Data transmission method, apparatus and medium

Abstract

The application provides a data transmission method, device and medium, relates to the technical field of communication, and is used for solving the problems that the existing base station and UE adopt special air interface radio frequency hardware which is expensive in cost and depends on licensed frequency bands, and the method comprises the following steps: a local conversion layer arranged in the base station / UE receives first high-layer protocol data from a local high layer, converts the first high-layer protocol data into first WiFi protocol data, and then sends the first WiFi protocol data to a local WiFi module, so that the local WiFi module sends the first WiFi protocol data to a peer WiFi module of a UE / base station; the local conversion layer arranged in the base station / UE receives second WiFi protocol data from the local WiFi module, converts the second WiFi protocol data into second high-layer protocol data, and then sends the second high-layer protocol data to the local high layer, wherein the second WiFi protocol data is received by the local WiFi module from the peer WiFi module of the UE / base station. The application can realize network communication between the base station and the UE based on the WiFi air interface connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a data transmission method, a conversion layer device, a DU, a base station, a UE, a computer device, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Existing network communication (such as 5G) access technologies require dedicated air interface radio frequency hardware (such as 5G air interface radio frequency hardware) to interface between the base station and the UE. This air interface radio frequency hardware is expensive and requires frequency band licensing.

[0003] WiFi network technology has matured. WiFi air interface radio frequency hardware is cheaper than 5G air interface radio frequency hardware and can use unlicensed frequency bands for communication. Existing WiFi networks are usually deployed independently from 5G private networks and do not interfere with each other. The operation and maintenance of the two networks are also carried out separately.

[0004] In certain scenarios, such as 5G private network testing and verification, 5G wireless channel expansion, and 5G system simulation, 5G base stations and UEs using existing 5G air interface radio frequency hardware inevitably suffer from high costs and dependence on licensed frequency bands.

[0005] In view of this, the present invention proposes to replace the dedicated air interface radio frequency hardware for network communication with WiFi air interface radio frequency hardware, and simultaneously improve the base station and UE, so as to realize network communication between the base station and UE based on WiFi air interface connection. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to address the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art by providing a data transmission method, a conversion layer device, a DU, a base station, a UE, a computer device, and a computer-readable storage medium, so as to solve the problem that the existing base station and UE use dedicated air interface radio frequency hardware for network communication, which is expensive and dependent on licensed frequency bands.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a data transmission method, the method comprising:

[0008] The local first conversion layer of the base station / user equipment (UE) receives first higher-layer protocol data from the local higher layer, converts the first higher-layer protocol data into first WiFi protocol data, and sends it to the local WiFi module so that the local WiFi module can send the first WiFi protocol data to the peer WiFi module of the UE / base station; and / or,

[0009] The local first conversion layer of the base station / user equipment (UE) receives the second WiFi protocol data from the local WiFi module, converts the second WiFi protocol data into second higher layer protocol data, and sends it to the local higher layer. The second WiFi protocol data is received by the local WiFi module from the peer WiFi module of the UE / base station.

[0010] Optionally, receiving first higher-layer protocol data from a higher layer on the local end, and converting the first higher-layer protocol data into first WiFi protocol data, specifically includes:

[0011] Receives first higher-layer protocol data from the user plane data channel or control plane data channel of the local higher layer.

[0012] If the first higher-layer protocol data originates from the user plane data channel, a first Ethernet frame header containing a first distinguishing identifier is added to the front end of the first higher-layer protocol data to convert it into first WiFi protocol data.

[0013] If the first higher-layer protocol data comes from the control plane data channel, a second Ethernet frame header containing a second distinguishing identifier is added to the front end of the first higher-layer protocol data to convert it into first WiFi protocol data.

[0014] Optionally, the second WiFi protocol data is converted into second higher-layer protocol data and then sent to the local higher layer, specifically including:

[0015] Obtain and remove the Ethernet frame header at the beginning of the second WiFi protocol data to convert the second WiFi protocol data into second higher-layer protocol data.

[0016] If the Ethernet frame header contains a first distinguishing identifier, the second higher-layer protocol data is sent to the user plane data receive queue of the local higher layer.

[0017] If a second distinguishing identifier is detected in the Ethernet frame header, the second higher-layer protocol data is sent to the control plane data receive queue of the local higher layer.

[0018] Optionally, before converting the first higher-layer protocol data into first WiFi protocol data, the method further includes:

[0019] The protocol type of the first differentiation identifier in the first Ethernet frame header is bound using a first raw socket, and the protocol type of the second differentiation identifier in the second Ethernet frame header is bound using a second raw socket;

[0020] Receive second WiFi protocol data from the local WiFi module, specifically including:

[0021] By respectively activating the first raw socket and the second raw socket to listen to the local WiFi module, the second WiFi protocol data encapsulated by the other end using the first Ethernet frame header or the second Ethernet frame header is received.

