Communication method and communication device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and a communication device. The method is used for indicating switching of a core network transmission path. The method specifically comprises the steps that the SMF or the PCF establishes a second transmission path, and the second transmission path comprises at least one transmission path between the terminal equipment and the core network equipment; and the SMF sends first request information to the UPF, and the first request information is used for indicating that the UPF starts the established second transmission path to transmit the next frame of message when the micro emergency situation exists in the current first transmission path by the user plane function network element. Through the method, the problem of transmission delay caused by core network path burst can be avoided under the scene that the media service flow generates micro burst, the data packet is prevented from arriving out of order, and the user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device. Background Art

[0002] With the development of society and technology, users' demand for media services has gradually increased, and they have higher and higher requirements for the user experience of media services. Especially in recent years, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), video services, etc. have emerged, and users have higher and higher requirements for high definition and low latency of media services.

[0003] When using mobile networks to transmit media service flows, the transmission delay of VR services will increase due to the transmission capacity of wireless nodes. The reason is that compared with the 100Gbps, 50Gpbs, or 10Gpbs wired links from data centers to wireless devices, the current fifth-generation (5th generation, 5G) base station downlink transmission capacity is less than 1Gbps, becoming a bandwidth bottleneck for end-to-end transmission. Assuming that the cache space of the intermediate nodes is large enough and there is no serious congestion leading to packet loss, a large number of data packets queuing will also cause a rapid increase in downlink delays, affecting user satisfaction.

[0004] Media service flows also have microburst characteristics, and multi-stream concurrency will affect service latency. Since media service flows have obvious microburst characteristics, that is, sending a large amount of data within a few milliseconds. As the number of media users increases, multiple concurrent media flows with microburst characteristics will increase the queue length of 5G or new radio (NR), resulting in increased queuing delays, triggering microbursts in the core network path, and making it impossible for multiple media flows to meet the Quality of Experience (QoE).

[0005] Therefore, how to avoid packet transmission delay caused by core network path bursts has become one of the research hotspots in recent years. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and a communication device, which can avoid the transmission delay problem caused by the core network path burst in the scenario where the media service flow generates micro-bursts, and avoid the out-of-order arrival of data packets, thereby improving the user experience.

[0007] In the first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a session management function network element, a policy control function network element, or any device in an access network device, or can also be executed by a session management function network element, a policy control function network element, or a component of an access network device (such as a chip or circuit), without limitation.

[0008] The method is used to instruct the switching of the core network transmission path. Specifically, it includes: establishing a second transmission path, the second transmission path includes at least one transmission path between the terminal device and the core network device; sending a first request information, the first request information is used to instruct the user plane function network element to enable the established second transmission path to transmit the next frame message when there is a microburst in the current first transmission path.

[0009] Based on the above technical solution, the session management function network element or the policy control function network element determines to establish a second transmission path, and the session management function network element or the access network device sends a first request information to instruct the user plane function network element to enable the newly established second transmission path to transmit the next frame message when a microburst exists in the current first transmission path. Therefore, in the scenario where a microburst occurs, the transmission delay problem caused by the core network path burst can be avoided, and the out-of-order arrival of data packets can be avoided, thereby improving the user experience.

[0010] It should be understood that the first transmission path includes at least one transmission path currently in use between the terminal device and the core network device, and the path for transmitting messages currently in use between the terminal device and the core network device is the first transmission path.

[0011] It should be understood that a microburst refers to a situation where a large number of data packets arrive in a short period of time, which may cause transmission congestion problems.

[0012] It should be understood that the second transmission path includes at least one transmission path newly established between the current terminal device and the core network device. In some optional embodiments, the second transmission path is also called a heterogeneous path, and the second transmission path can be a brand new transmission path between the terminal device and the core network device, such as a brand new transmission path from the terminal device to the access network device and from the access network device to the user plane functional network element, or only part of the links are brand new transmission paths, such as the same transmission path is used between the terminal device and the access network device, and a brand new transmission path is used between the access network device and the user plane functional network element.

[0013] It should be understood that in some optional embodiments, the establishment of the second transmission path may be determined by a session management function (SMF) network element, and the establishment of the second transmission path may also be determined by a policy control function (PCF) network element.

[0014] It should be understood that in some optional embodiments, the first request information may be sent by the SMF or by the access network device.

[0015] In some optional embodiments, the first request information may be used to instruct to establish a second transmission path and enable the second transmission path to transmit the next frame of the message.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes sending second request information. The second request information is used to instruct the access network device to detect whether a microburst exists in the current first transmission path.

[0017] Based on the above technical solution, SMF is also used to send a second request information, which is used to instruct the access network device to detect whether there is a microburst in the current transmission path. Therefore, in the scenario where a microburst occurs, the occurrence of the microburst can be perceived in time, and the transmission delay problem caused by the core network path burst can be avoided by adjusting the transmission path. It can also avoid the out-of-order arrival of data packets and improve the user experience.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes receiving third request information. The third request information carries first indication information for indicating the establishment of a second transmission path. According to the first indication information or according to the local configuration information, it is determined to establish the second transmission path.

[0019] Based on the above technical solution, SMF receives a third request message sent by an application function (AF) network element, and the third request message is sent by AF to SMF. SMF or PCF can determine to establish a second transmission path according to the third request message. The third request message carries the first indication information, and SMF or PCF can determine to establish a second transmission path according to the first indication information or local configuration information. Thus, in the scenario where a microburst occurs, the transmission delay problem caused by the core network path burst can be avoided, and the out-of-order arrival of data packets can be avoided, thereby improving the user experience. It should be understood that in an optional embodiment, the third request message carries service description information and the first indication information. The service description information is used to indicate the current media service, and specifically can be information such as an IP quintuple and triplet corresponding to the media service. The first indication information is used to indicate that the media service has a path switching requirement, or to indicate that the media service has a quality of service (QoS) adjustment requirement.

[0020] It should be understood that in an optional embodiment, the SMF or PCF determines or triggers the establishment of a heterogeneous path based on the received service description information and configuration policy.

[0021] It should also be understood that in another optional embodiment, the SMF or PCF determines or triggers the establishment of a heterogeneous path based on the received first indication information.

[0022] It should be understood that in some optional embodiments, the AF sends the third request information to the SMF, including the AF sending the third request information to the SMF through the PCF or the network exposure function (NEF) network element.

[0023] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second request information includes second indication information. The second indication information is used to instruct the access network device to send fourth request information when determining that the first time difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold. The first time difference includes the time difference between the arrival of the frame tail packet of the current message and the frame head packet of the next frame message or the time difference between the arrival of the frame head packet of the current message and the frame head packet of the next frame message. The fourth request information is used to instruct the user plane function network element to enable the established second transmission path for transmission.

[0024] Based on the above technical solution, the second request information sent by the SMF to the access network device is used to instruct the access network device to detect the first time difference and make a judgment with the first threshold, and send a fourth request information to the user plane function (UPF) network element when the first time difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold. The first time difference includes the arrival time difference between the frame tail packet of the current message and the first packet of the next frame in the first transmission path. Therefore, in the scenario where a microburst occurs, the user plane function network element is notified of the current microburst situation, thereby triggering the activation of the second transmission path, which can avoid the transmission delay problem caused by the core network path burst, and can also avoid the out-of-order arrival of data packets, thereby improving the user experience.

[0025] It should be understood that, in some possible embodiments, the first threshold may be included in the second request information, or included in local configuration information on the access network device side.

[0026] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second request information also includes a first threshold.

[0027] Based on the above technical solution, when the second request information sent by the SMF to the access network device carries the first threshold, the access network device detects the first time difference according to the received second request information and makes a judgment with the first threshold. Therefore, in the scenario where a microburst occurs, the user plane functional network element is notified of the current microburst situation, thereby triggering the activation of the second transmission path, which can avoid the transmission delay problem caused by the core network path burst, and can also avoid the out-of-order arrival of data packets, thereby improving the user experience.

[0028] It should be understood that the first threshold is an adjustable threshold, not a fixed value. The first threshold can be adjusted according to the actual network conditions of the current transmission path, and can also be reasonably adjusted according to other parameters, and this application does not make any special restrictions on this.

[0029] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first request information includes the N4 rule. When the user plane function network element receives the third indication information, the user plane function network element enables the established second transmission path to transmit the next frame message according to the N4 rule. The third indication information is carried in the fourth request information.

[0030] Based on the above technical solution, the first request information includes the N4 rule. When the UPF receives the third indication information, the second transmission path is enabled to transmit the next frame message according to the N4 rule. Therefore, in the scenario where a microburst occurs, the second transmission path is triggered to enable, which can avoid the transmission delay problem caused by the core network path burst, and can also avoid the out-of-order arrival of data packets, thereby improving the user experience.

[0031] It should be understood that N4 is the interface serial number, the transmission interface between UPF and SMF is the N4 interface, and the meaning of the interface serial number can be found in the meaning defined in the relevant standard protocol, and this application does not make any special limitations on this.

[0032] It should be understood that the UPF determines to enable the established second transmission path to transmit the next frame of the message according to the received N4 rule and the third indication information. The N4 rule is carried in the first request information, and the third indication information is carried in the fourth request information. In other words, the UPF determines to start the established second transmission path to transmit the next frame of the message according to the received first request information and / or fourth request information.

[0033] It should be understood that the first request information and the fourth request information are merely names, and no limitation is imposed on the order in which the request information is sent, nor is any limitation imposed on the order in which the first request information and the fourth request information are sent.

[0034] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first indication information includes information for indicating that the currently transmitted service has a need for path switching; or information for indicating that the currently transmitted service has a need for quality of service adjustment.

[0035] Based on the above technical solution, the SMF or PCF determines or triggers the establishment of a heterogeneous path according to the received first indication information, so that in the scenario where a microburst occurs, the transmission delay problem caused by the core network path burst can be avoided, and the out-of-order arrival of data packets can be avoided, thereby improving the user experience.

[0036] It should be understood that in an optional embodiment, the third request information also includes service description information, and the SMF or PCF can determine the service flow that currently needs to establish and switch the second transmission path based on the service description information; and then enable the second transmission path transmission for the currently transmitted service based on the indication in the first indication information.

[0037] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method may be executed by an access network device, or may be executed by a component (such as a chip or circuit) of the access network device, without limitation.

[0038] The method is used to instruct the switching of the core network transmission path. Specifically, it includes detecting whether there is a microburst in the current first transmission path; when there is a microburst in the current first transmission path, sending a fourth request information. The fourth request information is used to instruct the user plane function network element to enable the established second transmission path to transmit the next frame message.

