QoS parameter configuration method and communication device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a QoS (Quality of Service) parameter configuration method and a communication device, relates to the technical field of communication, and can solve the problem of air interface resource waste during service transmission. The method comprises the following steps: receiving a first QoS parameter; and a second QoS parameter is sent, the second QoS parameter is determined according to the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information, and the compressed data information is used for indicating a compressed data proportion or a non-compressed data proportion in the transmitted unit data volume. The embodiment of the invention is used for a QoS parameter configuration process in a scene of combining a 5G system and a TSN / TSC architecture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a quality of service (QoS) parameter configuration method and a communication device. Background Art

[0002] In the fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G) system, in order to ensure the end-to-end service quality of the service, a 5G QoS framework based on QoS flow is proposed. The framework can use the same transmission processing (such as scheduling and access thresholds, etc.) for data packets controlled by the same QoS flow. Among them, the transmission process of QoS flow can include: when the terminal device, access network device and user plane function (UPF) establish a QoS flow, the access network device can allocate air interface resources for data transmission according to QoS parameters.

[0003] In the industrial control scenario, when combining the 5G QoS framework and the time sensitive network (TSN) / time sensitive communication (TSC) system for service transmission, it is proposed that the TSN / TSC system can perform user plane data compression according to service characteristics. For example, the padding part in the duplicate data packet and the service data packet can be compressed and transmitted based on packet detection. Exemplarily, when the terminal device receives an uplink data packet from the TSN / TSC system, it compresses some fields in the received uplink data packet and sends it to the access network device. When the access network device receives the uplink data packet sent by the terminal device, it decompresses the compressed fields in the uplink data packet. However, if the TSN / TSC system still provides QoS guarantee according to the existing resource application, regardless of whether data compression is required, the access network device needs to reserve air interface resources according to the QoS parameters, which may cause waste of air interface resources. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a QoS parameter configuration method and a communication device, which solve the problem of air interface resource waste during service transmission.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the embodiment of the present application adopts the following technical solution.

[0006] In a first aspect, a method for configuring quality of service (QoS) parameters is provided, the method comprising: receiving a first QoS parameter; sending a second QoS parameter, the second QoS parameter being determined based on the first QoS parameter and compressed data information, the compressed data information being used to indicate a proportion of compressed data or a proportion of uncompressed data in a unit data volume transmitted.

[0007] The process of receiving the first QoS parameter and sending the second QoS parameter here can be, for example, performed by a policy control function (PCF) network element or a time sensitive communication time synchronization function (TSCTSF) network element, which is not limited in this application. The second QoS parameter can be used by the RAN network element to reserve air interface resources, for example, to reserve air interface resources for GBR.

[0008] In this way, if the second QoS parameter is determined based on the compressed data information, when the network device sends the second QoS parameter, it is equivalent to that the second QoS parameter is determined based on the current data compression situation. If the second QoS parameter is sent to the radio access network side, such as the radio access network (RAN) network element, the RAN network element can reserve air interface resources based on the second QoS parameter. Compared with the prior art, since the RAN network element cannot know in advance the data size of the QoS flow to be transmitted, the RAN network element only reserves air interface resources according to the pre-configured air interface resource size, which may waste air interface resources. When configuring QoS parameters for the RAN network element, the present application provides QoS guarantee after adjusting the QoS parameters based on the current compressed data information. For example, if the RAN network element needs to reserve guaranteed bit rate (GBR) air interface resources, if the second QoS parameter received by the RAN network element is adjusted according to the compressed data information, the proportion of compressed data in the currently transmitted QoS flow has been considered when the second QoS parameter is sent to the RAN network element, and the size of the GBR air interface resources reserved when the sent second QoS parameter is used for the RAN network element to reserve air interface resources is smaller than the size of the GBR air interface resources reserved when the first QoS parameter is directly used for the RAN network element to reserve air interface resources. In this way, the GBR air interface resources reserved by the RAN network element according to the second QoS parameter are only used to ensure the resources required for the compressed data volume, so that the GBR air interface resources reserved by the RAN network element can not only provide QoS guarantee, but also save GBR air interface resources.

[0009] In one possible design, the size of the air interface resources reserved by the second QoS parameter for the network side device is smaller than the size of the air interface resources reserved by the first QoS parameter for the network side device. In this way, due to the data compression during data transmission, the air interface resources required for the compressed data volume are smaller. If the current data compression situation is taken into account when the QoS parameters are sent to the RAN network element, it is equivalent to setting the second QoS parameters according to the current data compression situation. When the RAN network element reserves air interface resources according to the second QoS parameters, only the air interface resources required for the compressed data volume can be reserved, which can avoid the problem of resource waste caused by the preset reserved air interface resource size.

[0010] In one possible design, receiving the first QoS parameter includes: receiving a request sent by an application function (AF) network element, the request including the first QoS parameter. For example, the PCF network element may receive the first QoS parameter requested by the AF network element. When the AF network element has a service control requirement, before the service data starts to be transmitted, or during the service transmission, the PCF network element may be requested to perform appropriate QoS parameter authorization based on the compressed data information and the first QoS parameter. When the PCF network element obtains the appropriate second QoS parameter, it may send it to the RAN network element so that the RAN network element can reserve air interface resources that match the current service requirements, thereby reducing resource waste.

[0011] In one possible design, the request also includes compressed data information. Exemplarily, when the TSCTSF network element is executed, the TSCTSF network element may receive the compressed data information and the first QoS parameter sent by the AF network element, the TSCTSF network element calculates the second QoS parameter based on the compressed data information and the first QoS parameter, and sends it to the PCF network element, requesting the PCF network element to authorize the second QoS parameter. Alternatively, when the PCF network element is executed, the PCF network element receives the first QoS parameter and compressed data information from the AF network element, the PCF network element determines the second QoS parameter based on the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information, and sends it to the RAN network element when authorized. In this way, the RAN network element can reserve air interface resources that match the current service needs, thereby reducing resource waste.

[0012] In one possible design, sending the second QoS parameter includes: sending the second QoS parameter to a policy control function PCF network element. When the TSCTSF network element receives the first QoS parameter and sends the second QoS parameter, the TSCTSF network element may send a second QoS parameter request authorization to the PCF network element when obtaining the second QoS parameter.

[0013] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving a third QoS parameter recommended by the PCF sent by the PCF network element; and sending a fourth QoS parameter to the AF network element, wherein the fourth QoS parameter is determined based on the compressed data information and the third QoS parameter. In this case, when the TSCTSF network element receives the first QoS parameter and sends the second QoS parameter, if the PCF network element determines that the second QoS parameter cannot be authorized based on the current network status, the TSCTSF network element may receive the recommended third QoS parameter sent by the PCF network element. Then, the TSCTSF network element may determine the fourth QoS parameter based on the recommended third QoS parameter and the compressed data information and send it to the AF network element, so that the AF network element may send the fourth QoS parameter to the RAN network element for resource reservation.

[0014] In one possible design, before receiving the first QoS parameter, the method further includes: receiving compressed data information sent by a session management function (SMF) network element or a user plane function (UPF) network element. In this design, receiving the first QoS parameter and sending the second QoS parameter can be performed by the PCF network element. That is, the compressed data information when the PCF network element calculates the second QoS parameter can be notified by the SMF network element or the UPF network element. For example, when the UPF network element determines that the compressed data ratio reaches a threshold, it may consider that there is a lot of data that can be compressed at this time, and may send the compressed data ratio to the SMF network element so that the SMF sends the compressed data ratio to the PCF network element, so that the PCF network element can calculate the second QoS parameter that meets the service requirements.

[0015] In one possible design, before receiving the compressed data information, the method further includes: sending a trigger indication to the SMF network element, the trigger indication being used to instruct the SMF network element to notify when the compressed data information changes. In this design, it is equivalent to the PCF network element sending a compressed data information change trigger to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element can execute a new N4 rule for subscribing to the compressed data information from the UPF network element.

[0016] In one possible design, before receiving the compressed data information sent by the UPF network element, the method further includes: sending a subscription indication to the UPF network element, the subscription indication being used to instruct the UPF network element to report when the compressed data information meets the conditions. In this design, after the UPF network element is service-oriented, the PCF network element can directly subscribe to the compressed data information from the UPF network element without going through the SMF network element, which can make the subscription process of the compressed data information simpler and reduce the resource occupation of the transmission signaling.

[0017] In one possible design, sending the second QoS parameter includes: sending the second QoS parameter to a session management function SMF network element. In this design, when the PCF network element obtains the second QoS parameter and authorizes it, the PCF network element can send the second QoS parameter to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element can send the second QoS parameter to the RAN network element, so that the RAN network element reserves air interface resources that are consistent with current service requirements, thereby avoiding resource waste.

[0018] In one possible design, the method also includes: receiving a fifth QoS parameter sent by the SMF network element, the fifth QoS parameter including the QoS parameter adjusted by the SMF network element according to the second QoS parameter; and sending a sixth QoS parameter to the AF network element, the sixth QoS parameter being determined based on the fifth QoS parameter and compressed data information.

[0019] In this design, if the SMF network element sends the second QoS parameter to the RAN network element, but the RAN network element detects that the QoS flow resources corresponding to the second QoS parameter cannot be met, the RAN network element can notify the SMF network element that the SMF network element needs to perform a QoS flow modification process. Therefore, when the SMF network element needs to perform a QoS flow modification process, the received second QoS parameter can be adjusted according to the resource occupancy on the RAN network element side, and the fifth QoS parameter can be obtained and sent to the PCF network element. The PCF network element can further redetermine the QoS parameter based on the fifth QoS parameter and the compressed data information, obtain the sixth QoS parameter and send it to the AF network element. The AF network element can send the sixth QoS parameter to the RAN network element so that the RAN network element can reserve resources based on the sixth QoS parameter to avoid resource waste.

[0020] In a possible design, the second QoS parameter is a QoS parameter recommended when the seventh QoS parameter cannot be authorized after the seventh QoS parameter is determined based on the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information. In this design, if the PCF network element can calculate a new QoS parameter based on the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information when obtaining the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information, if the new QoS parameter cannot be authorized, the PCF network element can send a recommended second QoS parameter based on the calculated new QoS parameter and the current network status, so that the second QoS parameter is in line with the current network status on the basis of saving resources.

[0021] In one possible design, the compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of compressed bits in a single data packet to the number of bits in the single data packet; or, the compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of compressed bits in a burst data volume to the number of bits in a burst data volume; or, the compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of data packets repeatedly transmitted within a preset time window to the total number of data packets.

[0022] Exemplarily, when the number of compressed bits in a single data packet accounts for a large proportion of the number of bits in a single data packet, or, when the number of compressed bits in a burst data volume accounts for a large proportion of the number of bits in a burst data volume, or, when the number of data packets repeatedly transmitted within a preset time window accounts for a large proportion of the total number of data packets, it means that the number of bits that can be compressed is large, and when reserving air interface resources, fewer resources can be reserved to save air interface resources.

