.

[0033] In the sixth implementation of the fifth implementation of the second aspect, the user plane function network element can also receive the correspondence between the first flow identifier and the path identifier of the second path from the control plane network element, and when forwarding the downlink data packet, the user plane function network element can encapsulate the path identifier of the second path in the downlink data packet according to the correspondence between the first flow identifier and the path identifier of the second path, and send the downlink data packet to the access network device through the second path in the backhaul network.

[0034] It can be seen that the user plane function network element can realize accurate resource scheduling and data packet forwarding operation through the correspondence between the flow identifier and the path identifier, thereby guaranteeing the performance of the deterministic service of the terminal device.

[0035] In the third aspect, the application provides a method for processing a quality of service (QoS) parameter, the method comprising: a session management function network element obtaining subscription data of a terminal device from a data management network element; when the subscription data includes information indicating that a service of the terminal device includes a deterministic service, the session management function network element sending a request message to a control plane network element, the request message being used to request determination of a QoS parameter of a first network domain, the first network domain including at least one of a radio access network, a backhaul network, and a user plane function network element. According to the method, the session management function network element obtains the subscription data from the data management network element, and then determines whether the terminal device has a deterministic service according to the subscription data, and then decides whether to send a request message to the control plane network element to determine the QoS parameter of the first network domain, which can reduce the workload of the control plane network element and optimize the division mechanism.

[0036] In a first implementation of the third aspect, the method further comprises: the session management function network element obtaining the capability information of the backhaul network from the data management network element; or the session management function network element receiving the capability information of the backhaul network from the network management network element.

[0037] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a network management method, comprising: a network management network element sending a configuration request to a backhaul network configuration network element, the configuration request being used to request configuration of capability information of the backhaul network; the network management network element receiving the capability information of the backhaul network from the backhaul network configuration network element and sending the capability information of the backhaul network to a data management network element. According to the method, the capability information of the backhaul network can be transmitted to the data management network element through the interaction between the network management network element, the backhaul network configuration network element and the data management network element, and then the capability information of the backhaul network can be used by a subsequent control plane network element as a basis for determining QoS parameters of each network domain.

[0038] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a network management method, comprising: a backhaul network configuration network element receiving a configuration request from a network management network element, configuring capability information of the backhaul network according to the configuration request, and sending the capability information of the backhaul network to the network management network element. According to the method, the backhaul network configuration network element can transmit the capability information of the backhaul network to the network management network element through the interaction between the backhaul network configuration network element and the network management network element, so that the capability information of the backhaul network obtained from the data management network element can be used by a subsequent control plane network element as a basis for determining QoS parameters of each network domain.

[0039] In a first implementation of the fifth aspect, the configuration request can comprise a QoS parameter expected value of a first network domain, an Internet Protocol (IP) address of an access network device, and an IP address of a user plane function network element.

[0040] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a control plane network element for processing Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, which has a function of implementing the method for processing QoS parameters provided in the first aspect. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software comprises one or more modules corresponding to the above functions, which can be software and / or hardware.

[0041] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device for processing Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, which has a function of implementing the method for processing QoS parameters provided in the second aspect. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software comprises one or more modules corresponding to the above functions, which can be software and / or hardware.

[0042] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a session management function network element having a function of implementing the method for processing the quality of service parameter according to the third aspect. The function can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions, which can be software and / or hardware.

[0043] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a network management network element having a function of implementing the method for network management according to the fourth aspect. The function can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions, which can be software and / or hardware.

[0044] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a network configuration network element for managing a network, having a function of implementing the method for network management according to the fifth aspect. The function can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions, which can be software and / or hardware. The network configuration network element can be a backhaul network management network element.

[0045] In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a method for processing a quality of service parameter, the method comprising:

[0046] The control plane network element acquires a first quality of service parameter between a first access network device and a first user plane function network element;

[0047] The control plane network element determines a third quality of service parameter between a terminal device and the first access network device according to the first quality of service parameter and a second quality of service parameter between the terminal device and the first user plane function network element, and sends the third quality of service parameter to the first access network device; or the control plane network element sends the first quality of service parameter to the first access network device, and the first quality of service parameter is used for determining the quality of service parameter between the terminal device and the first access network device.

[0048] Thus, compared with the prior art in which the first access network device performs air interface resource scheduling according to the end-to-end quality of service parameter between the UE and the UPF, according to the method of the embodiments of the present application, the first access network device can perform air interface resource scheduling according to more accurate quality of service parameters, i.e., the quality of service parameters between the UE and the AN, thereby optimizing the utilization of air interface resources.

[0049] In a possible design, the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter between the first access network device and the first user plane function network element, including: the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter from the first user plane function network element; the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter from a network element discovery function device; the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter from a network management system; or the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter from a network data analysis function device.

[0050] In a possible design, the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter from the first user plane function network element, including: the control plane network element sends identification information of the first access network device to the first user plane function network element, and receives the first QoS parameter between the first access network device and the first user plane function network element from the first user plane function network element. Further, in a possible design, the step further includes: the control plane network element sends flow information identifying the first flow to the first user plane function network element, and the first QoS parameter is used to indicate a QoS parameter corresponding to the first flow between the first access network device and the first user plane function network element.

[0051] In a possible design, the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter from the network element discovery function device, including: the control plane network element sends identification information of the first access network device and identification information of the first user plane function network element to the network element discovery function device, and receives the first QoS parameter between the first access network device and the first user plane function network element from the network element discovery function device.

[0052] In another possible design, the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter from the network element discovery function device, including:

[0053] The control plane network element sends identification information of the first access network device and service area information of the control plane network element to the network element discovery function device, receives identification information of at least one user plane function network element located in an area indicated by the service area information and QoS parameters between each user plane function network element of the at least one user plane function network element and the first access network device from the network element discovery function device, and the control plane network element determines the first QoS parameter from the QoS parameters; or

[0054] The control plane network element sends service area information of the control plane network element to the network element discovery function device, receives identification information of at least one user plane function network element located in an area indicated by the service area information, identification information of an access network device in communication with each user plane function network element of the at least one user plane function network element, and QoS parameters between each user plane function network element of the at least one user plane function network element and the access network device from the network element discovery function device, and the control plane network element determines the first QoS parameter from the QoS parameters according to the identification information of the first access network device.

[0055] In combination with the above possible designs, further, the method can further include: the control plane network element determining the first user plane function network element according to the QoS parameters between each of the at least one user plane function network element and the access network device received from the network element discovery function device.

[0056] In a twelfth aspect, the present application provides a method for processing quality of service (QoS) parameters, the method comprising:

[0057] The control plane network element obtains a first QoS parameter between the first access network device and the first user plane function network element.

[0058] The control plane network element determines a third QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first access network device according to the first QoS parameter and a second QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first user plane function network element, and sends the third QoS parameter to the second access network device; or, the control plane network element sends the first QoS parameter to the second access network device, and the first QoS parameter is used for determining the QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first access network device.

[0059] The first access network device is a target access network device serving the terminal device after handover, and the second access network device is a source access network device serving the terminal device before handover.

[0060] Therefore, compared with the prior art in which the first access network device performs air interface resource scheduling according to the end-to-end QoS parameter between the UE and the UPF, according to the method of the embodiments of the present application, in the handover scenario, the second access network device can receive the first QoS parameter or the third QoS parameter from the control plane network element, and then send it to the first access network device, so that the first access network device can perform air interface resource scheduling according to more accurate QoS parameters, i.e., the QoS parameters between the UE and the AN, thereby optimizing the utilization of air interface resources.

[0061] In a possible design, the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter between the first access network device and the first user plane function network element, including: the control plane network element obtaining the first QoS parameter from the first user plane function network element; the control plane network element obtaining the first QoS parameter from the network element discovery function device; the control plane network element obtaining the first QoS parameter from the network management system; or, the control plane network element obtaining the first QoS parameter from the network data analysis function device.

[0062] In a possible design, the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter from the first user plane function network element, including: the control plane network element sending, to the first user plane function network element, identification information of the first access network device, and receiving, from the first user plane function network element, the first QoS parameter between the first access network device and the first user plane function network element. Further, in a possible design, the step further includes: the control plane network element sending, to the first user plane function network element, flow information identifying the first flow, and the first QoS parameter being used to indicate a QoS parameter corresponding to the first flow between the first access network device and the first user plane function network element.

[0063] In a possible design, the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter from the network element discovery function device, including: the control plane network element sending, to the network element discovery function device, identification information of the first access network device and identification information of the first user plane function network element, and receiving, from the network element discovery function device, the first QoS parameter between the first access network device and the first user plane function network element.

[0064] In another possible design, the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter from the network element discovery function device, including:

[0065] The control plane network element sends, to the network element discovery function device, identification information of the first access network device and service area information of the control plane network element, receives, from the network element discovery function device, identification information of at least one user plane function network element located in an area indicated by the service area information, and QoS parameters between each user plane function network element of the at least one user plane function network element and the first access network device, and determines the first QoS parameter from the QoS parameters; or

[0066] The control plane network element sends, to the network element discovery function device, service area information of the control plane network element, receives, from the network element discovery function device, identification information of at least one user plane function network element located in an area indicated by the service area information, identification information of an access network device in communication with each user plane function network element of the at least one user plane function network element, and QoS parameters between each user plane function network element of the at least one user plane function network element and the access network device, and determines the first QoS parameter from the QoS parameters according to the identification information of the first access network device.

[0067] In combination with the above possible designs, further, the method can further include: the control plane network element determining the first user plane function network element according to the QoS parameters between each user plane function network element of the at least one user plane function network element and the access network device received from the network element discovery function device.

[0068] In a thirteenth aspect, the present application provides a method for processing a quality of service (QoS) parameter, the method comprising: obtaining, by a first access network device, a QoS parameter between a terminal device and the first access network device; and scheduling, by the first access network device, an air interface resource between the terminal device and the first access network device according to the QoS parameter.

[0069] Thus, compared with the prior art in which the first access network device schedules the air interface resource according to the end-to-end QoS parameter between the UE and the UPF, according to the method of the embodiments of the present application, the first access network device can schedule the air interface resource according to a more accurate QoS parameter, i.e., the QoS parameter between the UE and the AN, thereby optimizing the utilization of the air interface resource.

[0070] In a possible design, the first access network device obtains the QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first access network device, including: receiving, by the first access network device, a first QoS parameter between the first access network device and a first user plane function network element from a control plane network element; and determining, by the first access network device, the QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first access network device according to the first QoS parameter and a second QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first user plane function network element.

[0071] In another possible design, the first access network device obtains the QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first access network device, including: receiving, by the first access network device, the QoS parameter from a control plane network element.

[0072] In yet another possible design, the first access network device obtains the QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first access network device, including: receiving, by the first access network device, the QoS parameter from a second access network device. At this point, the method further comprises: performing, by the first access network device, handover admission control on the terminal device according to the QoS parameter. Wherein the first access network device is a target access network device serving the terminal device after the handover, and the second access network device is a source access network device serving the terminal device before the handover.

[0073] In a fourteenth aspect, the present application provides a method for processing a quality of service (QoS) parameter, the method comprising:

[0074] receiving, by the second access network device, a first QoS parameter between the first access network device and a first user plane function network element from a control plane network element; and determining, by the second access network device, a third QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first access network device according to the first QoS parameter and a second QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first user plane function network element; or, receiving, by the second access network device, the third QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first access network device from the control plane network element.

[0075] sending, by the second access network device, the third QoS parameter to the first access network device.

[0076] The first access network device is a target access network device for the terminal device after the handover, and the second access network device is a source access network device for the terminal device before the handover.

[0077] Therefore, compared with the prior art in which the first access network device performs air interface resource scheduling according to the end-to-end QoS parameter between the UE and the UPF, according to the method of the embodiment of the present application, in the handover scenario, the second access network device can receive the first QoS parameter or the third QoS parameter from the control plane network element, and then send the first access network device, so that the first access network device can perform air interface resource scheduling according to more accurate QoS parameters, i.e., the QoS parameter between the UE and the AN, thereby optimizing the utilization of air interface resources.

[0078] In a fifteenth aspect, the present application provides a control plane network element for processing a quality of service (QoS) parameter, which has a function of implementing the method for processing the quality of service (QoS) parameter provided in the eleventh or twelfth aspect. The function can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions, which can be software and / or hardware.

[0079] In a sixteenth aspect, the present application provides an access network device, which has a function of implementing the first access network device in the method for processing a quality of service (QoS) parameter provided in the thirteenth aspect. The function can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions, which can be software and / or hardware.

[0080] In a seventeenth aspect, the present application provides an access network device, which has a function of implementing the second access network device in the method for processing a quality of service (QoS) parameter provided in the fourteenth aspect. The function can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions, which can be software and / or hardware.

[0081] In an eighteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer storage medium, which contains instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described in any one of the first to fifth aspects or any one of the eleventh to fourteenth aspects.

[0082] In a nineteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer device, which includes at least one connected processor, a memory, and a transceiver, wherein the memory is used to store program code, and the processor is used to invoke the program code in the memory to execute the method described in any one of the first to fifth aspects or any one of the eleventh to fourteenth aspects.

[0083] In a twentieth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which can comprise: a terminal device, a control plane network element as described in the sixth aspect, and a communication apparatus as described in the seventh aspect.

[0084] Based on the twentieth aspect, in a first implementation of the twentieth aspect, the communication system can further comprise a network management network element as described in the ninth aspect, a network configuration network element as described in the tenth aspect, and a data management network element. The data management network element is configured to store the capability information of the transport network from the network configuration network element as described in the tenth aspect.

[0085] Based on the twentieth aspect or the first implementation of the twentieth aspect, in a second implementation of the twentieth aspect, the communication system can further comprise a session management function network element as described in the ninth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0086] Figure 1a Characteristic diagram of a best-effort service data packet;

[0087] Figure 1b Characteristic diagram of a deterministic service data packet;

[0088] Figure 1c Structure diagram of a communication system in an embodiment of the present application;

[0089] Figure 2 Flow diagram of a process of configuring a transport network in an embodiment of the present application;

[0090] Figure 3a Flow diagram of a process of processing quality of service (QoS) parameters in an embodiment of the present application;

[0091] Figure 3b Flow diagram of another process of processing quality of service (QoS) parameters in an embodiment of the present application;

[0092] Figure 4 Flow diagram of a process of forwarding an uplink data packet based on QoS parameters by a forwarding plane network element in an embodiment of the present application;

[0093] Figure 5 Flow diagram of a process of forwarding a downlink data packet based on QoS parameters by a forwarding plane network element in an embodiment of the present application;

[0094] Figure 6 Flow diagram of another process of processing quality of service (QoS) parameters in an embodiment of the present application;

[0095] Figure 7 Flow diagram of a process of re-decomposing first QoS parameters in a handover scenario in an embodiment of the present application;

[0096] Figure 8 A flowchart of a process of re-decomposing a first QoS parameter in a handover scenario in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0097] Figure 9 A structural diagram of a control plane network element in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0098] Figure 10 A structural diagram of a communication apparatus in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0099] Figure 11 A structural diagram of a session management function network element in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0100] Figure 12 A structural diagram of a network management network element in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0101] Figure 13 Another structural diagram of a network configuration network element in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0102] Figure 14 A structural diagram of a communication system in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0103] Figure 15 A structural diagram of an entity device of a method of processing a quality of service (QoS) parameter or a method of network management in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0104] Figure 16A A flowchart of a method of processing a QoS parameter according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0105] Figure 16B A flowchart of another method of processing a QoS parameter according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0106] Figure 17 A signaling interaction diagram of processing a QoS parameter according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0107] Figure 18 Another signaling interaction diagram of processing a QoS parameter according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0108] Figure 19 Still another signaling interaction diagram of processing a QoS parameter according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0109] Figure 20 A signaling interaction diagram of a method of processing a QoS parameter in a handover preparation phase based on Xn handover according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0110] Figure 21A signaling interaction diagram of a method for processing QoS parameters in a handover preparation phase based on N2 handover is shown according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0111] Figure 22 A signaling interaction diagram of a method for processing QoS parameters in a handover completion phase based on Xn handover is shown according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0112] Figure 23 A flowchart of a method for processing QoS parameters in a handover phase is shown according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0113] The terms "first", "second", and the like in the description and in the claims of the present application and in the above drawings are used for distinguishing between similar objects and not necessarily for describing a specific sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the data so distinguished can be interchanged, under appropriate circumstances, such that the embodiments described herein can operate in other sequences than depicted or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprise", "include", "contain", and "have" and variations thereof, when used in this description and in the claims of the present application, shall be construed as specifying the presence of the stated features or steps, but not precluding the presence of one or more other features or steps or the possibility of additional features or steps. The term "comprising" and variations thereof as used herein is used generically and includes "consisting only of" and "consisting essentially of."

[0114] In the fifth generation (5G) communication network, an application scenario of ultra-reliable and low latency communications (URLLC) is proposed. Figure 1a A characteristic diagram of a traditional best effort service data packet is shown. Compared with the traditional best effort service, in the application scenario of URLLC, the end-to-end delay and jitter of the service are required to have strict boundaries. The service that meets such requirements is called deterministic service. Figure 1b A characteristic diagram of a deterministic service data packet is shown. Figure 1b Three characteristics of the deterministic service data packet are presented in the middle: the buffer allocation, the end-to-end delay, and the delay variation value all have bounded boundaries.

