Communication method, device and system

Abstract

The invention discloses a communication method, device and system, relates to the technical field of communication, and is used for timely and reliably determining a transmission parameter corresponding to a transmission mode in a scene that a terminal and a network side have multiple connections. In the method, transmission parameters corresponding to a transmission mode of data of a first session of a terminal are determined according to transmission auxiliary information of N access network devices, and the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices indicates transmission performance of transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices. Wherein the transmission mode is a shunt transmission mode or a path selection transmission mode, and a transmission parameter corresponding to the shunt transmission mode indicates a shunt proportion of data of the first session on a transmission path corresponding to the N access network devices, a transmission parameter corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicates a target transmission path of data of the first session, and the target transmission path is one of transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the development of communication technology, future terminals (such as smart phones) may have dual connection functions. In dual connection mode, the terminal can be connected to two access network devices at the same time and maintain radio resource control (RRC) connection with the two access network devices. The terminal can transmit data through the transmission paths corresponding to the two access network devices, or can select one of the two transmission paths corresponding to the two access network devices for data transmission.

[0003] Factors such as changes in network status will cause changes in the transmission performance of the transmission paths corresponding to different access network devices. It is necessary to timely and reliably adjust the transmission parameters of business data on the transmission paths corresponding to different access network devices to ensure the transmission performance of business data. For example, in the case of diversion transmission, it is necessary to timely and reliably adjust the diversion ratio on the two transmission paths; in the case of transmission using path selection, it is necessary to timely and reliably adjust the target transmission path. Therefore, in the scenario where there are multiple connections between the terminal and the network side, how to timely and reliably adjust the transmission parameters to improve the transmission performance is a technical problem that needs to be solved at present. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and apparatus for timely and reliably determining transmission parameters corresponding to a transmission mode in a scenario where there are multiple connections between a terminal and a network side.

[0005] The method of the embodiment of the present application can be applied to a communication system including the following network elements: access network equipment, access and mobility management function entity, session management function entity, user plane function entity, terminal, etc. The number of access network equipment is N, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0006] Optionally, the N access network devices include N radio access network (RAN) devices; or the N access network devices include N non-3GPP interworking function (non-3GPP Inter Working Function, N3IWF; wherein 3GPP is the abbreviation of 3rd generation partnership project in English, representing the Third Generation Partnership Project) devices; or the N access network devices include N trusted non-3GPP gateway function (trusted non-3GPP gateway function, TNGF) devices; or the N access network devices include at least one RAN device and at least one N3IWF device; or the N access network devices include at least one RAN device and at least one TNGF device; or the N access network devices include at least one N3IWF device and at least one TNGF device.

[0007] Optionally, the access network device, session management function entity, user plane function entity or terminal in the above system architecture can determine the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first protocol data unit (PDU) session of the terminal based on the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices for uplink and / or downlink transmission.

[0008] Optionally, the transmission mode may be a diversion transmission mode, and the transmission parameter corresponding to the diversion transmission mode indicates the diversion ratio on the transmission path corresponding to the N access network devices. Optionally, the transmission mode may be a path selection transmission mode, and the transmission parameter corresponding to the path selection transmission mode is the target transmission path. Optionally, the transmission mode may be a redundant transmission mode, in which the data in the first PDU session is transmitted on one transmission path, and the same data is transmitted on at least one other transmission path.

[0009] Optionally, the N access network devices include a first access network device, and the transmission auxiliary information of the first access network device includes one or more of the following information: signal status information measured by the first access network device, the signal status information indicating the signal status between the first access network device and the terminal; signal status information received by the first access network device from the terminal, the signal status information indicating the signal status between the first access network device and the terminal; load information of the first access network device; air interface transmission delay between the first access network device and the terminal; transmission rate between the first access network device and the terminal; and transmission reliability information between the first access network device and the terminal.

[0010] The following describes embodiments of the present application.

[0011] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: a first device receives transmission indication information from a session management function entity, the transmission indication information comprises first transmission indication information, the first transmission indication information indicates a transmission mode of data of a first session; wherein the transmission mode is a diversion transmission mode or a path selection transmission mode, the first device comprises a terminal and / or a user plane function entity, the session management function entity is used to manage the first session of the terminal, and the user plane function entity is used to transmit the data of the first session. The first device receives transmission auxiliary information from N access network devices, the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices indicates the transmission performance of the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices, N is a positive integer greater than 1; the N access network devices are used to transmit the data of the first session. In the case where the first device receives the transmission indication information, the first device determines the transmission parameter corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first session according to the transmission auxiliary information, the transmission parameter corresponding to the diversion transmission mode indicates the diversion ratio of the data of the first session on the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices, and the transmission parameter corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicates the target transmission path of the data of the first session, and the target transmission path is one of the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices.

[0012] Optionally, the N access network devices may periodically send transmission auxiliary information so that the first device can timely adjust the transmission parameters according to the received transmission auxiliary information, such as timely adjusting the diversion ratio of the data of the first session on the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices, or timely adjusting the target transmission path of the data of the first session, thereby improving the transmission decision performance and further improving the transmission performance.

[0013] Optionally, the terminal is connected to the user plane functional entity through N access network devices; in other words, the terminal has transmission paths corresponding to N access network devices; in other words, the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices are associated with a session of the terminal (such as the first session).

[0014] Optionally, the first device is a user plane functional entity, and the data of the first session is downlink data. In this case, the transmission mode is used for downlink data transmission of the first session. For example, when the transmission mode is a shunt transmission mode, it means that the data of the first session is shunt-transmitted on the downlink transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices, and the transmission parameters corresponding to the shunt transmission mode indicate the shunt ratio of the data of the first session on the downlink transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices; or, when the transmission mode is a path selection transmission mode, it means that the downlink data of the first session is transmitted through a target downlink transmission path, and the transmission parameters corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicate the downlink target transmission path of the data of the first session.

[0015] Optionally, the first device is a terminal, and the data of the first session is uplink data, in which case the transmission mode is used for uplink data transmission of the first session. For example, when the transmission mode is a shunt transmission mode, it indicates that the data of the first session is shunt-transmitted on the uplink transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices, and the transmission parameters corresponding to the first transmission mode indicate the shunt ratio of the uplink data of the first session on the uplink transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices; or, the transmission mode is a path selection transmission mode, indicating that the data of the first session is transmitted through a target uplink transmission path, and the transmission parameters corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicate the target uplink transmission path of the data of the first session.

[0016] In the above implementation, the user plane function entity determines the diversion ratio of the data of the first session on different transmission paths in the diversion transmission mode, or determines the target transmission path of the data of the first session in the path selection transmission mode according to the transmission auxiliary information sent by the access network device. The access network device provides the user plane function entity with the transmission auxiliary information, which can reduce the delay, improve the reliability, and improve the real-time performance, compared with the user plane function entity performing the performance measurement function (PMF) measurement to obtain the transmission performance between the user plane function entity and the terminal, thereby improving the decision-making performance.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the transmission indication information also includes second transmission indication information, and the second transmission indication information indicates transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first session determined according to the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the first session includes at least one data stream, and the at least one data stream includes a first data stream; the data of the first session includes the first data stream. That is, the transmission parameter may be a transmission parameter of the data stream granularity in the first PDU session. For example, if the transmission mode is a shunt transmission mode, the transmission parameter includes the shunt ratio of the first data stream in the first PDU session on the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device. Optionally, different data streams in the first PDU session may have their own shunt ratios, and the shunt ratios of different data streams may be different. For another example, if the transmission mode is a path selection transmission mode, the transmission parameter includes the target transmission path of the first data stream in the first PDU session. Optionally, different data streams in the first PDU session may have their own target transmission paths, and the target transmission paths of different data streams may be different. Determining the transmission parameters with the data stream in the PDU session as the granularity can improve the control (or scheduling) accuracy of data transmission and improve system flexibility.

[0019] In a possible implementation, it also includes: the first device receives a diversion rule from the session management function entity, and the diversion rule indicates the correspondence between the transmission auxiliary information and the diversion ratio; the first device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first session according to the transmission auxiliary information, including: the first device determines the diversion ratio of the data of the first session on the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices according to the received transmission auxiliary information and the diversion rule; or, the first device receives a path selection rule from the session management function entity; the first device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first session according to the transmission auxiliary information, including: the first device determines the target transmission path of the data of the first session according to the received transmission auxiliary information and the transmission path selection rule.

[0020] Optionally, the transmission path selection rule indicates how to select a target transmission path according to the transmission auxiliary information.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the first device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first session based on the transmission auxiliary information, including: the first device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first session based on the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices and the capability information of the terminal; wherein the capability information of the terminal indicates the air interface transmission capability of the terminal at the N access network devices.

[0022] Optionally, the air interface transmission capability may include multi-antenna capability, bandwidth capability, transmission power capability, etc.

[0023] In the above implementation, since the air interface transmission capability of the terminal in the access network device will affect the transmission performance of the transmission path corresponding to the access network device, the air interface transmission capability of the terminal in N access network devices is used as the basis for determining the transmission parameters, which can improve the reliability of the transmission parameters.

[0024] In a possible implementation manner, the first device is the user plane functional entity, and the method further includes: the user plane functional entity receiving capability information of the terminal from the session management functional entity.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the method also includes: the user plane function entity performs offload transmission on the downlink transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices according to the offload ratio indicated by the transmission parameter corresponding to the offload transmission mode, or transmits the data of the first session on the target downlink transmission path according to the target downlink transmission path indicated by the transmission parameter corresponding to the path selection transmission mode; or, the terminal performs offload transmission on the downlink transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices according to the offload ratio indicated by the transmission parameter corresponding to the first transmission mode, or transmits the data of the first session on the target uplink transmission path according to the target uplink transmission path indicated by the transmission parameter corresponding to the second transmission mode.

[0026] According to a second aspect, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: a session management function entity sends reporting indication information to N access network devices, the reporting indication information sent to a first access network device indicates that the first access network device sends transmission auxiliary information to a first device, the first access network device is one of the N access network devices, the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices indicates the transmission performance of the transmission path corresponding to the N access network devices, the first device comprises a terminal and / or a user plane function entity, N is a positive integer greater than 1; wherein the session management function entity is used to manage a first session of the terminal, and the N access network devices and the user plane function entity are used to transmit data of the first session. The session management function entity sends transmission indication information to the first device, the transmission indication information includes second transmission indication information, the second transmission indication information indicates that the first device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first session according to the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices, the transmission mode is a diversion transmission mode or a path selection transmission mode, the transmission parameters corresponding to the diversion transmission mode indicate the diversion ratio of the data of the first session on the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices, and the transmission parameters corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicate the target transmission path of the data of the first session, and the target transmission path is one of the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices.

[0027] In a possible implementation manner, the transmission indication information further includes first transmission indication information, and the first transmission indication information indicates a transmission method of data of the first session.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the first session includes at least one data stream, the at least one data stream includes a first data stream; and the data of the first session includes the first data stream.

[0029] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: the session management function entity sending a diversion rule or a transmission path selection rule to the first device, where the diversion rule indicates a corresponding relationship between the transmission auxiliary information and the diversion ratio.

[0030] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: the session management function entity sending capability information of the terminal to the user plane function entity, where the capability information of the terminal indicates the air interface transmission capability of the terminal on the N access network devices.

[0031] In a possible implementation, before the session management function entity sends reporting indication information to N access network devices, it also includes: the session management function entity determines that the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices are associated with the first session of the terminal.

[0032] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: the session management function entity sending reporting frequency indication information to the N access network devices, wherein the reporting frequency indication information indicates a sending frequency of the transmission auxiliary information.

[0033] According to a third aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: a first access network device receiving reporting indication information from a session management function entity;

[0034] The first access network device sends transmission auxiliary information to the session management function entity or the first device according to the reporting indication information, and the transmission auxiliary information indicates the transmission performance of the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device, and the first device includes a terminal and / or a user plane function entity; wherein the session management function entity is used to manage the first session of the terminal, and the first access network device and the user plane function entity are used to transmit data of the first session.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the reporting indication information further instructs the first access network device to send the transmission assistance information to the session management function entity; or, the reporting indication information further instructs the first access network device to send the transmission assistance information to the first device.

[0036] In a possible implementation method, it also includes: the first access network device receives reporting frequency indication information from the network function entity; the first access network device sends transmission auxiliary information to the session management function entity or the first device according to the reporting indication information, including: the first access network device sends transmission auxiliary information to the session management function entity or the first device according to the reporting frequency indicated by the reporting frequency indication information.

[0037] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: a session management function entity sends reporting indication information to N access network devices, the reporting indication information instructing the N access network devices to send transmission auxiliary information to a first device, the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices indicates the performance of the transmission path corresponding to the N access network devices, the first device includes a terminal and / or a user plane function entity, N is a positive integer greater than 1; wherein the session management function entity is used to manage a first session of the terminal, and the N access network devices and the user plane function entity are used to transmit data of the first session. The session management function entity receives the transmission auxiliary information from the N access network devices. The session management function entity determines a transmission parameter corresponding to a transmission mode of the data of the first session according to the transmission auxiliary information, the transmission mode is a shunt transmission mode or a path selection transmission mode, the transmission parameter corresponding to the shunt transmission mode indicates the shunt ratio of the data of the first session on the transmission path corresponding to the N access network devices, and the transmission parameter corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicates the target transmission path of the data of the first session, and the target transmission path is one of the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices. The session management function entity sends the transmission parameter to the first device.

[0038] In the above implementation, the session management function entity determines the diversion ratio of the data of the first session on different transmission paths in the diversion transmission mode, or determines the target transmission path of the data of the first session in the path selection transmission mode according to the transmission auxiliary information sent by the access network device. The access network device provides the session management function entity with the transmission auxiliary information, which can reduce the delay, improve the reliability, and improve the real-time performance, compared with the user plane function entity performing PMF measurement to obtain the transmission performance between the user plane function entity and the terminal, thereby improving the decision-making performance.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the first session includes at least one data stream, the at least one data stream includes a first data stream; and the data of the first session includes the first data stream.