[0023] In one possible design, the non-compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of uncompressed bits in a single data packet to the number of bits in the single data packet; or, the non-compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of uncompressed bits in a burst data volume to the number of bits in a burst data volume; or, the non-compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of data packets that are not repeatedly transmitted within a preset time window to the total number of data packets.

[0024] Among them, the proportion of non-compressed data = 1-compressed data proportion, which can also achieve the effect of saving resources.

[0025] In a second aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a receiving unit for receiving a first QoS parameter; a sending unit for sending a second QoS parameter, the second QoS parameter being determined based on the first QoS parameter and compressed data information, and the compressed data information is used to indicate the proportion of compressed data or the proportion of uncompressed data in a unit data volume transmitted.

[0026] The beneficial effects of the second aspect can refer to the description of the first aspect.

[0027] In one possible design, the size of the air interface resources reserved by the second QoS parameter for the network side device is smaller than the size of the air interface resources reserved by the first QoS parameter for the network side device.

[0028] In one possible design, the receiving unit is used to: receive a request sent by an application function AF network element, where the request includes a first QoS parameter.

[0029] In one possible design, the request also includes compressed data information.

[0030] In one possible design, the sending unit is used to send a second QoS parameter to a policy control function PCF network element.

[0031] In one possible design, the receiving unit is also used to receive a third QoS parameter recommended by the PCF sent by the PCF network element; the sending unit is also used to send a fourth QoS parameter to the AF network element, and the fourth QoS parameter is determined based on the compressed data information and the third QoS parameter.

[0032] In one possible design, the receiving unit is also used to: receive compressed data information sent by the SMF network element or the user plane function UPF network element.

[0033] In one possible design, the sending unit is also used to: send a trigger indication to the SMF network element, and the trigger indication is used to instruct the SMF network element to notify when the compressed data information changes.

[0034] In one possible design, the sending unit is also used to: send a subscription indication to the UPF network element, and the subscription indication is used to instruct the UPF network element to report when the compressed data information meets the conditions.

[0035] In one possible design, the sending unit is also used to send a second QoS parameter to a session management function SMF network element.

[0036] In one possible design, the receiving unit is also used to receive the fifth QoS parameter sent by the SMF network element, and the fifth QoS parameter includes the QoS parameter adjusted by the SMF network element according to the second QoS parameter; the sending unit is also used to send the sixth QoS parameter to the AF network element, and the sixth QoS parameter is determined based on the fifth QoS parameter and compressed data information.

[0037] In one possible design, the second QoS parameter is a recommended QoS parameter when the seventh QoS parameter cannot be authorized after the seventh QoS parameter is determined based on the first QoS parameter and compressed data information.

[0038] In one possible design, the compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of compressed bits in a single data packet to the number of bits in the single data packet; or, the compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of compressed bits in a burst data volume to the number of bits in a burst data volume; or, the compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of data packets repeatedly transmitted within a preset time window to the total number of data packets.

[0039] In one possible design, the non-compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of uncompressed bits in a single data packet to the number of bits in the single data packet; or, the non-compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of uncompressed bits in a burst data volume to the number of bits in a burst data volume; or, the non-compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of data packets that are not repeatedly transmitted within a preset time window to the total number of data packets.

[0040] In a third aspect, a QoS parameter configuration method is provided, the method comprising: sending a first QoS parameter and compressed data information; a network device receives a second QoS parameter, the second QoS parameter is determined based on the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information, and the compressed data information is used to indicate the proportion of compressed data or the proportion of uncompressed data in the transmitted unit data volume.

[0041] Among them, the network device can be an AF / NEF / TSCTSF network element, etc. Taking the AF network element as an example, the AF network element can provide compressed data information at the same time when sending the requested first QoS parameter. When the TSCTSF / PCF network element receives the first QoS parameter and compressed data information sent by the AF network element, it can calculate the second QoS parameter. When the second QoS parameter is authorized and the second QoS parameter is sent to the RAN network element, a technical effect similar to the first aspect can be achieved. Moreover, for the AF network element, the authorized second QoS parameter allows the AF network element to perceive the QoS parameter during actual use, thereby adjusting the service requirements according to the second QoS parameter during actual use.

[0042] In one possible design, sending the first QoS parameter includes: sending a request to the TSCTSF network element, the request including the first QoS parameter and compressed data information. The TSCTSF network element may obtain the second QoS parameter according to the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information, and request the PCF network element to authorize the second QoS parameter. If the PCF network element authorizes the second QoS parameter, the second QoS parameter may be sent to the RAN network element through the SMF network element, so that the RAN network element reserves air interface resources according to the second QoS parameter.

[0043] In some embodiments, if the PCF cannot authorize the QoS parameter obtained based on the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information, the PCF network element may send the third QoS parameter recommended by the PCF network element to the TSCTSF network element. The TSCTSF network element may calculate the second QoS parameter based on the third QoS parameter and the compressed data information, and send the second QoS parameter to the AF network element. Therefore, the above-mentioned receiving the second QoS parameter may include: (AF network element) receiving the second QoS parameter sent by the TSCTSF network element. In this way, if the second QoS parameter is sent to the AF network element at the same time as it is sent to the RAN network element, the AF network element can perceive the QoS parameter in actual use, thereby adjusting the service demand according to the second QoS parameter in actual use.

[0044] In some embodiments, sending the first QoS parameter includes: (AF network element) sending a request to the PCF network element, the request including the first QoS parameter and compressed data information. The PCF obtains the second QoS parameter based on the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information, and determines whether to authorize the second QoS parameter. If the second QoS parameter is authorizable and sent to the AF network element, the AF network element can perceive the QoS parameter in actual use, thereby adjusting the service demand according to the second QoS parameter in actual use.

[0045] In some embodiments, receiving the second QoS parameter includes: the AF network element receives the second QoS parameter sent by the PCF network element. At this time, the second QoS parameter can be a QoS parameter that the PCF network element directly obtains and can be authorized based on the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information, or it can be a QoS parameter recommended by the PCF network element that the PCF network element obtains based on the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information. If the PCF network element sends the recommended QoS parameter, it can be understood that the QoS parameter directly obtained by the PCF network element based on the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information cannot be authorized, for example, the RAN side cannot meet the air interface resources required for the directly obtained QoS parameter.

[0046] In one possible design, the size of the air interface resources reserved by the second QoS parameter for the network side device is smaller than the size of the air interface resources reserved by the first QoS parameter for the network side device.

[0047] In a fourth aspect, a QoS parameter configuration method is provided, the method comprising: receiving a first QoS parameter, wherein the first QoS parameter is determined based on a second QoS parameter and compressed data information, the compressed data information being used to indicate a proportion of compressed data or a proportion of uncompressed data in a unit data volume transmitted; reserving air interface resources based on the first QoS parameter, and the air interface resources being used for compressed data transmission.

[0048] The receiving of the first QoS parameter and the reserving of air interface resources may be performed by a network side device, for example, by a RAN network element. Referring to the analysis of the beneficial effects of the first aspect, when the compressed data information is considered when setting the first QoS parameter, the RAN network element may reserve the air interface resources required for the compressed data, thereby avoiding waste of air interface resources.

[0049] Exemplarily, the air interface resources can be used by the RAN network element to receive downlink data packets, and then send them to the UE on the reserved air interface resources after compression. It can also be used by the RAN network element to receive compressed uplink data packets sent by the UE on the reserved air interface resources.

[0050] In one possible design, the size of the air interface resources reserved by the first QoS parameter for the network side device is smaller than the size of the air interface resources reserved by the second QoS parameter for the network side device. Referring to the analysis of the beneficial effects of the first aspect, due to the presence of data compression when transmitting data, the air interface resources required for the compressed data volume are relatively small. If the current data compression situation is taken into account when sending the QoS parameters to the RAN network element, it is equivalent to setting the first QoS parameter according to the current data compression situation. When the RAN network element reserves air interface resources according to the first QoS parameter, only the air interface resources required for the compressed data volume can be reserved, which can avoid the problem of resource waste caused by the preset reserved air interface resource size.

[0051] In one possible design, receiving the first QoS parameter includes: receiving the first QoS parameter sent by the SMF network element. The first QoS parameter sent by the SMF network element may be received by the SMF network element from the TSCTSF network element, or may be received from the PCF network element. That is, determining the first QoS parameter based on the second QoS parameter and the compressed data information may be executed by the TSCTSF network element, or may be executed by the PCF network element.

[0052] In a fifth aspect, a network device is provided, the network device comprising: a memory and a processor. The memory and the processor are coupled. The memory is used to store a computer program code, the computer program code comprising a computer instruction. The transceiver is used to receive data and send data. When the processor executes the computer instruction, the network device performs any one of the QoS parameter configuration methods provided in the first aspect or its corresponding possible design.

[0053] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a chip system, which is applied to a network device. The chip system includes one or more interface circuits and one or more processors. The interface circuit and the processor are interconnected by a line; the interface circuit is used to receive a signal from a memory of the network device and send the signal to the processor, and the signal includes a computer instruction stored in the memory. When the processor executes the computer instruction, the network device executes the method for QoS parameter configuration provided by the first aspect or its corresponding possible design.

[0054] In the seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is connected to a memory, and the at least one processor is used to read and execute a program stored in the memory so that the device executes a method as described in the first aspect or any one of the first aspects.

[0055] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which is included in an electronic device, and has the function of implementing the behavior of the electronic device in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation methods. The function can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. For example, a receiving module or unit and a sending module or unit, etc.

[0056] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, including computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed on an electronic device, the electronic device executes the QoS parameter configuration method in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation methods.

[0057] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product. When the computer program product runs on a computer or a processor, it enables the computer or the processor to execute the QoS parameter configuration method in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation methods.

[0058] It can be understood that any of the network devices, communication devices, chip systems, computer-readable storage media or computer program products provided above can be applied to the corresponding methods provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods and will not be repeated here.

[0059] These and other aspects of the present application will become more apparent from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a 5G QoS framework in a 5G system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a GBR QoS flow establishment process provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a system architecture for intercommunication between a 3GPP 5G system and a TSN system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of message transmission with a deterministic delay requirement provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a system architecture for intercommunication between a 3GPP 5G system and a TSN system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a process for an AF network element to request QoS parameters in a TSC system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a data packet transmission process using compressed padding as an example provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a non-roaming architecture and a roaming architecture of a 5G system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Fig. 9 A flowchart of a QoS parameter configuration method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Fig.10 A signaling interaction diagram of a QoS parameter configuration method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Fig.11 A signaling interaction diagram of a QoS parameter configuration method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] Fig.12 A signaling interaction diagram of a QoS parameter configuration method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " means or, for example, A / B can mean A or B; "and / or" in this article is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, in the description of the embodiments of the present application, "multiple" means two or more than two.

[0075] In the following, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0076] The embodiments of the present application can be applied to scenarios in which service intercommunication is performed between a fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G) system and a time sensitive network (TSN) / time sensitive communication (TSC) network, and in particular can be applied to scenarios in which service intercommunication is performed between a 5G QoS framework and a TSN / TSC system.

[0077] The following is an introduction to the 5G QoS framework and TSN / TSC system respectively.