[0115] For example, deterministic services can be applied to the fields of industrial control network, Internet of Vehicles, remote medical treatment or smart grid, etc. Among them, the industrial control network refers to a computer network with real-time digital communication capability, which can be a multi-fieldbus integrated network or a heterogeneous network, and can realize information interaction between interconnected devices or systems. For example, the service of the industrial control network needs an end-to-end delay of not more than 1ms, a jitter of not more than 1us, and a reliability of at least 99.9999%. For the service of the industrial control network, even a few messages not delivered according to the requirements can also cause serious consequences.

[0116] Therefore, deterministic services require that the 5G communication network can meet the requirements of bounded end-to-end delay and jitter and high reliability in any case. The network that can meet such requirements can be referred to as a deterministic network (DetNet). The deterministic network has constraint characteristics such as controlled delay, jitter, bandwidth and reliability. The deterministic network is a time sensitive network (TSN).

[0117] The present application provides a scheme for processing quality of service (QoS) parameters, which can be used to process the QoS parameters of the deterministic services described above. The scheme can be used in a communication system as shown in Figure 1c .

[0118] For example, the communication system includes an access network device 1, a user plane function (UPF) network element 2, a deterministic coordinator (DC) 3, a data management network element 4, a backhaul network configuration network element 5, a network management (network management) network element 6, a session management function (SMF) network element 7 and an application server 8.

[0119] The access network device 1 can be a communication device in a radio access network (RAN) and is a communication facility that provides wireless communication services. The access network device is used to connect a terminal device to a core network through a radio access network and to schedule the terminal device. For example, the access network device 1 (e.g., a base station) provides signals to a terminal device and is responsible for transmitting downlink data to the terminal device or transmitting uplink data of the terminal device to a user plane function network element. The access network device 1 can include various forms of base stations, such as macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, access points, and the like. In systems using different wireless access technologies, the names of devices with base station functions may vary, such as Node B in a third generation (3G) system, evolved Node B (eNB or eNode B) in a long term evolution (LTE) system, and gNB (gNode B) in a fifth generation system.

[0120] The user plane function network element 2 is responsible for transmitting downlink data to the access network device or transmitting uplink data of the access network device to an application server.

[0121] The data management network element 4 is used to store subscription data of the terminal device. For example, the data management network element can include a unified data management (UDM) network element.

[0122] The backhaul network configuration network element 5 is used to configure a backhaul network between the radio access network and the user plane function network element. The backhaul network refers to a transmission network between the access network device and the user plane function network element. The backhaul network can also be referred to as a transmission network. The backhaul network can include a switching network composed of forwarding devices such as switches and routers. For example, the backhaul network configuration network element can be a centralized network configuration (CNC) unit.

[0123] The network management network element 6 is used to manage the mobile network and the backhaul network. For example, the network management network element can be used to manage forwarding devices such as switches and routers in the backhaul network. The network management network element can interact with the backhaul network configuration network element.

[0124] The session management function network element 7 can be responsible for creating, deleting, or modifying a session.

[0125] The application server 8 is responsible for transmitting downlink data to the user plane function network element or receiving uplink data transmitted by the user plane function network element.

[0126] In the aforementioned communication system, data packet forwarding traverses multiple network domains. For example, the network domains traversed by the data packets may include: a radio access network, a backhaul network, and user plane function element 2. During the forwarding process across multiple network domains, the data packets are forwarded by communication devices within each network domain. For example, in the network domain of the radio access network, the communication device is the access network equipment within that radio access network (such as access network equipment 1 mentioned above); in the network domain of the backhaul network, the communication device is the forwarding device within that backhaul network; and in the network domain of user plane function element 2, the communication device is that user plane function element.

[0127] In the embodiments of this application, Figure 1c The communication system shown introduces a deterministic coordination device 3. This device 3 can be a standalone network element or a logical network element integrated into the session management function network element 7 (the session management function network element 7 can also be considered to integrate deterministic coordination functionality). When the deterministic coordination device 3 is integrated into the session management function network element 7, the session management function network element 7 can implement all the same or similar functions as the deterministic coordination device 3. The deterministic coordination device 3 can be responsible for allocating QoS parameters for the three network domains: the radio access network, the user plane function network element, and the backhaul network. In the following description, the deterministic coordination device 3 used to allocate QoS parameters for each network domain, or the session management function network element 7 that integrates deterministic coordination functionality, will be referred to as a control plane network element.

[0128] Based on the above Figure 1c The communication system shown in this application provides the following technical solution:

[0129] During the session creation or handover phase, control plane network elements can decompose the QoS parameters (i.e., end-to-end QoS parameters) between the terminal device and the user plane function network elements based on the capability information of the backhaul network, the radio access network, and the user plane function network elements. This decomposes the QoS parameters for each network domain, and then sends the first information related to the QoS parameters of each network domain to each network domain. For example, for the radio access network and user plane function network domains, the control plane network elements can send the mapping between each decomposed QoS parameter and the flow identifier, enabling the access network device and the user plane function network element to forward data packets based on the QoS parameters corresponding to the flow identifier. For the backhaul network domain, the control plane network elements can send the mapping between the flow identifier and the path identifier, enabling the forwarding devices in the backhaul network to forward data packets based on this mapping. In this way, resource scheduling can be accurately performed for each network domain, thereby ensuring that the transmission of deterministic services meets the requirements.

[0130] Before introducing the process for handling Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, we will first introduce a method for configuring the backhaul network. Through...Figure 2 The method can obtain the capability information of the backhaul network. As shown in Figure 2 The method can include the following steps:

[0131] 201. The network management network element sends a configuration request to the backhaul network configuration network element.

[0132] For example, the network management network element can be the network management network element 6 in Figure 1c The backhaul network configuration network element can be the backhaul network configuration network element 5 in Figure 1c

[0133] The configuration request is used to request the configuration of the capability information of the backhaul network. For example, the configuration request can include the QoS parameter expected value of the backhaul network, the IP address of the access network device, and the IP address of the user plane function network element. The QoS parameter expected value of the backhaul network can include at least one of the latency parameter expected value, the jitter parameter expected value, and the reliability expected value of the backhaul network. The IP address of the access network device and the IP address of the user plane function network element can be used to identify the backhaul network.

[0134] 202. The backhaul network configuration network element creates the backhaul network according to the configuration request, and configures the capability information of the backhaul network.

[0135] For example, the backhaul network configuration network element configures the capability information of the backhaul network according to the idle network resources in the backhaul network and the QoS parameter expected value of the backhaul network. In one possible implementation, if the backhaul network configuration network element can configure the backhaul network that meets the QoS parameter expected value according to the current idle network resources, the backhaul network configuration network element can configure the capability information of the backhaul network according to the QoS parameter expected value in the configuration request. In another possible implementation, if the current idle network resources cannot meet the QoS parameter expected value, the backhaul network configuration network element can configure the capability information of the backhaul network in a manner that tries to meet the QoS parameter expected value as much as possible.

[0136] The capability information of the backhaul network includes the path identification of the service flow in the backhaul network, the available number of service flows, and the QoS parameter of the service flow. For example, the QoS parameter of the service flow can include the latency parameter and the jitter parameter of the service flow. Further, the QoS parameter of the service flow can also include the bandwidth parameter and the reliability. For example, the capability information of the backhaul network can refer to the content of Table 1 as follows:

[0137] Path identification Latency parameter Jitter parameter Available number Path 1 001 1 ms 10 us 50 Path 2 002 5 ms 100 us 100 Path 3 003 10 ms 1 ms 200

[0138] Table 1

[0139] ​In Table 1, the path (stream) 1, path 2, path 3 are paths for transmitting service data in the backhaul network, and the path identifier is used to identify the path for transmitting service data. The delay parameter refers to the maximum value of the delay parameter when transmitting service data on this path, and the jitter parameter refers to the maximum value of the jitter parameter when transmitting service data on this path. Each path can carry multiple service flows for transmitting service data. The available number represents the number of available service flows for transmitting service data remaining on this path. When a service flow on a path is used to transmit service data, the number of available service flows on the path is reduced by one, and the capacity information of the backhaul network shown in Table 1 is updated synchronously; when the available number is 0, it means that there is no service flow available for transmitting service data on this path.

[0140] In the example of Table 1, the backhaul network includes three paths: path 1, path 2, and path 3. Among them, path 1 corresponds to path identifier 001, the delay parameter is 1ms, the jitter parameter is 10us, and the available service flow is 50. Path 2 corresponds to path identifier 002, the delay parameter is 5ms, the jitter parameter is 100us, and the available service flow is 100. Path 3 corresponds to path identifier 003, the delay parameter is 10ms, the jitter parameter is 1ms, and the available service flow is 200.

[0141] 203. The backhaul network configuration network element sends the capacity information of the backhaul network to the network management network element.

[0142] 204. The network management network element receives the capacity information of the backhaul network from the backhaul network configuration network element, and sends the capacity information of the backhaul network to the data management network element.

[0143] For example, the data management network element can be the data management network element 4 in Figure 1c After receiving the capacity information of the backhaul network, the data management network element can save the capacity information of the backhaul network in the data management network element.

[0144] In another possible implementation, step 204 can be replaced by step 205: the network management network element receives the capacity information of the backhaul network from the backhaul network configuration network element, and sends the capacity information of the backhaul network to the deterministic coordination device. For example, the deterministic coordination device can be the deterministic coordination device 3 in Figure 1c After receiving the capacity information of the backhaul network, the deterministic coordination device can save the capacity information of the backhaul network in the deterministic coordination device.

[0145] As can be seen, when there is no interface between the backhaul network configuration network element and the control plane of 3GPP (for example, the data management network element or the deterministic coordination device) and no interaction is possible, the network management network element in the embodiment of the present application can act as a relay between the backhaul network and the control plane of 3GPP, that is, the backhaul network configuration network element is relayed through the network management network element, so that the capability information of the backhaul network can be transmitted to the data management network element or the deterministic coordination device, and then the subsequent control plane network element (which can also be the deterministic coordination device) can determine the QoS parameters of each network domain based on the capability information of the backhaul network.

[0146] After the backhaul network is configured, the present application further provides a method for processing quality of service (QoS) parameters, which can be referred to Figure 3a .

[0147] The method comprises:

[0148] 301. The control plane network element acquires a first QoS parameter between a terminal device and a user plane function network element and capability information of a first network domain.

[0149] The first QoS parameter is a QoS parameter between the terminal device and the user plane function network element. For example, the first QoS parameter comprises at least one of a delay parameter, a jitter parameter and a reliability parameter. The first QoS parameter defines the QoS parameter between the terminal device and the user plane function network element. It should be noted that the first QoS parameter is not limited to the user plane function network element with which the terminal device establishes a session, and the first QoS parameter will not change when the user plane function network element with which the terminal device establishes a session connection changes.

[0150] For example, the control plane network element can acquire subscription data of the terminal device. For example, the subscription data of the terminal device refers to data corresponding to services subscribed by the terminal device, that is, the subscription data of the terminal device can include QoS parameters, account information, service types, service levels, data packet transmission frequency and size corresponding to services subscribed by the terminal device. The control plane network element can acquire the first QoS parameter from the subscription data.

[0151] The first network domain comprises at least one of a radio access network, a backhaul network and the user plane function network element. The implementation of the control plane network element acquiring the capability information of the first network domain will be introduced below according to the type of the first network domain:

[0152] 1. When the first network domain comprises the radio access network or the user plane function network element, the implementation of the control plane network element acquiring the capability information of the first network domain comprises any one of the following two implementations:

[0153] (a) the control plane network element sends a request message to the first network domain, and the communication device of the first network domain feeds back the capability information of the first network domain to the control plane network element after receiving the request message from the control plane network element. For example, the request message includes the sending frequency and size of the data packet, and the capability information of the first network domain is associated with the sending frequency and size of the data packet. For example, the control plane network element can obtain the sending frequency and size of the data packet from the subscription data of the terminal device. After receiving the sending frequency and size of the data packet from the control plane network element, the communication device of the first network domain can determine the capability information of the first network domain according to the sending frequency and size of the data packet, and feed back the determined capability information of the first network domain to the control plane network element.

[0154] For example, the communication device can determine the channel required to serve the service flow according to the sending frequency and size of the data packet, determine the sending time slot (the time required to send one data packet) according to the size of the data packet, determine the time interval of the sending time slot according to the sending frequency of the data packet, and determine the earliest and latest sending time of the data packet after reaching the communication device according to the time interval of the sending time slot, so as to determine the delay parameter and the jitter parameter in the capability information. In addition, the communication device can also determine the reliability parameter according to the quality of the channel.

[0155] For example, the sending frequency of the data packet is 10 / ms (i.e. 10 data packets are sent per 1ms), the size of the data packet is 40 bytes, and the size of the sending time slot is 1ms (i.e. it takes 1ms to send one data packet). Since the delay of retransmission needs to be considered, the maximum delay is 1+1+1=3ms, and therefore the value range of the delay parameter is 1ms-3ms. The minimum time interval of the sending time slot of the communication device itself is 0.025ms, and since the sending frequency of the service flow is 10 / ms, the maximum time interval of the sending time slot reserved for the service flow is 0.1ms, and therefore the value range of the jitter parameter is 25us-100us. The reliability parameter of the channel itself is 99.9%-99.9999%.

[0156] (b) The communication device of the first network domain can periodically report the capability information of the first network domain to the control plane network element, and the control plane network element can receive the periodically reported capability information from the first network domain.

[0157] In addition, when the first network domain includes the radio access network, in addition to the above-mentioned periodic reporting mode, the access network device in the radio access network can also report the capability information of the first network domain to the control plane network element after receiving the handover request of the other access network device.

[0158] For the mode (a) and the mode (b), the communication device of the radio access network network domain can refer to the access network device; and the communication device of the user plane function network element network domain can refer to the user plane function network element.

[0159] It can be seen that, by the above mode (a) or (b), the control plane network element can obtain the capability information of the radio access network network domain (referred to as the capability information of the radio access network) or the capability information of the user plane function network element network domain (referred to as the capability information of the user plane function network element). In addition, since the mode (a) or (b) considers the case that the service flow accessed by the radio access network may change, the control plane network element can more accurately and reasonably allocate the corresponding QoS parameters to each network domain based on the network capability information obtained by the above mode, thereby further guaranteeing the transmission of deterministic services.

[0160] For example, Table 2 and Table 3 are a form of the capability information reported by the user plane function network element and the access network device, respectively:

[0161] Latency Jitter Reliability 0.5 ms - 5 ms 10 - 50 us 99.9999％-99.9％

[0162] Table 2

[0163] Latency Jitter Reliability 1 ms - 5 ms 10 - 50 us 99.9999％-99.9％

[0164] Table 3

[0165] Table 2 indicates that the user plane function network element network domain can achieve a delay of 0.5ms-5ms, a jitter of 10-50us, and a reliability of 99.9999%-99.9%.

[0166] Table 3 indicates that the access network device network domain can achieve a delay of 1ms-5ms, a jitter of 10-50us, and a reliability of 99.9999%-99.9%.

[0167] The application does not limit the acquisition mode and acquisition timing of the capability information of the first network domain.

[0168] 2. When the first network domain includes the backhaul network, the control plane network element can acquire the capability information of the backhaul network in any one of the following two modes:

[0169] The control plane network element can receive the capability information of the backhaul network from the network management network element in the configuration stage of the backhaul network (for example, through step 205 in the method 200). Figure 2 The data management network element can receive the capability information of the backhaul network from the network management network element in the configuration stage of the backhaul network (for example, through step 204 in the method 200). Then, the control plane network element can acquire the capability information of the backhaul network from the data management network element.

[0170] Figure 2 The data management network element can receive the capability information of the backhaul network from the network management network element in the configuration stage of the backhaul network (for example, through step 204 in the method 200). Then, the control plane network element can acquire the capability information of the backhaul network from the data management network element.​

[0171] The capability information of the backhaul network can refer to the description of step 202 in the above method, which will not be repeated here. Figure 2

[0172] 302. The control plane network element determines the second QoS parameter of the first network domain according to the capability information of the first network domain and the first QoS parameter.

[0173] For example, the second QoS parameter at least includes one of the delay parameter, the jitter parameter and the reliability parameter.

[0174] Through step 302, the control plane network element can decompose the first QoS parameter between the terminal device and the user plane function network element. For example, the control plane network element can decompose the first QoS parameter into three QoS parameters for the network domain of the wireless access network, the network domain of the backhaul network and the network domain of the user plane function network element, respectively. The three QoS parameters correspond to the network domain of the wireless access network, the network domain of the backhaul network and the network domain of the user plane function network element, respectively. That is, the decomposed QoS parameter corresponds to this network domain. Alternatively, the control plane network element can also decompose the first QoS parameter into two QoS parameters. For example, after the first QoS parameter is decomposed, any two of the above three network domains correspond to one QoS parameter, and the remaining network domain corresponds to another QoS parameter.

[0175] That is, the above first network domain can refer to the wireless access network, the backhaul network or the user plane function network element, or any two of the wireless access network, the backhaul network or the user plane function network element.

[0176] In addition, the type of the second QoS parameter corresponds to the type of the parameter in the first QoS parameter. For example, when the first QoS parameter includes the delay parameter, the decomposed QoS parameter also includes the delay parameter. When the first QoS parameter includes the delay parameter, the jitter parameter and the reliability parameter, the decomposed QoS parameter also includes the delay parameter, the jitter parameter and the reliability parameter.

[0177] After decomposition, the sum of the delay parameters of each network domain does not exceed the end-to-end delay parameter in the first QoS parameter. The sum of the jitter parameters of each network domain does not exceed the end-to-end jitter parameter in the first QoS parameter. The product of the reliability parameters of each network domain does not exceed the end-to-end reliability parameter in the first QoS parameter.