[0022] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0023] The local second conversion layer, configured at the base station / UE, receives local WiFi hardware control data from higher layers, converts the local WiFi hardware control data, and sends it to the local WiFi module so that the local WiFi module can perform local WiFi hardware control based on the converted local WiFi hardware control data; and / or,

[0024] The local second conversion layer set at the base station / UE receives local WiFi hardware event reporting data from the local WiFi module, converts the local WiFi hardware event reporting data, and sends it to the local higher layer.

[0025] Optionally, the local WiFi module includes a local WiFi media access layer and a local WiFi network card, and the method further includes:

[0026] The base station / UE initiates a first process to run the local higher layer and the local first conversion layer, and initiates a second process to run the local second conversion layer and the local WiFi media access layer, establishing communication between the first process and the second process; or...

[0027] The base station / UE initiates a third process to run the local higher layers, and initiates a fourth process to run the local first conversion layer, local second conversion layer and local WiFi media access layer, and establishes communication between the third process and the fourth process.

[0028] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a local conversion layer device disposed in a base station / user equipment (UE), the local conversion layer device comprising:

[0029] The data downlink module is used to receive first higher-layer protocol data from the local layer, convert the first higher-layer protocol data into first WiFi protocol data, and send it to the local WiFi module so that the local WiFi module can send the first WiFi protocol data to the peer WiFi module of the UE / base station; and / or,

[0030] The data uplink module is used to receive second WiFi protocol data from the local WiFi module, convert the second WiFi protocol data into second higher layer protocol data, and send it to the local higher layer. The second WiFi protocol data is received by the local WiFi module from the peer WiFi module of the UE / base station.

[0031] Thirdly, the present invention provides a distribution unit (DU) that can be installed in a base station, the DU comprising:

[0032] This local conversion layer is used to execute the data transmission method described above;

[0033] The local WiFi module is connected to the local conversion layer and is used to receive first WiFi protocol data from the local conversion layer and send second WiFi protocol data to the local conversion layer.

[0034] Fourthly, the present invention provides a base station / user equipment (UE), the base station / UE including a local WiFi module, a local conversion layer and a local higher layer, the local WiFi module being connected to the local conversion layer, the local conversion layer being connected to the local higher layer, and the local WiFi module of the base station / UE being connected to the peer WiFi module of the UE / base station, the local conversion layer being used to perform the data transmission method described above.

[0035] Optionally, the local conversion layer includes a local first conversion layer, and the local higher layers include:

[0036] The local user plane data channel is connected to the local first conversion layer and is used to send local user plane data to the local first conversion layer, or to receive peer user plane data sent by the local first conversion layer; and / or,

[0037] The local control plane data channel is connected to the local first conversion layer and is used to send local control plane data to the local first conversion layer or receive remote control plane data sent by the local first conversion layer.

[0038] Optionally, the local conversion layer may further include a local second conversion layer, and the higher layers of the local layer may further include:

[0039] The local WiFi hardware control data channel is connected to the local second conversion layer and is used to send local WiFi hardware control data to the local second conversion layer; and / or,

[0040] The local WiFi hardware event reporting data channel is connected to the local second conversion layer and is used to receive local WiFi hardware event reporting data sent by the local second conversion layer.

[0041] Optionally, the local WiFi module includes a local WiFi media access layer and a local WiFi network card, wherein:

[0042] The local upper layer and the local first conversion layer run in the first process, while the local second conversion layer and the local WiFi media access layer run in the second process. A communication channel exists between the first process and the second process; or...

[0043] The local high layer runs in the third process, while the local first conversion layer, local second conversion layer, and local WiFi media access layer run in the fourth process. There is a communication channel between the third process and the fourth process.

[0044] Optionally, the base station is a fifth-generation communication base station (5G gNB). The local WiFi module and local conversion layer of the base station are arranged in the distribution unit (DU), and the local high layer of the base station is arranged in the central unit (CU). The base station connects to the core network through the local high layer.

[0045] Fifthly, the present invention provides a computer device including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and when the processor runs the computer program stored in the memory, the processor executes the data transmission method described above.

[0046] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the data transmission method described above.

[0047] This invention provides a data transmission method, a conversion layer device, a DU, a base station, a UE, a computer device, and a computer-readable storage medium. For a base station / UE that uses WiFi air interface radio frequency hardware instead of dedicated network communication air interface radio frequency hardware, an improved conversion layer is obtained based on its original functional layers. This conversion layer at least converts the data to be transmitted between the local and remote ends between higher-layer protocol formats and WiFi protocol formats, enabling this data to be sent and received through WiFi modules positioned opposite each other at both ends. This allows the network communication process to be completed through their respective higher-layer configurations, thereby reducing the cost of the base station / UE. Furthermore, this network communication process does not rely on licensed frequency bands. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the functional layers of a 5G network;

[0049] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a data transmission method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of a data transmission system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a conversion layer device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0053] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] It is understood that the specific embodiments and accompanying drawings described herein are merely for explaining the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0055] It is understood that, without conflict, the various embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0056] It is understood that, for ease of description, only the parts related to the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, while the parts unrelated to the present invention are not shown in the drawings.