[0078] like Figure 1The figure shows a schematic diagram of a 5G QoS framework in a 5G system. The 5G QoS framework can ensure the end-to-end service quality of the service, support guaranteed bit rate (GBR) QoS flow, which can be called GBR QoS flow, and support non-GBR QoS flow, both of which can use the same QoS flow to control the data packets to receive the same transmission processing (such as scheduling and admission threshold, etc.).

[0079] refer to Figure 1 For a terminal device, one or more packet data unit (PDU) sessions can be established with the 5G network. The 5G network includes base stations (NodeB, NB) in the access network and user plane functions (UPF) in the core network. A radio bearer can be established between the terminal device and the base station for communication, and a next-generation user plane channel (next generation-user plane tunnel, NG-U tunnel) (shown as an NG-U channel in the figure) can be established between the base station and the UPF for communication. Each PDU session can establish one or more QoS flows. Each QoS flow is identified by a QoS flow identifier (QFI), and the QFI uniquely identifies a QoS flow in the session.

[0080] Whether a QoS flow is a GBR QoS flow or a Non-GBR QoS flow is determined by a corresponding QoS profile.

[0081] For GBR QoS flow, its corresponding QoS profile includes the following QoS parameters: 5G quality indication (5QI), allocation and retention priority (ARP), guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR) and maximum flow bit rate (MFBR). Optionally, notification control may also be included. In some scenarios, GBR QoS flow can be divided into GBR QoS flow that requires notification control and GBR QoS flow that does not require notification control, depending on whether the profile contains notification control. For GBR QoS flow that requires notification control, when the wireless access network detects that the corresponding QoS flow resources cannot be met, the wireless access network notifies the core network, such as the session management function (SMF) network element, of the event. Furthermore, the SMF network element can initiate a QoS flow deletion or QoS flow modification process.

[0082] For Non-QoS flow, the corresponding QoS profile includes the following QoS parameters: 5QI and ARP. Optionally, it may also include a reflective QoS attribute (RQA).

[0083] The definitions of the above QoS parameters may be referred to as follows.

[0084] 5QI: is a scalar used to index the corresponding 5G QoS features. 5G QoS features include, for example, packet delay budget (PDB) and packet error ratio (PER). 5QI is divided into standardized 5QI, pre-configured 5QI and dynamically allocated 5QI. For standardized 5QI, there is a one-to-one correspondence with a set of standardized 5G QoS feature values; for pre-configured 5QI, the corresponding 5G QoS feature values ​​are pre-configured in the access network node; for dynamically allocated 5QI, the corresponding 5G QoS features are included in the QoS configuration file and sent to the AN network element.

[0085] ARP: includes priority, preemption capability, and preemption capability.

[0086] Notification control: used to instruct the wireless access network whether to notify the network when the GFBR cannot be met during the use period of the QoS flow.

[0087] GFBR: represents the bit rate expected to be provided to the GBR QoS flow.

[0088] MFBR: Limits the bit rate provided to GBR QoS flow, that is, the maximum bit rate provided to GBR QoS flow. If the maximum bit rate is exceeded, the data packet can be discarded.

[0089] RQA: A reflective QoS parameter used to indicate the QoS parameters used by services transmitted using the corresponding QoS flow.

[0090] Take GBR QoS flow as an example. Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the establishment process of a GBR QoS flow shown includes the following processes:

[0091] 21. The session management function (SMF) network element determines to establish a QoS flow according to the local policy or the policy and charging control (PCC) rules sent by the policy control function (PCF) network element. Then the following are executed: 211) The SMF sends the packet detection rule (PDR) and QoS enforcement rule (QER), including QoS control information, to the UPF network element through the N4 interface; 212) The SMF network element sends the QoS configuration file (including QoS parameters) of the QoS flow to the access network (AN) through the access and mobility management function (AMF) network element through the N1 interface; 213) The SMF network element sends the QoS rules, including QoS control information, to the terminal device, such as the user equipment (UE), through the AMF network element and the AN network element.

[0092] 22. QoS flow is established between UE, AN and UPF network elements. AN network element establishes data radio bearer (DRB) of air interface according to QoS configuration file and stores the binding relationship between QoS flow and DRB.

[0093] Applying the above DRB and binding relationship, for downlink transmission, when the UPF network element receives a downlink data packet, it performs QoS control according to the QoS control information sent by the SMF network element, including the QoS flow identifier carried in the data packet, and sends the downlink data packet to the AN network element through the UPF network element and the N3 interface. When the AN network element receives a downlink data packet, it carries the downlink data packet on the corresponding DRB for transmission according to the QoS flow identifier in the packet header and the binding relationship between the QoS flow corresponding to the QoS flow identifier and the DRB.

[0094] For uplink transmission, when the UE determines to send an uplink data packet, it determines the QoS flow according to the QoS rules, carries the QoS flow identifier in the data packet header, and transmits the uplink data packet to the AN network element on the corresponding DRB based on the binding relationship between the QoS flow and the DRB. When the AN network element receives the uplink data packet, it carries the QoS flow identifier in the data packet header sent to the UPF network element through the N3 interface based on the QoS flow identifier in the packet header. That is, the UE performs QoS control of the uplink data packet according to the QoS rules. When the UPF network element receives the data packet sent by the AN network element, it verifies whether the correct QoS flow is used for transmission in the data packet.

[0095] For the combination of 5G system and TSN system, such as Figure 3 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the system architecture for intercommunication between a 3GPP 5G system and a TSN system. Figure 3 , in such Figure 2On the basis of the figure, the 5G system also includes a unified data management (UDM) network element and a network exposure function (NEF) network element. Among them, the 5G system and the TSN translator (translator) as a whole act as a logical (TSN) bridge. The 5G system exchanges information with the TSN network node: centralized network configuration (CNC) network element through the TSN translator of the control plane: TSN AF (application function). The exchanged information includes: capability information of the 5G system bridge, TSN configuration information, and time scheduling information and time synchronization information of the TSN input and output ports. Among them, for the user plane, on the device side of the bridge, for the UE side TSN translator, the terminal side TSN converter (device-side TSN translator, DS-TT) may be located in the UE or outside the UE. The translator on the UPF side, the network side TSN converter ((network TSN translator, NW-TT) is located in the UPF network element.

[0096] The 5G system as a whole acts as a TSN bridge. The node CNC network elements in the TSN system configure the sending time window and flow cycle for each TSN bridge based on the information reported by the 5G system bridge and other bridges to ensure the deterministic delay from end to end (from TSN talker to TSN listener).

[0097] For example, the user plane processes the following behavior of the message. After the message is transmitted from the TSN system to the NW-TT, the NW-TT sends the message to the DS-TT. The DS-TT sends the message within the preconfigured time according to the sending time window (i.e., the gated scheduling parameter) configured by the CNC network element. In order to ensure that the message can be sent in time, the message needs to arrive at the DS-TT before the preset sending time and be cached at the DS-TT to the sending time window.

[0098] For specific messages with deterministic latency requirements, such as Figure 4 (a) in Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of deterministic transmission with cache forwarding delay. The 5G system needs to determine the corresponding PDB based on the message demand and ensure that the message transmission time between the UE and the UPF network element is not greater than the PDB. In other words, the message will arrive at the DS-TT in advance so that it can catch up with the sending time window configured by the CNC.

[0099] like Figure 4 (b) in the figure shows a schematic diagram of the interconnection transmission between a 5G system and a TSN system. In the figure, a black box model is adopted, and the CNC network element configures the time of arrival at 5GC and the time of departure from 5GC according to the flow granularity. The uncertainty caused by air interface transmission and wired transmission between UE and UPF network element is eliminated by caching in the TSN translator. Specifically, the TSN AF network element determines the time when the TSN flow arrives at the entrance of the 5G system based on the scheduling information of the TSN flow obtained from the CNC network element, that is, the time when the TSN flow arrives at the entrance of the NW-TT in the downlink direction (such as Figure 4 The DL Burst Arrival Time in the downlink direction and the time when the uplink TSN flow arrives at the DS-TT entrance are calculated. The TSN AF network element provides the time information (contained in the TSC assistance container (TSCAC)) to the SMF network element through the PCF network element. The SMF network element further calculates the time to reach the next generation-ratio access network (NG-RAN) in the downlink direction based on this time information (such as Figure 4 The TSCAI burst arrival time in the QoS flow and the time when the uplink is sent from the UE are provided to the RAN as TSCAI information for reference, so that the RAN node can reserve resources in advance. Among them, the SMF network element will bind a specific service (data flow) to a QoS flow, that is, there is a corresponding relationship between the QoS flow and the service data flow. For TSN services, it is generally believed that there is a one-to-one correspondence between the QoS flow and the service data flow.

[0100] For the combination of 5G system and non-TSN TSC system, the clock synchronization service is supported by adding the time sensitive communication time synchronization function (TSCTSF) network element, and TSC services in non-TSN scenarios are enabled. Figure 5 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the system architecture for intercommunication between a 3GPP 5G system and a TSN system. Figure 5 , the TSCTSF network element can be coupled between the NEF network element and the PCF network element. Among them, the functions of the TSCTSF network element include:

[0101] Associating the time synchronization service request from the AF network element to the AF session;

[0102] Interact with DS-TT / NW-TT through port management information container (PMIC) / bridge management information container (BMIC) to manage and control DS-TT / NW-TT;

[0103] Detect the availability of 5G system bridge or 5G system node information reported by PCF network elements;

[0104] Create a TSC assistance container based on the service type parameters provided by the AF / NEF network element and provide it to the PC. For example, the AF will send a request for 5G system delay (Requested 5GS Delay) to the TSCTSF, and the TSCTSF will generate a requested PDB (requested PDB) by subtracting the UE-DS-TT residence time and send it to the PCF network element;

[0105] The 5G system bridge delay (5GS bridge delay) is determined based on the UE-DS-TT residence time and provided to the PCF network element.

[0106] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a process in which an AF network element requests QoS parameters in a TSC system is shown, which may include the following process.

[0107] 1) The request that the AF network element may send to the TSCTSF network element via the NEF network element includes: a QoS reference; one or more of the following individual QoS parameters: requested priority, maximum burst size, requested 5G system delay, requested maximum bitrate, and requested guaranteed bitrate.

[0108] 2) If the request from the AF network element is sent through the TSCTSF network element and the request contains the requested 5G system delay, the TSCTSF network element needs to consider the UE-DS-TT residence time to determine the requested PDB.

[0109] 3) When the PCF network element obtains service information from the AF network element, the PCF network element can derive the QoS parameters of the PCC rules based on the service information and the single QoS parameters received from the TSCTSF network element. Among them, the PCF should select a standardized, pre-configured or existing dynamically allocated 5QI that matches the single QoS parameter. If there is no 5QI that matches the single QoS parameter, the PCF generates a new dynamically allocated 5QI based on the single QoS parameter. If the network conditions cannot meet the requirements, the PCF rejects the request or sends a recommended 5QI to the TSCTSF network element / AF network element.

[0110] In addition, the AF network element can also subscribe to some events from the PCF network element.

[0111] When the above-mentioned 5G system and TSN / TSC system are applied to industrial control scenarios, the structure of the transmitted data packet can be shown in Table 1.