[0040] In a possible implementation, it also includes: the session management function entity sends transmission indication information to the first device, the transmission indication information includes third transmission indication information, and the third transmission indication information instructs the first device to transmit the data of the first session according to the transmission parameters.

[0041] In a possible implementation manner, the transmission indication information further includes fourth transmission indication information, and the fourth transmission indication information indicates a transmission method of data of the first session.

[0042] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: the session management function entity sending reporting frequency indication information to the N access network devices, where the reporting frequency indication information indicates a sending frequency of transmission auxiliary information.

[0043] In a possible implementation, the session management function entity determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first session based on the transmission auxiliary information, including: the session management function entity determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the diversion transmission mode of the data of the first session based on the transmission auxiliary information and the diversion rule; or, the session management function entity determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the path selection transmission mode of the data of the first session based on the transmission auxiliary information and the path selection rule.

[0044] In a possible implementation, the session management function entity determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first session based on the transmission auxiliary information, including: the session management function entity determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first session based on the transmission auxiliary information and the capability information of the terminal; wherein the capability information of the terminal indicates the air interface transmission capability of the terminal at the N access network devices.

[0045] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: the session management function entity receiving capability information of the terminal from the terminal.

[0046] In a possible implementation, before the session management function entity sends reporting indication information to N access network devices, it also includes: the session management function entity determines that the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices are associated with the first session of the terminal.

[0047] In a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided, including: a first device receives transmission parameters corresponding to a transmission mode from a session management function entity, the transmission mode is a diversion transmission mode or a path selection transmission mode, the transmission parameters corresponding to the diversion transmission mode indicate the diversion ratio of data of the first session on the transmission paths corresponding to N access network devices, the transmission parameters corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicate the target transmission path of the data of the first session, the target transmission path is one of the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices, the transmission parameters are determined according to transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices, the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices indicates the transmission performance of the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices, the first device includes a terminal and / or a user plane function entity, N is a positive integer; wherein the session management function entity is used to manage the first session of the terminal, and the N access network devices and the user plane function entity are used to transmit the data of the first session; the first device transmits the data of the first session according to the transmission parameters.

[0048] In a possible implementation, it also includes: the first device receives transmission indication information from the session management function entity, the transmission indication information includes third transmission indication information, and the third transmission indication information instructs the first device to transmit the data of the first session according to the transmission parameters.

[0049] In a possible implementation manner, the transmission indication information further includes fourth transmission indication information, and the fourth transmission indication information indicates a transmission method of data of the first session.

[0050] In a possible implementation, the first session includes at least one data stream, the at least one data stream includes a first data stream; and the data of the first session includes the first data stream.

[0051] In a possible implementation, the first device transmits the data of the first session according to the transmission parameters, including: the user plane function entity transmits the data of the first session on the downlink transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices according to the diversion ratio indicated by the transmission parameters corresponding to the first transmission mode, or transmits the data of the first session on the target downlink transmission path according to the target downlink transmission path indicated by the transmission parameters corresponding to the second transmission mode; or, the terminal transmits the data of the first session on the downlink transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices according to the diversion ratio indicated by the transmission parameters corresponding to the first transmission mode, or transmits the data of the first session on the target uplink transmission path according to the target uplink transmission path indicated by the transmission parameters corresponding to the second transmission mode.

[0052] In a sixth aspect, a communication method is provided, including: a session management function entity sending first indication information to a first access network device among N access network devices, where the first indication information instructs the first access network device to determine transmission parameters corresponding to a transmission mode of data of a first session, the transmission mode being a split transmission mode or a path selection transmission mode, the transmission parameters corresponding to the split transmission mode indicating a split ratio of the data of the first session on transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices, the transmission parameters corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicating a target transmission path of the data of the first session, the target transmission path being one of the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices, the transmission parameters being determined according to transmission assistance information of the N access network devices, the transmission assistance information of the N access network devices indicating transmission performance of the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices, and N being a positive integer greater than 1; the session management function entity sending transmission indication information to a first device, the transmission indication information including fifth transmission indication information, the fifth transmission indication information instructing the first device to transmit the data of the first session according to the transmission parameters, the first device including a terminal and / or a user plane function entity, the session management function entity being used to manage the first session of the terminal, and the N access network devices and the user plane function entity being used to transmit the data of the first session.

[0053] In the above implementation manner, the access network device determines the split ratio of the data of the first session on different transmission paths in the split transmission mode, or determines the target transmission path of the data of the first session in the path selection transmission mode according to the transmission assistance information of this access network device and other access network devices. By providing the transmission assistance information by the access network device, compared with the user plane function entity performing PMF measurement to obtain the transmission performance between the user plane function entity and the terminal, the latency can be reduced, the reliability can be improved, and the real-time performance can also be improved, thereby improving the decision-making performance.

[0054] In a possible implementation manner, the first session includes at least one data flow, and the at least one data flow includes a first data flow; the fifth transmission indication information instructs the first device to transmit the first data flow according to the transmission parameters.

[0055] In a possible implementation manner, the transmission indication information further includes sixth transmission indication information, and the sixth transmission indication information instructs the transmission mode of the data of the first session.

[0056] A possible implementation method also includes: the session management function entity sends an identifier or address of a second access network device to the first access network device, and the second access network device is at least one access network device among the N access network devices except the first access network device.

[0057] In a possible implementation, before the session management function entity sends the first indication information to the first access network device among N access network devices, it also includes: the session management function entity determines that the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices are associated with the first session of the terminal.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the first indication information also instructs the first access network device to send the transmission parameters to the first device; or, it also includes: the session management function entity sends second indication information, and the second indication information instructs the first access network device to send the transmission parameters to the first device.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the first indication information also instructs the first access network device to send the transmission parameters to the session management function entity, and the method also includes: the session management function entity sends the transmission parameters to the first device; or, further includes: the session management function entity sends second indication information, and the second indication information instructs the first access network device to send the transmission parameters to the session management function entity; the session management function entity sends the transmission parameters to the first device.

[0060] In a seventh aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: a first device receives transmission indication information from a control plane function entity, the transmission indication information includes fifth transmission indication information, and the fifth transmission indication information indicates that the first device transmits data of a first session according to transmission parameters corresponding to a transmission mode; the first device receives transmission parameters corresponding to a transmission mode from a first access network device, the transmission mode is a diversion transmission mode or a path transmission mode, the transmission parameters corresponding to the diversion transmission mode indicate a diversion ratio of data on transmission paths corresponding to N access network devices, the transmission parameters corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicate a target transmission path of the data, and the target transmission path is one of the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices, the first device comprises a terminal and / or a user plane function entity, the session management function entity is used to manage the first session of the terminal, and the N access network devices and the user plane function entity are used to transmit data of the first session; the first device transmits data of the first session according to the transmission parameters.

[0061] In a possible implementation, the first session includes at least one data stream, and the at least one data stream includes a first data stream; the fifth transmission indication information instructs the first device to transmit the first data stream according to the transmission parameters.

[0062] In a possible implementation manner, the transmission indication information further includes sixth transmission indication information, and the sixth transmission indication information indicates a transmission method for data of the first session.

[0063] In a possible implementation manner, the first device transmits the data of the first session according to the transmission parameter, including: the first device transmits the data of the first session according to the transmission parameter and a transmission performance measurement result.

[0064] In a possible implementation, the first device transmits the data of the first session according to the transmission parameters, including: the user plane function entity transmits the data of the first session on the downlink transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices according to the diversion ratio indicated by the transmission parameters corresponding to the first transmission mode, or transmits the data of the first session on the target downlink transmission path according to the target downlink transmission path indicated by the transmission parameters corresponding to the second transmission mode; or, the terminal transmits the data of the first session on the downlink transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices according to the diversion ratio indicated by the transmission parameters corresponding to the first transmission mode, or transmits the data of the first session on the target uplink transmission path according to the target uplink transmission path indicated by the transmission parameters corresponding to the second transmission mode.

[0065] In an eighth aspect, a communication method is provided, including: a first access network device receives first indication information from a session management function entity, the first indication information indicates that the first access network device determines a transmission parameter corresponding to a transmission mode of data of a first session, the transmission mode is a diversion transmission mode or a path selection transmission mode, the transmission parameter corresponding to the diversion transmission mode indicates a diversion ratio of the data of the first session on the transmission paths corresponding to N access network devices including the first access network device, the transmission parameter corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicates a target transmission path of the data of the first session, the target transmission path is one of the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices, N is a positive integer greater than 1; the first access network device determines the transmission parameter corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first session according to the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices, the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices indicates the transmission performance of the transmission path corresponding to the N access network devices; the first access network device sends the transmission parameter to the first device or the control plane function entity, the first device includes a terminal and / or a user plane function entity; wherein the session management function entity is used to manage the first session of the terminal, and the N access network devices and the user plane function entity are used to transmit the data of the first session.

[0066] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: the first access network device acquiring transmission auxiliary information of other access network devices among the N access network devices except the first access network device.

[0067] In a possible implementation, it also includes: the first access network device receives the identifier or address of the second access network device, and the second access network device includes other access network devices among the N access network devices except the first access network device; the first access network device obtains the transmission auxiliary information of the second access network device from the second access network device according to the identifier or address of the second access network device.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the identifier or address of the second access network device is sent by the session management function entity to the first access network device, or sent by the access and mobility management function entity to the first access network device, or sent by the terminal to the first access network device.

[0069] In a possible implementation, it also includes: the first access network device receives reporting frequency indication information from the session management function entity; the first access network device instructs other access network devices among the N access network devices except the first access network device to send transmission auxiliary information according to the reporting frequency indicated by the reporting frequency indication information.

[0070] In a possible implementation, the first access network device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first session based on the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices, including: the first access network device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first session based on the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices and the capability information of the terminal, and the capability information of the terminal indicates the air interface transmission capability of the terminal at the N access network devices.

[0071] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a unit or module for executing the method as described in any one of the first to eighth aspects.

[0072] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: one or more processors configured to execute the method as described in any one of aspects 1 to 8.

[0073] In an eleventh aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: a first device implementing any method of the first aspect, a session management function entity implementing any method of the second aspect, and a first access network device implementing any method of the third aspect. The first device includes a terminal and / or a user plane function entity.

[0074] In the twelfth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein a computer program or instruction is stored in the computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a communication device, the method described in any one of the first to eighth aspects is implemented.

[0075] In the thirteenth aspect, a chip system is provided, comprising: a memory for storing a computer program; a processor; when the processor calls and runs the computer program from the memory, the communication device equipped with the chip system executes any method described in any one of the first to eighth aspects.

[0076] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided. When the computer program product is called by a computer, the computer executes any method as described in any one of aspects one to eight. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication system architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an ATSSS architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a 5G QoS model applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a diversion mode involved in an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a measurement based on the PMF protocol involved in an embodiment of the present application;

[0082] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a process in which, in an embodiment of the present application, a user plane function entity determines a data diversion ratio or a target data transmission path according to transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices when N access network devices are connected to the same access and mobility management function entity;

[0083] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a process in which, in an embodiment of the present application, a user plane function entity determines a data diversion ratio or a target data transmission path according to transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices when the N access network devices are connected to different access and mobility management function entities;

[0084] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a process in which, in an embodiment of the present application, a terminal determines a data diversion ratio or a target data transmission path according to transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices when the N access network devices are connected to the same access and mobility management function entity;

[0085] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a process in which, in an embodiment of the present application, a terminal determines a data diversion ratio or a target data transmission path according to transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices when the N access network devices are connected to different access and mobility management function entities;

[0086] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a process in which, in an embodiment of the present application, a session management function entity determines a data diversion ratio or a target data transmission path according to transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices when N access network devices are connected to the same access and mobility management function entity;

[0087] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of a process in which, in an embodiment of the present application, a session management function entity determines a data diversion ratio or a target data transmission path according to transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices when the N access network devices are connected to different access and mobility management function entities;

[0088] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of a process in which, in an embodiment of the present application, when N access network devices are connected to the same access and mobility management function entity, for downlink transmission, the first access network device determines the data diversion ratio or the target transmission path of the data according to the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices;

[0089] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of a process in which, in an embodiment of the present application, when N access network devices are connected to different access and mobility management function entities, for downlink transmission, the first access network device determines the data diversion ratio or the target transmission path of the data according to the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices;

[0090] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of a process in which, in an embodiment of the present application, when N access network devices are connected to the same access and mobility management function entity, for uplink transmission, the first access network device determines the data splitting ratio or the target transmission path of the data according to the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices;

[0091] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of a process in which, in an embodiment of the present application, when N access network devices are connected to different access and mobility management function entities, for uplink transmission, the first access network device determines the data diversion ratio or the target transmission path of the data according to the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices;

[0092] Fig.16 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0093] Fig.17 A schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided for another embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] The embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example: global system for mobile communications (GSM) system, code division multiple access (CDMA) system, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, general packet radio service (GPRS), long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WIMAX) communication system, fifth generation (5G) system or new radio (NR), or applied to future communication systems or other similar communication systems.

[0095] See also Figure 1 , which is a schematic diagram of the fifth generation (5G) network architecture based on a service-oriented architecture provided by 3GPP. The 5G network architecture may include access network equipment and core network equipment. The terminal accesses the data network (DN) through the access network equipment and the core network equipment.