[0039] Based on the above technical solution, the access network device detects whether there is a microburst in the current first transmission path. When there is a microburst in the first transmission path, a fourth request message is sent to the UPF to instruct the UPF to enable the established second transmission path to transmit the next frame message. Therefore, in the scenario where a microburst occurs, the transmission delay problem caused by the core network path burst can be avoided, and the out-of-order arrival of data packets can be avoided, thereby improving the user experience.

[0040] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes receiving second request information. The second request information is used to instruct the access network device to detect whether a microburst exists in the current first transmission path.

[0041] Based on the above technical solution, the access network device receives the second request information, which is used to instruct the access network device to detect whether there is a microburst in the current transmission path. Therefore, in the scenario where a microburst occurs, the user plane functional network element is notified to enable the second transmission path, which can avoid the transmission delay problem caused by the core network path burst, and can also avoid the out-of-order arrival of data packets, thereby improving the user experience.

[0042] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second request information includes second indication information. The second indication information is used to instruct the access network device to send a fourth request information when it determines that the first time difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold. The first time difference includes the time difference between the arrival of a frame tail packet of the current message and a frame head packet of the message of the next frame.

[0043] Based on the above technical solution, the second request information received by the access network device includes the second indication information. The second indication information is used to instruct the access network device to detect the arrival time difference between the frame tail packet of the current message and the first packet of the next frame, and compare the detected first time difference with the first threshold. When the first time difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the access network device sends a fourth request information. Therefore, in the scenario where a micro-burst occurs, the user plane functional network element is notified to enable the second transmission path, which can avoid the transmission delay problem caused by the core network path burst, and can also avoid the out-of-order arrival of data packets, thereby improving the user experience.

[0044] It should be understood that, in some possible embodiments, the first threshold may be included in the second request information, or included in the local configuration information on the access network device side.

[0045] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second request information also includes a first threshold.

[0046] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the fourth request information is used to indicate that a micro-burst situation exists on the current first transmission path.

[0047] Based on the above technical solution, when the second request information received by the access network device carries the first threshold, the access network device detects the first time difference and makes a judgment with the first threshold. Thus, in the scenario where a microburst occurs, the user plane functional network element is notified to enable the second transmission path, which can avoid the transmission delay problem caused by the core network path burst, and can also avoid the out-of-order arrival of data packets, thereby improving the user experience.

[0048] It should be understood that the first threshold is an adjustable threshold, not a fixed value. The first threshold can be adjusted according to the actual network conditions of the current transmission path, and can also be reasonably adjusted according to other parameters, and this application does not make any special restrictions on this.

[0049] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementation methods of the second aspect, the access network device sends a fourth request message when it determines that the first time difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold, specifically including the access network device sending the fourth request message to the session management function network element, and then the session management function network element sends the fourth request message to the user plane function network element, or the access network device adds the fourth request message to the general packet radio service tunneling protocol-user plane (general packet radio service tunneling protocol-user plane, GTP-U) header of the uplink data packet and sends it directly to the user plane function network element.

[0050] Based on the above technical solution, the access network device sends the fourth request information to the user plane function network element through the session management network element or directly. In the scenario where microbursts occur, this solution can avoid the transmission delay problem caused by core network path bursts, and can also avoid the out-of-order arrival of data packets, thereby improving user experience.

[0051] On the third aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by any device in a session management function network element or a policy control function network element, or can also be executed by a component (such as a chip or circuit) of the session management function network element or the policy control function network element, without limitation.

[0052] The method is used to instruct the switching of the core network transmission path. Specifically, it includes establishing a second transmission path, and the second transmission path includes at least one transmission path between the terminal device and the core network device. It also includes sending a first request information, and the first request information is used to instruct the user plane function network element to detect whether there is a microburst situation in the current first transmission path. When there is a microburst situation, the established second transmission path is enabled to transmit the next frame message.

[0053] Based on the above technical solution, the session management function network element or the policy control function network element determines to establish a second transmission path. The session management function network element also sends a first request information to instruct the user plane function network element to detect whether there is a microburst in the current first transmission path. In the case that there is a microburst in the current first transmission path, the newly established second transmission path is enabled to transmit the next frame message. Therefore, in the scenario where a microburst occurs, the transmission delay problem caused by the core network path burst can be avoided, and the out-of-order arrival of data packets can be avoided, thereby improving the user experience.

[0054] In some optional embodiments, the first request information can be used to indicate the establishment of a second transmission path and detect whether a microburst occurs on the current first transmission path. When a microburst occurs, the established second transmission path is enabled to transmit the next frame message.

[0055] It should be understood that the first transmission path includes at least one transmission path currently in use between the terminal device and the core network device, and the path for transmitting messages currently in use between the terminal device and the core network device is the first transmission path.

[0056] It should be understood that the second transmission path includes at least one transmission path newly established between the current terminal device and the core network device. In some optional embodiments, the second transmission path is also called a heterogeneous path, and the second transmission path can be a brand new transmission path between the terminal device and the core network device, such as a brand new transmission path from the terminal device to the access network device and from the access network device to the user plane functional network element, or only part of the links are brand new transmission paths, such as the same transmission path is used between the terminal device and the access network device, and a brand new transmission path is used between the access network device and the user plane functional network element.

[0057] It should be understood that in some optional embodiments, the establishment of the second transmission path may be determined by a session management function (SMF) network element, and the establishment of the second transmission path may also be determined by a policy control function (PCF) network element.

[0058] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes receiving second request information. The second request information carries first indication information for indicating the establishment of a second transmission path. Determining the establishment of the second transmission path according to the first indication information or according to the local configuration information.

[0059] Based on the above technical solution, SMF receives the second request information sent by AF, and the second request information is sent by AF to SMF. SMF or PCF can determine to establish a second transmission path according to the second request information. The second request information carries the first indication information, and SMF or PCF can determine to establish a second transmission path according to the first indication information or local configuration information. Therefore, in the scenario where microbursts occur, the transmission delay problem caused by the core network path burst can be avoided, and the out-of-order arrival of data packets can be avoided, thereby improving the user experience.

[0060] It should be understood that, in an optional embodiment, the second request information carries service description information and first indication information. The service description information is used to indicate the service flow that currently has a path switching requirement, and specifically can be information such as an IP triplet or a quintuple. The first indication information is used to indicate that the service has a path switching requirement, or to indicate that the media service has a quality of service (QoS) adjustment requirement.

[0061] It should be understood that in an optional embodiment, the SMF or PCF determines or triggers the establishment of a heterogeneous path based on the received service description information and configuration policy.

[0062] It should also be understood that in another optional embodiment, the SMF or PCF determines or triggers the establishment of a heterogeneous path based on the received first indication information.

[0063] It should be understood that in some optional embodiments, the AF sends the second request information to the SMF, including the AF initiating the second request information to the SMF through the PCF or the network exposure function (NEF) network element.

[0064] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first request information includes the N4 rule. The user plane functional network element detects the frame tail packet of the message according to the N4 rule; when the frame tail packet of the message is detected, the detection of the second time difference for the current first transmission path is triggered. The second time difference includes the transmission delay of the first transmission path.

[0065] Based on the above technical solution, the first request information includes the N4 rule. According to the N4 rule, the UPF detects the frame tail packet of the message in the first transmission path. When the frame tail packet of the message is detected, the detection of the second time difference for the current first transmission path is triggered. The second time difference includes the transmission delay of the first transmission path. Therefore, in the scenario where a micro-burst occurs, the transmission delay problem caused by the core network path burst can be avoided, and the out-of-order arrival of data packets can be avoided, thereby improving the user experience.

[0066] It should be understood that N4 is the interface serial number, the transmission interface between UPF and SMF is the N4 interface, and the meaning of the interface serial number can be found in the meaning defined in the relevant standard protocol, and this application does not make any special limitations on this.

[0067] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first request information includes a second threshold. When the second time difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold, it is determined that a microburst exists on the current first transmission path.

[0068] Based on the above technical solution, when the first request information sent by SMF to UPF carries the second threshold, UPF detects the second time difference according to the received first request information and makes a judgment with the second threshold. Thus, in the scenario where microbursts occur, the transmission delay problem caused by core network path bursts can be avoided, and the out-of-order arrival of data packets can be avoided, thereby improving the user experience.

[0069] It should be understood that the second threshold is an adjustable threshold, not a fixed value. The second threshold can be adjusted according to the actual network conditions of the current transmission path, and can also be reasonably adjusted according to other parameters, and this application does not make special restrictions on this.

[0070] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the first indication information includes information for indicating that the currently transmitted service has a need for path switching; or information for indicating that the currently transmitted service has a need for quality of service adjustment.

[0071] Based on the above technical solution, the SMF or PCF determines or triggers the establishment of a heterogeneous path according to the received first indication information, so that in the scenario where a microburst occurs, the transmission delay problem caused by the core network path burst can be avoided, and the out-of-order arrival of data packets can be avoided, thereby improving the user experience.

[0072] It should be understood that in an optional embodiment, the second request information also includes service description information, and the SMF or PCF can determine that the currently transmitted service is a media service based on the service description information; and then enable the second transmission path transmission for the currently transmitted media service based on the indication in the first indication information.

[0073] It should also be understood that in another optional embodiment, the first request information also includes service description information. The SMF or PCF can determine the service flow that currently has a path switching requirement based on the service description information, which can specifically be information such as an IP triplet or quintuple; and then enable the second transmission path transmission for the currently transmitted media service based on the service quality adjustment requirement indication in the first indication information.

[0074] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by any device in a user plane functional network element; or, it can also be executed by a component of the user plane functional network element (such as a chip or circuit), without limitation.

[0075] The method is used to instruct the switching of the core network transmission path. Specifically, it includes establishing a second transmission path, and the second transmission path includes at least one transmission path between the terminal device and the core network device. It also includes receiving first request information, and the first request information is used to instruct the user plane function network element to enable the established second transmission path to transmit the next frame message.

[0076] Based on the above technical solution, the session management function network element or the policy control function network element determines to establish a second transmission path, the user plane function network element receives the first request information, and enables the newly established second transmission path to transmit the next frame of the message. Therefore, in the scenario where a microburst occurs, the transmission delay problem caused by the core network path burst can be avoided, and the out-of-order arrival of data packets can be avoided, thereby improving the user experience.

[0077] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the first request information is used to instruct the user-side network element to detect whether a micro-burst exists in the current first transmission path, and when a micro-burst exists, enable the established second transmission path to transmit the next frame message.

