Communication method and device

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, the method comprising: a first network device determining a signal processing resource shared by a third network device; first configuration information is received, the first configuration information comprises first indication information and first request information, the first indication information is used for indicating third network equipment to forward the first request information, and the first request information is used for requesting to perform first configuration operation on the third network equipment; and sending second indication information, wherein the second indication information indicates to execute the first configuration operation. The method can be used for flexibly realizing related configuration of the third network equipment in real time, so that the operation and maintenance efficiency of a communication system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] At present, a networking method supported by the communication system is as follows Figure 1 As shown, it includes a distributed unit (DU) and a radio unit (RU). The relevant resources on the RU can be divided for use by multiple operators, that is, multiple operators share the RU. Multiple operators are divided into main construction operators and sharing operators according to their roles. Each operator communicates with its own DU (for example, DU1, DU2 and DU3) through its own network management (Service Management and Orchestration, SMO) (for example, represented by SMO1, SNO2 and SMO3). Each DU is connected to the same shared RU to establish control plane, user plane and management plane communication channels.

[0003] If the shared party DU expects to perform some operation and maintenance operations on the RU, and these operation and maintenance operations will affect all operator services, such as resetting the RU, adjusting the resource allocation of the RU, upgrading the RU software, adjusting the antenna tilt angle inside the RU, etc. Usually, the shared party's operation and maintenance personnel negotiate with the main construction party's operation and maintenance personnel offline, and then the main construction party's operation and maintenance personnel perform the operations on behalf of the main construction party, such as sending operation and maintenance commands to the RU through the main construction party's network management equipment and DU. Figure 1 In the figure, the solid line with an arrow represents the operation and maintenance communication mode, and the dotted line with an arrow represents the business-based communication mode.

[0004] This operation and maintenance mode is highly dependent on multiple operation and maintenance personnel, and the flexibility and real-time performance of operation and maintenance are poor, which seriously affects the operation and maintenance efficiency of the entire communication system. Summary of the invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and device for improving the operation and maintenance efficiency of a communication system of a shared RU network.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a first network device or a module (or chip) applied in the first network device. According to the role division, the first network device (such as a distribution unit) and the third network device (such as a radio frequency unit) may belong to the same manager (or management party). The method may include: determining a signal processing resource, wherein the signal processing resource is a shared signal processing resource of the third network device; receiving first configuration information, wherein the first configuration information includes first indication information and first request information, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the third network device to forward the first request information, wherein the first request information is used to request a first configuration operation to be performed on the third network device; and sending a second indication information, wherein the second indication information indicates the execution of the first configuration operation.

[0007] Through the above scheme, different distributed units can share the signal processing resources of the same radio frequency unit, and the radio frequency unit can provide logical communication channels for different distributed units, so that different distributed units can communicate through the radio frequency unit for dynamic negotiation, thereby flexibly implementing operation and maintenance management or resource allocation of the radio frequency unit according to the operating conditions of different distributed units, reducing dependence on operation and maintenance personnel, and thus improving the operation and maintenance efficiency of the communication system.

[0008] As a possible implementation method, the first configuration operation includes a resource allocation request operation for signal processing resources of the third network device, and the second indication information indicates a resource allocation result for the signal processing resources of the third network device.

[0009] Through the above scheme, the radio frequency unit can provide logical communication channels for different distributed units, so that different distributed units can dynamically negotiate and adjust resource allocation through the radio frequency unit, so as to improve the real-time performance of allocation and adjustment of relevant resources of the shared radio frequency unit.

[0010] As a possible implementation method, the first configuration operation includes an operation and maintenance operation, and the second indication information indicates to perform the operation and maintenance operation, wherein the operation and maintenance operation includes at least one of the following: resetting the third network device, performing a software upgrade on the third network device, or adjusting components associated with the third network device.

[0011] Through the above scheme, the RF unit can provide logical communication channels for different distributed units, so that different distributed units can realize dynamic negotiation of the operation and maintenance operations of the shared RF unit through the RF unit, so as to perform corresponding operation and maintenance operations on the shared RF unit in a timely manner, thereby improving the overall operation and maintenance efficiency.

[0012] As a possible implementation method, the signal processing resource includes at least one of the following: spectrum resources, power resources, and the azimuth or tilt angle of the antenna associated with the third network device. This is only an example and not any limitation. In a specific implementation, the signal processing resources provided by the third network device may also include other types, which will not be repeated here.

[0013] As a possible implementation method, the method may also include: receiving third indication information, wherein the third indication information indicates identification information of multiple network devices connected to the third network device, the multiple network devices include a first network device and a second network device, and the signal processing resources are shared by the first network device and the second network device.

[0014] Through the above solution, the third network device can publicly announce the identification information of multiple network devices that share its resources, and the first network device can determine which devices share the relevant resources of the third network device according to the received third indication information.

[0015] As a possible implementation method, the method may also include: receiving first information from a first network management device, wherein the first network management device is used to manage the first network device and the third network device, and the first information includes operation permissions of different network devices on the third network device; and saving the first information.

[0016] Through the above scheme, the first network device can preset the operation permissions of different network devices on the third network device under the management and configuration of the first network management device, so as to subsequently determine the different configuration operations that different network devices can perform on the third network device based on the information of the preset operation permissions, so as to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the third network device.

[0017] As a possible implementation method, the method may further include: authenticating the first configuration operation according to the first information.

[0018] Through the above scheme, the first network device can identify whether the first configuration operation is a configuration operation that is allowed to be executed based on the preset first information. If the authentication is successful, the first network device can allow the first configuration operation to be executed. If the authentication fails, the first network device may not allow the first configuration operation to be executed, thereby ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the third network device.

[0019] As a possible implementation method, the method may also include: receiving second information from the first network management device, wherein the second information includes usage rights and quotas of different network devices for signal processing resources of the third network device; and saving the second information.

[0020] Through the above scheme, the first network device can preset the usage rights and quotas of different network devices for the signal processing resources of the third network device under the management and configuration of the first network management device, so that the scope and quota of signal processing resources that can be shared by different network devices can be determined according to the preset usage rights and quotas and other information, so as to adaptively adjust the resource allocation and ensure the service realization of different network devices as much as possible.

[0021] As a possible implementation method, when the first configuration operation includes a resource allocation request operation for signal processing resources of the third network device, the method may further include: generating the second indication information according to the second information.

[0022] Through the above scheme, the first network device can adaptively adjust the allocation of signal processing resources of the third network device according to the preset usage rights and quotas of the signal processing resources of the third network device by different network devices, so as to make the best possible use of the signal processing resources of the third network device while ensuring the service implementation of different network devices.

[0023] As a possible implementation method, the method may further include: sending third information, where the third information includes identification information of the first network device.

[0024] Through the above solution, the first network device can send its own identification information to the third network device so as to register its identity in the third network device, so that the third network device knows that the first network device participates in the shared use of its own signal processing resources.