[0057] It is understood that each unit or module involved in the embodiments of the present invention may correspond to only one entity structure, or may be composed of multiple entity structures, or multiple units or modules may be integrated into one entity structure.

[0058] It is understood that, without conflict, the functions and steps marked in the flowcharts and block diagrams of this invention may occur in a different order than that marked in the accompanying drawings.

[0059] It is understood that the flowcharts and block diagrams of this invention illustrate the possible architecture, functions, and operations of systems, apparatuses, devices, and methods according to various embodiments of the invention. Each block in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a unit, module, program segment, or code, containing executable instructions for implementing the specified function. Furthermore, each block or combination of blocks in the block diagram and flowchart can be implemented using a hardware-based system to achieve the specified function, or using a combination of hardware and computer instructions.

[0060] It is understood that the units and modules involved in the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented by software or by hardware. For example, the units and modules can be located in a processor.

[0061] To facilitate understanding of this invention, the functional layers of the 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology) network will be introduced first.

[0062] The functional layers of 5G networks are generally considered to be categorized as follows: Figure 1 The diagram shows three layers: L1, L2, and L3.

[0063] Layer L3 includes:

[0064] NAS (Non-access stratum): Used for session management, user management, security management, and billing;

[0065] RRC (Radio Resource Control): Used for system messaging, access control, security management, measurement and reporting, handover and mobility, NAS message transmission, and radio resource management;

[0066] Layer 2 is used to distinguish and identify different Layer 3 data and provide different services, including:

[0067] SDAP layer (Service Data Adaptation Protocol, used only by the user plane protocol stack) Figure 1 The diagram shows the control plane as an example: In SA (standalone) networking, the concept of radio bearer in 4G (fourth generation mobile communication technology) network is still used. However, in order to make the service implementation more refined, the transmission unit of the basic 5G service has been refined from the concept of bearer in the 4G era to QoS Flow (Quality of Service Flow). The function of the SDAP protocol stack is to complete the mapping between the radio bearer (DRB (Data Radio Bearer)) and the QoS Flow in 5GC (5G core network).

[0068] PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol): Transmits user plane and control plane data, maintains PDCP SN (serial number), routes and deduplication (dual connection scenario), encryption / decryption and integrity protection, reordering, supports out-of-order delivery, duplicate dropping, user plane ROHC (Robust Header Compression);

[0069] RLC (Radio Link Control): Error detection, AM (Acknowledged Mode) entity error correction ARQ (Automatic Retransmission reQuest); UM (Unacknowledged Mode) entity and AM entity segmentation and reassembly; AM entity resegmentation; AM entity duplicate packet detection;

[0070] MAC (Media Access Control): Mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing / demultiplexing, scheduling, HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest), and setting logical channel priorities;

[0071] Layer L1 is the physical layer, used to provide wireless resources and physical layer processing for data from higher layers, including:

[0072] PHY (Physical) scenario coding: control channel Polar code, traffic channel LDPC code; modulation: QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying), 16QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), 64QAM, 256QAM.

[0073] Layers L1, L2, and L3 correspond to the UE (User Equipment) and the 5G base station gNB (gNodeB, the next generation Node B). In layer L3, the UE's NAS corresponds to the NAS on the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) of the core network 5GC. The other layers correspond between the UE and the gNB. The base station's RRC connects to the NAS on the AMF, and the other layers are connected sequentially.

[0074] Example 1:

[0075] like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, Embodiment 1 of the present invention provides a data transmission method, the method comprising:

[0076] S21. The local first conversion layer of the base station / user equipment (UE) receives first higher layer protocol data from the local higher layer 3, converts the first higher layer protocol data into first WiFi protocol data, and sends it to the local WiFi module 1, so that the local WiFi module 1 sends the first WiFi protocol data to the peer WiFi module 1 of the UE / base station; and / or,

[0077] S22. The local first conversion layer of the base station / user equipment (UE) receives the second WiFi protocol data from the local WiFi module 1, converts the second WiFi protocol data into second higher layer protocol data, and sends it to the local higher layer 3. The second WiFi protocol data is received by the local WiFi module 1 from the peer WiFi module 1 of the UE / base station.