[0178] ​For example, the first QoS parameter before decomposition includes latency, jitter and reliability, as shown in Table 4. The flow identifier of the QoS flow corresponding to the QoS parameter is 005. For example, the flow identifier can be a quality of service flow identifier (QFI). The control plane network element can decompose the first QoS parameter according to the first QoS parameter and the capability information of each network domain shown in Table 1, Table 2 and Table 3. The decomposed QoS parameter includes latency, jitter and reliability. The QoS parameters of the radio access network, the backhaul network and the user plane function network element after decomposition are shown in Table 5.

[0179] Latency Jitter Reliability 10 ms 100 us 99.999％

[0180] Table 4

[0181] Latency Jitter Reliability Radio access network 5 ms 50 us 99.9999％ Backhaul network 3 ms 10 us 99.999％ User plane function network element 2 ms 40 us 99.9999％

[0182] Table 5

[0183] In Table 4, the first QoS parameter of the end-to-end includes: latency 10ms, jitter 100us, and reliability 99.999%. After decomposition, as shown in Table 5, the QoS parameter of the radio access network includes: latency 5ms, jitter 50us, and reliability 99.9999%; the QoS parameter of the backhaul network includes: latency 3ms, jitter 10us, and reliability 99.999%; and the QoS parameter of the user plane function network element includes: latency 2ms, jitter 40us, and reliability 99.9999%. Among them, the QoS parameter of the backhaul network after decomposition corresponds to the QoS parameter of path 1 with path identifier 001 in the backhaul network in Table 1. That is, according to the decomposition result, transmitting the data packet through the path 1 with path identifier 001 in the backhaul network can meet the QoS parameter of the backhaul network.

[0184] According to the comparison of Table 4 and Table 5, in the prior art, the user plane function network element can only forward and schedule resources of the data packet according to the QoS parameter in Table 4. After decomposing the QoS parameter in Table 4 by using the scheme in the present application, the user plane function network element can forward and schedule resources of the data packet based on latency 2ms, jitter 40us, and reliability 99.9999%, and the same is true for the radio access network and the backhaul network. It can be seen that, compared with the end-to-end QoS parameter in Table 4, the QoS parameter of each network domain after decomposition shown in Table 5 can be more accurately forwarded and scheduled by the communication device of the first network domain.

[0185] In some embodiments, when determining the second QoS parameter, the control plane network element can determine the second QoS parameter for the first network domain according to the capability information of the first network domain, the first QoS parameter and the priority of the first network domain.

[0186] For example, when decomposing QoS parameters, control plane network elements can prioritize allocating QoS parameters to the radio access network (RAN). Based on the RAN's capability information, they can allocate resources to the RAN that meet the minimum (or as few as possible) QoS parameters required to satisfy deterministic services. For instance, if the RAN can provide a latency of 1-6ms, the control plane network element can allocate a 5ms latency to the RAN while meeting the QoS parameter requirements of the deterministic service. A 5ms latency satisfies the QoS parameter requirements of the deterministic service and consumes fewer resources in the RAN. Allocating a 2ms latency (with higher latency requirements) would consume more resources in the RAN. Therefore, this decomposition principle allows for a more rational allocation of QoS parameters in the first network domain, reducing the need for subsequent QoS parameter re-decomposition due to unreasonable resource allocation or terminal device handover, thereby reducing unnecessary procedures in the control plane network element.

[0187] In some implementations, before determining the second QoS parameter, the control plane network element can also determine whether the first QoS parameter satisfies the decomposition condition.

[0188] For example, when the control plane network element is a session management function network element that integrates deterministic coordination capabilities, the control plane network element can determine whether to decompose the first QoS parameter based on the subscription data of the terminal device. For instance, when the subscription data contains second information indicating that the terminal device's service includes deterministic services, the control plane network element can determine that the terminal device's service includes deterministic services, and the control plane network element needs to decompose the first QoS parameter. Therefore, the control plane network element can determine the second QoS parameter of the first network domain based on the capability information of the first network domain and the first QoS parameter.

[0189] When the control plane network element is a independently deployed deterministic coordination device, the session management function network element can determine whether to decompose the first QoS parameter based on the subscription data of the terminal device. Similarly, when the subscription data contains second information indicating that the terminal device's service includes deterministic services, the session management function network element can determine that the terminal device's service includes deterministic services and then request the control plane network element to decompose the first QoS parameter. After receiving the request, the control plane network element can determine the second QoS parameter of the first network domain based on the capability information of the first network domain and the first QoS parameter.

[0190] Optionally, the second information can include a jitter parameter or a flow identifier of a service flow of the deterministic service. That is, if the jitter parameter or the flow identifier of the service flow of the deterministic service is included in the subscription data, it indicates that the service of the terminal device includes the deterministic service with higher requirement for transmission stability. Therefore, the control plane network element needs to allocate QoS parameters for each network domain of the terminal device, so that the transmission of the deterministic service of the terminal device can meet the requirement.

[0191] It can be seen that, by explicit indication in the subscription data, it can be determined whether the control plane network element needs to decompose the QoS parameter corresponding to a service, so that the decomposition of the QoS parameter can be targeted. For the terminal device without deterministic service requirement or with lower deterministic service requirement, the unnecessary QoS parameter decomposition process can be reduced.

[0192] In some embodiments, the control plane network element can also update the capability information of the backhaul network. For example, after decomposing the QoS parameter of the service, the control plane network element can update the available number of service flows in the capability information of the backhaul network under the premise of ensuring deterministic transmission. For example, the original available number of service flows supported by the backhaul network can be reduced. By dynamically adjusting the capability information of the backhaul network, the path resources in the backhaul network can be accurately controlled to achieve the goal of optimizing the backhaul network.

[0193] 303. The control plane network element sends first information of the second QoS parameter to the first network domain.

[0194] The implementation of the control plane network element sending the first information by the control plane network element will be introduced below according to the type of the first network domain:

[0195] When the first network domain includes the radio access network or the user plane function network element, the first information of the second QoS parameter can include the correspondence between the flow identifier and the second QoS parameter, and the flow identifier is used to identify the QoS flow between the terminal device and the user plane function network element.

[0196] For example, when the first network domain includes the radio access network, the first information can include the correspondence between the flow identifier and the QoS parameter of the radio access network; when the first network domain includes the user plane function network element, the first information can include the correspondence between the flow identifier and the QoS parameter of the user plane function network element.

[0197] In combination with the example mentioned in step 302, the flow identifier is 005, and therefore, for the radio access network, the first information can be as shown in Table 6, and for the user plane function network element, the first information can be as shown in Table 7.

[0198] Latency Jitter Reliability Flow identification Radio access network 5 ms 50 us 99.9999％ 005

[0199] Table 6

[0200] Latency Jitter Reliability Flow identification User plane function network element 2 ms 40 us 99.9999％ 005

[0201] Table 7

[0202] Thus, the communication device in the first network domain receiving the data packet can determine the second QoS parameter for forwarding the data packet according to the flow identity in the data packet and the correspondence between the received flow identity and the second QoS parameter. How the communication device in the first network domain forwards the data packet according to the correspondence between the flow identity and the QoS parameter of the user plane function network element will be described in the following Figure 4 Or Figure 5 Further description.

[0203] When the first network domain comprises a backhaul network, the first information of the second QoS parameter can comprise a correspondence between a flow identity and a path identity, the flow identity being used to identify a QoS flow between the terminal and the user plane function network element, and the path identity being used to identify a path in the backhaul network satisfying the second QoS parameter.

[0204] For example, in combination with the example mentioned in step 302, the flow identity is 005, and the decomposed QoS parameter of the backhaul network corresponds to the QoS parameter of path 1 with path identity 001 in Table 1 mentioned above. Thus, the first information is the correspondence between the flow identity 005 and the path identity 001.

[0205] Thus, the access network device receiving the uplink data packet can determine the path in the backhaul network satisfying the second QoS parameter according to the flow identity in the uplink data packet and the correspondence between the received flow identity and the path identity, and encapsulate the path identity into the uplink data packet. In this way, the communication device (switches and routers and other forwarding devices) in the backhaul network receiving the uplink data packet can transmit the uplink data packet through the path. Similarly, the user plane function network element can forward the downlink data packet through the path in the backhaul network according to the correspondence between the flow identity and the path identity. How the communication device in the backhaul network forwards the data packet according to the correspondence between the flow identity and the path identity will be described in the following Figure 4 Or Figure 5 Further description.

[0206] In the embodiment of the present application, the control plane network element determines the second QoS parameter of the first network domain according to the capability information and the first QoS parameter of the first network domain (i.e., determines the QoS parameter of at least one network domain), i.e., allocates appropriate QoS parameters for each network domain, and then respectively sends the QoS parameters to each network domain, so as to ensure that the QoS parameter obtained by each network domain is the QoS parameter of the network domain. Compared with the prior art in which each network domain can only be scheduled according to end-to-end indicators, in the embodiment of the present application, the communication device in each network domain can perform accurate scheduling based on the QoS parameter of the network domain, ensure deterministic transmission, and thus improve user experience. In addition, since the QoS parameter of each network domain can be dynamically allocated, the resource utilization rate is improved.

[0207] It should be noted that, Figure 3a The determination of the second QoS parameter implemented by the method can refer to the first decomposition of the QoS parameter, or can also refer to the re-decomposition of the QoS parameter.

[0208] For example, the steps 302 and 303 can be the first decomposition in the process of the session creation phase, or can also be the re-decomposition in the process of the handover phase. The first decomposition in the process of the session creation phase will be described in detail in the following Figure 6 Further description. The re-decomposition in the process of the handover phase will be described in detail in the following Figure 7 or Figure 8 Further description.

[0209] In addition, when the first network domain includes a radio access network, the capability information of the radio access network can change, and the control plane network element can also update the QoS parameter of the first network domain according to the changed capability information of the radio access network.

[0210] For example, in a possible implementation, the communication device (e.g., the first access network device) in the radio access network can periodically send the capability information of the radio access network to the control plane network element. When the control plane network element determines that the data radio bearer in the first network domain does not satisfy any one of the QoS parameter, the sending frequency and the size of the data packet of the first network domain, the control plane network element can re-decompose the QoS parameter of the first network domain according to the changed capability information of the radio access network, and send the re-decomposed QoS parameter to the first network domain.

[0211] In another possible implementation, the first access network device judges that the QoS parameter of the radio access network in which the first access network device is located does not satisfy any of the QoS parameter, the size of the data packet, and the sending frequency of the radio access network in which the first access network device is located, and can send the capability information of the radio access network in which the first access network device is located to the control plane network element and request the control plane network element to re-decompose the QoS parameter of the first network domain. After receiving the request, the control plane network element responds to the request of re-decomposing the QoS parameter of the first network domain, and re-decomposes the QoS parameter of the first network domain according to the changed capability information of the radio access network.

[0212] In addition, when the subscription data of the terminal device changes, the session management function network element can also request the deterministic coordination apparatus to re-decompose the QoS parameter according to the updated subscription data and the condition that the decomposition of the QoS parameter is still satisfied. This process is not described herein again.

[0213] Figure 3b A method on the side of the communication apparatus of the first network domain is shown. The method comprises:

[0214] 311. The communication apparatus of the first network domain sends capability information of the first network domain to the control plane network element.

[0215] The capability information of the first network domain is used for determination of the QoS parameter of the first network domain, and the first network domain comprises a radio access network or a user plane function network element.

[0216] The communication apparatus of the radio access network network domain can be an access network device, and the communication apparatus of the user plane function network element network domain can be the user plane function network element.

[0217] Before step 311, the method can further comprise that the communication apparatus of the first network domain receives a request message from the control plane network element, for example, the request message comprises the sending frequency and the size of the data packet, and the capability information of the first network domain is associated with the sending frequency and the size of the data packet. After receiving the sending frequency and the size of the data packet from the control plane network element, the communication apparatus of the first network domain can determine the capability information of the first network domain according to the sending frequency and the size of the data packet.

[0218] After the communication apparatus of the first network domain sends the capability information of the first network domain to the control plane network element, the control plane network element can decompose the end-to-end QoS parameter between the terminal device and the user plane function network element according to the capability information of each network domain.

[0219] The capability information of the first network domain can refer to the description of step 301 in Figure 3a The capability information of the first network domain can refer to the description of step 301 in

[0220] 312、the communication device of the first network domain receives first information of the QoS parameter of the first network domain from the control plane network element.

[0221] The features about the first information can refer to the description of the first information in step 303 in Figure 3a The first information is introduced in step 303 in

[0222] According to the method described in Figure 3b , the communication device of the first network domain provides the capability information of the first network domain to the control plane network element, so that the control plane network element can accurately determine the QoS parameter of the first network domain, and the communication device of the first network domain obtains the QoS parameter of the first network domain from the control plane network element, so that the communication device in the network domain can accurately schedule based on the QoS parameter of the network domain, guarantee deterministic transmission, thereby improving user experience, and also improving mobile network resource utilization.

[0223] Figure 4 It is shown how the communication device of each network domain implements downlink data packet forwarding after receiving the decomposed QoS parameter. Figure 5 It is shown how the communication device of each network domain implements uplink data packet forwarding after receiving the decomposed QoS parameter. In Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the communication device of the radio access network network domain is a first access network device in the radio access network; and the communication device of the user plane function network domain is the user plane function network element. For example, in Figure 4 or Figure 5 , the first access network device can be an access network device 1 deployed in the radio access network in Figure 1c , the user plane function network element can be a user plane function network element 2 in Figure 1c , and the application server can be an application server 8 in Figure 1c . As shown in Figure 4 , the downlink data packet forwarding process includes the following steps:

[0224] 401、the user plane function network element receives a downlink data packet from an application server.

[0225] The downlink data packet includes a first flow identifier. For example, the flow identifier can be a quality of service flow identifier (QFI). For example, if the downlink data packet includes the first flow identifier, it means that between the terminal device and the user plane function network element, the downlink data packet can be transmitted through the QoS flow identified by the first flow identifier. The user plane network element can obtain the first flow identifier corresponding to the downlink data packet.

[0226] 402、The user plane function network element sends the downlink data packet to the first access network device through the backhaul network according to the QoS parameter corresponding to the first flow identifier in the first information.

[0227] As described above, the user plane function network element has obtained the first information of the QoS parameter of the domain by the above method, and the first information of the domain QoS parameter includes the correspondence between the first flow identifier and the QoS parameter of the user plane function network element network domain, for example, as shown in Table 7. Therefore, the user plane function network element can determine the QoS parameter of the user plane function network element network domain according to the first flow identifier in the downlink data packet and the correspondence between the first flow identifier and the QoS parameter of the user plane function network element network domain, and then send the downlink data packet according to the QoS parameter of the user plane function network element network domain.

[0228] For example, the time point of receiving the downlink data packet is T1, and the QoS parameter corresponding to the first flow identifier in the first information includes the delay parameter T2 and the jitter parameter T3, so that the user plane function network element can send the downlink data packet within the time range of T=T1+T2(±)T3. Alternatively, the QoS parameter corresponding to the first flow identifier in the first information includes the delay parameter T4, so that the user plane function network element can calculate a new bandwidth value according to the delay parameter T4 and in combination with the bandwidth parameter BW, and then send the downlink data packet based on the new bandwidth value. For example, the new bandwidth value is BW'.

[0229] BW' = max(BW, (2*BW*T4) / (2*BW+T4))

[0230] In addition, the user plane function network element has obtained the first information of the QoS parameter of the backhaul network network domain by the above method. The first information of the QoS parameter of the backhaul network network domain can include the correspondence between the first flow identifier and the path identifier of the second path. Wherein, the second path is a path in the backhaul network that meets the QoS parameter of the backhaul network network domain. When the user plane function network element forwards the downlink data packet through the backhaul network, the first flow identifier and the path identifier of the second path can be added to the downlink data packet according to the correspondence between the first flow identifier and the path identifier of the second path. In this way, after the communication device in the backhaul network receives the downlink data packet added with the first flow identifier and the path identifier of the second path, the downlink data packet is sent to the access network device through the second path in the backhaul network according to the first flow identifier and the path identifier of the second path.

[0231] Correspondingly, after the communication device in the backhaul network receives the downlink data packet from the user plane function network element, the corresponding QoS parameter can be found according to the path identifier of the second path, and the downlink data packet is forwarded based on the QoS parameter.

[0232] 403、The first access network device receives a downlink data packet from a backhaul network, and sends the downlink data packet to the terminal device according to a QoS parameter of a wireless access network domain corresponding to the first flow identifier.

[0233] As described above, the first access network device has obtained the first information of the QoS parameter of the wireless access network (hereinafter, the wireless access network where the first access network device is located is referred to as the first wireless access network) where the first access network device is located by the above method, and has established a corresponding data radio bearer (DRB) for the terminal device. The data radio bearer can schedule physical resources according to time slots. The first information of the QoS parameter of the first wireless access network includes a corresponding relationship between the first flow identifier and the QoS parameter of the first wireless access network, for example, as shown in Table 6. After receiving the downlink data packet, the first access network device can determine the QoS parameter of the first wireless access network according to the first flow identifier in the downlink data packet and the corresponding relationship between the first flow identifier and the QoS parameter of the first wireless access network, and then send the downlink data packet to the terminal device according to the QoS parameter of the first wireless access network.

[0234] Therefore, for the two network domains of the user plane function network element and the wireless access network, accurate resource scheduling can be realized in the corresponding network domain through the corresponding relationship between the flow identifier and the QoS parameter of the corresponding network domain; for the backhaul network, accurate resource scheduling can also be realized in the backhaul network through the corresponding relationship between the flow identifier and the path identifier satisfying the QoS parameter of the domain. Thus, the data packet transmission of the deterministic service of the terminal device can be guaranteed.