[0096] Terminals can include various handheld devices with wireless communication functions, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. In vehicle networking communications, road side units (RSUs) can also be used as terminals. Terminals can also be called terminal devices. Terminal may also refer to user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, user agent, cellular phone, smart phone, wireless data card, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet computer, wireless modem, handheld device (handset), laptop computer, smart point of sale (POS), customer-premises equipment (CPE), machine type communication (MTC) terminal, communication equipment carried on high-altitude aircraft, wearable device, drone, robot, terminal in D2D, terminal in vehicle to everything (V2X), virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self driving, wireless terminal in remote medical, wireless terminal in smart grid, transportation security (transportation) The invention may be a wireless terminal in an intelligent safety network, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, or a terminal device in a future communication network.

[0097] Access network equipment can be RAN or wired access network equipment. RAN is mainly responsible for wireless resource management, service quality management, data compression and encryption on the air interface side, providing access services for terminals and completing the forwarding of user data between terminals and the core network. RAN can also be understood as a base station in the network. In systems using different wireless access technologies, the names of devices with base station functions may be different. For example, in the fifth generation (5G) system, it is called gNB.

[0098] Exemplarily, the access network device in the embodiment of the present application may be any communication device with wireless transceiver function for communicating with a terminal. The access network equipment includes, but is not limited to: evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home evolved NodeB (HeNB, or home Node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP) in wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP) or transmission and reception point (TRP), etc. It can also be a 5G mobile communication system, such as a gNB in ​​a next generation wireless (NR) system, or a transmission point (TRP or TP), one or a group of (including multiple antenna panels) antenna panels of a base station in a 5G mobile communication system, or it can also be a network node constituting a gNB or a transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU) or a distributed unit (DBU). unit, DU) etc.

[0099] In some deployments, the gNB may include a centralized unit (CU) and a DU. The gNB may also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU implements some functions of the gNB, and the DU implements some functions of the gNB. For example, the CU is responsible for processing non-real-time protocols and services, and implementing the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layers. The DU is responsible for processing physical layer protocols and real-time services, and implementing the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer, the media access control (MAC) layer, and the physical (PHY) layer. The AAU implements some physical layer processing functions, RF processing, and related functions of active antennas. The information of the RRC layer is generated by the CU, and will eventually be encapsulated by the PHY layer of the DU to become the PHY layer information, or, it is converted from the PHY layer information. Therefore, in this architecture, high-level signaling such as RRC layer signaling can also be considered to be sent by the DU, or, sent by the DU+AAU. It is understandable that the access network device may be a device including one or more of a CU node, a DU node, and an AAU node. In addition, the CU may be classified as an access network device in an access network, or the CU may be classified as an access network device in a core network (CN), which is not limited in this application.

[0100] The terminal and the access network device communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology (such as NR or LTE technology). The terminals can also communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology (such as NR or LTE technology).

[0101] Access network equipment and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; on the water; or in the air on aircraft, balloons, and artificial satellites.

[0102] The core network equipment is also called the core network element, which may include but is not limited to some or all of the following elements: user plane elements and control plane elements. The control plane elements may include mobility management elements, session management elements, etc. In addition, it may also include policy control elements, unified data management elements, authentication server functions (AUSF), network repository functions (NRF), network exposure functions (NEF), network slice selection functions (NSSF), application functions (AF) and other elements.

[0103] The user plane network element serves as an interface with the data network (DN), responsible for forwarding and receiving user data in the terminal. It can receive user data from the data network and transmit it to the terminal device through the access network device. It can also receive user data from the terminal device through the access network device and forward it to the data network. In the 5G mobile communication system, the user plane network element can be UPF. The transmission resources and scheduling functions that provide services to the terminal devices in UPF are managed and controlled by the SMF network element.

[0104] The data network provides, for example, operator services, Internet access or third-party services, including servers, which implement video source encoding, rendering, etc. In the 5G mobile communication system, the data network can be a data network, referred to as DN.

[0105] The mobility management network element is mainly responsible for signaling processing, such as access control, mobility management, attachment and detachment, and gateway selection. In the 5G mobile communication system, the mobility management network element can be AMF. When AMF provides services for a session in a terminal, it can provide storage resources of the control plane for the session to store the session identifier, the SMF network element identifier associated with the session identifier, etc.

[0106] The session management network element is mainly responsible for user plane network element selection, user plane network element redirection, Internet protocol (IP) address allocation, bearer establishment, modification and release, and service quality (Quality of Service) control. In the 5G mobile communication system, this network element can be SMF, which is used for session management after user access, including PDU session establishment, modification, activation, deactivation, release, etc.

[0107] In the 5G mobile communication system, the policy control network element can be a policy control function (PCF), which is mainly responsible for policy control decisions, providing policy rules for control plane functions, and traffic-based billing control functions.

[0108] In the 5G mobile communication system, the unified data management network element can be unified data management (UDM), which is mainly responsible for the UE's contract data management, including the storage and management of UE identification, UE access authorization, etc.

[0109] Network Exposure Function (NEF): mainly supports the secure interaction between 3GPP networks and third-party applications.

[0110] The application function (AF) mainly supports interaction with the 3GPP core network to provide services, such as influencing data routing decisions, policy control functions or providing some third-party services to the network side.

[0111] The network slice selection function (NSSF) is mainly responsible for network slice selection and determines the network slice instance that the UE is allowed to access based on the UE's slice selection auxiliary information, contract information, etc.

[0112] The Authentication Server Function (AUSF) supports 3GPP and non-3GPP access authentication.

[0113] The network repository function (NRF) supports registration and discovery of network functions.

[0114] based on Figure 1 In the system architecture shown, the user plane is used to carry service data, and the control plane is used to carry signaling messages. The user's data traffic can be transmitted through the PDU session established between the UE and the DN, and the transmission will pass through the (R)AN and UPF. The control plane network element is mainly responsible for authentication and authorization, registration management, session management, mobility management, and policy control, so as to achieve reliable and stable transmission of user layer traffic.

[0115] Figure 1 It also shows the interaction between the terminal, access network equipment, and core network elements and the corresponding interfaces. For example, the UE and AMF can interact through the N1 interface, and the interaction message is called the N1 Message. Some interfaces are implemented as service-oriented interfaces.

[0116] See also Figure 2, which is an architecture supporting access traffic steering, switching, splitting (ATSSS) features applicable to the embodiments of the present application. Both the UE and UPF in the architecture support the ATSSS feature, that is, they can transmit the service flow data to be sent through 3GPP access technology and non-3GPP access technology at the same time to improve transmission efficiency.

[0117] Both N3IWF and TNGF belong to non-3GPP access, and RAN belongs to 3GPP access. When the UE establishes a multi-access (MA) PDU session, that is, the PDU session is established on 3GPP access and non-3GPP access, the UE and UPF use different diversion modes to divert data flows or QoS flows on the transmission paths corresponding to 3GPP access and non-3GPP access, or perform path selection transmission according to the policy information sent by the SMF.

[0118] In the future ATSSS architecture, such as the ATSSS architecture of the 6G system, the UE can access through two 3GPPs and transmit the service flow data through two 3GPP accesses. Figure 2 The ATSSS architecture shown is similar to Figure 2 The non-3GPP access in the ATSSS architecture diagram shown in is replaced by 3GPP access.

[0119] In order to ensure the end-to-end service quality of the 5G system, a 5G QoS model based on QoS flow is proposed, such as Figure 3 As shown. The 5G QoS model supports QoS flow with guaranteed bit rate (GBR QoS flow, where GBR is the abbreviation of guaranteed bit rate) and QoS flow without guaranteed bit rate (Non-GBRQoS Flow). Data packets controlled by the same QoS flow receive the same transmission processing (such as scheduling, access threshold, etc.). For a UE, one or more PDU sessions can be established with the 5G network; one or more QoS flows can be established in each PDU session. Each QoS flow is identified by a QFI (QoS Flow Identifier), which uniquely identifies a QoS flow in a session.

[0120] In the embodiment of the present application, QoS flow is also called data flow, and QoS flow and data flow can be used interchangeably.

[0121] Figure 2 The ATSSS architecture shown can support multiple steering modes. For example, the supported steering modes may include: active-standby mode, smallest delay mode, load-balancing mode, and priority-based mode. The steering mode is used to determine how to transmit data. In simple terms, it determines which data streams are transmitted through 3GPP access technology and which data streams are transmitted through non-3GPP access technology. The following briefly describes the mechanism of each steering mode.

[0122] Active / standby mode: see Figure 4 (a) in this mode, one of the transmission paths is designated as the primary path (also called the Active path), and the other transmission path is designated as the standby path (also called the Standby path), where the primary path can be 3GPP access or non-3GPP access. When the primary path is available, all data of the service flow is transmitted to the peer end through the primary path. When the primary path is unavailable, all data of the service flow is switched to the standby path for transmission.

[0123] Priority-based mode: see Figure 4 (b) in this mode, one of the transmission paths is designated as a high-priority transmission path, and the other transmission path is designated as a low-priority transmission path. When the high-priority transmission path is not congested, all data of the service flow is transmitted through the high-priority transmission path; when the high-priority transmission path is congested, part of the data of the service flow is transmitted through the low-priority transmission path. Exemplarily, if the round-trip time (RTT) measurement or the packet error rate (PER) or the packet loss rate (PLR) measurement between the UE and the UPF does not exceed the set threshold, it indicates that the high-priority transmission path is not congested; if the RTT or PER measured between the UE and the UPF exceeds the set threshold, it indicates that the high-priority transmission path is congested.

[0124] Minimum Delay Mode: See Figure 4 (c) In this mode, the transmission path with the shortest delay is selected to transmit the data of the service flow. In this mode, the UE or UPF needs to monitor the transmission delay of the path in real time. This can be achieved by the transport layer protocol, such as the MPTCP (a multipath transmission protocol, i.e., MultiPathTCP) layer has the function of detecting RTT, or by the PMF module in the UPF.

[0125] Load balancing mode: see Figure 4 (d) In this mode, the data of the service flow is distributed to different transmission paths in proportion. The proportion can be distributed by the network and is a fixed proportion (i.e., it will not change with the change of network load). The diversion ratio can also be changed based on the RTT measurement or PER measurement between the UE and the UPF.

[0126] The UE and UPF perform measurements based on the PMF protocol, including RTT measurement, PER measurement, and PLR measurement. Figure 5 , exemplarily illustrates a schematic diagram of a measurement based on the PMF protocol involved in an embodiment of the application. The UE and UPF can use the measurement results to determine the diversion ratio of the data flow (for example, in a load balancing mode) or determine the transmission path of the data flow (for example, in a minimum delay mode or a priority-based mode).

[0127] When performing PMF measurement between UE and UPF, bidirectional transmission is required between UE and UPF. Since the transmission path between UE and UPF is long, both real-time and reliability are difficult to guarantee, which will affect the real-time and reliability of the diversion ratio decision or the transmission path decision.

[0128] To this end, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method and a related device capable of implementing the method. In an embodiment of the present application, a decision on the diversion ratio of a data stream or a decision on the target transmission path of a data stream can be made on the terminal side and / or the network side according to the transmission auxiliary information sent by the access network device, so as to improve the real-time and reliability of the transmission decision, that is, to improve the transmission decision performance.

[0129] The embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0130] First, some devices involved in the embodiments of the present application are described. The devices involved in the embodiments of the present application include: a terminal, an access network device, and a core network device.

[0131] Taking the 5G system as an example, the access network device may be Figure 1 Access network devices in the architecture. The embodiment of the present application involves N access network devices, where N is a positive integer greater than 1. The N access network devices may be N RAN devices; or the N access network devices are N N3IWF devices; or the N access network devices are N TNGF devices; or the N access network devices include at least one RAN device and at least one N3IWF device; or the N access network devices include at least one RAN device and at least one TNGF device; or the N access network devices include at least one N3IWF device and at least one TNGF device.

[0132] Taking the 5G system as an example, the core network device may be Figure 1 The core network device in the architecture shown. The core network device includes a control plane function entity and a user plane function entity (such as UPF). The control plane function entity includes a session management function entity (such as SMF) and an access and mobility management function entity (such as AMF).

[0133] Taking N=2 as an example, the terminal accesses the network through two access network devices. For example, both access network devices are RAN devices or both access network devices are 3GPP access devices.

[0134] It is understandable that the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to other communication systems, such as 6G systems or further evolved systems. The naming of devices that implement the same or similar functions in the 5G system may be different from that in other systems, but it does not affect the implementation of the present application.

[0135] Secondly, the "transmission auxiliary information" involved in the embodiments of the present application is explained.

[0136] The transmission auxiliary information may be acquired by the access network device. The transmission auxiliary information of an access network device may be used to indicate the transmission performance of a transmission path (eg, N3 tunnel) corresponding to the access network device.

[0137] Exemplarily, taking the first access network device as an example, the transmission auxiliary information of the first access network device may include one or more of the following information:

[0138] -Signal status information measured by the first access network device, the signal status information indicating the signal status between the first access network device and the terminal. Optionally, the first access network device may measure the uplink signal (e.g., uplink reference signal) received from the terminal to obtain signal status information. Optionally, the signal status information may include reference signal receiving power (RSRP), reference signal receiving quality (RSRQ), etc. It can be understood that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the type of the uplink signal.

[0139] -Signal status information received by the first access network device from the terminal, the signal status information indicating the signal status between the first access network device and the terminal. Optionally, the terminal may measure the downlink signal sent by the first access network device and report the measurement result to the first access network device, and the measurement result may include or indicate the signal status information. Optionally, the signal status information may include RSRP, RSRQ, etc. It can be understood that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the type of the downlink signal.

[0140] - Load information (load info) of the first access network device, for example, the load information may include information such as load level, and illustratively, the load level may be divided into high, medium, and low.

[0141] -Air interface transmission delay (Uu delay) between the first access network device and the terminal.

[0142] -The transmission rate between the first access network device and the terminal, for example, a transmission rate prediction value that the first access network device can provide to the terminal.