[0112] Table 1

[0113] Ethernet header Business data packet header State quantity Switching quantity Filling amount Frame Check Sequence

[0114] The service data packet header may include serial number information to indicate the order of the service packets. The state quantity and switch quantity are specific data of the service layer. The service data packet header + state quantity + switch quantity can be collectively referred to as the effective load. The padding is due to the limitation of the Ethernet frame size, such as the limit of 64 bytes. The effective load in industrial scenarios is generally not reached, so padding is required to make the Ethernet frame reach 64 bytes.

[0115] Generally speaking, the frequency of changes in state quantities and switchable quantities is relatively small. Taking the data transmitted by programmable logic controllers (PLC) and input / output (I / O) devices in industrial control scenarios as an example, Table 2 shows an example of data content.

[0116] Table 2

[0117] PLC 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 I / O Devices 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

[0118] The "0" and "1" in Table 2 refer to the content of the data. Only when the business content changes, the PLC or I / O device needs to respond and transmit the new data content. For example, for the PLC, when the business content changes from "0000001" to "0000010", a new data packet needs to be transmitted. Or for the I / O device, when the business content changes from "0000100" to "0001010", a new data packet needs to be transmitted. When the business content does not change, just maintain the activation state of the business layer.

[0119] In view of the above two situations, a user plane data compression mechanism is proposed based on service characteristics. For example, the UE (DS-TT) and UPF network element (NW-TT) can compress the duplicate data packets and padding based on packet detection and restore them on the other end. Packet detection can also be performed based on the container sent by TSCTSF (i.e., PMIC or UMIC). Figure 7 The diagram shows the flow of data packet transmission with compressed padding being passed as an example.

[0120] 71. The network obtains from the application the field (called the payload interval) in which the application passes specific data to the network, including the passing of filling information. The acquisition method may be that the AF network element sends the payload interval to the PCF network element, or the AF network element sends the payload interval to the UDR network element (connected to the PCF network element) through the NEF network element. After the PDU session is established, the PCF network element obtains the payload interval from the UDR network element. Alternatively, the AF network element sends the payload interval to the PCF network element via the TSCTSF network element. Alternatively, the TSCTSF may also directly send a container to the UE and UPF network elements, including detection information, which is used to indicate the payload interval.

[0121] 72. The PCF network element sends the PCC rule to the SMF network element, including detection information. The detection information includes one of the following: load interval (such as offset); detection information.

[0122] 73. The SMF network element generates QoS Flow according to the acquired PCC rules.

[0123] 74. The SMF network element sends the processing information (compression or decompression operation) corresponding to the QoS Flow to the UPF network element and the UE (and possibly the RAN network element). The SMF network element may send the information to the UPF network element in the packet detection rule (PDR) or the QOS execution rule (QER).

[0124] When the UPF network element / RAN network element receives a downlink data packet, it can decompress the data packet and send it to the UE. Alternatively, when the UE receives an uplink data packet, it can compress the fields in the received data packet and send it to the RAN network element. For example, the fields included in the uplink or downlink data packet before compression or after decompression are: preamble, start frame delimiter (SFD), destination address (destination MAC, DMAC), source address (sourceMAC, SMAC), data type, payload, padding and frame check sequence (FCS), and the fields included after compression are DMAC, SMAC, type and payload.

[0125] However, if the 5G system and TSN / TSC system are used in combination, the QoS parameters are still provided according to the current application application. For the RAN network element, the air interface resources for transmitting data packets between the RAN network element and the UE need to be reserved, that is, the RAN network element is not clear about the compression of the data packets in the QoS flow to be transmitted. If there are more bits compressed in the QoS flow, the air interface resources corresponding to the QoS parameters reserved in the RAN network element will have more resources wasted. For example, the RAN network element needs to reserve GBR resources, and the reserved GBR resources may have resource waste.

[0126] Therefore, in an embodiment of the present application, a QoS parameter configuration method and network element are proposed, in which a TSCTSF network element or a PCF network element can set QoS parameters according to compressed data information in a requested service. When the RAN network element finally receives the QoS parameters determined according to the compressed data information, if air interface resources are reserved according to the QoS parameters, the air interface resources can be matched with the QoS parameters determined according to the compressed data information, thereby avoiding waste of air interface resources caused by RAN resource reservation.

[0127] In the present application, the embodiments of the present application may be applicable to a variety of 5G system architectures, for example, may be applied to a service-oriented 5G system and a non-roaming architecture based on a reference point, or may be applied to a roaming architecture of a 5G system.

[0128] like Figure 8 (a) in the figure shows a schematic diagram of a service-oriented 5G system and a non-roaming architecture based on reference points, which includes a network slice selection function (NSSF) network element, a NEF network element, a network repository function (NRF) network element, a PCF network element, a UDM network element, an AF network element, an authentication server function (AUSF) network element, an AMF network element, and an SMF network element, as well as a UE and a RAN network element communicating with the AMF through an N1 interface, a UPF network element communicating with the SMF network element through an N4 interface, a (R)AN network element communicating with the UPF network element through an N3 interface, and a UPF network element communicating with the data network (DN) network element through an N6 interface. The interfaces of the core network include an Nnssf interface, an Nnef interface, an Nnrf interface, an Npcf interface, a Nudm interface, a Naf interface, a Nausf interface, a Namf interface, an Nsmf interface, N1, N2, N3, and N4, etc.

[0129] like Figure 8(b) shows another service-oriented 5G system and a non-roaming architecture based on reference points. The NEF network element and the NRF network element are removed from the architecture. Figure 8 In (b), Nx indicates an interface, and x indicates an interface number. For example, the interfaces include an N13 interface and an N22 interface.

[0130] like Figure 8 (c) in the figure shows a schematic diagram of a 5G system roaming architecture based on service-based local breakout (LBO). In this scenario, it includes a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) and a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN). The service needs to be unloaded under the VPLMN, that is, the DN is on the VPLMN side. The VPLMN includes a security edge protection proxy (vSEPP) network element, and the HPLMN includes an hSEPP network element. The vSEPP network element and the hSEPP network element communicate through the N32 interface.

[0131] like Figure 8 (d) in FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a 5G system roaming architecture under LBO based on a reference point, wherein the VPLMN includes a vPCF, the HPLMN includes an hPCF, and the vPCF and the hPCF communicate through an interface N24. In an embodiment of the present application, the PCF network element interacting with the SMF network element may be a PCF network element serving a PDU session, which is located in the VPLMN.

[0132] The embodiments of the present application can also be applied to the 5G system architecture of roaming scenarios based on service-based home routing (HR). Figure 8 (e) in FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a 5G system roaming architecture based on service-oriented HR. Figure 8 In the architecture shown in (c), in the roaming scenario under the service-oriented HR, the service needs to be unloaded on the HPLMN side, that is, the DN is in the HPLMN, and the AF network element and the SMF network element are also in the HPLMN. The HPLMN also includes a UPF network element. The UPF in the VPLMN and the UPF in the HPLMN communicate through the N9 interface. In an embodiment of the present application, the PCF network element that interacts with the SMF network element can be a PCF network element that serves the PDU session, which is located in the HPLMN at this time.

[0133] The embodiment of the present application can also be applied to the 5G system architecture of the roaming scenario under the HR based on the reference point. Figure 8(f) in FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a 5G system roaming architecture based on a reference point. Figure 8 In the architecture shown in (d), in the roaming scenario under the HR based on the reference point, the service needs to be unloaded on the HPLMN side, that is, the DN is in the HPLMN, and the AF network element is in the HPLMN. The VPLMN includes a V-SMF network element, and the HPLMN includes an H-SMF network element. The V-SMF network element and the H-SMF network element communicate through the N18 interface. Both the VPLMN and the HPLMN include a UPF network element. The UPF network element in the VPLMN communicates with the UPF network element in the HPLMN through the N9 interface.

[0134] The present application is not limited to the above-mentioned network architecture, but can also be applied to 5G system architectures in other scenarios.

[0135] The location of the TSCTSF network element in the 5G architecture in the embodiment of the present application can be found in Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the system architecture showing the intercommunication between the 5G system and the TSN system.

[0136] The 5G system architecture includes two parts: access network and core network. The access network is used to implement functions related to wireless access of terminal devices. The core network mainly includes the following key network elements / network equipment: AMF network element, SMF network element, UPF network element, PCF network element and UDM network element.

[0137] In the present application, the terminal device may be a UE, a handheld terminal, a laptop computer, a subscriber unit, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a wireless data card, a personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, a tablet computer, a wireless modem, a handheld device (handheld), a laptop computer, a cordless phone or a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal or other device that can access the network. The terminal device and the access network device communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology.

[0138] (R)AN equipment: Network equipment that provides access for terminal devices, including RAN equipment and AN equipment. RAN equipment is mainly 3GPP network wireless network equipment, and AN can be non-3GPP defined access network equipment. RAN equipment is mainly responsible for wireless resource management, QoS management, data compression and encryption on the air interface side. RAN equipment can include various forms of base stations, such as: macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, access points, etc. In systems using different wireless access technologies, the names of devices with base station functions may be different. For example, in 5G systems, it is called RAN or gNB (5GNodeB); in LTE systems, it is called evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB); in third generation (3rd generation, 3G) systems, it is called Node B, etc.

[0139] AMF network element: Mainly responsible for mobility management in mobile networks, such as user location update, user registration network, user switching, etc.

[0140] SMF network element: Mainly responsible for session management in mobile networks, such as session establishment, modification, and release. Specific functions include allocating IP addresses to users and selecting UPFs that provide message forwarding functions.

[0141] UPF network element: responsible for forwarding and receiving user data in terminal devices. It can receive user data from the data network and transmit it to the terminal device through the access network device; UPF network element can also receive user data from the terminal device through the access network device and forward it to the data network. The transmission resources and scheduling functions that provide services to terminal devices in the UPF network element are managed and controlled by the SMF network element.

[0142] PCF network element: mainly supports providing a unified policy framework to control network behavior, provides policy rules to the control layer network functions, and is responsible for obtaining user contract information related to policy decisions.

[0143] NEF network element: mainly used to support the opening of capabilities and events.

[0144] AF network element: mainly supports interaction with the 3GPP core network to provide services, such as influencing data routing decisions, policy control functions, or providing some third-party services to the network side.

[0145] UDM network element: used for generating authentication credentials, user identification processing (such as storing and managing user permanent identities, etc.), access authorization control and contract data management, etc.

[0146] DN: refers to the service network that provides data transmission services to users, such as IMS (IP multi-media service), Internet, etc.

[0147] In some scenarios, the UE accesses the data network DN through a PDU (packet data unit) session established between the UE and the DN.

[0148] After understanding the network architecture of the present application, the embodiments of the present application are described below.

[0149] like Fig. 9 The figure shows a flow chart of a QoS parameter configuration method provided in an embodiment of the present application, which includes the following process.

[0150] 901. A network device receives a first QoS parameter.

[0151] 902. The network device sends a second QoS parameter, where the second QoS parameter is determined based on the first QoS parameter and compressed data information, where the compressed data information is used to indicate a percentage of compressed data or a percentage of uncompressed data in a unit amount of data transmitted.

