A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and device, and relate to the technical field of communication. An access network device receives reference information of a first multicast / broadcast service (MBS) session from a session management network element or an access and mobility management network element, the reference information of the first MBS session being used to indicate a feature of the first MBS session; and the access network device triggers a first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter an idle state or a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state according to the reference information of the first MBS session. In the present application, the receiving end corresponding to the MBS session is not always in an RRC connected state, and the access network device can trigger the receiving end corresponding to the MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the reference information of the MBS session, so that the access network device can avoid maintaining a large number of receiving ends corresponding to the MBS session in the RRC connected state for a long time, and further save processing resources of the access network device.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese Patent Application No. 202111672790.4, filed on December 31, 2021, and entitled "A Communication Method and Device", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and device. BACKGROUND

[0003] In view of the problem that the impact of multicast / broadcast services (multicast can also be understood as groupcast, or replaced by groupcast) such as video on mobile communication networks is increasingly strong, mobile communication networks (for example, the 5th generation (5G) mobile communication network) effectively solve the above problem by supporting the transmission of multicast / broadcast services (MBS).

[0004] Currently, multicast / broadcast services can be transmitted in two ways: protocol data unit (PDU) session or MBS session. In the PDU session mode, different resources are established for different user equipment (UE) to transmit multicast / broadcast services, resulting in serious waste of network resources; in the MBS session mode, the same resource is established for different UEs to transmit multicast / broadcast services, which can reduce the waste of network resources, but there is still a problem of waste of network resources. Therefore, how to reduce the waste of network resources of MBS has become a problem to be solved. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and device to save network resources.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, comprising:

[0007] The multicast / broadcast session management network element obtains reference information of a first MBS session, the reference information of the first MBS session being used to represent the characteristics of the first MBS session; sends the reference information of the first MBS session to a session management network element or an access and mobility management network element; the session management network element or the access and mobility management network element sends the reference information of the first MBS session to an access network device, and correspondingly, the access network device receives the reference information of the first MBS session from the session management network element; the access network device triggers a first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter an idle state or a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state according to the reference information of the first MBS session.

[0008] It should be noted that the characteristics of the first MBS session can be understood as the performance, demand information, priority information, etc. of the first MBS session, which are not specifically limited here. The first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session can be understood as the terminal that receives service data through the first MBS session, that is, the terminal that receives the service data of the first MBS session, or it can be understood as the terminal that accesses the first MBS session. The first receiving end can be one or more terminals, which are not specifically limited here. Among them, the service data of the MBS session refers to the service data supported by the MBS session, or the service data transmitted through the MBS session, which is MBS data.

[0009] In addition, the access network device triggers the first receiver corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state based on the reference information of the first MBS session. In actual applications, it may directly trigger the first receiver corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state through the reference information of the first MBS session, or it may perform data processing on the reference information of the first MBS session (e.g., data analysis on the reference information of the first MBS session based on artificial intelligence (AI)) to trigger the first receiver corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state. This is not specifically limited here.

[0010] Typically, an access network device can have multiple MBS sessions. The receiver corresponding to each MBS session usually receives service data from the MBS session in an RRC connected state. Maintaining the receiver corresponding to each MBS session in an RRC connected state consumes a significant amount of processing resources for the access network device. However, due to the limited capabilities and processing resources of the access network device (e.g., limited processing power or limited storage space), the access network device cannot support a large number of receivers corresponding to MBS sessions being in an RRC connected state. Using the method provided in this application, the access network device can trigger the receiver corresponding to each MBS session to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state according to the reference information of each MBS session. This avoids the access network device occupying the processing resources used to maintain the receiver in an RRC connected state for MBS sessions for a long time, further saving the processing resources of the access network device.

[0011] In an optional mode, the reference information of the first MBS session includes one or more of the following: a priority of the first MBS session, a reliability requirement of the first MBS session, a latency of the first MBS session, an allocation and retention priority (ARP) of the first MBS session, first indication information indicating that a receiving end in an idle state or an RRC inactive state is allowed to receive service data of the first MBS session, and second indication information indicating that a receiving end not meeting a quality of service (QoS) requirement of the first MBS session is allowed.

[0012] The reliability requirement of the first MBS session can be the highest reliability requirement in a 5th generation quality of service identifier (5QI) of a QoS flow of the first MBS session; the latency of the first MBS session can be the lowest latency in a 5QI of a QoS flow of the first MBS session; and the ARP of the first MBS session can be the lowest ARP in an ARP of a QoS flow of the first MBS session.

[0013] By referring to the reference information of the first MBS session, the access network device can trigger the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state, which avoids the access network device from consuming processing resources for long-term maintenance of the receiving end in an RRC connected state, and further saves processing resources of the access network device.

[0014] In an optional mode, the multicast / broadcast session management network element receives an MBS session establishment request, the MBS session establishment request including the reference information of the first MBS session; or receives first MBS session policy information from a policy management network element, the first MBS session policy information including the reference information of the first MBS session; or receives QoS information of the first MBS session from an application function or a policy management network element, and determines the reference information of the first MBS session according to the QoS information of the first MBS session.

[0015] In this way, the reference information of the first MBS session can be obtained as much as possible by reusing existing scheme processes (such as MBS session establishment requests and MBS policy management), so as to obtain the reference information of the first MBS session without increasing the complexity of the processes.

[0016] In an optional mode, when the reference information of the first MBS session includes the priority of the first MBS session, if the priority of the first MBS session is lower than a first preset priority, the access network device triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state; or, if the priority of the first MBS session is the lowest among all MBS sessions of the access network device, the access network device triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0017] It should be noted that all MBS sessions of the access network device involved in the present application can be understood as: all MBS sessions currently served by the access network device, or all MBS sessions established through the access network device.

[0018] In the present application, the priority can be the priority of performance requirement, and / or the priority of quality requirement, etc. The lower the priority is, the lower the demand for the service of the MBS session or the less important the service of the MBS session is. Therefore, the present application triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the MBS session with the lowest priority or the priority lower than the first preset priority among all MBS sessions of the access network device (i.e. the first MBS session) to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state, which saves the processing resources of the access network device on the premise of guaranteeing the transmission of the service data of the high-priority MBS session.

[0019] In an optional mode, when the reference information of the first MBS session includes the reliability requirement of the first MBS session, if the reliability requirement of the first MBS session is lower than a first threshold, the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session is triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state; or, if the reliability requirement of the first MBS session is the lowest among all MBS sessions of the access network device, the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session is triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0020] In the present application, the reliability requirement of the first MBS session is the lowest among all MBS sessions of the access network device (for example, all MBS sessions of the access network device include MBS session 1 and MBS session 2, the service corresponding to MBS session 1 is MBS1, and the reliability requirement of MBS session 1 is 0.9, the service corresponding to MBS session 2 is MBS2, and the reliability requirement of MBS session 2 is 0.99, since 0.9<0.99, the reliability requirement of MBS session 1 is lower than that of MBS session 2) or is lower than a first threshold, indicating that the service demand of the first MBS session is not high or is not important, and therefore the present application triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the MBS session with the lowest reliability requirement or the reliability requirement lower than the first threshold among all MBS sessions of the access network device (i.e., the first MBS session) to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state by the access network device. This method not only ensures the normal transmission of services with high reliability requirements, but also saves the processing resources of the access network device.

[0021] In an optional manner, when the reference information of the first MBS session includes the latency of the first MBS session, if the latency of the first MBS session is higher than a second threshold, the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session is triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state; or, if the latency of the first MBS session is the highest among all MBS sessions of the access network device, the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session is triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0022] In the present application, the latency of the first MBS session is the highest among all MBS sessions of the access network device (for example, all MBS sessions of the access network device include MBS session 1 and MBS session 2, the service corresponding to MBS session 1 is MBS1, and the latency of MBS session 1 is 5 milliseconds, the service corresponding to MBS session 2 is MBS2, and the latency of MBS session 2 is 10 milliseconds, since 5<10, the latency of MBS session 2 is higher than that of MBS session 1) or is higher than a second threshold, indicating that the service demand of the first MBS session is not high or is not important, and therefore the present application triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the MBS session with the highest latency or the latency higher than the second threshold among all MBS sessions of the access network device to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state by the access network device, not only ensuring the normal transmission of services with high latency requirements, but also saving the processing resources of the access network device.

[0023] In an optional mode, when the reference information of the first MBS session includes the ARP of the first MBS session, if the ARP of the first MBS session is higher than the third threshold, the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session is triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state; or, if the ARP of the first MBS session is the highest among all MBS sessions of the access network device, the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session is triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0024] In the present application, the ARP of the first MBS session is the lowest (for example, all MBS sessions of the access network device include MBS session 1 and MBS session 2, the service corresponding to MBS session 1 is MBS1, and the ARP of MBS session 1 is 12, the service corresponding to MBS session 2 is MBS2, and the ARP of MBS session 2 is 3, since 12>3 (wherein the value range of ARR is 1-15, and the greater the value of ARP, the lower the corresponding priority), the ARP of MBS session 1 is lower than that of MBS session 2) or higher than the third threshold among all MBS sessions of the access network device, which indicates that the service demand of the first MBS session is not high or not important, therefore, the present application triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the MBS session with the highest ARP or the ARP higher than the third threshold among all MBS sessions of the access network device to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state by the access network device, which does not affect the execution of other services, and also saves the processing resources of the access network device.

[0025] In an optional mode, the first receiving end is one or more of the receiving ends corresponding to the first MBS session.

[0026] In an optional mode, before the access network device triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state, the above method further includes: the access network device determines that the first receiving end has no service data transmission other than the service data of the first MBS session, or the access network device determines that the first receiving end has no other services other than the service data of the first MBS session. In this way, the normal transmission of other service data of the first receiving end can be avoided.

[0027] In an optional mode, the method further includes: the access network device receiving reference information from a first receiving end of a session management network element. The reference information of the first receiving end of the session management network element can come from a multicast / broadcast session management network element, and can also come from a unified data management network element. The reference information of the first receiving end can include one or more of the following: a priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session, third indication information indicating that the first receiving end is allowed to receive service data of the first MBS session in an idle state or an RRC inactive state; and the access network device triggering the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state, including: the access network device triggering the first receiving end to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the reference information of the first receiving end.

[0028] It should be noted that, due to the differences between different receiving ends corresponding to the first MBS (such as the subscription differences of different terminals), in order to guarantee the MBS service transmission performance of the gold medal terminal user, the application further triggers the first receiving end to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state based on the reference information of the first receiving end, which can ensure that the receiving end with high priority normally receives the service data of the first MBS session.

[0029] In an optional mode, the MBS session establishment request carries the reference information of the first receiving end, or the first MBS session policy information includes the reference information of the first receiving end.

[0030] In an optional mode, when the reference information of the first receiving end includes the priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session, if the priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session is lower than a second preset priority, the access network device triggers the first receiving end to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state; or, if the priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session is the lowest among all receiving ends corresponding to the first MBS session, the access network device triggers the first receiving end to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0031] In the application, all receiving ends corresponding to the first MBS session can be understood as all terminals receiving service data through the first MBS session of the access network device, i.e., all terminals receiving service data of the first MBS session of the access network device, and can also be understood as all terminals accessing the first MBS session through the access network device, which can refer to all terminals currently receiving service data through the first MBS session of the access network device.

[0032] In the present application, the lower the priority represents that the service demand of the receiving end is not high or not important, and therefore the access network device triggers the first receiving end with the lowest priority or lower than the second preset priority in the first MBS session of the access network device to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state, which not only does not affect the service execution of other terminals in the receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session, but also saves the processing resources of the access network device.

[0033] In an optional manner, before the multicast / broadcast session management network element sends the reference information of the first receiving end to the session management network element, the multicast / broadcast session management network element can receive the identification information of the first receiving end from the session management network element; and the multicast / broadcast session management network element sends the reference information of the first receiving end to the session management network element according to the identification information. In this way, the reference information of the actually participating receiving end is sent on demand, and the reference information of all receiving ends of the first MBS session is avoided to be sent to the session management network element, so that the processing and transmission resources can be saved.

[0034] In an optional manner, before the access network device triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the reference information of the first MBS session, the access network device determines that the number of terminals in the RRC connected state and receiving the service data of the MBS session is higher than a preset value; or the access network device determines that the number of terminals in the RRC connected state is higher than a preset value. In this way, only when the access network device is in congestion or has insufficient processing capacity, the receiving end is triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state; when the access network device is not in congestion or is in light load (the number of accessed terminals is small), all receiving ends can be supported to be in the RRC connected state to receive the service data of the MBS session, and the service transmission performance of the MBS session is better met.

[0035] In an optional manner, before the access network device triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the reference information of the first MBS session, the access network device does not receive fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the first receiving end is not allowed to receive the service data of the first MBS session in the idle state or the RRC inactive state, or to indicate that the first receiving end provides relay service for the first MBS session. In this way, the relay terminal is preferentially guaranteed to normally receive the service data of the first MBS session, so that the relay terminal can normally send the service data of the first MBS session to the remote terminal.

