Communication method and communication network

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and a communication network. The communication method comprises the following steps: a network management server receives a first data record sent by a WiFi probe, wherein the first data record comprises related parameters of a first data frame transmitted by a first device in a WiFi network through an unlicensed spectrum resource in a target time period; updating the target data table based on the first data record; determining a target transmission probability corresponding to a third data frame to be transmitted in the first network based on the updated target data table; and the UPF and the base station transmit the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resource based on the target transmission probability. According to the communication method, the contention of the unlicensed spectrum resources between the NR-U and the WiFi network is effectively reduced, the use performance of the WiFi network is ensured, the transmission success rate of the NR-U for transmitting the data frames through the unlicensed spectrum resources is improved, meanwhile, firmware upgrading of the 5G terminal and the 5G base station is avoided, and deployment of the NR-U is simplified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and a communication network. Background Art

[0002] With the development of the fifth generation mobile communication technology (5G), how to improve network coverage and communication efficiency within limited spectrum resources has become an important issue. New Radio Unlicensed (NR-U) technology aims to use unlicensed frequency bands (such as 2.4GHz and 5GHz) to share unlicensed spectrum resources with WiFi networks and expand the coverage of 5G networks.

[0003] In the related technology, in order to improve the performance of NR-U in the unlicensed frequency band, the frame structure and physical layer process are enhanced; in this case, the chip firmware of the existing 5G terminals and 5G base stations needs to be upgraded to support the NR-U function. However, the chip firmware upgrade of 5G terminals and 5G base stations is complex and difficult, which brings significant challenges to the actual deployment and implementation of NR-U. In addition, if the chip firmware of 5G terminals and 5G base stations is not upgraded, the features of NR-U cannot be effectively supported. Since the Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) network also works in the unlicensed frequency band, the 5G network will excessively compete with the WiFi network for wireless resources in the unlicensed frequency band, increase channel congestion, and seriously affect the performance of the WiFi network.

[0004] Therefore, how to ensure that NR-U and WiFi networks can use unlicensed spectrum resources together without interfering with each other while avoiding a large number of hardware upgrades for 5G terminals and 5G base stations has become an urgent problem to be solved in current 5G network technology. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and a communication network to solve the problem in the prior art that, if the 5G terminal and the 5G base station are not upgraded, the 5G network will compete with the WiFi network for wireless resources in the unlicensed frequency band, thereby affecting the performance of the WiFi network.

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

[0007] The network management server receives a first data record sent by a WiFi probe; wherein the first data record is generated by the WiFi probe based on a first data frame, and the first data frame is a data frame transmitted by a first device in the WiFi network through an unlicensed spectrum resource within a target time period; the first data record includes relevant parameters of the first device transmitting the first data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resource;

[0008] The network management server updates the target data table based on the first data record to obtain an updated target data table; wherein the target data table includes at least one historical data record, and the historical data record is sent by the WiFi probe within the target time period; the historical data record includes relevant parameters of the second data frame transmitted by the second device in the WiFi network through the unlicensed spectrum resources;

[0009] The network management server determines, based on the updated target data table, a target transmission probability corresponding to a third data frame to be transmitted in the first network; wherein the target transmission probability is used to indicate a probability that the first network successfully transmits the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources within the target time period;

[0010] The network management server sends the target transmission probability to the user plane function UPF and the base station in the first network respectively, so that the UPF and the base station transmit the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability.

[0011] In a possible design, the first data record includes a first timestamp and a first transmission duration, and an identifier of the first device; wherein the first timestamp is generated by the WiFi probe when the first data frame is detected; the first transmission duration is the duration of the first device transmitting the first data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources;

[0012] The historical data record includes a second timestamp and a second transmission duration, and an identifier of the second device; wherein the second timestamp is generated by the WiFi probe when it monitors the second data frame; and the second transmission duration is the duration for the second device to transmit the second data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0013] In a possible design, the network management server updates the target data table based on the first data record to obtain an updated target data table, including:

[0014] The network management server determines whether there is a matching record in the target data table based on the first timestamp and the identifier of the first device;

[0015] When the matching record exists in the target data table, the network management server updates the second transmission duration of the matching record to a third transmission duration to obtain the updated target data table; wherein the third transmission duration is the maximum transmission duration of the first transmission duration and the second transmission duration of the matching record;

[0016] When the matching record does not exist in the target data table, the network management server generates the matching record based on the first timestamp, the first transmission duration and the identifier of the first device to obtain the updated target data table.

[0017] In one possible design, the network management server determines, based on the updated target data table, a target transmission probability corresponding to a third data frame to be transmitted in the first network, including:

[0018] The network management server determines the target transmission duration corresponding to each of the multiple target moments in the target time period according to all the data records corresponding to the target time period in the updated target data table; wherein the target transmission duration corresponding to the target moment is the maximum transmission duration in all the data records corresponding to the target moment;

[0019] The network management server determines a ratio of a sum of target transmission durations corresponding to the multiple target moments to the target time period;

[0020] The network management server determines that the difference between the first constant and the ratio is a first transmission probability;

[0021] The network management server determines a target transmission probability corresponding to the third data frame according to a maximum value between the first transmission probability and a preset transmission probability.

[0022] In one possible design, the network management server sends the target transmission probability to a user plane function UPF and a base station in the first network, respectively, including:

[0023] The network management server sends a first message to the UPF through the network open function NEF in the first network; wherein the first message carries the target transmission probability, and the first message is used to instruct the UPF to transmit the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability when receiving the third data frame sent by the external network;

[0024] When the network management server receives the first response sent by the UPF based on the first message, the second message is sent to the base station; wherein the first response is used to indicate that the UPF has successfully received the target transmission probability; the second message carries the target transmission probability; the second message is used to indicate that when the base station receives the transmission request for the third data frame sent by the user equipment UE, the base station transmits the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability.

[0025] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, including: a UPF receives a target transmission probability corresponding to a third data frame to be transmitted in a first network sent by a network management server; wherein the target transmission probability is determined by the network management server based on an updated target data table, and the target transmission probability is used to indicate the probability that the first network successfully transmits the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources within a target time period; the updated target data table is obtained by the network management server updating the target data table based on a first data record, and the first data record is generated by a WiFi probe based on a first data frame and sent to the network management server, and the first data frame is a data frame transmitted by a first device in the WiFi network through the unlicensed spectrum resources within the target time period, and the first data record includes relevant parameters of the first device transmitting the first data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources; the target data table includes at least one historical data record, and the historical data record is sent by the WiFi probe within the target time period; the historical data record includes relevant parameters of the second device in the WiFi network transmitting a second data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources;

[0026] The UPF transmits the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability.

[0027] In one possible design, the UPF transmits the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability, including:

[0028] The UPF generates a first random number when receiving the third data frame sent by the external network;

[0029] The UPF sends the third data frame to the base station when the first random number is less than or equal to the target transmission probability;

[0030] When the first random number is greater than the target transmission probability, the UPF starts a first timer, and when the first timer times out, it repeatedly executes the above steps of generating a first random number until the UPF successfully sends the third data frame to the base station.

[0031] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication method, including: a base station receives a target transmission probability corresponding to a third data frame to be transmitted in a first network sent by a network management server; wherein the target transmission probability is determined by the network management server based on an updated target data table, and the target transmission probability is used to indicate the probability that the first network successfully transmits the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources within a target time period; the updated target data table is obtained by the network management server updating the target data table based on a first data record, and the first data record is generated by a WiFi probe based on a first data frame and sent to the network management server, the first data frame is a data frame transmitted by a first device in the WiFi network through the unlicensed spectrum resources within the target time period, and the first data record includes relevant parameters of the first device transmitting the first data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources; the target data table includes at least one historical data record, and the historical data record is sent by the WiFi probe within the target time period; the historical data record includes relevant parameters of the second device in the WiFi network transmitting a second data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources;

[0032] The base station transmits the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability.

[0033] In one possible design, transmitting, by the base station, the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability includes:

[0034] When receiving the transmission request of the third data frame sent by the UE, the base station generates a second random number;

[0035] When the second random number is less than or equal to the target transmission probability, the base station sends a third message to the UE; wherein the third message is used to indicate that the base station allows the UE to transmit the third data frame to the base station;

[0036] When the first random number is greater than the target transmission probability, the base station sends a fourth message to the UE and starts a second timer; wherein the fourth message is used to instruct the base station to refuse the UE from transmitting the third data frame to the base station;

[0037] When the second timer times out, the base station cyclically executes the step of generating a second random number until the UE successfully transmits the third data frame to the base station.

[0038] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising: a module for executing the operations performed by the network management server in the aforementioned first aspect and any one of the methods of the first aspect.

[0039] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising: a module for executing the operations performed by the UPF in the aforementioned second aspect and any one of the methods described in the second aspect.

[0040] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising: a module for executing the operations performed by the base station in the aforementioned third aspect and any one of the methods described in the third aspect.

[0041] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication network, including: a WiFi probe, a network management server, a UPF, a base station, and a first network;

[0042] The WiFi probe is connected to the network management server, and the WiFi probe is used to send a first data record to the network management server; the network management server is connected to the UPF and the base station respectively through the first network;

[0043] The network management server is used to implement the method described in the first aspect or various possible designs of the first aspect;

[0044] The UPF is used to implement the method described in the second aspect or various possible designs of the second aspect;

[0045] The base station is used to implement the method described in the third aspect or various possible designs of the third aspect.

[0046] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides an electronic device, including: a memory and a processor;

[0047] The memory is configured to store computer program instructions;

[0048] The processor is configured to run the computer program instructions so that the electronic device implements the operations performed by the network management server in the first aspect, or implements the operations performed by the UPF in the second aspect, or implements the operations performed by the base station in the third aspect.

[0049] In the ninth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, and an electronic device runs the computer program product so that the electronic device implements the operations performed by the network management server in the first aspect, or implements the operations performed by the UPF in the second aspect, or implements the operations performed by the base station in the third aspect.