[0078] Specifically, in this embodiment, the method can be applied to, for example... Figure 3 The conversion layer 2 shown can also be applied to either the UE or the base station. The function of the conversion layer 2 can be implemented based on a dedicated device, or it can be combined with the WiFi module 1 and / or the higher layer 3 to form a single device. Figure 3 Compared to Figure 1The following improvements are required: replace the existing 5G air interface RF hardware of the PHY layer with a WiFi network card, improve the MAC layer to a WiFi MAC layer to enable control of WiFi network card driving, configuration, scanning, etc. The WiFi network card and WiFi MAC layer can be regarded as forming WiFi module 1. The conversion layer 2 interfaces the WiFi air interface protocol stack and the 5G higher layer protocol stack to achieve compatibility and adaptation between the 5G higher layer protocol stack and the WiFi air interface protocol stack. The higher layer 3 adopts the 5G terminal access authentication and session management scheme to the core network. The conversion layer 2 interfaces downwards with the WiFi MAC layer and upwards with the 5G higher-level protocol stack's RRC layer, PDCP layer, or other layers. Different interface schemes can be selected. However, considering the trend of separating the CU / DU (centralized unit / distributed unit) of the base station, the option 2 scheme is more widely accepted. This scheme separates the PDCP and RLC positions, deploying the protocol stack processing above the PDCP in the CU, and the protocol stack processing below the RLC in the DU / RRU (Remote Radio Unit). Therefore, in this embodiment, the interface between the 5G higher-level protocol stack and the WiFi air interface protocol stack is prioritized at the PDCP position. The resulting WiFi-type base station, which uses a WiFi network card to replace the 5G air interface, can form a DU with the conversion layer 2 and WiFi module 1, and interface with the CU composed of the higher-level layer 3. In this way, the CU can adopt the existing structure. The above describes the structural implementation of this invention. Based on the above structural improvements, a major task that this invention still needs to complete is how to implement the function of the conversion layer 2. The conversion layer 2 should at least achieve the following: converting the data to be transmitted between the local end (base station / UE) and the peer end (UE / base station) between the higher-layer protocol format and the WiFi protocol format, so that the data can be sent and received through the WiFi modules set at both ends, and then the network communication process can be completed through their respective higher layers, thereby reducing the cost of the base station / UE, and the network communication process does not rely on licensed frequency bands. The above method realizes that the air interface between the 5G UE and the 5G base station is implemented using WiFi radio frequency units, and forms a complete 5G end-to-end system with 5GC. Based on this scheme, an end-to-end system from UE to DN (DataNet) through gNB and 5GC can be realized using mature, inexpensive, and unlicensed frequencies. It also supports the simultaneous access of standard 5G UEs and 5G base stations to the 5GC system, realizing unified management of the entire 5G network through 5GC.

[0079] Optionally, receiving first higher-layer protocol data from the local higher-layer 3 and converting the first higher-layer protocol data into first WiFi protocol data specifically includes:

[0080] Receive first higher-layer protocol data from the user plane data channel or control plane data channel of the local higher layer 3.

[0081] If the first higher-layer protocol data originates from the user plane data channel, a first Ethernet frame header containing a first distinguishing identifier is added to the front end of the first higher-layer protocol data to convert it into first WiFi protocol data.

[0082] If the first higher-layer protocol data comes from the control plane data channel, a second Ethernet frame header containing a second distinguishing identifier is added to the front end of the first higher-layer protocol data to convert it into first WiFi protocol data.

[0083] Specifically, in this embodiment, communication between the base station and the UE mainly involves the transmission and reception of user plane data and control plane data. The conversion layer 2 is responsible for transmitting, receiving, and converting uplink and downlink packets for user plane data, as well as uplink and downlink packets for control plane data. Additionally, the base station or UE also transmits air interface hardware events and underlying protocol stack events / control messages for its own WiFi module 1. This transmission process does not require sending data to the peer, but data conversion is still necessary. Therefore, the conversion layer 2 can be divided into a first conversion layer and a second conversion layer. The first conversion layer... This is used for: receiving user plane data from the Wi-Fi air interface and forwarding it to the user plane data channel of the 5G protocol stack; receiving data from the user plane data channel of the 5G protocol stack and sending it to the other end via the Wi-Fi air interface; receiving control plane data from the Wi-Fi air interface and forwarding it to the control plane data channel of the 5G protocol stack; and receiving data from the control plane data channel of the 5G protocol stack and sending it to the other end via the Wi-Fi air interface. At this point, data encapsulation (adding an Ethernet frame header during transmission) and de-streaming (distinguishing between 5G user plane data and control plane data based on the encapsulation identifier during reception) are required. The encapsulation scheme treats the original packet data as payload data, adds an Ethernet frame header before the data, and uses the protocol type number in the Ethernet frame header as the distinguishing identifier between user plane data and control plane data. For example, a protocol type of FLAG-A (e.g., 0x0A01) indicates that the packet is a 5G user plane packet, and a protocol type of FLAG-B (e.g., 0x0A02) indicates that the packet is 5G control plane data. The protocol type at this point is not a real Ethernet frame, but rather an "Ethernet frame" encapsulated with an Ethernet frame header from the original 5G message. The format is the same as the Ethernet frame header, so it can be transmitted normally via Wi-Fi. However, its actual meaning refers to the encapsulation method designed in this solution. Encapsulation corresponds to the local downlink data process. That is, the data is sent from the local higher layer 3 to the local first conversion layer. The local first conversion layer converts the data and sends it to the local Wi-Fi module 1. The local Wi-Fi module 1 then sends the received data to the peer Wi-Fi module 1. After receiving the data, the peer Wi-Fi module 1 performs the uplink data process, which requires data splitting during the uplink process.