[0025] As a possible implementation method, the third network device may be a radio frequency unit RU, and the first network device and the second network device may be distribution units DU. In this way, in a communication system with shared RU networking, each distribution unit may implement the above method to achieve flexibility and timeliness of resource allocation and equipment operation and maintenance of the shared RU, thereby improving the operation and maintenance efficiency of the entire system.

[0026] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a third network device or a module (or chip) applied in a third network device. The third network device may be, for example, a radio frequency unit. The method may include: determining a signal processing resource, wherein the signal processing resource is a shared signal processing resource of the third network device; receiving first configuration information, wherein the first configuration information includes first indication information and first request information, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the third network device to forward the first request information, and the first request information is used to request a first configuration operation to be performed on the third network device; sending the first configuration information; receiving second indication information, wherein the second indication information indicates the execution of the first configuration operation.

[0027] According to the above scheme, the radio frequency unit can forward information between the first network device and the second network device, so that the first network device can dynamically negotiate with the second network device to flexibly and timely implement operation and maintenance management or resource allocation of the third network device, thereby reducing dependence on operation and maintenance personnel and improving the operation and maintenance efficiency of the communication system.

[0028] As a possible implementation method, the first configuration operation includes a resource allocation request operation for signal processing resources of the third network device, and the second indication information indicates a resource allocation result for the signal processing resources of the third network device.

[0029] As a possible implementation method, the first configuration operation includes an operation and maintenance operation, and the second indication information indicates to perform the operation and maintenance operation, wherein the operation and maintenance operation includes at least one of the following: resetting the third network device, performing a software upgrade on the third network device, or adjusting components associated with the third network device.

[0030] As a possible implementation method, the signal processing resources include at least one of the following: spectrum resources, power resources, and an azimuth or inclination angle of an antenna associated with the third network device.

[0031] As a possible implementation method, the method may also include: receiving third information, the third information including identification information of the first network device; receiving fourth information, the fourth information including identification information of the second network device; determining the signal processing resources includes: determining the signal processing resources based on the third information and the fourth information.

[0032] As a possible implementation method, the method may also include: sending third indication information, wherein the third indication information indicates identification information of multiple network devices connected to the third network device, the multiple network devices include a first network device and a second network device, and the signal processing resources are shared by the first network device and the second network device.

[0033] As a possible implementation method, the method further includes: sending fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information includes a result of executing the first configuration operation.

[0034] As a possible implementation method, the third network device is a radio frequency unit RU, and the first network device and the second network device are distribution units DU.

[0035] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a second network device or a module (or chip) applied to the second network device. The second network device can be, for example, a distribution unit. The method may include: determining a signal processing resource, the signal processing resource being a shared signal processing resource of a third network device; sending first configuration information, the first configuration information including first indication information and first request information, the first indication information being used to instruct the third network device to forward the first request information, the first request information being used to request a first configuration operation to be performed on the third network device; receiving fourth indication information, the fourth indication information including a result of performing the first configuration operation.

[0036] Through the above scheme, the second network device can share the resources of the third network device with the first network device as a sharing party. The second network device can send relevant configuration information to the third network device and the first network device according to its own operating status, so as to dynamically negotiate with the first network device through the third network device, and flexibly implement operation and maintenance management or resource allocation of the third network device, thereby reducing dependence on operation and maintenance personnel and improving the operation and maintenance efficiency of the communication system.

[0037] As a possible implementation method, the first configuration operation includes a resource allocation request operation for signal processing resources of the third network device.

[0038] As a possible implementation method, the first configuration operation includes an operation and maintenance operation, wherein the operation and maintenance operation includes at least one of the following: resetting the third network device, performing a software upgrade on the third network device, or adjusting components associated with the third network device.

[0039] As a possible implementation method, the signal processing resources include at least one of the following: spectrum resources, power resources, and an azimuth or inclination angle of an antenna associated with the third network device.

[0040] As a possible implementation method, the method further includes: sending fourth information, where the fourth information includes identification information of the second network device.

[0041] As a possible implementation method, the method also includes: receiving third indication information, wherein the third indication information indicates identification information of multiple network devices connected to the third network device, the multiple network devices include a first network device and the second network device, and the signal processing resources are shared by the first network device and the second network device.

[0042] As a possible implementation method, the third network device is a radio frequency unit RU, and the first network device and the second network device are distribution units DU.

[0043] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which may be a distributed unit or a module (such as a chip) applied to a distributed unit. The device has the function of implementing any implementation method of the first aspect or the third aspect above. The function may be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementation. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0044] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which may be a radio frequency unit or a module (such as a chip) applied to a radio frequency unit. The device has the function of implementing any implementation method of the second aspect above. The function may be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementation. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0045] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor can be coupled to a processor to call a computer program or instruction in a memory to execute any implementation method in the first to third aspects above.

[0046] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, including a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store computer instructions, and when the device is running, the processor executes the computer instructions stored in the memory to enable the device to execute any implementation method in the above-mentioned first to third aspects.

[0047] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising a unit or means for executing each step of any implementation method in the first to third aspects above.

[0048] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and execute any implementation method in the first to third aspects above. The processor includes one or more.

[0049] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application also provides a chip system, comprising at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is used to call one or more computer programs or instructions in a memory to implement any implementation method as described in the first to third aspects above.

[0050] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, comprising one or more of the following: a network device for implementing the first aspect and any possible implementation method as described above, a network device for implementing the second aspect and any possible implementation method as described above, and a network device for implementing the third aspect and any possible implementation method as described above.

[0051] In the twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are called by an electronic device, the electronic device executes the method as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation, or executes the method as described in the second aspect and any possible implementation, or executes the method as described in the third aspect and any possible implementation.

[0052] In the thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, comprising computer execution instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to execute the method as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation, or to execute the method as described in the second aspect and any possible implementation, or to execute the method as described in the third aspect and any possible implementation.

[0053] Based on the implementations provided in the above aspects, the embodiments of the present application can be further combined to provide more implementations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the networking and operation and maintenance mode of a communication system is shown;

[0055] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a communication system to which an embodiment of the present application is applicable;

[0056] Figure 3A schematic diagram of a radio access network RAN ​​is shown;

[0057] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the functional modules of an access network device;

[0058] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a networking method of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0060] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing a request message of an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0061] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing a flow chart of a communication method performed by a first network device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram showing a flow chart of a communication method performed by a second network device in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Fig.10 A schematic diagram showing the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0064] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the embodiments of the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] The embodiments of the present application relate to at least one (item) as follows, indicating one (item) or more (items). Among them, more than one (item) refers to two (items) or more than two (items). "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship. In addition, it should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe each object in the embodiments of the present application, these objects should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish each object from each other.

[0067] The terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof mentioned in the following description of the embodiments of the present application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device comprising a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally also includes other steps or units that are not listed, or optionally also includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices. It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to represent examples, illustrations or explanations. Any method or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other methods or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete manner.

[0068] The technology provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems. Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a possible, non-limiting schematic diagram of a communication system. Figure 2 As shown, the communication system 1000 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g. Figure 2 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (such as Figure 2 RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment ( Figure 2 The terminal 120 is connected to the RAN node 110 in a wireless manner. The RAN node 110 is connected to the core network 200 in a wireless or wired manner. The core network device in the core network 200 and the RAN node 110 in the RAN 100 may be different physical devices, or may be the same physical device that integrates the core network logical function and the radio access network logical function.