[0050] The communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application is as follows: first, a network management server receives a first data record sent by a WiFi probe, and based on the first data record, updates a target data table to obtain an updated target data table; the first data record includes relevant parameters of a first device in the WiFi network transmitting a first data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources within a target time period, and the target data table includes at least one historical data record, and the historical data record includes relevant parameters of a second device in the WiFi network transmitting a second data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources; secondly, the network management server determines a target transmission probability corresponding to a third data frame to be transmitted in the first network based on the updated target data table; the target transmission probability is used to indicate the probability that the first network successfully transmits the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources within the target time period; finally, the network management server sends the target transmission probability to the user plane function UPF and the base station in the first network respectively, so that the UPF and the base station transmit the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability. This communication method determines the target transmission probability of the third data frame according to the unlicensed spectrum resources occupied by the WiFi network in the target time period, and transmits the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability. This can effectively reduce the contention for unlicensed spectrum resources between the 5G NR-U network and the WiFi network, ensure the performance of the WiFi network, and improve the transmission success rate of the 5G NR-U network transmitting data frames through the unlicensed spectrum resources. At the same time, it avoids firmware upgrades for 5G terminals and 5G base stations, simplifies the deployment of the 5G NR-U network, and promotes the coexistence of the 5G NR-U network and the WiFi network. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a 5G local network provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 2 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of a network management server sending a target transmission probability to a UPF and a base station respectively provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a communication network provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0060] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by technicians in the technical field to which this application belongs; the terms used in the specification of the application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification, claims and drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0061] Reference to "embodiments" herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of the phrase "embodiments" in various locations in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It is explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0062] The term "and / or" in this article is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists, A and B can exist at the same time, and B exists. In addition, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0063] In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of this application or the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish different objects rather than to describe a specific order, and may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features.

[0064] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" and "at least two" mean more than two (including two). Similarly, "multiple groups" and "at least two groups" mean more than two groups (including two).

[0065] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" or "connection" can refer to not only physical connection, but also electrical connection or signal connection. For example, it can be directly connected, that is, physically connected, or indirectly connected through at least one intermediate element, as long as the circuit is connected, or it can be the internal connection of two elements; signal connection can refer to signal connection through a circuit or through a media medium, such as radio waves. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0066] In order to make those skilled in the art better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that different technical features in the present application can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0067] First, the terms involved in one or more embodiments of this specification are explained.

[0068] New Radio Unlicensed (NR-U) is a wireless communication technology that can use licensed and unlicensed spectrum (such as the 2.4GHz and 5GHz spectrum used by WiFi) to support communication of IoT devices.

[0069] Unlicensed spectrum resources refer to radio spectrum that can be freely used by the public or any device that complies with relevant technical specifications without applying for specific spectrum licenses from the government or communications regulatory agencies. Unlike licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum is usually designed for shared resources, which means that multiple users or devices can use the same frequency band at the same time without exclusive use rights. Unlicensed spectrum is mainly used for short-range, low-power wireless communication technologies, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, IoT devices, etc. Unlicensed spectrum resources mainly include 2.4GHz band, 5GHz band, 6GHz band, etc.

[0070] Terminal equipment, also known as user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc., is a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to users. For example, terminal equipment includes handheld devices with wireless connection functions, vehicle-mounted devices, etc. At present, terminal equipment can be: mobile phones, tablet computers, laptops, PDAs, mobile Internet devices (MID), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in unmanned driving, wireless terminals in remote surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, or wireless terminals in smart homes, etc.

[0071] The following is an introduction to the implementation background of the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0072] The 5G local network is built on 5G equipment, including 5G UE, 5G wireless base stations and 5G core network equipment. It is dedicated to the network owner, that is, the local user, and can be managed independently and is easy to deploy. The 5G local network can eliminate the dependence on wired equipment such as Ethernet, which is not only expensive and bulky, but also unable to connect a large number of mobile devices and personnel.

[0073] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a 5G local network provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1As shown, the 5G local network includes: Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), Network Data Repository Function (NRF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Unified Data Management Function (UDM), Application Function (AF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), 5G Radio Access Network (NG-RAN), User Plane Function (UPF), Data Network (DN) and UE.

[0074] It should be noted that Figure 1 The 5G local network shown is only an example. In actual scenarios, the 5G local network may include more or fewer network functional entities.

[0075] The network function entities in the 5G local network can communicate through the service interface. Specifically, the UE communicates with the NG-RAN through the Uu interface (the Uu interface is not shown in the figure), and the UE communicates with the AMF through the N1 interface. AMF communicates with NG-RAN through the N2 interface. NG-RAN communicates with UPF through the N3 interface. SMF communicates with UPF through the N4 interface. UPF communicates with DN through the N6 interface. NSSF, NEF, NRF, PCF, UDM, AF, AUSF, AMF, and SMF are respectively connected to the communication bus through their respective service interfaces. These network function entities can communicate with each other through their corresponding service interfaces and communication buses. Figure 1 The service interfaces provided by different network function entities are distinguished by the subscript of N, where the subscript is the name of the network function entity that provides the service interface.

[0076] 5G local networks can be configured locally, and the network owner has full control over the network, such as security, network resource usage, etc. The network owner can assign higher priority to critical devices to use network resources. Based on the advantages of 5G local networks, 5G local networks are widely used in various fields. And 5G local networks can be deployed in almost any park, enterprise building or public place, especially in specific areas where public 5G networks are deployed slowly, 5G local networks can be deployed quickly. For example, in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) scenario, sensors will be installed in factories to monitor environmental conditions, support quality control and customized manufacturing. Through the 5G local network, sensor data can be collected and analyzed to finely control all aspects of factory operations. It can transmit the analysis results to intelligent robots through the 5G local network to support product manufacturing or transportation of items in the factory area. With the help of 5G local networks, workers can wear lightweight augmented reality devices to complete equipment operations through virtual environments.

[0077] As an important supplement to licensed spectrum resources, unlicensed spectrum resources have always been the focus of mobile communication standardization. Although unlicensed spectrum resources cannot meet the quality requirements of the licensed field, they can serve as a supplement to the deployment of licensed spectrum resources. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) initiated a research project on NR-U based on the New Radio (NR) at the same time as the first phase (R15) of 5G standardization.

[0078] Unlicensed wireless transmissions must comply with spectrum control rules in various countries and regions. The most important of these control rules is the Listen Before Talk (LBT) mechanism. LBT technology is the key to ensure the coexistence of different technologies in unlicensed frequency bands.

[0079] NR-U technology studies the access mechanism for unlicensed spectrum use, and enhances the channels, signals and related processes that have been standardized for 5G NR for unlicensed frequency bands. These enhancements include the design of discovery signals, the design of uplink and downlink channels and signals, the enhancement of the initial access process, the enhancement of Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ), the enhancement of large bandwidth and the enhancement of pre-configuration.

[0080] The basic design of NR-U is based on the NR design and combines the regulatory requirements in unlicensed frequency bands. The physical layer design of NR-U follows the duplex mode, basic waveform, carrier bandwidth, subcarrier spacing, and frame structure configuration of NR. However, the frame structure, physical layer channel design, and basic physical layer processes have been enhanced.

[0081] For the enhancement of the frame structure: the frame structure enhancement of NR-U needs to take into account LBT and the maximum channel occupancy time. In the time dimension, the introduction of LBT makes the start time of channel transmission uncertain. In order to simply meet the maximum channel occupancy time requirement for a single data transmission, different design schemes can be used. NR-U adopts a data transmission that includes multiple uplink and downlink conversion points. Based on the existing frame structure design framework, NR-U specifically defines data structure indication methods initiated by the base station and initiated by the terminal. Through the relevant data structure indication, the base station and the terminal can know the start time, end time and uplink and downlink data structure of the data transmission. At the same time, the LBT method at the beginning of data transmission and each conversion point is also specified.

[0082] In the frequency dimension, the basic bandwidth of LBT is 20□MHz. In order to support a continuous bandwidth of 100□MHz on a single carrier, it is necessary to operate based on multiple LBT bandwidths on a continuous carrier.

[0083] For downlink design, there are multiple support methods based on the existing single-carrier bandwidth part (Bandwidth Part, BWP) design in NR. Taking into account factors such as coexistence, impact on standards and hardware implementation, the design of NR-U mainly supports the configuration of multiple BWPs in the downlink and the activation of one BWP, which is consistent with the NR design of R15. The bandwidth of the activated BWP can reach 100□MHz, including 20□MHz bandwidth of multiple LBTs. The base station performs LBT at different LBT bandwidths, and sends downlink data at the bandwidth where LBT succeeds.

[0084] For the uplink, based on the existing single-carrier BWP design in NR, there are also multiple ways to support the design of a single carrier greater than 20MHz. Similar to the downlink, taking various factors into consideration, the NR-U uplink design supports the configuration of multiple BWPs, with a single BWP activated. The UE can send PUSCH on the part where LBT succeeds on the activated BWP. Slightly different from the downlink, there are some restrictions on the UE's uplink transmission. When the activated BWP contains multiple LBT bandwidths, the LBT bandwidth for the base station to schedule the UE to send physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) data needs to be continuous in the frequency domain.

[0085] The physical process design in NR-U includes channel access process, initial access and mobility, as well as HARQ process enhancement and pre-configuration process enhancement.

[0086] (1) Channel access process

[0087] Unauthorized access needs to meet regulatory rules. When WiFi or other networks exist, NR-U needs to access the channel based on 20MHz LBT. LBT schemes in different situations need to be considered in NR-U. These situations include: LBT scheme sent by Demodulation Reference Signal (DRS), LBT scheme for data transmission triggered by base station, and LBT scheme for data transmission triggered by UE.

[0088] According to regulatory rules, NR-U supports three LBT methods, which are specifically defined as follows:

[0089] ①CAT1 LBT is used when the interval between the end of the previous data transmission and the subsequent data transmission is less than 16μs. The subsequent data is transmitted immediately without LBT.

[0090] ②CAT2 LBT is used for DRS transmission that meets certain conditions when the interval between the end of the previous data transmission and the subsequent data transmission is greater than or equal to 16μs and less than 25μs, or for frame-based equipment (FBE) transmission that meets certain conditions. Cat2 LBT is divided into two modes, namely Cat2 16μs LBT and Cat2 25μs LBT.

[0091] ③CAT4 LBT is used when the interval between two data transmissions is greater than 25μs and for all first data transmissions.