[0084] Optionally, the second WiFi protocol data is converted into second higher-layer protocol data and then sent to the local higher layer, specifically including:

[0085] Obtain and remove the Ethernet frame header at the beginning of the second WiFi protocol data to convert the second WiFi protocol data into second higher-layer protocol data.

[0086] If the Ethernet frame header contains a first distinguishing identifier, the second higher-layer protocol data is sent to the user plane data receive queue of the local higher layer.

[0087] If a second distinguishing identifier is detected in the Ethernet frame header, the second higher-layer protocol data is sent to the control plane data receive queue of the local higher layer.

[0088] Specifically, in this embodiment, the traffic offloading scheme is as follows: after the first conversion layer receives the data, it removes the encapsulated Ethernet frame header to obtain the payload data. At the same time, it also needs to identify the distinguishing identifier in the Ethernet frame header, namely the protocol type field, to determine whether the data is user plane data or control plane data. If it is user plane data, the obtained payload data is sent to the 5G user plane data receiving queue; if it is control plane data, the obtained payload data is sent to the 5G control plane data receiving queue.

[0089] Optionally, before converting the first higher-layer protocol data into first WiFi protocol data, the method further includes:

[0090] The protocol type of the first differentiation identifier in the first Ethernet frame header is bound using a first raw socket, and the protocol type of the second differentiation identifier in the second Ethernet frame header is bound using a second raw socket;

[0091] Receive second WiFi protocol data from the local WiFi module, specifically including:

[0092] By respectively activating the first raw socket and the second raw socket to listen to the local WiFi module, the second WiFi protocol data encapsulated by the other end using the first Ethernet frame header or the second Ethernet frame header is received.

[0093] Specifically, in this embodiment, user plane and control plane data are implemented using two different raw sockets. User plane data from the 5G protocol stack is encapsulated with an Ethernet frame header and sent to the peer via the Wi-Fi network card through the first raw socket. When receiving Wi-Fi data, the first raw socket is activated to listen to the virtual network card corresponding to the Wi-Fi network card (a virtual network card is created in the Linux system after the Wi-Fi driver is loaded for sending and receiving data), bound to protocol number FLAG-A. It receives all Wi-Fi media data of protocol type FLAG-A from the Wi-Fi network card. After receiving the data, the encapsulated Ethernet frame header is removed, and the payload data is sent to the 5G user plane data receiving queue. Control plane data corresponds to the second raw socket, and the process is similar to the user plane data transmission and reception process, except that the protocol type field of the bound Ethernet frame header is different from FLAG-A and changed to FLAG-B. Alternatively, a single raw socket can be used to receive and send all packets, and the function can distinguish between FLAG-A and FLAG-B for processing.

[0094] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0095] The local second conversion layer, configured at the base station / UE, receives local WiFi hardware control data from higher layers, converts the local WiFi hardware control data, and sends it to the local WiFi module so that the local WiFi module can perform local WiFi hardware control based on the converted local WiFi hardware control data; and / or,

[0096] The local second conversion layer set at the base station / UE receives local WiFi hardware event reporting data from the local WiFi module, converts the local WiFi hardware event reporting data, and sends it to the local higher layer.

[0097] Specifically, in this embodiment, the management and monitoring of WiFi hardware also require the establishment of a WiFi network card control channel. This channel enables the reporting of WiFi hardware events and the reception and transmission of WiFi hardware control data between the upper layer 3 and the WiFi module 1. The WiFi module 1 senses hardware events of the WiFi network card, such as signal strength, and after conversion by the second conversion layer of the conversion layer 2, the events are sent to the 5G upper layer protocol stack. The upper layer 3 encapsulates the WiFi network card hardware control interface based on the WiFi network card driver and the nl80211 abstract model, implementing hardware control interfaces related to 5G services, such as WiFi network card initialization, AP (Access Point) hotspot startup, scanning, and connection to designated networks.

[0098] Optionally, the local WiFi module includes a local WiFi media access layer and a local WiFi network card, and the method further includes:

[0099] The base station / UE initiates a first process to run the local higher layer and the local first conversion layer, and initiates a second process to run the local second conversion layer and the local WiFi media access layer, establishing communication between the first process and the second process; or...

[0100] The base station / UE initiates a third process to run the local higher layers, and initiates a fourth process to run the local first conversion layer, local second conversion layer and local WiFi media access layer, and establishes communication between the third process and the fourth process.