[0143] - Transmission reliability information between the first access network device and the terminal, for example, the transmission reliability information includes a packet error rate (PER).

[0144] The transmission auxiliary information of the access network device is used to determine the transmission parameters. Taking the example that the data of the first PDU session can be transmitted through N transmission paths corresponding to N access network devices, the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices can be used to determine the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the PDU session on the N transmission paths. For example, if the transmission mode is a diversion transmission mode, the diversion ratio of the data of the first PDU session on the N transmission paths can be determined based on the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices; for another example, if the transmission mode is a path selection transmission mode, the target transmission path of the data of the first PDU session in the N transmission paths can be determined based on the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices.

[0145] In some embodiments of the present application, N access network devices may send their respective transmission auxiliary information to a first device, and the first device may determine the data diversion ratio or the target transmission path of the data based on the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices. The first device may include a terminal and / or a user plane functional entity. Among them, the terminal may determine the data diversion ratio or the target transmission path in the uplink direction based on the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices, and the user plane functional entity may determine the data diversion ratio or the target transmission path in the downlink direction based on the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices.

[0146] Combine the following Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The above method is described. Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In the process shown, the terminal is connected to the user plane functional entity through N access network devices, or the terminal has transmission paths corresponding to N access network devices, or the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices are associated with a session of the terminal (such as the first PDU session). Figure 6 Describes the process in which the user plane function entity determines the data splitting ratio or the target data transmission path according to the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices when N access network devices are connected to the same access and mobility management function entity; Figure 7 Describes the process in which the user plane function entity determines the data splitting ratio or the target data transmission path according to the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices when N access network devices are connected to different access and mobility management function entities; Figure 8 Describes the process in which, when N access network devices are connected to the same access and mobility management function entity, a terminal determines the data splitting ratio or the target data transmission path according to the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices; Fig. 9 The present invention describes a process in which, when N access network devices are connected to different access and mobility management function entities, a terminal determines a data diversion ratio or a target data transmission path according to transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices.

[0147] To simplify the description, Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The processes shown are based on Figure 1 The system architecture shown is described by taking the control plane network function entity including SMF and AMF as an example, taking the user plane function entity as UPF as an example, and the number of access network devices N=2, that is, the access network device includes a first access network device and a second access network device as an example. Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In the process shown, the terminals are connected to the UPF through the first access network device and the second access network device, or the terminals have transmission paths corresponding to the two access network devices, or the transmission paths corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device are associated with the first PDU session of the terminal, or the first PDU session is established on the first access network device and the second access network device. Among them, SMF is used to manage the first PDU session of the terminal, and UPF, the first access network device and the second access network device are used to transmit data of the first PDU session.

[0148] See also Figure 6 , is a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. In this method, when the first access network device and the second access network device are connected to the same AMF, the access network device sends transmission auxiliary information to the UPF according to the reporting indication information sent by the SMF, so that the UPF makes a data flow splitting ratio decision or a transmission path decision according to the transmission auxiliary information received from different access network devices.

[0149] like Figure 6 As shown, the process may include the following steps:

[0150] Step 601: The terminal sends a PDU session establishment request message to the AMF through the first access network device and the second access network device respectively, requesting to establish a first PDU session.

[0151] The message includes an MA PDU request and an identifier of the first PDU session. The MA PDU request indicates that the data of the first PDU session is transmitted on at least two access network devices, or in other words, the MA PDU request indicates that the data of the first PDU session is transmitted on the transmission paths corresponding to at least two access network devices. That is, when the terminal requests to establish the first PDU session, the execution can be triggered. Figure 6 The following steps of the process are shown.

[0152] Optionally, when the terminal requests to modify the first PDU session, execution can also be triggered Figure 6 The following steps of the process are shown. Correspondingly, in this case, the PDU session establishment request message sent by the terminal can be replaced by a PDU session modification request message.

[0153] The above only illustrates the example of triggering the PDU session establishment request message or the PDU session modification request message. Figure 6 It can be understood that the following steps of the process shown may also be triggered by other messages or events, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0154] Step 602: AMF sends a PDU session context establishment request message to SMF, which includes an MA PDU request.

[0155] Optionally, the PDU session context establishment request message may also include multiple access indication information, wherein the multiple access indication information indicates a dual radio access type (dual radio access), or indicates that the terminal accesses through a dual access type. For example, the multiple access indication information indicates that the terminal accesses through 3GPP access and non-3GPP access respectively. For another example, the multiple access type indication information indicates that the terminal accesses through two 3GPP accesses or dual 3GPP access types. For example, when the AMF receives a PDU session establishment request for the first PDU session from two access network devices respectively, the PDU session context establishment request message includes multiple access indication information. For the case of two access network devices, the multiple access indication information indicates a dual radio access type or a dual 3GPP access type.

[0156] Optionally, the PDU session context establishment request message may also include an identifier of the first PDU session.

[0157] Steps 603a and 603b: The SMF sends reporting indication information to the first access network device and the second access network device respectively.

[0158] Optionally, when SMF determines that the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the transmission path corresponding to the second access network device are associated with the first PDU session of the terminal, SMF sends reporting indication information to the first access network device and the second access network device respectively. Since the above two PDU session requests received by AMF from the terminal are both associated with the first PDU session, for example, the two PDU session requests are used to request to establish the first PDU session or request to modify the first PDU session, SMF can determine that the data of the first PDU session of the terminal can be transmitted on the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the transmission path corresponding to the second access network device, or in other words, the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the transmission path corresponding to the second access network device are associated with the first PDU session of the terminal.

[0159] SMF can send reporting indication information to the first access network device and the second access network device respectively through AMF. Optionally, SMF can send a session container (N2 SM information) to the first access network device and the second access network device respectively through AMF, and the container includes reporting indication information. In one possible implementation, the reporting indication information sent by SMF is associated with the identifier of the first PDU session, for example, SMF sends the reporting indication information and the identifier of the first PDU session to AMF, so that after AMF receives the reporting indication information, it can determine that the reporting indication information needs to be sent to the first access network device or the second access network device used to transmit the data of the first PDU session. In another possible implementation, in step 602, AMF can send the identifier of the first access network device and the identifier of the second access network device associated with the identifier of the first PDU session to SMF, so that in steps 603a and 603b, SMF can send the reporting indication information to AMF and indicate whether the reporting indication information is sent to the first access network device or the second access network device. It should be understood that the present application does not limit the specific implementation method in which SMF sends reporting indication information to the first access network device and the second access network device respectively through AMF.

[0160] In one possible implementation, the reporting indication information sent by the SMF to the first access network device and the second access network device may be the same, and both are used to indicate the sending of transmission auxiliary information. In another possible implementation, the reporting indication information sent by the SMF to the first access network device and the second access network device may be different, for example, the reporting indication information sent by the SMF to the first access network device indicates the first access network device to send transmission auxiliary information, and the reporting indication information sent by the SMF to the second access network device indicates the second access network device to send transmission auxiliary information. The transmission auxiliary information of the two access network devices indicates the transmission performance of the transmission paths corresponding to the two access network devices, wherein the transmission auxiliary information of the first access network device indicates the transmission performance of the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device, and the transmission auxiliary information of the second access network device indicates the performance of the transmission path corresponding to the second access network device.

[0161] Optionally, the reporting indication information also instructs the access network device to send the transmission auxiliary information to the UPF. For example, the reporting indication information may instruct the access network device to send the transmission auxiliary information for downlink transmission control, or indicate the identifier or address of the UPF, or indicate the type of the target device of the transmission auxiliary information, so that the access network device can determine to send the transmission auxiliary information to the UPF. Accordingly, the first access network device and the second access network device send the transmission auxiliary information to the UPF according to the received reporting indication information.

[0162] Optionally, the SMF may also send reporting frequency indication information to the first access network device, and the first access network device may send transmission auxiliary information to the UPF according to the reporting frequency indicated by the reporting frequency indication information. Similarly, the SMF may also send reporting frequency indication information to the second access network device, and the second access network device may send transmission auxiliary information to the UPF according to the reporting frequency indicated by the reporting frequency indication information. The reporting frequency indication information may specifically indicate the number of reports per second, or once every few seconds. Optionally, the reporting frequency indication information may be included in the reporting indication information or sent via a separate message.

[0163] Step 604: SMF sends transmission indication information to UPF, wherein the transmission indication information includes first transmission indication information, and the first transmission indication information indicates a transmission mode of data of the first PDU session, wherein the transmission mode is a split transmission mode, a path selection transmission mode, or a redundant transmission mode (or redundant transmission mode).

[0164] The first PDU session includes at least one data stream, and the at least one data stream includes a first data stream; the data of the first PDU session includes the first data stream. Accordingly, the first transmission indication information may indicate the transmission mode of the first data stream of the first PDU session. If the first PDU session includes multiple data streams, the first transmission indication information may also indicate the transmission modes of the multiple data streams, and the transmission modes of the multiple data streams may be the same or different. For example, the first transmission indication information indicates that the first data stream in the first PDU session is a diversion transmission mode, and indicates that the second data stream in the first PDU session is a path selection transmission mode, which is not limited in this application.

[0165] Optionally, the SMF may obtain the transmission mode information of the data of the first PDU session from the PCF, and then configure the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session to the UPF through the first transmission indication information.

[0166] Optionally, the PCF or SMF determines the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session according to the data requirements of the first PDU session. For example, the data of the first PDU session includes a first data stream. If the transmission rate requirement of the first data stream is relatively high, the transmission mode of the first data stream is determined to be a split transmission mode; if the transmission reliability requirement of the first data stream is relatively high, the transmission mode of the first data stream is determined to be a redundant transmission mode.

[0167] Optionally, the split transmission mode may include: Figure 4 The load balancing mode shown. Optionally, the path selection transmission mode can be Figure 4 The active-standby mode, minimum delay mode, or priority-based mode shown in the present application is not limited thereto.

[0168] Optionally, the transmission indication information also includes second transmission indication information, and the second transmission indication information instructs the UPF to determine the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first PDU session according to the transmission auxiliary information of the first access network device and the second access network device. Alternatively, the second transmission indication information instructs the UPF to determine the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first PDU session according to the transmission auxiliary information of the access network device. In other words, the second indication information only needs to instruct the UPF to determine the transmission parameters according to the transmission auxiliary information of the access network device, without indicating which specific access network device's transmission auxiliary information is used to determine the transmission parameters.

[0169] In one implementation, the second transmission indication information instructs the UPF to determine the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the first data stream of the first PDU session based on the transmission auxiliary information of the first access network device and the second access network device; in another implementation, the second transmission indication information instructs the UPF to determine the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of each data stream in the first PDU session according to the transmission auxiliary information of the first access network device and the second access network device; in another implementation, the second transmission indication information instructs the UPF to determine the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session according to the transmission auxiliary information of the first access network device and the second access network device, or to determine the transmission parameters at the granularity of the first PDU session, and different data streams with the same transmission mode correspond to the same transmission parameters. That is to say, the second indication information may indicate the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of one or more data streams (such as the first data stream, or the first data stream and the second data stream) in the first PDU session. In this case, the one or more data streams may be indicated in combination with the identifier of the data stream; or the second indication information may also indicate the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of each data stream in the first PDU session respectively. The transmission modes of different data streams may be different, and the transmission parameters corresponding to different data streams with the same transmission mode may be different; or the second indication information may indicate the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session determined with the first PDU session as the granularity, and different data streams with the same transmission mode correspond to the same transmission parameters.

[0170] Optionally, the second transmission indication information may be an access network assistance indicator (AN-assistance indicator) or a radio access network assistance indicator (RAN-assistance indicator). The transmission parameter corresponding to the offload transmission mode indicates the offload ratio of the data of the first PDU session on the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device, and the transmission parameter corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicates the target transmission path of the data of the first PDU session, and the target transmission path is one of the two transmission paths corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0171] Optionally, when the transmission mode is a redundant transmission mode, that is, the first transmission indication information indicates that the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session is a redundant transmission mode, the second transmission indication information instructs the UPF to determine whether to enable or stop the redundant transmission mode to transmit the data of the first PDU session according to the transmission auxiliary information of the first access network device and the second access network device. Taking the data of the first PDU session as the first data stream in the first PDU session as an example, when the transmission reliability in the transmission auxiliary information is poor, the UPF turns on the redundant transmission mode for the first data stream. When the transmission reliability in the transmission auxiliary information is good, the UPF turns off or stops the redundant transmission mode for the first data stream.

[0172] Optionally, the SMF may also send diversion rules or transmission path selection rules to the UPF. The diversion rules indicate the correspondence between the transmission auxiliary information and the diversion ratio. The transmission path selection rules indicate how to select the target transmission path based on the transmission auxiliary information. Exemplarily, if the transmission mode indicated by the first transmission indication information is the diversion transmission mode, the SMF sends the diversion rules to the UPF; if the transmission mode indicated by the first transmission indication information is the path selection transmission mode, the SMF sends the path selection rules to the UPF. Optionally, the diversion rules or transmission path selection rules may be sent via a separate message, or may be sent together with the transmission indication information via one message.

[0173] Optionally, when the SMF determines that the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the transmission path corresponding to the second access network device are associated with the first PDU session of the terminal, the SMF sends transmission indication information to the UPF.

[0174] Step 605: The first access network device and the second access network device send transmission auxiliary information to the UPF respectively.

[0175] Optionally, after receiving the reporting indication information, the first access network device may periodically send transmission auxiliary information. Similarly, after receiving the reporting indication information, the second access network device may periodically send transmission auxiliary information. This allows the UPF to timely adjust the transmission parameters according to the received transmission auxiliary information, such as timely adjusting the diversion ratio of the data of the first PDU session on the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device, or timely adjusting the target transmission path of the data of the first PDU session, thereby improving the transmission decision performance, and further improving the transmission performance.