[0078] Based on the above technical solution, the session management function network element or the policy control function network element determines to establish a second transmission path, and the user plane function network element receives the first request information, which is used to instruct the user plane network element to detect whether there is a microburst in the current first transmission path. When a microburst occurs, the newly established second transmission path is enabled to transmit the next frame of the message. Therefore, in the scenario where a microburst occurs, the transmission delay problem caused by the core network path burst can be avoided, and the out-of-order arrival of data packets can be avoided, thereby improving the user experience.

[0079] In combination with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first request information comes from the access network device side. When the access network device detects that a microburst exists on the first transmission path, the first request information is sent to the user plane network element device through the SMF or directly to instruct the user plane network element device to enable the established second transmission path to transmit the next frame message.

[0080] Based on the above technical solution, the session management function network element or the policy control function network element determines to establish a second transmission path, and the user plane function network element receives the first request information, which is used to indicate that there is a microburst in the current first transmission path of the user plane network element, and the newly established second transmission path is enabled to transmit the next frame of the message. Therefore, in the scenario where a microburst occurs, the transmission delay problem caused by the core network path burst can be avoided, and the out-of-order arrival of data packets can be avoided, thereby improving the user experience.

[0081] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the UPF detects whether there is a micro-burst in the current first transmission path. Based on the indication in the first request information, the UPF triggers the detection of the delay information of the current path when the frame tail packet arrives. Specifically, the UPF can detect the delay information by timestamping the message, or the UPF can also measure the delay of the current path using the performance measurement function (PMF) protocol. The UPF can determine whether there is a micro-burst in the current path by judging the transmission delay of the current path, and thus decide whether to enable the newly established second transmission path to transmit the next frame of the message based on the judgment result.

[0082] Based on the above technical solution, the user plane functional network element detects whether there is a microburst on the first transmission path based on the indication of the first request information, and determines whether to enable the newly established second transmission path to transmit the next frame message according to the detection result. Therefore, in the scenario where a microburst occurs, the transmission delay problem caused by the core network path burst can be avoided, and the out-of-order arrival of data packets can be avoided, thereby improving the user experience.

[0083] In combination with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first request information includes the N4 rule. The user plane functional network element detects the frame tail packet of the message according to the N4 rule, and when the frame tail packet of the message is detected, the detection of the second time difference for the current first transmission path is triggered, and the second time difference includes the transmission delay of the first transmission path.

[0084] Based on the above technical solution, the first request information includes the N4 rule. According to the N4 rule, the UPF detects the frame tail packet of the message in the first transmission path. When the frame tail packet of the message is detected, the detection of the second time difference for the current first transmission path is triggered. The second time difference includes the transmission delay of the first transmission path. Therefore, in the scenario where a micro-burst occurs, the transmission delay problem caused by the core network path burst can be avoided, and the out-of-order arrival of data packets can be avoided, thereby improving the user experience.

[0085] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the first request information includes a second threshold. When the second time difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold, it is determined that a microburst exists on the current first transmission path.

[0086] Based on the above technical solution, when the first request information received by UPF carries the second threshold, UPF detects the second time difference according to the received first request information and makes a judgment with the second threshold. Thus, in the scenario where a microburst occurs, the transmission delay problem caused by the core network path burst can be avoided, and the out-of-order arrival of data packets can be avoided, thereby improving the user experience.

[0087] In combination with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes sending detection result information. The detection result information includes a second time difference, and is also used to instruct the session management function network element to compare the second time difference with a second threshold. When the second time difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold, it is determined that a microburst exists in the current first transmission path.

[0088] Based on the above technical solution, the UPF sends the detection result information to the SMF, and the detection result information includes the second time difference. The detection result information is also used to instruct the SMF to judge the size of the second time difference and the second threshold, and when the second time difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold, it is judged that there is a microburst in the current first transmission path.

[0089] It should be understood that in some optional embodiments, after the UPF detects the second time difference, the UPF determines whether a micro-burst exists on the current first transmission path by judging the second time difference and the size of the second threshold, and the UPF determines to enable the established second transmission path for transmission.

[0090] It should also be understood that in other optional embodiments, after the UPF detects the second time difference, it reports the detection result information to the SMF, and the SMF determines the size relationship between the second time difference and the second threshold, and when a micro-burst occurs on the current first transmission path, the SMF sends a request information to the UPF to instruct the UPF to enable the established second transmission path for transmission.

[0091] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, which is used to execute the method provided in the first to fourth aspects. Specifically, the device may include a unit and / or module, such as a processing unit and / or a communication unit, for executing the method provided in any one of the above implementations of the first to fourth aspects.

[0092] In one implementation, the apparatus is a terminal device. When the apparatus is a terminal device, the communication unit may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface; the processing unit may be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0093] In another implementation, the device is a chip, a chip system or a circuit used in a terminal device. When the device is a chip, a chip system or a circuit used in a terminal device, the communication unit may be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin or a related circuit on the chip, the chip system or the circuit; the processing unit may be at least one processor, a processing circuit or a logic circuit.

[0094] In one implementation, the apparatus is a network element device. When the apparatus is a network element device, the communication unit may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface; the processing unit may be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0095] In another implementation, the device is a chip, a chip system or a circuit used in a network element device. When the device is a chip, a chip system or a circuit used in a network element device, the communication unit may be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin or a related circuit on the chip, the chip system or the circuit; the processing unit may be at least one processor, a processing circuit or a logic circuit.

[0096] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a memory for storing programs; and at least one processor for executing computer programs or instructions stored in the memory to execute any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the first to fourth aspects, or a method provided by any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the first to fourth aspects.

[0097] In one implementation, the apparatus is a terminal device.

[0098] In another implementation, the apparatus is a chip, a chip system or a circuit used in a terminal device.

[0099] In one implementation, the apparatus is a network element device.

[0100] In another implementation, the device is a chip, a chip system or a circuit used in a network element device.

[0101] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a processor for executing the methods provided in the above aspects.

[0102] For the operations such as sending and acquiring / receiving involved in the processor, unless otherwise specified, or unless they conflict with their actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, they can be understood as operations such as processor output, reception, input, etc., or as sending and receiving operations performed by the radio frequency circuit and antenna, and this application does not limit this.

[0103] In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a program code for execution by a device, wherein the program code includes a method for executing any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the first to fourth aspects.

[0104] In a ninth aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided. When the computer program product is run on a computer, the computer executes the method provided in any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the first to fourth aspects.

[0105] In a tenth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface, the processor reads instructions stored in a memory through the communication interface, and executes the method provided by any one of the above-mentioned implementation methods of the first to fourth aspects.

[0106] Optionally, as an implementation method, the chip also includes a memory, in which a computer program or instructions are stored, and the processor is used to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the processor is used to execute the method provided in any one of the above-mentioned implementation methods of the first to fourth aspects.

[0107] In an eleventh aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising the session function management network element of the first aspect and the access network device of the second aspect.

[0108] In a twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising the session function management network element of the third aspect and the user plane function network element of the fourth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0109] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a network architecture.

[0110] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for network optimization based on the ATSSS mechanism provided by this application.

[0111] Figure 3 It is a schematic flowchart of transmission through a second transmission path provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0112] Figure 4 It is a schematic flowchart of transmission through heterogeneous paths provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0113] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of establishing a heterogeneous path provided by this application.

[0114] Figure 6 This is another schematic flow chart of transmission through heterogeneous paths provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0115] Figure 7 It is another schematic flowchart of transmission through a second transmission path provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0116] Figure 8 This is another schematic flow chart of transmission through heterogeneous paths provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0117] Fig. 9 This is another schematic flow chart of transmission through heterogeneous paths provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0118] Fig.10 It is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0119] Fig.11 It is a schematic diagram of another communication device 20 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0120] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram of a chip system 30 provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0121] The technical solution in this application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0122] The technical solution provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: fifth generation (5th generation, 5G) or new radio (new radio, NR) system, long term evolution (long term evolution, LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (frequency division duplex, FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (time division duplex, TDD) system, etc. The technical solution provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as the sixth generation mobile communication system. The technical solution provided in this application can also be applied to device to device (D2D) communication, vehicle to everything (V2X) communication, machine to machine (M2M) communication, machine type communication (MTC), and Internet of things (IoT) communication system or other communication systems.

[0123] First, a brief introduction to the network architecture applicable to this application is as follows.

[0124] As an example, Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a network architecture.

[0125] like Figure 1 As shown, the network architecture takes the 5G system (the 5th generation system, 5GS) as an example. The network architecture may include but is not limited to: network slice selection function (network slice selection function, NSSF), authentication server function (authentication server function, AUSF), unified data management (unified data management, UDM), network exposure function (network exposure function, NEF), network storage function (NF repository function, NRF), policy control function (policy control function, PCF), application function (application function, AF), access and mobility management function (access and mobility management function, AMF), session management function (session management function, SMF), user equipment (user equipment, UE), radio access network equipment, user plane function (user plane function, UPF), data network (data network, DN).

[0126] Among them, DN can be the Internet; NSSF, AUSF, UDM, NEF, NRF, PCF, AF, AMF, SMF, and UPF belong to the network elements in the core network (CN). Figure 1 Taking the 5G system as an example, the core network can be called the 5G core network (5G core network, 5GC or 5GCN).

[0127] Below Figure 1 A brief introduction is given to each network element shown in FIG.

[0128] 1. UE: may be referred to as terminal equipment, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent or user device.

[0129] The terminal device may be a device that provides voice / data to users, for example, a handheld device or a vehicle-mounted device with a wireless connection function. At present, some examples of terminals are: mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication functions, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks or future evolved public land mobile communication networks (public land mobile The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0130] As an example but not limitation, in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device may also be a wearable device. Wearable devices may also be referred to as wearable smart devices, which are a general term for wearable devices that are intelligently designed and developed using wearable technology for daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. A wearable device is a portable device that is worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories. Wearable devices are not only hardware devices, but also powerful functions achieved through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include full-featured, large-sized, and fully or partially independent of smartphones, such as smart watches or smart glasses, as well as devices that only focus on a certain type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various types of smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0131] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in an IoT system. IoT is an important part of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network that interconnects people and machines and things.

[0132] It should be noted that the terminal device and the access network device can communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology (such as NR or LTE technology, etc.). The terminal devices can also communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology (such as NR or LTE technology, etc.).