[0152] In some embodiments, the network device may be a PCF network element or a TSC TSF network element, or may be other network elements, which is not limited in this application.

[0153] In some embodiments, the present invention can be applied to the above Figure 8 In any of the architectures of the 5G system shown.

[0154] In some scenarios, the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the process of configuring a QoS profile for a GBR QoS flow in a 5G system, and the QoS profile includes QoS parameters. The QoS parameters may include 5QI, ARP, GFBR, and MFBR, etc. For details, please refer to the above Figure 1 and Figure 2 Description of the process.

[0155] In some embodiments, the embodiments of the present application can be applied to a scenario where a 5G system and a TSN / TSC system are combined for data transmission. In this scenario, the AF network element can request QoS parameters from the TSC TSF network element through the NEF network element. For details, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 Description of the process shown.

[0156] In some embodiments, the embodiments of the present application can be applied to industrial control scenarios, and the transmitted data can be data packets in industrial scenarios. In this scenario, repeated data packets and padding parts can be compressed and transmitted based on packet detection. For access network elements, such as RAN network elements, the base station can establish a DRB based on the received QoS parameters and reserve air interface resources that match the received QoS parameters for the transmission of compressed data. For details, please refer to the above Figure 7 A description of the process is shown.

[0157] In some embodiments, if the second QoS parameter is determined based on compressed data information, when the network device sends the second QoS parameter, it is equivalent to that the second QoS parameter is determined based on the current data compression situation. If the second QoS parameter is sent to the RAN network element, the RAN network element can reserve air interface resources based on the second QoS parameter. Compared with the prior art, since the RAN network element cannot know in advance the data size of the QoS flow to be transmitted, the RAN network element only reserves air interface resources according to the preconfigured air interface resource size, which may waste air interface resources. When configuring QoS parameters for the RAN network element, the present application provides QoS guarantee after adjusting the QoS parameters according to the current compressed data information. For example, the RAN network element needs to reserve GBR air interface resources. If the second QoS parameter received by the RAN network element is adjusted based on the compressed data information, the GBR air interface resources reserved by the RAN network element can not only provide QoS guarantee, but also save GBR air interface resources.

[0158] In some embodiments, when step 901 and step 902 are performed by the PCF network element, receiving the first QoS parameter includes: the PCF network element receives a request sent by the AF network element, the request including the first QoS parameter. The compressed data information may be sent by other network elements other than the AF network element, such as the SMF network element to the PCF network element.

[0159] In some embodiments, the request sent by the AF may also include compressed data information. In this way, the PCF network element may directly determine the second QoS parameter based on the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information received from the AF network element. The second QoS parameter may be used by the RAN network element to determine the air interface resources that match the second QoS parameter.

[0160] In some embodiments, when step 901 and step 902 are performed by the TSCTSF network element, receiving the first QoS parameter includes: the TSCTSF network element receives a request sent by the AF network element, the request including the first QoS parameter and compressed data information. Sending the second QoS parameter includes: the TSCTSF network element sends the second QoS parameter to the policy control function PCF network element. If the PCF network element authorizes the second QoS parameter, the PCF network element may send the second QoS parameter to the RAN network element through the AF network element.

[0161] If the PCF network element cannot authorize the second QoS parameter when receiving the second QoS parameter, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the TSCTSF network element receives the third QoS parameter recommended by the PCF sent by the PCF network element; the TSCTSF network element sends a fourth QoS parameter to the AF network element, and the fourth QoS parameter is determined according to the compressed data information and the third QoS parameter. That is, the TSCTSF network element can determine the fourth QoS parameter according to the recommended third QoS parameter and the compressed data information, and then send it to the RAN network element through the AF network element.

[0162] In some embodiments, before the PCF network element receives the first QoS parameter sent by the AF network element, the method may further include: the PCF network element receives compressed data information sent by the SMF network element or the UPF network element. That is, the compressed data information may be notified to the PCF network element by the SMF network element or the UPF network element, so that the PCF network element determines the second QoS parameter based on the compressed data information and the first QoS parameter received from the AF network element, and then sends it to the RAN network element.

[0163] In some embodiments, before the PCF network element receives the compressed data information, the method may further include: the PCF network element sends a trigger indication to the SMF network element, the trigger indication is used to instruct the SMF network element to notify when the compressed data information changes. In this case, the SMF network element can subscribe to the compressed data information from the UPF network element. The UPF network element can directly report the compressed data information to the PCF network element when the compressed data information meets the conditions, or the UPF network element reports the compressed data information to the PCF network element through the SMF network element.

[0164] Alternatively, the PCF network element may also subscribe to the compressed data information directly from the UPF network element. Therefore, in some embodiments, before receiving the compressed data sent by the UPF network element, the method further includes: the PCF network element sends a subscription indication to the UPF network element, and the subscription indication is used to instruct the UPF network element to report when the compressed data information meets the conditions.

[0165] In some embodiments, after the PCF network element obtains the second QoS parameter, sending the second QoS parameter may include: sending the second QoS parameter to the SMF network element. The SMF network element may send the second QoS parameter to the RAN network element.

[0166] In some embodiments, if the SMF network element receives the second QoS parameter, the SMF network element sends the second QoS parameter to the RAN network element, but the RAN network element detects that the QoS flow resources corresponding to the second QoS parameter cannot be met, the RAN network element may notify the SMF network element that the SMF network element needs to perform a QoS flow modification process. Therefore, the method may also include: the PCF network element receives the fifth QoS parameter sent by the SMF network element, the fifth QoS parameter includes the QoS parameter adjusted by the SMF network element according to the second QoS parameter; the PCF network element sends the sixth QoS parameter to the AF network element, and the sixth QoS parameter is determined based on the fifth QoS parameter and compressed data information. The AF network element may send the sixth QoS parameter to the RAN network element.

[0167] In some embodiments, when step 901 and step 902 are performed by the PCF network element, if the PCF network element cannot authorize the seventh QoS parameter obtained according to the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information, the PCF network element may send the second QoS parameter recommended by the PCF to the AF network element or the SMF network element, etc. That is, the second QoS parameter is a QoS parameter recommended when the seventh QoS parameter cannot be authorized after the seventh QoS parameter is determined according to the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information.

[0168] In some embodiments, the compressed data ratio in the embodiments of the present application is the ratio of the number of compressed bits in a single data packet to the number of bits in a single data packet;

[0169] Or, the compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of compressed bits in a burst data volume to the number of bits in the burst data volume;

[0170] Alternatively, the compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of data packets repeatedly transmitted within a preset time window to the total number of data packets.

[0171] Accordingly, the non-compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of uncompressed bits in a single data packet to the number of bits in the single data packet;

[0172] Or, the non-compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of uncompressed bits in a burst of data to the number of bits in a burst of data;

[0173] Alternatively, the non-compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of data packets that are not repeatedly transmitted within a preset time window to the total number of data packets.

[0174] This application does not limit the definition of compressed data ratio and uncompressed data ratio.

[0175] For example, if compressed data information is transmitted between the PCF network element and the TSCTSF network element, the compressed data ratio / uncompressed data ratio can be a service / service data function (SDF) or a data transmission situation under a service. Among them, SDF is the database of the intelligent network and can provide user and network data.

[0176] For example, the compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of compressed bits in a single data packet to the number of bits in the single data packet in an SDF or a service.

[0177] If compressed data information is transmitted between SMF network elements and PCF network elements, the compressed data ratio / uncompressed data ratio can be the data transmission situation in a QoS flow.

[0178] For example, the compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of compressed bits in a single data packet to the number of bits in the single data packet in a QoS flow.

[0179] Of course, the present application is not limited to the above examples of the ratio of compressed data / ratio of non-compressed data.

[0180] Based on the above description, it can be known that, from the perspective of the network element providing the compressed data information, the AF network element can provide the compressed data information while sending the first QoS parameter, or other network elements such as the SMF network element or the UPF network element can provide the compressed data information. The second QoS parameter determined by the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information can ultimately be responded to the AF network element, so that the second QoS parameter is provided to the RAN network element through the AF network element.

[0181] Therefore, in an embodiment of the present application, a method for configuring quality of service (QoS) parameters is also provided, the method comprising:

[0182] The network device sends the first QoS parameter and compressed data information;

[0183] The network device receives a second QoS parameter, where the second QoS parameter is determined based on the first QoS parameter and compressed data information, where the compressed data information is used to indicate a percentage of compressed data or a percentage of uncompressed data in a unit amount of data transmitted.

[0184] The network device may be an AF network element.

[0185] In some embodiments, sending the first QoS parameter includes: the AF network element sends a request to the TSCTSF network element, the request including the first QoS parameter and compressed data information. The TSCTSF network element can obtain the second QoS parameter according to the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information, and request the PCF network element to authorize the second QoS parameter.

[0186] In some embodiments, if the PCF cannot authorize the QoS parameter obtained according to the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information, the PCF may send the third QoS parameter recommended by the PCF network element to the TSCTSF network element. The TSCTSF network element may calculate the second QoS parameter according to the third QoS parameter and the compressed data information, and send the second QoS parameter to the AF network element. Therefore, the above-mentioned receiving the second QoS parameter may include: the AF network element receives the second QoS parameter sent by the TSCTSF network element.

[0187] In some embodiments, sending the first QoS parameter includes: the AF network element sends a request to the PCF network element, the request including the first QoS parameter and compressed data information. The PCF obtains the second QoS parameter according to the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information, and determines whether to authorize the second QoS parameter.

[0188] In some embodiments, receiving the second QoS parameter includes: the AF network element receives the second QoS parameter sent by the PCF network element. In this case, the second QoS parameter may be a QoS parameter directly obtained by the PCF network element based on the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information and authorized, or may be a QoS parameter recommended by the PCF network element obtained by the PCF network element based on the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information.

[0189] After understanding the configuration process of the above-mentioned various QoS parameters, the configuration process of the above-mentioned various QoS parameters is further introduced below.

[0190] like Fig.10 The figure shows a signaling interaction diagram of a QoS parameter configuration method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method includes the following process.

[0191] 101. The AF / NEF network element sends a request to the TSCTSF network element, where the request includes a first QoS parameter and compressed data information.

[0192] Correspondingly, the TSCTSF network element receives the request sent by the AF network element or the NEF network element.

[0193] In some embodiments, the AF network element serves as a control node for service requirements. Before or during service data transmission, the AF network element may send a request to the TSCTSF network element to request QoS parameters.

[0194] Exemplarily, the AF network element sends a request to the NEF network element, the NEF network element sends a request to the TSCTSF network element, or the AF network element directly sends a request to the TSCTSF network element.

[0195] In some embodiments, the first QoS parameter includes: maximum burst size, requested maximum bit rate, requested guaranteed bit rate, etc.

[0196] When the compressed data information is the compressed data ratio, the compressed data ratio may be the ratio of the number of compressed bits in a single data packet to the number of bits in the single data packet in a QoS flow. Alternatively, the compressed data ratio may be the ratio of the number of compressed bits in a burst data volume to the number of bits in a burst data volume in a QoS flow.