[0101] Specifically, in this embodiment, software implementation can also be used at either the base station or the UE. Figure 3 The functions of the mid-to-high layer 3, conversion layer 2 (including the first and second conversion layers), and the WiFi MAC layer, since the 5G protocol stack is the original 5G protocol stack, usually need to consider the compatibility between the newly added WiFi network card and the original 5G protocol stack during implementation. When implementing in software, from a performance perspective, user plane data transmission, control plane data transmission, and WiFi network card control channels can be separated. That is, user plane data transmission and control plane data transmission are integrated into a 5G function process M, and the control of the WiFi network card (initialization, configuration, scanning, etc.) is implemented through the hardware configuration module process N. The configuration of the WiFi network card and the notification of WiFi network card events by the 5G protocol stack are realized through inter-process communication between M and N. From the perspective of modular implementation and minimizing the impact on existing software, user plane data transmission, control plane data transmission, and WiFi network card control channels can be merged. That is, user plane data and control plane data are implemented by accessing the virtual device of the WiFi network card through raw sockets. The data path and control of the WiFi network card are implemented according to an independent process X. The 5G protocol stack (process Y) communicates with process X through inter-process communication to realize data communication, configuration, and event awareness through the WiFi network card.

[0102] Embodiment 1 of the present invention provides a data transmission method in which the air interface between the 5G UE and the 5G base station is replaced by a Wi-Fi radio frequency unit instead of the 5G air interface protocol stack, and the functions of L1 and part of L2 layers are improved. The L3 layer retains the characteristics of the 5G protocol stack and can be used to expand the capacity of the 5G wireless channel and to simulate the 5G system through Wi-Fi (low cost, unlicensed frequency band).

[0103] Example 2:

[0104] like Figure 4 As shown, Embodiment 2 of the present invention provides a local conversion layer device disposed in a base station / user equipment (UE), the local conversion layer device comprising:

[0105] The downlink data module 21 is configured to receive first higher-layer protocol data from the local layer, convert the first higher-layer protocol data into first WiFi protocol data, and send it to the local WiFi module so that the local WiFi module can send the first WiFi protocol data to the peer WiFi module of the UE / base station; and / or,

[0106] The data uplink module 22 is used to receive second WiFi protocol data from the local WiFi module, convert the second WiFi protocol data into second higher layer protocol data, and send it to the local higher layer. The second WiFi protocol data is received by the local WiFi module from the peer WiFi module of the UE / base station.

[0107] Optionally, the data downlink module 21 specifically includes:

[0108] The receiving unit is used to receive first higher-layer protocol data from the user plane data channel or control plane data channel of the local higher layer.

[0109] A first conversion unit, connected to a receiving unit, is configured to, if the first higher-layer protocol data originates from a user plane data channel, add a first Ethernet frame header containing a first distinguishing identifier to the front end of the first higher-layer protocol data to convert it into first WiFi protocol data, or...

[0110] If the first higher-layer protocol data comes from the control plane data channel, a second Ethernet frame header containing a second distinguishing identifier is added to the front end of the first higher-layer protocol data to convert it into first WiFi protocol data.

[0111] Optionally, the data uplink module 22 specifically includes:

[0112] The second conversion unit is used to acquire and remove the Ethernet frame header from the front end of the second WiFi protocol data, so as to convert the second WiFi protocol data into second higher-layer protocol data.

[0113] The transmitting unit, connected to the second conversion unit, is configured to, if it detects that the Ethernet frame header contains a first distinguishing identifier, send the second higher-layer protocol data to the user plane data receive queue of the local higher layer, or...

[0114] If a second distinguishing identifier is detected in the Ethernet frame header, the second higher-layer protocol data is sent to the control plane data receive queue of the local higher layer.

[0115] Optionally, the data downlink module 21 also includes:

[0116] A binding unit is used to bind the protocol type of the first differentiation identifier in the first Ethernet frame header using a first raw socket, and to bind the protocol type of the second differentiation identifier in the second Ethernet frame header using a second raw socket;

[0117] The data uplink module 22 also includes:

[0118] The listening unit is used to listen to the local WiFi module by respectively activating the first raw socket and the second raw socket, and to receive the second WiFi protocol data encapsulated by the other end using the first Ethernet frame header or the second Ethernet frame header.

[0119] Optionally,

[0120] The data downlink module 21 is further configured to receive local WiFi hardware control data from a higher layer on the local end, convert the local WiFi hardware control data, and send it to the local WiFi module so that the local WiFi module can perform local WiFi hardware control based on the converted local WiFi hardware control data; and / or,

[0121] The data uplink module 22 is also used to receive local WiFi hardware event reporting data from the local WiFi module, and after converting the local WiFi hardware event reporting data, send it to the local higher layer.

[0122] Example 3:

[0123] like Figure 3 As shown, Embodiment 3 of the present invention provides a distribution unit (DU) that can be installed in a base station, the DU comprising:

[0124] As described in Example 2, local conversion layer 2;

[0125] The local WiFi module 1 is connected to the local conversion layer 2 and is used to receive first WiFi protocol data from the local conversion layer 2 and send second WiFi protocol data to the local conversion layer 2.