[0133] In the embodiment of the present application, the device for realizing the function of the terminal device can be the terminal device, or it can be a device that can support the terminal device to realize the function, such as a chip system or a chip, which can be installed in the terminal device. In the embodiment of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0134] 2. (Radio) access network (R)AN) equipment: It can provide authorized users in a specific area with access to the communication network. It can include wireless network equipment in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) network and access points in non-3GPP networks. (R)AN includes one or more access network elements or access network equipment. The interface between the access network equipment and the terminal equipment can be a Uu interface (or air interface).

[0135] It should be understood that in future communications, the names of these interfaces may remain unchanged, or may be replaced by other names, which is not limited by the present application. AN devices are used below for convenience of description.

[0136] AN equipment can use different wireless access technologies. There are currently two types of wireless access technologies: 3GPP access technology (for example, the wireless access technology used in the third generation (3rd generation, 3G), fourth generation (4th generation, 4G) or 5G systems) and non-3GPP (non-3GPP) access technology. 3GPP access technology refers to access technology that complies with 3GPP standards and specifications. For example, the access network equipment in the 5G system is called the next generation NodeBase station (gNB) or RAN equipment. Non-3GPP access technology may include air interface technology represented by access points (APs) in wireless fidelity (WiFi), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), code division multiple access (CDMA), etc. AN equipment can allow terminal devices and 3GPP core networks to interconnect and communicate using non-3GPP technologies.

[0137] AN equipment is responsible for wireless resource management, quality of service (QoS) management, data compression and encryption, etc. on the air interface side. AN equipment provides access services for terminal equipment, and then completes the forwarding of control signals and user data between terminal equipment and the core network.

[0138] AN equipment may include, for example, but is not limited to: macro base stations, micro base stations (also called small stations), radio network controllers (RNC), node Bs (Node Bs, NBs), base station controllers (base station controllers, BSCs), base transceiver stations (base transceiver stations, BTSs), evolved node Bs (evolved node Bs, eNBs), next generation evolved node Bs (next generation eNBs, ng-eNBs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved NodeBs, or home Node Bs, HNBs), baseband units (baseband units, BBUs), APs in WiFi systems, wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, transmission points (TPs) or transmission and reception points (TRPs), etc. Alternatively, it may also be a gNB or transmission point (TRP or TP) in a 5G (e.g., NR) system, or one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system. Alternatively, it can also be a network node constituting a gNB or a transmission point, such as a distributed unit (DU), or a base station in a next-generation communication 6G system. Alternatively, it can also be a module or unit that completes the function of a base station, such as a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU); in a possible network structure, the CU can be used to support communications under protocols such as the radio resource control (RRC) protocol, the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), and the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP); the DU can be used to support communications under the radio link control (RLC) layer protocol, the medium access control (MAC) layer protocol, and the physical layer protocol. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the AN device.

[0139] It should be noted that in this application, the satellite can act as the RAN, that is, the terminal device can communicate with the core network side through the satellite. For example, satellite communication can be used to solve coverage problems in remote areas such as mountainous areas and oceans. This method is called satellite communication in regeneration mode. Alternatively, the satellite can also be used only as a radio frequency unit, that is, the RAN function is still performed by the ground base station. This is also a way to implement satellite communication, which is called satellite communication in transparent mode.

[0140] 3. AMF: Mainly used for access control, mobility management, attachment and detachment. It can be used to manage access control and mobility of terminal devices. In practical applications, it includes the mobility management function in the mobility management entity (MME) in the network framework of LTE, and adds access management functions. Specifically, it can be responsible for terminal device registration, mobility management, tracking area update process, reachability detection, session management function network element selection, mobile state transition management, etc.

[0141] 4. SMF: Mainly used for user plane network element selection, user plane network element redirection, Internet protocol (IP) address allocation for terminal devices, as well as session establishment, modification and release and QoS control.

[0142] 5. UPF: Mainly used for receiving and forwarding user plane data. For example, UPF can receive user plane data from DN and send the user plane data to the terminal device through the AN device. UPF can also receive user plane data from the terminal device through the AN device and forward it to the DN.

[0143] 6. NEF: Mainly used to securely open the services and capabilities provided by 3GPP network functions to the outside world.

[0144] 7. PCF: A unified policy framework mainly used to guide network behavior, providing policy rule information for control plane network elements (such as AMF, SMF, etc.), and is responsible for obtaining user contract information related to policy decisions.

[0145] Exemplarily, the PCF network element can be divided into two types of PCFs with different functions, namely UE-PCF and AM-PCF. Among them, UE-PCF can be used to generate UE policy (UE policy), that is, the policy sent to UE, and the sending path is: UE-PCF--->AMF--->UE. At this time, the AMF network element does not parse the content of the UE policy, that is, AMF transparently transmits the UE policy. AM-PCF can be used to generate AM policy, that is, the policy for access management sent to AMF, and the sending path is: UE-PCF--->AMF; further, AMF can also send part or all of the access management policy to RAN.

[0146] 8. AF: Mainly used to provide services to the 3GPP network, such as interacting with the PCF for policy control or providing some third-party services to the network side.

[0147] 9. Network slice selection function (NSSF): mainly used for network slice selection.

[0148] 10. UDM: Mainly used for UE contract data management, including storage and management of UE identification, UE access authorization, etc.

[0149] 11. DN: An operator network mainly used to provide data services to UE. For example, the Internet, a third-party business network, an IP multi-media service (IMS) network, etc. DN is identified by a data network name (DNN) in a 5G network. A terminal device can access a DN through a protocol data unit (PDU) session established between the terminal device and the DN.

[0150] 12. AUSF: Mainly used for user authentication, etc.

[0151] 13. NRF: Mainly used to store descriptive information of network functional entities and the services they provide.

[0152] exist Figure 1 In the network architecture shown, each network element can communicate with each other via an interface. For example, a UE is connected to an AN device via a radio resource control (RRC) protocol, and the UE and the AN device communicate via a Uu interface.

[0153] It should be understood that the network architecture shown above is only an exemplary description, and the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application is not limited thereto. Any network architecture that can realize the functions of the above-mentioned network elements is applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

[0154] It should also be understood that although Figure 1 Not shown, the CN may also include other possible network elements, such as a unified data repository (UDR), a short message service function (SMSF) network element, an authentication server function (AUSF) network element, etc. Among them, the UDR is used to store user information and contract information, wherein the user information can be understood as the identification information of the terminal device, such as the permanent identification of the terminal device.

[0155] It should also be understood that Figure 1 The functions or network elements such as AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, UDM, NSSF, AUSF shown in the specification can be understood as network elements used to implement different functions, for example, they can be combined into network slices as needed. These network elements can be independent devices, or they can be integrated into the same device to implement different functions, or they can be network elements in hardware devices, or they can be software functions running on dedicated hardware, or they can be virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (for example, a cloud platform). This application does not limit the specific form of the above network elements.

[0156] It should also be understood that the above naming is only defined for the convenience of distinguishing different functions and should not constitute any limitation to this application. This application does not exclude the possibility of using other naming in 6G networks and other future networks. For example, in a 6G network, some or all of the above network elements may use the terminology in 5G, or may use other names, etc.

[0157] The above briefly describes the basic concepts involved in this application, which will not be repeated in the following embodiments.

[0158] In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following points are first explained.

[0159] First, in this application, "used to indicate" may include being used to indicate directly or indirectly. When describing that a certain indication information is used to indicate A, it may include that the indication information directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but it does not mean that the indication information must carry A.

[0160] Second, "at least one" shown in the present application refers to one or more, and "multiple" refers to two or more. In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, "first", "second" and various digital numbers (for example, "#1", "#2", etc.) are only for the convenience of description, and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. The size of the sequence number of each process below does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that the objects described in this way can be interchanged in appropriate circumstances, so as to be able to describe the schemes other than the embodiments of the present application. In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "S510" are only marks made for the convenience of description, and the order of execution steps is not limited.

[0161] Third, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the present application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a specific way.

[0162] Fourth, in the embodiments of the present application, the terms “of”, “corresponding”, “relevant”, “corresponding” and “associate” can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be pointed out that when the distinction between them is not emphasized, the meanings they intend to express are consistent.

[0163] Fifth, in the embodiments of the present application, "under the circumstances", "when", and "if" can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be pointed out that when the distinction between them is not emphasized, the meanings they intend to express are consistent.

[0164] Sixth, the term "and / or" in this article is only a description of the association relationship of the 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, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0165] Combination of the above Figure 1 The following briefly introduces the scenarios in which the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied, and introduces the basic concepts that may be involved in the embodiments of the present application.

[0166] In the face of micro-bursts of media traffic, network optimization is generally performed based on the access traffic steering, switching and splitting (ATSSS) mechanism to avoid transmission delay problems caused by bursts in the core network path.

[0167] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for network optimization based on the ATSSS mechanism provided by this application. In the figure, ATSSS builds a dual-channel transmission capability between the UE and UPF, which can combine fixed-line and wireless resources to meet the needs of large-bandwidth services. The multi-access diversion scheduling control is implemented between the UE and UPF based on the diversion strategy issued by the control plane. Among them, 4 diversion modes are defined, including:

[0168] Mode 1: Transmitting the service flow on the activated path, that is, in 3GPP access and Non-3GPP access, selecting the activated path for data transmission.

[0169] Mode 2: Transmit the service flow on the path with the lowest latency. That is, based on the measured latency of 3GPP access and non-3GPP access, select the path with the lowest latency for data transmission.

[0170] Mode 3: Load balancing, ensuring the parity and weight distribution of each access network after transmission diversion. That is, the transmitted data packets are diverted to ensure the parity and weight distribution of the data flows transmitted on the 3GPP access and Non-3GPP access paths.

[0171] Mode 4: Divert service flows based on priority. That is, configure the priorities of 3GPP access and Non-3GPP access in advance, and then divert service flows based on the current access status and priority.

[0172] It should be understood that the round trip time delay (RTT) between the UE and the UPF can be measured based on a performance measurement function (PMF) to assist in switching of the access point.

[0173] In summary, it can be seen that in network optimization based on ATSSS, when a single path is selected for data transmission, if the transmission quality of the selected path decreases or a micro-burst of the service flow occurs, it may cause problems such as transmission delay and transmission interruption. In the scenario where data diversion transmission is selected, data packets may arrive out of order, causing head-of-line blocking (HOL blocking) and increasing buffer processing delays. This delay and data packet disorder are not conducive to the transmission of media service flows, and cannot meet the low latency requirements of media service flows, thus affecting the user experience.

[0174] The present application provides a communication method for avoiding transmission delay problems caused by core network path bursts in scenarios where micro-bursts are generated in media service flows, and avoiding out-of-order arrival of data packets, thereby improving user experience.