[0197] Exemplarily, the number of bits compressed in a burst of data may be, for example, the number of bits occupied by padding bits in a burst of data.

[0198] Alternatively, the compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of duplicate data packets transmitted in a certain time window to the total number of data packets transmitted in the time window in a QoS flow.

[0199] Correspondingly, when the compressed data information is the ratio of uncompressed data, the ratio of uncompressed data = 1 - the ratio of compressed data.

[0200] Exemplarily, the non-compressed data ratio may be the ratio of the number of uncompressed bits in a single data packet to the number of bits in a single data packet in a QoS flow. Alternatively, the compressed data ratio may be the ratio of the number of uncompressed bits in a burst of data to the number of bits in a burst of data in a QoS flow.

[0201] Exemplarily, the number of uncompressed bits in a burst of data may be, for example, the number of bits occupied by the bits of the payload in the burst of data. The payload includes the data packet header, the state quantity and the switch quantity in the service data packet.

[0202] Alternatively, the non-compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of non-repetitive data packets transmitted in a certain time window to the total number of data packets transmitted in the time window in a QoS flow.

[0203] 102. The TSCTSF network element determines a second QoS parameter according to the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information.

[0204] In some embodiments, the second QoS parameters may include a requested maximum data burst volume (requested MDBV), a requested maximum bit rate (requested MBR), and a requested guaranteed bit rate (requested GBR).

[0205] For example, if the compressed data information includes the compressed data ratio:

[0206] requested MDBV = (1-compressed data ratio) * maximum burst size;

[0207] Requested MBR = (1-compressed data ratio) * requested maximum bitrate;

[0208] Requested GBR = (1-compressed data ratio) * requested guaranteed bitrate.

[0209] If the compressed data information includes the uncompressed data ratio:

[0210] requested MDBV = non-compressed data ratio * maximum burst size;

[0211] Requested MBR = non-compressed data ratio * requested maximum bitrate;

[0212] Requested GBR = non-compressed data ratio * requested guaranteed bitrate.

[0213] In addition, the TSCTSF network element may also generate other QoS parameters, such as requested PDB and / or requested packet error rate (packet error rate, PER) and / or requested 5GS Delay, etc., based on the first QoS parameter and compressed data information.

[0214] The present application does not limit the manner in which the TSCTSF network element determines the second QoS parameter based on the first QoS parameter and compressed data information.

[0215] 103. The TSC TSF network element sends the second QoS parameter to the PCF network element.

[0216] Correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the second QoS parameter sent by the TSC TSF network element.

[0217] 104. The PCF network element generates a suitable QoS parameter according to the second QoS parameter. For example, the PCC rule generated by the PCF includes the QoS parameter.

[0218] The calculated QoS parameter may be the same as the second QoS parameter, or may be different from the second QoS parameter.

[0219] The following description is made by taking the example that the QoS parameter calculated by the PCF network element is the same as the second QoS parameter.

[0220] In some embodiments, if the PCF network element derives a preconfigured or existing dynamically allocated 5QI that matches the second QoS parameter in the PCC rule based on the service information obtained from the AF network element and the second QoS parameter determined by the PCF network element, or if there is no 5QI that matches the second QoS parameter, the PCF generates a new dynamically allocated 5QI based on the second QoS parameter. Then, the PCF network element can obtain appropriate QoS parameters, including parameters such as 5QI, MBR, MDBV, and GBR. Parameters such as MBR, MDBR, and GBR can be requested MDBV, requested MBR, and requestedGBR in the second QoS parameters.

[0221] Then, the PCF network element authorizes the appropriate QoS parameters obtained according to the second QoS parameters, and can send the appropriate QoS parameters to the AF / NEF network element through the TSCTSF network element. The AF network element can send the appropriate QoS parameters to the RAN network element so that the RAN network element can reserve air interface resources that meet the appropriate QoS parameters, such as GBR resources.

[0222] 105. When the PCF network element cannot authorize the second QoS parameter, the PCF network element sends the third QoS parameter recommended by the PCF network element to the TSCTSF network element.

[0223] Correspondingly, the TSCTSF network element receives the third QoS parameter sent by the PCF network element.

[0224] In some embodiments, if the PCF network element determines that the network state cannot meet the second QoS parameter, it determines that the second QoS parameter cannot be authorized. At this time, the PCF network element can obtain the recommended third QoS parameter, which includes the 5QI recommended by the PCF network element according to the network state, and the recommended QoS parameters such as requested MDBV′, requested MBR′, and requested GBR′.

[0225] 106. The TSCTSF network element generates a fourth QoS parameter according to the third QoS parameter and the compressed data information.

[0226] In some embodiments, the fourth QoS parameter may include maximum burst size', requested maximum bitrate', and requested guaranteed bitrate'.

[0227] maximum burst size′=requested MDBV′ / (1-compressed data ratio);

[0228] Requested maximum bitrate′=requested MBR′ / (1-compressed data ratio);

[0229] Requested guaranteed bitrate′=requested GBR′ / (1-compressed data ratio).

[0230] Or, maximum burst size′=requested MDBV′ / percentage of uncompressed data;

[0231] Requested maximum bitrate′=requested MBR′ / uncompressed data ratio;

[0232] Requested guaranteed bitrate′=requested GBR′ / percentage of uncompressed data.

[0233] In addition, the TSCTSF network element can also generate other QoS parameters, such as requested PDB and / or requested PER and / or requested 5GS Delay, etc., based on the third QoS parameter and compressed data information.

[0234] The present application does not limit the manner of generating the fourth QoS parameter according to the third QoS parameter and the compressed data information.

[0235] 107. The TSC TSF network element sends the fourth QoS parameter to the AF / NEF network element.

[0236] Correspondingly, the AF / NEF network element receives the fourth QoS parameter sent by the TSCTSF network element.

[0237] Exemplarily, the TSCTSF network element sends the fourth QoS parameter to the NEF network element, and the NEF network element sends the fourth QoS parameter to the RAN network element. The NEF network element may also send the fourth QoS parameter to the AF network element so that the AF network element can perceive the fourth QoS parameter actually used, thereby adjusting the service requirements.

[0238] Therefore, in an embodiment of the present application, in the 5G system architecture combined with the TSC scenario, the TSC TSF network element can determine the appropriate QoS parameters based on the compressed data information received from the AF network element, so that the PCF network element can be authorized according to the compressed data information, for example, according to the QoS parameters determined according to the compressed data ratio. In this way, when the RAN network element reserves air interface resources, it can adjust the size of the reserved air interface resources according to the received QoS parameters determined according to the compressed data ratio, and avoid the waste of resources caused by reserving according to the set air interface resource size. For example, when the RAN network element reserves GBR resources, it can reserve GBR resources based on the QoS parameters determined according to the compressed data ratio in this application, so as to avoid waste of GBR resources.

[0239] like Fig.11 The figure shows a signaling interaction diagram of a QoS parameter configuration method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method includes the following process.

[0240] 111. The AF / NEF / TSCTSF network element sends a request to the PCF network element, where the request includes the first QoS parameter and compressed data information.

[0241] Correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the request sent by the AF / NEF / TSCTSF network element.

[0242] Exemplarily, the AF network element, as a control node for service demand, may send a request to the NEF network element before or during service data transmission, and the NEF network element sends the request to the TSCTSF network element, which then sends the request to the PCF network element. The first QoS parameter included in the request may include the above-mentioned maximum burst size, requested maximum bitrate, and requested guaranteed bitrate. The compressed data information may be the compressed data ratio or the non-compressed data ratio in the above-mentioned embodiment, and please refer to the description of step 101 for details.

[0243] 112. The PCF network element generates a second QoS parameter according to the compressed data information and the first QoS parameter.

[0244] The process of the PCF network element generating the second QoS parameters according to the compressed data information and the first QoS parameters can be referred to the process of the TSCTSF network element generating the second QoS parameters according to the compressed data information and the first QoS parameters in step 102, which will not be repeated here.

[0245] The difference is that the second QoS parameter generated by the PCF network element in step 112 is generated by the PCF directly based on the first QoS parameter requested by the AF network element and the compressed data information. The second QoS parameter can be expressed as MDBV, MBR and GBR. At this time, the second QoS parameter can be expressed as:

[0246] MDBV = (1-compressed data ratio) * maximum burst size;

[0247] MBR = (1-compressed data ratio) * requested maximum bitrate;

[0248] GBR = (1-compressed data ratio) * requested guaranteed bitrate.

[0249] Or, MDBV = non-compressed data ratio * maximum burst size;

[0250] MBR = non-compressed data ratio * requested maximum bitrate;

[0251] GBR = non-compressed data ratio * requested guaranteed bitrate.

[0252] In addition, the PCF network element can also generate other QoS parameters, such as PDB and / or PER and / or 5GS Delay, etc., based on the first QoS parameter and compressed data information.

[0253] The present application does not limit the manner in which the PCF network element determines the second QoS parameter based on the first QoS parameter and the compressed data information.

[0254] 113. The PCF network element sends the second QoS parameter to the SMF network element.

[0255] Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the second QoS parameter sent by the PCF network element.

[0256] 114. The SMF network element performs QoS control and sends a second QoS parameter to the RAN network element and / or the UPF network element.

[0257] Correspondingly, the RAN network element and / or UPF network element receives the second QoS parameter sent by the SMF network element.

[0258] In some embodiments, if the SMF network element sends the second QoS parameter to the wireless access network, such as the RAN network element, and the RAN network element detects that the QoS flow resources corresponding to the second QoS parameter can be satisfied, the RAN network element may notify the SMF network element, and the SMF network element does not need to perform the QoS flow modification process. The RAN network element may reserve air interface resources according to the second QoS parameter. When receiving the second QoS parameter, the UPF network element may also provide the terminal device with transmission resources for the service.

[0259] Optionally, if the SMF network element learns from the radio access network side that the QoS flow resources corresponding to the second QoS parameter cannot be met, after step 113, the SMF network element may initiate a QoS flow modification process, and the method may further include the following steps:

[0260] 115. The SMF network element sends a fifth QoS parameter to the PCF network element, where the fifth QoS parameter includes the QoS parameter adjusted by the SMF network element according to the second QoS parameter.

[0261] Correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the fifth QoS parameter sent by the SMF network element.

[0262] For example, in the Alternative QoS scenario, if the SMF network element determines that the second QoS parameter needs to be modified, the SMF network element can obtain the Alternative QoS parameter based on the second QoS parameter, that is, the fifth QoS parameter, and then send it to the PCF network element. Specifically, the SMF network element can obtain the Alternative QoS Profile (or its reference) that the RAN network element can accept from the QoS notification sent by the RAN network element to the SMF network element. Furthermore, the SMF can also send the Alternative QoS Profile (or its reference) that the RAN network element can accept to the PCF network element.

[0263] In some embodiments, the SMF network element may modify the QoS flow process, adjust the received second QoS parameter according to the resource occupancy of the RAN network element side, and obtain the fifth QoS parameter after adjustment. The fifth QoS parameter includes the MDBV', MBR' and GBR' adjusted by the SMF network element. Then, the SMF network element may send a request to the PCF network element, and the request includes the fifth QoS parameter.