[0069] RAN 100 may be a cellular system related to the third generation partnership project (3GPP), for example, a 4G, 5G mobile communication system, or a future evolution system (for example, a 6G mobile communication system). RAN 100 may also be an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (cloud radio access network, CRAN). RAN 100 may also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0070] The RAN node 110, which may also be sometimes referred to as an access network device, a RAN entity or an access node, constitutes a part of the communication system to help the terminal achieve wireless access. The multiple RAN nodes 110 in the communication system 1000 may be nodes of the same type or nodes of different types. In some scenarios, the roles of the RAN node 110 and the terminal 120 are relative, for example, Figure 2 The network element 120i may be a helicopter or a drone, which may be configured as a mobile base station. For the terminals 120j that access the RAN 100 through the network element 120i, the network element 120i is a base station; but for the base station 110a, the network element 120i is a terminal. The RAN node 110 and the terminal 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example Figure 2 The network elements 110a and 110b may be understood as communication devices having base station functions, and the network elements 120a-120j may be understood as communication devices having terminal functions.

[0071] The terminal and the RAN node are described in detail below.

[0072] (1) Terminal:

[0073] The terminal may also be referred to as terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. The terminal may be an entity on the user side for receiving or transmitting signals. The terminal may communicate with one or more core networks through the RAN. The terminal includes a handheld device with a wireless connection function, other processing equipment connected to a wireless modem, or a vehicle-mounted device. The communication device may be a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-built-in, or vehicle-mounted mobile device. The terminal can be widely used in various scenarios, such as cellular communication, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle to everything (V2X) communication, end-to-end P2P, machine-to-machine M2M, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IOT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, automatic driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wear, smart transportation, smart city, mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, wearable device, vehicle, drone, helicopter, airplane, ship, robot, mechanical arm, smart home device, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0074] (2) RAN Node:

[0075] In one possible scenario, a RAN node, which may also be referred to as an access network device, a RAN entity or an access node or a network device, etc., constitutes a part of a communication system to help terminals achieve wireless access. A RAN node may be a base station (BS), an evolved NodeB (eNB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a next generation base station in a sixth generation (6G) mobile communication system, or a base station in a future mobile communication system. A RAN node may be a macro base station (e.g. Figure 2 110a in), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 2 110b in the example above), a relay node or a donor node, or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node may also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle or an onboard device, etc. For example, the access network device in the vehicle to everything (V2X) technology may be a road side unit (RSU).

[0076] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement part of the functions of the access network device. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a radio access network RAN ​​is shown. Figure 3 As shown, the access network equipment includes a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU) and a radio unit (RU), wherein the CU can be connected to the core network and one or more DUs. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs, and the interface between the DU and the RU can be called a fronthaul interface (FH). Optionally, the CU can have some functions of the core network, and the CU includes a CU-control plane (CP) and a CU-user plane (UP). The RU is used to send signals to or receive signals from the terminal. For example, the RAN node can be a CU, a DU, a CU-CP, a CU-UP, or a RU.

[0077] It can be understood that in different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. For the convenience of description, CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU are described as examples in this application. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0078] (3) Functional module division of access network equipment:

[0079] The communication between the access network device and the terminal follows a certain protocol layer structure. The protocol layer may include a control plane protocol layer and a user plane protocol layer. The control plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: a radio resource control (RRC) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, a media access control (MAC) layer, or a physical (PHY) layer, etc. The user plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, a PDCP layer, an RLC layer, a MAC layer, or a physical layer, etc. Among them, the CU and the DU may be configured according to the protocol layer functions of the wireless network they implement: for example, the CU is configured to implement the functions of the PDCP layer and the protocol layers above (such as the RRC layer and / or the SDAP layer, etc.); the DU is configured to implement the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer (such as the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and / or the PHY layer, etc.). For another example, the CU is configured to implement the functions of the protocol layers above the PDCP layer (such as the RRC layer and / or the SDAP layer), and the DU is configured to implement the functions of the PDCP layer and the protocol layers below (such as the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and / or the PHY layer, etc.).

[0080] When the CU includes a CU-CP and a CU-UP, the CU-CP is used to implement the control plane function of the CU, and the CU-UP is used to implement the user plane function of the CU. For example, when the CU is configured to implement the functions of the PDCP layer, the RRC layer, and the SDAP layer, the CU-CP is used to implement the control plane function of the RRC layer and the PDCP layer, and the CU-UP is used to implement the user plane function of the SDAP layer and the PDCP layer.

[0081] The above configuration of CU and DU is only an example, and the functions of CU and DU can also be configured as needed. For example, CU or DU can be configured to have functions of more protocol layers, or CU or DU can be configured to have partial processing functions of protocol layers. For example, some functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers above the RLC layer are set in the CU, and the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers below the RLC layer are set in the DU. For another example, the functions of CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by delay, and the functions whose processing time needs to meet the smaller delay requirement are set in the DU, and the functions that do not need to meet the delay requirement are set in the CU.

[0082] The above one or more functional modules may be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. They may be physically discrete or integrated. It is understood that the above functional modules are only examples, and the access network device may include more other modules (for example, a scheduling module, a power control module, a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) module, a flow control module, a mobility management module, or an artificial intelligence (AI) module, etc.) according to the design, or may not include any other modules. Figure 4 A certain functional module shown in (for example, excluding the digital BF module).

[0083] The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways according to the design.

[0084] For example, the DU is configured to implement the baseband function, and the RU is configured to implement the mid-RF function. For another example, the DU is configured to implement the high-layer function in the PHY layer (expressed as PHY-high), and the RU is configured to implement the low-layer function in the PHY layer or to implement the low-layer function and the RF function. The high-layer function in the physical layer may include a part of the function of the physical layer, which is closer to the MAC layer, and the low-layer function in the physical layer (expressed as PHY-low) may include another part of the function of the physical layer, which is closer to the mid-RF side.

[0085] There is a fronthaul interface between the DU and the RU. For example, the communication protocol of the fronthaul interface may be a common public radio interface (CPRI) interface protocol or an enhanced common public radio interface (eCPRI) interface protocol, etc., without limitation. Different fronthaul interfaces correspond to DUs and RUs with different functions.

[0086] like Figure 4 As shown, if the fronthaul interface between DU and RU is eCPRI, relative to CPRI, part of the downlink and / or uplink baseband functions are moved from DU to RU for implementation. Different division methods between DU and RU correspond to different types (category, referred to as Cat) of eCPRI. Figure 4 Six types of eCPRI are given as examples, represented by Cat A, B, C, D, E, and F (which can also be represented as Option A to F, or Option 1 to 6, or other methods). It can be understood that there may be other ways of dividing DU and RU, that is, there may be other types of eCPRI.