[0092] For the base station or UE to start data transmission, it is necessary to be based on Cat2 25μs LBT or Cat4 LBT. Cat2 25μs LBT is mainly used for DRS transmission. When DRS is sent alone or jointly with system messages, when the transmission period is less than 1 / 20 and the transmission length is less than 1ms, Cat2 25μs LBT is used. When DRS is sent alone or jointly with system messages, the transmission period is more than 1 / 20, or the transmission length is more than 1ms, only Cat4 LBT can be used. For other uplink or downlink initial data or signal transmission, it is based on Cat4 LBT.

[0093] (2) Initial access and mobility

[0094] In the initial access and mobility enhancement of NR-U, the main design idea is to reduce the number of times data and signals need to be sent, thereby avoiding the additional delay caused by LBT failure. Through the design of DRS, NR-U continuously sends SS / PBCH and RMSI together, which reduces the opportunity for separate data transmission and LBT. For channel access, NR R15 adopts the 4-step RACH method, and R16 enhances the 2-step RACH. NR-U can also use 2-step RACH for access, thereby reducing the number of data transmissions and access delays.

[0095] In terms of mobility, NR-U is mainly based on DRS, and defines the DRS Measurement Time Configuration (DMTCs). Radio Resource Management (RRM) and Radio Link Monitoring (RLM) measurements in unlicensed bands can be performed based on DMTCs. The measured signals can be DRS, Synchronization Signal (SS) / Physical Boardcast Channel (PBCH blocks), Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), etc.

[0096] (3) HARQ Enhancement

[0097] Due to the introduction of LBT, it is difficult to ensure the performance of HARQ feedback at fixed positions in NR. NR-U has made comprehensive enhancements to HARQ, including:

[0098] ①Support all downlink HARQ information to be fed back in one channel occupancy time (COT);

[0099] ②Support HARQ feedback in different COTs;

[0100] ③Multiple HARQ feedback based on grouping;

[0101] ④ Introduce the signaling of one-time feedback of positive feedback (Acknowledgement, ACK) / negative feedback (Negative Acknowledgement, NACK) information of all downlink HARQ processes;

[0102] ⑤ In the downlink control information (Downlink Control Information, DCI), ACK / NACK information of the uplink HARQ process can be sent.

[0103] During the standardization process, a lot of discussions were held on how to combine the above enhancements. A more representative one is how to support multiple feedback opportunities for one HARQ. Various companies have proposed multiple solutions, which is also the most heated part of the discussion. During the research stage, a variety of main solutions were summarized. The final standardized solution is that the base station notifies the UE to send the PDSCH of the previous COT or the HARQ feedback that needs to be fed back. The specific feedback time and resources of HARQ are given by another DCI. Overall, the enhancement of HARQ in NR-U is mainly based on multiple HARQ feedback of groups, and the combination of various solutions is considered in the implementation of standardization.

[0104] (4) Enhanced pre-configuration process

[0105] To enhance the uplink data transmission performance, NR supports two types (Type I and Type II) of pre-configured uplink data transmission. NR-U continues to support these two methods, but has been enhanced based on the characteristics of LBT required for unlicensed spectrum. These enhancements include:

[0106] ① Introduce uplink control information (UCI) indication in PUSCH to directly indicate HARQ identity number (IDentity, ID), new data indicator (NDI), redundancy version identity (RVID) and other information;

[0107] ② Introducing Downlink Feedback Information (DFI) to provide direct HARQ feedback for pre-configured uplink data transmission;

[0108] ③ Enhance the flexibility of uplink pre-configured time domain transmission.

[0109] In the design of UCI, not only information such as HARQ ID is included, but also some indication information of COT triggered by uplink is considered. For the design of DFI, the standardization also considered making HARQ indications while directly indicating retransmissions for the HARQ process indicated as NACK. However, considering that the retransmission based on pre-configured PUSCH can be based on pre-configured PUSCH or on the existing scheduling mechanism, the final standardization did not support this method. For enhanced flexibility in the time domain, NR-U can support pre-configured transmission of PUSCH for different TBs in multiple consecutive time slots, and the same transmission configuration is used in each time slot.

[0110] In summary, NR-U technology improves its performance in unlicensed frequency bands by enhancing the frame structure and physical layer processes. However, this enhanced design requires that the existing 5G terminals and 5G base stations must upgrade their chip firmware to support the functional features of NR-U. The chip firmware upgrade of 5G terminals and 5G base stations is complex and difficult, which brings significant challenges to the actual deployment and implementation of NR-U. Especially in large-scale commercial environments, the upgrade requirements of existing 5G terminals and 5G base stations may lead to a lot of cost and technical difficulties, which in turn affects the widespread application of 5G networks in unlicensed frequency bands.

[0111] In addition, if the chip firmware of 5G terminals and base stations is not upgraded, the features of NR-U cannot be effectively supported. Since WiFi networks also operate in unlicensed frequency bands, 5G networks will excessively compete with WiFi networks for wireless resources in unlicensed frequency bands, increasing channel congestion and seriously affecting the performance of WiFi networks.

[0112] Therefore, how to ensure that 5G networks do not compete with WiFi networks for unlicensed spectrum resources without upgrading 5G terminals and 5G base stations has become an urgent problem to be solved in current 5G network technology.

[0113] Based on the above problems, the present application provides a communication method, first, a network management server receives a first data record sent by a WiFi probe, and based on the first data record, updates a target data table to obtain an updated target data table; the first data record includes relevant parameters of a first device in a WiFi network transmitting a first data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources within a target time period, and the target data table includes at least one historical data record, and the historical data record includes relevant parameters of a second device in the WiFi network transmitting a second data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources; secondly, the network management server determines a target transmission probability corresponding to a third data frame to be transmitted in the first network based on the updated target data table; the target transmission probability is used to indicate the probability that the first network successfully transmits the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources within the target time period; finally, the network management server sends the target transmission probability to the user plane function UPF and the base station in the first network respectively, so that the UPF and the base station transmit the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability. The communication method determines the target transmission probability of the third data frame according to the unlicensed spectrum resources occupied by the WiFi network in the target time period, and transmits the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability. This can effectively reduce the contention for unlicensed spectrum resources between the 5G NR-U network and the WiFi network, ensure the performance of the WiFi network, and improve the transmission success rate of the 5G NR-U network transmitting data frames through the unlicensed spectrum resources. At the same time, it avoids firmware upgrades for 5G terminals and 5G base stations, simplifies the deployment of the 5G NR-U network, and promotes the coexistence of the 5G NR-U network and the WiFi network.

[0114] Next, some specific embodiments and drawings are used to describe in detail how the present application solves the problem that, when the 5G terminal and the 5G base station are not upgraded, the 5G network competes with the WiFi network for wireless resources in the unlicensed frequency band, affecting the performance of the WiFi network.

[0115] Figure 2 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 As shown, the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application specifically includes S201 to S204, and S201 to S204 are described in detail below.

[0116] S201. A network management server receives a first data record sent by a WiFi probe.

[0117] The network management server is a core component used to manage, monitor and control various devices and resources in the network. In the communication network, the network management server collects data from network devices, analyzes network performance, configures network parameters, and optimizes the use of network resources.

[0118] A WiFi probe is a device used to monitor and capture device communication data in a WiFi network. A WiFi probe can capture data frames transmitted by nearby WiFi devices in a WiFi network, collect relevant information about the data frames, and provide the relevant information about the data frames to a network management server.

[0119] The first data record is generated by the WiFi probe based on the first data frame, and the first data frame is a data frame transmitted by the first device in the WiFi network through unlicensed spectrum resources within the target time period.

[0120] It should be noted that the first device refers to any WiFi device connected to the WiFi network. The WiFi device may be a WiFi terminal or a wireless access point (Access Point, AP), which is not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0121] WiFi terminals refer to WiFi devices used by ordinary users, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc. WiFi terminals are connected to the Internet or local area network through WiFi networks, and WiFi terminals send data frames to APs or receive data frames from APs.

[0122] AP is a device that manages and provides wireless network access services, and is usually a functional module of a WiFi router. AP is responsible for managing the communication between WiFi terminals and WiFi networks, and is the core node for data transmission. AP can not only receive data frames from WiFi terminals, but also send data frames to WiFi terminals.

[0123] In this embodiment, the first device can be either a WiFi terminal on the user side or an AP on the network infrastructure side, and both the WiFi terminal and the AP will transmit data frames through unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0124] It should be noted that the target time period can be set by the user, and this embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0125] For example, the target time period is the time period between the start time A and the end time B. The start time A may be 12:00:00 on May 30, 2024, and the end time B may be 12:05:00 on May 30, 2024.

[0126] In this embodiment, the first data frame is a data frame within the target time period. The WiFi probe generates a first data record based on transmitting the first data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources within the target time period, which can avoid processing excessive data and reduce the computing power of the WiFi probe and the network management server.

[0127] The first data record includes relevant parameters of the first device transmitting the first data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0128] It should be noted that the first data frame includes various information such as channel, frame type, frame size, frame sequence number, frame transmission duration, identification of the first device, etc., and this embodiment does not make specific limitations on this.

[0129] After monitoring the first data frame transmitted by the first device through unlicensed spectrum resources, the WiFi probe can perform information extraction processing on the first data frame, generate a first data record corresponding to the first data frame, and send the first data record to the network management server so that the network management server receives the first data record.

[0130] In this embodiment, the first data record sent by the WiFi probe to the network management server includes relevant parameters of the first device transmitting the first data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources. Through the first data record, the network management server can grasp the usage of unlicensed spectrum resources in real time, and provide a reliable basis for dynamically adjusting the transmission strategy of the first network transmitting data frames through unlicensed spectrum resources, effectively avoiding the WiFi network and the first network from competing for unlicensed spectrum resources, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the WiFi network and the first network, and can effectively improve the utilization rate of unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0131] S202: The network management server updates the target data table based on the first data record to obtain an updated target data table.