[0264] 116. The PCF network element generates a sixth QoS parameter according to the compressed data information and the fifth QoS parameter.

[0265] In some embodiments, assuming that the sixth QoS parameter example is: maximum burst size', requested maximum bitrate' and requested guaranteed bitrate', the sixth QoS parameter can be expressed as:

[0266] maximum burst size'=MDBV' / (1-compressed data ratio);

[0267] Requested maximum bitrate' = MBR' / (1-compressed data ratio);

[0268] Requested guaranteed bitrate'=GBR' / (1-compressed data ratio).

[0269] Or, maximum burst size' = MDBV' / uncompressed data ratio;

[0270] Requested maximum bitrate'=MBR' / percentage of uncompressed data;

[0271] Requested guaranteed bitrate'=GBR' / percentage of non-compressed data.

[0272] In addition, the PCF network element can also generate other QoS parameters, such as requested PDB and / or requested PER and / or requested 5GS Delay, etc., based on the fifth QoS parameter and compressed data information.

[0273] 117. The PCF network element sends the sixth QoS parameter to the AF / NEF / TSCTSF network element.

[0274] Correspondingly, the AF / NEF / TSCTSF network element receives the sixth QoS parameter sent by the PCF network element.

[0275] Exemplarily, the PCF network element may send the sixth QoS parameter to the TSCTSF network element, the TSCTSF network element may send the sixth QoS parameter to the NEF network element, and the NEF network element may send the sixth QoS parameter to the AF network element. The AF network element may send the sixth QoS parameter to the RAN network element, and the RAN network element may reserve air interface resources consistent with the sixth QoS parameter.

[0276] Therefore, in an embodiment of the present application, in a 5G system architecture combined with a TSC scenario, the PCF network element can determine appropriate QoS parameters based on the compressed data information received from the AF network element and authorize it to the RAN network element. In this way, when the RAN network element reserves air interface resources, it can adjust the size of the reserved air interface resources based on the received QoS parameters determined according to the compressed data ratio, thereby avoiding the waste of resources caused by reserving according to the set air interface resource size. For example, when the RAN network element reserves GBR resources, it can reserve GBR resources based on the QoS parameters determined according to the compressed data ratio in this application, thereby avoiding the waste of GBR resources.

[0277] like Fig.12 The figure shows a signaling interaction diagram of a QoS parameter configuration method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method includes the following process.

[0278] 121. The PCF network element sets a compressed data information change trigger to the SMF network element.

[0279] In some embodiments, the compressed data information change trigger can be understood as the SMF network element notifying the PCF network element when it learns that the compressed data information has changed. This is equivalent to the PCF network element sending a trigger indication to the SMF network element, which is used to instruct the SMF to notify the PCF of the changed compressed data information when the compressed data information changes.

[0280] The implementation method of compressing the data information may refer to the description in step 101 .

[0281] In some embodiments, when the PCF network element sets a trigger for the SMF network element, it can also set a threshold for reporting compressed data information to the SMF, that is, when the compressed data information changes and reaches the threshold, the PCF network element is notified.

[0282] Exemplarily, when the compressed data information is the compressed data ratio, the threshold value may be understood as the threshold value of the compressed data ratio.

[0283] 122. The SMF network element sets the N4 rule according to the compressed data information change trigger, and the N4 rule is used to subscribe to the compressed data information from the UPF network element.

[0284] Among them, UPF is the 5G user plane network element. The high-speed and reliable data transmission provided by the 5G network to users needs to be realized through the UPF network element at the core network level. The UPF network element is connected to the SMF network element through the N4 interface. The SMF network element sends various data forwarding control commands and data forwarding policy rules to the UPF through the N4 interface. The UPF forwards data at different service levels in turn.

[0285] In some embodiments, the N4 rule set by the SMF network element in the present application is equivalent to adding a new function to the N4 interface between the UPF network element and the SMF network element. That is, when the SMF network element receives a compressed data information change trigger or the above-mentioned trigger indication, the SMF network element can set a new N4 rule to subscribe to compressed data information from the UPF network element. The subscribed compressed data information includes, for example, compressed data information related to MDBV, MBR and GBR, that is, information used to determine parameters such as MDBV, MBR and GBR. For example, the subscribed compressed data information includes the above-mentioned compressed data proportion or non-compressed data proportion.

[0286] In some embodiments, the new N4 rule may also include the above-mentioned threshold for reporting compressed data information.

[0287] 123. The SMF network element sends the N4 rule to the UPF network element.

[0288] Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the N4 rule sent by the SMF network element.

[0289] That is, the SMF network element sends the N4 rules to the UPF network element through the N4 interface.

[0290] 124. The UPF network element calculates the compressed data information according to the N4 rule.

[0291] In some embodiments, when receiving the new N4 rule, the UPF network element can obtain the data packets or the burst data volume within a certain time window of transmitting a QoS flow, and calculate the compressed data information. The compressed data information can refer to the description of the above step 101.

[0292] 125. The UPF network element reports compressed data information to the SMF network element, and the SMF network element reports compressed data information to the PCF network element.

[0293] Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the compressed data information sent by the UPF network element, and the PCF network element receives the compressed data information sent by the SMF network element.

[0294] In some embodiments, if the compressed data information is the compressed data ratio, when the compressed data ratio calculated by the UPF reaches a threshold, the compressed data ratio can be sent to the SMF network element according to a preset period. For example, when the threshold is 20%, if the compressed data ratio is greater than or equal to 20%, the UPF network element sends the compressed data ratio to the SMF network element according to a preset period. At this time, it is considered that the number of bits that can be compressed is large, which is more conducive to saving the air interface resources of the access network element.

[0295] When the SMF network element receives the compressed data information, it can further report the compressed data information to the PCF network element.

[0296] In some embodiments, after the UPF network element is serviced, when the UPF network element receives a new N4 rule from the SMF network element, if the UPF network element determines that the compressed data information meets the conditions (for example, the proportion of compressed data reaches a threshold), the UPF may periodically send the compressed data information directly to the PCF network element without passing through the SMF network element.

[0297] In some embodiments, after the UPF network element is serviced, the PCF network element can also directly send a subscription indication to the UPF network element (without passing through the SMF network element), and the subscription indication is used to instruct the UPF network element to report when the compressed data information meets the conditions (for example, the compressed data ratio reaches a threshold). In this way, when the UPF network element determines that the compressed data information meets the conditions, it can directly report the compressed data information to the PCF network element periodically.

[0298] 126. The PCF network element determines a second QoS parameter according to the compressed data information and the first QoS parameter received from the AF network element.

[0299] In some embodiments, when the PCF network element receives the first QoS parameter requested by the AF network element, the second QoS parameter may be determined according to the latest compressed data information received from the UPF network element and the first QoS parameter.

[0300] For example, the first QoS parameters include maximum burst size, requested maximum bitrate' and requested guaranteed bitrate, and the second QoS parameters include MDBV, MBR and GBR. The second QoS parameters can be expressed as:

[0301] MDBV = (1-compressed data ratio) * maximum burst size;

[0302] MBR = (1-compressed data ratio) * requested maximum bitrate;

[0303] GBR = (1-compressed data ratio) * requested guaranteed bitrate.

[0304] Or, MDBV = non-compressed data ratio * maximum burst size;

[0305] MBR = non-compressed data ratio * requested maximum bitrate;

[0306] GBR = non-compressed data ratio * requested guaranteed bitrate.

[0307] In addition, the PCF network element can also generate other QoS parameters, such as PDB and / or PER and / or 5GS Delay, etc., based on the first QoS parameter and compressed data information.

[0308] When the PCF network element calculates and obtains the second QoS parameter, it can determine whether the second QoS parameter can be authorized according to the current network state. If it can be authorized, step 127 is executed.

[0309] In this embodiment, since the PCF network element monitors the compressed data information in the current QoS flow from the UPF network element in real time, when the PCF network element receives the first QoS parameter requested by the AF network element, it is equivalent to the PCF network element optimizing the first QoS parameter according to the compressed data information and obtaining the second QoS parameter. The second QoS parameter can be authorized.

[0310] 127. The PCF network element sends the second QoS parameter to the SMF network element.

[0311] Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the second QoS parameter sent by the PCF network element.

[0312] When the SMF network element receives the second QoS parameter, the SMF network element may send the second QoS parameter to the access network element, such as the RAN network element, and the RAN network element may reserve air interface resources according to the second QoS parameter.

[0313] In some embodiments, the PCF network element may also notify the AF network element of the second QoS parameter, so that the AF network element may perceive the QoS parameter in actual application, and the AF network element may adjust the service demand according to the received QoS parameter. For example, if the value of GBR in the second QoS parameter is less than the value of requested guaranteed bitrate in the first QoS parameter, the AF may know that the guaranteed bitrate required for the current QoS flow has been reduced, and the AF network element may, for example, reduce the service priority.

[0314] Therefore, in the embodiment of the present application, in the 5G system architecture combined with the TSC scenario, the PCF network element can determine the appropriate QoS parameters to authorize to the RAN network element based on the compressed data information received from the UPF network element. In this way, when the RAN network element reserves air interface resources, it can adjust the reserved air interface resource size according to the received QoS parameters determined according to the compressed data ratio, and avoid the waste of resources caused by reserving according to the set air interface resource size. For example, when the RAN network element reserves GBR resources, it can reserve GBR resources based on the QoS parameters determined according to the compressed data ratio in this application to avoid waste of GBR resources.

[0315] In some embodiments, the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to communication systems after 5G, such as 6G communication systems.

[0316] In some embodiments, in order to reduce the signaling interaction caused by changes in QoS parameters, an alternative QoS mechanism is introduced. In this mechanism, the AF / NEF / TSCTSF network element can provide multiple sets of QoS parameter requirements. Exemplarily, after the PCF network element sends the PCC rules containing multiple sets of alternative QoS parameter sets (alternative QoS parameter sets) to the SMF network element, the RAN network element or the SMF network element can upgrade or downgrade the QoS parameters according to the network conditions (such as congestion, etc.). That is, the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to the situation where there are multiple sets of QoS parameters in the PCC rules.

[0317] Exemplarily, taking the case where the PCC rule includes three parameter sets (parameter sets), the three parameter sets (parameter set 1, parameter set 2, and parameter set 3) included in the PCC rule are:

[0318] parameter set 1={Rank 1:PDB value=x1,RN,GBR=y1,MBR=z1}(iehighest QoS level);

[0319] parameter set 2={Rank 2:PDB value=x2,RN,GBR=y2,MBR=z2}(iemediumQoS level);

[0320] parameter set 3={Rank 3:PDB value=x3,RN,GBR=y3,MBR=z3}(ielowestQoS level).

[0321] The above example shows the values ​​of the QoS parameters (PDB, GBR and MBR) included in each parameter set, and illustrates the optional levels of the three parameter sets. Parameter set 1 is the highest level QoS parameter, parameter set 2 is the middle level QoS parameter, and parameter set 3 is the lowest level QoS parameter.