[0235] As Figure 5 shown, the forwarding process of the uplink data packet includes the following steps:

[0236] 501、The terminal device sends an uplink data packet to the first access network device.

[0237] The second flow identifier is included in the uplink data packet.

[0238] 502、The first access network device receives the uplink data packet from the terminal device, and sends the uplink data packet to the user plane function network element through the backhaul network according to the QoS parameter corresponding to the second flow identifier in the first information.

[0239] As described above, the first access network device has obtained the first information of the QoS parameters of the first wireless access network by the above method, and the first information of the QoS parameters of the domain includes the correspondence between the second flow identifier and the QoS parameters of the first wireless access network. Therefore, the first access network device can determine the QoS parameters of the first wireless access network according to the second flow identifier in the uplink data packet and the correspondence between the second flow identifier and the QoS parameters of the first wireless access network, and then transmit the uplink data packet according to the QoS parameters of the first wireless access network.

[0240] In addition, the first access network device has obtained the first information of the QoS parameters of the backhaul network by the above method. The first information of the QoS parameters of the backhaul network can include the correspondence between the second flow identifier and the path identifier of the first path. The first path is a path in the backhaul network that meets the QoS parameters of the backhaul network domain. Therefore, when forwarding the uplink data packet through the backhaul network, the first access network device can determine the first path according to the correspondence between the second flow identifier and the path identifier of the first path, and then add the path identifier of the first path to the uplink data packet. In this way, after receiving the uplink data packet, the communication device in the backhaul network can transmit the uplink data packet to the user plane function network element through the first path in the backhaul network according to the second flow identifier and the path identifier of the first path.

[0241] As can be seen, the user plane function network element can realize accurate resource scheduling and data packet forwarding operation through the correspondence between the flow identifier and the path identifier.

[0242] 503、The user plane function network element receives an uplink data packet from a first access network device, and obtains a second flow identifier from the uplink data packet.

[0243] 504、The user plane function network element transmits the uplink data packet to an application server according to the QoS parameters corresponding to the second flow identifier in the first information.

[0244] As described above, the user plane function network element has obtained the first information of the QoS parameters of the user plane function network element domain by the above method, and the first information of the QoS parameters of the domain includes the correspondence between the second flow identifier and the QoS parameters of the user plane function network element domain. Therefore, the user plane function network element can determine the QoS parameters of the user plane function network element domain according to the second flow identifier in the uplink data packet and the correspondence between the second flow identifier and the QoS parameters of the user plane function network element domain, and then transmit the uplink data packet according to the QoS parameters of the user plane function network element domain.

[0245] As described above Figure 4 and Figure 5According to the corresponding embodiment, based on the QoS parameter issued by the control plane network element, the first access network device and the user plane function network element can forward the uplink / downlink data packet according to the accurate QoS parameter, thereby guaranteeing the deterministic transmission.

[0246] The following describes how to allocate the QoS parameter to each network domain in the session creation process, taking the control plane network element as a separate deterministic coordination device and the capability information of the backhaul network being stored in the data management network element (for example, UDM) as an example.

[0247] As shown in Figure 6 , the flow can include the following steps:

[0248] 601. The session management function network element receives a session creation request from a terminal device.

[0249] 602. The session management function network element sends a subscription request to the data management network element to request the subscription data of the terminal device.

[0250] 603. The data management network element sends the subscription data of the terminal device to the session management function network element according to the subscription request.

[0251] Correspondingly, the session management function network element obtains the subscription data of the terminal device from the data management network element. For example, the characteristics of the subscription data can refer to the description of the subscription data in the foregoing Figure 3a , and details are not described herein.

[0252] 604. Perform a session authorization process.

[0253] For example, the session management function network element can interact with other network elements of the 3GPP control plane to perform the session authorization process.

[0254] 605. The session management function network element determines whether the QoS parameter needs to be decomposed.

[0255] For example, when the session management function network element determines that the subscription data includes jitter information or the flow identifier of the deterministic service, it is determined that the QoS parameter needs to be decomposed. Step 605 can refer to the description of step 302 in the foregoing Figure 3a , and details are not described herein.

[0256] 606. The session management function network element sends a decomposition request to the deterministic coordination device.

[0257] The decomposition request carries the first QoS parameter, the IP address of the access network device, and the IP address of the user plane function network element.

[0258] Correspondingly, the deterministic coordination device receives the decomposition request from the session management function network element.

[0259] 607a. The deterministic coordination device sends a backhaul network capability request to the data management network element in order to request the acquisition of backhaul network capability information.

[0260] 608a. The deterministic coordination device receives backhaul network capability information from the data management network element.

[0261] In another embodiment, if the network management element sends the backhaul network capability information to the deterministic coordination device during the backhaul network configuration phase, then steps 607a and 608a can be omitted.

[0262] 607b. The deterministic coordination device sends request messages to the first access network device and the user plane function network element, respectively. The request messages carry the transmission frequency and size of the data packets.

[0263] 608b. The deterministic coordination device receives capability information of the wireless network domain from the first access network device.

[0264] 608c. The deterministic coordination device receives capability information of the user plane function elements from the user plane function elements.

[0265] The capability information of the backhaul network, the capability information of the radio access network, and the capability information of the user plane function network element obtained through the above steps can all be used as references. Figure 3a The descriptions in the text are similar, so I will not repeat them here.

[0266] 609. The deterministic coordination device decomposes the first QoS parameter according to the capability information of the radio access network, the capability information of the user plane function network element and the capability information of the backhaul network to obtain the QoS parameter corresponding to each network domain. The decomposed QoS parameter corresponds to one network domain (or two network domains).

[0267] 610. The deterministic coordination device sends the first information of the decomposed QoS parameters.

[0268] Step 610 can be referenced. Figure 3a The description of step 303 will not be repeated here.

[0269] For example, in a radio access network, a deterministic coordinating device can send the first information of the decomposed QoS parameters through a session creation response. However, this application is not limited to this; the deterministic coordinating device can also transmit the first information of the decomposed QoS parameters through other messages. Furthermore, for user plane function network elements, the deterministic coordinating device can also transmit the first information of the decomposed QoS parameters through newly added or any existing message.

[0270] It should be noted that if the control plane network element is an SMF that integrates deterministic coordination functions, the control plane network element can achieve...Figure 6 All steps that are the same or similar to those of the session management function network element and the deterministic coordination device, and the interaction between the session management function network element and the deterministic coordination device (e.g., step 606) may be omitted.

[0271] Combination Figure 6 Example, execution Figure 3b The communication device in the first network domain of the method can be a first radio access network or a user plane function network element. Therefore, during the session creation phase, the deterministic coordination device can decompose the end-to-end QoS parameters between the terminal equipment and the user plane function network element based on the capability information of each network domain.

[0272] For example, after a terminal device has been using deterministic services for a period of time, the QoS parameters of a certain network domain may no longer meet the current deterministic service requirements. This could be due to fluctuations in the capabilities of the access network device or user plane function network element (e.g., changes in the number of connected terminal devices or changes in the location of the terminal devices). In such cases, the access network device may be unable to provide the terminal device with data radio bearers that meet the QoS parameters corresponding to the service. For this access network device, it needs to switch the terminal device's deterministic service to a new access network device. Since the backhaul network between the terminal device and the user plane function network element changes before the switch, the deterministic coordination device also needs to dynamically adjust the QoS parameters. For example, the deterministic coordination device may re-decompose the QoS parameters for each network domain. For example, the new access network device can obtain updated, more lenient QoS parameters (e.g., latency metrics, jitter metrics, etc.) from the deterministic coordination device, ensuring the stability of the deterministic service after the switch. The following describes the process of the deterministic coordination device dynamically adjusting the QoS parameters of the first network domain according to the switching scenario between access network devices.

[0273] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This section describes the process by which a deterministic coordination device determines the QoS parameters of each network domain during a handover scenario where a terminal device switches from a first access network device to a second access network device. Before the handover, the terminal device accesses the core network through the first access network device; after the handover, the terminal device accesses the core network through the second access network device. Before the terminal device switches from the first access network device to the second access network device, the deterministic coordination device considers the capability information of the first radio access network where the first access network device is located when decomposing the QoS parameters between the terminal device and the user plane function network elements. For example, through the above... Figure 6The method shown, the deterministic coordination device decomposes the QoS parameter between the terminal device and the user plane function network element according to the capability information of the first radio access network and the capability information of the other network domain. If the terminal device needs to be handed over to the second access network device, the second access network device sends the capability information of the second radio access network to the control plane network element, thereby triggering the deterministic coordination device to re-decompose the QoS parameter between the terminal device and the user plane function network element according to the capability information fed back by the second access network device.

[0274] In Figure 7 The method includes the following steps:

[0275] 701. The first access network device sends a measurement control message to the terminal device.

[0276] After receiving the measurement control message, the terminal device performs measurement and generates a measurement report.

[0277] 702. The first access network device receives the measurement report sent by the terminal device, and the measurement report includes the signal quality of the adjacent cell.

[0278] 703. When the first access network device determines that the terminal device meets the handover condition according to the measurement report, it sends a handover request to the second access network device.

[0279] The handover request carries the QoS parameter of the first radio access network and the sending frequency and size of the data packet.

[0280] 704. The second access network device determines whether the second access network device currently has the capability to create a data radio bearer that meets the QoS parameter of the first radio access network and the sending frequency and size of the data packet according to the QoS parameter of the first radio access network and the sending frequency and size of the data packet, and creates a data radio bearer that meets the QoS parameter of the first radio access network and the sending frequency and size of the data packet.

[0281] For example, the second access network device obtains the capability information of the second radio access network in which the second access network device is located according to the sending frequency and size of the data packet, and judges whether the capability of the second radio access network after handover can meet the QoS parameter of the first radio access network before handover according to the capability information of the second radio access network and the QoS parameter of the first radio access network. If yes, a data radio bearer that meets the QoS parameter of the first radio access network and the sending frequency and size of the data packet is created.

[0282] The capability of the second radio access network after the handover can satisfy the QoS parameter of the first radio access network before the handover, which means that the second radio access network can use the same QoS parameter as the first radio access network, i.e., the QoS parameter of the first radio access network is the QoS parameter of the second radio access network.

[0283] 705. The second radio access network device sends the QoS parameter of the second radio access network, the IP address of the second radio access network device and the IP address of the user plane function network element to the deterministic coordination device.

[0284] The IP address of the second radio access network device and the IP address of the user plane function network element are used to identify the backhaul network between the second radio access network device and the user plane function network element. After receiving the IP address of the second radio access network device and the IP address of the user plane function network element, the deterministic coordination device can determine the backhaul network between the second radio access network device and the user plane function network element, and thus obtain the capability information of the backhaul network from the local or data management network element.

[0285] Optionally, in step 705, the second radio access network device can also send the sending frequency and size of the data packet to the deterministic coordination device. After receiving the sending frequency and size of the data packet, the deterministic coordination device can send the sending frequency and size of the data packet to the user plane function network element based on the IP address of the user plane function network element, to request the capability information of the user plane function network element. In another embodiment, the second radio access network device can also obtain the previously stored capability information of the user plane function network element locally. Then, the sending frequency and size of the data packet can not be sent in step 705.

[0286] In addition, since the second radio access network device can create the above-mentioned data radio bearer, and the second radio access network where the second radio access network device is located can meet the requirements of the terminal device, the second radio access network device can request the control plane network element to only reallocate the QoS parameter of the backhaul network and the user plane function network element.

[0287] 706. The deterministic coordination device reallocates the QoS parameter of the backhaul network and the user plane function network element according to the QoS parameter of the second radio access network, the capability information of the backhaul network between the second radio access network device and the user plane function network element, and the capability information of the user plane function network element.

[0288] The way of reallocating the QoS parameter can also be the same as that in step 302 in the method in the first aspect, which will not be described here. Figure 3a

[0289] 707. The deterministic coordination device issues the information of the reallocated QoS parameter.

[0290] The information of the reallocated QoS parameter can adopt the same form as the information of the QoS parameter in step 304 in the method in the first aspect, which will not be described here. Figure 3a ​The first information of the second QoS parameter is implemented in a similar manner to the first information, and thus is not described again here.

[0291] In addition, after the terminal device switches from the first access network device to the second access network device, the transmission path between the terminal device and the user plane function network element changes. To ensure the normal performance of the deterministic service of the terminal device, the control plane network element can also update the correspondence between the flow identifier and the QoS parameter, and respectively issue the updated correspondence to the second access network device and the user plane function network element.

[0292] Afterwards, the terminal device switches from the first access network device to the second access network device.

[0293] It can be seen that, considering that the transmission path between the terminal device and the user plane function network element changes after the terminal device switches from the first access network device to the second access network device, the deterministic coordination apparatus can re-decompose the corresponding QoS parameter for the second wireless access network in which the second access network device is located, the user plane function network element, and the backhaul network between the second access network device and the user plane function network element. Therefore, after the terminal device switches to the second access network device, each network domain can still make targeted and accurate judgments and scheduling.

[0294] Figure 8 The method shown in FIG. 8 shows another method. Figure 8 The difference between the method shown in FIG. 8 and the method shown in FIG. 7 is that, in the example of the method shown in FIG. 8, the second access network device does not need to determine whether the second wireless access network in which the second access network device is located meets the QoS parameter of the first wireless access network. For example, the method includes the following steps: Figure 7 Figure 8 801. The first access network device sends a measurement control message to the terminal device.

[0295] After receiving the measurement control message, the terminal device performs measurement and generates a measurement report.

[0296] 802. The first access network device receives the measurement report sent by the terminal device. The measurement report includes the signal quality of the adjacent cell.

[0297] 803. When the first access network device determines that the terminal device meets the handover condition according to the measurement report, the first access network device sends a handover request to the second access network device.

[0298] The handover request includes the transmission frequency and size of the data packet.

[0299] 804. After receiving the handover request, the second access network device can determine the capability information of the second wireless access network in which the second access network device is located according to the transmission frequency and size of the data packet.

[0300] ​​

[0301] 805. The second access network device sends, to the deterministic coordination apparatus, capability information of the second radio access network, an IP address of the second access network device, and an IP address of the user plane function network element.

[0302] The IP address of the second access network device and the IP address of the user plane function network element are used to identify a backhaul network between the second access network device and the user plane function network element. After receiving the IP address of the second access network device and the IP address of the user plane function network element, the deterministic coordination apparatus can determine the backhaul network between the second access network device and the user plane function network element, and thus obtain capability information of the backhaul network from a local or data management network element.

[0303] Optionally, in step 805, the second access network device can also send, to the deterministic coordination apparatus, a sending frequency and size of the data packet. After receiving the sending frequency and size of the data packet, the deterministic coordination apparatus can send the sending frequency and size of the data packet to the user plane function network element based on the IP address of the user plane function network element, to request to obtain capability information of the user plane function network element. In another embodiment, the second access network device can also obtain the capability information of the user plane function network element stored locally in advance. Then, the sending frequency and size of the data packet can not be sent in step 805.

[0304] 806. The deterministic coordination apparatus re-decomposes QoS parameters for each network domain according to the capability information of the second radio access network, the capability information of the backhaul network between the second access network device and the user plane function network element, and the capability information of the user plane function network element.

[0305] The re-decomposition of the QoS parameters can also be performed in the manner of step 302 in the method 300, which will not be described herein. Figure 3a

[0306] 807. The deterministic coordination apparatus issues information of the re-decomposed QoS parameters.

[0307] The information of the re-decomposed QoS parameters can be implemented in a manner similar to the first information of the second QoS parameters in the method 300, which will not be described herein. Figure 3a

[0308] Similarly, after the terminal device switches from the first access network device to the second access network device, the transmission path between the terminal device and the user plane function network element changes. To ensure the normal performance of the deterministic service of the terminal device, the control plane network element can also update the correspondence between the flow identifier and the QoS parameter, and issue the updated correspondence to the second access network device and the user plane function network element, respectively.

[0309] After that, the terminal device switches from the first access network device to the second access network device. ​​

[0310] In combination Figure 8 with the example, the communication device of the first network domain performing the method in Figure 3b may be an access network device (i.e. the second access network device described above) in the switched wireless access network (i.e. the second wireless access network described above). In the switching stage, after receiving the switching request from the first access network device before switching, the second access network device sends the capability information of the second wireless access network to the deterministic coordination device, so that the deterministic coordination device re-decomposes the end-to-end QoS parameter between the terminal device and the user plane function network element according to the capability information of the second wireless access network.

[0311] In the embodiments of the present application, after the terminal device switches from the first access network device to the second access network device, the transmission path between the terminal device and the user plane function network element changes. The deterministic coordination device can re-decompose the corresponding QoS parameter for the second wireless access network where the second access network device is located, the user plane function network element, and the backhaul network between the second access network device and the user plane function network element. Compared with the existing mechanism that can only schedule each network domain according to the end-to-end QoS parameter, the second access network device and the user plane function network element in the embodiments of the present application can obtain the dynamically adjusted QoS parameter, and perform accurate scheduling based on the QoS parameter of each domain, thereby ensuring deterministic transmission and resource utilization.

[0312] It should be noted that after step 703 in Figure 7 , if the second access network device determines that the second access network device currently does not have the capability to create a data radio bearer that meets the QoS parameter of the first wireless access network and the sending frequency and size of the data packet, the QoS parameter re-decomposition process can also be completed in a manner similar to steps 805-807 in Figure 8 .

[0313] The technical features of the capability information of each network domain, the QoS parameter allocated for each network domain, and the corresponding relationship indicating the QoS parameter allocated for each network domain described in each of the above embodiments also apply to Figures 9 to 15 any corresponding embodiments in the present application, and the subsequent similar parts will not be described again.