[0036] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, comprising: a multicast / broadcast session management network element obtaining reference information of a first receiving end of a first MBS session, the reference information of the first receiving end being used to indicate a feature of the first receiving end; and sending the reference information of the first receiving end to a session management network element. Further, the session management network element sends the reference information of the first receiving end to an access network device, and the reference information of the first receiving end is used for the access network device to trigger the first receiving end to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state.

[0037] It should be noted that, due to the differences between different receiving ends corresponding to the first MBS (such as the subscription differences of different terminals), in order to guarantee the MBS service transmission performance of the gold medal terminal user, the present application further triggers the first receiving end to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state based on the reference information of the first receiving end, which can ensure that the high-priority receiving end normally receives the service data of the first MBS session.

[0038] In an optional manner, the reference information of the first receiving end comprises one or more of the following: a priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session, and third indication information indicating that the first receiving end is allowed to be in the idle state or the RRC inactive state to receive the service data of the first MBS session.

[0039] In an optional manner, the multicast / broadcast session management network element receives an MBS session establishment request, and the MBS session establishment request comprises the reference information of the first receiving end of the first MBS session; or, receives first MBS session policy information from a policy management network element, and the first MBS session policy information comprises the reference information of the first receiving end.

[0040] In an optional manner, before the multicast / broadcast session management network element sends the reference information of the first receiving end to the session management network element, the above method further comprises: the multicast / broadcast session management network element receives identification information of the first receiving end from the session management network element; and the multicast / broadcast session management network element sends the reference information of the first receiving end to the session management network element according to the identification information.

[0041] In an optional manner, when the reference information of the first receiving end comprises the priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session, if the priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session is lower than a second preset priority, the access network device triggers the first receiving end to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state; or, if the priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session is the lowest among the priorities of all receiving ends of the first MBS session, the access network device triggers the first receiving end to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0042] In an optional mode, before triggering the first receiving end to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state, the access network device determines that the first receiving end has no service data transmission other than the service data of the first MBS session.

[0043] In an optional mode, before triggering the first receiving end to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state, the access network device determines that the number of terminals in the RRC connected state and receiving the service data of the MBS session is higher than a preset value according to the reference information of the first receiving end; or, the access network device determines that the number of terminals in the RRC connected state is higher than a preset value.

[0044] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication method, comprising:

[0045] The session management network element determines that the terminal provides relay service for the first MBS session; and the session management network element sends indication information to the access network device, the indication information indicating that the terminal is not allowed to receive the service data of the first MBS session in the idle state or the RRC inactive state, or indicating that the terminal provides relay service for the first MBS session. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the indication information from the session management network element; and the access network device can determine that the terminal does not receive the service data of the MBS session in the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the indication information.

[0046] In this way, the reliability of the relay terminal receiving the MBS session is preferentially guaranteed, so that the relay terminal can send correct service data of the MBS session to the remote terminal, and the relay terminal sending incorrect service data of the MBS session to the remote terminal is avoided.

[0047] In an optional mode, the session management network element can receive service indication information indicating that the terminal provides relay service for the first MBS session; or, according to the received report of the terminal, it is determined that the terminal provides relay service for the first MBS session.

[0048] In this way, the session management network element can reuse the existing scheme process to learn that the terminal provides relay service for the first MBS session.

[0049] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus can be an access network device (such as the access network device in the first aspect, the access network device in the second aspect, or the access network device in the third aspect), or a chip arranged inside the access network device. The communication apparatus can also be a multicast / broadcast session management network element (such as the multicast / broadcast session management network element in the first aspect, the multicast / broadcast session management network element in the second aspect, or the multicast / broadcast session management network element in the third aspect), or a chip arranged inside the multicast / broadcast session management network element. The communication apparatus can also be a session management network element (such as the session management network element in the first aspect, the session management network element in the second aspect, or the session management network element in the third aspect), or a chip arranged inside the session management network element. The communication apparatus has the functions of any of the first aspect to the third aspect, for example, the communication apparatus includes modules or units or means corresponding to the steps involved in any of the first aspect to the third aspect. The functions of the modules or units or means can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by a combination of hardware and software. The communication apparatus can be a chip.

[0050] In a possible design, the communication apparatus includes a processing unit and a transceiver. The transceiver can be configured to transceive signals to implement communication between the communication apparatus and another apparatus. For example, the transceiver can be configured to receive configuration information from a terminal device. The processing unit can be configured to perform some internal operations of the communication apparatus. The transceiver can be referred to as an input / output unit, a communication unit, etc. The transceiver can be a transceiver. The processing unit can be a processor, a processing circuit, a logic circuit, etc.

[0051] In another possible design, the communication apparatus includes a processor, and can include a transceiver. The transceiver can be configured to transceive signals. The processor can execute program instructions to perform the methods in any of the possible designs or implementation manners of the first aspect to the third aspect. The communication apparatus can further include one or more memories coupled to the processor. The memories can store the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions related to any of the first aspect to the third aspect. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memories. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the communication apparatus can perform the methods in any of the possible designs or implementation manners of the first aspect to the third aspect.

[0052] In yet another possible design of the communication apparatus, the communication apparatus includes a processor, which can be configured to be coupled with a memory. The memory can store computer programs or instructions necessary for implementing the functions of any of the first aspect to the third aspect. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, and when the computer programs or instructions are executed, the communication apparatus can implement the method in any possible design or implementation manner of the first aspect to the third aspect.

[0053] In yet another possible design of the communication apparatus, the communication apparatus includes a processor and an interface circuit, where the processor is configured to communicate with other apparatuses through the interface circuit and execute the method in any possible design or implementation manner of the first aspect to the third aspect.

[0054] It can be understood that, in the fourth aspect, the processor can be implemented by hardware or software. When implemented by hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or the like. When implemented by software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor, which implements the functions by reading software codes stored in the memory. In addition, the processor can be one or more, and the memory can be one or more. The memory can be integrated with the processor or arranged separately from the processor. In a specific implementation process, the memory can be integrated on the same chip as the processor or arranged on different chips, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the type of the memory or the arrangement manner of the memory and the processor.

[0055] In a fifth aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication system, which includes the access network device, the multicast / broadcast session management network element, and the session management network element in the first aspect to the third aspect.

[0056] In a sixth aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a chip system, which includes a processor and can further include a memory, and is configured to implement the method in any possible design of the first aspect to the third aspect. The chip system can be composed of a chip or include the chip and other discrete devices.

[0057] In a seventh aspect, the embodiments of the present application further provide a computer readable storage medium, which stores computer readable instructions, and when the computer readable instructions are run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method in any possible design of the first aspect to the third aspect.

[0058] In an eighth aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a computer program product including instructions, and when the computer program product is run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method of the embodiments of the first aspect to the third aspect.

[0059] The technical effects achieved by the second aspect to the eighth aspect can refer to the technical effect achieved by the corresponding possible design scheme in the first aspect, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0060] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication system is shown;

[0061] Figure 2 A flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the application is shown;

[0062] Figure 3 A flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the application is shown;

[0063] Figure 4 A flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the application is shown;

[0064] Figure 5 A flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the application is shown;

[0065] Figure 6 A flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the application is shown;

[0066] Figure 7 A structure diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the application is shown;

[0067] Figure 8 A structure diagram of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the application is shown;

[0068] Figure 9 A structure diagram of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] In order to make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The specific operation method in the method embodiment can also be applied to the device embodiment or the system embodiment. In the description of the application, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "multiple" is two or more. Therefore, the implementation of the device and the method can be referred to each other, and the repeated parts will not be repeated.

[0070] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a mobile communication network architecture is shown, which includes a terminal, an access network device, an access and mobility management function, a session management function, a user plane function, a policy control function, a network slice selection function, a network slice specific authentication and authorization function, a network repository function, a network data analytics function, a unified data management function, a unified data storage function, an authentication server function, a network capability exposure function, a terminal wireless capability management function, a binding support function, an application function, and a data network (DN) connected to an operator network. The terminal can access a wireless network through an access node at a current location. The terminal can send and receive service data to and from a data network through the access network device and the user plane function.

[0071] The access and mobility management function is mainly used for attachment, mobility management, tracking area update process, etc. of the terminal in the mobile network. In the 5G communication system, the access and mobility management function can be an access and mobility management function (AMF), and in the future communication system (such as the 6G communication system), the access and mobility management function can still be the AMF, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0072] The session management function is mainly used for session management in the mobile network. Specific functions include allocating an Internet Protocol address for the terminal, selecting a user plane function that provides message forwarding functions, etc. In the 5G communication system, the session management function can be a session management function network element (SMF), and in the future communication system (such as the 6G communication system), the session management function can still be the SMF, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application. The SMF can be used to create a unicast session or a PDU session, and is mainly used for establishment, modification, and release of a unicast session or a PDU session. In the present application, a multicast / broadcast session management network element is also involved, which can be a multicast / broadcast-session management function (MB-SMF), and is mainly used for MBS session management in the mobile network, such as establishment, modification, and release of an MBS session.

[0073] The user plane function is mainly used for processing user messages, such as forwarding and charging, etc. In the 5G communication system, the user plane function can be a user plane function (UPF), and in the future communication system (such as the 6G communication system), the user plane function can still be the UPF, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0074] Policy control function, including policy control function, charging policy control function, QoS control, etc. In the 5G communication system, the policy control function can be a policy control function (PCF), and in the future communication system (such as a 6G communication system), the policy control function can still be a PCF, or can also have other names, which are not limited by the present application.

[0075] Network slice selection function, mainly used for selecting a suitable network slice for the terminal service. In the 5G communication system, the network slice selection function can be a network slice selection function (NSSF), and in the future communication system (such as a 6G communication system), the network slice selection function can still be an NSSF, or can also have other names, which are not limited by the present application.

[0076] Network slice-specific authentication and authorization function (NSSAAF) is mainly used for authentication and authorization for terminal access to a specific network slice.

[0077] Network repository function, mainly used for providing registration and discovery of network functions or services provided by network functions. In the 5G communication system, the network repository function can be a network repository function (NRF), and in the future communication system (such as a 6G communication system), the network repository function can still be an NRF, or can also have other names, which are not limited by the present application.

[0078] Network data analysis function, which can collect data from various network functions, such as policy control function, session management function, user plane function, access management function, application function (through network capability exposure function), and perform analysis and prediction. In the 5G communication system, the network data analysis function can be a network data analysis function (NWDAF), and in the future communication system (such as a 6G communication system), the network data analysis function can still be an NWDAF, or can also have other names, which are not limited by the present application.

[0079] The unified data management function is mainly used for managing subscription information of a terminal. In the 5G communication system, the unified data management function can be a unified data management (UDM) function, and in a future communication system (e.g., a 6G communication system), the unified data management function can still be a UDM function or can have another name, which is not limited by the present application.

[0080] The unified data storage function is mainly used for storing structured data information, including subscription information, policy information, and network data or service data with a standard format definition. In the 5G communication system, the unified data storage function can be a unified data repository (UDR) function, and in a future communication system (e.g., a 6G communication system), the unified data storage function can still be a UDR function or can have another name, which is not limited by the present application.

[0081] The authentication service function is mainly used for security authentication of a terminal. In the 5G communication system, the authentication service function can be an authentication server function (AUSF), and in a future communication system (e.g., a 6G communication system), the authentication service function can still be an AUSF or can have another name, which is not limited by the present application.

[0082] The network capability exposure function can expose part of the network functions to an application in a controlled manner. In the 5G communication system, the network capability exposure function can be a network exposure function (NEF), and in a future communication system (e.g., a 6G communication system), the network capability exposure function can still be an NEF or can have another name, which is not limited by the present application.

[0083] The terminal radio capability management function is used for storing and managing the radio capabilities of terminals in the network. In the 5G communication system, the terminal radio capability management function can be a user equipment radio capability management function (UCMF), and in a future communication system (e.g., a 6G communication system), the terminal radio capability management function can still be a UCMF or can have another name, which is not limited by the present application.

[0084] The binding support function is used to maintain the correspondence between the internet protocol (IP) addresses and service functions of the interconnections between user networks. In the 5G communication system, the binding support function can be a binding support function (BSF), and in the future communication system (such as the 6G communication system), the binding support function can still be the BSF, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0085] The application function can provide service data of various applications to the control plane function of the operator's communication network, or obtain data information and control information of the network from the control plane function of the communication network. In the 5G communication system, the application function can be an application function (AF), and in the future communication system (such as the 6G communication system), the application function can still be the AF, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0086] The data network is mainly used to provide data transmission services for terminals. The data network can be a private network such as a local area network, or a public data network (PDN) such as the Internet, or a proprietary network deployed by an operator, such as a configured IP multimedia network subsystem (IMS) service.

[0087] It should be noted that the functions in the embodiments of the present application can also be referred to as network elements, network functions or functional entities, devices, etc. For example, the access and mobility management function can also be referred to as an access and mobility management network element, or an access and mobility management network function, or an access and mobility management functional entity, etc. The names of various functions are not limited in the present application. Those skilled in the art can replace the names of the above functions with other names to perform the same functions, which all belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0088] After a UE registers with the network, connection management (CM) is performed on the UE. This mainly includes managing the establishment and release of non-access stratum (NAS) signaling connections between the UE and the AMF. NAS signaling connections consist of two parts: the connection between the UE and the access network (AN), and the N2 connection between the AN and the AMF. The NAS signaling connection between the UE and the AMF has two states: CM-IDLE (idle state) and CM-CONNECTED (RRC connected state). To release air interface resources on demand while avoiding complex procedures, a new sub-state of the RRC connected state is introduced in 5G systems for UEs accessing the network via the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP): the Radio Resource Control Inactive (RRC Inactive) state, or simply RRC Inactive state.