[0132] The target data table includes at least one historical data record, which is sent by the WiFi probe within the target time period. The historical data record includes relevant parameters of the second data frame transmitted by the second device in the WiFi network through the unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0133] It should be noted that the target data table is a record table maintained by the network management server and contains data frames transmitted by the first device through unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0134] The second device refers to any WiFi device connected to the WiFi network. The second device may be a WiFi terminal or a wireless access point (Access Point, AP), which is not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0135] The second data frame includes channel information, frame type information, frame size information, frame sequence number information, frame transmission duration information, identification information of the second device, etc., which is not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0136] It should be noted that the relevant parameters of the second data frame included in the historical data record are consistent with the relevant parameters of the first data frame included in the first data record, so that the network management server can efficiently and accurately obtain the updated target data table, and the updated target data table always reflects the current and historical unlicensed spectrum resource occupancy. This method effectively simplifies the data processing and update process, improves the management efficiency of the network management server, and ensures that the transmission strategy of the first network determined by the subsequent network management server to transmit data frames through unlicensed spectrum resources is more reliable.

[0137] In this embodiment, the network management server updates the target data table through the first data record to ensure that the target data table accurately reflects the real-time usage of the WiFi network in the unlicensed spectrum resources, so that the network management server can obtain the latest unlicensed spectrum resource occupancy information, and provide a basis for the subsequent transmission strategy of the first network for data frame transmission through the unlicensed spectrum resources, effectively avoiding the first network and the WiFi network from competing for the unlicensed spectrum resources, thereby improving the success rate of the first network for data frame transmission through the unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0138] S203: The network management server determines a target transmission probability corresponding to a third data frame to be transmitted in the first network based on the updated target data table.

[0139] The target transmission probability is used to indicate the probability of the first network successfully transmitting the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources within the target time period.

[0140] It should be noted that the first network may be a 2G communication network corresponding to the second generation mobile communication technology (2G), a 3G communication network corresponding to the third generation mobile communication technology (3G), a 4G communication network corresponding to the fourth generation mobile communication technology (4G), a 5G communication network, or other existing or future wireless communication networks. The communication network may include, but is not limited to, a global system of mobile communication (GSM), a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, a long term evolution (LTE) system, a 5G system, etc., and this embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0141] In this embodiment, the first network is a communication network corresponding to the 5G NR-U network.

[0142] It should be noted that the target transmission probability is calculated based on the unlicensed spectrum resources currently occupied by the WiFi network; if the WiFi network currently occupies more unlicensed spectrum resources, the target transmission probability is smaller, and the UPF and the base station will choose not to transmit the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources based on the smaller target transmission probability; if the WiFi network currently occupies fewer unlicensed spectrum resources, the target transmission probability is larger, and the UPF and the base station will choose to transmit the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources based on the larger target transmission probability.

[0143] In this embodiment, the network management server can determine the success rate of the 5G NR-U network in transmitting the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources based on the updated target data table, thereby helping the 5G NR-U network to avoid competing with the WiFi network for unlicensed spectrum resources while improving the utilization rate of the 5G NR-U network for unlicensed spectrum resources, thereby improving the transmission success rate of the third data frame to be transmitted in the 5G NR-U network.

[0144] S204, the network management server sends the target transmission probability to the user plane function UPF and the base station in the first network respectively, so that the UPF and the base station transmit the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability. Correspondingly, the UPF and the base station receive the target transmission probability respectively.

[0145] The network management server sends the target transmission probability to the user plane function UPF and the base station in the first network respectively, and correspondingly, the UPF and the base station receive the target transmission probability sent by the network management server.

[0146] It should be noted that after receiving the target transmission probability sent by the network management server, the UPF and the base station can decide whether to transmit the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability.

[0147] In this embodiment, the network management server sends the target transmission probability to the UPF and the base station, so that the UPF and the base station intelligently adjust the data transmission behavior of the third data frame based on the target transmission probability, thereby ensuring that the 5G NR-U network performs efficient data transmission on unlicensed spectrum resources, reducing the conflict between the 5G NR-U network and the WiFi network on unlicensed spectrum resources, improving the transmission success rate of the third data frame, and optimizing the utilization efficiency of unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0148] The communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application is as follows: first, a network management server receives a first data record sent by a WiFi probe, and based on the first data record, updates a target data table to obtain an updated target data table; the first data record includes relevant parameters of a first device in the WiFi network transmitting a first data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources within a target time period, and the target data table includes at least one historical data record, and the historical data record includes relevant parameters of a second device in the WiFi network transmitting a second data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources; secondly, the network management server determines a target transmission probability corresponding to a third data frame to be transmitted in the first network based on the updated target data table; the target transmission probability is used to indicate the probability that the first network successfully transmits the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources within the target time period; finally, the network management server sends the target transmission probability to the user plane function UPF and the base station in the first network respectively, so that the UPF and the base station transmit the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability. The communication method determines the target transmission probability of the third data frame according to the unlicensed spectrum resources occupied by the WiFi network in the target time period, and transmits the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability. This can effectively reduce the contention for unlicensed spectrum resources between the 5G NR-U network and the WiFi network, ensure the performance of the WiFi network, and improve the transmission success rate of the 5G NR-U network transmitting data frames through the unlicensed spectrum resources. At the same time, it avoids firmware upgrades for 5G terminals and 5G base stations, simplifies the deployment of the 5G NR-U network, and promotes the coexistence of the 5G NR-U network and the WiFi network.

[0149] In the above embodiment, the first data record includes the relevant parameters of the first data frame transmitted by the first device through the unlicensed spectrum resources, and the historical data record includes the relevant parameters of the second data frame transmitted by the second device in the WiFi network through the unlicensed spectrum resources. Next, the contents of the first data record and the historical data record are described in detail.

[0150] In a possible embodiment, the first data record includes a first timestamp and a first transmission duration, and an identifier of the first device.

[0151] The first timestamp is generated when the WiFi probe detects the first data frame.

[0152] It should be noted that the first timestamp is a time point generated when the WiFi probe detects the first data frame. The first timestamp is used to mark the exact time when the first device transmits the first data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0153] In this embodiment, the first timestamp can help the network management server determine when the first device occupied the unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0154] The first transmission duration is the duration for the first device to transmit the first data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0155] It should be noted that the first transmission duration indicates the time that the first device occupies the unlicensed spectrum resources when transmitting the first data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0156] In this embodiment, the first transmission duration can help the network management server determine the amount of time the first device occupies unlicensed spectrum resources, so as to provide a reference for determining the target transmission probability corresponding to the third data frame in the 5G NR-U network.

[0157] Among them, the identifier of the first device can be the media access control address (MAC) of the first device, or the Internet Protocol Address (IP) of the first device, or the serial number of the first device and other information that can uniquely identify the first device. This embodiment does not make any specific limitations on this.

[0158] It should be noted that the identifier of the first device is used to uniquely identify the first device and ensure that the first device can be uniquely identified when data is transmitted in the local area network.

[0159] In this embodiment, the identifier of the first device can help the network management server track the usage of the unlicensed spectrum resources of the first device.

[0160] The historical data record includes a second timestamp and a second transmission duration, and an identifier of the second device.

[0161] The second timestamp is generated when the WiFi probe detects the second data frame.

[0162] It should be noted that the second timestamp is a time point generated when the WiFi probe detects the second data frame. The second timestamp is used to mark the exact time when the second device transmits the second data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0163] In this embodiment, the second timestamp can help the network management server record when the second device occupied the unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0164] The second transmission duration is the duration for the second device to transmit the second data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0165] It should be noted that the second transmission duration indicates the time that the second device occupies the unlicensed spectrum resources when transmitting the second data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0166] The identifier of the second device may be a MAC address of the second device, an IP address of the second device, or a serial number of the second device, etc., which may uniquely identify the second device. This embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0167] It should be noted that the type of the second device's identifier is consistent with that of the first device, so that the network management server can subsequently determine whether there is a matching record corresponding to the first data record in the target data table based on the first timestamp and the identifier of the first device.

[0168] For example, if the type of the identifier of the first device is a MAC address, then the type of the identifier of the second device is also a MAC address.

[0169] For another example, if the type of the identifier of the first device is an IP address, then the type of the identifier of the second device is also an IP address.

[0170] In the embodiment of the present application, by recording the timestamp, transmission duration, device identification and other detailed parameters of the data frame captured by the WiFi probe, the network management server can more accurately track the situation of WiFi devices occupying unlicensed spectrum resources. The first data record and the second data record provide the network management server with accurate occupancy information of unlicensed spectrum resources, which can help the network management server dynamically adjust the target transmission probability corresponding to the third data frame in the 5G NR-U network, reduce the contention of unlicensed spectrum resources between the 5G NR-U network and the WiFi network, ensure the performance of the WiFi network, and improve the transmission success rate of the 5G NR-U network transmitting data frames through unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0171] In the above embodiment, the first data record is generated by the WiFi probe based on the first data frame and sent to the network management server, and the historical data record is generated by the WiFi probe based on the second data frame and sent to the network management server. Next, a method for the WiFi probe to generate the first data record based on the first data frame and a method for the WiFi probe to generate the historical data record based on the second data frame are described in detail.

[0172] It should be noted that the method by which the WiFi probe generates a first data record based on the first data frame is the same as the method by which the WiFi probe generates a historical data record based on the second data frame. This embodiment takes the method by which the WiFi probe generates a first data record based on the first data frame as an example for explanation, and the method by which the WiFi probe generates a historical data record based on the second data frame is not repeated.

[0173] In a possible embodiment, the WiFi probe processes and extracts the first data frame to obtain a first data record.

[0174] In which, as in the above-mentioned embodiment S201, the first data frame includes various information such as channel, frame type, frame size, frame sequence number, frame transmission duration, and identification of the first device.

[0175] It should be noted that when the WiFi probe monitors the first data frame, it captures the first data frame, that is, the WiFi probe can obtain all information of the first data frame; the WiFi probe extracts the frame transmission duration related to the unlicensed spectrum resources and the identification of the first device from the captured first data frame, and generates a timestamp according to the time point of capturing the first data frame, thereby forming a first data record corresponding to the first data frame.

[0176] The first data record includes a first timestamp and a first transmission duration, and an identifier of the first device. The first timestamp in the first data record is a timestamp generated by the WiFi probe according to the time point of capturing the first data frame, the first transmission duration in the first data record is the frame transmission duration included in the first data frame, and the identifier of the first device in the first data record is the identifier of the first device included in the first data frame.

[0177] In this embodiment, the WiFi probe can extract key information from the captured first data frame and generate a first data record. The first data record provides real-time usage information of unlicensed spectrum resources, and provides reliable basic data for determining the target transmission probability corresponding to the third data frame in the subsequent 5G NR-U network.