[0126] Optionally, the local conversion layer 2 includes:

[0127] The first conversion layer on this end is used to convert user plane data and control plane data;

[0128] The local second conversion layer is used to convert local WiFi hardware control data and local WiFi hardware event reporting data.

[0129] Local WiFi module 1 includes a local WiFi media access layer and a local WiFi network card.

[0130] Example 4:

[0131] like Figure 3As shown, Embodiment 4 of the present invention provides a base station / user equipment (UE). The base station / UE includes a local WiFi module 1, a local conversion layer 2, and a local high layer 3. The local WiFi module 1 is connected to the local conversion layer 2, the local conversion layer 2 is connected to the local high layer 3, and the local WiFi module 1 of the base station / UE is connected to the peer WiFi module 1 of the UE / base station. The local conversion layer 2 is as described in Embodiment 2.

[0132] Optionally, the local conversion layer 2 includes a local first conversion layer, and the local higher layer 3 includes:

[0133] The local user plane data channel is connected to the local first conversion layer and is used to send local user plane data to the local first conversion layer, or to receive peer user plane data sent by the local first conversion layer; and / or,

[0134] The local control plane data channel is connected to the local first conversion layer and is used to send local control plane data to the local first conversion layer or receive remote control plane data sent by the local first conversion layer.

[0135] Optionally, the local conversion layer 2 further includes a local second conversion layer, and the local higher layer 3 further includes:

[0136] The local WiFi hardware control data channel is connected to the local second conversion layer and is used to send local WiFi hardware control data to the local second conversion layer; and / or,

[0137] The local WiFi hardware event reporting data channel is connected to the local second conversion layer and is used to receive local WiFi hardware event reporting data sent by the local second conversion layer.

[0138] Optionally, the local WiFi module 1 includes a local WiFi media access layer and a local WiFi network card, wherein:

[0139] The local high-level layer 3 and the local first conversion layer run in the first process, while the local second conversion layer and the local WiFi media access layer run in the second process. A communication channel exists between the first process and the second process; or...

[0140] The local high layer 3 runs in the third process, while the local first conversion layer, local second conversion layer, and local WiFi media access layer run in the fourth process. There is a communication channel between the third process and the fourth process.

[0141] Optionally, the base station is a fifth-generation communication base station 5G gNB. The local WiFi module 1 and local conversion layer 2 of the base station are arranged in the distribution unit DU, and the local high layer 3 of the base station is arranged in the central unit CU. The base station connects to the core network through the local high layer 3.

[0142] Example 5:

[0143] like Figure 5 As shown, Embodiment 5 of the present invention provides a computer device, including a memory 10 and a processor 20. The memory 10 stores a computer program. When the processor 20 runs the computer program stored in the memory 10, the processor 20 executes the data transmission method as described in Embodiment 1.

[0144] The memory 10 is connected to the processor 20. The memory 10 can be a flash memory, a read-only memory, or another type of memory. The processor 20 can be a central processing unit or a microcontroller.

[0145] Example 6:

[0146] Embodiment 6 of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon. When the computer program is run by a processor, it implements the data transmission method as described in Embodiment 1.

[0147] The computer-readable storage medium includes volatile or non-volatile, removable or non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, computer program modules, or other data). Computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), DVD or other optical disc storage, cartridges, magnetic tapes, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and is accessible to a computer.

[0148] Embodiments 1-6 of this invention provide a data transmission method, a conversion layer device, a DU, a base station, a UE, a computer device, and a computer-readable storage medium. For a base station / UE that uses WiFi air interface radio frequency hardware instead of dedicated air interface radio frequency hardware for network communication, an improved conversion layer is obtained based on its original functional layers. The conversion layer at least realizes the conversion between the local end and the peer end of the data to be transmitted between the higher-layer protocol format and the WiFi protocol format, so that the data can be transmitted and received through the WiFi modules set at opposite ends, and then the network communication process is completed through the respective set higher layers, thereby reducing the cost of the base station / UE, and the network communication process does not rely on licensed frequency bands.