[0087] Taking eCPRI Cat A as an example, for downlink transmission, based on layer mapping, the DU is configured to implement one or more functions before layer mapping (i.e., one or more functions of coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, and layer mapping), while other functions after layer mapping (e.g., one or more functions of RE mapping, digital BF, or IFFT / adding CP) are moved to the RU for implementation. For uplink transmission, based on de-RE mapping, the DU is configured to implement one or more functions before de-mapping (i.e., one or more functions of decoding, de-rate matching, de-scrambling, demodulation, IDFT, channel equalization, and de-RE mapping), while other functions after de-mapping (e.g., one or more functions of digital BF or FFT / removing CP) are moved to the RU for implementation.

[0088] Similarly, for eCPRI Cat B, Cat C, Cat D, Cat E, and Cat F, they correspond to different DU and RU segmentation methods. The segmentation point and the functions before the segmentation point are implemented by the DU, while the functions after the segmentation point are implemented by the RU. For the segmentation points of each type of eCPRI, refer to Figure 4As shown, no further details are given. For example, for eCPRI Cat B, RE mapping is used as the segmentation of downlink transmission, and RE demapping is used as the segmentation of uplink transmission. For uplink transmission, RE mapping and functions before RE mapping are implemented by DU, while functions after RE mapping and RF functions are implemented by RU. For downlink transmission, RE demapping and functions before RE demapping are implemented by DU, while functions after RE demapping and RF functions are implemented by RU.

[0089] The eCPRI segmentation method can be symmetrical for uplink and downlink, such as Figure 4 Alternatively, the eCPRI segmentation method may be asymmetric for uplink and downlink, such as Figure 4 The eCPRI Cat A, Cat D, Cat E and Cat F shown are not limited. Optionally, for uplink and / or downlink, different segmentation methods may be configured for different channels or different channel groups, that is, different types of eCPRI may be configured. A group of channels may include one or more channels.

[0090] In one possible implementation, the CU and the DU are included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU may be included in a radio frequency device (or radio frequency unit), for example, the radio frequency device may be a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU) or a remote radio head (RRH). The processing unit for implementing the baseband function in the BBU is called a baseband high layer (BBH) unit, and the processing unit for implementing the baseband function in the RRU / AAU / RRH is called a baseband low layer (BBL) unit.

[0091] The correspondence between the network elements in the ORAN system and the protocol layer functions that can be implemented can be referred to in Table 1 below:

[0092] Table 1

[0093] ORAN network elements 3GPP protocol layer functions O-CU-CP RRC+PDCP-C O-CU-UP SDAP+PDCP-U O-DU RLC+MAC+PHY-high O-RU PHY-low

[0094] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a possible networking mode of the communication system of the embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 5 As shown, the communication system may include at least one RU and multiple DUs, which are represented as RU1 and RU2, DU1, DU2, DU3 and DU4 respectively.

[0095] Different DUs may belong to different operators (or managers, administrators, or users), and may be registered on the same RU to share related resources on the RU, i.e., multiple operators share the same RU. The shared RU resources may be signal processing resources, including but not limited to at least one of the following: spectrum resources, power resources, and the azimuth or inclination of the antenna associated with the RU.

[0096] Multiple operators can be divided into main builder operators and shared operators according to their roles. The main builder operator can be the provider of RU, providing RU resources for sharing with other operators. Among them, the main builder operator can communicate with its own DU through its own network management equipment (Service Management and Orchestration, SMO). The DU of the main builder operator can connect to the RU provided by the main builder operator to establish control plane, user plane and management plane communication channels, and allocate available RU resources to other operators' DUs, and configure other operators' DUs' operation permissions on the RU. The DU of the main builder operator can be referred to as the main DU.

[0097] The sharing operator can communicate with its own DU through its own SMO, and can establish control plane, user plane and management plane communication channels with the RU provided by the main operator. The sharing operator can use its own network management equipment and DU, and use the RU resources allocated to it by the main operator to implement its own business. The DU of the sharing operator can be referred to as the shared DU.

[0098] For example, Figure 5 In the figure, SMO1, DU1, and RU1 may belong to the same operator A, that is, operator A is the provider of RU1, that is, the main builder, and DU2, DU3, and DU4 are shared DUs of RU1, sharing RU1's resources with DU1. SMO2, DU2, and RU2 may belong to the same operator B, that is, operator B is the main builder of RU2, and DU1, DU3, and DU4 are shared DUs of RU2, sharing RU2's resources with DU2. DU3 and RU3 (not shown in the figure) may belong to operator C, that is, operator C is the main builder of RU3, and DU1, DU2, and DU4 are shared DUs of RU3, sharing RU3's resources with DU3. DU4 and RU4 (not shown in the figure) may belong to operator D, that is, operator D is the main builder of RU4, and DU1, DU2, and DU3 are shared DUs of RU4, sharing RU4's resources with DU4. That is, for the same DU, when the DU faces different RUs, the DU has different roles.

[0099] The shared DU can also implement some operation and maintenance operations on the shared RU based on the operation authority granted by the main DU. The operation and maintenance operations may include at least one of the following: resetting the RU, upgrading the RU software, or adjusting the RU-related components (such as antennas). The shared DU can also request the main DU to adjust and update the allocated resources based on the usage authority and quota of the resources allocated to the RU by the main DU.

[0100] For ease of understanding, the following Figure 5 The implementation details of the communication method of the embodiment of the present application are introduced by taking DU1 and RU1 as the network equipment of the main operator, DU2 as the network equipment of the sharing operator, and DU1 and DU2 sharing the resources of RU1 as an example. It should be understood that the method is also applicable to other shared DUs of RU1, and also to other RUs and their main DUs and shared DUs, which will not be repeated below.

[0101] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 As shown, the communication method may include the following steps:

[0102] Registration stage:

[0103] S601: Presetting operation authority rules and / or resource allocation rules on a first network device through a first network management device.

[0104] The first network management device can be implemented as Figure 5 In SMO1, the first network device can be implemented as Figure 5 The second network device can be implemented as DU1. Figure 5 In DU2, the third network device can be implemented as Figure 5 RU1 in the figure, the DU1 and RU1 belong to the same manager (for example, represented as the first party), and DU2 belongs to another manager (for example, represented as the second party).

[0105] The operation permission rule may indicate different network devices (eg Figure 5 The resource allocation rule may indicate the operation rights of different network devices (such as different DUs in the example) to the third network device, and the operation rights may include at least one of the following: the right to reset the third network device, the right to upgrade the software of the third network device, or the right to adjust the components associated with the third network device (such as antennas). Figure 5 For the convenience of description, the first information is used to represent the operation permission rule, and the second information is used to represent the resource allocation rule, and they will not be distinguished or repeated one by one in the following.

[0106] When S601 is implemented, the first information and / or the second information is sent to the first network device through the first network management device. Accordingly, the first network device can receive the first information and / or the second information from the first network management device and save the first information and / or the second information.

[0107] S602: The first network device and the second network device respectively establish communication connections with the third network device, and perform identity registration on the third network device.