[0175] The technical solution provided by the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments of the present application can be applied to a variety of different scenarios, including Figure 1 The scenario shown is, but not limited to, that scenario.

[0176] Below, without loss of generality, Figure 3 The communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application is described in detail by taking the interaction between the terminal device and the network device as an example. The network device includes an access network device and a core network device.

[0177] It should be understood that the embodiments shown below do not particularly limit the specific structure of the execution subject of the method provided by the embodiments of the present application. As long as it is possible to communicate according to the method provided by the embodiments of the present application by running a program that records the code of the method provided by the embodiments of the present application, for example, the execution subject of the method provided by the embodiments of the present application may be a terminal device and a network device, or a chip or circuit in the terminal device and the network device, or a functional module in the terminal device and the network device that can call and execute the program.

[0178] Figure 3 It is a schematic flowchart of transmission through a second transmission path provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0179] The communication method comprises the following steps:

[0180] S103: The SMF establishes a second transmission path. The second transmission path includes at least one transmission path between the terminal device and the core network device.

[0181] In another implementation of S103, the execution subject may be a PCF, and the PCF establishes a second transmission path. The second transmission path includes at least one transmission path between the terminal device and the core network device.

[0182] In one implementation, the execution entity of S103 is SMF, and SMF triggers UE, RAN and UPF to establish a new second transmission path.

[0183] In another implementation, S103 is executed by PCF, and PCF instructs the SMF side to establish a new second transmission path, and then SMF interacts with UE / RAN / UPF to establish the new second transmission path.

[0184] It should be understood that the second transmission path includes at least one transmission path newly established between the current terminal device and the core network device. In some optional embodiments, the second transmission path is also called a heterogeneous path, and the second transmission path can be a brand new transmission path between the terminal device and the core network device, such as a brand new transmission path from the terminal device to the access network device and from the access network device to the user plane functional network element, or only part of the links are brand new transmission paths, such as the same transmission path is used between the terminal device and the access network device, and a brand new transmission path is used between the access network device and the user plane functional network element.

[0185] S104: The SMF sends a first request message to the UPF. The first request message is used to instruct the user plane function network element to enable the established second transmission path to transmit the next frame of the message when a microburst occurs on the current first transmission path, or to instruct the user plane function network element to enable the established second transmission path to transmit the next frame of the message when receiving a fourth request message from the RAN side.

[0186] The UPF receives the first request information.

[0187] It should be understood that a microburst refers to a situation where a large number of data packets arrive in a short period of time, which may cause transmission congestion problems.

[0188] S108: UPF enables the second transmission path to transmit the next frame of message.

[0189] Optionally, the communication method may further include the following steps:

[0190] S101: The SMF receives third request information. The third request information carries first indication information for indicating the establishment of a second transmission path.

[0191] It should be understood that the SMF receiving the third request information may specifically be receiving the third request information forwarded by the PCF, or the SMF may be receiving the third request information sent by the AF.

[0192] In an optional implementation manner, the first indication information is used to indicate that the currently transmitted service has a path switching requirement; or is used to indicate that the currently transmitted service has a service quality adjustment requirement.

[0193] S102: Determine to establish a second transmission path. Specifically, there are two ways:

[0194] Method 1: SMF determines to establish the second transmission path according to the first indication information or according to local configuration information.

[0195] Mode 2: The PCF triggers the establishment of the second transmission path according to the first indication information or the local configuration information.

[0196] S105: The SMF sends a second request message to the access network device. The second request message is used to instruct the access network device to detect whether there is a microburst in the current first transmission path.

[0197] S106: The access network device detects whether a micro-burst occurs on the current first transmission path according to the second request information.

[0198] In an optional implementation, the second request information includes second indication information. The second indication information is used to instruct the access network device to send a fourth request information when it determines that the first time difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold. The first time difference includes the time difference between the arrival of the frame tail packet of the current message and the frame head packet of the next frame message; the fourth request information is used to instruct the user plane function network element to enable the established second transmission path for transmission.

[0199] In an optional implementation manner, the second request information also includes a first threshold.

[0200] In an optional implementation, the first request information includes the N4 rule. When the user plane function network element receives the third indication information, the user plane function network element enables the established second transmission path to transmit the next frame message according to the N4 rule. The third indication information is carried in the fourth request information.

[0201] S107: The access network device sends a fourth request message to the UPF device. When the access network device detects that a microburst exists in the current first transmission path, the fourth request message is sent to the UPF.

[0202] It should be understood that the fourth request information carries the third indication information, and the UPF enables the second transmission path for transmission according to the N4 rule and the third indication information.

[0203] The following will be combined Figures 4 to 6 The specific implementation method is described below. It should be understood that Figures 4 to 6 This application merely provides possible implementations and does not constitute any limitation on the protection scope of this application.

[0204] Figure 4 It is a schematic flowchart of transmission through heterogeneous paths provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0205] The communication method comprises the following steps:

[0206] S301: AF sends request information 1 to SMF. The request information 1 includes service description information (traffic description) and indication information 1. The service description information is used to indicate the current media service; the indication information 1 is used to indicate that the media service has a path switching requirement, or is used to indicate that the media service has a QoS adjustment requirement.

[0207] It should be understood that request information 1 is Figure 3 This is a specific implementation method of the third request information in the embodiment, and this application does not make any special limitations on this.

[0208] It should be understood that the indication information 1 is Figure 3 This application does not specifically limit a specific implementation method of the first indication information in the embodiment.

[0209] In an optional implementation, the service description information includes but is not limited to an IP quintuple, an IP triplet, a data network name (DNN), or a single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), etc. This application does not make any special limitations on this.

[0210] It should be understood that the specific manner in which the AF sends the request information 1 to the SMF includes the AF sending the request information 1 to the SMF via the PCF, or the AF sending the request information 1 to the SMF via the NEF and the PCF.

[0211] S302: Determine to establish a heterogeneous path according to the received request information 1.

[0212] The execution entity of step S302 may be SMF or PCF.

[0213] Method 1: When the execution subject of S302 is SMF.

[0214] In one implementation, the SMF determines to establish a heterogeneous path based on the service description information carried in the request information 1 and the local configuration policy.

[0215] In another implementation, the SMF determines or triggers the establishment of a heterogeneous path based on the indication information 1 carried in the request information 1.

[0216] Optionally, the SMF first determines, based on indication information 1, that the media service has a path switching requirement or a QoS adjustment requirement, and then determines or triggers the establishment of a heterogeneous path.

[0217] Mode 2: When the execution subject of S302 is PCF.

[0218] In one implementation, the PCF determines to establish a heterogeneous path according to the service description information carried in the request information 1 and a local configuration policy.

[0219] In another implementation manner, the PCF determines or triggers establishment of a heterogeneous path according to the indication information 1 carried in the request information 1.

[0220] Optionally, the PCF first determines, according to indication information 1, that the media service has a path switching requirement or a QoS adjustment requirement, and then determines or triggers establishment of a heterogeneous path.

[0221] S303: Heterogeneous paths are established.

[0222] It should be understood that, in combination with step S302, the establishment trigger of the heterogeneous path can be triggered by SMF or PCF. SMF or PCF triggers the establishment of the heterogeneous path between the terminal device, the access network device, and the UPF.

[0223] It should be understood that the heterogeneous path is Figure 3 This is a specific implementation of the second transmission path in the embodiment, and this application does not make any special limitations on this.

[0224] In an optional implementation, SMF triggers the establishment of a heterogeneous path, and SMF triggers UE, RAN and UPF to establish a new heterogeneous path.

[0225] In another optional implementation, the PCF triggers the establishment of a heterogeneous path. The PCF instructs the SMF side to establish a new heterogeneous path, and then the SMF interacts with the UE / RAN / UPF to establish the new heterogeneous path.

[0226] It should be understood that the access network equipment includes AN equipment and RAN equipment. For the sake of brevity, the description of heterogeneous path establishment is taken as an example of RAN, which does not constitute any limitation on the protection scope of this application. Figure 5 The establishment of heterogeneous paths between UE, RAN and UPF is described.

[0227] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of establishing a heterogeneous path provided by this application.

[0228] When UPF transmits media service flow to access network equipment through the existing path (i.e., path 1), after receiving the SMF or PCF trigger to establish a heterogeneous path, a new heterogeneous path (i.e., path 2) can be established in the bearer network between the terminal equipment, access network equipment, and UPF in the following three ways.

[0229] Method 1: Establish a new general packet radio service tunneling protocol-user plane path (GTP-Upath) between the access network equipment and UPF, that is, path 2.

[0230] Method 2: Establish a new transmission path (transport path), namely path 2, between the access network device and UPF.

[0231] Method 3: Trigger the terminal device to establish a path of terminal device - other access network device - UPF. As shown in the figure, trigger the UE terminal device to establish a new path of terminal device - access network device 2 - UPF, that is, path 2.

[0232] It should be understood that which transmission path the SMF / PCF selects depends on the self-implementation of the SMF side and is not limited here.

[0233] In one implementation, the SMF or PCF sends indication information to the terminal device, where the indication information is used to trigger the terminal device to establish a new transmission path.

[0234] It should be understood that the transmission path between the terminal device and the access network device 2 can be non-3GPP access technology or 3GPP access technology, and this application does not make any special limitations on this.

[0235] In another implementation, step S303 is not executed until after S306, when the SMF receives a notification from the access network device or UPF that there is a microburst, triggering the heterogeneous path establishment process.

[0236] It should be understood that path 1 is Figure 3 This application does not specifically limit a specific implementation of the first transmission path in the embodiment.

[0237] It should be understood that path 2 is Figure 3 This is a specific implementation of the second transmission path in the embodiment, and this application does not make any special limitations on this.

[0238] S304: SMF sends request information 2 to UPF.

[0239] In one implementation, the request information 2 includes a trigger indication for instructing the UPF to enable a new heterogeneous path to transmit a message.

[0240] In another implementation, the request information 2 includes the N4 rule, and optionally, the trigger indication is included in the N4 rule.

[0241] It should be understood that request information 2 is Figure 3 This is a specific implementation method of the first request information in the embodiment, and this application does not make any special limitations on this.

[0242] In one implementation, the trigger indication is used to indicate that when the UPF receives the indication information 2 sent by the access network device, the UPF enables a new heterogeneous path to transmit the next frame message.

[0243] In one implementation, indication information 2 is used to indicate that a microburst occurs in the bearer network, so that the UPF enables a new heterogeneous path to transmit messages due to the microburst occurring in the bearer network.