[0149] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary implementations used to illustrate the principles of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A data transmission method, characterized in that, The method includes: The local first conversion layer at the base station / user equipment (UE) receives first higher-layer protocol data from the local higher layer, encapsulates the first higher-layer protocol data as payload data into an Ethernet frame header, converts it into first WiFi protocol data, and sends it to the local WiFi module, so that the local WiFi module can send the first WiFi protocol data to the peer WiFi module of the UE / base station; and / or, The local first conversion layer of the base station / user equipment (UE) receives the second WiFi protocol data from the local WiFi module, removes the encapsulated Ethernet frame header from the second WiFi protocol data to obtain the payload data, converts it into the second higher layer protocol data, and sends it to the local higher layer. The second WiFi protocol data is received by the local WiFi module from the peer WiFi module of the UE / base station. The method further includes: The local second conversion layer at the base station / UE receives local WiFi hardware control data from higher layers, converts the local WiFi hardware control data, and sends it to the local WiFi module so that the local WiFi module can perform local WiFi hardware control based on the converted local WiFi hardware control data; and / or, The local second conversion layer set at the base station / UE receives local WiFi hardware event reporting data from the local WiFi module, converts the local WiFi hardware event reporting data, and sends it to the local higher layer; The method further includes: The base station / UE integrates user plane data transmission and control plane data transmission into a single 5G function process M. The control of the Wi-Fi NIC is implemented through a hardware configuration module process N, and the 5G protocol stack configures the Wi-Fi NIC and notifies it of events via inter-process communication between M and N; or... The base station / UE accesses the virtual device of the Wi-Fi network card through raw sockets to transmit user plane data and control plane data. The data path and control of the Wi-Fi network card are implemented according to an independent process X. The 5G protocol stack process Y communicates with the X process through inter-process communication to realize data communication, configuration and event awareness through the Wi-Fi network card. The peer end is the UE / base station. The base station / UE includes the local conversion layer, the local WIFI module, and the local higher layer. The local first conversion layer and the local second conversion layer constitute the local conversion layer. The local conversion layer connects upward to the packet data aggregation protocol layer PDCP of the local higher layer. The PDCP and above of the local higher layer adopt the existing structure. The base station connects to the core network through the local higher layer. The local conversion layer connects downward to the WiFi MAC layer of the local WIFI module. The WiFi MAC layer of the local WIFI module realizes the control of the WiFi network card.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Receive first higher-layer protocol data from the local higher layer, encapsulate the first higher-layer protocol data as payload data into an Ethernet frame header, and convert it into first WiFi protocol data. Specifically, this includes: Receives first higher-layer protocol data from the user plane data channel or control plane data channel of the local higher layer. If the first higher-layer protocol data originates from the user plane data channel, a first Ethernet frame header containing a first distinguishing identifier is added to the front end of the first higher-layer protocol data to convert it into first WiFi protocol data. If the first higher-layer protocol data comes from the control plane data channel, a second Ethernet frame header containing a second distinguishing identifier is added to the front end of the first higher-layer protocol data to convert it into first WiFi protocol data.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, After removing the Ethernet frame header from the second WiFi protocol data to obtain the payload data, converting it into second higher-layer protocol data, and sending it to the local higher layer, the process includes: Obtain and remove the Ethernet frame header at the beginning of the second WiFi protocol data to convert the second WiFi protocol data into second higher-layer protocol data. If the Ethernet frame header contains a first distinguishing identifier, the second higher-layer protocol data is sent to the user plane data receive queue of the local higher layer. If a second distinguishing identifier is detected in the Ethernet frame header, the second higher-layer protocol data is sent to the control plane data receive queue of the local higher layer.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Before encapsulating the first higher-layer protocol data as payload data into the Ethernet frame header and converting it into first WiFi protocol data, the method further includes: The protocol type of the first differentiation identifier in the first Ethernet frame header is bound using a first raw socket, and the protocol type of the second differentiation identifier in the second Ethernet frame header is bound using a second raw socket; Receive second WiFi protocol data from the local WiFi module, specifically including: By respectively activating the first raw socket and the second raw socket to listen to the local WiFi module, the second WiFi protocol data encapsulated by the other end using the first Ethernet frame header or the second Ethernet frame header is received.

5. A base station / user equipment (UE), characterized in that, The base station / UE includes a local WiFi module, a local conversion layer, and a local higher layer. The local WiFi module is connected to the local conversion layer, the local conversion layer is connected to the local higher layer, and the local WiFi module of the base station / UE is connected to the peer WiFi module of the UE / base station, for performing the data transmission method as described in any one of claims 1-4.

6. The base station / UE according to claim 5, characterized in that, The local conversion layer includes the local first conversion layer, and the higher layers of the local layer include: The local user plane data channel is connected to the local first conversion layer and is used to send local user plane data to the local first conversion layer, or to receive peer user plane data sent by the local first conversion layer; and / or, The local control plane data channel is connected to the local first conversion layer and is used to send local control plane data to the local first conversion layer or receive remote control plane data sent by the local first conversion layer.

7. The base station / UE according to claim 6, characterized in that, The local conversion layer also includes a local second conversion layer, and the higher layers of the local layer also include: The local WiFi hardware control data channel is connected to the local second conversion layer and is used to send local WiFi hardware control data to the local second conversion layer; and / or, The local WiFi hardware event reporting data channel is connected to the local second conversion layer and is used to receive local WiFi hardware event reporting data sent by the local second conversion layer.

8. A computer device, characterized in that, It includes a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and when the processor runs the computer program stored in the memory, the processor performs the data transmission method as described in any one of claims 1-4.

9. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the data transmission method as described in any one of claims 1-4.

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