[0314] The following describes the control plane network element and the session management function network element for processing the service quality QoS parameter, and the network management network element and the network configuration network element performing the method of network management.

[0315] Referring to a control plane network element 90 shown in Figure 9 , the control plane network element 90 can be used to process the service quality QoS parameter, and the control plane network element 90 can realize the corresponding Figures 3a - 8The step of processing the quality of service (QoS) parameter performed by the control plane network element in any of the corresponding embodiments. The function implemented by the control plane network element 90 can be implemented by hardware, or by corresponding software executed by hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions, which can be software and / or hardware. The control plane network element 90 can be a network element deployed independently, or a logical network element integrated in a session management network element or other 3GPP network element, which is not limited specifically. The control plane network element 90 can include a transceiver module and a processing module, and the function implementation of the processing module can be referred to Figures 3a - 8 The operations of determining the QoS parameter of the first network domain, determining whether the second access network device meets the deterministic service requirement of the terminal device, and dynamically adjusting the QoS parameter of the first network domain by the control plane network element in any of the corresponding embodiments are not repeated here. The function implementation of the transceiver module can be referred to Figures 3a - 8 The operations of obtaining the capability information of the first network domain and issuing the first information of the QoS parameter of the first network domain by the control plane network element in any of the corresponding embodiments, the processing module 902 can be used to control the transceiving operation of the transceiver module.

[0316] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 901 can be used to obtain the first QoS parameter between the terminal device and the user plane function network element, and obtain the capability information of the first network domain;

[0317] The processing module 902 can be used to determine the second QoS parameter of the first network domain according to the capability information of the first network domain and the first QoS parameter obtained by the transceiver module, and the first network domain includes at least one of a radio access network, a backhaul network, and the user plane function network element;

[0318] The transceiver module 901 is further used to send the first information of the second QoS parameter to the first network domain.

[0319] In the embodiments of the present application, the processing module 902 in the control plane network element 90 can determine the second QoS parameter of the first network domain (i.e., determine the QoS parameter of at least one network domain) according to the capability information of the first network domain and the first QoS parameter, i.e., to allocate appropriate QoS parameters to each network domain respectively, and then issue to each network domain respectively, so as to ensure that the QoS parameter obtained by each network domain is the QoS parameter of the network domain. Compared with the existing mechanism that can only schedule each network domain according to the end-to-end index, in the embodiments of the present application, the communication device in each network domain can perform accurate scheduling based on the QoS parameter of the network domain, thereby improving the user experience. In addition, it can also guarantee the deterministic transmission and improve the resource utilization.

[0320] In some embodiments, when the first network domain comprises the wireless access network or the user plane function network element, the transceiver 901 is configured to:

[0321] send a frequency and a size of sending data packets to the first network domain;

[0322] receive capability information of the first network domain from the first network domain, the capability information of the first network domain being associated with the frequency and the size of sending the data packets.

[0323] In some embodiments, when the first network domain comprises the wireless access network or the user plane function network element, the first information comprises a correspondence between a flow identifier and the second QoS parameter, the flow identifier being used to identify a QoS flow between the terminal device and the user plane function network element.

[0324] In some embodiments, when the first network domain comprises the backhaul network, the transceiver 901 is configured to:

[0325] receive capability information of the backhaul network from the network management network element;

[0326] or, obtain the capability information of the backhaul network from a data management network element.

[0327] In some embodiments, the capability information of the backhaul network comprises a path identifier of a service flow in the backhaul network, an available number of the service flow, and a QoS parameter of the service flow.

[0328] In some embodiments, the first information comprises a correspondence between a flow identifier and a path identifier, the flow identifier being used to identify a QoS flow between the terminal and the user plane function network element, and the path identifier being used to identify a path in the backhaul network satisfying the second QoS parameter.

[0329] In some embodiments, the processing module 902 is further configured to:

[0330] obtain subscription data of the terminal device through the transceiver 901;

[0331] when the subscription data comprises second information used to indicate that a service of the terminal device comprises deterministic service, determine the second QoS parameter of the first network domain according to the capability information of the first network domain and the first QoS parameter.

[0332] In some embodiments, the processing module 902 is configured to:

[0333] The second QoS parameter is determined for the first network domain based on the capability information of the first network domain, the first QoS parameter, and the priority of the first network domain.

[0334] In addition, the transceiver module 901 and processing module 902 in the control plane network element 90 can also perform the above-mentioned functions. Figures 3a to 8 Other steps performed by the deterministic coordination device or control plane element in any of the embodiments are not described here.

[0335] like Figure 10 The communication device shown is capable of processing Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, and the communication device 100 is capable of implementing the above-mentioned... Figures 4 - 8 The steps for processing Quality of Service (QoS) parameters are performed by a communication device in the first network domain in any corresponding embodiment. The functions implemented by the communication device 100 can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions, and the modules can be software and / or hardware. The communication device 100 can be a user plane function network element or an access network device in a radio access network domain, without specific limitations. The communication device 100 may include a transceiver module 1001 and a processing module 1002, and the processing module 1002 can be used to control the transceiver operations of the transceiver module 1001. The functional implementation of the transceiver module 1001 can be referred to... Figures 4 - 8 The operation of the communication device sending the QoS parameters of the first network domain, the capability information of the first network domain, and the transmission frequency and size of data packets to the control plane network element or the session management function network element in any of the corresponding embodiments will not be described in detail here.

[0336] In some implementations, the transceiver module 1001 is used to send capability information of the first network domain to a control plane network element, the capability information of the first network domain being used to determine the QoS parameters of the first network domain, the first network domain including a radio access network or a user plane function network element; and to receive first information of the QoS parameters of the first network domain from the control plane network element.

[0337] In this embodiment, the processing module 1002 in the communication device 100 of the first network domain provides capability information of the first network domain to the control plane network element. This enables the control plane network element to accurately determine the QoS parameters of the first network domain. The communication device of the first network domain obtains the QoS parameters of the first network domain from the control plane network element. Thus, the communication devices in the network domain can perform precise scheduling based on the QoS parameters of their respective network domains, thereby improving the user experience. Furthermore, it also ensures deterministic transmission and improves resource utilization.

[0338] In some embodiments, the first information comprises a correspondence between a flow identifier and the QoS parameter, the flow identifier being used to identify a QoS flow between the terminal device and the user plane function network element.

[0339] In some embodiments, when the first network domain comprises the wireless access network, the communication apparatus is a first access network device in the wireless access network, and the transceiver 1001 is further configured to perform at least one of the following operations:

[0340] receive a downlink data packet from the user plane function network element, the downlink data packet comprising a first flow identifier; and send the downlink data packet to the terminal device according to a QoS parameter corresponding to the first flow identifier in the first information;

[0341] or receive an uplink data packet from the terminal device, the uplink data packet comprising a second flow identifier; and send the uplink data packet to the user plane function network element through a backhaul network according to a QoS parameter corresponding to the second flow identifier in the first information.

[0342] In some embodiments, the transceiver 1001 is configured to:

[0343] receive, from the control plane network element, a correspondence between the second flow identifier and a path identifier of a first path;

[0344] send the uplink data packet to the user plane function network element through the first path in the backhaul network according to the correspondence between the second flow identifier and the path identifier of the first path.

[0345] In some embodiments, when the first network domain comprises the user plane function network element, the communication apparatus is the user plane function network element, and the transceiver 1001 is further configured to perform at least one of the following operations:

[0346] receive a downlink data packet from an application server, the downlink data packet comprising a first flow identifier; and send the downlink data packet to a first access network device through a backhaul network according to a QoS parameter corresponding to the first flow identifier in the first information;

[0347] or receive an uplink data packet from an access network device, the uplink data packet comprising a second flow identifier; and send the uplink data packet to an application server according to a QoS parameter corresponding to the second flow identifier in the first information.

[0348] In some embodiments, the transceiver 1001 is configured to:

[0349] receive, from the control plane network element, a correspondence between the first flow identifier and a path identifier of a second path;

[0350] Based on the correspondence between the first flow identifier and the path identifier of the second path, the downlink data packet is sent to the first access network device through the second path in the backhaul network.

[0351] Furthermore, the transceiver module 1001 and processing module 1002 in the communication device 10 can also perform the above-mentioned functions. Figures 3a to 8 Other steps performed by the communication device of the first network domain (e.g., user plane function network element, first access network device, second access network device, or communication device in the backhaul network) in any embodiment will not be described here.

[0352] like Figure 11 The illustrated session management function network element 110 can be used to process Quality of Service (QoS) parameters. This session management function network element 110 can implement the functions described above. Figures 4 - 8 The steps for processing Quality of Service (QoS) parameters are performed by the session management function network element in any corresponding embodiment. The functions implemented by the session management function network element 110 can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions, and the modules can be software and / or hardware. Control plane network elements can be deployed in the session management function network element 110 to implement all the same or similar functions as the control plane network element 90, without specific limitations. The session management function network element 110 may include a transceiver module 1101 and a processing module 1102. The functional implementation of the processing module 1102 can be referred to... Figures 4 - 8 In any corresponding embodiment, the operations of the session management function network element 110 in determining whether the subscription data contains second information indicating deterministic services, determining whether the second access network device meets the deterministic service requirements of the terminal device, and dynamically adjusting the QoS parameters of the first network domain are not elaborated here. The functional implementation of the transceiver module 1101 can be found in [reference]. Figures 4 - 8 The operations of obtaining the subscription data of the terminal device, obtaining the capability information of the first network domain, and issuing the first information of the QoS parameters of the first network domain in any corresponding embodiment.

[0353] In some implementations, the transceiver module 1101 can be used to obtain the subscription data of the terminal device from the data management network element;

[0354] The processing module 1102 can be used to send a request message to the control plane network element through the transceiver module 1101 when the subscription data includes information indicating that the service of the terminal device includes deterministic services. The request message is used to request the determination of QoS parameters of the first network domain. The first network domain includes at least one of the following: radio access network, backhaul network, and user plane function network element.

[0355] In some implementations, the transceiver module 1101 is also used to obtain backhaul network capability information from the data management network element; or to receive backhaul network capability information from the network management network element.

[0356] In this embodiment, the processing module 1102 in the session management function network element 110 obtains the subscription data from the data management network element, determines whether the terminal device has deterministic services based on the subscription data, and then decides whether to send a request message to the control plane network element to determine the QoS parameters of the first network domain. This can reduce the workload of the control plane network element and optimize the division of labor mechanism.

[0357] In addition, the transceiver module 1101 and processing module 1102 in the session management function network element 110 can also perform the above-mentioned functions. Figures 3a to 8 Other steps performed by the control plane network element in any of the embodiments are not described here.

[0358] like Figure 12 The network management element 120 shown can realize the above-mentioned network management functions. Figure 2 The corresponding embodiments describe the network management steps performed by the network management element. The functions implemented by this network management element 120 can be implemented in hardware or by executing corresponding software within hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions, and these modules can be software and / or hardware. The network management element 120 can be... Figure 1c Network management element 5 in the document is used to manage the backhaul network. The network management element 120 may include a transceiver module 1201 and a processing module 1202. The processing module 1202 can be used to control the transceiver operations of the transceiver module 1201. The functional implementation of the transceiver module 1201 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2 The operations of the network management element sending configuration requests to the backhaul network configuration element and sending backhaul network capability information to the data management element in the corresponding embodiments will not be described in detail here.

[0359] The transceiver module 1201 is used to send a configuration request to the backhaul network configuration element, the configuration request being used to request the configuration of backhaul network capability information; and to receive backhaul network capability information from the backhaul network configuration element and send the backhaul network capability information to the data management element.

[0360] In this embodiment of the application, by means of... Figure 13 The interaction between the network configuration element 130 and the data management element enables the backhaul network capability information to be transmitted to the data management element, which in turn allows the subsequent control plane elements to use the backhaul network capability information as the basis for determining the QoS parameters of each network domain.

[0361] Further, the transceiver module 1201 and the processing module 1202 in the network management network element 120 can also perform the above-mentioned Figure 2 other steps performed by the network management network element in the corresponding embodiments, which are not described herein.

[0362] As shown in FIG. 13, a network configuration network element, which is the network configuration network element 130, can implement the above-mentioned Figure 13 corresponding embodiments. The functions implemented by the network configuration network element 130 can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions, which can be software and / or hardware. The network configuration network element 130 can be the network configuration network element 6 in FIG. 1, which is configured to configure the backhaul network. Figure 2 corresponding embodiments. The functions implemented by the network configuration network element 130 can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions, which can be software and / or hardware. The network configuration network element 130 can be the network configuration network element 6 in FIG. 1, which is configured to configure the backhaul network. Figure 1c corresponding embodiments. The functions implemented by the network configuration network element 130 can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions, which can be software and / or hardware. The network configuration network element 130 can be the network configuration network element 6 in FIG. 1, which is configured to configure the backhaul network. Figure 2 corresponding embodiments. The functions implemented by the network configuration network element 130 can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions, which can be software and / or hardware. The network configuration network element 130 can be the network configuration network element 6 in FIG. 1, which is configured to configure the backhaul network.

[0363] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1301 can be configured to receive a configuration request from the network management network element.

[0364] The processing module 1302 can be configured to configure the capability information of the backhaul network according to the configuration request and send the capability information of the backhaul network to the network management network element through the transceiver module 1301.

[0365] In some embodiments, the configuration request can include the expected value of the QoS parameter of the first network domain, the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the access network device, and the IP address of the user plane function network element.

[0366] In the embodiments of the present application, after the transceiver module 1301 of the network configuration network element 130 receives the configuration request from the network management network element, the processing module of the network configuration network element 130 interacts with the network management network element, so that the capability information of the backhaul network can be transmitted to the network management network element, and the capability information of the backhaul network obtained by the control plane network element from the data management network element can be used as a basis for determining the QoS parameter of each network domain.

[0367] Further, the transceiver module 1301 and the processing module 1302 in the network configuration network element 130 can also perform the above-mentioned Figure 2 other steps performed by the network configuration network element in the corresponding embodiments, which are not described herein.

[0368] As shown in FIG. 13, a network configuration network element, which is the network configuration network element 130, can implement the above-mentionedFigure 15 The communication system shown may include:

[0369] Terminal devices, such as Figure 9 The control plane network element 90, and each network domain, such as Figure 10 The communication device 100.

[0370] For example, the communication device 100 can be used to provide the control plane network element 90 with capability information of the first network domain.

[0371] The control plane network element 90 is used to acquire first QoS parameters between the terminal device and the user plane function network element, and to acquire capability information of each network domain. Based on the capability information of each network domain and the first QoS parameters, it determines second QoS parameters for each network domain, and sends first information of the second QoS parameters to each network domain through the transceiver module. The aforementioned network domains may include the radio access network, the backhaul network, and the user plane function network element.

[0372] In some embodiments, the communication system may further include, for example: Figure 12 The network management element 120, such as Figure 13 The network configuration element 130 and the data management element are mentioned above. The data management element is used to store data from... Figure 13 The network configuration element 130 is configured to transmit backhaul network capability information.

[0373] In some embodiments, the communication system may further include, for example: Figure 11 The aforementioned session management function network element 110.

[0374] Various embodiments of this application (including) Figures 9 to 13 In the embodiments shown, the physical devices corresponding to the transceiver modules (e.g., transceiver module 901, transceiver module 1001, transceiver module 1101, transceiver module 1201 and transceiver module 1301) can be transceivers 1501, and the physical devices corresponding to the processing modules (e.g., processing modules 902, processing modules 1002, processing modules 1102, processing modules 1202 and processing modules 1302) can be processors 1502. Figures 9 to 13 Each of the devices shown can have the following characteristics: Figure 15 The structure shown, when one of the devices has such Figure 15 When the structure shown is used, Figure 15The processor 1502 and transceiver 1501 in the device implement the same or similar functions as the processing modules (e.g., processing module 902, processing module 1002, processing module 1102, processing module 1202 and processing module 1302) and transceiver modules (e.g., transceiver module 901, transceiver module 1001, transceiver module 1101, transceiver module 1201 and transceiver module 1301) provided in the aforementioned device embodiments corresponding to the device.

[0375] For example, when the control plane network element has such Figure 15 When the structure shown is used, Figure 15 The memory 1503 stores the program code that the processor 1502 needs to call when executing the method described above for executing Quality of Service (QoS) parameters by the control plane network element. Alternatively, the computer-readable storage medium 1504 stores the program code that needs to be called when executing the method described above for executing QoS parameters by the control plane network element. Figure 15 The processor 1502 can call program code in memory 1503 or computer-readable storage medium 1504 to perform the following operations:

[0376] The transceiver 1501 obtains the first QoS parameters between the terminal device and the user plane function network element, as well as the capability information of the first network domain.

[0377] The transceiver 1501 determines the second QoS parameter of the first network domain based on the capability information of the first network domain and the first QoS parameter. The first network domain includes at least one of the following: radio access network, backhaul network, and user plane function network element.

[0378] The transceiver 1501 sends the first information of the second QoS parameter to the first network domain.

[0379] For example, when the communication device in the first network domain has such Figure 15 When the structure shown is used, Figure 15 The memory storage processor in the memory performs the above Figures 4 - 8 The program code that needs to be called when the communication device of the first network domain in any corresponding embodiment executes the method for QoS parameters. Specifically, Figure 15 The processor 1502 can call program code in memory 1503 or computer-readable storage medium 1504 to perform the following operations:

[0380] The transceiver 1501 sends the capability information of the first network domain to the control plane network element. The capability information of the first network domain is used to determine the QoS parameters of the first network domain. The first network domain includes a radio access network or a user plane function network element.