[0178] It should be noted that when the first data frame and the second data frame are monitored by the WiFi probe, the time of the WiFi probe is synchronized with the time of the network management server.

[0179] The WiFi probe is responsible for monitoring and capturing data frames transmitted by WiFi devices through unlicensed spectrum resources, and generating data records related to the data frames. The time of the WiFi probe is synchronized with the time of the network management server, which can ensure that the data frames captured by the WiFi probe have accurate time tags, and thus ensure that the subsequently generated data records have accurate timestamps.

[0180] The network management server determines the use of unlicensed spectrum resources and calculates the target transmission probability based on the first data record and the historical data record. If the time of the WiFi probe is not synchronized with that of the network management server, it may cause timing disorder and inconsistent transmission time of the data frame, which will affect the network management server's determination of the use of unlicensed spectrum resources and further affect the calculation of the target transmission probability. Therefore, when monitoring the first data frame and the second data frame through the WiFi probe, it is necessary to ensure that the time of the WiFi probe is synchronized with that of the network management server.

[0181] In the above embodiment, the network management server needs to update the target data table based on the first data record to obtain an updated target data table. Next, the specific process of the network management server updating the target data table based on the first data record to obtain an updated target data table is described in detail.

[0182] In a possible embodiment, S202, the network management server updates the target data table based on the first data record to obtain an updated target data table, which can be achieved through steps a1 to a3, and steps a1 to a3 are described in detail below.

[0183] Step a1: The network management server determines whether there is a matching record in the target data table based on the first timestamp and the identifier of the first device.

[0184] The matching record refers to a historical data record in which the identifier of the second device in the target data table is the same as the identifier of the first device, and the second timestamp is the same as the first timestamp.

[0185] It should be noted that if there is a matching record in the target data table, the network management server executes step a2; if there is no matching record in the target data table, the network management server executes step a3.

[0186] Step a2: When there is a matching record in the target data table, the network management server updates the second transmission duration of the matching record to the third transmission duration to obtain an updated target data table.

[0187] The third transmission duration is the maximum transmission duration between the first transmission duration and the second transmission duration of the matching record.

[0188] For example, when the first data record includes a first timestamp of 2024-08-20 10:00:00, a first transmission duration of 8 ms, and an identifier of the first device of 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E; and a historical data record in the target data table includes a second timestamp of 2024-08-20 10:00:00, a second transmission duration of 5 ms, and an identifier of the second device of 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E, since the second timestamp is the same as the first timestamp, and the second timestamp is the same as the first timestamp, it is considered that there is a matching record in the target data table that matches the first data record; in this case, the second transmission duration of the historical data record of the target data table is updated to 8 ms to obtain an updated historical data record, and then an updated target data table is obtained. The updated historical data record includes a second timestamp of 2024-08-20 10:00:00, a second transmission duration of 8 ms, and an identifier of the second device of 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E.

[0189] In this embodiment, if there is a matching record of the first data record in the target data table, the network management server updates the second transmission duration in the matching record to a third transmission duration, where the third transmission duration is the maximum value of the first transmission duration and the second transmission duration in the matching record. That is, the network management server selects the maximum time that the first device occupies the unlicensed spectrum resources at the time point corresponding to the first timestamp, thereby avoiding underestimating the occupancy of the unlicensed spectrum resources by the first device, and effectively improving the prediction accuracy of the target transmission probability.

[0190] Step a3: When there is no matching record in the target data table, the network management server generates a matching record based on the first timestamp, the first transmission duration and the identifier of the first device to obtain an updated target data table.

[0191] For example, when the first data record includes a first timestamp of 2024-08-15 12:00:00, a first transmission duration of 6ms, and an identifier of the first device of 11:22:33:44:55:66; and there is no historical data record with a second timestamp of 2024-08-15 12:00:00 and / or an identifier of the first device of 11:22:33:44:55:66 in the target data table, it is considered that there is no matching record matching the first data record in the target data table; in this case, a matching record is generated according to the first timestamp, the first transmission duration, and the identifier of the first device included in the first data record, and the matching record is added to the target data table, so as to obtain an updated target data table. Among them, the matching record includes a second timestamp of 2024-08-15 12:00:00, a second transmission duration of 6ms, and an identifier of the second device of 11:22:33:44:55:66.

[0192] In this embodiment, if there is no matching record for the first data record in the target data table, the network management server adds the first data record as a matching record to the target data table to obtain an updated target data table, thereby ensuring that any data records of new devices or new timestamps in the WiFi network are not missed, and ensuring that the target data table can always fully and real-timely reflect the occupation of unlicensed spectrum resources by all devices in the WiFi network, thereby effectively improving the prediction accuracy of the target transmission probability.

[0193] In an embodiment of the present application, when there is a matching record corresponding to the first data record in the target data table, the matching record in the target data table is updated to ensure that the matching record reflects the maximum occupation time of the unlicensed spectrum resources by the first device, thereby avoiding underestimation of the occupation of the unlicensed spectrum resources by the first device; when there is no matching record corresponding to the first data record in the target data table, the first data record is added to the target data table as a matching record to ensure that any new devices or data records with new timestamps in the WiFi network are not missed; through the above two mechanisms, the network management server can fully and real-time grasp the occupation of unlicensed spectrum resources by all devices in the WiFi network, thereby effectively improving the prediction accuracy of the target transmission probability, optimizing the transmission strategy of the 5G NR-U network, and reducing the contention for unlicensed spectrum resources between the 5G NR-U network and the WiFi network.

[0194] In the above embodiment, the network management server needs to determine the target transmission probability corresponding to the third data frame to be transmitted in the first network based on the updated target data table. Next, the specific process of the network management server determining the target transmission probability corresponding to the third data frame to be transmitted in the first network based on the updated target data table is described in detail.

[0195] In a possible embodiment, S203, the network management server determines the target transmission probability corresponding to the third data frame to be transmitted in the first network based on the updated target data table, which can be achieved through steps b1 to b4. Steps b1 to b4 are described in detail below.

[0196] Step b1: The network management server determines the target transmission duration corresponding to each target moment in the target time period according to all data records corresponding to the target time period in the updated target data table.

[0197] The target time period includes multiple target moments, and the time interval between two adjacent moments can be set by the user, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0198] For example, the time interval between multiple target moments may be 1 second, 2 seconds, or 3 seconds.

[0199] The target transmission duration corresponding to the target time is the maximum transmission duration of all data records corresponding to the target time.

[0200] It should be noted that all data records corresponding to the target time are all data records corresponding to the third timestamp in the updated target data table. The third timestamp is the timestamp corresponding to the target time.

[0201] For example, the target time period is from 12:00:00 on May 30, 2024 to 12:01:00 on May 30, 2024 (1 minute). WiFi devices A, B, and C respectively transmit data frames through unlicensed spectrum resources within the target time period; at the first target time 12:00:10 on May 30, 2024, the transmission duration of device A using unlicensed spectrum resources is 3ms, the transmission duration of device B using unlicensed spectrum resources is 5ms, and the transmission duration of device C using unlicensed spectrum resources is 2ms. At this time, the target transmission duration corresponding to the first target time is 5ms; at the second target time 12:00:10 on May 30, 2024 At 0 minutes and 20 seconds, the transmission duration of data frame transmission by device A through unlicensed spectrum resources is 6ms, the transmission duration of data frame transmission by device B through unlicensed spectrum resources is 4ms, and the transmission duration of data frame transmission by device C through unlicensed spectrum resources is 7ms. At this time, the target transmission duration corresponding to the second target time is 7ms; at the third target time 12:00:30 on May 30, 2024, the transmission duration of data frame transmission by device A through unlicensed spectrum resources is 4ms, the transmission duration of data frame transmission by device B through unlicensed spectrum resources is 8ms, and the transmission duration of data frame transmission by device C through unlicensed spectrum resources is 5ms. At this time, the target transmission duration corresponding to the third target time is 8ms.

[0202] Step b2: The network management server determines the ratio of the sum of the target transmission durations corresponding to the multiple target time points to the target time period.

[0203] Among them, after obtaining the target transmission duration corresponding to each target moment, the network management server sums up the target transmission durations corresponding to multiple target moments in the target time period to obtain the sum of the target transmission durations corresponding to the multiple target moments; and calculates the ratio of the sum of the target transmission durations corresponding to the multiple target moments to the target time period.

[0204] It should be noted that the above ratio is used to represent the proportion of unlicensed spectrum resources occupied by WiFi devices in the target time period. The larger the ratio, the more unlicensed spectrum resources the WiFi devices occupy in the target time period; the smaller the ratio, the fewer unlicensed spectrum resources the WiFi devices occupy in the target time period, and accordingly, the greater the probability that the 5G NR-U network successfully transmits the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0205] For example, the duration of the target time period is 1 minute, the target transmission duration corresponding to the first target moment of the target time period is 5ms, the target transmission duration corresponding to the second target moment of the target time period is 7ms, and the target transmission duration corresponding to the third target moment of the target time period is 8ms. In this case, the sum of the target transmission durations corresponding to multiple target moments of the target time period is 5+7+8=20ms; the ratio of the sum of the target transmission durations corresponding to multiple target moments to the target time period is 20ms / 60000ms=0.00033.

[0206] In this embodiment, by calculating the ratio, the network management server can dynamically understand the occupancy of unlicensed spectrum resources by WiFi devices within the target time period, and adjust the target transmission probability corresponding to the third data frame according to the ratio, thereby ensuring that the 5GNR-U network transmits the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources when the occupancy of unlicensed spectrum resources by WiFi devices is relatively small, optimizing the transmission strategy of the 5G NR-U network, and reducing the contention for unlicensed spectrum resources between the 5G NR-U network and the WiFi network.

[0207] Step b3: The network management server determines the difference between the first constant and the ratio as the first transmission probability.

[0208] Among them, the first constant is 1.

[0209] It should be noted that the first constant is 1, which means that under ideal circumstances, the 5G NR-U network can transmit the third data frame entirely through unlicensed spectrum resources, that is, there is no interference from WiFi devices.

[0210] The first transmission probability is the ratio of unlicensed spectrum resources that can be used by the 5G NR-U network in the target time period. The larger the ratio, the smaller the first transmission probability, which means that the WiFi device occupies more unlicensed spectrum resources, and the probability that the 5G NR-U network successfully transmits the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources is smaller.