[0244] In another implementation, indication information 2 is directly used to instruct the UPF to enable a new path to transmit messages.

[0245] It should be understood that the transmission message includes a message corresponding to the next frame of the transmission media service flow, that is, when the transmission path is switched, the transmission will start from a new frame of messages.

[0246] It should be understood that the indication information 2 is Figure 3 This is a specific implementation method of the third indication information in the embodiment, and this application does not make any special limitations on this.

[0247] S305: SMF sends request information 3 to the access network device.

[0248] Request information 3 includes indication information 3 and / or indication information 4. Indication information 3 is used to instruct the access network device to detect a first time difference, where the first time difference includes an arrival time difference between a frame tail packet and a frame head packet of the next frame. Indication information 4 is used to indicate that when the first time difference detected by the access network device is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the access network device sends request information 4 to the UPF.

[0249] It should be understood that request information 3 is Figure 3 This is a specific implementation method of the second request information in the embodiment, and this application does not make any special limitations on this.

[0250] It should be understood that the indication information 4 is Figure 3 This is a specific implementation method of the second indication information in the embodiment, and this application does not make any special limitations on this.

[0251] In one implementation, the SMF further sends a first threshold to the access network device, where the first threshold is used to indicate a threshold of the first time difference, and the threshold includes a frame rate of a media service message.

[0252] As a non-limiting embodiment, when the frame rate of the media service message is 60 frames per second, the first threshold is 1 / 60=16.67ms. Assuming that the access network device detects that the arrival time difference between the frame tail packet and the frame head packet of the next frame, or between the current frame head packet and the next frame head packet is 18ms, that is, the access network device determines that the first time difference is greater than the first threshold, the access network device sends request information 4 to the UPF according to indication information 4.

[0253] It should be understood that the request information 4 is Figure 3 This is a specific implementation method of the fourth request information in the embodiment, and this application does not make any special limitations on this.

[0254] It should be understood that the first threshold sent by the SMF to the access network device is carried in the request information 3, and the first threshold can be specifically carried in the indication information 3 and / or the indication information 4, and this application does not make any special limitation on this.

[0255] In one implementation, the first threshold has been configured in the local configuration of the access network device, and the SMF does not need to send the first threshold to the access network device again.

[0256] It should be understood that step S304 and step S305 are performed during the heterogeneous path establishment process.

[0257] S306: The access network device performs microburst monitoring according to the request information 3.

[0258] The access network device detects the first time difference according to the indication information 3 carried in the request information 3. The access network device determines the size of the first time difference and the first threshold according to the indication information 4 carried in the request information 3, so as to determine whether there is a microburst. When the access network device detects that the first time difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold, it sends the request information 4 to the UPF, that is, there is a microburst at this time.

[0259] S307: The access network device sends request information 4 to the UPF. The request information 4 carries indication information 2.

[0260] Specifically, the access network device can carry the request information 4 to the UPF side through the GTP-U layer of the uplink data packet or the empty data packet; or the access network device can send the request information 4 to the UPF side through AMF / SMF.

[0261] The indication information 2 is used to instruct the UPF to perform heterogeneous path switching, that is, the UPF enables the heterogeneous path to transmit the next frame message according to the indication information 2.

[0262] In one implementation, the indication information 2 is used to indicate that a microburst occurs.

[0263] S308: UPF enables the established heterogeneous path for transmission according to request information 4.

[0264] When UPF receives request information 4, since request information 4 carries indication information 2, UPF enables a new heterogeneous path for message transmission according to rule N4 received in S304.

[0265] In one implementation, step S304 is not performed, that is, the SMF does not send the request message 2 carrying the N4 rule to the UPF during the heterogeneous path establishment process. Then, between S307 and S308, other steps for instructing the UPF to enable the established heterogeneous path for transmission should be included. Figure 6 Give a detailed explanation.

[0266] Figure 6 This is another schematic flow chart of transmission through heterogeneous paths provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0267] S501: AF sends request information 1 to SMF. The specific process is similar to S301, and this application will not repeat it here.

[0268] S502: Determine to establish a heterogeneous path according to the received request information 1. The specific process is similar to S302, and will not be described in detail in this application.

[0269] S503: heterogeneous path establishment. The specific process is similar to S303, except that, in one implementation, step S503 is not executed until S507, when the SMF receives a microburst notification from the UPF, triggering the heterogeneous path establishment process; or after step S506, the access network device indicates that the SMF currently has a microburst, thereby triggering the SMF to establish a heterogeneous transmission path.

[0270] S504: SMF sends request information 3 to the access network device. The specific process is similar to S305, and this application will not repeat it here.

[0271] S505: The access network device detects the first time difference according to the request information 3, and makes a judgment with the first threshold. The specific process is similar to S306, and this application will not repeat it here.

[0272] S506: The access network device sends request information 4 to the UPF. The specific process is similar to S307, and this application will not repeat it here.

[0273] S507: UPF reports indication information 2 to SMF.

[0274] Due to and Figure 4Compared with the embodiment described above, during the heterogeneous path establishment process, the SMF does not send the N4 rule to the UPF, that is, the SMF does not instruct the UPF to start a new path transmission message when receiving the indication information 2. Therefore, in S506, after the UPF receives the request information 4 carrying the indication information 2, it cannot trigger the start of a new heterogeneous path due to the lack of the N4 rule. Therefore, the UPF reports the received indication information 2 to the SMF.

[0275] S508: SMF sends request information 2 to UPF.

[0276] Optionally, the request information 2 includes a trigger indication for instructing the UPF to enable a new heterogeneous path to transmit the message.

[0277] In one implementation, rule N4 includes the trigger indication information, which is used to indicate that when UPF receives indication information 2 sent by the access network device, UPF enables a new heterogeneous path to transmit the message.

[0278] In one implementation, indication information 2 is used to indicate that a microburst occurs in the bearer network, so that the UPF enables a new heterogeneous path to transmit messages due to the microburst in the bearer network.

[0279] In another implementation, indication information 2 is directly used to instruct the UPF to enable a new path to transmit messages.

[0280] It should be understood that the transmission message includes a message corresponding to the next frame of the transmission media service flow.

[0281] S509: UPF enables the established heterogeneous path for transmission.

[0282] UPF enables the established heterogeneous path for transmission according to the received request information 4 and request information 2. UPF enables the new heterogeneous path for message transmission according to the N4 rule in the received request information 2 and the indication information 2 in the received request information 4.

[0283] In the above Figures 4 to 6 In the disclosed embodiment, the access network device detects whether a microburst occurs in the bearer network, and notifies the UPF by the access network device, so that the UPF can start a new path to transmit media messages, thereby avoiding an increase in media message transmission delay caused by the microburst in the bearer network.

[0284] In another implementation, the UPF can also detect whether a microburst occurs in the bearer network, thereby enabling a new path to transmit media packets. Figure 7 A description is given of another embodiment.

[0285] Figure 7 It is another schematic flowchart of transmission through a second transmission path provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0286] The communication method comprises the following steps:

[0287] S203: Establish a second transmission path. The second transmission path includes at least one transmission path between the terminal device and the core network device.

[0288] In another implementation of S203, the execution subject may be a PCF, and the PCF establishes a second transmission path. The second transmission path includes at least one transmission path between the terminal device and the core network device.

[0289] S204: SMF sends the first request information to UPF.

[0290] In one implementation, the first request information includes instruction information for instructing the UPF to perform microburst monitoring.

[0291] In another implementation, the first request information is used to instruct the user plane function network element to detect whether a microburst exists in the current first transmission path. When a microburst exists, the established second transmission path is enabled to transmit the next frame of the message.

[0292] The UPF receives the first request information.

[0293] S205: The UPF detects whether a microburst occurs on the current first transmission path.

[0294] S206: UPF enables the second transmission path to transmit the next frame of message.

[0295] Optionally, the communication method may further include the following steps:

[0296] S201: Receive second request information. The second request information carries first indication information for indicating establishment of a second transmission path.

[0297] It should be understood that the SMF receiving the second request information includes receiving the second request information forwarded by the PCF, and also includes the SMF receiving the second request information sent by the AF.

[0298] In an optional implementation manner, the first indication information is used to indicate that the currently transmitted service has a path switching requirement; or is used to indicate that the currently transmitted service has a service quality adjustment requirement.

[0299] S202: Determine a second transmission path. Specifically, there are two methods, wherein:

[0300] Method 1: SMF determines to establish the second transmission path according to the first indication information or according to local configuration information.

[0301] Method 2: The PCF determines to establish the second transmission path according to the first indication information or according to local configuration information.

[0302] In an optional implementation, the first request information includes the N4 rule. The user plane functional network element detects the frame tail packet of the message according to the N4 rule. When the frame tail packet of the message is detected, the detection of the second time difference for the current first transmission path is triggered. The second time difference includes the transmission delay of the first transmission path.

[0303] In an optional implementation, the first request information includes a second threshold. When the second time difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold, it is determined that a microburst exists on the current first transmission path.

[0304] The following will be combined Figures 8 to 9 The specific implementation method is described below. It should be understood that Figures 8 to 9 This application merely provides possible implementations and does not constitute any limitation on the protection scope of this application.

[0305] Figure 8 This is another schematic flow chart of transmission through heterogeneous paths provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0306] S601: AF sends request information 1 to SMF. The specific process is similar to S301, and this application will not repeat it here.

[0307] It should be understood that request information 1 is Figure 7 This is a specific implementation method of the second request information in the embodiment, and this application does not make any special limitations on this.

[0308] S602: Determine to establish a heterogeneous path according to the received request information 1. The specific process is similar to S302, and will not be described in detail in this application.

[0309] S603: heterogeneous path establishment The specific process is similar to S303, and this application will not repeat it here.

[0310] S604: SMF sends request information 5 to UPF.

[0311] The request information 5 includes instruction information for instructing the UPF to perform microburst monitoring.

[0312] In one implementation, the request information 5 includes the N4 rule, and the N4 rule may include the above-mentioned indication information.

[0313] In another implementation, the indication information for instructing the UPF to perform microburst monitoring may also be used to instruct the UPF to trigger measurement of a second time difference of the current path and compare it with a second threshold to determine whether a microburst occurs.

[0314] It should be understood that the request information 5 is Figure 7 This is a specific implementation method of the first request information in the embodiment, and this application does not make any special limitations on this.