[0381] receive, by the transceiver 1501, first information of a QoS parameter of the first network domain from the control plane network element.

[0382] For another example, when the communication device of the first network domain has a structure as shown in Figure 15 , the memory in the Figure 15 stores program codes that need to be invoked when the processor executes the method of performing the service quality QoS parameter in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. Specifically, Figures 4 - 8 , the processor 1502 in the Figure 15 can invoke the program codes in the memory 1503 or the computer readable storage medium 1504 to perform the following operations:

[0383] obtain, by the transceiver 1501, subscription data of the terminal device from the data management network element;

[0384] when the subscription data includes information indicating that the service of the terminal device includes deterministic service, send, by the transceiver 1501, a request message to the control plane network element, the request message being used to request determination of the QoS parameter of the first network domain, the first network domain including at least one of a radio access network, a backhaul network, and a user plane function network element.

[0385] Other similar operations are not described here.

[0386] In addition, the embodiment of the present application further discloses another method for a control plane network element to decompose the QoS parameter (i.e., the end-to-end QoS parameter) between a terminal device and a user plane function network element. The QoS parameter between the terminal device and the user plane function network element is decomposed into the QoS parameter between the terminal device and an access network device, and the QoS parameter between the access network device and the user plane function network element. Taking the QoS parameter as an example of a packet delay budget (PDB), in the current QoS model, the PDB refers to the upper limit of the delay of a data packet transmitted between the terminal device and the user plane function network element (the UPF on the terminal N6 interface). For example, for a certain QoS flow, the value of the PDB between the UE and the UPF is 5ms. According to the method of the embodiment of the present application, after the PDB value is decomposed, the PDB between the AN and the UPF is 2ms, and the PDB between the UE and the AN is 3ms. The AN can schedule the air interface resource according to the PDB requirement of 3ms, thereby optimizing the utilization of the air interface resource while guaranteeing the delay requirement of the URLLC service. The following will be described in detail.

[0387] Figure 16A As shown in the figure, the method includes the following steps: Figure 16A ​

[0388] At step 1601, the control plane network element obtains a first QoS parameter between the first access network device and the first user plane function network element.

[0389] For example, the control plane network element can be the above-mentioned session management function (SMF) network element 7 in the core network (CN) 6. Figure 1c The first access network device can be the above-mentioned access network device 1 in the CN 6. Figure 1c The first user plane function network element can be the above-mentioned UPF network element 2 in the CN 6. Figure 1c

[0390] The first QoS parameter between the first access network device and the first user plane function network element can also be referred to as a QoS parameter of the core network (CN). For example, the first QoS parameter includes a PDB between the first access network device and the user plane function network element, for example, a CN PDB.

[0391] The control plane network element can obtain the first QoS parameter between the first access network device and the first user plane function network element in any of the following manners:

[0392] Manner one: the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter from the first user plane function network element.

[0393] For example, the control plane network element sends the identification information of the first access network device to the first user plane function network element, and receives the above-mentioned first QoS parameter from the first user plane function network element. Optionally, the control plane network element also sends flow information identifying the first flow to the first user plane function network element, so that the obtained first QoS parameter is used to indicate the QoS parameter between the first access network device and the first user plane function network element corresponding to the first flow. How the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter from the first user plane function network element will be further described in the following Figure 17 .

[0394] Manner two: the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter from a network element discovery function device.

[0395] The network element discovery function device can be a network repository function (NRF) network element. The NRF network element can provide network function instance registration, discovery and other functions.

[0396] For example, in a possible implementation manner, the control plane network element sends the identification information of the first access network device and the identification information of the first user plane function network element to the NRF network element, and receives the first QoS parameter from the NRF network element.

[0397] ​In another possible implementation, the control plane network element sends the identification information of the first access network device and the service area information of the control plane network element to the NRF network element, receives the identification information of at least one user plane function network element located in the area indicated by the service area information and the QoS parameter between each user plane function network element in the at least one user plane function network element and the first access network device from the NRF network element, and the control plane network element determines the first QoS parameter from the QoS parameter.

[0398] In yet another possible implementation, the control plane network element sends the service area information of the control plane network element to the NRF network element, receives the identification information of at least one user plane function network element located in the area indicated by the service area information, the identification information of the access network device in communication with each user plane function network element in the at least one user plane function network element, and the QoS parameter between each user plane function network element in the at least one user plane function network element and the access network device from the NRF network element, and the control plane network element determines the first QoS parameter from the QoS parameter according to the identification information of the first access network device.

[0399] How the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter from the network element discovery function device will be further described in the following Figure 18 .

[0400] Method three: the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter from the network management system.

[0401] For example, when the control plane network element is powered on, the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter from the network management system. For example, when the control plane network element is powered on, the network management system configures the control plane network element with the first QoS parameter; or, the control plane network element can also actively send a request to the network management system after being powered on, requesting to obtain the QoS parameter between each user plane function network element in at least one user plane function network element in the service area of the control plane network element and the access network device. The control plane network element determines the first QoS parameter from the QoS parameter according to the identification information of the first access network device.

[0402] How the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter from the network management system will be further described in the following Figure 19 .

[0403] Method four: the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter from the network data analysis function device.

[0404] The network data analysis function (Network Data Analytics Function, NWDAF) network element can provide network and user related data analysis results.

[0405] For example, the NWDAF network element can obtain the transmission delay information between the first access network device and the user plane network element from the collected QoS monitoring results, generate the first QoS parameter after statistical analysis, and provide the control plane network element. In step 1602, the control plane network element determines the third QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first access network device according to the first QoS parameter and the second QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first user plane function network element.

[0406] The second QoS parameter can also be referred to as an end-to-end QoS parameter between the terminal device and the user plane function network element. The second QoS parameter can include an end-to-end PDB between the terminal device and the user plane function network element. The third QoS parameter can also be referred to as an access network (AN) QoS parameter. The third QoS parameter can include a PDB between the terminal device and the first access network device, for example, an AN PDB.

[0407] For example, the control plane network element subtracts the first QoS parameter from the second QoS parameter to obtain the third QoS parameter.

[0408] In step 1603, the control plane network element sends the third QoS parameter to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the third QoS parameter from the control plane network element.

[0409] For example, the control plane network element can send the third QoS parameter to the first access network device through N2 session management information (N2 SM info).

[0410] In step 1604, the first access network device schedules the air interface resource between the terminal device and the first access network device according to the third QoS parameter.

[0411] Thus, compared with the prior art in which the first access network device schedules the air interface resource according to the end-to-end QoS parameter between the UE and the UPF, according to the method of the embodiment of the application, the first access network device can schedule the air interface resource according to a more accurate QoS parameter, i.e., the QoS parameter between the UE and the AN, thereby optimizing the utilization of the air interface resource.

[0412] Figure 16B A flowchart of a method for processing a QoS parameter is shown. Figure 16B and Figure 16A The difference between the method shown in Figure 16A In the method shown in Figure 16A In the method shown in Figure 16BAs shown, the method comprises the following steps:

[0413] In step 1611, the control plane network element acquires the first QoS parameter between the first access network device and the first user plane function network element.

[0414] Step 1611 can refer to the description of step 1601, which will not be repeated here.

[0415] In step 1612, the control plane network element sends the first QoS parameter to the first access network device, and the first QoS parameter is used for determining the QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the first QoS parameter from the control plane network element.

[0416] Similarly, the control plane network element can send the first QoS parameter to the first access network device through N2 SM info.

[0417] In step 1613, the first access network device determines the third QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first access network device according to the first QoS parameter and the second QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first user plane function network element.

[0418] For example, the first access network device subtracts the second QoS parameter from the first QoS parameter to obtain the third QoS parameter.

[0419] In step 1604, the first access network device schedules the air interface resource between the terminal device and the first access network device according to the third QoS parameter.

[0420] Similarly, compared with the prior art in which the first access network device schedules the air interface resource according to the end-to-end QoS parameter between the UE and the UPF, according to the method of the present application, the first access network device can schedule the air interface resource according to more accurate QoS parameter, i.e., the QoS parameter between the UE and the AN, thereby optimizing the utilization of the air interface resource.

[0421] In the example of Figures 17 to 23 , the PDB is taken as an example for description. That is, the first QoS parameter is CN PDB, the second QoS parameter is end-to-end PDB, and the third QoS parameter is AN PDB.

[0422] Figure 17 As shown, the method comprises the following steps: Figure 17

[0423] In step 1701, the UE initiates a PDU session establishment process. The UE sends a PDU session establishment request message to the AMF network element.

[0424] ​The PDU session establishment request message includes at least a PDU session identifier (ID).

[0425] At step 1702, the AMF network element selects an SMF network element, and the SMF network element selects a PCF network element and a UPF network element.

[0426] Optionally, the SMF network element acquires subscription data of the UE from a UDM network element.

[0427] At step 1703, the SMF network element obtains a policy and charging control (PCC) policy from the PCF network element by interacting with the PCF network element. The PCC policy includes a 5G QoS indicator (5QI) or the SMF can generate a 5G QoS indicator according to the PCC policy.

[0428] At step 1704, the SMF network element initiates an N4 session establishment procedure.

[0429] For example, the SMF network element sends an N4 session establishment request message to the UPF network element. The N4 session establishment request message includes identification information of the RAN device to request the UPF network element to return a CN PDB between the RAN device and the UPF network element. For example, the identification information of the RAN device includes an internet protocol (IP) address of the RAN device. Optionally, the N4 session establishment request message further includes indication information for indicating the UPF network element to return the CN PDB between the RAN device and the UPF network element.

[0430] Optionally, the N4 session establishment request message further includes flow information for identifying a first flow. For example, the first flow is a QoS flow, and the flow information for identifying the first flow is a 5QI or a QFI. In this way, through the N4 session establishment request message, the SMF network element requests the UPF network element to return a CN PDB corresponding to the first flow between the RAN device and the UPF network element.

[0431] Optionally, before the SMF network element sends the N4 session establishment request message to the UPF network element, the SMF network element first checks whether the CN PDB between the RAN device and the UPF network element or the CN PDB corresponding to the first flow between the RAN device and the UPF network element exists in the SMF network element. If the SMF network element does not have the CN PDB, the SMF network element sends the N4 session establishment request message including the RAN network element identification information to the UPF network element. If the SMF network element has the CN PDB, the SMF can directly determine the CN PDB between the RAN device and the UPF network element or the CN PDB corresponding to the first flow between the RAN device and the UPF network element, and the N4 session establishment request message can not carry the identification information of the RAN device, or steps 1704 and 1705 can be skipped.

[0432] In step 1705, after the UPF network element receives the N4 session establishment request message, the UPF network element returns the CN PDB to the SMF network element through an N4 session establishment response message. Optionally, if the N4 session establishment request message further includes flow information identifying the first flow, the returned CN PDB is the CN PDB corresponding to the first flow between the RAN device and the UPF network element.

[0433] For example, the CN PDB between the UPF and each RAN device is pre-configured in the UPF. For example, the network management system can obtain the topology information (for example, transmission distance) between the RAN and the UPF, and generate the CN PDB between the RAN device and the UPF network element according to the topology information, and configure the CN PDB to each UPF network element in the power-on stage. Alternatively, the UPF network element can obtain the CN PDB in the QoS monitoring result through QoS monitoring.

[0434] After the UPF network element receives the N4 session establishment request message, the UPF network element determines the CN PDB between the UPF network element and the RAN device according to the identification information of the RAN device, and sends the CN PDB to the SMF network element.

[0435] Optionally, after the SMF network element receives the CN PDB, the SMF network element can store the received CN PDB. In this way, if subsequent different QoS flows from the same RAN device, if the SMF network element selects the same UPF network element, the SMF network element can directly reuse the stored CN PDB without requesting the UPF network element.

[0436] After the SMF network element receives the CN PDB, the SMF network element can perform the steps in any of the following implementation manners: the first implementation manner corresponds to steps 1706 and 1707, and the second implementation manner corresponds to steps 1708 and 1709.

[0437] In the first implementation manner:

[0438] At step 1706, the SMF network element determines the AN PDB according to the CN PDB and the end-to-end PDB between the UE and the UPF network element.

[0439] For example, the SMF network element obtains the end-to-end PDB between the UE and the UPF network element according to the 5QI. If the 5QI is a standard value, the SMF network element can obtain the PDB between the UE and the UPF network element according to the 5QI; if the 5QI is not a standard value, the SMF network element can obtain the PDB between the UE and the UPF network element from the QoS information corresponding to the QFI. Then, the SMF network element subtracts the CN PDB from the end-to-end PDB between the UE and the UPF network element to obtain the AN PDB.

[0440] It should be noted that the CN PDB is the PDB between the RAN and the UPF network element, and is usually irrelevant to the 5QI. That is, the CN PDB is the same for different 5QIs. However, since there are also reserved bits in the protocol, the UPF network element can also set the differentiated services code point (DSCP) in the outer IP header of the data packet according to the 5QI to distinguish the transmission, which may result in a difference in the CN PDB. Therefore, the present application also supports that the CN PDB is different based on different 5QIs or QFIs, that is, the SMF network element requests the UPF network element to return the CN PDB corresponding to the first flow between the RAN device and the UPF network element at step 1704.

[0441] However, regardless of whether the CN PDB is related to the flow information, the determined AN PDB is associated with (or referred to as having a binding relationship with) the 5QI (or QFI), and different 5QIs (or QFIs) correspond to different AN PDBs. At step 1707, the SMF network element sends the AN PDB to the RAN device.

[0442] For example, the SMF network element sends the PDU session ID and the N2 SM information to the AMF network element by invoking the communication service Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer of the AMF network element or by invoking the service Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext of the SMF network element to update the session management context. The N2 SM information includes the PDU session ID, the QFI, and the AN PDB. For example, the AN PDB is included in the QoS information (QoSProfile) corresponding to the QFI. The AMF network element sends the received N2 SM information to the RAN device. Correspondingly, the RAN device receives the AN PDB included in the N2 SM information.

[0443] In the second implementation manner:

[0444] Step 1708: The SMF network element sends the CN PDB to the RAN device.

[0445] Similarly, the SMF network element sends the PDU session ID and N2 SM information to the AMF network element by calling the AMF network element's communication service Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer or by calling the SMF network element's session management context update service Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext. The N2 SM information includes the PDU session ID and the aforementioned CN PDB. For example, the CN PDB is included in the QoS profile corresponding to each QFI. The AMF network element then sends the received N2 SM information to the RAN device. Correspondingly, the RAN device receives the CN PDB contained within the N2 SM information.

[0446] It should be noted that the QoS profile inherently includes 5QI. Here, if the CN PDB is device-level (i.e., the CN PDB is independent of 5QI), then sending the CN PDB does not require associating it with 5QI. If the CN PDB is flow-level (i.e., the CN PDB is associated with 5QI), then different 5QIs have different CN PDBs, and 5QI must be provided simultaneously when providing the CN PDB. In this application, if the CN PDB is included in the QoS Profile, then since the QoS Profile itself includes 5QI, there is no need to additionally bind the relationship between the CN PDB and 5QI. If the CN PDB is included in the non-QoS profile portion of the N2 SM information, then the 5QI associated with the CN PDB must be provided.

[0447] Step 1709: The RAN device determines the AN PDB based on the CN PDB and the end-to-end PDB between the UE and the UPF network element.

[0448] For example, the RAN device obtains the end-to-end PDB between the UE and the UPF network element based on 5QI. If 5QI is a standard value, the RAN device can obtain the PDB between the UE and the UPF network element based on 5QI; if 5QI is not a standard value, the RAN device can obtain the PDB between the UE and the UPF network element from the QoS information corresponding to the QFI issued by the core network. Then, the RAN device subtracts the CN PDB from the end-to-end PDB between the UE and the UPF network element to obtain the AN PDB.

[0449] For any of the above implementation methods, after AN obtains the AN PDB, it executes step 1710.

[0450] At step 1710, the RAN device schedules the air interface resource of the UE and the RAN device according to the AN PDB.

[0451] As described above, since the AN PDB is associated with the 5QI (or QFI), the RAN device schedules the air interface resource of the QoS flow corresponding to the 5QI (or QFI) according to the AN PDB associated with the 5QI (or QFI).

[0452] After step 1710, the remaining steps of the flow of establishing the PDU session can continue, including but not limited to: the RAN device and the UE interact to complete the air interface configuration, the RAN device and the AMF network element interact, the AMF network element and the SMF network element interact to complete the update of the PDU session management context, and the session establishment flow is completed.

[0453] Figure 18 Another signaling interaction diagram for processing a QoS parameter is shown according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 18 The following will be described in combination with Figure 17 The method shown in the figure includes the following steps: Figure 18

[0454] At step 1801, the UE initiates a PDU session establishment flow. The UE sends a PDU session establishment request message to the AMF network element.

[0455] For example, the UE sends a non-access stratum (NAS) message to the AMF network element. The NAS message includes single-network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) and a PDU session establishment request message. The PDU session establishment request message at least includes a PDU session ID.

[0456] At step 1802, the AMF network element selects an SMF network element, and the SMF network element selects a PCF network element.

[0457] After that, the following steps in any of the following implementation manners can be performed: the first implementation manner corresponds to steps 1803 to 1805, the second implementation manner corresponds to steps 1806 to 1808, and the third implementation manner corresponds to 1809.

[0458] In the first implementation manner:

[0459] At step 1803, the SMF network element selects a UPF network element.