[0108] For example, the first network device can send the identification information of the first network device to the third network device to register its identity in the third network device. The second network device can send the identification information of the second network device to the third network device to register its identity in the third network device. The identification information can be, for example, a role name, which can be used to identify different instances or to identify different device types. Taking the first network device implemented as DU1 and the second network device implemented as DU2 as an example, the role of DU1 is, for example, the main DU of RU1, and the role of DU2 is, for example, the shared DU of RU1. It should be understood that DU1 and DU2 are used here only as examples to represent some DUs that share the relevant resources of RU1, and are not limiting. In other embodiments, there may also be other DUs that share the relevant resources of RU1, for example Figure 5 DU3, DU4, etc. In addition, any DU may also register its identity in RU1 based on other information, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0109] S603: The third network device publishes its identity to the first network device and the second network device. Accordingly, the first network device and the second network device can each know the identities of multiple network devices connected to the third network device.

[0110] Specifically, the third network device may publish third indication information to all multiple network devices that have been connected to the third network device. The third indication information may include identification information of multiple network devices connected to the third network device. The multiple network devices may include, for example, a first network device and a second network device. The third indication information may include, for example, identification information of the first network device and identification information of the second network device. After the first network device receives the third indication information, it may know, based on the content of the third indication information, that the first network device and the second network device share the signal processing resources of the third network device. After the second network device receives the third indication information, it may know, based on the content of the third indication information, that the first network device and the second network device share the signal processing resources of the third network device. Among them, according to the identification information indicated by the third indication information, the roles of multiple network devices connected to the third network device may also be known, for example, the first network device is the main DU and the second network device is the shared DU.

[0111] It should be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, when there is a new DU that registers its identity in the third network device by implementing the above S602, the third network device must implement the above S603 to publish the identities of multiple network devices that are newly connected to the third network device, so that different network devices connected to the third network device can know the identities of other network devices from each other, so as to subsequently implement configuration operations such as resource management and equipment operation and maintenance of the third network device.

[0112] Resource management and equipment operation and maintenance phase:

[0113] S604: The second network device may send first configuration information to the third network device according to its own operating status, and the first configuration information may be used to request dynamic allocation of related resources of the third network device or to perform operation and maintenance operations on the third network device. Accordingly, the third network device may receive the first configuration information from the second network device.

[0114] The first configuration information may be carried in a message from the second network device.

[0115] For example, the format of the message may be as follows: Figure 7 As shown, it includes a message header and first configuration information, and the first configuration information may include first indication information and first request information. The first indication information may be located in the "type" field and the "destination device" field in the message. The "type" field is used to indicate that the message has a specific ID / type, such as a message used for negotiation between network devices (such as DU). The "destination device" field is used to indicate the target network device of the message, that is, the network device (such as the main DU) that ultimately processes the message. The field can specifically carry the identification information of the destination device, or can carry other information that can indicate the destination device, which is not limited. The first request information can be located in the "other information elements" field in the message, which is used to request a first configuration operation on a third network device. Exemplarily, the first configuration operation may include, for example, an operation on resource management of the third network device, or may include an operation and maintenance operation on the third network device.

[0116] S605: The third network device identifies the first indication information, and forwards the first configuration information to the first network device when the "Type" field indicates that it is for negotiation between network devices and the "Destination Device" field indicates the first network device. Accordingly, the first network device receives the first configuration information from the third network device.

[0117] Based on different operation types, the first configuration operation may be an operation for resource management of the third network device, such as a resource allocation request operation, which may be used to request allocation or readjustment of signal processing resources of the third network device. Alternatively, the first configuration operation may be an operation and maintenance operation of the third network device, including but not limited to at least one of the following: resetting the third network device, performing software upgrades on the third network device, or adjusting components associated with the third network device (such as an antenna).

[0118] Depending on the type of the first configuration operation, the subsequent communication method may include the following steps:

[0119] S606a: When the first configuration operation is a resource allocation request operation for the signal processing resources of the third network device, the first network device can dynamically allocate resources based on a preset resource allocation rule (i.e., the second information), for example, allocating the signal processing resources of the third network device to the second network device, for example, represented as the second resource. Specifically, the first network device can generate second indication information, and the second indication information indicates a resource allocation result for the signal processing resources of the third network device.

[0120] S607a: The first network device sends second indication information to the third network device. The second indication information may specifically indicate a resource allocation result of the signal processing resources of the third network device.

[0121] S606b: When the first configuration operation is any of the above-mentioned operation and maintenance operations, the first network device can dynamically authenticate the first configuration operation based on the preset operation authority rule (i.e., the first information), that is, whether the first configuration operation is a configuration operation that is allowed to be executed according to the preset operation authority rule. If the second network device has the authority to perform the corresponding operation and maintenance operation, the authentication is passed. If the second network device does not have the authority to perform the corresponding operation and maintenance operation, the authentication is not passed.

[0122] S607b: The first network device sends second indication information to the third network device, where the second indication information indicates to perform corresponding operation and maintenance operations, such as resetting the third network device, upgrading the software of the third network device, or adjusting components associated with the third network device (such as an antenna).

[0123] S608: The third network device performs corresponding operation and maintenance operations according to the second indication information, such as resetting the third network device, upgrading the software of the third network device, or adjusting components associated with the third network device (eg, antenna).

[0124] After different branches of S606a-S607a, or S606b, S607b-S608 complete processing of the first configuration operation in different situations, the subsequent communication method may include the following steps:

[0125] S609: The third network device sends fourth indication information to the second network device, where the fourth indication information includes a result of executing the first configuration operation. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the fourth indication information from the third network device.

[0126] For example, if the first configuration operation indicated by the first configuration information sent in S602 is a resource allocation request operation for the signal processing resources of the third network device, the result of the first configuration operation includes resource allocation information for the signal processing resources of the third network device that can be used by the second network device. Thus, the second network device can use the allocated resources of the third network device to implement its own services based on the resource allocation information.

[0127] Or for example, if the first configuration operation indicated by the first configuration information issued in S602 is an operation and maintenance operation on the third network device, the result of the first configuration operation includes the result of performing the operation and maintenance operation on the third network device, such as the result of resetting the third network device, the result of performing a software upgrade on the third network device, or the result of adjusting components associated with the third network device (such as an antenna), etc.

[0128] At this point, through the above method, the third network device can provide a logical communication channel for the first network device and the second network device, and the third network device can forward the resource management request and / or device operation and maintenance request-related messages from the second network device to the first network device for processing, so that the first network device and the second network device can dynamically negotiate the use of resources of the third network device and dynamically implement operation and maintenance operations on the third network device and its related components. This method can not only automatically initiate and process between different network devices, greatly reducing dependence on manual labor, but also improve the real-time allocation and dynamic adjustment of resources for the third network device, thereby improving the operation and maintenance efficiency of the communication system.

[0129] In a specific implementation, the first network device is represented by Figure 5 DU1 in the diagram is represented by the second network device Figure 5 DU2 in the example is represented by the third network device Figure 5 RU1 in, such as Figure 8 As shown, the communication method implemented by the first network device may include the following steps:

[0130] S801: The first network device determines a signal processing resource, where the signal processing resource is a shared signal processing resource of a third network device.