[0089] Currently, multicast / broadcast services can be transmitted using either PDU sessions or multicast sessions, but this results in wasted network resources. To support multicast services and ensure channel quality and data reliability, the UE remains in RRC connected state. However, prolonged RRC connected state wastes base station scheduling resources. Furthermore, public safety requirements necessitate a single RAN supporting broadcasts from 800 terminals. Due to current RAN capacity limitations, it may not be able to simultaneously support 800 users receiving multicast data in RRC connected state. Therefore, reducing network resource waste in multicast / broadcast services is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.

[0090] To reduce the waste of scheduling resources, this application provides a communication method such as Figure 2 As shown, this method can be executed through access network equipment, through multicast / broadcast session management network elements, or through the interaction of access network equipment, session management network elements, and multicast / broadcast session management network elements. The access network equipment can be a transmission reception point (TRP), a 5G base station (gNodeB, gNB), or a chip, etc. The session management network element can be an SMF or an SMF chip, etc., and the multicast / broadcast session management network element can be an MB-SMF or an MB-SMF chip; this application does not make specific limitations here. The following explanation focuses on the interaction between access network equipment, session management network elements, and multicast / broadcast session management network elements. Figure 2 Taking the RAN (RAN) access network equipment, the SMF (Session Management Element), and the MB-SMF (Multicast / Broadcast Session Management Element) as an example, the following is a description:

[0091] At step 201, the MB-SMF acquires reference information of a first MBS session.

[0092] The reference information of the first MBS session can be used to represent a feature of the first MBS session. The feature of the first MBS session can be understood as at least one of the following information: performance of the first MBS session (for example, transmission performance, reliability guarantee performance, etc. of the first MBS session), requirement information of the first MBS session (for example, rate requirement, delay requirement, reliability requirement, etc. of the first MBS session), or priority information of the first MBS session (for example, importance, etc. of the first MBS session), etc., which are not specifically limited herein.

[0093] Specifically, the reference information of the first MBS session can include one or more of the following: priority of the first MBS session, reliability requirement of the first MBS session, delay of the first MBS session, ARP of the first MBS session, first indication information indicating that a receiving end in an idle state or an RRC inactive state is allowed to receive service data on the first MBS session, second indication information indicating that quality of service (QoS) of the first MBS session is allowed to not meet QoS requirements.

[0094] It should be noted that the reference information of the first MBS session can also include an identifier of the first MBS session. The reference information of the first MBS session can also include other information, such as service information or service type carried by the first MBS session, for example, video service or voice or short message service carried by the first MBS session, which are not limited herein.

[0095] It should be noted that one MBS session can serve multiple terminals, that is, a terminal can access an MBS session to receive service data of a multicast / broadcast service. In addition, one terminal can also access different MBS sessions to receive service data of different multicast / broadcast services. In addition, in actual application, the MB-SMF can also acquire reference information of other MBS sessions, and herein only the reference information of the first MBS session is taken as an example for illustration, and the MB-SMF is not limited to only acquiring the reference information of the first MBS session.

[0096] In addition, the MB-SMF can pre-configure the reference information of the first MBS session, or acquire the reference information of the first MBS session from other network elements, or pre-configure part of the reference information of the first MBS session and acquire part of the reference information of the first MBS session from other network elements, which are not specifically limited herein. In order to better illustrate the scheme of the present application, the reference information of the first MBS session can be acquired in the following manner, which is as follows:

[0097] Manner 1: The MB-SMF can receive an MBS session establishment request including reference information of the first MBS session.

[0098] The MB-SMF can receive an MBS session establishment request (MBS session create) from an application function (such as an AF); the MB-SMF can also receive an MBS session establishment request from a NEF or a multicast / broadcast service function (MBSF); the MB-SMF can also receive an MBS session establishment request from an AF through a NEF or an MBSF. The specific source of the MBS session establishment request is not specifically limited in this application.

[0099] Manner 2: The MB-SMF receives first MBS session policy information from a policy management network element (such as a PCF), and the first MBS session policy information includes reference information of the first MBS session.

[0100] Manner 3: The MB-SMF receives QoS information of the first MBS session from an application function or a policy management network element, and determines the reference information of the first MBS session according to the QoS information of the first MBS session.

[0101] The QoS information of the first MBS session includes reliability requirements, ARP, etc. For example, the QoS information has a corresponding relationship with the priority of the first MBS session, whether a receiving end in an idle state or an RRC inactive state is allowed to receive service data on the first MBS session, and whether a receiving end that does not meet the QoS requirements of the first MBS session is allowed to exist, so that the QoS information can be indirectly determined to determine the reference information of the first MBS session. For example, a low ARP value in the QoS information of the first MBS session corresponds to a high priority of the first MBS session, such as a high reliability requirement in the QoS information of the first MBS session corresponding to the first MBS session not being allowed to receive in an idle state, etc. This is only exemplary and is not specifically limited.

[0102] In this way, the reference information of the first MBS session can be obtained as much as possible by reusing the existing scheme process (such as MBS session establishment request, MBS policy management, etc.), so as to obtain the reference information of the first MBS session without increasing the complexity of the process.

[0103] Step 202: The MB-SMF sends the reference information of the first MBS session to the SMF.

[0104] Correspondingly, the SMF receives the reference information of the first MBS session.

[0105] Specifically, the MB-SMF can receive, from the SMF, an MBS session subscription request message, and reply, to the SMF, an MBS session subscription response message including reference information of the first MBS session.

[0106] At step 203, the SMF sends the reference information of the first MBS session to the RAN.

[0107] Correspondingly, the RAN receives the reference information of the first MBS session.

[0108] Specifically, the SMF can place the reference information of the first MBS session in an N2 info container, and send the reference information of the first MBS session to the RAN through the AMF.

[0109] In a shared tunnel establishment procedure, the above step 202 can be replaced by that the MB-SMF sends the reference information of the first MBS session to the AMF, which will not be described here, and can be understood with reference to the example below. Figure 6 Correspondingly, in step 203, the AMF sends the reference information of the first MBS session to the RAN. It should be understood that, in the shared tunnel establishment procedure, the MB-SMF sends the reference information of the first MBS session to the RAN through the AMF, and the shared tunnel is established between the RAN and the UPF for transmitting data of the first MBS session. Specifically, the shared tunnel can be shared by two or more receivers, for example, the two or more receivers can simultaneously use the shared tunnel to receive data of the first MBS session.

[0110] At step 204, the RAN triggers the first receiver corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the reference information of the first MBS session.

[0111] It should be noted that the "trigger" action involved in the present application can be realized by sending a trigger message or trigger information to the first receiver by the RAN, which can be existing or newly added. Specifically, the trigger information can be carried in an existing message without limitation. For example, the RAN can send a notification message to the first receiver, which is used to notify or instruct the first receiver to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state; for another example, the RAN can send an RRC configuration message or an RRC reconfiguration message to the first receiver to trigger the first receiver to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state. Further, the first receiver can enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the trigger message or trigger information.

[0112] In addition, the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session enters the idle state or the RRC inactive state, which can be understood as that the first receiving end is switched from the RRC connected state to the idle state or the RRC inactive state, and can be further understood as that the first receiving end receives the service data of the first MBS session in the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0113] In the step 204, the access network device triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the reference information of the first MBS session. In actual application, the access network device can directly trigger the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the reference information of the first MBS session, or can trigger the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state by performing data processing (for example, performing data analysis on the reference information of the MBS session below based on AI) on the reference information of the first MBS session, which is not limited here.

[0114] In addition, the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session can be understood as a terminal receiving service data through the first MBS session, that is, a terminal receiving service data of the first MBS session, and can also be understood as a terminal accessing the first MBS session. The first receiving end can be one or more terminals, which is not limited here. Subsequently, the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session can be referred to as the first receiving end of the first MBS.

[0115] The service data of the MBS session can refer to service data supported by the MBS session or service data transmitted through the MBS session.

[0116] Generally, the access network device can have multiple MBS sessions, and the receiving end corresponding to the MBS session generally receives the service data of the MBS session in the RRC connected state. The access network device needs to maintain the receiving end corresponding to the MBS session in the RRC connected state, which will consume a large amount of processing resources of the access network device. However, due to the limited device capability and limited processing resources (for example, limited processing capability or limited storage space) of the access network device, the access network device cannot support a large number of receiving ends corresponding to the MBS session in the RRC connected state. By using the method provided in the above embodiment, the access network device can trigger the receiving end corresponding to each MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the reference information of each MBS session, thereby avoiding the access network device from long-term occupying the processing resources for maintaining the receiving end corresponding to the MBS session in the RRC connected state, and further saving the processing resources of the access network device.

[0117] Optionally, in an implementation scenario of the above embodiment, in step 204, the RAN triggers the receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the reference information of the first MBS session, which can be divided into the following cases:

[0118] Case 1: The reference information of the first MBS session includes the priority of the first MBS session.

[0119] In the above reference information of the first MBS session, the priority of the first MBS session can be understood as the priority of the performance requirement of the first MBS session, and / or the priority of the quality requirement, etc.

[0120] In case 1, step 204 can be implemented by the following two optional ways:

[0121] Method 1: If the priority of the first MBS session is lower than the first preset priority, the RAN triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0122] For example, the protocol stipulates that the larger the numerical value of the priority is, the smaller the priority is, the first preset priority is 3, and the priority of the first MBS session is 4. Since 4 is greater than 3, that is, the priority of the first MBS session is smaller than the first preset priority, the receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session is triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state. In actual application, it can also be stipulated that the smaller the numerical value of the priority is, the smaller the priority is. The present application does not specifically limit this, and it can be flexibly set according to actual needs.

[0123] Method 2: If the priority of the first MBS session is the lowest in all MBS sessions of the RAN, the RAN triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0124] It should be pointed out that all MBS sessions of the RAN referred to in the present application can be understood as: all MBS sessions currently served by the RAN, or all MBS sessions established through the RAN. The following places referring to all MBS sessions of the RAN can be processed accordingly.

[0125] For example, the number of MBS sessions of the RAN is 3, that is, 3 MBS sessions are established on the RAN, and the session identifiers of the MBS sessions are MBS session 1, MBS session 2, and MBS session 3, wherein the priority of the MBS session 1 is 1, the priority of the MBS session 2 is 2, and the priority of the MBS session 3 is 5, so the priority of the MBS session 3 is the lowest, and the receiving end corresponding to the MBS session 3 (that is, the MBS session 3 is the first MBS session) enters the idle state or the RRC inactive state; at the same time, the RAN does not trigger the receiving end corresponding to the MBS session 1 or the MBS session 2 to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0126] In the present application, the lower the priority, the lower the business demand or the less important the MBS session is, so the access network device triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the MBS session with the lowest priority or the priority lower than the first preset priority (that is, the first MBS session) among all MBS sessions of the access network device to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state, thereby saving the processing resources of the access network device on the premise of ensuring the priority of the high-priority MBS session.

[0127] Case 2: The reference information of the first MBS session includes the reliability requirement of the first MBS session.

[0128] In case 2, step 204 can be implemented by the following two optional ways:

[0129] Way 1: If the reliability requirement of the first MBS session is lower than the first threshold, the RAN triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0130] For example, the packet error rate (PER) corresponding to the reliability requirement of the first threshold is 10 -6 , and the packet error rate corresponding to the reliability requirement of the first MBS session is 10 -3 Since the reliability requirement of the first MBS session is lower than the first threshold, the receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session is triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0131] Way 2: If the reliability requirement of the first MBS session is the lowest among all MBS sessions of the RAN, the RAN triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0132] For example, the number of MBS sessions of the RAN is 3, that is, 3 MBS sessions are established on the RAN, and the session identifiers of the MBS sessions are MBS session 1, MBS session 2, and MBS session 3, wherein the priority of the MBS session 1 is 1, the priority of the MBS session 2 is 2, and the priority of the MBS session 3 is 5, so the priority of the MBS session 3 is the lowest, and the receiving end corresponding to the MBS session 3 (that is, the MBS session 3 is the first MBS session) enters the idle state or the RRC inactive state; at the same time, the RAN does not trigger the receiving end corresponding to the MBS session 1 or the MBS session 2 to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.-3 The reliability requirement of MBS session 2 corresponds to a packet error rate of 10 -6 The reliability requirement of MBS session 3 corresponds to a packet error rate of 10 -7 Therefore, it is known that the reliability requirement of MBS session 1 is the lowest, and the receiving end corresponding to MBS session 1 (i.e., MBS session 1 is the first MBS session) enters the idle state or the RRC inactive state; at the same time, the receiving end corresponding to MBS session 2 or MBS session 3 is maintained in the RRC connected state, that is, the receiving end corresponding to MBS session 2 or MBS session 3 is not triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0133] Optionally, the reliability requirement of the first MBS session can be the highest reliability requirement in the 5QI of the QoS flow of the first MBS session. For example, the first MBS session can include multiple QoS flows, and the values of the 5QI of different QoS flows can be different. Selecting the highest reliability requirement in the 5QI of the QoS flow as the reliability requirement of the first MBS session can guarantee the reliable reception of the QoS flow data with higher reliability requirement as much as possible. It is assumed that the first MBS session includes three QoS flows, namely QoS flow1, QoS flow2, and QoS flow3. Among them, the 5QI value of QoS flow1 is 1, the reliability requirement corresponding to 5QI=1 is 10 -3 ; the 5QI value of QoS flow2 is 3, the reliability requirement corresponding to 5QI=3 is 10 -6 ; and the 5QI value of QoS flow3 is 5, the reliability requirement corresponding to 5QI=5 is 10 -9 . Since the 5QI of QoS flow3 has the highest reliability requirement, the reliability requirement 10 -9 corresponding to 5QI=5 is selected as the reliability requirement of the first MBS session.