[0176] If in steps 603a and 603b, the SMF sends reporting frequency indication information to the first access network device and the second access network device, the first access network device and the second access network device may send transmission auxiliary information according to the reporting frequency indicated by the received reporting frequency indication information.

[0177] Optionally, the first access network device and the second access network device may send transmission auxiliary information to the UPF through the N3 tunnel. The N3 tunnel uses the access network (AN) tunnel information (Tunnel Info) and the core network (CN) tunnel information (Tunnel Info) as the tunnel address. The UPF may determine which access network device the received transmission auxiliary information comes from based on the tunnel address of the transmission auxiliary information.

[0178] Step 606: The UPF determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first PDU session according to the received transmission auxiliary information.

[0179] Optionally, the UPF may determine the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session according to the received transmission auxiliary information when receiving the transmission indication information. The UPF may also determine the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session according to the received transmission auxiliary information after receiving the transmission auxiliary information sent by the first access network device and the second access network device. This application is not limited to this.

[0180] The first PDU session includes at least one data stream, and the at least one data stream includes a first data stream; the data of the first PDU session includes the first data stream.

[0181] In one possible implementation, the UPF determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the first data stream in the first PDU session. That is, the UPF can determine the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of a data stream in the first PDU session. Optionally, the data stream identifier can be used to indicate to the UPF which data stream in the first PDU session has the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode.

[0182] In another possible implementation, the UPF determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission modes of the multiple data streams in the first PDU session respectively. That is to say, the UPF can determine the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission modes of the multiple data streams in the first PDU session, and different data streams with the same transmission mode may have different transmission parameters. Optionally, the data stream identifier can be used to indicate to the UPF which data streams in the first PDU session have transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode. For example, the first PDU session includes a first data stream and a second data stream in a diversion transmission mode, and the UPF determines the diversion ratio of the first data stream to be a first diversion ratio, and determines the diversion ratio of the second data stream to be a second diversion ratio. For another example, the first PDU session includes a first data stream and a second data stream in a path selection transmission mode, and the UPF determines the target transmission path of the first data stream to be the first transmission path corresponding to the first access network device, and determines the target transmission path of the second data stream to be the second transmission path corresponding to the second access network device.

[0183] In another possible implementation, the UPF determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session at the PDU session granularity. In other words, the UPF can determine the same transmission parameters for data streams with the same transmission mode. For example, the first PDU session includes a first data stream and a second data stream in a diversion transmission mode, and the UPF determines a first diversion ratio, and the first data stream and the second data stream are both transmitted on different transmission paths according to the first diversion ratio. For another example, the first PDU session includes a first data stream and a second data stream in a path selection transmission mode, and the UPF determines a first target transmission path, and the first data stream and the second data stream are both transmitted through the first target transmission path.

[0184] In one possible implementation, if the transmission mode indicated by the first transmission indication information received in step 604 is a diversion transmission mode, then in step 606, the UPF determines the diversion ratio of the data of the first PDU session on the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device according to the received transmission auxiliary information; if the transmission mode indicated by the first transmission indication information received in step 604 is a diversion path selection mode, then in step 606, the UPF determines the target transmission path of the data of the first PDU session according to the received transmission auxiliary information, and the target transmission path is one of the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the transmission path corresponding to the second access network device.

[0185] Exemplarily, taking the diversion transmission mode as an example, if the UPF determines that the signal state of the first access network device is better or the load is lower or the air interface transmission delay is lower based on the received transmission auxiliary information, a higher diversion ratio can be allocated to the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device, so that the UPF can send more data to the N3 tunnel corresponding to the first access network node. If the UPF determines that the transmission rate of the first access network device is greater than the transmission rate of the second access network device based on the received transmission auxiliary information, a higher diversion ratio can be allocated to the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device.

[0186] In a possible implementation, the UPF may determine the diversion ratio of the data of the first PDU session on the transmission paths corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device based on the received transmission auxiliary information and diversion rules; or, the UPF may determine the target transmission path of the data of the first PDU session based on the received transmission auxiliary information and the path selection rule. The diversion rule indicates the correspondence between the transmission auxiliary information and the diversion ratio. The transmission path selection rule indicates how to select the target transmission path based on the transmission auxiliary information.

[0187] In a possible implementation, the UPF determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session according to the received transmission auxiliary information and the capability information of the terminal. The capability information of the terminal indicates the air interface transmission capability of the terminal in the first access network device and the second access network device. The air interface transmission capability may include multi-antenna capability, bandwidth capability, transmission power capability, etc. Exemplarily, taking the diversion transmission mode as an example, if the UPF determines that the air interface capability between the terminal and the first access network device is stronger than the air interface capability between the terminal and the second access network device according to the capability information of the terminal, a first percentage value may be allocated to the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device, and a second percentage value may be allocated to the transmission path corresponding to the second access network device, the first percentage value is greater than the second percentage value, and the sum of the first percentage value and the second percentage value is equal to 1. Taking the path selection transmission mode as an example again, if the UPF determines that the air interface capability between the terminal and the first access network device is stronger than the air interface capability between the terminal and the second access network device according to the capability information of the terminal, it is more likely to determine the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device as the target transmission path.

[0188] Optionally, SMF can send the capability information of the terminal to UPF. Optionally, the terminal can send its capability information to AMF, and AMF sends the capability information to SMF.

[0189] In a possible implementation, the UPF determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session according to the received transmission auxiliary information and the capability information of the first access network device and the capability information of the second access network device. The capability information of the first access network device may be multi-antenna capability, bandwidth capability, transmission power capability, transmission rate capability or supported access technology type. The access technology type may be 5G new radio (NR), 5G new radio (satellite), 6G. Exemplarily, taking the offload transmission mode as an example, if the UPF determines that the capability of the first access network device is stronger than the capability of the second access network device according to the capability information of the first access network device and the capability information of the second access network device, a first percentage value may be allocated to the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device, and a second percentage value may be allocated to the transmission path corresponding to the second access network device, the first percentage value is greater than the second percentage value, and the sum of the first percentage value and the second percentage value is equal to 1. Among them, the AMF obtains the capability information of the first access network device and the capability information of the second access network device respectively through the interface between the first access network device and the second access network device. In step 602, AMF sends the capability information of the first access network device and the capability information of the second access network device to SMF, and in step 604, SMF sends the capability information of the first access network device and the capability information of the second access network device to UPF.

[0190] In a possible implementation, the UPF determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session based on the received auxiliary information and measurement information. The measurement information may include measurement information obtained based on RTT measurement and / or measurement information obtained based on PER measurement. Exemplarily, the UPF may perform RTT measurement to obtain the round-trip delay between the terminal and perform PER measurement to obtain the packet error rate between the terminal. The UPF then determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session based on the received transmission auxiliary information and the measured round-trip delay and / or packet error rate.

[0191] It can be understood that UPF can determine the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first PDU session based on the received transmission auxiliary information and at least one of the capability information, measurement information, capability information of the first access network device, and capability information of the second access network device of the above-mentioned terminal.

[0192] Optionally, when the transmission mode is a redundant transmission mode, step 606 is replaced by: when the UPF receives the transmission indication information, the UPF determines to adopt the redundant transmission mode to transmit the data of the first PDU session according to the received transmission auxiliary information. Exemplarily, if the signal state of the first access network device and the signal state of the second access network device are both poor, it is determined to adopt the redundant transmission mode to transmit the data of the first PDU session. Exemplarily, if the transmission reliability between the first access network device and the terminal and the transmission reliability between the second access network device and the terminal are both poor, it is determined to adopt the redundant transmission mode to transmit the data of the first PDU session. Taking the data of the first PDU session as the first data stream in the first PDU session as an example, when the transmission reliability in the transmission auxiliary information is poor, the UPF determines to turn on the redundant transmission mode to transmit the first data stream. When the transmission reliability in the transmission auxiliary information is good, the UPF determines to turn off or stop the redundant transmission mode to transmit the first data stream.

[0193] Step 607: UPF transmits the data of the first PDU session according to the determined transmission parameters.

[0194] UPF can divert and transmit the data of the first PDU session on the downlink transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device according to the diversion ratio indicated by the transmission parameters corresponding to the diversion transmission mode, or transmit the data of the first PDU session on the target downlink transmission path according to the target downlink transmission path indicated by the transmission parameters corresponding to the path selection transmission mode.

[0195] In the diversion transmission mode, in a possible implementation, the UPF transmits data at the granularity of the session according to the diversion ratio. That is to say, the UPF transmits each data stream (or QoS stream) in the first PDU session on multiple transmission paths according to the same diversion ratio. Correspondingly, in step 606, the UPF determines a diversion ratio for all data streams in the first PDU session based on the received transmission auxiliary information, and the diversion ratio is the diversion ratio of each data stream on the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device. In step 607, the UPF performs diversion transmission on the downlink transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device according to the diversion ratio for each data stream contained in the first PDU session.

[0196] In the diversion transmission mode, in another possible implementation, the UPF transmits data according to the diversion ratio at the granularity of the data stream in the PDU session. That is to say, different data streams in the first PDU session have their own diversion ratios, and the diversion ratios of different data streams may be different. Accordingly, in step 606, the UPF determines the diversion ratio of each data stream on the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device for each data stream contained in the first PDU session according to the received transmission auxiliary information, and the diversion ratios of different data streams may be different. In step 607, the UPF performs diversion transmission on the downlink transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device according to the respective diversion ratios for each data stream contained in the first PDU session. For example, the first PDU session includes a first data stream and a second data stream, the diversion ratio of the first data stream is a first diversion ratio, the diversion ratio of the second data stream is a second diversion ratio, and the first diversion ratio and the second diversion ratio are different. UPF transmits the first data stream on the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device according to the first diversion ratio, and transmits the second data stream on the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device according to the second diversion ratio.

[0197] In the path selection transmission mode, in a possible implementation, the UPF transmits data according to the target transmission path at the granularity of the session. That is, all data streams in the first PDU session are transmitted through the same target transmission path. Accordingly, in step 606, the UPF determines the target transmission path for the first PDU session (or for all data streams in the first PDU session) based on the received transmission auxiliary information. In step 607, the UPF transmits according to the target transmission path for the first PDU session (or for all data streams in the first PDU session), that is, all data streams in the first PDU session are transmitted on the target transmission path.

[0198] In the path selection transmission mode, in another possible implementation, the UPF transmits data according to the target transmission path at the granularity of the data stream in the session. That is, each data stream in the first PDU session is transmitted through its own target transmission path. Accordingly, in step 606, the UPF determines the target transmission path of each data stream for each data stream in the first PDU session according to the received transmission auxiliary information, and the target transmission paths of different data streams may be different. In step 607, the UPF transmits each data stream in the first PDU session according to the target transmission path of each data stream. For example, the first PDU session includes a first data stream and a second data stream, and the target transmission path of the first data stream is the first path (the first path is the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device), and the target transmission path of the second data stream is the second path (the second path is the transmission path corresponding to the second access network device). The UPF transmits the first data stream on the first path and the second data stream on the second path.

[0199] In one possible implementation, the above-mentioned "all data streams in the first PDU session" can be replaced by "one or more data streams specified in the first PDU session", that is, the UPF only determines the diversion ratio or target transmission path for part of the data streams in the first PDU session.

[0200] In a possible implementation, the SMF may instruct the UPF to use which of the above methods for data transmission, for example, instruct the UPF to transmit data according to the diversion ratio at the granularity of the session, or instruct the UPF to transmit data according to the diversion ratio at the granularity of the data flow in the PDU session, or instruct the UPF to transmit data according to the target transmission path at the granularity of the session, or instruct the UPF to transmit data according to the target transmission path at the granularity of the data flow in the session. Exemplarily, in step 604, the SMF may perform the above instruction through the first transmission indication information, or perform the above instruction through the second transmission indication information, or perform the instruction through other indication information, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0201] In a possible implementation, the first PDU session includes a first data stream and a second data stream, the transmission mode of the first data stream is a diversion transmission mode, and the transmission mode of the second data stream is a path selection transmission mode. For the first data stream, the UPF transmits the first data stream through the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the transmission path corresponding to the second access network device according to the diversion ratio of the first data stream on the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the transmission path corresponding to the second access network device; for the second data stream, the UPF transmits the first data stream on the target transmission path corresponding to the second data stream. In other words, if different data streams in the same PDU session use different transmission modes, the UPF performs different processing operations on different data streams. Accordingly, the transmission auxiliary information sent by the first access network device and the second access network device can be used to determine both the diversion ratio and the target transmission path.

[0202] Optionally, when the transmission mode is a redundant transmission mode, step 607 is replaced by: UPF transmits the data of the first PDU session according to determining whether to start or stop the redundant transmission mode. For example, when UPF determines to start the redundant transmission mode to transmit the data of the first PDU session, UPF transmits the data of the first PDU session on the transmission paths corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device respectively, that is, the same data is transmitted on the transmission paths corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device. Taking the data of the first PDU session as the first data stream in the first PDU session as an example, when UPF determines to start the redundant transmission mode to transmit the first data stream, UPF transmits the same data of the first data stream on the transmission paths corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device respectively.

[0203] Understandably, Figure 6 The timing relationship of each step in the process shown is only an example, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the timing relationship of each step. For example, in other examples, step 604 is executed before steps 603a and 603b, that is, the SMF first sends the transmission indication information to the UPF, and then sends the reporting indication information to the first access network device and the second access network device; or step 604, steps 603a and 603b are executed at the same time, that is, the SMF sends the transmission indication information to the UPF and sends the reporting indication information to the first access network device and the second access network device at the same time.