[0211] For example, the ratio of the sum of the target transmission durations corresponding to the multiple target time points to the target time period is 0.00033, and the first transmission probability is 0.99967.

[0212] Step b4: The network management server determines a target transmission probability corresponding to the third data frame according to a maximum value between the first transmission probability and the preset transmission probability.

[0213] The preset transmission probability may be set by the user, and this embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0214] It should be noted that by setting the preset transmission probability, it can be ensured that the 5G NR-U network still has a minimum transmission opportunity when there is a lot of interference or the WiFi network occupies a lot of unlicensed spectrum resources, thereby preventing the transmission of the third data frame from being completely interrupted or blocked by frequent interference from the WiFi network.

[0215] Specifically, when the WiFi device occupies a large amount of unlicensed spectrum resources for data frame transmission, the first transmission probability approaches zero. If there is no preset transmission probability, the 5G NR-U network may be unable to transmit the third data frame for a long time, resulting in unstable 5G NR-U network communication.

[0216] For example, the preset transmission probability is 0.3.

[0217] In this embodiment, when the first transmission probability is greater than the preset transmission probability, it means that the unlicensed spectrum resources occupied by the WiFi device are relatively small during the target time period, and the 5G NR-U network has more transmission opportunities to transmit the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources. Therefore, the first transmission probability is determined as the target transmission probability corresponding to the third data frame; when the first transmission probability is less than or equal to the preset transmission probability, it means that the unlicensed spectrum resources occupied by the WiFi device are relatively large, and the unlicensed spectrum resources available to the 5GNR-U network are relatively small. In order to ensure that the 5G NR-U network can still have minimum transmission opportunities under frequent WiFi device interference, the preset transmission probability is determined as the target transmission probability corresponding to the third data frame.

[0218] In the above embodiment, according to the formula P T =max(P1, P0), determine the target transmission probability P T ; Wherein, P1 represents the first transmission probability, Ts represents the start time of the target time period, Te represents the end time of the target time period, W represents the set of multiple target times of the target time period, i represents the i-th target time in the set W of multiple target times of the target time period, D i represents the target transmission duration corresponding to the i-th target time; P0 represents the preset transmission probability.

[0219] In an embodiment of the present application, by analyzing the unlicensed spectrum resources occupied by WiFi devices within the target time period, the network management server can dynamically calculate the transmission probability of the 5G NR-U network successfully transmitting the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources, thereby ensuring that the 5G NR-U network transmits the third data frame when the unlicensed spectrum resources occupied by the WiFi devices are relatively small. At the same time, by setting a preset transmission probability, the 5G NR-U network is guaranteed to still transmit the third data frame to a minimum through the unlicensed spectrum resources when the WiFi devices frequently occupy the unlicensed spectrum resources, thereby reducing the contention for unlicensed spectrum resources between the 5G NR-U network and the WiFi network, improving the transmission success rate and communication stability of the 5G NR-U network while ensuring the performance of the WiFi network, and further optimizing the utilization rate of the unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0220] In the above embodiment, the network management server needs to send the target transmission probability to the user plane function UPF and the base station in the first network respectively. Next, the specific process of the network management server sending the target transmission probability to the user plane function UPF and the base station in the first network respectively is described in detail.

[0221] In a possible embodiment, S204, the network management server sends the target transmission probability to the user plane function UPF and the base station in the first network respectively, which can be achieved through steps c1 and c2. Steps c1 and c2 are described in detail below.

[0222] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of a network management server sending a target transmission probability to a UPF and a base station respectively provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 As shown, in step c1, the network management server sends a first message to the UPF via the network opening function NEF in the first network. Correspondingly, the UPF receives the first message.

[0223] NEF is located between the 5G core network and external third-party application functions (possibly also some internal application functions), and is responsible for managing open network data. All external applications that want to access the internal data of the 5G core network must go through NEF. NEF provides corresponding security guarantees to ensure the security of external applications to the network.

[0224] UPF data plane gateway. It can be used for packet routing and forwarding, or quality of service (QoS) processing of user plane data. User data can be accessed to the data network DN through UPF.

[0225] Among them, the first message carries the target transmission probability, and the first message is used to instruct the UPF to transmit the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability when receiving the third data frame sent by the external network.

[0226] It should be noted that step c1, the network management server sending the first message to the UPF via the network open function NEF in the first network, can be implemented through steps c11 to c15, and steps c11 to c15 are described in detail below.

[0227] Step c11: The network management server sends a first message to the NEF.

[0228] Step c12: NEF receives the first message sent by the network management server, and forwards the first message to UPF.

[0229] Step c13: UPF receives the first message forwarded by NEF, and based on the target transmission probability carried in the first message, sets the target transmission probability to the transmission probability of the first network transmitting the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0230] Step c14: When the UPF successfully sets the target transmission probability to the transmission probability of the first network transmitting the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources, the UPF sends a first response to the NEF.

[0231] It should be noted that the first response is used to indicate that the UPF successfully received the target transmission probability. When the UPF successfully sets the target transmission probability to the transmission probability of the first network transmitting the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources, the UPF can transmit the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability when receiving the third data frame sent by the external network.

[0232] It should be noted that, if the UPF fails to successfully set the target transmission probability as the transmission probability of the first network transmitting the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources, the UPF sends a second response to the NEF. The second response is used to indicate that the UPF has not successfully received the target transmission probability.

[0233] Step c15: The NEF forwards the first response to the network management server, so that the network management server receives the first response.

[0234] It should be noted that, when the UPF sends the second response to the NEF, the NEF forwards the second response to the network management server so that the network management server receives the second response.

[0235] In this embodiment, through multi-level interaction between the network management server, NEF and UPF, the target transmission probability can be accurately transmitted to the UPF, so that the UPF can dynamically control the downlink data transmitted by the external network through the unlicensed spectrum resources according to the target transmission probability, ensure that the transmission timing of the downlink data matches the occupancy of the unlicensed spectrum resources, reduce the contention for unlicensed spectrum resources between the 5G NR-U network and the WiFi network, and optimize the transmission success rate of downlink data in the 5G NR-U network.

[0236] Step c2: When receiving the first response sent by the UPF based on the first message, the network management server sends a second message to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives the second message.

[0237] The second message carries a target transmission probability; the second message is used to instruct the base station to transmit the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability when receiving a transmission request for the third data frame sent by the user equipment UE.

[0238] It should be noted that, when the network management server receives the first response sent by the UPF based on the first message, it sends a second message carrying the target transmission probability to the base station, so that when the base station subsequently receives a transmission request for the third data frame sent by the UE, it can determine whether to allow the UE to transmit the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability.

[0239] In this embodiment, a second message carrying the target transmission probability is sent to the base station through the network management server, and the base station can dynamically control the uplink data transmission request sent by the UE according to the target transmission probability. When the base station receives the uplink data transmission request sent by the UE, it decides whether to allow the UE to transmit uplink data through unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability, ensuring that the transmission timing of the uplink data matches the occupancy of the unlicensed spectrum resources, reducing the contention for unlicensed spectrum resources between the 5GNR-U network and the WiFi network, and optimizing the transmission success rate of uplink data in the 5G NR-U network.

[0240] In the above embodiment, after receiving the target transmission probability, the UPF needs to transmit the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability. Next, the specific process of the UPF transmitting the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability is described in detail.

[0241] In a possible embodiment, the UPF transmits the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability, which can be achieved through steps d1 to d3. Steps d1 to d3 are described in detail below.

[0242] Step d1: When receiving a third data frame sent by an external network, the UPF generates a first random number.

[0243] It should be noted that when the external network transmits the third data frame to the UE through unlicensed spectrum resources, the third data frame is a downlink data frame. The external network first transmits the downlink data frame to the UPF, and then the UPF transmits the downlink data frame to the base station. Finally, the base station transmits the downlink data frame to the UE.

[0244] The generation of the first random number is a probabilistic event. The first random number is any value between 0 and 1, indicating the randomness of the downlink data frame transmission.

[0245] It should be noted that the first random number is used to evaluate whether the current time is suitable for transmitting downlink data frames through unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0246] Step d2: When the first random number is less than or equal to the target transmission probability, the UPF sends a third data frame to the base station.

[0247] It should be noted that when the first random number is less than or equal to the target transmission probability, the UPF considers that it is suitable to transmit downlink data frames through unlicensed spectrum resources at this time, and transmits the downlink data frames to the base station, and the base station transmits the downlink data frames to the UE through the unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0248] It should be noted that, when the first random number is less than or equal to the target transmission probability, after the UPF sends the downlink data frame to the base station, when the base station transmits the downlink data frame to the UE through the unlicensed spectrum resources, the base station no longer controls the transmission of the downlink data frame based on the target transmission probability; that is, after receiving the downlink data frame transmitted by the UPF, the base station directly transmits the downlink data frame to the UE through the unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0249] Step d3: When the first random number is greater than the target transmission probability, the UPF starts the first timer, and when the first timer times out, the above steps of generating the first random number are executed repeatedly until the UPF successfully sends the third data frame to the base station.

[0250] It should be noted that when the first random number is greater than the target transmission probability, UPF considers that it is not suitable to transmit downlink data frames through unlicensed spectrum resources at this time, and UPF starts the first timer to suspend the transmission operation.

[0251] The timing time of the first timer can be set by the user, and this embodiment does not make any specific limitation to this.

[0252] For example, the timing time of the first timer is 3 ms.

[0253] It should be noted that when the first random number is greater than the target transmission probability, UPF starts the first timer and loops through steps d1 to d3 when the first timer times out until the downlink data frame is successfully transmitted to the base station. By starting the first timer and looping through steps d1 to d3, UPF can intelligently wait for a suitable time point to transmit the downlink data frame, avoid forcibly transmitting the downlink data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources when the WiFi device occupies more unlicensed spectrum resources, reduce the contention for unlicensed spectrum resources between the 5G NR-U network and the WiFi network, and improve the transmission success rate of downlink data in the 5G NR-U network.