[0134] Optionally, the reliability requirement of the first MBS session is determined according to the reliability requirement associated with the 5QI of the QoS flow of the first MBS session. For example, the reliability requirements associated with the 5QI of all QoS flows of the first MBS session can be weighted and calculated to determine the reliability requirement of the first MBS session. For example, the packet error rates corresponding to the reliability requirements associated with the 5QI of QoS flow1-QoS flow3 are added and averaged to determine the value ((10 -3 +10 -6 +10 -9) as the reliability requirement of the first MBS session. For another example, the reliability requirement of the first MBS session is determined according to the packet loss rate corresponding to the reliability requirement of the 5QI association of each QoS flow multiplied by different weight values according to the characteristics of different QoS flows, and the present application does not specifically limit this.

[0135] In the present application, the reliability requirement of the first MBS session is the lowest or lower than the first threshold value among all MBS sessions of the access network device, which indicates that the service demand of the first MBS session is not high or not important, and therefore the present application triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the MBS session (i.e. the first MBS session) with the lowest reliability requirement or the reliability requirement lower than the first threshold value among all MBS sessions of the access network device to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state by the access network device. This method not only ensures the normal transmission of services with high reliability requirements, but also saves the processing resources of the access network device.

[0136] Case 3: The reference information of the first MBS session includes the latency of the first MBS session.

[0137] In case 3, step 204 can be implemented by the following two optional ways:

[0138] Method 1: If the latency of the first MBS session is higher than the second threshold value, the RAN triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0139] For example, the latency corresponding to the second threshold value is 10 milliseconds (ms), and the latency of the first MBS session is 15 ms. Since the latency of the first MBS session is higher than the second threshold value, the access network device triggers the receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0140] Method 2: If the latency of the first MBS session is the highest among all MBS sessions of the RAN, the RAN triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0141] For example, if the number of MBS sessions of the RAN is 3, and the session identifiers of the MBS sessions are MBS session 1, MBS session 2 and MBS session 3, respectively, the latency of MBS session 1 is 20 ms, the latency of MBS session 2 is 15 ms, and the latency of MBS session 3 is 5 ms. Therefore, the latency of MBS session 1 is the highest, and the receiving end corresponding to MBS session 1 is triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state; at the same time, the receiving end corresponding to MBS session 2 or MBS session 3 is maintained in the RRC connected state, i.e. the receiving end corresponding to MBS session 2 or MBS session 3 is not triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0142] Optionally, the latency of the first MBS session can be the latency with the lowest latency in the 5QI of the QoS flow of the first MBS session. For example, the first MBS session can include multiple QoS flows, and the values of the 5QI of different QoS flows can be different. Selecting the 5QI with the lowest latency in the 5QI of the QoS flow as the latency of the first MBS session can ensure that the low-latency QoS flow data is reliably received as much as possible. It is assumed that the first MBS session includes two QoS flows, and the identities of the QoS flows are QoS flow1 and QoS flow2, respectively. Among them, for the latency, the 5QI value of QoS flow1 is 4, and the latency associated with 5QI=4 is 15 ms. The 5QI value of QoS flow2 is 3, and the latency associated with 5QI=3 is 10 ms. Since the latency associated with QoS flow2 is the lowest, the latency associated with 5QI=3 can be taken as the latency of the first MBS session.

[0143] Optionally, the latency of the first MBS session is determined according to the latency associated with the 5QI of the QoS flow of the first MBS session. For example, the latencies associated with the 5QI of all QoS flows of the first MBS session can be calculated by weighting to determine the latency of the first MBS session. For example, the sum of the latencies associated with the 5QI of QoS flow1-QoS flow2 is taken as the average value ((15+10) / 2) to determine the latency of the first MBS session. For another example, the latency associated with the 5QI of each QoS flow is determined according to the characteristics of the different QoS flows and multiplied by different weight values to determine the latency of the first MBS session. The present application does not specifically limit this.

[0144] In the present application, the latency of the first MBS session is the highest or higher than the second threshold among all MBS sessions of the access network device, indicating that the service demand of the first MBS session is not high or not important. Therefore, the present application triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the MBS session with the highest latency or the latency higher than the second threshold among all MBS sessions of the access network device to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state, which not only ensures the normal transmission of the service with high latency requirement, but also saves the processing resources of the access network device.

[0145] Case 4: The reference information of the first MBS session includes the ARP of the first MBS session.

[0146] In case 4, step 204 can be implemented by the following two optional ways:

[0147] Method 1: If the ARP of the first MBS session is higher than the third threshold, the access network device triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0148] For example, the ARP ranges from 1 to 15, 1 has the highest priority, and 15 has the lowest priority. For example, the corresponding ARP value of the third threshold is 5, and the ARP value of the first MBS session is 2. Since the ARP of the first MBS session is higher than the third threshold, the receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session is triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0149] In mode 2, if the ARP of the first MBS session is the highest among the ARPs of all MBS sessions in the RAN backup, the RAN triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0150] For example, if the number of MBS sessions of the RAN is 3, and the session identifiers of the MBS sessions are MBS session 1, MBS session 2, and MBS session 3, respectively, the ARP value of the MBS session 1 is 12, the ARP value of the MBS session 2 is 10, and the ARP value of the MBS session 3 is 5. Therefore, the ARP of the MBS session 1 is the lowest, and the receiving end corresponding to the MBS session 1 is triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state. Meanwhile, the receiving ends corresponding to the MBS session 2 or the MBS session 3 are maintained in the RRC connected state, that is, the receiving ends corresponding to the MBS session 2 or the MBS session 3 are not triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0151] Optionally, the ARP of the first MBS session can be the lowest ARP of the ARPs of the QoS flows of the first MBS session. For example, the first MBS session can include multiple QoS flows, and the ARP values of different QoS flows can be different. Selecting the lowest ARP of the ARPs of the QoS flows as the ARP of the first MBS session can ensure that the QoS flow data with the lowest ARP is reliably received. Assuming that the first MBS session includes two QoS flows, and the identifiers of the QoS flows are QoS flow 1 and QoS flow 2, respectively. The ARP value of the QoS flow 1 is 4, and the ARP value of the QoS flow 2 is 3. Since the ARP of the QoS flow 1 is the lowest, the ARP of the first MBS session can be set as 4.

[0152] Optionally, the ARP of the first MBS session is determined according to the ARPs of the QoS flows of the first MBS session. For example, the ARPs of all QoS flows of the first MBS session can be weighted and calculated to determine the ARP of the first MBS session. For example, the sum of the ARPs of the QoS flow 1 and the QoS flow 2 is ((4+3) / 2), and the average value is used as the ARP of the first MBS session. For another example, the ARPs of different QoS flows are multiplied by different weight values according to the characteristics of the QoS flows to determine the ARP of the first MBS session. The present application does not specifically limit this.

[0153] In the present application, the ARP of the first MBS session is the lowest or higher than the third threshold among all MBS sessions of the access network device, which represents that the service demand of the first MBS session is not high or not important, so the present application triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the MBS session with the highest ARP or the ARP higher than the third threshold among all MBS sessions of the access network device to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state by the access network device, which does not affect the execution of other services, and also saves the processing resources of the access network device.

[0154] Case 5: The reference information of the first MBS session includes first indication information for indicating that the receiving end in the idle state or the RRC inactive state is allowed to receive the service data on the first MBS session.

[0155] In case 5, step 204 can specifically include: when the reference information of the first MBS session includes the first indication information for indicating that the receiving end in the idle state or the RRC inactive state is allowed to receive the service data on the first MBS session, the RAN triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0156] Among them, the first indication information can include the identification of the first MBS session, for identifying the first MBS session.

[0157] Case 6: The reference information of the first MBS session includes second indication information for indicating that the QoS of the first MBS session is allowed to not meet the QoS demand.

[0158] In case 6, step 204 can specifically include: when the reference information of the first MBS session includes the second indication information for indicating that the QoS of the first MBS session is allowed to not meet the QoS demand, the RAN triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0159] Among them, the second indication information can include the identification of the first MBS session, for identifying the first MBS session.

[0160] Of course, there are other cases in actual application, such as the reference information of the first MBS session can also be a combination of the above six kinds of reference information. For example, the reference information of the first MBS session is the priority of the first MBS session and the first indication information, then the RAN can trigger the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session with a priority lower than the first preset priority and meeting the first indication information to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state; the reference information of the first MBS session is the priority of the first MBS session and the reliability requirement of the first MBS session, then the RAN can trigger the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session with a priority lower than the first preset priority and a reliability requirement lower than the first threshold to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state. The reference information of the first MBS session is the priority of the first MBS session, the reliability requirement of the first MBS session and the first indication information, then the RAN can trigger the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session with a priority lower than the first preset priority, a reliability requirement lower than the first threshold and meeting the first indication information requirement to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state. Herein, only exemplary descriptions are made, and in actual application, there can be a combination of multiple reference information, which is not described herein.

[0161] In another implementation manner, the above step 204 can also be replaced by: the RAN maintains the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session in the RRC connected state according to the reference information of the first MBS session, that is, the first receiving end receives the service data of the first MBS session in the RRC connected state.

[0162] Specifically, how the RAN maintains the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session in the RRC connected state can refer to the opposite implementation manners of the above six specific manners of the access network device according to the reference information of the first MBS session, for example, when the reference information of the first MBS session includes the priority of the first MBS session, the priority of the first MBS session is higher than the first preset priority, or the priority is not the lowest among all MBS sessions of the access network device, or the priority is the highest among all MBS sessions of the access network device, then the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session is maintained in the RRC connected state, and herein only exemplary descriptions are made, and other manners can refer to the opposite implementation manners of the above reference information of the first MBS session, which is not expanded herein. In addition, if the number of MBS sessions in the RAN is 3, that is, three MBS sessions are established on the same RAN, and the MBS session identifiers are MBS session 1, MBS session 2 and MBS session 3 respectively. The RAN determines to maintain the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session (MBS session 1) in the RRC connected state, then the receiving ends corresponding to MBS session 2 and MBS session 3 can be triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0163] It should be noted that after the RAN obtains the reference information of the first MBS session, before determining that the receiving end of the first MBS session enters the idle state or the RRC inactive state, the above method can further include: determining the resource usage of the RAN (whether there is remaining resource, etc.), or the receiving end attribute of the MBS session (whether it is a relay device), etc. The present application introduces the following two cases, but in actual application, it can be other cases, or a combination of the following two cases, or a combination of the following two cases and other cases, which are not specifically limited herein.

[0164] Case 1, resource situation of the RAN

[0165] In case 1, the following two optional ways can be used to achieve it:

[0166] Method 1: The RAN determines that the number of terminals in the RRC connected state and receiving the service data of the MBS session is higher than a preset value.

[0167] Method 2: The RAN determines that the number of terminals in the RRC connected state is higher than a preset value.

[0168] Specifically, in the above two methods, the RAN can be locally preconfigured with a preset value or obtain the preset value from a network device, and the RAN can record the number of terminals in the RRC connected state or record the number of terminals in the RRC connected state receiving the MBS session, which is not specifically limited herein.

[0169] In this way, only when the access network device is congested or has insufficient processing capacity, the receiving end will be triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state; when the access network device is not congested or is in light load (the number of accessed terminals is small), it can support all receiving ends in the RRC connected state to receive the service data of the MBS session, better meeting the service transmission performance of the MBS session.

[0170] Case 2, attribute of the receiving end of the first MBS session

[0171] In case 2, the following optional way can be used to achieve it: before step 204, the RAN does not receive fourth indication information from the SMF. The fourth indication information can be used to indicate that the first receiving end is not allowed to receive the service data of the first MBS session in the idle state or the RRC inactive state, or to indicate that the first receiving end provides relay service for the first MBS session, etc.

[0172] Generally, the SMF can determine the fourth indication information by receiving service indication information from the first receiving end or a report of the first receiving end. The service indication information can indicate that the first receiving end provides relay service for the first MBS session. The report of the first receiving end is a remote terminal (i.e., a non-relay terminal) report, which includes an identifier of the remote terminal (Remote User ID) and information of the remote terminal (Remote UE info). According to the report of the first receiving end, the SMF can determine that the first receiving end provides relay service for the first MBS session.