[0460] At step 1804, the SMF network element sends the identification information of the UPF network element and the identification information of the RAN device to the NRF network element, to request the NRF network element to return the CN PDB between the RAN device and the UPF network element.​

[0461] For example, the SMF network element can send, to the NRF network element, a network function discovery request (Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request) message including the identification information of the UPF network element and the identification information of the RAN device, by invoking a network function discovery (Nnrf_NFDiscovery) service of the NRF network element.

[0462] Optionally, the SMF network element can first determine, according to the S-NSSAI carried in step 1801, that the session corresponds to URLLC service, and then request the CN PDB between the RAN device and the UPF network element from the NRF network element.

[0463] Step 1805: The NRF network element sends, to the SMF network element, the CN PDB between the UPF network element and the RAN device.

[0464] In the second implementation manner:

[0465] Step 1806: The SMF network element sends, to the NRF network element, the identification information of the RAN device and the service area information of the SMF network element, to request the NRF network element to return the identification information of at least one UPF network element located in the area indicated by the service area information, and the CN PDB between each UPF network element in the at least one UPF network element and the RAN device.

[0466] Similarly, for example, the SMF network element can send, to the NRF network element, a network function discovery request message including the identification information of the RAN device and the service area information of the SMF network element, by invoking a network function discovery service of the NRF network element.

[0467] Similarly, optionally, the SMF network element can first determine, according to the S-NSSAI carried in step 1801, that the session corresponds to URLLC service, and then send, to the NRF network element, the identification information of the RAN device and the service area information of the SMF.

[0468] Step 1807: The SMF network element receives, from the NRF network element, the identification information of at least one UPF network element located in the area indicated by the service area information, and a set of CN PDBs between each UPF network element in the at least one UPF network element and the RAN device.

[0469] Step 1808: The SMF network element determines the CN PDB from the set of CN PDBs received, and selects the UPF network element.

[0470] Optionally, the SMF network element selects the CN PDB with the smallest value from the received CN PDB set as the CN PDB, and then selects the corresponding UPF network element. Therefore, as many resources as possible can be reserved for the RAN side, reducing the pressure on air interface resources.

[0471] For example, the service area of ​​an SMF network element includes UPF1 and UPF2. In step 1807, the CN PDB set received by the SMF network element includes CN PDB 1 (UPF1, RAN1) and CN PDB 2 (UPF2, RAN1). The value of CN PDB1 is less than the value of CN PDB 2. Therefore, the SMF selects CN PDB 1 from the CN PDB set as the determined CN PDB, and correspondingly, selects the UPF1 network element.

[0472] In the third implementation method:

[0473] The SMF network element stores the CN PDB set between each UPF network element and each RAN device within the SMF service area.

[0474] For example, when an SMF network element powers on, it sends its service area information to the NRF network element. Upon receiving this service area information, the NRF network element returns to the SMF network element the identification information of each UPF network element and each RAN device within the SMF service area, as well as the respective CNPDBs between the UPF network elements and the RAN devices. Thus, the SMF network element stores the CNPDB sets between each UPF network element and each RAN device within the SMF service area.

[0475] Step 1809: The SMF network element determines the CN PDB from the stored CN PDB set based on the identification information of the RAN equipment, and selects the UPF network element.

[0476] Optionally, the SMF network element selects the CN PDB with the smallest value from the stored CN PDB set based on the RAN device's identification information, and then selects the corresponding UPF network element. Therefore, as many resources as possible can be allocated to the RAN side, reducing the pressure on air interface resources.

[0477] For example, in step 1807, the CN PDB set stored by the SMF network element includes CN PDB 1 of (UPF1, RAN1), CN PDB 2 of (UPF1, RAN2), CN PDB 3 of (UPF2, RAN1), and CN PDB 4 of (UPF2, RAN3). Among them, the value of CN PDB 1 is less than the value of CN PDB 3. In the process of session establishment, assuming that the identification information of the RAN device corresponds to RAN1, the SMF network element selects CN PDB 1 with a smaller CN PDB value according to the sizes of CN PDB 1 and CN PDB 3, and selects the corresponding UPF1.

[0478] In any of the foregoing implementation manners, the identification information of the UPF network element can include an IP address of the UPF network element. The identification information of the RAN device can include an IP address of the RAN device.

[0479] For any of the foregoing implementation manners, the SMF network element performs step 1810 after obtaining the CN PDB.

[0480] In step 1810, the SMF network element obtains a PCC policy from the PCF network element by interacting with the PCF network element. The PCC policy includes 5QI.

[0481] Optionally, the SMF network element also initiates an N4 session establishment process (not shown in the figure) to the UPF network element.

[0482] After that, steps 1811 and 1812, or steps 1813 and 1814 can be performed. After that, step 1815 can be performed.

[0483] Steps 1811 to 1815 can refer to the description of steps 1706 to 1710 in Figure 17 , which will not be described here again.

[0484] Figure 19 Fig. 8 shows another signaling interaction diagram for processing QoS parameters according to an embodiment of the application. Figure 19 will be described in conjunction with Figure 17 and Figure 18 .

[0485] In the example of Figure 19 , the network management system preconfigures a CN PDB set between each UPF network element and each RAN device in the SMF service area on the SMF network element.

[0486] For example, when an SMF network element powers on, the network management system configures the SMF network element with the identification information of each UPF network element within the SMF service area, the identification information of each RAN device within the SMF service area, and the respective CN PDB between the UPF network element and the RAN device. Alternatively, after the SMF network element powers on, it proactively sends a request to the network management system to obtain the identification information of each UPF network element within the SMF service area, the identification information of each RAN device within the SMF service area, and the respective CN PDB between the UPF network element and the RAN device.

[0487] like Figure 19 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0488] Steps 1901 and 1902 can be referenced. Figure 18 The descriptions of steps 1801 and 1802 are not repeated here.

[0489] Step 1903 can be referenced. Figure 18 The description of step 1809. The difference is: in Figure 18 In the example, the CN PDB set is configured by the NRF network element to the SMF network element. Figure 19 In the example, the CN PDB set is configured to the SMF network element by the network management system.

[0490] Step 1904 can be referenced. Figure 18 The description of step 1810 will not be repeated here.

[0491] Optionally, the SMF network element may also initiate an N4 session establishment process to the UPF network element (not shown in the figure).

[0492] Then, steps 1905 and 1906, or steps 1907 and 1908, can be executed. Then, step 1909 can be executed.

[0493] Steps 1905 to 1909 can be referenced. Figure 17 The descriptions of steps 1706 to 1710 are not repeated here.

[0494] Besides decomposing QoS parameters during session establishment, QoS parameters can also be decomposed during session modification or during service request, which will not be described in detail here.

[0495] In addition to this, QoS parameters can also be decomposed during the handover process. The following description will use the example of an SMF network element obtaining a CN PDB from a UPF network element; however, it can also be based on... Figure 18 Obtain CN PDB from NRF network element orFigure 19 The CN PDB is configured by the intermediate network management system in the manner of the SMF network element, and the decomposition of the QoS parameter is performed in the handover process.

[0496] For example, the decomposition and delivery of the QoS parameter can be performed in the preparation phase of the handover. Figure 20 A signaling interaction diagram of a method of processing a QoS parameter based on Xn handover is shown. Figure 21 A signaling interaction diagram of a method of processing a QoS parameter based on N2 handover is shown. The Xn handover refers to that the handover of the UE is performed based on an Xn interface between a source RAN device and a target RAN device, and the N2 handover refers to that the handover of the UE is performed based on an N2 interface between an AMF network element and a RAN device (for example, when there is no Xn interface between the source RAN device and the target RAN device).

[0497] As shown in Figure 20 The method comprises the following steps:

[0498] Step 2001, after the source RAN device makes a handover decision, the source RAN device sends a handover request message to the target RAN device. The PDU session ID to be handed over is included in the handover request message.

[0499] Step 2002, the target RAN device sends a request message to the SMF network element. For example, the handover request message is a handover required message. The PDU session ID to be handed over is included in the request message.

[0500] Step 2003, the SMF network element selects an intermediate UPF network element.

[0501] This step is an optional step.

[0502] Step 2004, the SMF network element initiates an N4 session modification process.

[0503] For example, the SMF network element sends an N4 session modification request message to the anchor UPF network element. The identification information of the target RAN device is included in the N4 session modification request message to request the UPF network element to return the CN PDB between the target RAN device and the anchor UPF network element. Optionally, the N4 session modification request message further comprises indication information, which is used to indicate the UPF network element to return the CN PDB between the target RAN device and the anchor UPF network element.

[0504] Optionally, the N4 session modification request message further includes flow information identifying the first flow. For example, the first flow is a QoS flow, and the flow information is a 5QI or a QFI. In this way, through the N4 session modification request message, the SMF network element requests the UPF network element to return a CN PDB corresponding to the first flow between the target RAN device and the anchor UPF network element.

[0505] Optionally, before the SMF network element sends the N4 session modification request message to the UPF network element, the SMF network element first checks whether the SMF network element has the CN PDB between the target RAN device and the anchor UPF network element. If the SMF network element does not have the CN PDB between the target RAN device and the anchor UPF network element, the SMF network element sends the N4 session modification request message including the target RAN device identification information to the UPF network element. If the SMF network element has the CN PDB between the target RAN device and the anchor UPF network element, the SMF network element can directly determine the CN PDB between the target RAN device and the anchor UPF network element, and the N4 session modification request message can not carry the target RAN device identification information, or steps 2004 and 2005 can be skipped.

[0506] Step 2005, after receiving the N4 session modification request message, the UPF network element returns the CN PDB to the SMF network element through an N4 session modification response message. Optionally, if the N4 session establishment request message further includes flow information identifying the first flow, the returned CN PDB is the CN PDB corresponding to the first flow between the target RAN device and the anchor UPF network element.

[0507] Step 2006, the SMF network element sends a handover response message to the target RAN device. In an implementation manner, the SMF network element determines an AN PDB according to the CN PDB and the 5QI, and sends the handover response message including the AN PDB to the target RAN device through the AMF network element. How the SMF network element determines the AN PDB according to the CN PDB and the 5QI can refer to the description of step 1706, which will not be repeated here. In addition, the handover response message further includes a PDU session ID to be handed over and flow information (QFI or 5QI) corresponding to the AN PDB.

[0508] In another implementation, the SMF network element sends a handover response message including the CN PDB to the target RAN device through the AMF network element. In addition, the handover response message also includes the PDU session ID to be handed over. Optionally, the handover response message also includes the flow information (QFI or 5QI) corresponding to the AN PDB. After receiving the handover response message, the target RAN device determines the AN PDB according to the CN PDB and the 5QI. How the target RAN device determines the AN PDB according to the CN PDB and the 5QI can refer to the description of step 1709, which will not be described here.

[0509] Step 2007, the target RAN device performs admission control.

[0510] For example, the target RAN device determines whether to allow the QoS flow corresponding to the QFI to perform handover according to the AN PDB and the 5QI, thereby determining the accepted QoS flow list. For example, the target RAN device obtains the corresponding QoS requirement (packet loss rate requirement) according to the 5QI, obtains the corresponding delay requirement according to the AN PDB, and can also determine the allowed handover PDU session and the allowed handover QoS flow in the allowed handover PDU session according to the guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR), the maximum flow bit rate (MFBR), and the priority in the QoS profile, which can satisfy the above delay, bandwidth and packet loss rate requirements.

[0511] Step 2008, the target RAN device sends a handover request acknowledgment (ACK) message to the source RAN device.

[0512] After that, the remaining handover procedures can be performed, for example, the steps in the handover execution phase and the handover completion phase.

[0513] After the handover is completed, the target RAN device schedules the air interface resource according to the AN PDB.

[0514] That is, the target RAN device allocates radio resources for the corresponding QoS flow according to the AN PDB corresponding to the QFI.

[0515] Steps 2004 and 2005 in this embodiment take the first way "the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter from the first user plane function network element" in step 1601 / 1611 as an example, and can also support the second, third and fourth ways of obtaining the first QoS parameter by the SMF described in step 1601 / 1611. Herein will not be described.

[0516] Figure 21 The method shown includes the following steps:

[0517] At step 2101, after determining the handover is triggered, the source RAN device sends a handover required message to the AMF network element, where the handover required message includes the identification information of the target RAN device and the PDU session to be handed over.

[0518] At step 2102, the AMF network element requests the SMF network element corresponding to the PDU session to be handed over to update the context of the UE.

[0519] For example, the AMF network element can send a UE context update request message to the SMF network element by invoking the service of updating the SM context (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext) of the SMF network element. The UE context update request message includes the identification information of the target RAN device.

[0520] At step 2103, the SMF network element initiates an N4 session modification procedure, and sends an N4 session modification request message including the identification information of the target RAN device to the anchor UPF network element, to request the UPF network element to return the CN PDB between the target RAN device and the anchor UPF network element.

[0521] At step 2104, after receiving the N4 session modification request message, the UPF network element returns the CN PDB to the SMF network element through an N4 session modification response message.

[0522] Steps 2103 and 2104 can refer to the description of steps 2004 and 2005, which will not be described here.

[0523] At step 2105, the SMF network element returns a UE context update response message to the AMF network element.

[0524] In an implementation manner, the SMF network element determines the AN PDB according to the CN PDB and the 5QI, and sends the context update response message including the AN PDB to the AMF network element. How the SMF network element determines the AN PDB according to the CN PDB and the 5QI can refer to the description of step 1706, which will not be described here. In addition, the context update response message also includes the PDU session ID to be handed over and the flow information (QFI or 5QI) corresponding to the AN PDB.

[0525] In another implementation manner, the SMF network element sends the context update response message including the CN PDB to the AMF network element. In addition, the context update response message also includes the PDU session ID to be handed over. Optionally, the context update response message also includes the flow information (QFI or 5QI) corresponding to the AN PDB.

[0526] At step 2106, the AMF network element manages the UE context update response messages from the respective SMF network elements corresponding to the PDU sessions to be handed over.

[0527] At step 2107, the AMF network element sends the received AN PDB or CN PDB to the target RAN device via a handover request message.

[0528] If the target RAN device receives the CN PDB, the target RAN device determines the AN PDB according to the CN PDB and the 5QI. How the target RAN device determines the AN PDB according to the CN PDB and the 5QI can refer to the description of step 1709, which will not be repeated here.

[0529] At step 2108, the target RAN device performs admission control.

[0530] Step 2108 can refer to the description of step 2007, which will not be repeated here.

[0531] At step 2109, the target RAN device sends a handover request acknowledgement (ACK) message to the AMF network element.

[0532] After that, the remaining handover procedures, such as the steps in the handover execution phase and the handover completion phase, can be performed.

[0533] After the handover is completed, the target RAN device schedules the air interface resources according to the AN PDB.

[0534] Similarly, steps 2103 and 2104 in the embodiment can also support the methods of steps 1601 / 1611 in mode two, mode three or mode four for the SMF to obtain the first QoS parameter, taking the mode one "the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter from the first user plane function network element" in steps 1601 / 1611 as an example. Here, it will not be repeated.

[0535] The decomposition and delivery of the QoS parameter can be performed not only in the preparation phase of the handover, but also in the completion phase of the handover. The processing in the completion phase of the handover is applicable to both Xn handover and N2 handover. Figure 22 Xn handover will be taken as an example for description.

[0536] Figure 22 The method shown includes the following steps:

[0537] After the air interface handover is completed, that is, after the handover execution is completed, the handover completion phase is entered. In the handover completion phase, the source RAN device forwards the received downlink data to the target RAN device and finally sends it to the UE.

[0538] Step 2201, the target RAN device sends a N2 path switch request message to the AMF network element.

[0539] It should be noted that in the scenario of N2 handover, in step 2201, the target RAN device sends a handover notify message to the AMF network element.

[0540] Step 2202, the AMF network element requests the SMF network element corresponding to the PDU session to be switched to update the context of the UE.

[0541] For example, the AMF network element can send a UE context update request message to the SMF network element by invoking the service of updating the SM context (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext) of the SMF network element. The UE context update request message includes the identification information of the target RAN device.

[0542] Step 2203, the SMF network element initiates a N4 session modification process, and sends a N4 session modification request message including the identification information of the target RAN device to the anchor UPF network element, to request the UPF network element to return the CN PDB between the target RAN device and the anchor UPF network element.

[0543] Step 2204, after receiving the N4 session modification request message, the UPF network element returns the CN PDB to the SMF network element through a N4 session modification response message.

[0544] Steps 2203 and 2204 can refer to the description of steps 2004 and 2005, which will not be described here.

[0545] Step 2205, the SMF network element returns a UE context update response message to the AMF network element.

[0546] In an implementation mode, the SMF network element determines the AN PDB according to the CN PDB and the 5QI, and sends a context update response message including the AN PDB to the AMF network element. How the SMF network element determines the AN PDB according to the CN PDB and the 5QI can refer to the description of step 1706, which will not be described here. In addition, the context update response message also includes the PDU session ID to be switched and the flow information (QFI or 5QI) corresponding to the AN PDB.

[0547] In another implementation mode, the SMF network element sends a context update response message including the CN PDB to the AMF network element. In addition, the context update response message also includes the PDU session ID to be switched. Optionally, the context update response message also includes the flow information (QFI or 5QI) corresponding to the AN PDB.

[0548] At step 2206, the AMF network element sends the received AN PDB or CN PDB to the target RAN device through a N2 path switch request ACK message.

[0549] If the target RAN device receives the CN PDB, the target RAN device determines the AN PDB according to the CN PDB and the 5QI. How the target RAN device determines the AN PDB according to the CN PDB and the 5QI can refer to the description of step 1709, which will not be repeated here.