[0254] In an embodiment of the present application, UPF can dynamically adjust the transmission timing of downlink data frames by generating a first random number and comparing it with the target transmission probability, thereby ensuring that downlink data frames are transmitted when the WiFi device occupies less unlicensed spectrum resources, thereby reducing the contention for unlicensed spectrum resources between the 5G NR-U network and the WiFi network; at the same time, UPF avoids forcibly transmitting downlink data frames through unlicensed spectrum resources when the WiFi device occupies more unlicensed spectrum resources through the first timer and the cyclic judgment mechanism, thereby reducing the contention for unlicensed spectrum resources between the 5G NR-U network and the WiFi network, and realizing more flexible and reliable transmission control of the 5G NR-U network.

[0255] In the above embodiment, after receiving the target transmission probability, the base station needs to transmit the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability. Next, the specific process of the base station transmitting the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability is described in detail.

[0256] In a possible embodiment, the base station transmits the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability, which can be achieved through steps e1 to e4. Steps e1 to e4 are described in detail below.

[0257] Step e1: When receiving a transmission request for a third data frame sent by a UE, the base station generates a second random number.

[0258] It should be noted that when the UE transmits the third data frame to the base station through unlicensed spectrum resources, the third data frame is an uplink data frame. The UE first transmits the uplink data frame to the base station through unlicensed spectrum resources, and then the base station transmits the uplink data frame to the UPF. Finally, the UPF transmits the uplink data frame to the external network.

[0259] The generation of the second random number is a probabilistic event, and the second random number is any value between 0 and 1, indicating the randomness of the transmission of the uplink data frame (the third data frame).

[0260] It should be noted that the second random number is used to evaluate whether the current time is suitable for transmitting uplink data frames through unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0261] Step e2: When the second random number is less than or equal to the target transmission probability, the base station sends a third message to the UE.

[0262] The third message is used to instruct the base station to allow the UE to transmit a third data frame to the base station.

[0263] It should be noted that when the second random number is less than or equal to the target transmission probability, the base station considers that it is suitable to transmit uplink data frames through unlicensed spectrum resources at this time. Therefore, it sends a third message to the UE so that the UE transmits the uplink data frames to the base station through unlicensed spectrum resources after receiving the third message.

[0264] When the second random number is less than or equal to the target transmission probability, after the base station sends the third message to the UE, the UE transmits the uplink data frame to the base station through unlicensed spectrum resources, and then the base station transmits the uplink data frame directly to the external network through UPF.

[0265] Step e3: When the first random number is greater than the target transmission probability, the base station sends a fourth message to the UE and starts the second timer.

[0266] The fourth message is used to instruct the base station to reject the UE from transmitting the third data frame to the base station.

[0267] It should be noted that when the second random number is greater than the target transmission probability, the base station considers that the UE is not suitable for transmitting uplink data frames through unlicensed spectrum resources at this time. The base station starts the second timer and sends a fourth message to the UE, so that the UE suspends transmission of uplink data frames to the base station after receiving the fourth message.

[0268] Step e4: When the second timer times out, the base station cyclically executes the above step of generating a second random number until the UE successfully transmits a third data frame to the base station.

[0269] The timing time of the second timer can be set by the user, and this embodiment does not make any specific limitation on this.

[0270] For example, the timing time of the second timer is 3 ms.

[0271] It should be noted that when the second random number is greater than the target transmission probability, the base station starts the second timer and loops through the above steps e1 to e4 when the second timer times out, until the third message is successfully sent to the UE. By starting the second timer and looping through steps e1 to e4, the base station can intelligently wait for a suitable time point to notify the UE to transmit uplink data frames through unlicensed spectrum resources, avoid forcibly transmitting uplink data frames through unlicensed spectrum resources when WiFi devices occupy more unlicensed spectrum resources, reduce the contention for unlicensed spectrum resources between the 5G NR-U network and the WiFi network, and improve the transmission success rate of uplink data in the 5G NR-U network.

[0272] In the embodiment of the present application, the base station can dynamically adjust the transmission timing of the uplink data frame by generating a second random number and comparing it with the target transmission probability, thereby ensuring that the uplink data frame is transmitted when the WiFi device occupies less unlicensed spectrum resources; at the same time, the base station avoids forcibly transmitting uplink data frames through unlicensed spectrum resources when the WiFi device occupies more unlicensed spectrum resources through the second timer and the cyclic judgment mechanism, thereby reducing the contention for unlicensed spectrum resources between the 5G NR-U network and the WiFi network, and realizing more flexible and reliable transmission control of the 5G NR-U network.

[0273] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a communication network provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 As shown, the communication network includes: a WiFi probe, a network management server, a UPF, a base station and a first network.

[0274] The WiFi probe is connected to the network management server, and the WiFi probe is used to send the first data record to the network management server; the network management server is connected to the UPF and the base station respectively through the first network.

[0275] The network management server is used to implement the functions implemented by the network management server in the above communication method; the UPF is used to implement the functions implemented by the UPF in the above communication method; the base station is used to implement the functions implemented by the base station in the above communication method.

[0276] It should be noted that the number of WiFi probes can be one or more, and this embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0277] In an embodiment of the present application, the communication network is a communication network system that supports LBT in an industrial 5G private network. There is no need to perform complex firmware upgrades on 5G terminals and 5G base stations. According to the deployment of the industrial site WiFi network, the NR-U system's occupation of unlicensed spectrum resources can be controlled, thereby avoiding the problem of serious deterioration of WiFi network performance due to the lack of LBT.

[0278] Specifically, by deploying WiFi probes at industrial sites, the network management server collects data frames sent by various WiFi devices in the current environment through the WiFi network from the WiFi probes, generates a target data table of WiFi devices occupying unlicensed spectrum resources, and instructs the 5G NR-U network to shut down or start transmission of data frames to be transmitted based on the target data table, thereby reducing the contention for unlicensed spectrum resources between the 5G NR-U network and the WiFi network.

[0279] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 As shown, the communication device 500 provided in this embodiment can exist independently and be used to implement the operations corresponding to the network management server in the above method embodiment.

[0280] The communication device 500 may include: a transceiver module 501 and a processing module 502. The processing module 502 is used for data processing, and the transceiver module 501 may implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver module 501 may also be called a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0281] Optionally, the communication device 500 may also include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 502 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the communication device 500 implements the steps implemented by the network management server in the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0282] The transceiver module 501 is used to execute the reception-related operations of the network management server in the foregoing method embodiment, and the processing module 502 is used to execute the processing-related operations of the network management server in the foregoing method embodiment.

[0283] Optionally, the transceiver module 501 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiment. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiment.

[0284] It should be noted that the communication device 500 may include a sending module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 500 may include a receiving module but not a sending module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above solution executed by the communication device 500 includes a sending action and a receiving action.

[0285] As an example, the communication device 500 is used to execute the above Figure 2 Actions performed by the network management server in the illustrated embodiment.

[0286] The communication device 500 may include: a transceiver module 501 and a processing module 502 .

[0287] The transceiver module 501 is used to receive a first data record sent by a WiFi probe; wherein the first data record is generated by the WiFi probe based on a first data frame, and the first data frame is a data frame transmitted by a first device in the WiFi network through unlicensed spectrum resources within a target time period; the first data record includes relevant parameters of the first device transmitting the first data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0288] Processing module 502 is used to update the target data table based on the first data record to obtain an updated target data table; wherein the target data table includes at least one historical data record, and the historical data record is sent by the WiFi probe within the target time period; the historical data record includes relevant parameters of the second device in the WiFi network transmitting the second data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0289] The processing module 502 is also used to determine the target transmission probability corresponding to the third data frame to be transmitted in the first network based on the updated target data table; wherein the target transmission probability is used to indicate the probability of the first network successfully transmitting the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources within the target time period.

[0290] The transceiver module 501 is also used to send the target transmission probability to the user plane function UPF and the base station in the first network respectively, so that the UPF and the base station transmit the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability.

[0291] It should be understood that the execution of the above corresponding processes by each module has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0292] The processing module 502 in the above embodiment can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuit. The transceiver module 501 can be implemented by a transceiver or a transceiver-related circuit. The transceiver module 501 can also be called a communication unit or a communication interface. The storage unit can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0293] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 As shown, the communication device 600 provided in this embodiment can exist independently and be used to implement the operations corresponding to the UPF in the above method embodiment.

[0294] The communication device 600 may include: a transceiver module 601 and a processing module 602. The processing module 602 is used to perform data processing, and the transceiver module 601 may implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver module 601 may also be called a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0295] Optionally, the communication device 600 may further include a storage unit, which may be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing module 602 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the communication device 600 implements the steps implemented by the UPF in the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0296] The transceiver module 601 is used to execute the reception-related operations of the network management server in the foregoing method embodiment, and the processing module 602 is used to execute the processing-related operations of the UPF in the foregoing method embodiment.

[0297] Optionally, the transceiver module 601 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiment. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiment.

[0298] It should be noted that the communication device 600 may include a sending module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 600 may include a receiving module but not a sending module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above solution executed by the communication device 600 includes a sending action and a receiving action.

[0299] As an example, the communication device 600 is used to execute the above Figure 2 Actions performed by the UPF in the illustrated embodiment.

[0300] The communication device 600 may include: a transceiver module 601 and a processing module 602 .

[0301] The transceiver module 601 is used to receive a target transmission probability corresponding to a third data frame to be transmitted in a first network sent by a network management server; wherein the target transmission probability is determined by the network management server based on an updated target data table, and the target transmission probability is used to indicate the probability that the first network successfully transmits the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources within a target time period; the updated target data table is obtained by the network management server updating the target data table based on a first data record, the first data record is generated by the WiFi probe based on the first data frame and sent to the network management server, the first data frame is a data frame transmitted by a first device in the WiFi network through unlicensed spectrum resources within the target time period, and the first data record includes relevant parameters of the first device transmitting the first data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources; the target data table includes at least one historical data record, and the historical data record is sent by the WiFi probe within the target time period; the historical data record includes relevant parameters of the second device in the WiFi network transmitting the second data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0302] The processing module 602 is configured to transmit a third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources based on a target transmission probability.

[0303] It should be understood that the execution of the above corresponding processes by each module has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0304] The processing module 602 in the above embodiment can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuit. The transceiver module 601 can be implemented by a transceiver or a transceiver-related circuit. The transceiver module 601 can also be called a communication unit or a communication interface. The storage unit can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0305] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 As shown, the communication device 700 provided in this embodiment can exist independently and be used to implement the operations corresponding to the base station in the above method embodiment.