[0204] Above Figure 6In the process shown, the UPF determines the diversion ratio of the data of the PDU session on different transmission paths under the diversion transmission mode, or determines the target transmission path of the data of the PDU session under the path selection transmission mode according to the transmission auxiliary information sent by the access network device. The access network device provides the UPF with transmission auxiliary information, which can reduce latency, improve reliability, and improve real-time performance compared to the UPF performing PMF measurement to obtain the transmission performance between the UPF and the terminal, thereby improving decision-making performance.

[0205] See also Figure 7 , is a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. In this method, when the first access network device and the second access network device are connected to different AMFs, the access network device sends transmission auxiliary information to the UPF according to the reporting indication information sent by the SMF, so that the UPF makes a data flow splitting ratio decision or a transmission path decision according to the transmission auxiliary information received from different access network devices.

[0206] like Figure 7 As shown, the process may include the following steps:

[0207] Step 701: The terminal sends a PDU session establishment request message to the first AMF through the first access network device, requesting to establish a first PDU session; the terminal sends a PDU session establishment request message to the second AMF through the second access network device, requesting to establish a first PDU session.

[0208] The message includes an MA PDU request and an identifier of the first PDU session. The MA PDU request indicates that the data of the first PDU session is transmitted on at least two access network devices, or in other words, the MA PDU request indicates that the data of the first PDU session is transmitted on the transmission paths corresponding to at least two access network devices. That is, when the terminal requests to establish the first PDU session, the execution can be triggered. Figure 7 The following steps of the process are shown.

[0209] Optionally, when the terminal requests to modify the first PDU session, execution can also be triggered Figure 7 The following steps of the process are shown. Correspondingly, in this case, the PDU session establishment request message sent by the terminal can be replaced by a PDU session modification request message.

[0210] The above only illustrates the example of triggering the PDU session establishment request message or the PDU session modification request message. Figure 7 It can be understood that the following steps of the process shown may also be triggered by other messages or events, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0211] Steps 702a and 702b: The first AMF sends a PDU session context establishment request message to the SMF, which includes an MA*PDU request, and the second AMF sends a PDU session context establishment request message to the SMF, which includes an MA PDU request.

[0212] Optionally, the PDU session context establishment request message may also include access type information and radio access technology (RAT) type information. The access type and RAT type are attributes of the wireless access device. The combination of the access type and the RAT type can identify the access network device. Optionally, the access type information indicates 3GPP access or non-3GPP access, and the RAT type information indicates NR access or 6G access.

[0213] Optionally, the PDU session context request message may also include an identifier of the first PDU session.

[0214] Steps 703a and 703b: The SMF sends reporting indication information to the first access network device and the second access network device respectively.

[0215] Optionally, when determining that the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the transmission path corresponding to the second access network device are associated with the first PDU session of the terminal, the SMF sends reporting indication information to the first access network device and the second access network device respectively. Optionally, the SMF can determine, based on the access type information and RAT type information included in the received PDU session context establishment request message, that the data of the first PDU session of the terminal can be transmitted on the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the transmission path corresponding to the second access network device, or that the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the transmission path corresponding to the second access network device are associated with the first PDU session of the terminal.

[0216] The SMF may send the reporting indication information to the first access network device through the first AMF, and send the reporting indication information to the second access network device through the second AMF. Optionally, the SMF may send a session container (N2 SM information) to the first access network device through the first AMF, and the container includes the reporting indication information; the SMF may send a session container (N2 SM information) to the second access network device through the second AMF, and the container includes the reporting indication information. In a possible implementation, in step 702a, the first AMF may send the identifier of the first access network device associated with the identifier of the first PDU session to the SMF, and in step 702b, the second AMF may send the identifier of the second access network device associated with the identifier of the first PDU session to the SMF; thus, in step 703a, the SMF may send the reporting indication information for sending to the first access network device to the first AMF, so that the first AMF sends the reporting indication information to the first access network device; in step 703b, the SMF may send the reporting indication information for sending to the second access network device to the second AMF, so that the second AMF sends the reporting indication information to the second access network device. It should be understood that the present application does not limit the specific implementation method of SMF sending reporting indication information to the first access network device through the first AMF, and sending reporting indication information to the second access network device through the second AMF.

[0217] In one possible implementation, the reporting indication information sent by the SMF to the first access network device and the second access network device may be the same, and both are used to indicate the sending of transmission auxiliary information. In another possible implementation, the reporting indication information sent by the SMF to the first access network device and the second access network device may be different, for example, the reporting indication information sent by the SMF to the first access network device indicates the first access network device to send transmission auxiliary information, and the reporting indication information sent by the SMF to the second access network device indicates the second access network device to send transmission auxiliary information. The transmission auxiliary information of the two access network devices indicates the transmission performance of the transmission paths corresponding to the two access network devices, wherein the transmission auxiliary information of the first access network device indicates the transmission performance of the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device, and the transmission auxiliary information of the second access network device indicates the performance of the transmission path corresponding to the second access network device.

[0218] Optionally, the reporting indication information also instructs the access network device to send the transmission auxiliary information to the UPF. For example, the reporting indication information may instruct the access network device to send the transmission auxiliary information for downlink transmission control, or indicate the identifier or address of the UPF, or indicate the type of the target network element of the transmission auxiliary information, so that the access network device can determine to send the transmission auxiliary information to the UPF. Accordingly, the first access network device and the second access network device send the transmission auxiliary information to the UPF according to the received reporting indication information.

[0219] Optionally, the SMF may also send reporting frequency indication information to the first access network device, and the first access network device may send transmission auxiliary information to the UPF according to the reporting frequency indicated by the reporting frequency indication information. Similarly, the SMF may also send reporting frequency indication information to the second access network device, and the second access network device may send transmission auxiliary information to the UPF according to the reporting frequency indicated by the reporting frequency indication information. The reporting frequency indication information may specifically indicate the number of reports per second, or once every few seconds. Optionally, the reporting frequency indication information may be included in the reporting indication information or sent via a separate message.

[0220] Step 704: SMF sends transmission indication information to UPF, wherein the transmission indication information includes first transmission indication information, and the first transmission indication information indicates a transmission mode of data of the first PDU session, wherein the transmission mode is a split transmission mode, a path selection transmission mode, or a redundant transmission mode (or redundant transmission mode).

[0221] Optionally, the SMF may also send the diversion rule or the path selection rule to the UPF. For example, if the first transmission indication information indicates that the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session is the diversion transmission mode, the SMF sends the diversion rule to the UPF; if the first transmission indication information indicates that the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session is the path selection transmission mode, the SMF sends the path selection rule to the UPF.

[0222] Step 705: The first access network device and the second access network device send transmission auxiliary information to the UPF respectively.

[0223] Step 706: The UPF determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first PDU session according to the received transmission auxiliary information.

[0224] Step 707: UPF transmits the data of the first PDU session according to the determined transmission parameters.

[0225] The specific implementation of the above steps 704 to 707 can refer to Figure 6 Relevant description in the process shown.

[0226] Understandably, Figure 7 The timing relationship of each step in the illustrated process is merely an example, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the timing relationship of each step.

[0227] See also Figure 8, is a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. In the method, when the first access network device and the second access network device are connected to the same AMF, the access network device sends transmission auxiliary information to the terminal according to the reporting indication information sent by the SMF, so that the terminal makes a data flow splitting ratio decision or a transmission path decision according to the transmission auxiliary information received from different access network devices.

[0228] like Figure 8 As shown, the process may include the following steps:

[0229] Step 801: The terminal sends a PDU session establishment request message to the AMF through the first access network device and the second access network device respectively, requesting to establish a first PDU session.

[0230] The specific implementation method of this step can be found in Figure 6 Step 601 in .

[0231] Step 802: AMF sends a PDU session context establishment request message to SMF, including an MA PDU request. Optionally, the PDU session context establishment request message may also include an identifier of the first PDU session.

[0232] The specific implementation method of this step can be found in Figure 6 Step 602 in .

[0233] Steps 803a and 803b: The SMF sends reporting indication information to the first access network device and the second access network device respectively.

[0234] The specific implementation method of this step can be found in Figure 6 Steps 603a and 603b in FIG.

[0235] In a possible implementation, the reporting indication information instructs the access network device to send the transmission auxiliary information to the terminal. For example, the reporting indication information may instruct the access network device to send the transmission auxiliary information for uplink transmission control, or indicate the identifier of the terminal, or indicate the type of the target device of the transmission auxiliary information, so that the access network device can determine to send the transmission auxiliary information to the terminal. Accordingly, the first access network device and the second access network device send the transmission auxiliary information to the terminal according to the received reporting indication information.

[0236] Step 804: The SMF sends transmission indication information to the terminal, wherein the transmission indication information includes first transmission indication information, and the first transmission indication information indicates a transmission mode of data of the first PDU session, wherein the transmission mode is a split transmission mode, a path selection transmission mode, or a redundant transmission mode.

[0237] The specific implementation method of this step can be found in Figure 6 That is, by replacing the UPF in step 604 with the terminal, the specific implementation method of step 804 can be obtained.

[0238] Steps 805a and 805b: the first access network device and the second access network device respectively send transmission auxiliary information to the terminal.

[0239] Optionally, the first access network device and the second access network device may send the transmission auxiliary information to the terminal via an RRC message.

[0240] The specific implementation method of this step can be found in Figure 6 Step 605 in step 605, that is, replacing the UPF in step 605 with the terminal, the specific implementation method of step 805 can be obtained.

[0241] Step 806: The terminal determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first PDU session according to the received transmission auxiliary information.

[0242] In this step, the terminal determines the specific implementation method of the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session according to the received transmission auxiliary information, which can be referred to Figure 6 The UPF determines the specific implementation method of the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first PDU session based on the received transmission auxiliary information.

[0243] Step 807: The terminal transmits the data of the first PDU session according to the determined transmission parameters.

[0244] The terminal can perform offload transmission of the data of the first PDU session on the uplink transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device according to the offload ratio indicated by the transmission parameters corresponding to the offload transmission mode, or transmit the data of the first PDU session on the target uplink transmission path according to the target uplink transmission path indicated by the transmission parameters corresponding to the path selection transmission mode.

[0245] In a possible implementation, the terminal can transmit data at the granularity of the session, according to the split ratio or the target transmission path, or at the granularity of the data flow in the PDU session, according to the split ratio or the target transmission path. Figure 6 The operation of the UPF in the process shown is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0246] Optionally, when the transmission mode is a redundant transmission mode, step 807 is replaced by: the terminal transmits the data of the first PDU session according to determining whether to start or stop the redundant transmission mode. For example, when the terminal determines to start the redundant transmission mode to transmit the data of the first PDU session, the terminal transmits the data of the first PDU session on the transmission paths corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device, respectively, that is, the same data is transmitted on the transmission paths corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device. Taking the data of the first PDU session as the first data stream in the first PDU session as an example, when the terminal determines to start the redundant transmission mode to transmit the first data stream, the terminal transmits the same data of the first data stream on the transmission paths corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device, respectively.

[0247] Understandably, Figure 8 The timing relationship of each step in the illustrated process is merely an example, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the timing relationship of each step.

[0248] See also Fig. 9 , is a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. In the method, when the first access network device and the second access network device are connected to different AMFs, the access network device sends transmission auxiliary information to the terminal according to the reporting indication information sent by the SMF, so that the terminal makes a data flow splitting ratio decision or a transmission path decision according to the transmission auxiliary information received from different access network devices.

[0249] like Fig. 9 As shown, the process may include the following steps:

[0250] Step 901: The terminal sends a PDU session establishment request message to the first AMF through the first access network device to request to establish a first PDU session; the terminal sends a PDU session establishment request message to the second AMF through the second access network device to request to establish a first PDU session.

[0251] The specific implementation method of this step can be found in Figure 7 Step 701 in .

[0252] Steps 902a and 902b: The first AMF sends a PDU session context establishment request message to the SMF, which includes a MAPDU request and access type indication information, and the second AMF sends a PDU session context establishment request message to the SMF, which includes a MA PDU request.

[0253] The specific implementation method of this step can be found in Figure 7 Step 702 in .

[0254] Steps 903a and 903b: The SMF sends reporting indication information to the first access network device and the second access network device respectively.

[0255] The specific implementation method of this step can be found in Figure 7 In steps 703a and 703b, that is, by replacing the UPF in steps 703a and 703b with the terminal, the specific implementation method of steps 903a and 903b can be obtained.

[0256] Step 904: The SMF sends transmission indication information to the terminal, wherein the transmission indication information includes first transmission indication information, and the first transmission indication information indicates a transmission mode of data of the first PDU session, wherein the transmission mode is a split transmission mode, a path selection transmission mode, or a redundant transmission mode.

[0257] The specific implementation method of this step can be found in Figure 8 Step 804 in .

[0258] Steps 905a and 905b: the first access network device and the second access network device respectively send transmission auxiliary information to the terminal.

[0259] The specific implementation method of this step can be found in Figure 8 Steps 805a and 805b in .

[0260] Step 906: The terminal determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first PDU session according to the received transmission auxiliary information.

[0261] The specific implementation method of this step can be found in Figure 8 Step 806 in .

[0262] Step 907: The terminal transmits the data of the first PDU session according to the determined transmission parameters.

[0263] The specific implementation method of this step can be found in Figure 8 Step 807 in .

[0264] Understandably, Fig. 9 The timing relationship of each step in the illustrated process is merely an example, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the timing relationship of each step.

[0265] In some embodiments of the present application, N access network devices may send their respective transmission auxiliary information to a session management function entity in a core network, and the session management function entity may determine a data diversion ratio or a target transmission path of the data based on the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices, and indicate the determined diversion ratio or target transmission path to a first device, so that the first device may control data transmission based on the diversion ratio or target transmission path. The first device may include a terminal and / or a user plane function entity.