[0550] At step 2207, the target RAN device determines whether to allow the QoS flow corresponding to the QFI to be switched according to the AN PDB and the 5QI, thereby determining an accepted QoS flow list. For example, the target RAN device obtains the corresponding QoS requirement (packet loss rate requirement) according to the 5QI, obtains the corresponding delay requirement according to the AN PDB, and can also determine the allowed switching PDU session and the allowed switching QoS flow in the allowed switching PDU session according to the guaranteed GFBR, MFBR, and priority parameters in the QoSProfile, to determine the allowed switching PDU session and the allowed switching QoS flow that can meet the above delay, bandwidth, and packet loss rate requirements.

[0551] At step 2208, the target RAN device sends a release resource message to the source RAN device to confirm that the switching is successful.

[0552] After the switching is completed, the target RAN device schedules the air interface resource according to the AN PDB.

[0553] That is, the target RAN device allocates wireless resources for the corresponding QoS flow according to the AN PDB corresponding to the QFI.

[0554] Similarly, steps 2203 and 2204 in this embodiment can also support the methods of steps 1601 / 1611 in the second, third, and fourth manners described in the method of the SMF obtaining the first QoS parameter. Here, the description will not be repeated.

[0555] Therefore, in combination with Figures 20 to 22As described above, the method shown in Figure 16 can also be executed during the handover process. In this scenario, the first access network device is the target RAN device serving the UE after the handover. Therefore, by executing the above method during the handover process, the AN PDB of the QoS flow in the PDU session to be handed over can be determined, enabling the target RAN device to perform QoS flow admission control based on the AN PDB and to perform air interface resource scheduling after the handover based on the AN PDB, thereby optimizing the utilization of air interface resources.

[0556] Figure 23 A flowchart illustrating a method for processing QoS parameters during the handover phase is also provided. This method is applicable to Xn handover and is executed during the handover preparation phase. Figure 23 Combining Figure 20 Describe it. Figure 23 The method shown is the same as Figure 20 The difference between the methods shown is that: Figure 20 In the process, the target RAN device requests the CN PDB between the target RAN device and the anchor UPF network element from the SMF network element. Figure 23 In this process, the source RAN device requests the CN PDB between the target RAN device and the anchor UPF network element from the SMF network element.

[0557] Figure 23 The method shown includes the following steps:

[0558] Step 2301: After the source RAN device makes the handover decision, it sends the identification information of the target RAN device and the PDU session ID to be handed over to the SMF network element through the AMF network element.

[0559] Step 2302: The SMF network element initiates the N4 session modification process, sending an N4 session modification request message including the target RAN device identification information to the anchor UPF network element, in order to request the UPF network element to return the CN PDB between the target RAN device and the anchor UPF network element.

[0560] Step 2303: After receiving the N4 session modification request message, the UPF network element returns the CN PDB to the SMF network element through the N4 session modification response message.

[0561] Steps 2302 and 2303 can be referred to the descriptions of steps 2004 and 2005, and will not be repeated here.

[0562] Step 2304: The SMF network element sends AN PDB or AN PDB to the source RAN device through the AMF network element.

[0563] For example, in an implementation, the SMF network element determines the AN PDB according to the CN PDB and the 5QI, and sends a message containing the AN PDB to the source RAN device through the AMF network element. How the SMF network element determines the AN PDB according to the CN PDB and the 5QI can refer to the description of step 1706, which will not be repeated here. In addition, the message also includes the PDU session ID to be switched and the flow information (QFI or 5QI) corresponding to the AN PDB.

[0564] In another implementation, the SMF network element sends a message containing the CN PDB to the source RAN device through the AMF network element. In addition, the message also includes the PDU session ID to be switched. Optionally, the message also includes the flow information (QFI or 5QI) corresponding to the AN PDB.

[0565] Step 2305, the source RAN device sends a handover request message to the target RAN device. Based on the message received by the source RAN device from the SMF network element, the handover request message includes the AN PDB or the CN PDB.

[0566] For example, the source RAN device updates the QoS information (QoS profile) of the QoS flow related to the PDU session to be switched, and the updated QoS information includes the AN PDB or the CN PDB. The source RAN device sends the updated QoS information to the target RAN device.

[0567] When the AN PDB is included in the QoS information, the target RAN device can obtain the AN PDB from the QoS information after receiving the QoS information. When the CN PDB is included in the QoS information, the target RAN device determines the AN PDB according to the CN PDB and the 5QI. How the target RAN device determines the AN PDB according to the CN PDB and the 5QI can refer to the description of step 1709, which will not be repeated here.

[0568] Step 2306, the target RAN device performs admission control.

[0569] Step 2306 can refer to the description of step 2007, which will not be repeated here.

[0570] Step 2307, the target RAN device sends a handover request acknowledgement (ACK) message to the source RAN device.

[0571] After that, the remaining handover procedures can be performed, for example, the steps in the handover execution phase and the handover completion phase.

[0572] After the handover is completed, the target RAN device schedules the air interface resource according to the AN PDB.

[0573] Similarly, steps 2302 and 2303 in this embodiment take step 1601 / 1611 in the manner of "the control plane network element obtains the first QoS parameter from the first user plane function network element" as an example, and can also support the SMF obtaining the first QoS parameter in the method described in steps 1601 / 1611 in the manner of two, three and four. Herein will not be elaborated.

[0574] Therefore, based on the description of Figure 23 , in the scenario of Xn handover, the first access network device is the target RAN device for the served UE after handover, and the second access network device is the source RAN device for the served UE before handover. Figure 16A Steps 1603 and 1604 in the above embodiment can be replaced by: the control plane network element sends the third QoS parameter to the second access network device, the second access network device sends the third QoS parameter to the first access network device, and the first access network device schedules the air interface resource between the terminal device and the first access network device according to the third QoS parameter received from the second access network device. Similarly, Figure 16B Steps 1612 to 1614 in the above embodiment can be replaced by: the control plane network element sends the first QoS parameter to the second access network device, the second access network device sends the first QoS parameter to the first access network device, and the first access network device determines the third QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first access network device according to the first QoS parameter received from the second access network device and the second QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first user plane function network element, and schedules the air interface resource between the terminal device and the first access network device according to the third QoS parameter.

[0575] The following will introduce the control plane network element and the access network device for processing the quality of service QoS parameter.

[0576] In one embodiment, Figure 9 The control plane network element 90 shown can also be used to implement the steps performed by the control plane network element in the above Figure 16A or Figure 16B any one of the steps performed by the SMF network element in the above Figures 17 to 23 .

[0577] For example, in one embodiment, the processing module 902 is configured to obtain the first QoS parameter between the first access network device and the first user plane function network element, determine the third QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first access network device according to the first QoS parameter and the second QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first user plane function network element, and the transceiver module 901 is configured to send the third QoS parameter to the first access network device (or the second access network device in the handover scenario).

[0578] In another embodiment, the processing module 902 is used to obtain the first QoS parameters between the first access network device and the first user plane function network element, and the transceiver module 901 is used to send the first QoS parameters to the first access network device (or the second access network device in the handover scenario). The first QoS parameters are used to determine the QoS parameters between the terminal device and the first access network device.

[0579] Therefore, compared to the prior art where the first access network device performs air interface resource scheduling based on end-to-end QoS parameters between the UE and UPF, the method according to the embodiments of this application allows the first access network device to perform air interface resource scheduling based on more precise QoS parameters, namely, the QoS parameters between the UE and AN, thereby optimizing the utilization of air interface resources. Optionally, the processing module 902 is used to obtain the first QoS parameters from the first user plane function network element; obtain the first QoS parameters from the network element discovery function device; obtain the first QoS parameters from the network management system; or obtain the first QoS parameters from the network data analysis function device.

[0580] Optionally, the processing module 902 controls the transceiver module 901 to send the identification information of the first access network device to the first user plane function network element, and to receive the first QoS parameters between the first access network device and the first user plane function network element. Further, in one possible design, the processing module 902 controls the transceiver module 901 to send flow information identifying the first flow to the first user plane function network element, whereby the first QoS parameters indicate the QoS parameters between the first access network device and the first user plane function network element corresponding to the first flow.

[0581] In one possible design, the processing module 902 controls the transceiver module 901 to send the identification information of the first access network device and the identification information of the first user plane function network element to the network element discovery function device, and receives the first QoS parameters between the first access network device and the first user plane function network element from the network element discovery function device.

[0582] In another possible design, the processing module 902 controls the transceiver module 901:

[0583] The processing module 902 sends the identification information of the first access network device and the service area information of the control plane network element to the network element discovery function device, receives from the network element discovery function device the identification information of at least one user plane function network element located in the area indicated by the service area information, and the QoS parameters between each user plane function network element and the first access network device. The processing module 902 is used to determine the first QoS parameter from the QoS parameters; or

[0584] The processing module 902 is configured to send service area information of the control plane network element to the network element discovery function device, receive, from the network element discovery function device, identification information of at least one user plane function network element located in the area indicated by the service area information, identification information of an access network device in communication with each of the at least one user plane function network element, and a QoS parameter between each of the at least one user plane function network element and the access network device, and determine a first QoS parameter from the QoS parameter according to the identification information of the first access network device.

[0585] In combination with the above possible designs, further, the processing module 902 is configured to determine the first user plane function network element from the QoS parameter between each of the at least one user plane function network element and the access network device received by the transceiver module 901 from the network element discovery function device.

[0586] In addition, Figure 10 The communication apparatus shown can also be configured to implement the steps performed by the first access network device in any of the above Figure 16A or Figure 16B or the steps performed by the RAN device in any of the above Figures 17 to 19 or the steps performed by the target RAN device in any of the above Figure 20

[0587] Figure 23

[0588] For example, the processing module 1002 is configured to obtain a QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first access network device, and schedule air interface resources between the terminal device and the first access network device according to the QoS parameter.

[0589] Thus, compared with the prior art in which the first access network device schedules air interface resources according to the end-to-end QoS parameter between the UE and the UPF, according to the method of the embodiments of the present application, the first access network device can schedule air interface resources according to more accurate QoS parameters, i.e., the QoS parameter between the UE and the AN, thereby optimizing the utilization of air interface resources.

[0590] In a possible design, the processing module 1002 is configured to control the transceiver module 1001 to receive, from the control plane network element, a first QoS parameter between the first access network device and the first user plane function network element, and the processing module 1002 is configured to determine a QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first access network device according to the first QoS parameter and a second QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first user plane function network element.

[0591] In another possible design, the processing module 1002 is configured to control the transceiver module 1001 to receive, from the control plane network element, the QoS parameter.

[0592] ​​In yet another possible design, the processing module 1002 is configured to control the transceiver module 1001 to receive, from the second access network device, the QoS parameter. Here, the first access network device is a target access network device serving the terminal device after handover, and the second access network device is a source access network device serving the terminal device before handover. In this case, the processing module 1002 is further configured to perform handover admission control on the terminal device according to the QoS parameter.

[0593] In addition, Figure 10 The communication apparatus shown can also be configured to implement the steps performed by the source RAN device in any of the above Figures 20 to 23

[0594] For example, in one embodiment, the processing module 1002 is configured to control the transceiver module 1001 to receive, from the control plane network element, a first QoS parameter between the first access network device and the first user plane function network element, and the processing module 1002 is configured to determine a third QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first access network device according to the first QoS parameter and a second QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first user plane function network element. The processing module 1002 is configured to control the transceiver module 1001 to send the third QoS parameter to the first access network device.

[0595] In another embodiment, the processing module 1002 is configured to control the transceiver module 1001 to receive, from the control plane network element, a third QoS parameter between the terminal device and the first access network device. The processing module 1002 is configured to control the transceiver module 1001 to send the third QoS parameter to the first access network device.

[0596] Here, the first access network device is a target access network device serving the terminal device after handover, and the second access network device is a source access network device serving the terminal device before handover.

[0597] Therefore, compared with the prior art in which the first access network device performs air interface resource scheduling according to the end-to-end QoS parameter between the UE and the UPF, according to the method of the embodiments of the present application, in the handover scenario, the second access network device can receive the first QoS parameter or the third QoS parameter from the control plane network element, and then send it to the first access network device, so that the first access network device can perform air interface resource scheduling according to more accurate QoS parameters, i.e., the QoS parameter between the UE and the AN, thereby optimizing the utilization of air interface resources.

[0598] In addition, Figure 15 The memory 1503 in the computer readable storage medium 1504 stores program codes required by the processor 1502 to execute the above method of performing quality of service QoS parameter by the control plane network element. Alternatively, the computer readable storage medium 1504 stores program codes required by the processor 1502 to execute the above method of performing quality of service QoS parameter by the control plane network element. Figure 15 ​The processor 1502 in the above-described embodiments can invoke program code in the memory 1503 or the computer-readable storage medium 1504 to perform the operations of the control plane network element, the first access network device, or the second access network device described above.

[0599] In the above-described embodiments, the description of each embodiment focuses on different aspects, and the parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment can be referred to the relevant description of other embodiments.

[0600] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the system, device and module described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0601] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device and method can be implemented by other manners. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic, for example, the division of the modules is only a logical function division, and actual implementation can have another division manner, for example, a plurality of modules or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the displayed or discussed modules can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0602] The modules described as separate components can or can not be physically separated, and the components displayed as modules can or can not be physical modules, that is, they can be located in one place, or can be distributed on a plurality of network modules. Part or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the embodiment.

[0603] In addition, each functional module in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated in one processing module, or each module can exist physically, or two or more modules can be integrated in one module. The integrated module can be realized in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional module. When the integrated module is realized in the form of a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0604] In the above-described embodiments, all or part can be realized by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When realized by software, it can be realized in the form of a computer program product in whole or in part.

[0605] The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the flow or function described in the embodiments of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can 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 can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center through wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can store or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. integrated with one or more available media. The available media can be a magnetic medium (for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (for example, a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (for example, a solid state disk (SSD)), etc.

[0606] The above describes the technical solutions provided by the present application in detail, and the principles and implementation manners of the present application are described by applying specific examples. The above examples are only used to help understand the method and core idea of the present application; at the same time, for those skilled in the art, according to the idea of the present application, the specific implementation manner and application range will be changed, and the above description should not be understood as a limitation of the present application.

Claims

1. A method of handling quality of service, QoS, parameters, characterized by, The method comprises: The first access network device receives, from a control plane network element, a first packet delay budget (PDB) between the first access network device and a first user plane function network element corresponding to a QoS flow; The first access network device obtains, according to a 5G QoS indication, a second PDB between a terminal device and the first user plane function network element in an end-to-end manner; and the first access network device determines a third PDB between the terminal device and the first access network device corresponding to the QoS flow according to the first PDB and the second PDB between the terminal device and the first user plane function network element corresponding to the QoS flow. The first access network device schedules, according to the third PDB, an air interface resource between the terminal device and the first access network device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first access network device determines the third PDB between the terminal device and the first access network device corresponding to the QoS flow according to the first PDB and the second PDB between the terminal device and the first user plane function network element corresponding to the QoS flow, comprising: The first access network device subtracts the first PDB from the second PDB to obtain the third PDB.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first access network device is a target access network device for serving the terminal device after handover.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The first access network device receives, from a control plane network element, a first packet delay budget (PDB) between the first access network device and a first user plane function network element corresponding to a QoS flow, comprising: the target access network device receives, from an access and mobility management network element, an N2 path handover request acknowledgement message carrying the first PDB.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein, The first access network device receives, from a control plane network element, a first packet delay budget (PDB) between the first access network device and a first user plane function network element corresponding to a QoS flow, comprising: The target access network device receives, from an access and mobility management network element, a handover request message carrying the first PDB.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first PDB is included in N2 session management information.

7. An access network device, comprising: A computer storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A computer storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A method of handling quality of service, QoS, parameters, characterized by, The method comprises: A control plane network element obtains a first packet delay budget (PDB) between a first access network device and a first user plane function network element; The control plane network element sends, to the first access network device, the first PDB between the first access network device and the first user plane function network element corresponding to a QoS flow; The first access network device obtains, according to a 5G QoS indication, a second PDB between a terminal device and the first user plane function network element in an end-to-end manner; The first access network device determines a third PDB between the terminal device and the first access network device corresponding to the QoS flow according to the first PDB and the second PDB between the terminal device and the first user plane function network element corresponding to the QoS flow. The first access network device determines the third PDB between the terminal device and the first access network device corresponding to the QoS flow according to the first PDB and the second PDB between the terminal device and the first user plane function network element corresponding to the QoS flow, comprising: The first access network device subtracts the first PDB from the second PDB to obtain the third PDB. The first access network device is a target access network device for serving the terminal device after handover. The first access network device receives, from a control plane network element, a first packet delay budget (PDB) between the first access network device and a first user plane function network element corresponding to a QoS flow, comprising: the target access network device receives, from an access and mobility management network element, an N2 path handover request acknowledgement message carrying the first PDB. The first access network device receives, from a control plane network element, a first packet delay budget (PDB) between the first access network device and a first user plane function network element corresponding to a QoS flow, comprising: The target access network device receives, from an access and mobility management network element, a handover request message carrying the first PDB. The first PDB is included in N2 session management information. A computer storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A computer storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6. The first access network device schedules air interface resources between the terminal device and the first access network device according to the third PDB.

10. A system comprising a control plane network element and an access network device, characterized in that: The control plane network element is configured to send, to the access network device, a first packet delay budget (PDB) between the access network device and a user plane function network element corresponding to a QoS flow. The access network device is configured to obtain a second PDB between a terminal device and the user plane function network element according to a 5G QoS indication, determine a third PDB between the terminal device and the access network device corresponding to the QoS flow according to the first PDB and the second PDB between the terminal device and the user plane function network element corresponding to the QoS flow, and schedule air interface resources between the terminal device and the access network device according to the third PDB.

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