[0306] The communication device 700 may include: a transceiver module 701 and a processing module 702. The processing module 702 is used to perform data processing, and the transceiver module 701 may implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver module 701 may also be called a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0307] Optionally, the communication device 700 may further include a storage unit, which may be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing module 702 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the communication device 700 implements the steps implemented by the base station in the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0308] The transceiver module 701 is used to execute the reception-related operations of the network management server in the foregoing method embodiment, and the processing module 702 is used to execute the processing-related operations of the base station in the foregoing method embodiment.

[0309] Optionally, the transceiver module 701 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiment. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiment.

[0310] It should be noted that the communication device 700 may include a sending module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 700 may include a receiving module but not a sending module. Specifically, it may depend on whether the above solution executed by the communication device 700 includes a sending action and a receiving action.

[0311] As an example, the communication device 700 is used to execute the above Figure 2 Actions performed by the base station in the illustrated embodiment.

[0312] The communication device 700 may include: a transceiver module 701 and a processing module 702 .

[0313] The transceiver module 701 is used to receive a target transmission probability corresponding to a third data frame to be transmitted in a first network sent by a network management server; wherein the target transmission probability is determined by the network management server based on an updated target data table, and the target transmission probability is used to indicate the probability that the first network successfully transmits the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources within a target time period; the updated target data table is obtained by the network management server updating the target data table based on a first data record, the first data record is generated by the WiFi probe based on the first data frame and sent to the network management server, the first data frame is a data frame transmitted by a first device in the WiFi network through unlicensed spectrum resources within the target time period, and the first data record includes relevant parameters of the first device transmitting the first data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources; the target data table includes at least one historical data record, and the historical data record is sent by the WiFi probe within the target time period; the historical data record includes relevant parameters of the second device in the WiFi network transmitting the second data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0314] The processing module 702 is configured to transmit a third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources based on a target transmission probability.

[0315] It should be understood that the execution of the above corresponding processes by each module has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0316] The processing module 702 in the above embodiment can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuit. The transceiver module 701 can be implemented by a transceiver or a transceiver-related circuit. The transceiver module 701 can also be called a communication unit or a communication interface. The storage unit can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0317] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 As shown, the electronic device 800 provided in this embodiment includes: a memory 801 and a processor 802 .

[0318] The memory 801 may be an independent physical unit, and may be connected to the processor 802 via a bus 803. The memory 801 and the processor 802 may also be integrated together and implemented by hardware. The memory 801 is used to store program instructions, and the processor 802 calls the program instructions to execute the operations performed by the network management server, UPF or base station in any of the above method embodiments.

[0319] Optionally, when part or all of the methods of the above embodiments are implemented by software, the electronic device 800 may also include only a processor 802. The memory 801 for storing programs is located outside the electronic device 800, and the processor 802 is connected to the memory through circuits / wires for reading and executing the programs stored in the memory. The processor 802 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP) or a combination of a CPU and a NP. The processor 802 may further include a hardware chip. The hardware chip may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD) or a combination thereof. The PLD may be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic array logic (GAL) or any combination thereof.

[0320] The memory 801 may include a volatile memory, such as a random-access memory (RAM); the memory may also include a non-volatile memory, such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD); the memory may also include a combination of the above types of memory.

[0321] Exemplarily, the present application provides a chip, including: an interface circuit and a logic circuit, the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other chips outside the chip and transmit them to the logic circuit, or send signals from the logic circuit to other chips outside the chip, and the logic circuit is used to execute the operations performed by the network management server, UPF or base station in the above method embodiments.

[0322] Exemplarily, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium having computer program instructions stored thereon, and the computer program instructions are executed by a processor of an electronic device so that the electronic device performs the operations performed by the network management server, UPF or base station in the above method embodiments.

[0323] Exemplarily, the present application provides a computer program product, which, when executed on an electronic device, enables the electronic device to execute the operations executed by the network management server, UPF or base station in the above method embodiments.

[0324] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, so that those skilled in the art can understand or implement the present application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application will not be limited to these embodiments herein, but will conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The network management server receives a first data record sent by a WiFi probe; wherein the first data record is generated by the WiFi probe based on a first data frame, and the first data frame is a data frame transmitted by a first device in the WiFi network through an unlicensed spectrum resource within a target time period; the first data record includes relevant parameters of the first device transmitting the first data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resource; The network management server updates the target data table based on the first data record to obtain an updated target data table; wherein the target data table includes at least one historical data record, and the historical data record is sent by the WiFi probe within the target time period; the historical data record includes relevant parameters of the second data frame transmitted by the second device in the WiFi network through the unlicensed spectrum resources; The network management server determines, based on the updated target data table, a target transmission probability corresponding to a third data frame to be transmitted in the first network; wherein the target transmission probability is used to indicate a probability that the first network successfully transmits the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources within the target time period; The network management server sends the target transmission probability to the user plane function UPF and the base station in the first network respectively, so that the UPF and the base station transmit the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first data record includes a first timestamp and a first transmission duration, and an identifier of the first device; wherein the first timestamp is generated by the WiFi probe when the first data frame is detected; the first transmission duration is the duration of the first device transmitting the first data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources; The historical data record includes a second timestamp and a second transmission duration, and an identifier of the second device; wherein the second timestamp is generated by the WiFi probe when it monitors the second data frame; and the second transmission duration is the duration for the second device to transmit the second data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The network management server updates the target data table based on the first data record to obtain an updated target data table, including: The network management server determines whether there is a matching record in the target data table based on the first timestamp and the identifier of the first device; When the matching record exists in the target data table, the network management server updates the second transmission duration of the matching record to a third transmission duration to obtain the updated target data table; wherein the third transmission duration is the maximum transmission duration of the first transmission duration and the second transmission duration of the matching record; When the matching record does not exist in the target data table, the network management server generates the matching record based on the first timestamp, the first transmission duration and the identifier of the first device to obtain the updated target data table.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The network management server determines, based on the updated target data table, a target transmission probability corresponding to a third data frame to be transmitted in the first network, including: The network management server determines the target transmission duration corresponding to each of the multiple target moments in the target time period according to all the data records corresponding to the target time period in the updated target data table; wherein the target transmission duration corresponding to the target moment is the maximum transmission duration in all the data records corresponding to the target moment; The network management server determines a ratio of a sum of target transmission durations corresponding to the multiple target moments to the target time period; The network management server determines that the difference between the first constant and the ratio is a first transmission probability; The network management server determines a target transmission probability corresponding to the third data frame according to a maximum value between the first transmission probability and a preset transmission probability.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The network management server sends the target transmission probability to a user plane function UPF and a base station in the first network respectively, including: The network management server sends a first message to the UPF through the network open function NEF in the first network; wherein the first message carries the target transmission probability, and the first message is used to instruct the UPF to transmit the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability when receiving the third data frame sent by the external network; When the network management server receives the first response sent by the UPF based on the first message, the second message is sent to the base station; wherein the first response is used to indicate that the UPF has successfully received the target transmission probability; the second message carries the target transmission probability; the second message is used to indicate that when the base station receives the transmission request for the third data frame sent by the user equipment UE, the base station transmits the third data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability.

6. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The UPF receives a target transmission probability corresponding to a third data frame to be transmitted in the first network sent by the network management server; wherein the target transmission probability is determined by the network management server based on an updated target data table, and the target transmission probability is used to indicate the probability that the first network successfully transmits the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources within a target time period; the updated target data table is obtained by the network management server updating the target data table based on a first data record, and the first data record is generated by the WiFi probe based on the first data frame and sent to the network management server, and the first data frame is a data frame transmitted by the first device in the WiFi network through the unlicensed spectrum resources within the target time period, and the first data record includes relevant parameters of the first device transmitting the first data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources; the target data table includes at least one historical data record, and the historical data record is sent by the WiFi probe within the target time period; the historical data record includes relevant parameters of the second device in the WiFi network transmitting the second data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources; The UPF transmits the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The UPF transmitting the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability includes: The UPF generates a first random number when receiving the third data frame sent by the external network; The UPF sends the third data frame to the base station when the first random number is less than or equal to the target transmission probability; When the first random number is greater than the target transmission probability, the UPF starts a first timer, and when the first timer times out, it repeatedly executes the above steps of generating a first random number until the UPF successfully sends the third data frame to the base station.

8. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The base station receives a target transmission probability corresponding to a third data frame to be transmitted in the first network sent by a network management server; wherein the target transmission probability is determined by the network management server based on an updated target data table, and the target transmission probability is used to indicate the probability that the first network successfully transmits the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources within a target time period; the updated target data table is obtained by the network management server updating the target data table based on a first data record, and the first data record is generated by the WiFi probe based on the first data frame and sent to the network management server, the first data frame is a data frame transmitted by a first device in the WiFi network through the unlicensed spectrum resources within the target time period, and the first data record includes relevant parameters of the first device transmitting the first data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources; the target data table includes at least one historical data record, and the historical data record is sent by the WiFi probe within the target time period; the historical data record includes relevant parameters of the second device in the WiFi network transmitting a second data frame through the unlicensed spectrum resources; The base station transmits the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that Transmitting, by the base station, the third data frame through unlicensed spectrum resources based on the target transmission probability, comprising: When receiving the transmission request of the third data frame sent by the UE, the base station generates a second random number; When the second random number is less than or equal to the target transmission probability, the base station sends a third message to the UE; wherein the third message is used to indicate that the base station allows the UE to transmit the third data frame to the base station; When the first random number is greater than the target transmission probability, the base station sends a fourth message to the UE and starts a second timer; wherein the fourth message is used to instruct the base station to refuse the UE from transmitting the third data frame to the base station; When the second timer times out, the base station cyclically executes the step of generating a second random number until the UE successfully transmits the third data frame to the base station.

10. A communication network, characterized in that: include: WiFi probe, network management server, UPF, base station and first network; The WiFi probe is connected to the network management server, and the WiFi probe is used to send a first data record to the network management server; The network management server is connected to the UPF and the base station respectively through the first network; The network management server is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5; The UPF is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 6 to 7; The base station is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 8 to 9.

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