[0131] In the embodiment of the present application, when the first network device receives the third indication information from the third network device, it can determine that the first network device and the second network device share the signal processing resources of the third network device according to the third indication information. The third indication information can be sent by the third network device when publishing its identity to different network devices (such as DU), such as Figure 6 As shown in S603 in .

[0132] Before receiving the third indication information, the first network device may send third information to the third network device, where the third information may include identification information of the first network device, so as to register an identity with the third network device. Figure 6 As shown in S602 in .

[0133] S802: The first network device receives first configuration information.

[0134] For example, the first network device receives first configuration information from the third network device.

[0135] The first configuration information may include first indication information and first request information, and the first indication information is used to instruct the third network device to forward the first request information. Figure 7 The first request information is used to request a first configuration operation to be performed on the third network device.

[0136] S803: The first network device sends second indication information, where the second indication information indicates to execute a first configuration operation.

[0137] For example, the first network device sends second indication information to the third network device.

[0138] Wherein, when the first configuration operation may include a resource allocation request operation for a signal processing resource of a third network device, the second indication information indicates a resource allocation result for the signal processing resource of the third network device. The signal processing resource may include, for example, at least one of the following: spectrum resources, power resources, and an azimuth or inclination angle of an antenna associated with the third network device.

[0139] The first configuration operation may include an operation and maintenance operation, and the second indication information indicates to perform the operation and maintenance operation, which may include at least one of the following: resetting the third network device, performing software upgrade on the third network device, or adjusting components associated with the third network device.

[0140] In a specific implementation, before the first network device implements the above S801, Figure 6In the registration phase shown, the first information and / or the second information are received from the first network management device. The first network management device is used to manage the first network device and the third network device, and the first information is a preset operation permission rule, which is used to indicate the operation permission of different network devices to the third network device. The second information is a preset resource allocation rule, which is used to indicate the usage permission and quota of the signal processing resources of the third network device by different network devices.

[0141] When the first configuration operation is a resource allocation request operation for the signal processing resources of the third network device, before implementing the above S803, the first network device may generate second indication information according to the second information, and the second indication information may indicate a resource allocation result for the signal processing resources of the third network device.

[0142] When the first configuration operation is an operation and maintenance operation, before implementing the above S803, the first network device can authenticate the first configuration operation based on the first information to verify the operation authority of the second network device. If the second network device has the corresponding operation authority, that is, the authentication is passed, the second indication information sent when implementing S803 is specifically used to instruct the third network device to perform the corresponding operation and maintenance operation. If the second network device does not have the corresponding operation authority, that is, the authentication fails, the second indication information sent when implementing S803 is specifically used to indicate that the authentication fails, for example, the second network device does not have the authority to perform the above operation and maintenance operation on the third network device.

[0143] Therefore, through the above method, the third network device can provide a logical communication channel for the first network device and the second network device. The first network device can receive a request message from the second network device for implementing resource management and / or equipment operation and maintenance based on the logical communication channel, and process the received request message according to preset resource allocation rules and / or operation authority rules, so that the first network device and the second network device can dynamically negotiate the use of resources of the third network device and dynamically implement operation and maintenance operations on related components of RU1. This method can not only reduce the dependence on operation and maintenance personnel, but also improve the real-time adjustment of resource allocation to RU1, thereby improving the operation and maintenance efficiency of the communication system.

[0144] like Fig. 9 As shown, the communication method implemented by the second network device may include the following steps:

[0145] S901: The second network device determines to share a signal processing resource of a third network device with the first network device.

[0146] In the embodiment of the present application, the second network device may determine that the first network device and the second network device share the signal processing resources of the third network device according to the third indication information when receiving the third indication information from the third network device. The third indication information may be sent by the third network device when publishing its identity to different network devices (such as DU), such as Figure 6 As shown in S603 in .

[0147] Before receiving the third indication information, the second network device may send fourth information to the third network device, where the fourth information may include identification information of the second network device, so as to register the identity with the third network device. Figure 6 As shown in S602 in .

[0148] S902: The second network device sends first configuration information to the third network device according to its own operating status.

[0149] In the embodiment of the present application, the first configuration information may include first indication information and first request information, and the first indication information is used to instruct the third network device to forward the first request information, such as Figure 7 shown.

[0150] The first request information is used to request a first configuration operation to be performed on the third network device. Exemplarily, the first configuration operation may be a resource allocation request operation for a signal processing resource of the third network device. The signal processing resource may, for example, include at least one of the following: spectrum resources, power resources, azimuth or inclination of an antenna associated with the third network device. Alternatively, the first configuration operation may be an operation and maintenance operation, which may include at least one of the following: resetting the third network device, performing a software upgrade on the third network device, or adjusting a component associated with the third network device.

[0151] S903: The second network device receives fourth indication information from the third network device, the fourth indication information including the result of executing the first configuration operation. Detailed implementation details can be found in the above descriptions of S606a-S607a, S606b-S607b, S608 and S609, which will not be repeated here.

[0152] Therefore, through the above method, the third network device can provide a logical communication channel for the first network device and the second network device. The second network device can send a request message for resource management and / or equipment operation and maintenance to the first network device based on the logical communication channel. The third network device can forward the relevant request message from the second network device to the first network device for processing, so that the first network device and the second network device can dynamically negotiate the use of resources of the third network device and dynamically implement operation and maintenance operations on related components of the third network device. This method can not only reduce the dependence on operation and maintenance personnel, but also improve the real-time adjustment of resource allocation of the third network device, thereby improving the operation and maintenance efficiency of the communication system.

[0153] Fig.10 and Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the structure of a possible communication device provided for an embodiment of the present application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the distributed unit or the radio frequency unit in the above method embodiment, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects possessed by the above method embodiment. In an embodiment of the present application, the communication device can be a distributed unit or a radio frequency unit, or a module (such as a chip) applied to a distributed unit or a radio frequency unit.

[0154] like Fig.10 As shown, the communication device 1000 includes a processing unit 1001 and a transceiver unit 1002. The communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of the distributed unit or the radio frequency unit in the above method embodiment.

[0155] When the communication device 1000 is used to perform the above Figure 6 , Figure 8 or Fig. 9 When operating the first network device in the embodiment, the processing unit 1001 is used to determine a signal processing resource, which is a shared signal processing resource of a third network device; the transceiver unit 1002 is used to receive first configuration information, the first configuration information includes first indication information and first request information, the first indication information is used to instruct the third network device to forward the first request information, and the first request information is used to request a first configuration operation to be performed on the third network device; and send second indication information, the second indication information indicates to execute the first configuration operation.

[0156] As a possible implementation method, the first configuration operation includes a resource allocation request operation for signal processing resources of the third network device, and the second indication information indicates a resource allocation result for the signal processing resources of the third network device.

[0157] As a possible implementation method, the first configuration operation includes an operation and maintenance operation, and the second indication information indicates to perform the operation and maintenance operation, wherein the operation and maintenance operation includes at least one of the following: resetting the third network device, performing a software upgrade on the third network device, or adjusting components associated with the third network device.