[0173] Further, the SMF can send the fourth indication information to the RAN. If the RAN receives the fourth indication information, the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session is not triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state. If the RAN does not receive the fourth indication information, the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session can be triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the reference information of the first MBS session. For example, if the number of first receiving ends of the first MBS session in the RAN is 3, and the identifiers of the first receiving ends are UE1, UE2, and UE3, respectively, UE1 provides relay service for the first MBS session, and UE2 and UE3 do not provide relay service for the first MBS session, the receiving ends corresponding to UE2 and UE3 are triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state, and the receiving end corresponding to UE1 is maintained in the RRC connected state to receive service data of the first MBS session.

[0174] If the resource condition of the RAN and the receiving end attribute of the MBS session do not meet the above requirements, but the reference information of the first MBS session meets the requirements of the above six cases, the access network device can also not trigger the receiving end of the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state, and can maintain the RRC connected state of the receiving end of the first MBS session. Correspondingly, if the reference information of the first MBS session does not meet the requirements of the above six cases, and whether the resource condition of the RAN and the receiving end attribute of the MBS session meet or not, the access network device can also not trigger the receiving end of the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state, and can maintain the RRC connected state of the receiving end of the first MBS session. In this way, the reliability and other performances of the relay terminal receiving the MBS session are preferentially guaranteed, so that the relay terminal can send correct service data of the MBS session to the remote terminal, and the relay terminal can avoid sending incorrect service data of the MBS session to the remote terminal.

[0175] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above-mentioned embodiments, before triggering the receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state in step 204, the method can further include: determining, by the RAN, that the first receiving end has no service data transmission other than the service data of the first MBS session, or determining, by the access network device, that the first receiving end has no other service data other than the service data of the first MBS session.

[0176] Specifically, the RAN can set a timer for the first receiving end for service data transmission other than the service data of the first MBS session, and the timer records the length of time during which the first receiving end has no service data transmission other than the service data of the first MBS session. When the timer expires, the RAN determines that the first receiving end has no service data transmission other than the service data of the first MBS session.

[0177] In this application, the access network device determines that the first receiving end has no service data transmission other than the service data of the first MBS session, which can avoid affecting the normal transmission of other service data of the first receiving end.

[0178] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above-mentioned embodiments, triggering the receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state in step 204 can include: triggering the first receiving end to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to reference information of the first receiving end.

[0179] Specifically, the RAN can also receive reference information of the first receiving end from the SMF. The reference information of the first receiving end can indicate the characteristics of the first receiving end, and further can represent the characteristics of the first receiving end in the first MBS. Specifically, the reference information of the first receiving end can be the reference information of the first receiving end in the first MBS session. The RAN can trigger the first receiving end to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the reference information of the first receiving end.

[0180] The reference information of the first receiving end includes one or more of the following: a priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session, and third indication information indicating that the first receiving end is allowed to be in the idle state or the RRC inactive state to receive service data on the first MBS session.

[0181] It should be noted that in actual application, the reference information of the first receiving end can further include session identification information, which can indicate the MBS session to which or corresponding to the reference information. The reference information of the first MBS session can further include other information, such as service information or service type carried by the first MBS session, which is not limited by the present application. The session identification information can be MBS session ID, which is not limited.

[0182] The access network device can trigger the receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the reference information of the first MBS session. The following cases can be divided:

[0183] Case 1: The reference information of the first receiving end includes the priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session.

[0184] The reference information of the first receiving end can be used to represent the characteristics of the first receiving end. The characteristics of the first receiving end can be understood as at least one of the following information: the performance of the first receiving end (for example, the transmission performance, reliability guarantee performance, etc. of the first receiving end), the demand information of the first receiving end (for example, the rate demand, latency demand, reliability demand, etc. of the first receiving end), or the priority information of the first receiving end (for example, the importance of the first receiving end, etc.), etc. The present application does not specifically limit it here.

[0185] Method 1: If the priority of the first receiving end is lower than the second preset priority, the RAN triggers the first receiving end to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0186] For example, the protocol stipulates that the greater the numerical value of the priority, the smaller the priority. The second preset priority is 3, and the priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session is 4. Since 4 is greater than 3, that is, the priority of the first receiving end is smaller than the second preset priority, the first receiving end is triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state. In actual application, it can also be stipulated that the smaller the numerical value of the priority, the smaller the priority. The present application does not specifically limit it here, and it can be flexibly set according to actual needs.

[0187] Method 2: If the priority of the first receiving end is the lowest in the receiving ends corresponding to the first MBS session in the RAN, the RAN triggers the first receiving end to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state. All receiving ends corresponding to the first MBS session can be understood as all terminals receiving service data through the first MBS session of the access network device, that is, all terminals receiving service data of the first MBS session of the access network device, or all terminals accessing the first MBS session through the access network device. The all terminals can refer to all terminals currently receiving service data through the first MBS session of the access network device.

[0188] For example, if the first receiving end number of the first MBS session in the RAN is 3, and the identities of the first receiving ends are UE1, UE2 and UE3, respectively, wherein the priority of UE1 is 1, the priority of UE2 is 2, and the priority of UE3 is 5, it can be known that the priority of UE3 is the lowest, and if the reference information of the first receiving end is that of UE3, the receiving end corresponding to UE3 enters the idle state or the RRC inactive state (since the priority of UE3 is the lowest); if the reference information of the first UE session is not that of UE3 (that of UE1 or UE2), the receiving end corresponding to the first UE session does not enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0189] In the present application, all receiving ends corresponding to the first MBS session can be understood as all terminals receiving service data through the first MBS session of the access network device, i.e., all terminals receiving service data of the first MBS session of the access network device, or all terminals accessing the first MBS session through the access network device, which can refer to all terminals currently receiving service data through the first MBS session of the access network device.

[0190] In the present application, the lower the priority, the lower the business demand or the less important the receiving end, and thus the access network device triggers the first receiving end with the lowest priority or a priority lower than the second preset priority in the first MBS session of the access network device to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state, which does not affect the business execution of other terminals in the receiving ends corresponding to the first MBS session, and can save the processing resources of the access network device.

[0191] Case 2: The reference information of the first receiving end includes third indication information indicating that the first receiving end is allowed to receive service data on the first MBS session in the idle state or the RRC inactive state, and the first receiving end is triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0192] The third indication information can further include the identity of the first receiving end.

[0193] Of course, in actual application, the reference information of the first receiving end can also be a combination of the above two kinds of information. For example, the reference information of the first receiving end is the priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session and the third indication information, and then the RAN can trigger the first receiving end with a priority lower than the first preset priority and meeting the requirement of the third indication information to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state. This is only an exemplary description, and in actual application, it can also involve multiple information combinations, which are not illustrated one by one here.

[0194] In addition, the reference information of the first receiving end can be carried by the MBS session establishment request described above, and can also be carried by the first MBS session policy information described above, which is not specifically limited herein. In addition, in order to send or save resources, the MB-SMF can also send part of the reference information of the first receiving end to the SMF, such as the MB-SMF receiving the identification information of the first receiving end from the SMF before sending the reference information of the first receiving end to the SMF; the MB-SMF sends the reference information of the first receiving end to the SMF according to the identification information. For example, the SMF sends the identification information of the first receiving end UE1, UE2 (the actual first receiving end of the first MBS session includes UE1, UE2, UE3 and UE4) to the MB-SMF, then the MB-SMF sends the reference information of UE1 and UE2 to the SMF. Through the above manner, the processing resources can be saved, and the reference information of all receiving ends of the first MBS session is avoided to be sent to the session management network element.

[0195] In addition, the reference information of the first receiving end can also be obtained from the UDM. In the process of establishing a PDU session for the first receiving end, the SMF obtains the MBS session subscription data of the first receiving end from the UDM, and the MBS session subscription data includes the reference information of the first receiving end. The SMF can store the MBS session subscription data, and when the first receiving end requests to join the first MBS session, the SMF sends the reference information of the first receiving end to the RAN through the AMF. Correspondingly, the UDM obtains the reference information of the first receiving end. Specifically, the UDM can obtain the reference information of the first receiving end from the AF through the NEF, or the UDM obtains the reference information of the first receiving end from the UDR.

[0196] It should be noted that the reference information of the first receiving end can be implemented by adding a new field in the MBS subscription data, for example, the field is Reference info in the MBS subscription data shown in Table 1. The specific content of the MBS subscription data is shown in Table 1. Among them, MBS allowed indicates that the UE is authorized to use multicast MBS services, and MBS Session ID(s) indicates that the UE is allowed to join the MBS session, wherein the MBS session identifier can include the identifier of the first MBS session. The Reference info can be understood as the reference information of the UE in each MBS session, which can include the reference information of the first receiving end, that is, the reference information of the first receiving end in the first MBS session. The reference information of the first receiving end can include the identifier of the first MBS session, for example, MBS session ID.

[0197] Table 1

[0198]

[0199] In another implementation manner, the RAN can also determine that the first receiving end maintains the RRC connected state according to the reference information of the first receiving end of the first MBS session. How the RAN uses the reference information of the first receiving end of the first MBS session can refer to the above-mentioned manner, for example, when the reference information of the first receiving end includes the priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session, the priority of the first receiving end is higher than the second preset priority, or the priority of the receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session of the access network device is not the lowest, or the priority of the receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session of the access network device is the highest, the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session is maintained in the RRC connected state. In addition, if the number of the first receiving end of the first MBS session in the RAN is 3, and the identifiers of the first receiving end are UE1, UE2 and UE3 respectively. The RAN determines to maintain the first receiving end (UE1) in the RRC connected state, and then triggers the receiving end corresponding to UE2 and UE3 to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0200] In addition, the RAN can also determine whether to trigger the first receiving end to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state. Taking the first receiving end as an UE for example, in the process of establishing the N2 connection for the UE, the RAN can receive RRC inactive assistance information from the AMF, which is used to assist the RAN to determine whether the UE can enter the RRC inactive state. Optionally, if the RAN receives the RRC inactive assistance information from the AMF or determines that the RRC inactive assistance information is included in the UE context, the RAN triggers the UE to enter the RRC inactive state, otherwise the RAN triggers the UE to enter the idle state.

[0201] Optionally, if the RAN does not receive the RRC inactive assistance information from the AMF or determines that the RRC inactive assistance information is not included in the UE context, the RAN keeps the first receiving end in the RRC connected state, i.e., the UE receives the service data of the first MBS session in the RRC connected state.

[0202] Optionally, the RAN receives indication information from the AMF about whether the UE is allowed to enter the RRC inactive state to receive data (such as MBS service data) or whether the UE has the ability to enter the RRC inactive state to receive data (such as MBS service data), if the UE is allowed to enter the RRC inactive state to receive data or the UE has the ability to enter the RRC inactive state to receive data, the RAN determines to trigger the UE to enter the RRC inactive state, otherwise the RAN determines to trigger the UE to enter the idle state. Wherein, the AMF can obtain the indication information from the UDM or the SMF about whether the UE is allowed to enter the RRC inactive state to receive data, or the AMF can obtain the indication information from the UE about whether the UE has the ability to enter the RRC inactive state to receive data.

[0203] Referring to Figure 3 , another communication method is shown, in which the RAN triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the reference information of the first MBS session, Figure 3 Taking the first receiving end of the first MBS session as an UE1 for example, Figure 3 The interaction schematic diagram of the UE1, the RAN, the SMF, the MB-SMF, the PCF and the AF is as follows:

[0204] Step 301, the AF sends an MBS session establishment request message to the MB-SMF.

[0205] The MBS session establishment request information can include reference information of the first MBS session and an identifier of the first MBS session. The identifier of the first MBS session is used to identify the MBS session, for example, a temporary mobile group identifier (TMGI).

[0206] At step 302, the PCF sends first MBS session policy information to the MB-SMF.

[0207] The first MBS session policy information includes reference information of the first MBS session and an identifier of the first MBS session.

[0208] Here, the reference information of the first MBS session can refer to the description of the reference information of the first MBS session above, and will not be repeated here.

[0209] It should be noted that the above steps 301 and 302 are optional steps, for example, both can be executed, and the execution order is not distinguished in sequence, or one of them can be executed without limitation.

[0210] When both steps 301 and 302 are executed, the MB-SMF can determine the reference information of the first MBS session according to the QoS information of the first MBS session in the MBS session establishment request message and the first MBS session policy information, for example, if the MB-SMF determines the reference information 1 of the first MBS session according to the QoS information of the first MBS session in the MBS session establishment request message, and the MB-SMF determines the reference information 2 of the first MBS session according to the QoS information of the first MBS session in the first MBS session policy information, wherein the reference information 1 of the first MBS session is inconsistent with the reference information 2 of the first MBS session, the MB-SMF can take the reference information 2 of the first MBS session as the reference information of the first MBS session.

[0211] At step 303, the UE1 sends a request message for requesting to join the first MBS session to the SMF.

[0212] The request message carries the identifier of the first MBS session and the indication information of joining the first MBS session, and specifically, the request message can be a session modification request message.