[0315] In one implementation, the SMF determines the service type according to the service description information carried in the received request information 1, and sends a request information 5 to the UPF. The request information 5 is used to instruct the UPF to trigger the detection of the second time difference of the current path for the media service message when the frame tail packet arrives, and determine whether a microburst occurs.

[0316] In one implementation, the second time difference includes delay information of the current path.

[0317] In one implementation, the N4 rule carried in the request information 5 also includes instructing the UPF to enable the established heterogeneous path for transmission of media messages.

[0318] In another implementation, the request information 5 also carries a second threshold, instructing the UPF to compare the measured second time difference with the second threshold, and when the second time difference ≥ the second threshold, enable the established heterogeneous path to transmit the media message.

[0319] In one implementation, the second threshold is preconfigured on the UPF side.

[0320] Exemplarily, steps S605-S607 are an implementation manner in which the UPF monitors microbursts.

[0321] S605: The UPF receives the downlink message of the media service and triggers the measurement of the second time difference of the current path.

[0322] Specifically, when the UPF determines that the received message is a frame tail packet, it triggers the measurement of the second time difference of the current path.

[0323] S606: Detect the second time difference. The UPF detects the second time difference of the current path.

[0324] In one implementation, the second time difference includes the delay information of the current path. The UPF uses a QoS monitoring mechanism to measure the delay of the current path, that is, by timestamping the message to measure the path delay information, thereby completing the detection of the second time difference.

[0325] In another implementation, the second time difference includes delay information of the current path, and the UPF measures the delay of the current path using the PMF protocol, thereby completing the detection of the second time difference.

[0326] It should be understood that the UPF can also complete the measurement of the current path delay information in other ways, thereby completing the measurement of the second time difference. The implementation method described in this application is only the most preferred implementation method and does not constitute a specific limitation on the protection scope of this application. At the same time, it should also be understood that the measurement of path delay information completed by other methods should also be included in the protection scope of the technical solution of this application, and this application will not list them one by one here.

[0327] S607: When the second time difference is ≥ the second threshold, the UPF determines that the current transmission path has a microburst, and then enables the established heterogeneous path for transmission.

[0328] In one implementation, the UPF determines the size of the measured second time difference and the second threshold carried in the received request information 5. When the second time difference is ≥ the second threshold, the UPF enables the established heterogeneous path for transmission.

[0329] In another implementation, the request information 5 sent in step S604 does not include instruction information for comparing the measured second time difference with the second threshold; or the request information 5 sent in step S604 does not include trigger information for instructing the UPF to start the established heterogeneous path for transmission. Figure 8 In addition, the UPF reports the detection result of the second time difference, the SMF judges the size of the second time difference and the second threshold, and then the SMF sends a trigger message to the UPF to enable the established heterogeneous path for transmission. Fig. 9 Give a detailed explanation.

[0330] Fig. 9 This is another schematic flow chart of transmission through heterogeneous paths provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0331] S701: AF sends request information 1 to SMF. The specific process is similar to S601, and this application will not repeat it here.

[0332] S702: Determine to establish a heterogeneous path according to the received request information 1. The specific process is similar to S602, and will not be described in detail in this application.

[0333] S703: heterogeneous path establishment: The specific process is similar to S603, and this application will not repeat it here.

[0334] S704: SMF sends request information 6 to UPF.

[0335] The request information 6 includes the N4 rule, and the N4 rule is used to instruct the UPF to trigger the measurement of the second time difference of the current path.

[0336] It should be understood that request information 6 is Figure 7This is a specific implementation method of the first request information in the embodiment, and this application does not make any special limitations on this.

[0337] In one implementation, the SMF sends request information 6 to the UPF according to the received request information 1. The request information 6 is used to instruct the UPF to trigger the detection of the second time difference of the current path for the media service message when the arrival of the frame tail packet is detected.

[0338] In one implementation, the second time difference includes delay information of the current path.

[0339] S705: UPF receives a downlink message of the media service. When UPF determines that the received message is a frame tail packet, it triggers the measurement of the second time difference of the current path.

[0340] S706: Detect the second time difference. The UPF detects the second time difference of the current path. The specific process is similar to S606, and this application will not repeat it here.

[0341] S707: Report detection result information. The UPF reports the detected second time difference information to the SMF, and instructs the SMF to make a judgment based on the second time difference and the second threshold.

[0342] S708: When the second time difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold, send request information 7. The SMF makes a judgment based on the received second time difference information and the second threshold, and when the second time difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the SMF sends request information 7 to the UPF.

[0343] S709: SMF sends request information 7 to UPF. Request information 7 includes instruction information for instructing UPF to enable the established heterogeneous path for message transmission.

[0344] S710: UPF enables the established heterogeneous path for transmission.

[0345] In the above Figures 8 to 9 In the disclosed embodiment, UPF detects whether a microburst occurs in the bearer network, thereby enabling a new path to transmit media messages, thereby avoiding an increase in media message transmission delay caused by the microburst in the bearer network.

[0346] It should be understood that the sequence numbers of the above processes do not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0347] It should also be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their internal logical relationships.

[0348] It should also be understood that in some of the above embodiments, the devices in the existing network architecture are mainly used as examples for exemplary description, and it should be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific form of the devices. For example, devices that can achieve the same function in the future are applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

[0349] It can be understood that in the above-mentioned method embodiments, the methods and operations implemented by devices (such as terminal devices, access network devices and core network devices) can also be implemented by components that can be used in the devices (such as chips or circuits).

[0350] It can also be understood that in each embodiment of the present application, the interaction between terminal equipment, access network equipment and core network equipment (also referred to as core network elements) is mainly used as an example for illustrative explanation, and the present application is not limited to this. The satellite can be replaced by a transmitting device; the terminal device can be replaced by a receiving device.

[0351] It can also be understood that some optional features in the embodiments of the present application may not depend on other features in some scenarios, or may be combined with other features in some scenarios, without limitation.

[0352] Above, combined Figures 4 to 9 The communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application is described in detail. The above communication method is mainly introduced from the perspective of interaction between terminal equipment, access network equipment and core network equipment. It can be understood that the terminal equipment, access network equipment and core network equipment, in order to realize the above functions, include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function.

[0353] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0354] The following, combined Figures 10 to 12 The communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiment corresponds to the description of the method embodiment, so the contents not described in detail can be referred to the method embodiment above, and some contents will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0355] The embodiments of the present application can divide the functional modules of the terminal equipment, access network equipment and core network equipment according to the above method examples. 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 modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiments of the present application is schematic and is only a logical functional division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. The following is an example of dividing each functional module according to each function.

[0356] Fig.10 1 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device 10 includes a transceiver module 11 and a processing module 12.

[0357] Optionally, the device 10 may further include a storage module 13, which may be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 12 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the device implements the actions of the devices in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0358] In a possible design, the apparatus 10 may correspond to the terminal device in the above method embodiment, or be a component (such as a chip) of the terminal device.

[0359] Accordingly, the device 10 can implement the steps or processes executed by the terminal device in the above method embodiment. Specifically, the transceiver module 11 can be used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the terminal device in the above method embodiment, and the processing module 12 can be used to perform the processing-related operations of the terminal device in the above method embodiment.

[0360] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 11 is used to obtain information for establishing a heterogeneous path, and the information for establishing a heterogeneous path is used to indicate the establishment of a heterogeneous path; the processing module 12 is used to establish at least one transmission path between a terminal device and a core network device according to the information for establishing a heterogeneous path.

[0361] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit executing the above corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0362] In another possible design, the apparatus 10 may correspond to the access network device in the above method embodiment, or a component (such as a chip) of the access network device.

[0363] Accordingly, the apparatus 10 may implement the steps or processes executed by the access network device in the above method embodiment.

[0364] In one possible implementation, the processing module 12 is used to detect the arrival time difference between the frame tail packet and the frame head packet of the next frame, that is, to detect the first time difference, and is also used to determine the size relationship between the first time difference and the first threshold, and is also used to establish a heterogeneous path between the terminal device and the UPF; the transceiver module 11 is used to receive the second request information sent by the SMF, and is also used to send the fourth request information to the UPF.

[0365] When the device 10 is used to perform Figure 4 When the method is performed, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as steps S305 and S307, and the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as steps S303 and S306.

[0366] When the device 10 is used to perform Figure 6 When the method is performed, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as steps S504, S506, S507, and S508, and the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as steps S503 and S505.

[0367] When the device 10 is used to perform Figure 8 When the method is performed, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, including receiving the transmitted message information, etc., and the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as steps S603 and S606.

[0368] When the device 10 is used to perform Fig. 9 When the method is performed, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, including receiving the transmitted message information, etc., and the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as steps S703 and S706.

[0369] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit executing the above corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0370] In another possible design, the device 10 may correspond to the SMF network element in the core network equipment in the above method embodiment, or a component of the SMF network element (such as a chip).

[0371] Accordingly, the device 10 can implement the steps or processes executed by the SMF network element in the above method embodiment.

[0372] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 11 is used to receive the third request information, to send the request information carrying the N4 rule to the UPF, and to send the indication information to the access network device; the processing module 12 is used to determine to establish a heterogeneous path based on the third request information or the local configuration information.

[0373] When the device 10 is used to perform Figure 4 When the method is performed, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as steps S301, S304, and S305; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as steps S302 and S303.

[0374] When the device 10 is used to perform Figure 6 When the method is performed, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as steps S501 and S504; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as steps S502 and S503.

[0375] When the device 10 is used to perform Figure 8 When the method is performed, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as steps S601 and S604; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as steps S602, S603, and S606.

[0376] When the device 10 is used to perform Fig. 9 When the method is performed, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as steps S701, S704, S707, and S709; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as steps S702, S703, S706, and S708.

[0377] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit executing the above corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0378] In another possible design, the device 10 may correspond to the UPF network element in the core network device in the above method embodiment, or a component of the UPF network element (such as a chip).

[0379] Accordingly, the device 10 can implement the steps or processes executed by the UPF network element in the above method embodiment.

[0380] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 11 is used to receive request information carrying the N4 rule and also to send indication information to the access network device; the processing module 12 is used to enable the established heterogeneous path for transmission according to the N4 rule and the corresponding indication information.

[0381] When the device 10 is used to perform Figure 4 When the method is performed, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as steps S304 and S307; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as step S308.

[0382] When the device 10 is used to perform Figure 6 When the method is performed, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as steps S506, S507, and S508; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as step S509.

[0383] When the device 10 is used to perform Figure 8 When the method is performed, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as step S604; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as steps S603, S605, S606, and S607.