[0158] As a possible implementation method, the signal processing resources include at least one of the following: spectrum resources, power resources, and an azimuth or inclination angle of an antenna associated with the third network device.

[0159] As a possible implementation method, the processing unit 1001 is specifically used to: receive third indication information through the transceiver unit 1002, the third indication information indicating identification information of multiple network devices connected to the third network device, the multiple network devices include the first network device and the second network device, and the signal processing resources are shared by the first network device and the second network device.

[0160] As a possible implementation method, the transceiver unit 1002 is also used to receive first information, wherein the first information includes operation permissions of different network devices on the third network device, and the first network management device is used to manage the first network device and the third network device; the processing unit 1001 is used to save the first information in a storage unit.

[0161] As a possible implementation method, the processing unit 1001 is further used to: authenticate the first configuration operation according to the first information.

[0162] As a possible implementation method, the transceiver unit 1002 is also used to: receive second information from the first network management device, wherein the second information includes the usage rights and quotas of different network devices for the signal processing resources of the third network device; the processing unit 1001 is also used to save the second information in a storage unit.

[0163] As a possible implementation method, when the first configuration operation is a resource allocation request operation for signal processing resources of the third network device, the processing unit 1001 is further used to: generate the second indication information according to the second information.

[0164] As a possible implementation method, the transceiver unit 1002 is further configured to send third information, where the third information includes identification information of the first network device.

[0165] As a possible implementation method, the third network device is a radio frequency unit RU, and the first network device and the second network device are distribution units DU.

[0166] When the communication device 1000 is used to perform the above Figure 6 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 The operation of the third network device in the embodiment, the processing unit 1001 is used to determine a signal processing resource, and the signal processing resource is a shared signal processing resource of the third network device; the transceiver unit 1002 is used to receive first configuration information, the first configuration information includes first indication information and first request information, the first indication information is used to instruct the third network device to forward the first request information, and the first request information is used to request a first configuration operation to the third network device; send the first configuration information; receive second indication information, and the second indication information indicates to execute the first configuration operation.

[0167] As a possible implementation method, the first configuration operation includes a resource allocation request operation for signal processing resources of the third network device, and the second indication information indicates a resource allocation result for the signal processing resources of the third network device.

[0168] As a possible implementation method, the first configuration operation includes an operation and maintenance operation, and the second indication information indicates to perform the operation and maintenance operation, wherein the operation and maintenance operation includes at least one of the following: resetting the third network device, performing a software upgrade on the third network device, or adjusting components associated with the third network device.

[0169] As a possible implementation method, the signal processing resources include at least one of the following: spectrum resources, power resources, and the azimuth or tilt angle of the antenna associated with the third network device. As a possible implementation method, the processing unit 1001 is used to receive third information through the transceiver unit 1002, and the third information includes identification information of the first network device; receive fourth information through the transceiver unit 1002, and the fourth information includes identification information of the second network device; the processing unit 1001 is used to determine the signal processing resources according to the third information and the fourth information.

[0170] As a possible implementation method, the transceiver unit 1002 is used to: send third indication information, wherein the third indication information indicates identification information of multiple network devices connected to the third network device, the multiple network devices include a first network device and a second network device, and the signal processing resources are shared by the first network device and the second network device.

[0171] As a possible implementation method, the transceiver unit 1002 is used to: send fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information includes a result of executing the first configuration operation.

[0172] As a possible implementation method, the third network device is a radio frequency unit RU, and the first network device and the second network device are distribution units DU.

[0173] When the communication device 1000 is used to perform the above Figure 6 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 In the operation of the second network device in the embodiment, the processing unit 1001 is used to determine a signal processing resource, which is a shared signal processing resource of a third network device; the transceiver unit 1002 is used to send first configuration information, the first configuration information includes first indication information and first request information, the first indication information is used to instruct the third network device to forward the first request information, and the first request information is used to request a first configuration operation to be performed on the third network device; and receive fourth indication information, the fourth indication information includes a result of executing the first configuration operation.

[0174] As a possible implementation method, the first configuration operation includes a resource allocation request operation for signal processing resources of the third network device.

[0175] As a possible implementation method, the first configuration operation includes an operation and maintenance operation, wherein the operation and maintenance operation includes at least one of the following: resetting the third network device, performing a software upgrade on the third network device, or adjusting components associated with the third network device.

[0176] As a possible implementation method, the signal processing resources include at least one of the following: spectrum resources, power resources, and an azimuth or inclination angle of an antenna associated with the third network device.

[0177] As a possible implementation method, the transceiver unit 1002 is further used to: send fourth information, where the fourth information includes identification information of the second network device.

[0178] As a possible implementation method, the transceiver unit 1002 is also used to: receive third indication information, wherein the third indication information indicates identification information of multiple network devices connected to the third network device, the multiple network devices include a first network device and a second network device, and the signal processing resources are shared by the first network device and the second network device.

[0179] As a possible implementation method, the third network device is a radio frequency unit RU, and the first network device and the second network device are distribution units DU.

[0180] A more detailed description of the processing unit 1001 and the transceiver unit 1002 can be directly obtained by referring to the relevant description in the above method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0181] Fig.11 FIG. 1100 is a schematic diagram showing a possible structure of a communication device. It is understood that the communication device 1100 includes necessary means such as modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, which are appropriately configured together to implement the present solution. The communication device 1100 may be Figure 2 The RAN node, terminal, core network device or other network device in the communication device 1100 may also be a component (e.g., a chip) in these devices, to implement the method described in the following method embodiment. The communication device 1100 includes one or more processors 1110. The processor 1110 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, etc. For example, it may be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process the communication protocol and the communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control the communication device (e.g., RAN node, terminal, or chip, etc.), execute the software program, and process the data of the software program.

[0182] Optionally, in one design, the processor 1110 may include a program 1130 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), and the program 1130 may be executed on the processor 1110 so that the communication device 1100 performs the method described in the above embodiment.

[0183] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may include one or more memories 1120 on which a program 1140 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions) is stored. The program 1140 can be run on the processor 1110 so that the communication device 1100 executes the method described in the above method embodiment.

[0184] Optionally, data may also be stored in the processor 1110 and / or the memory 1120. The processor and the memory may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0185] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may further include a transceiver 1150 and / or an antenna 1160. The processor 1110 may also be sometimes referred to as a processing unit, which controls the communication device (e.g., a RAN node or a terminal). The transceiver 1150 may also be sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver, etc., which is used to implement the transceiver function of the communication device through the antenna 1160.

[0186] When the communication device 1100 is used to implement the above Figure 6 ,or Figure 8 ,or Fig. 9 In the method embodiment, the processor 1110 is used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned processing unit, and the transceiver 1150 is used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned transceiver unit.