[0266] Combine the following Fig.10 , Fig.11 The above method is described. Fig.10 and Fig.11 In the process shown, the terminal is connected to the user plane functional entity through N access network devices, or the terminal has transmission paths corresponding to N access network devices, or the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices are associated with a session of the terminal (such as the first PDU session). Fig.10 Describes a process in which a session management function entity determines a data split ratio or a target data transmission path according to transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices when N access network devices are connected to the same access and mobility management function entity; Fig.11 The present invention describes a process in which, when N access network devices are connected to different access and mobility management function entities, a session management function entity determines a data diversion ratio or a target data transmission path according to transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices.

[0267] To simplify the description, Fig.10 and Fig.11 The processes shown are based on Figure 1 The system architecture shown is described by taking the control plane network function entity including SMF and AMF as an example, taking the user plane function entity as UPF as an example, and the number of access network devices N=2, that is, the access network device includes a first access network device and a second access network device as an example. Fig.10 and Fig.11 In the process shown, the terminals are connected to the UPF through the first access network device and the second access network device, or the terminals have transmission paths corresponding to the two access network devices, or the transmission paths corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device are associated with the first PDU session of the terminal, or the first PDU session is established on the first access network device and the second access network device. Among them, SMF is used to manage the first PDU session of the terminal, and UPF, the first access network device and the second access network device are used to transmit data of the first PDU session.

[0268] See also Fig.10, is a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. In the method, when the first access network device and the second access network device are connected to the same AMF, the SMF makes a data flow splitting ratio decision or a transmission path decision based on the transmission auxiliary information sent by the access network device.

[0269] like Fig.10 As shown, the process may include the following steps:

[0270] Step 1001: The terminal sends a PDU session establishment request message to the AMF through the first access network device and the second access network device respectively, requesting to establish a first PDU session.

[0271] The specific implementation method of this step can be found in Figure 6 Step 601.

[0272] Step 1002: AMF sends a PDU session context establishment request message to SMF, which includes an MA PDU request and may optionally include an identifier of the first PDU session.

[0273] The specific implementation method of this step can be found in Figure 6 Step 602.

[0274] Steps 1003a and 1003b: The SMF sends reporting indication information to the first access network device and the second access network device respectively.

[0275] The specific implementation method of this step can be found in Figure 6 Steps 603a and 603b.

[0276] In one possible implementation, the reporting indication information sent by the SMF to the first access network device instructs the first access network device to send transmission auxiliary information to the SMF, and the reporting indication information sent by the SMF to the second access network device instructs the second access network device to send transmission auxiliary information to the SMF.

[0277] Step 1004a: SMF sends transmission indication information to UPF, where the transmission indication information includes third transmission indication information, and the third transmission indication information indicates the transmission of data of the first PDU session according to the received transmission parameters.

[0278] In a possible implementation, the transmission indication information further includes fourth transmission indication information, and the fourth transmission indication information indicates a transmission mode of data of the first PDU session, such as indicating that the transmission mode of the first PDU session is a diversion transmission mode, a path selection transmission mode, or a redundant transmission mode. The type of transmission mode can be referred to in the previous text and will not be repeated here.

[0279] Exemplarily, the first PDU session includes at least one data stream, the at least one data stream includes a first data stream, and the data of the first PDU session includes the first data stream. Accordingly, the fourth transmission indication information may indicate a transmission mode of the first data stream of the first PDU session.

[0280] As another example, the first PDU session includes multiple data streams, and the fourth transmission indication information may indicate the transmission modes of the multiple data streams. The transmission modes of the multiple data streams may be the same or different. For example, the first transmission indication information indicates that the first data stream in the first PDU session is a diversion transmission mode, and indicates that the second data stream in the first PDU session is a path selection transmission mode. This application is not limited to this.

[0281] In one possible implementation, when the transmission mode is a redundant transmission mode, that is, the fourth transmission indication information indicates that the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session is a redundant transmission mode, the third transmission indication information indicates to enable or stop the redundant transmission mode to transmit the data of the first PDU session according to the received transmission parameters corresponding to the redundant transmission mode.

[0282] In a possible implementation, the third transmission indication information indicates that the first data stream in the first PDU session is transmitted according to the transmission parameters corresponding to the received transmission mode of the first data stream.

[0283] In another possible implementation, the third transmission indication information indicates that, for multiple data streams (for example, each data stream) in the first PDU session, transmission is performed according to transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of each data stream in the multiple data streams.

[0284] In another possible implementation, the third transmission indication information indicates that each data stream in the first PDU session is transmitted according to the received transmission parameters with the PDU session as the granularity. For example, the transmission mode of all data streams in the first PDU session is the path selection transmission mode, and the transmission parameters received by the UPF indicate a target transmission path, then all data streams in the first PDU session are transmitted through the target transmission path. For another example, the transmission mode of all data streams in the first PDU session is the diversion transmission mode, and the transmission parameters received by the UPF indicate a diversion ratio, then all data streams in the first PDU session are transmitted on different transmission paths according to the diversion ratio. For another example, the first PDU session includes M data streams of diversion transmission mode and N data streams of path selection transmission mode, and the transmission parameters received by the UPF include an indication of a target transmission path and a diversion ratio, then the M data streams in the first PDU session are transmitted on different transmission paths according to the diversion ratio, and the N data streams in the first PDU session are transmitted through the target transmission path.

[0285] In one possible implementation, the SMF may obtain the transmission mode information of the data of the first PDU session from the PCF, and then configure the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session to the UPF through the transmission indication information.

[0286] Optionally, the PCF or SMF determines the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session according to the data requirements of the first PDU session. For example, the data of the first PDU session includes a first data stream. If the transmission rate requirement of the first data stream is relatively high, the transmission mode of the first data stream is determined to be a split transmission mode; if the transmission reliability requirement of the first data stream is relatively high, the transmission mode of the first data stream is determined to be a redundant transmission mode.

[0287] Optionally, when SMF determines that the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the transmission path corresponding to the second access network device are associated with the first PDU session of the terminal, SMF sends transmission indication information to UPF. The specific implementation method of SMF determining whether the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the transmission path corresponding to the second access network device are associated with the first PDU session of the terminal can refer to the relevant content in the previous text.

[0288] Step 1004b: The SMF sends transmission indication information to the terminal, where the transmission indication information includes third transmission indication information, and the third transmission indication information indicates that data of the first PDU session is to be transmitted according to the received transmission parameters.

[0289] Optionally, the transmission indication information also includes fourth transmission indication information, and the fourth transmission indication information indicates a transmission mode of data of the first PDU session, such as indicating that the transmission mode of the first PDU session is a diversion transmission mode or a path selection transmission mode or a redundant transmission mode.

[0290] The meaning and function of the third transmission indication information and the fourth transmission indication information are similar to the corresponding transmission indication information in the above step 1004a.

[0291] Optionally, the SMF may obtain the transmission mode information of the data of the first PDU session from the PCF, and then configure the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session to the terminal through the transmission indication information.

[0292] Optionally, when the SMF determines that the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the transmission path corresponding to the second access network device are associated with the first PDU session of the terminal, the SMF sends transmission indication information to the terminal.

[0293] Step 1005: The first access network device and the second access network device respectively send transmission auxiliary information to the SMF.

[0294] The specific implementation method of this step can be found in Figure 6 In step 605, only the first access network device and the second access network device send the transmission auxiliary information to the SMF.

[0295] Step 1006: The SMF determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first PDU session according to the received transmission auxiliary information.

[0296] In this step, SMF determines the specific implementation method of the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session according to the received transmission auxiliary information, which can be referred to Figure 6 The UPF determines the specific implementation method of the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first PDU session based on the received transmission auxiliary information.

[0297] Optionally, the SMF may determine the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session in the downlink direction, and / or the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session in the uplink direction based on the received transmission auxiliary information. Among them, the diversion ratio corresponding to the diversion transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session in the downlink direction may be the same as the diversion ratio corresponding to the diversion transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session in the uplink direction, and of course may be different; the target transmission path corresponding to the path selection transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session in the downlink direction may be the same as the target transmission path corresponding to the path selection transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session in the uplink direction, and of course may be different.

[0298] Step 1007a: SMF sends the determined transmission parameters to UPF.

[0299] Optionally, the SMF sends the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first PDU session in the downlink direction to the UPF.

[0300] Step 1007b: The SMF sends the determined transmission parameters to the terminal.

[0301] Optionally, the SMF sends transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of data of the first PDU session in the uplink direction to the terminal.

[0302] Step 1008: The terminal and / or UPF transmits the data of the first PDU session according to the received transmission parameters.

[0303] In this step, the specific implementation method in which the terminal transmits the data of the first PDU session according to the received transmission parameters can be referred to the relevant description in 8, and the specific implementation method in which the UPF transmits the data of the first PDU session according to the received transmission parameters can be referred to the relevant description in 6.

[0304] Based on the above process, in one possible implementation, step 1004b and step 1007b can be omitted, that is, the SMF only instructs the UPF to perform data transmission according to the received transmission parameters, and sends the transmission parameters to the UPF; in another possible implementation, step 1004a and step 1007a can be omitted, that is, the SMF only instructs the terminal to perform data transmission according to the received transmission parameters, and sends the transmission parameters to the terminal.

[0305] Understandably, Fig.10 The timing relationship of each step in the illustrated process is merely an example, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the timing relationship of each step.

[0306] See also Fig.11 , is a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. In the method, when the first access network device and the second access network device are connected to different AMFs, the SMF makes a data flow splitting ratio decision or a transmission path decision based on the transmission auxiliary information sent by the access network device.

[0307] like Fig.11 As shown, the process may include the following steps:

[0308] Step 1101: The terminal sends a PDU session establishment request message to the first AMF through the first access network device, requesting to establish a first PDU session; the terminal sends a PDU session establishment request message to the second AMF through the second access network device, requesting to establish a first PDU session.

[0309] The specific implementation method of this step can be found in Figure 7 Step 701.

[0310] Steps 1102a and 1102b: The first AMF sends a PDU session context establishment request message to the SMF, which includes a MAPDU request, and the second AMF sends a PDU session context establishment request message to the SMF, which includes a MA PDU request.

[0311] The specific implementation method of this step can be found in Figure 7 Steps 702a and 702b.

[0312] Steps 1103a and 1103b: The SMF sends reporting indication information to the first access network device and the second access network device respectively.

[0313] The specific implementation method of this step can be found in Fig.10 Steps 1003a and 1003b.

[0314] Step 1104a: SMF sends transmission indication information to UPF, where the transmission indication information includes third transmission indication information, and the third transmission indication information indicates the transmission of data of the first PDU session according to the received transmission parameters.

[0315] Step 1104b: The SMF sends transmission indication information to the terminal, where the transmission indication information includes third transmission indication information, and the third transmission indication information indicates that the data of the first PDU session is to be transmitted according to the received transmission parameters.

[0316] Step 1105: The first access network device and the second access network device respectively send transmission auxiliary information to the SMF.

[0317] Step 1106: The SMF determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first PDU session according to the received transmission auxiliary information.

[0318] Step 1107a: SMF sends the determined transmission parameters to UPF.

[0319] Step 1107b: The SMF sends the determined transmission parameters to the terminal.

[0320] Step 1108: The terminal and / or UPF transmits the data of the first PDU session according to the received transmission parameters.

[0321] For specific implementations of the above steps 1103a and 1103b, steps 1104a and 1104b, step 1105, step 1106, steps 1107a and 1107b, and step 1108, please refer to Fig.10 The specific implementation methods of the relevant steps in .

[0322] Based on the above process, in one possible implementation, step 1104b and step 1107b can be omitted, that is, the SMF only instructs the UPF to perform data transmission according to the received transmission parameters, and sends the transmission parameters to the UPF; in another possible implementation, step 1104a and step 1107a can be omitted, that is, the SMF only instructs the terminal to perform data transmission according to the received transmission parameters, and sends the transmission parameters to the terminal.

[0323] Understandably, Fig.11 The timing relationship of each step in the illustrated process is merely an example, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the timing relationship of each step.

[0324] In some embodiments of the present application, the session management function entity may instruct a first access network device among N access network devices to determine a data diversion ratio or a target transmission path of the data according to the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices, and indicate the determined diversion ratio and target transmission path to the first device, or forward the determined diversion ratio and target transmission path to the first device through the session management function entity, so that the first device can perform data transmission according to the received diversion ratio or target transmission path. The first device may include a terminal and / or a user plane function entity.

[0325] Combine the following Fig.12 , Fig.13 , Fig.14 and Fig.15 The above method is described. Fig.12 , Fig.13 , Fig.14 and Fig.15 In the process shown, the terminal is connected to the user plane functional entity through N access network devices, or the terminal has transmission paths corresponding to N access network devices, or the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices are associated with a session of the terminal (such as the first PDU session). Fig.12 Describes a process in which, when N access network devices are connected to the same access and mobility management function entity, for downlink transmission, the first access network device determines the data splitting ratio or the target data transmission path according to the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices; Fig.13Describes a process in which, for downlink transmission, a first access network device determines a data splitting ratio or a target data transmission path according to transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices when N access network devices are connected to different access and mobility management function entities; Fig.14 Describes a process in which, when N access network devices are connected to the same access and mobility management function entity, for uplink transmission, the first access network device determines the data splitting ratio or the target data transmission path according to the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices; Fig.15 The present invention describes a process in which, when N access network devices are connected to different access and mobility management function entities, a first access network device determines a data diversion ratio or a target data transmission path according to transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices for uplink transmission.

[0326] To simplify the description, Fig.12 , Fig.13 , Fig.14 and Fig.15 The processes shown are based on Figure 1 The system architecture shown is described by taking the control plane network function entity including SMF and AMF as an example, taking the user plane function entity as UPF as an example, and the number of access network devices N=2, that is, the access network device includes a first access network device and a second access network device as an example. Fig.12 , Fig.13 , Fig.14 and Fig.15 In the process shown, the terminals are connected to the UPF through the first access network device and the second access network device, or the terminals have transmission paths corresponding to the two access network devices, or the transmission paths corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device are associated with the first PDU session of the terminal, or the first PDU session is established on the first access network device and the second access network device. Among them, SMF is used to manage the first PDU session of the terminal, and UPF, the first access network device and the second access network device are used to transmit data of the first PDU session.