[0384] When the device 10 is used to perform Fig. 9 When the method is performed, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as steps S704, S707, and S709; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as steps S703, S705, S706, and S710.

[0385] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit executing the above corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0386] In another possible design, the device 10 may correspond to the PCF network element in the core network device in the above method embodiment, or a component (such as a chip) of the PCF network element.

[0387] Accordingly, the device 10 can implement the steps or processes executed by the PCF network element in the above method embodiment.

[0388] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 11 is used to receive the third request information and forward the third request information to the SMF network element; the processing module 12 is used to determine to establish a heterogeneous path based on the third request information or local configuration information, and to establish the heterogeneous path based on the indication information, and to detect the delay of the current transmission path based on the indication information.

[0389] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit executing the above corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0390] In another possible design, the device 10 may correspond to the AF network element in the core network device in the above method embodiment, or a component of the AF network element (such as a chip).

[0391] Accordingly, the device 10 can implement the steps or processes executed by the AF network element in the above method embodiment.

[0392] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 11 is used to send the third request information and transmit the downlink message; the processing module 12 is used to determine the content carried by the third request information.

[0393] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit executing the above corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0394] It should also be understood that the device 10 here is embodied in the form of a functional module. The term "module" here may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (such as a shared processor, a dedicated processor or a group processor, etc.) and a memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, a merged logic circuit and / or other suitable components that support the described functions. In an optional example, a person skilled in the art may understand that the device 10 may be specifically a core network device in the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be used to execute each process and / or step corresponding to the core network device in the above-mentioned method embodiments; or, the device 10 may be specifically a terminal device in the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be used to execute each process and / or step corresponding to the terminal device in the above-mentioned method embodiments; or, the device 10 may be specifically an access network device in the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be used to execute each process and / or step corresponding to the access network device in the above-mentioned method embodiments; to avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0395] The apparatus 10 of each of the above schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the device in the above method. The function can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing the corresponding software implementation. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions; for example, the transceiver module can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the sending unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as the processing module, can be replaced by a processor to respectively perform the transceiver operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0396] In addition, the transceiver module 11 may also be a transceiver circuit (for example, may include a receiving circuit and a sending circuit), and the processing module may be a processing circuit.

[0397] Fig.11 2 is a schematic diagram of another communication device 20 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device 20 includes a processor 21, and the processor 21 is used to execute a computer program or instruction stored in a memory 22, or read data / signaling stored in the memory 22, so as to execute the method executed by the terminal device, access network device or core network device in each method embodiment above.

[0398] The processor 21 may be one or more processors.

[0399] like Fig.11 As shown, the device 20 may also include a memory 22, which is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The memory 22 may be integrated with the processor 21, or may be separately arranged. The memory 22 may be one or more memories.

[0400] like Fig.11 As shown, the device 20 may further include a transceiver 23, and the transceiver 23 is used for receiving and / or sending signals. For example, the processor 21 is used to control the transceiver 23 to receive and / or send signals.

[0401] The processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0402] Wherein, the memory may be a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory. Wherein, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM may be used as an external cache. As an example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM) and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0403] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0404] Fig.12 Schematic diagram of a chip system 30 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The chip system 30 (or also referred to as a processing system) includes a logic circuit 31 and an input / output interface 32.

[0405] Among them, the logic circuit 31 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 30. The logic circuit 31 can be coupled to the storage unit and call the instructions in the storage unit so that the chip system 30 can implement the methods and functions of each embodiment of the present application. The input / output interface 32 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 30, outputting information processed by the chip system 30, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 30 for processing.

[0406] As a solution, the chip system 30 is used to implement the operations performed by the terminal device, access network device or core network device in the above method embodiments.

[0407] For example, the logic circuit 31 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the terminal device, access network device and core network device in the above method embodiments; the input / output interface 32 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the terminal device, access network device and core network device in the above method embodiments.

[0408] The present application also provides a communication device, including a processor, which is coupled to a memory, the memory is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data, the processor is used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, or read the data stored in the memory, so as to execute the methods executed by the terminal device, access network device or core network device in the above method embodiments.

[0409] Optionally, there are one or more processors and one or more memories.

[0410] Optionally, the communication device includes a memory. Optionally, the memory is integrated with the processor or is separately arranged.

[0411] The present application provides a computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions stored thereon. When the computer instructions are executed, the methods performed by the terminal device, access network device or core network device in the above-mentioned method embodiments are implemented.

[0412] The present application provides a computer program product, comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by a terminal device, an access network device or a core network device in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0413] The present application provides a communication system, which includes the terminal device and access network device in the above embodiments.

[0414] The present application also provides a communication system, which includes at least one of the terminal device, access network device and core network device in the above embodiments.

[0415] The explanation of the relevant contents and beneficial effects of any of the above-mentioned devices can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, which will not be repeated here.

[0416] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0417] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, mobile hard disks, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in a core network device, an access network device, an access and mobility management function network element, a terminal, a session management function or a multicast user plane function network element. Of course, the processor and the storage medium can also be present as discrete components in a core network device, an access network device, an access and mobility management function network element, a terminal, a session management function or a multicast user plane function network element.

[0418] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instruction is loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is executed in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user device or other programmable device. The computer program or instruction may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium, for example, the computer program or instruction may be transmitted from one website site, computer, server or data center to another website site, computer, server or data center by wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a tape; it may also be an optical medium, for example, a digital video disc; it may also be a semiconductor medium, for example, a solid-state hard disk.

[0419] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or provided for in any logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between the different embodiments are consistent and may be referenced to each other, and the technical features in the different embodiments may be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0420] It is understood that the various numbers involved in the embodiments of the present application are only for the convenience of description and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. The size of the sequence number of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0421] Unless otherwise stated, all technical and scientific terms used in the embodiments of the present application have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art of the technical field of the present application. The terms used in this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. It should be understood that the above is for illustration, and the examples above are only to help those skilled in the art understand the embodiments of the present application, rather than to limit the application embodiments to the specific numerical values ​​or specific scenarios illustrated. It is obvious that various equivalent modifications or changes can be made by those skilled in the art according to the examples given above, and such modifications and changes also fall within the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0422] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art who is familiar with the present 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 communication method, characterized in that: include: Establishing a second transmission path, wherein the second transmission path includes at least one transmission path between the terminal device and the core network device; Sending first request information, where the first request information is used to instruct the user plane functional network element to enable the established second transmission path to transmit the next frame of the message when a micro-burst occurs on the current first transmission path.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that include: Send second request information, where the second request information is used to instruct the access network device to detect whether a micro-burst situation exists in the current first transmission path.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: include: receiving third request information, where the third request information carries first indication information for indicating establishment of the second transmission path; Determine to establish the second transmission path according to the first indication information or according to local configuration information.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second request information includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to instruct the access network device to send fourth request information when it determines that the first time difference is greater than or equal to a first threshold; The first time difference includes the time difference between the arrival of the frame tail packet of the current message and the frame head packet of the next frame of the message, The fourth request information is used to instruct the user plane function network element to enable the established second transmission path for transmission.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The second request information further includes the first threshold.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The first request information includes the N4 rule. When the user plane function network element receives the third indication information, the user plane function network element enables the established second transmission path to transmit the next frame message according to the N4 rule; The third indication information is carried in the fourth request information.

7. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The first indication information includes: Used to indicate that the currently transmitted service requires path switching; or Used to indicate that the service currently being transmitted requires quality of service adjustment.

8. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Detecting whether there is a microburst in the current first transmission path; When a microburst occurs on the current first transmission path, fourth request information is sent, where the fourth request information is used to instruct the user plane function network element to enable the established second transmission path to transmit the next frame of the message.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that include: Second request information is received, where the second request information is used to instruct the access network device to detect whether a micro-burst situation exists in the current first transmission path.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The second request information includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to instruct the access network device to send fourth request information when it determines that the first time difference is greater than or equal to a first threshold; The first time difference includes the time difference between the arrival of the frame tail packet of the current message and the frame head packet of the next frame of the message.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The second request information further includes a first threshold.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that When the access network device determines that the first time difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold, sending fourth request information includes: The access network device sends the fourth request information to the session management function network element, and then the session management function network element sends the fourth request information to the user plane function network element.

13. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Establishing a second transmission path, wherein the second transmission path includes at least one transmission path between the terminal device and the core network device; Send a first request message, where the first request message is used to instruct the user plane functional network element to detect whether a micro-burst situation exists in the current first transmission path, and when a micro-burst situation exists, enable the established second transmission path to transmit the next frame message.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that include: receiving second request information, where the second request information carries first indication information for indicating establishment of the second transmission path; Determine to establish the second transmission path according to the first indication information or according to local configuration information.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that The first request information includes an N4 rule, and the user plane function network element detects a frame tail packet of the message according to the N4 rule. When the frame tail packet of the message is detected, detection of a second time difference for the current first transmission path is triggered, where the second time difference includes a transmission delay of the first transmission path.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The first request information includes a second threshold, and when the second time difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold, it is determined that the micro-burst situation exists on the current first transmission path.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that The first indication information includes: Used to indicate that the currently transmitted service requires path switching; or Used to indicate that the service currently being transmitted requires quality of service adjustment.

18. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Establishing a second transmission path, wherein the second transmission path includes at least one transmission path between the terminal device and the core network device; Receive first request information, where the first request information is used to instruct the user plane functional network element to detect whether a micro-burst situation exists on the current first transmission path, and when a micro-burst situation exists, enable the established second transmission path to transmit the next frame of the message.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The first request information includes an N4 rule, and the user plane function network element detects a frame tail packet of the message according to the N4 rule. When the frame tail packet of the message is detected, detection of a second time difference for the current first transmission path is triggered, where the second time difference includes a transmission delay of the first transmission path.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The first request information includes a second threshold, and when the second time difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold, it is determined that the micro-burst situation exists on the current first transmission path.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that include: sending detection result information, the detection result information including the second time difference, and further used to instruct the session management function network element to compare the second time difference with a second threshold, When the second time difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold, it is determined that the micro-burst situation exists on the current first transmission path.

22. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processor, configured to execute a computer program stored in a memory, so that the apparatus performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. The device according to claim 22, characterized in that The apparatus also includes the memory.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

25. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises instructions for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 21.

26. A communication system, characterized in that: include: Access network equipment and session management functional network elements; The session management function network element is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7; The access network device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

27. A communication system, characterized in that: include: Session management function network element and user plane function network element; The session management function network element is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 13 to 17; The user plane functional network element is used to execute the method as described in any one of claims 18 to 21.

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