[0322] For SMF network elements, a "special" QoS flow with multiple QoS profiles can be generated according to PCC rules of multi-level QoS parameters. Exemplarily, a new QoS profile of a QoS flow may include:

[0323] QoS profile 1={Rank 1:PDB value=x1,RN,GBR=y1,MBR=z1}(iehighestQoS level);

[0324] QoS profile 2={Rank 2:PDB value=x2,RN,GBR=y2,MBR=z2}(iemediumQoS level);

[0325] QoS profile 3={Rank 3:PDB value=x3,RN,GBR=y3,MBR=z3}(ielowestQoS level).

[0326] This application Figures 9 to 12 The configuration method of the QoS parameters shown is equivalent to adjusting a set of QoS parameters. If extended to PCC rules of multi-level QoS parameters, the present application can perform the above configuration process for each set of QoS parameters according to the configuration method of the QoS parameters in the above embodiment, that is, when the requested QoS parameter is any one of the multiple sets of QoS parameters, the QoS parameter can be adjusted according to the compressed data information.

[0327] In addition, it should be noted that although the QoS parameters most relevant to bandwidth capacity are MBR, GBR, and MDBV, other QoS parameters such as PDB and PER may be affected. For example, the delay of transmitting a larger data packet with the same resources may be greater than the delay of transmitting a smaller data packet. Therefore, the embodiment of the present application may also authorize other QoS parameters according to the QoS parameter configuration method of the above embodiment, such as authorizing PDB and PER.

[0328] It is understandable that in order to implement the above functions, the network device includes hardware and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. In combination with the algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application in combination with the embodiments, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of the present application.

[0329] In this embodiment, the network device can be divided into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware. It should be noted that the division of modules in this embodiment is schematic and is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation.

[0330] In the case of dividing each functional module into corresponding functional modules, Fig.13 A possible schematic diagram of the composition of the network device 130 involved in the above embodiment is shown. Fig.13 As shown, the network device 130 may include: a receiving unit 1301, a determining unit 1302 and a sending unit 1303. The network device 130 may be, for example, a TSCTSF network element or a PCF network element, or other network elements that can determine QoS parameters according to compressed data information, which is not limited in this application.

[0331] The receiving unit 1301 may be used to support the network device 130 in executing the corresponding processes of the above-mentioned step 901, step 111, step 115, etc., and / or other processes for the technology described herein.

[0332] The determining unit 1302 may be configured to support the network device 130 in executing the above steps 102 , 106 , 112 , 116 , 126 , etc., and / or other processes for the technology described herein.

[0333] The sending unit 1303 can be used to support the network device 130 to execute the above-mentioned steps 902, 103, 107, 113, 117, 121 and 127, etc., and / or other processes for the technology described in this document.

[0334] It should be noted that all relevant contents of each step involved in the above method embodiment can be referred to the functional description of the corresponding functional module and will not be repeated here.

[0335] The network device 130 provided in this embodiment is used to execute the above-mentioned QoS parameter configuration method, and thus can achieve the same effect as the above-mentioned implementation method.

[0336] In the case of using integrated units, the network device 130 may include a processing module, a storage module and a communication module. Among them, the processing module can be used to control and manage the actions of the network device 130, for example, it can be used to support the network device 130 to perform the steps performed by the above-mentioned determination unit 1302. The storage module can be used to support the network device 130 to store program codes and data, etc. The communication module can be used to support the communication between the electronic device 1100 and other devices, such as communication with a wireless access device, and can be used to support the network device 130 to perform the steps performed by the above-mentioned receiving unit 1301 and the sending unit 1303.

[0337] Among them, the processing module can be a processor or a controller. It can implement or execute various exemplary logic boxes, modules and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of digital signal processing (DSP) and a microprocessor, etc. The storage module can be a memory. The communication module can specifically be a device that interacts with other electronic devices, such as a radio frequency circuit, a Bluetooth chip, a Wi-Fi chip, etc.

[0338] In one embodiment, when the processing module is a processor, the storage module is a memory, and the communication module is a transceiver, the electronic device involved in this embodiment can be a Fig.14 A network device 140 of the structure shown.

[0339] The embodiment of the present application also provides an electronic device, including one or more processors and one or more memories. The one or more memories are coupled to the one or more processors, and the one or more memories are used to store computer program codes, and the computer program codes include computer instructions. When the one or more processors execute the computer instructions, the electronic device executes the above-mentioned related method steps to implement the QoS parameter configuration method in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0340] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer storage medium, in which computer instructions are stored. When the computer instructions are executed on an electronic device, the electronic device executes the above-mentioned related method steps to implement the QoS parameter configuration method in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0341] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product. When the computer program product is run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the above-mentioned related steps to implement the QoS parameter configuration method executed by the electronic device in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0342] In addition, an embodiment of the present application also provides a device, which may specifically be a chip, component or module, and the device may include a connected processor and memory; wherein the memory is used to store computer execution instructions, and when the device is running, the processor may execute the computer execution instructions stored in the memory so that the chip executes the QoS parameter configuration method executed by the electronic device in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0343] Among them, the electronic device, computer storage medium, computer program product or chip provided in this embodiment is used to execute the corresponding method provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding method provided above and will not be repeated here.

[0344] Another embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which may include the above-mentioned wireless access device, TSCTSF network element, PCF network element and AF network element, etc., and can be used to implement the above-mentioned QoS parameter configuration method.

[0345] Through the description of the above implementation methods, technical personnel in the relevant field can understand that for the convenience and simplicity of description, only the division of the above-mentioned functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above-mentioned functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0346] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the modules or units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another device, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0347] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may be one physical unit or multiple physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed in multiple different places. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the present embodiment.

[0348] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0349] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application is essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium, including several instructions to enable a device (which can be a single-chip microcomputer, chip, etc.) or a processor (processor) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), disk or optical disk and other media that can store program code.

[0350] The above contents are only specific implementation methods of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for configuring quality of service (QoS) parameters, characterized in that: The method comprises: receiving a first QoS parameter; Send a second QoS parameter, where the second QoS parameter is determined based on the first QoS parameter and compressed data information, and the compressed data information is used to indicate the compressed data ratio or the uncompressed data ratio in the transmitted unit data volume.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The size of the air interface resources reserved by the network side device according to the second QoS parameter is smaller than the size of the air interface resources reserved by the network side device according to the first QoS parameter.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The receiving a first QoS parameter comprises: A request sent by an application function AF network element is received, where the request includes the first QoS parameter.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The request also includes the compressed data information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The sending of the second QoS parameter comprises: The second QoS parameter is sent to a policy control function PCF network element.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving a third QoS parameter recommended by the PCF network element and sent by the PCF network element; Sending a fourth QoS parameter to the AF network element, where the fourth QoS parameter is determined according to the compressed data information and the third QoS parameter.

7. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that Before receiving the first QoS parameter, the method further includes: Receive the compressed data information sent by the session management function SMF network element or the user plane function UPF network element.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that Before receiving the compressed data information, the method further includes: Send a trigger indication to the SMF network element, where the trigger indication is used to instruct the SMF network element to notify when the compressed data information changes.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: Before receiving the compressed data sent by the UPF network element, the method further includes: A subscription indication is sent to the UPF network element, where the subscription indication is used to instruct the UPF network element to report when the compressed data information meets a condition.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that: The sending of the second QoS parameter comprises: Send the second QoS parameter to the session management function SMF network element.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receiving a fifth QoS parameter sent by the SMF network element, wherein the fifth QoS parameter includes a QoS parameter adjusted by the SMF network element according to the second QoS parameter; Sending a sixth QoS parameter to the AF network element, where the sixth QoS parameter is determined according to the fifth QoS parameter and the compressed data information.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of compressed bits in a single data packet to the number of bits in the single data packet; Or, the compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of compressed bits in a burst data volume to the number of bits in a burst data volume; Alternatively, the compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of data packets repeatedly transmitted within a preset time window to the total number of data packets.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The non-compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of uncompressed bits in a single data packet to the number of bits in the single data packet; Or, the non-compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of uncompressed bits in a burst of data to the number of bits in a burst of data; Alternatively, the non-compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of data packets that are not repeatedly transmitted within a preset time window to the total number of data packets.

14. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A receiving unit, configured to receive a first QoS parameter; A sending unit is used to send a second QoS parameter, where the second QoS parameter is determined based on the first QoS parameter and compressed data information, and the compressed data information is used to indicate the proportion of compressed data or the proportion of uncompressed data in a unit data volume transmitted.

15. The communication device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The size of the air interface resources reserved by the network side device according to the second QoS parameter is smaller than the size of the air interface resources reserved by the network side device according to the first QoS parameter.

16. The communication device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: The receiving unit is used for: A request sent by an application function AF network element is received, where the request includes the first QoS parameter.

17. The communication device according to claim 16, characterized in that: The request also includes the compressed data information.

18. The communication device according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that: The sending unit is used for: The second QoS parameter is sent to a policy control function PCF network element.

19. The communication device according to claim 18, characterized in that: The receiving unit is further configured to receive a third QoS parameter recommended by the PCF sent by the PCF network element; The sending unit is further used to send a fourth QoS parameter to the AF network element, where the fourth QoS parameter is determined according to the compressed data information and the third QoS parameter.

20. The communication device according to claim 16, characterized in that The receiving unit is also used for: Receive the compressed data information sent by the SMF network element or the user plane function UPF network element.

21. The communication device according to claim 20, characterized in that: The sending unit is also used for: Send a trigger indication to the SMF network element, where the trigger indication is used to instruct the SMF network element to notify when the compressed data information changes.

22. The communication device according to claim 20, characterized in that The sending unit is also used for: A subscription indication is sent to the UPF network element, where the subscription indication is used to instruct the UPF network element to report when the compressed data information meets a condition.

23. The communication device according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that: The sending unit is also used for: Send the second QoS parameter to the session management function SMF network element.

24. The communication device according to claim 23, characterized in that The receiving unit is further used to receive a fifth QoS parameter sent by the SMF network element, where the fifth QoS parameter includes a QoS parameter adjusted by the SMF network element according to the second QoS parameter; The sending unit is further used to send a sixth QoS parameter to the AF network element, where the sixth QoS parameter is determined according to the fifth QoS parameter and the compressed data information.

25. The communication device according to any one of claims 14 to 24, characterized in that: The compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of compressed bits in a single data packet to the number of bits in the single data packet; Or, the compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of compressed bits in a burst data volume to the number of bits in a burst data volume; Alternatively, the compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of data packets repeatedly transmitted within a preset time window to the total number of data packets.

26. The communication device according to any one of claims 14 to 24, characterized in that: The non-compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of uncompressed bits in a single data packet to the number of bits in the single data packet; Or, the non-compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of uncompressed bits in a burst of data to the number of bits in a burst of data; Alternatively, the non-compressed data ratio is the ratio of the number of data packets that are not repeatedly transmitted within a preset time window to the total number of data packets.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The method comprises computer instructions, which, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

28. A chip, characterized in that: The chip stores computer-executable instructions, and when the computer-executable instructions are executed, the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 is executed.

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