[0213] Specifically, the UE1 can send the request message for requesting to join the first MBS session to the SMF through the AMF.

[0214] At step 304, the SMF sends a request message for obtaining context information of the first MBS session to the MB-SMF.

[0215] Specifically, the request message can be a request message obtained from the first MBS session context.

[0216] Step 305: The MB-SMF sends the context information of the first MBS session to the SMF, wherein the context information of the first MBS session includes reference information of the first MBS session. Accordingly, the SMF can obtain the reference information of the first MBS session from the context information of the first MBS session.

[0217] Step 306: The SMF sends reference information for the first MBS session to the RAN.

[0218] Specifically, the reference information in step 306 can be sent via N2 info, or via other messages, which are not limited here.

[0219] Step 307: The RAN triggers UE1 to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state based on the reference information of the first MBS session.

[0220] Specifically, step 307 can be referred to the above. Figure 2 The relevant description of step 204, which triggers UE1 to enter the idle state or RRC inactive state, will not be repeated here.

[0221] Optionally, in Figure 3 Based on the embodiment shown, step 307 above can be replaced by: the RAN maintaining UE1 in the RRC connection state according to the reference information of the first MBS session, that is, UE1 receiving the service data of the first MBS session in the RRC connection state.

[0222] Specifically, the method by which the RAN maintains the first receiver in the RRC connection state can be found above. Figure 2 The relevant description of step 204, for example, is that the access network device triggers the maintenance of UE1 in the RRC connection state based on the reference information of the first MBS session, which will not be repeated here.

[0223] Step 308, UE1 enters the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0224] Furthermore, UE1 enters an idle state or an RRC inactive state, and receives service data for the first MBS session in the idle state or RRC inactive state.

[0225] In this process, UE1 can enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the RAN trigger in step 307. For details, please refer to the relevant description above, which will not be repeated here.

[0226] use Figure 3The provided method can trigger the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the reference information of the first MBS session, avoid the RAN from long-term occupying the processing resource for maintaining the receiving end of the first MBS session in the RRC connected state, and further save the processing resource of the RAN.

[0227] Referring to Figure 4 , another communication method is shown, in which the RAN triggers a certain receiving end to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the reference information of the receiving end of the first MBS session. For details, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 Taking the first receiving end UE1 as an example, Figure 4 The interaction schematic diagram of UE1, RAN, SMF, MB-SMF, PCF and AF is as follows:

[0228] Step 401, the AF sends an MBS session establishment request message to the MB-SMF.

[0229] The MBS session establishment request information can include the reference information of the receiving end of the first MBS session and the identifier of the receiving end of the first MBS session. The identifier of the receiving end is used to identify the receiving end, for example, temporary mobile subscriber identity (TMSI).

[0230] Step 402, the PCF sends the first MBS session policy information to the MB-SMF.

[0231] The first MBS session policy information includes the reference information of the receiving end of the first MBS session and the identifier of the receiving end of the first MBS session.

[0232] Optionally, the SMF can also obtain the reference information of the receiving end of the first MBS session from the UDM, which can be provided by the AF to the UDM.

[0233] Here, the reference information of the receiving end can refer to the description of the reference information of the first receiving end above, which is not described here.

[0234] It should be pointed out that the above steps 401 and 402 are optional steps, for example, both can be executed, and the execution order is not distinguished, or one of them can be executed without limitation.

[0235] Step 403, the UE1 sends a request message for requesting to join the first MBS session to the SMF.

[0236] The request message includes an identifier of the first MBS session and indication information of joining the first MBS session. Specifically, the request message can be a session modification request message.

[0237] At step 404, the SMF sends a request message for obtaining context information of the first MBS session to the MB-SMF.

[0238] The context information of the first MBS session includes reference information of a receiving end of the first MBS session.

[0239] The request message can be a context request message of the first MBS session. The request message can carry an identifier of the receiving end of the first MBS session, such as an identifier of UE1. Then, the MB-SMF can send reference information of UE1 to the SMF. If the request message does not carry the identifier of the receiving end of the first MBS session, the MB-SMF sends reference information of all receiving ends of the first MBS session to the SMF.

[0240] At step 405, the MB-SMF sends the context information of the first MBS session to the SMF. The context information of the first MBS session includes reference information of a receiving end of the first MBS session. Accordingly, the SMF can obtain the reference information of the receiving end of the first MBS session from the context information of the first MBS session.

[0241] At step 406, the SMF sends the reference information of the receiving end of the first MBS session to the RAN.

[0242] For example, the reference information can be sent through N2 info, or through other messages, which are not limited herein.

[0243] At step 407, the RAN triggers UE1 to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state according to the reference information of the receiving end of the first MBS session.

[0244] Specifically, step 407 can refer to the related description of step 204 of the above Figure 2 , and trigger UE1 to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state, which is not described herein.

[0245] Alternatively, on the basis of the embodiment shown in Figure 4 , step 407 can be replaced by: the RAN determines, according to the reference information of UE1 of the first MBS session, that UE1 maintains an RRC connected state. For details, refer to the above description, which is not described herein.

[0246] At step 408, UE1 enters an idle state or an RRC inactive state.

[0247] Specifically, the UE 1 enters the idle state or the RRC inactive state, and receives the service data of the first MBS session in the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0248] In the step 407, the UE 1 can enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the trigger of the RAN, and specific implementation can refer to the description in the foregoing steps, which will not be repeated here.

[0249] Based on the trigger of the receiving end of the first MBS session, the UE 1 enters the idle state or the RRC inactive state, which can ensure that the receiving end with high priority normally receives the service data of the first MBS session.

[0250] Figure 5 Another communication method in the present application is shown, which takes the UE as the first receiving end, and takes the UE providing relay service for the first MBS session as an example, Figure 5 The interaction between the UE, the RAN and the SMF is shown in the following schematic diagram:

[0251] In the step 501, the UE sends service indication information to the SMF.

[0252] The service indication information can be sent when the UE requests to join the first MBS session, for example, the service indication information is carried in a request message for requesting to join the first MBS session, or the service indication information can be sent through other messages or procedures, for example, the UE sends the service indication information to the SMF through an MBS session modification procedure.

[0253] Specifically, the service indication information can be used to indicate that the UE provides relay service for the first MBS session.

[0254] The UE providing relay service for the first MBS session can mean that the remote UE can receive the service data of the first MBS session through the UE.

[0255] In the step 502, the UE sends a remote UE report (for example, Remote UE Report) to the SMF.

[0256] The remote UE report can include an identifier (for example, Remote User ID) of the remote UE and information (for example, Remote UE info) of the remote UE, and the information of the remote UE can be address information allocated by the UE for network side communication.

[0257] It should be noted that the steps 501 and 502 are optional steps, for example, both can be executed, and the execution sequence is not distinguished, or only one of them is executed without limitation.

[0258] Step 503, the SMF determines that the UE provides relay service for the first MBS session.

[0259] In step 503, the following methods can be used:

[0260] Method 1: The SMF determines that the UE provides relay service for the first MBS session according to the service indication information in step 501. For example, the service indication information is information that the UE provides relay service, and the SMF determines that the UE provides relay service for the first MBS session according to the service indication information.

[0261] Method 2: The SMF determines that the UE provides relay service for the first MBS session according to the remote UE report in step 502. For example, the remote UE report includes the identity of the remote UE and the information of the remote UE, and the SMF determines that the UE provides relay service for the first MBS session according to the remote UE report.

[0262] Step 504, the SMF informs the RAN that the UE is not allowed to receive the service data of the first MBS session in the idle state, or the UE provides relay service for the first MBS session.

[0263] In step 504, the SMF can inform the RAN through N2 information, for example, the N2 information includes notification information or notification message to inform the RAN that the UE is not allowed to receive the service data of the first MBS session in the idle state, or the UE provides relay service for the first MBS session.

[0264] Further, for the scenario of layer 3 relay, steps 501-503 can be performed to determine that the UE provides relay service for the service data of the first MBS session, and step 504 is performed to inform the RAN; for the scenario of layer 2 relay, steps 501-504 can not be performed, and step 505 is performed to determine that the UE provides relay service for the service data of the first MBS session by the RAN. Figure 5 In step 505, for the scenario of layer 2 relay, the steps performed are indicated by solid lines, for the scenario of layer 3 relay, the steps performed are indicated by dashed lines, and for the scenarios of layer 2 relay and layer 3 relay, the steps that can be performed are indicated by thick solid lines.

[0265] Step 505, the RAN determines that the UE provides relay service for the first MBS session through the transmission of the service data of the first MBS session.

[0266] For the scenario of layer 2 relay, the transmission of the service data of the first MBS session can be understood as that the service data of the first MBS session is transmitted by the UE to the remote UE. Specifically, the RAN transmits the service data of the first MBS session to the remote UE through the UE according to the connection information between the remote UE and the UE. The connection information between the remote UE and the UE can be understood as the connection information through which the remote UE accesses the RAN through the UE, which can be determined by the remote UE sending an RRC request message. Specifically, before step 505, the remote UE sends an RRC request message to the RAN through the UE, and the RAN can know that the UE provides relay service for the remote UE. The RAN knows that the UE provides relay service for the remote UE and transmits the service data of the first MBS session to the remote UE, so the RAN can know that the UE provides relay service for the first MBS session.

[0267] In step 506, the RAN determines that the UE maintains in the RRC connected state.

[0268] Specifically, for layer 3 relay, the RAN determines that the UE maintains in the RRC connected state according to the N2 information that the UE is not allowed to receive the service data of the first MBS session in the idle state or the UE is providing relay service. For layer 2 relay, the RAN determines that the UE maintains in the RRC connected state according to the determination in step 505 that the UE provides relay service for the first MBS session. In addition, for layer 2 relay, even if the RAN determines that all remote UEs served by the UE enter the idle state, the UE still maintains in the RRC connected state.

[0269] For example, if the number of first receiving ends of the first MBS session in the RAN is 3, and the identities of the first receiving ends are UE1, UE2 and UE3 respectively, wherein UE1 (as layer 3 relay or layer 2 relay) provides relay service for the first MBS session, and UE2 and UE3 do not provide relay service for the first MBS session, the RAN triggers the corresponding receiving ends of UE2 and UE3 to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state, and maintains the corresponding receiving end of UE1 in the RRC connected state to receive the service data of the first MBS session.

[0270] The above-mentioned Figure 5 The embodiments can be implemented in Figure 2-3 The embodiments can be implemented before step 204, step 307 and step 407 of the embodiments, Figure 5 The embodiments can be understood as a further determination condition for the RAN to trigger the first receiving end of the first MBS session to be in the idle state or the RRC inactive state, so as to trigger the first receiving end of the first MBS session to enter a suitable state and ensure the reliability of communication transmission.

[0271] By the method, the reliability and the like of the relay UE receiving the MBS session can be preferentially ensured, so that the relay terminal can send correct service data of the MBS session to the remote UE, and the relay UE can avoid sending incorrect service data of the MBS session to the remote UE.

[0272] Referring to Figure 6 , another communication method is shown, which is applied to a shared tunnel establishment process, and the shared tunnel is established between a RAN and a UPF, and is used to transmit data of a first MBS session. The UPF can be a multicast UPF. The RAN triggers a first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state according to reference information of the first MBS session. For details, please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 Taking the first receiving end UE1 as an example, Figure 6 is an interaction diagram of UE1, RAN, SMF, AMF, NRF and MB-SMF, as follows:

[0273] Step 601, UE1 sends a request message for requesting to join the first MBS session to SMF through AMF.

[0274] The request message includes the identification of the first MBS session and the indication information for joining the first MBS session. Specifically, the request message can be a session modification request message, for example, a PDU session modification request.

[0275] Step 602, SMF obtains MB-SMF information for providing services for the first MBS session from NRF.

[0276] The NRF can store a plurality of MB-SMF information, and the MB-SMF information can be the identification of the MB-SMF, for example, name, ID, or address, which is not limited.

[0277] Step 603, SMF sends a request message for obtaining the context information of the first MBS session to the MB-SMF.

[0278] The context information of the first MBS session includes the reference information of the first MBS session. The reference information can refer to the related description in the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0279] The request message can be specifically a context request message of the first MBS session.

[0280] For example, the request message can carry the identifier of the receiving end of the first MBS session, such as the identifier of UE1, and then the MB-SMF can send the reference information of UE1 to the SMF. If the request message does not carry the identifier of the receiving end of the first MBS session, the MB-SMF sends the reference information of all receiving ends of the first MBS session to the SMF.

[0281] In step 604, the MB-SMF sends the context information of the first MBS session to the SMF.

[0282] The context information of the first MBS session can include the reference information of the receiving end of the first MBS session.

[0283] Correspondingly, the SMF can obtain the reference information of the receiving end of the first MBS session from the context information of the first MBS session.

[0284] In step 605, the SMF determines whether UE1 is authorized to use the first MBS service.

[0285] Specifically, the above step 605 can be replaced by the SMF determining whether UE1 is authorized to receive the first MBS service. If UE1 is authorized to use the first MBS service, step 606 can be performed. If UE1 is not authorized to use the first MBS service, the SMF sends a response message rejecting UE1 to join the first MBS session through the AMF, Figure 6 Not shown in the figure.