[0187] The processor in the embodiments of the present application may include a central processing unit, a general processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components or any combination thereof. The general processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0188] As an optional implementation method, the processor in the embodiment of the present application may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit. The baseband processor is mainly used to process the communication protocol and communication data, and the central processing unit is mainly used to control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process software program data. Fig.11 The processor in the integrated baseband processor and the central processor function, the technicians in this field can understand that the baseband processor and the central processor can also be independent processors, which are interconnected through bus and other technologies. The technicians in this field can understand that the communication device can include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network formats, the communication device can include multiple central processors to enhance its processing capabilities, and the various components of the communication device can be connected through various buses. The baseband processor can also be described as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The central processor can also be described as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing the communication protocol and communication data can be built into the processor, or it can be stored in the memory in the form of a software program, and the processor executes the software program to realize the baseband processing function.

[0189] When the communication device is a chip applied to a radio frequency unit, the chip of the radio frequency unit implements the function of the radio frequency unit in the above method embodiment. The chip of the radio frequency unit receives information from other modules in the radio frequency unit, and the information comes from the distributed unit; or the chip of the radio frequency unit sends information to other modules in the radio frequency unit, and the information needs to be sent to the distributed unit.

[0190] When the communication device is a chip applied to a distributed unit, the chip of the distributed unit implements the functions of the distributed unit in the above method embodiment. The chip of the distributed unit receives information from other modules in the distributed unit, and the information comes from the radio frequency unit; or the chip of the distributed unit sends information to other modules in the distributed unit, and the information needs to be sent to the radio frequency unit.

[0191] 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 a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, an erasable programmable read-only memory, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, a register, a hard disk, a mobile hard disk, a 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 base station or a terminal. Of course, the processor and the storage medium can also be present in a base station or a terminal as discrete components.

[0192] 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 base station, 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 or data center 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. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or nonvolatile storage medium, or may include both volatile and nonvolatile types of storage media.

[0193] 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.

[0194] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the text description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship; in the formula of this application, the character " / " indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in a "division" relationship.

[0195] 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.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a first network device, the method comprises: Determining a signal processing resource, where the signal processing resource is a shared signal processing resource of a third network device; receiving first configuration information, the first configuration information including first indication information and first request information, the first indication information being used to instruct the third network device to forward the first request information, and the first request information being used to request a first configuration operation to be performed on the third network device; Send second indication information, where the second indication information indicates to perform the first configuration operation.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first configuration operation includes a resource allocation request operation for signal processing resources of the third network device, and the second indication information indicates a resource allocation result for the signal processing resources of the third network device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first configuration operation includes an operation and maintenance operation, and the second indication information indicates to perform the operation and maintenance operation, wherein the operation and maintenance operation includes at least one of the following: resetting the third network device, performing software upgrade on the third network device, or adjusting components associated with the third network device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The signal processing resource includes at least one of the following: Spectrum resources, power resources, and the azimuth or tilt angle of an antenna associated with the third network device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive third indication information, where the third indication information indicates identification information of multiple network devices connected to the third network device, where the multiple network devices include the first network device and the second network device, and the signal processing resource is shared by the first network device and the second network device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receiving first information from a first network management device, wherein the first network management device is used to manage the first network device and the third network device, and the first information includes operation permissions of different network devices on the third network device; The first information is saved.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first configuration operation is authenticated according to the first information.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receiving second information from the first network management device, wherein the second information includes usage rights and quotas of different network devices for the signal processing resources of the third network device; The second information is saved.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that When the first configuration operation includes a resource allocation request operation for a signal processing resource of the third network device, the method further includes: The second indication information is generated according to the second information.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send third information, where the third information includes identification information of the first network device.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that The third network device is a radio frequency unit RU, and the first network device and the second network device are distribution units DU.

12. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a third network device, the method includes: Determining a signal processing resource, wherein the signal processing resource is a shared signal processing resource of a third network device; receiving first configuration information, the first configuration information including first indication information and first request information, the first indication information being used to instruct the third network device to forward the first request information, and the first request information being used to request a first configuration operation to be performed on the third network device; Sending the first configuration information; Second indication information is received, where the second indication information indicates to perform the first configuration operation.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The first configuration operation includes a resource allocation request operation for signal processing resources of the third network device, and the second indication information indicates a resource allocation result for the signal processing resources of the third network device.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that The first configuration operation includes an operation and maintenance operation, and the second indication information indicates to perform the operation and maintenance operation, wherein the operation and maintenance operation includes at least one of the following: resetting the third network device, performing software upgrade on the third network device, or adjusting components associated with the third network device.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that: The signal processing resource includes at least one of the following: Spectrum resources, power resources, and the azimuth or tilt angle of an antenna associated with the third network device.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that: The method further comprises: receiving third information, wherein the third information includes identification information of the first network device; receiving fourth information, wherein the fourth information includes identification information of the second network device; The determining of the signal processing resources comprises: The signal processing resources are determined according to the third information and the fourth information.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Send third indication information, where the third indication information indicates identification information of multiple network devices connected to the third network device, where the multiple network devices include a first network device and a second network device, and the signal processing resource is shared by the first network device and the second network device.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Sending fourth indication information to the server, wherein the fourth indication information includes a result of executing the first configuration operation.

19. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that: The third network device is a radio frequency unit RU, and the first network device and the second network device are distribution units DU.

20. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to the second network device, the method comprises: Determining a signal processing resource, where the signal processing resource is a shared signal processing resource of a third network device; Sending first configuration information, where the first configuration information includes first indication information and first request information, where the first indication information is used to instruct the third network device to forward the first request information, and the first request information is used to request a first configuration operation to be performed on the third network device; Fourth indication information is received, where the fourth indication information includes a result of performing the first configuration operation.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The first configuration operation includes a resource allocation request operation for a signal processing resource of the third network device.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that The first configuration operation includes an operation and maintenance operation, wherein the operation and maintenance operation includes at least one of the following: resetting the third network device, performing software upgrade on the third network device, or adjusting components associated with the third network device.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that The signal processing resource includes at least one of the following: Spectrum resources, power resources, and the azimuth or tilt angle of an antenna associated with the third network device.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send fourth information, where the fourth information includes identification information of the second network device.

25. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive third indication information, wherein the third indication information indicates identification information of multiple network devices connected to the third network device, the multiple network devices include a first network device and the second network device, and the signal processing resource is shared by the first network device and the second network device.

26. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 25, characterized in that The third network device is a radio frequency unit RU, and the first network device and the second network device are distribution units DU.

27. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or comprises a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 12 to 19, or comprises a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 20 to 26.

28. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device includes at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is used to call a computer program or instruction in a memory to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-11, or to execute the method according to any one of claims 12-19, or to execute the method according to any one of claims 20-26.

29. A chip system, characterized in that: The chip system includes at least one processor, and the at least one processor is used to call one or more computer programs or instructions in the memory to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-11, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 12-19, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 20-25.

30. A communication system, characterized in that: It includes one or more of the following: a network device for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1-11, a network device for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 12-19, and a network device for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 20-26.

31. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, which, when called by an electronic device, cause the electronic device to execute the method as described in any one of claims 1-11, or cause the electronic device to execute the method as described in any one of claims 12-19, or cause the electronic device to execute the method as described in any one of claims 20-26.

32. A computer program product, characterized in that The method comprises computer-executable instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or enable the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 12 to 19, or enable the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 20 to 26.

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