[0286] The SMF can determine whether UE1 is authorized to use the first MBS service according to the subscription data of the MBS session stored by the UDM. The subscription data of the MBS session can include the information shown in Table 1 above, MBS allowed, MBS Session ID(s), and Reference info. The SMF can determine whether UE1 is authorized to use the MBS service according to MBS allowed. In the case where UE1 is authorized to use the MBS service, the SMF can learn the identifier of the MBS session that UE1 is authorized to join according to MBS Session ID(s). Usually, the identifier of the MBS session that UE1 is authorized to join can include multiple identifiers. If the identifier of the first MBS session is included in the identifiers of the MBS session that UE1 is authorized to join, the SMF determines that UE1 is authorized to use the first MBS service.

[0287] It should be noted that steps 602-605 are optional steps.

[0288] In step 606, if the SMF receives a request of UE1 to join the first MBS session, the SMF sends N2 session management information (N2 SM info) to the AMF.

[0289] The N2 SM info message includes the identifier of the first MBS session, which can be used by the RAN to determine the context information of the first MBS session.

[0290] Step 607: AMF sends N2 SM info to RAN.

[0291] If the shared tunnel for the first MBS session has not yet been established, the above method may further include the following steps 608 to 611 for establishing the shared tunnel for the first MBS session.

[0292] During the process of establishing a shared tunnel for the first MBS session, the MB-SMF can send reference information of the first MBS session to the RAN via the AMF.

[0293] Step 608: The RAN sends an N2 MBS Session request message to the AMF.

[0294] The N2 MBS Session request message may include: the identifier of the first MBS session and the downlink tunnel information (DL tunnel Info) allocated by the RAN for the first MBS session. The DL tunnel Info can be understood as the downlink tunnel information of the shared tunnel of the first MBS session.

[0295] Step 609: AMF sends a context update request message for the first MBS session to MB-SMF.

[0296] The context update request message for the first MBS session may include: the identifier of the first MBS session and the aforementioned DL tunnel Info.

[0297] Step 610: MB-SMF sends the first MBS session context update response message to AMF.

[0298] The first MBS session context update response message includes reference information for the first MBS session, which can be found in the aforementioned description and will not be repeated here.

[0299] Specifically, the first MBS session context update response message includes N2 SM info, which may include reference information for the first MBS session.

[0300] MB-SMF can be referenced. Figure 3 In step 301 or step 302, obtain reference information for the first MBS session.

[0301] Step 611, the AMF sends the reference information of the first MBS session to the RAN.

[0302] Optionally, after receiving the reference information of the first MBS session through step 610, the AMF first determines whether the RRC inactive assistance information has been sent to the RAN, if the RRC inactive assistance information has been sent, the AMF sends the reference information of the first MBS session to the RAN; if the RRC inactive assistance information has not been sent, the AMF does not send the reference information of the first MBS session to the RAN. Wherein, the RRC inactive assistance information is used to assist the RAN to determine whether the UE can enter the RRC inactive state.

[0303] Optionally, the AMF can also send the indication information of whether the AMF has sent the RRC inactive assistance information to the MB-SMF in step 609, and the MB-SMF determines whether to send the reference information of the first MBS session in step 610 according to the indication information. If the indication information indicates that the AMF has sent the RRC inactive assistance information, the MB-SMF sends the reference information of the first MBS session to the AMF; if the indication information indicates that the AMF has not sent the RRC inactive assistance information, the MB-SMF does not send the reference information of the first MBS session to the AMF. That is, when the RAN obtains the RRC inactive assistance information, the UE1 can enter the RRC inactive state. Therefore, when the AMF / MB-SMF knows that the RAN does not obtain the RRC inactive assistance information, it is not necessary to send the reference information of the first MBS session.

[0304] Step 612, the RAN triggers the UE1 to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the reference information of the first MBS session.

[0305] Wherein, the trigger can be achieved by sending a notification message to the UE1, so that the UE1 enters the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0306] Step 613, the UE1 enters the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0307] Specifically, step 612 can refer to the related description of step 204 of the above Figure 2 , to trigger the UE1 to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state, which is not described here.

[0308] It should be noted that in the establishment process of the shared tunnel, the MB-SMF sends the reference information of the first MBS session to the RAN through the AMF, wherein the reference information of the first MBS session needs to be sent only once, and the RAN only stores one copy of the reference information of the first MBS session, avoiding the case that the SMF sends the reference information of the first MBS session to the RAN through the AMF every time a UE joins the first MBS session, and reducing the signaling overhead. In addition, Figure 6 In the example, the RAN also does not need to store the reference information of the first MBS session in the context of each UE that joins the first MBS session, reducing the storage space occupation of the RAN.

[0309] After the establishment of the first MBS session shared tunnel, the first receiving end is triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state based on the reference information of the first MBS session, which can ensure that the high-priority receiving end normally receives the service data of the first MBS session, and the transmission resource is saved by using the shared tunnel to transmit the service data of the first MBS session.

[0310] The above mainly introduces the scheme provided by the embodiments of the present application from the perspective of device interaction. It can be understood that, in order to realize the above functions, each device can include a corresponding hardware structure and / or software module for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in the present text, the embodiments of the present application can be realized in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is realized in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods to realize the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0311] The embodiments of the present application can divide the functional units of the device according to the above method examples, for example, each functional unit can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be realized in the form of hardware or software functional unit.

[0312] In the case of using an integrated unit, Figure 7 A possible exemplary block diagram of a communication apparatus involved in the embodiments of the present application is shown. As shown in Figure 7As shown, the communication device 700 can include a processing unit 701 and a transceiver unit 702. The processing unit 701 is configured to control and manage the actions of the communication device 700. The transceiver unit 702 is configured to support the communication of the communication device 700 with other devices. Optionally, the transceiver unit 702 can include a receiving unit and / or a transmitting unit, which are configured to perform receiving and transmitting operations, respectively. Optionally, the communication device 700 can further include a storage unit configured to store program codes and / or data of the communication device 700. The transceiver unit can be referred to as an input / output unit, a communication unit, etc., and can be a transceiver. The processing unit can be a processor. When the communication device is a module (e.g., a chip) in a communication device, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, an input / output circuit, or an input / output pin, etc., and can be referred to as an interface, a communication interface, or an interface circuit, etc. The processing unit can be a processor, a processing circuit, or a logic circuit, etc. Specifically, the device can be the access network device, the multicast / broadcast session management network element, the session management network element, etc. described above.

[0313] In one embodiment, the transceiver unit 702 is configured to receive reference information of a first MBS session from a session management network element or an access and mobility management network element, the reference information of the first MBS session being used to indicate a characteristic of the first MBS session; and the processing unit 701 is configured to trigger a first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter an idle state or a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state according to the reference information of the first MBS session.

[0314] In an optional manner, the reference information of the first MBS session includes one or more of the following: a priority of the first MBS session, a reliability requirement of the first MBS session, a latency of the first MBS session, an ARP of the first MBS session, first indication information used to indicate that a receiving end in the idle state or the RRC inactive state is allowed to receive service data of the first MBS session, and second indication information used to indicate that a receiving end not satisfying a QoS requirement of the first MBS session is allowed; wherein the reliability requirement of the first MBS session is a highest reliability requirement among reliability requirements in 5QIs of QoS flows of the first MBS session; the latency of the first MBS session is a lowest latency among latencies in 5QIs of QoS flows of the first MBS session; and the ARP of the first MBS session is a lowest ARP among ARPs of QoS flows of the first MBS session.

[0315] In an optional manner, when the reference information of the first MBS session includes the priority of the first MBS session, the processing unit 701 is specifically configured to perform the following operations:

[0316] If the priority of the first MBS session is lower than the first preset priority, the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session is triggered to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state; or, if the priority of the first MBS session is the lowest among all MBS sessions of the access network device, the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session is triggered to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state.

[0317] In an optional manner, when the reference information of the first MBS session includes a reliability requirement of the first MBS session, the processing unit 701 is specifically configured to perform the following operation:

[0318] If the reliability requirement of the first MBS session is lower than the first threshold value, the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session is triggered to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state; or, if the reliability requirement of the first MBS session is the lowest among all MBS sessions of the access network device, the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session is triggered to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state.

[0319] In an optional manner, when the reference information of the first MBS session includes a latency of the first MBS session, the processing unit 701 is specifically configured to perform the following operation:

[0320] If the latency of the first MBS session is higher than the second threshold value, the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session is triggered to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state; or, if the latency of the first MBS session is the highest among all MBS sessions of the access network device, the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session is triggered to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state.

[0321] In an optional manner, when the reference information of the first MBS session includes an ARP of the first MBS session, the processing unit 701 is specifically configured to perform the following operation:

[0322] If the ARP of the first MBS session is higher than the third threshold value, the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session is triggered to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state; or, if the ARP of the first MBS session is the highest among all MBS of the access network device, the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session is triggered to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state.

[0323] In an optional manner, the first receiving end is one or more of the receiving ends corresponding to the first MBS session.

[0324] In an optional manner, the processing unit 701 is specifically configured to determine that the first receiving end has no service data transmission other than the service data of the first MBS session.

[0325] In an optional mode, the transceiver 702 is further configured to receive reference information of the first receiving end from a session management network element or a unified data management network element, the reference information of the first receiving end including one or more of the following: a priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session, third indication information indicating that the first receiving end is allowed to receive service data of the first MBS session in an idle state or an RRC inactive state; and the processing unit 701 is further configured to trigger the first receiving end to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the reference information of the first receiving end.

[0326] In an optional mode, when the reference information of the first receiving end includes the priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session, the processing unit 701 is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0327] If the priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session is lower than a second preset priority, the first receiving end is triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state; or, if the priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session is the lowest among all receiving ends corresponding to the first MBS session, the first receiving end is triggered to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

[0328] In an optional mode, before the processing unit 701 triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the reference information of the first MBS session, the processing unit 701 is further configured to determine that the number of terminals in the RRC connected state and receiving service data of the MBS session is higher than a preset value; or, the access network device determines that the number of terminals in the RRC connected state is higher than a preset value.

[0329] In an optional mode, before the processing unit 701 triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state according to the reference information of the first MBS session, the processing unit 701 is further configured to determine that the fourth indication information is not received, the fourth indication information indicating that the first receiving end is not allowed to receive service data of the first MBS session in the idle state or the RRC inactive state, or indicating that the first receiving end provides relay service for the first MBS session.

[0330] In an embodiment, the processing unit 701 can be configured to obtain reference information of the first MBS session, the reference information of the first MBS session indicating a feature of the first MBS session; and the transceiver 702 can be configured to send the reference information of the first MBS session to a session management network element or an access and mobility management network element.

[0331] In an optional mode, the reference information of the first MBS session includes one or more of the following: a priority of the first MBS session, a reliability requirement of the first MBS session, a latency of the first MBS session, an ARP of the first MBS session, first indication information indicating that a receiving end in an idle state or an RRC inactive state is allowed to receive service data of the first MBS session, and second indication information indicating that a receiving end not meeting a QoS of the first MBS session is allowed; wherein the reliability requirement of the first MBS session is the highest reliability requirement among 5QIs of QoS flows of the first MBS session; the latency of the first MBS session is the lowest latency among 5QIs of QoS flows of the first MBS session; and the ARP of the first MBS session is the lowest ARP among ARPs of QoS flows of the first MBS session.

[0332] In an optional mode, the transceiver 702 is further configured to receive an MBS session establishment request, wherein the MBS session establishment request includes reference information of the first MBS session; or receive first MBS session policy information from a policy management network element, wherein the first MBS session policy information includes the reference information of the first MBS session; or receive QoS information of the first MBS session from an application function or a policy management network element, so that the processing unit 701 determines the reference information of the first MBS session according to the QoS information of the first MBS session.

[0333] In an optional mode, the MBS session establishment request carries reference information of the first receiving end, or the first MBS session policy information includes the reference information of the first receiving end; wherein the first receiving end is one or more of receiving ends corresponding to the first MBS session.

[0334] In an optional mode, the reference information of the first receiving end includes one or more of the following: a priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session, and third indication information indicating that the first receiving end is allowed to receive service data on the first MBS session in an idle state or an RRC inactive state.

[0335] In an optional mode, the transceiver 702 is further configured to receive identification information of the first receiving end from a session management network element; and the processing unit 701 is further configured to send the reference information of the first receiving end to the session management network element according to the identification information.

[0336] In an embodiment, the transceiver 702 is configured to receive reference information of a first receiving end of a first MBS session from a session management network element, wherein the reference information of the first receiving end is used to represent characteristics of the first receiving end; and the processing unit 701 is configured to trigger the first receiving end to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state according to the reference information of the first receiving end.

[0337] In an optional mode, the reference information of the first receiving end comprises one or more of the following: a priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session, and third indication information indicating that the first receiving end is allowed to receive service data on the first MBS session in an idle state or an RRC inactive state.

[0338] In an optional mode, when the reference information of the first receiving end comprises the priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session, the processing unit 701 is further configured to perform the following operation:

[0339] If the priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session is lower than a second preset priority, the first receiving end is triggered to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state; or, if the priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session is the lowest among all receiving ends corresponding to the first MBS session, the first receiving end is triggered to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state.

[0340] In an optional mode, before the processing unit 701 triggers the first receiving end to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state, the processing unit 701 is further configured to determine that there is no service data transmission other than service data of the first MBS session.

[0341] In an optional mode, before the processing unit 701 triggers the first receiving end to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state according to the reference information of the first receiving end, the processing unit 701 is further configured to determine that the number of terminals in an RRC connected state and receiving service data of the MBS session is higher than a preset value; or, determine that the number of terminals in an RRC connected state is higher than a preset value.

[0342] In an embodiment, the processing unit 701 can be configured to obtain reference information of a first receiving end of a first MBS session, the reference information of the first receiving end being used to represent a feature of the first receiving end; and the transceiver 702 is configured to send the reference information of the first receiving end of the first MBS session to a session management network element.

[0343] In an optional mode, the reference information of the first receiving end comprises one or more of the following: a priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session, and third indication information indicating that the first receiving end is allowed to receive service data on the first MBS session in an idle state or an RRC inactive state.

[0344] In an optional mode, the transceiver 702 is further configured to receive an MBS session establishment request, the MBS session establishment request comprising the reference information of the first receiving end of the first MBS session; or, receive first MBS session policy information from a policy management network element, the first MBS session policy information comprising the reference information of the first receiving end of the first MBS session.

[0345] In an optional mode, the transceiver unit 702 is further configured to receive the identification information of the first receiving terminal from the session management network element; and the processing unit 701 is further configured to send the reference information of the first receiving terminal to the session management network element according to the identification information.

[0346] As shown in Figure 8 , the present application further provides a communication apparatus 800. The communication apparatus 800 can be a chip or a chip system. The communication apparatus can be located in the device involved in any of the above method embodiments, such as an access network device, or an SMF, etc., to perform the actions corresponding to the device.

[0347] Optionally, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0348] The communication apparatus 800 includes a processor 810.

[0349] The processor 810 is configured to execute the computer program stored in the memory 820 to realize the actions of the devices in any of the above method embodiments.

[0350] The communication apparatus 800 can further include a memory 820 for storing a computer program.

[0351] Optionally, the memory 820 and the processor 810 are coupled. The coupling is an indirect coupling or communication connection between the devices, units or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms, for information interaction between the devices, units or modules. Optionally, the memory 820 and the processor 810 are integrated together.

[0352] Wherein, the processor 810 and the memory 820 can be one or more, which is not limited.

[0353] Optionally, in actual application, the communication apparatus 800 can include a transceiver 830, or can not include a transceiver 830, which is shown in the figure with a dashed box. The communication apparatus 800 can interact with other devices through the transceiver 830. The transceiver 830 can be a circuit, a bus, a transceiver or any other device that can be used for information interaction.

[0354] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus 800 can be an access network device, or a session management network element, or a multicast / broadcast session management network element in the above method embodiments.

[0355] The specific connection medium between the transceiver 830, the processor 810 and the memory 820 in the embodiments of the present application is not limited. In the embodiments of the present application, the memory 820, the processor 810 and the transceiver 830 are connected through a bus. Figure 8 Figure 8 ​The connections between other components are shown in bold and are for illustrative purposes only, not as limiting information. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 8 The text uses only a single thick line to represent a bus, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or one type of bus. In the embodiments of this application, the processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0356] In the embodiments of this application, the memory can be non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or it can be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM). The memory can also be any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiments of this application can also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store computer programs, program instructions, and / or data.

[0357] Based on the above embodiments, see Figure 9 This application embodiment also provides another communication device 900, including: an interface circuit 910 and a logic circuit 920; the interface circuit 910 can be understood as an input / output interface, which can be used to execute the transmit and receive steps of each device in any of the above method embodiments, such as the transmit step in step 203 above, where the SMF sends the reference information of the first MBS session to the RAN; the logic circuit 920 can be used to run code or instructions to execute the methods executed by each device in any of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0358] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause the methods executed by the various devices in any of the above method embodiments to be implemented, for example, causing... Figure 2 The method executed by RAN, MB-SMF, or SMF in the illustrated embodiment is implemented. The computer-readable storage medium may include various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, portable hard drive, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0359] Based on the above embodiments, this application provides a communication system, which includes the access network device (e.g., RAN), session management network element (e.g., SMF), and multicast / broadcast session management network element (e.g., MB-SMF) mentioned in any of the above method embodiments, and can be used to execute the methods executed by each device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0360] In addition, the above-mentioned communication system may also include a terminal device (e.g., UE, or first receiver), which can perform relevant methods in any of the above method embodiments by interacting with access network equipment and session management network elements.

[0361] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0362] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of the methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart... Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0363] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0364] These computer program instructions can also be loaded into a computer or other programmable data processing devices, so that a series of operational steps are generated to realize the computer-implemented processes in the computer or other programmable devices, and the instructions executed in the computer or other programmable devices provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart Figure 1 or multiple flows and / or blocks Figure 1 Figure 1 or multiple blocks in the flowchart or multiple blocks in the flowchart.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The communication device receives reference information from a session management network element or an access and mobility management network element for a first multicast / broadcast service (MBS) session, wherein the reference information for the first MBS session is used to represent the characteristics of the first MBS session. The communication device triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter an idle state or a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state based on the reference information of the first MBS session. The reference information for the first MBS session includes one or more of the following: the priority of the first MBS session, the reliability requirements of the first MBS session, the latency of the first MBS session, the allocation and maintenance priority (ARP) of the first MBS session, a first indication information for indicating that a receiver in an idle state or an RRC inactive state is allowed to receive service data of the first MBS session, and a second indication information for indicating that the quality of service (QoS) requirements of the first MBS session are not met. Wherein, the reliability requirement of the first MBS session is the highest reliability requirement among the 5th generation 5G QoS Indicators 5QI of the QoS flow of the first MBS session; the latency of the first MBS session is the lowest latency among the 5QI of the QoS flow of the first MBS session; and the ARP of the first MBS session is the lowest ARP among the ARP of the QoS flow of the first MBS session.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the reference information of the first MBS session includes the priority of the first MBS, the communication device triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state based on the reference information of the first MBS session, including: If the priority of the first MBS session is lower than the first preset priority, the communication device triggers the first receiver corresponding to the first MBS session to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state; or, If the priority of the first MBS session is the lowest among all MBS sessions of the communication device, then the communication device triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the reference information of the first MBS session includes the reliability requirements of the first MBS session, the communication device triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state based on the reference information of the first MBS session, including: If the reliability requirement of the first MBS session is lower than the first threshold, the communication device triggers the first receiver corresponding to the first MBS session to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state; or, If the reliability requirement of the first MBS session is the lowest among all MBS sessions of the communication device, then the communication device triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, When the reference information of the first MBS session includes the delay of the first MBS session, the communication device triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state based on the reference information of the first MBS session, including: If the latency of the first MBS session is higher than the second threshold, the communication device triggers the first receiver corresponding to the first MBS session to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state; or, If the latency of the first MBS session is the highest among all MBS sessions of the communication device, then the communication device triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, When the reference information of the first MBS session includes the ARP of the first MBS session, the communication device triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state based on the reference information of the first MBS session, including: If the ARP of the first MBS session is higher than the third threshold, the communication device triggers the first receiver corresponding to the first MBS session to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state; or, If the ARP of the first MBS session is the highest among all MBS sessions of the communication device, then the communication device triggers the first receiving end corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the RRC inactive state.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first receiving end is one or more of the receiving ends corresponding to the first MBS session.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Before triggering the first receiver corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or RRC inactive state, the method further includes: The communication device determines that the first receiving end does not transmit any service data other than the service data of the first MBS session.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The communication device receives reference information from the first receiving end of the session management network element. The reference information of the first receiving end includes one or more of the following: the priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session, and third indication information for indicating whether the first receiving end is allowed to receive service data of the first MBS session in an idle state or an RRC inactive state. The step of triggering the first receiver corresponding to the first MBS session to enter the idle state or the Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state includes: The communication device triggers the first receiver to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state based on the reference information of the first receiver.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the reference information of the first receiving end includes the priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session, the communication device triggers the first receiving end to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state based on the reference information of the first receiving end, including: If the priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session is lower than the second preset priority, then the communication device triggers the first receiving end to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state; or, If the first receiving end has the lowest priority among all receiving ends in the first MBS session, the communication device triggers the first receiving end to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Before the communication device triggers the first receiver corresponding to the first MBS session to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state based on the reference information of the first MBS session, the method further includes: The communication device determines that the number of terminals in RRC connection state and receiving service data of MBS sessions is higher than a preset value; or... The communication device determines that the number of terminals in RRC connection state is higher than a preset value.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, Before the communication device triggers the first receiver corresponding to the first MBS session to enter an idle state or an RRC inactive state based on the reference information of the first MBS session, the method further includes: The communication device did not receive the fourth indication information, which indicates that the first receiving end is not allowed to receive the service data of the first MBS session in the idle state or the RRC inactive state, or that the first receiving end provides relay service for the first MBS session.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The communication device acquires reference information of a first multicast / broadcast service MBS session, the reference information of the first MBS session being used to represent the characteristics of the first MBS session; The communication device sends reference information of the first MBS session to the session management network element or the access and mobility management network element; The reference information for the first MBS session includes one or more of the following: the priority of the first MBS session, the reliability requirements of the first MBS session, the latency of the first MBS session, the allocation and maintenance priority (ARP) of the first MBS session, a first indication information for indicating that a receiver in an idle state or an RRC inactive state is allowed to receive service data of the first MBS session, and a second indication information for indicating that the quality of service (QoS) of the first MBS session is not satisfied. Wherein, the reliability requirement of the first MBS session is the highest reliability requirement among the 5th generation 5G QoS Indicators 5QI of the QoS flow of the first MBS session; the latency of the first MBS session is the lowest latency among the 5QI of the QoS flow of the first MBS session; and the ARP of the first MBS session is the lowest ARP among the ARP of the QoS flow of the first MBS session.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The communication device acquires reference information for the first MBS session, including: The communication device receives an MBS session establishment request, the MBS session establishment request including reference information of the first MBS session; or, The communication device receives the first MBS session policy information from the policy management network element, the first MBS session policy information including reference information for the first MBS session; or, The communication device receives QoS information of the first MBS session from the application function or policy management network element, and determines reference information of the first MBS session based on the QoS information of the first MBS session.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The MBS session establishment request carries reference information of the first receiving end, or the first MBS session policy information includes reference information of the first receiving end. Wherein, the first receiving end is one or more of the receiving ends corresponding to the first MBS session.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The reference information of the first receiving end includes one or more of the following: the priority of the first receiving end in the first MBS session, and third indication information for indicating whether the first receiving end is allowed to receive service data of the first MBS session in an idle state or an RRC inactive state.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: The communication device receives identification information from the first receiving end of the session management network element; The communication device sends reference information of the first MBS session to the session management network element, including: The communication device sends the reference information of the first receiving end to the session management network element according to the identification information.

17. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The communication device receives reference information of a first multicast / broadcast service MBS session from a multicast / broadcast session management network element. The reference information of the first MBS session is used to represent the characteristics of the first MBS session. The communication device sends reference information of the first MBS session to the access network device; The reference information for the first MBS session includes one or more of the following: the priority of the first MBS session, the reliability requirements of the first MBS session, the latency of the first MBS session, the allocation and maintenance priority (ARP) of the first MBS session, a first indication information for indicating that a receiver in an idle state or an RRC inactive state is allowed to receive service data of the first MBS session, and a second indication information for indicating that the quality of service (QoS) requirements of the first MBS session are not met. Wherein, the reliability requirement of the first MBS session is the highest reliability requirement among the 5th generation 5G QoS Indicators 5QI of the QoS flow of the first MBS session; the latency of the first MBS session is the lowest latency among the 5QI of the QoS flow of the first MBS session; and the ARP of the first MBS session is the lowest ARP among the ARP of the QoS flow of the first MBS session.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A functional module that implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-11, or any one of claims 12-16, or claim 17.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, include: At least one processor and memory; The memory is used to store computer programs or instructions; The at least one processor is configured to execute the computer program or instructions to cause the method described in any one of claims 1-11, any one of claims 12-16, or claim 17 to be performed.

20. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes access network equipment or chips of access network equipment, multicast / broadcast session management network elements or chips of multicast / broadcast session management network elements, and access and mobility management network elements or chips of access and mobility management network elements. Wherein, the access network device or the chip of the access network device is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-11; the multicast / broadcast session management network element or the chip of the multicast / broadcast session management network element is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 12-16; the access and mobility management network element or the chip of the access and mobility management network element is used to implement the method as described in claim 17.

21. A chip system, characterized in that, The chip system includes: a processing circuit; the processing circuit is coupled to a storage medium; The processing circuit is configured to execute part or all of the computer program or instructions in the storage medium, and when the part or all of the computer program or instructions are executed, to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-11, 12-16, or 17.

22. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-11, 12-16, or 17 to be performed.

23. A computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions, characterized in that, When it is run on a computer, it causes the method described in any one of claims 1-11, 12-16, or 17 to be performed.

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