[0327] See also Fig.12 , is a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. In the method, when the first access network device and the second access network device are connected to the same AMF, for downlink transmission, the first access network device makes a data flow splitting ratio decision or a transmission path decision based on the transmission auxiliary information of the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0328] like Fig.12 As shown, the process may include the following steps:

[0329] Step 1201: The terminal sends a PDU session establishment request message to the AMF through the first access network device and the second access network device respectively, requesting to establish a first PDU session.

[0330] The specific implementation method of this step can be found in Figure 6 The relevant steps.

[0331] Step 1202: AMF sends a PDU session context establishment request message to SMF, which includes an MA PDU request.

[0332] Optionally, the PDU session context establishment request message may also include multiple access indication information, wherein the multiple access indication information indicates a dual radio access type (dual radio access), or indicates that the terminal accesses through a dual access type. For example, the multiple access indication information indicates that the terminal accesses through 3GPP access and non-3GPP access respectively. For another example, the multiple access type indication information indicates that the terminal accesses through two 3GPP accesses or dual 3GPP access types. For example, when the AMF receives a PDU session establishment request for the first PDU session from two access network devices respectively, the PDU session context establishment request message includes multiple access indication information. For the case of two access network devices, the multiple access indication information indicates a dual radio access type or a dual 3GPP access type or a dual 3GPP access type.

[0333] Optionally, the AMF may send the identifiers (e.g., cell identifiers) or device addresses of the first access network device and the second access network device to the SMF. Accordingly, in subsequent steps, the SMF determines to which access network device the first indication information is sent, or to which access network device the transmission parameters are requested. Optionally, an access network device with a small identifier value or a small address value may be selected, or an access network device may be selected based on other factors, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0334] Optionally, AMF may select the first access network device to provide transmission parameters and send the identifier or address of the second access network device to SMF.

[0335] Optionally, the PDU session context establishment request message may also include an identifier of the first PDU session.

[0336] Step 1203: SMF sends first indication information to the first access network device, and the first indication information instructs the first access network device to determine the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first session, or in other words, the first indication information indicates the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method requested for the data of the first session.

[0337] In a possible implementation, the first indication information instructs the first access network device to determine the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the first data stream in the first PDU session. That is, the first indication information can instruct the first access network device to determine the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of a data stream in the first PDU session. Optionally, the data stream identifier can be used to indicate to the first access network device which data stream in the first PDU session has the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode.

[0338] In another possible implementation, the first indication information indicates that the first access network device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission modes of the multiple data streams in the first PDU session respectively. That is, the first indication information may indicate that the first access network device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission modes of the multiple data streams in the first PDU session, and the transmission parameters of different data streams with the same transmission mode may be different. Optionally, the data stream identifier may be used to indicate to the first access network device which data streams in the first PDU session have transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode. For example, the first PDU session includes the first data stream and the second data stream of the shunt transmission mode. According to the first indication information, the first access network device determines that the shunt ratio of the first data stream is the first shunt ratio, and determines that the shunt ratio of the second data stream is the second shunt ratio. For another example, the first PDU session includes the first data stream and the second data stream of the path selection transmission mode. According to the first indication information, the first access network device determines that the target transmission path of the first data stream is the first transmission path corresponding to the first access network device, and determines that the target transmission path of the second data stream is the second transmission path corresponding to the second access network device.

[0339] In another possible implementation, the first indication information indicates that the first access network device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session at the PDU session granularity. In other words, the first indication information indicates that the same transmission parameters are determined for data streams with the same transmission mode. For example, the first PDU session includes a first data stream and a second data stream in a diversion transmission mode. According to the first indication information, the first access network device determines a first diversion ratio, and the first data stream and the second data stream are both transmitted on different transmission paths according to the first diversion ratio. For another example, the first PDU session includes a first data stream and a second data stream in a path selection transmission mode. According to the first indication information, the first access network device determines a first target transmission path, and the first data stream and the second data stream are both transmitted through the first target transmission path.

[0340] Optionally, when SMF determines that the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the transmission path corresponding to the second access network device are associated with the first PDU session of the terminal, SMF sends a first indication message to the first access network device. For the specific implementation method of SMF determining whether the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device and the transmission path corresponding to the second access network device are associated with the first PDU session of the terminal, please refer to the relevant content in the previous text.

[0341] Optionally, the SMF may also send the identifier or address of the second access network device to the first access network device, so that the first access network device can interact with the second access network device and obtain the transmission auxiliary information of the second access network device. Optionally, the SMF may obtain the identifier or address of the second access network device from the AMF, or the AMF may send the identifier or address of the second access network device to the SMF. In other embodiments, the terminal or the AMF may also send the identifier or address of the second access network device to the first access network device.

[0342] Optionally, the SMF may also send the reporting frequency indication information to the first access network device, so that the first access network device may instruct the second access network device to send transmission auxiliary information to the first access network device according to the reporting frequency indicated by the reporting frequency indication information. The reporting frequency indication information may specifically indicate the number of reports per second, or once every few seconds.

[0343] Optionally, the first indication information further indicates the first access network device to send the transmission parameters to the UPF. Optionally, the SMF may instruct the first access network device to send the transmission parameters to the UPF through other indication information, such as the second indication information.

[0344] In one possible implementation, SMF sends a session container (N2 SM information) to the first access network device through AMF, where the container includes first indication information and may optionally include reporting frequency indication information. Optionally, the container may also include an identifier of the second access network device (such as Cell ID).

[0345] Step 1204: SMF sends transmission indication information to UPF, where the transmission indication information includes fifth transmission indication information, and the fifth transmission indication information instructs UPF to transmit data of the first PDU session according to the transmission parameters.

[0346] In a possible implementation, the fifth transmission indication information indicates that the first data stream in the first PDU session is transmitted according to the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the first data stream.

[0347] In another possible implementation, the fifth transmission indication information indicates that, for multiple data streams (for example, each data stream) in the first PDU session, transmission is performed according to transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of each data stream in the multiple data streams.

[0348] In another possible implementation, the fifth transmission indication information indicates that each data stream in the first PDU session is transmitted according to the transmission parameters with the PDU session as the granularity. For example, the transmission mode of all data streams in the first PDU session is the path selection transmission mode, and the transmission parameters received by the UPF indicate a target transmission path, then all data streams in the first PDU session are transmitted through the target transmission path. For another example, the transmission mode of all data streams in the first PDU session is the diversion transmission mode, and the transmission parameters received by the UPF indicate a diversion ratio, then all data streams in the first PDU session are transmitted on different transmission paths according to the diversion ratio. For another example, the first PDU session includes M data streams of the diversion transmission mode and N data streams of the path selection transmission mode, and the transmission parameters received by the UPF include an indication of a target transmission path and a diversion ratio, then the M data streams in the first PDU session are transmitted on different transmission paths according to the diversion ratio, and the N data streams in the first PDU session are transmitted through the target transmission path.

[0349] Optionally, the transmission indication information also includes sixth transmission indication information, and the sixth transmission indication information indicates a transmission method for data of the first PDU session.

[0350] Exemplarily, the first PDU session includes at least one data stream, the at least one data stream includes a first data stream; the data of the first PDU session includes the first data stream. Accordingly, the sixth transmission indication information may indicate a transmission mode of the first data stream of the first PDU session.

[0351] As another example, the first PDU session includes multiple data streams, and the sixth transmission indication information may indicate the transmission modes of the multiple data streams. The transmission modes of the multiple data streams may be the same or different. For example, the first transmission indication information indicates that the first data stream in the first PDU session is a diversion transmission mode, and indicates that the second data stream in the first PDU session is a path selection transmission mode. This application is not limited.

[0352] In one possible implementation, when the transmission mode is a redundant transmission mode, that is, the sixth transmission indication information indicates that the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session is a redundant transmission mode, the fifth transmission indication information indicates to enable or stop the redundant transmission mode to transmit the data of the first PDU session according to the transmission parameters corresponding to the received redundant transmission mode.

[0353] Optionally, the SMF may obtain the transmission mode information of the data of the first PDU session from the PCF, and then configure the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session to the UPF through the sixth transmission indication information.

[0354] Optionally, the PCF or SMF determines the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session according to the data requirements of the first PDU session. For example, the data of the first PDU session includes a first data stream. If the transmission rate requirement of the first data stream is relatively high, the transmission mode of the first data stream is determined to be a split transmission mode; if the transmission reliability requirement of the first data stream is relatively high, the transmission mode of the first data stream is determined to be a redundant transmission mode.

[0355] Optionally, the SMF may also send a diversion rule or a transmission path selection rule to the UPF. For the description of the diversion rule and the transmission path selection rule, please refer to the relevant content in the above text.

[0356] Step 1205: The first access network device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first PDU session according to the transmission auxiliary information of the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0357] If the transmission mode is a diversion transmission mode, the first access network device determines the diversion ratio of the data of the first PDU session on the transmission paths corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device based on the transmission auxiliary information of the first access network device and the second access network device; if the transmission mode is a path selection transmission mode, the first access network device determines the target transmission path of the data of the first PDU session based on the transmission auxiliary information of the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0358] In one possible implementation, the first access network device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the first data stream in the first PDU session. That is, the first access network device can determine the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of a data stream in the first PDU session. Optionally, the data stream identifier can be used to indicate to the first access network device which data stream in the first PDU session has the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode.

[0359] In another possible implementation, the first access network device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission modes of the multiple data streams in the first PDU session respectively. That is, the first access network device can determine the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission modes of the multiple data streams in the first PDU session, and different data streams with the same transmission mode may have different transmission parameters. Optionally, the data stream identifier can be used to indicate to the first access network device which data streams in the first PDU session have transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode. For example, the first PDU session includes the first data stream and the second data stream of the diversion transmission mode, and the first access network device determines the diversion ratio of the first data stream to be the first diversion ratio, and determines the diversion ratio of the second data stream to be the second diversion ratio. For another example, the first PDU session includes the first data stream and the second data stream of the path selection transmission mode, and the UPF determines the target transmission path of the first data stream to be the first transmission path corresponding to the first access network device, and determines the target transmission path of the second data stream to be the second transmission path corresponding to the second access network device.

[0360] In another possible implementation, the first access network device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session at the PDU session granularity. In other words, the first access network device can determine the same transmission parameters for data streams with the same transmission mode. For example, the first PDU session includes a first data stream and a second data stream in a diversion transmission mode, and the first access network device determines a first diversion ratio, and the first data stream and the second data stream are both transmitted on different transmission paths according to the first diversion ratio. For another example, the first PDU session includes a first data stream and a second data stream in a path selection transmission mode, and the first access network device determines a first target transmission path, and the first data stream and the second data stream are both transmitted through the first target transmission path.

[0361] Optionally, the first access network device may obtain transmission auxiliary information from the second access network device according to the identifier or address of the second access network device. The identifier or address of the second access network device may be sent by the SMF to the first access network device, or by the AMF to the first access network device, or by the terminal to the first access network device.

[0362] Optionally, the first access network device may instruct the second access network device to send transmission auxiliary information according to the reporting frequency indication information sent by the SMF.

[0363] Optionally, the first access network device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first PDU session according to the transmission auxiliary information of the first access network device and the second access network device and the capability information of the terminal, wherein the capability information of the terminal indicates the air interface transmission capability of the terminal at the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0364] In another embodiment, when the number of access network devices is N (N is an integer greater than 2), the first access network device obtains transmission assistance information of other devices among the N access network devices except the first access network device, and determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first PDU session based on the transmission assistance and the first access network device's own transmission assistance information.

[0365] Optionally, when the transmission mode is a redundant transmission mode, step 1205 is replaced by: the first access network device determines to adopt a redundant transmission mode to transmit the data of the first PDU session according to the transmission auxiliary information. Exemplarily, if the signal state of the first access network device and the signal state of the second access network device are both poor, it is determined to adopt a redundant transmission mode to transmit the data of the first PDU session. Exemplarily, if the transmission reliability between the first access network device and the terminal and the transmission reliability between the second access network device and the terminal are both poor, it is determined to adopt a redundant transmission mode to transmit the data of the first PDU session. Taking the data of the first PDU session as the first data stream in the first PDU session as an example, when the transmission reliability in the transmission auxiliary information is poor, the first access network device determines to turn on the redundant transmission mode to transmit the first data stream. When the transmission reliability in the transmission auxiliary information is good, the first access network device determines to turn off or stop the redundant transmission mode to transmit the first data stream.

[0366] Step 1206: The first access network device sends the transmission parameters to the UPF.

[0367] Step 1207: The UPF transmits the data of the first PDU session according to the determined transmission parameters. For the specific implementation method, please refer to the relevant content in the above text.

[0368] In a possible implementation, after receiving the transmission parameters, the UPF can determine new transmission parameters based on the transmission parameters and measurement information, or adjust the received transmission parameters, such as adjusting the diversion ratio or redetermining the target transmission path, and then transmit data based on the new or adjusted transmission parameters. Optionally, the measurement information may include measurement information obtained based on RTT measurement and / or PER measurement. In this way, the reliability of the decision can be further improved.

[0369] Optionally, the SMF may instruct the UPF to determine new transmission parameters or adjust received transmission parameters based on the transmission parameters and measurement information. That is to say, the transmission parameters determined by the first access network device are recommended transmission parameters, and the UPF may use the recommended transmission parameters in combination with other considerations to determine the transmission parameters it uses for data transmission. Accordingly, the fifth transmission indication information may be understood as being used to instruct the UPF to transmit data of the first PDU session based on the recommended transmission parameters.

[0370] Optionally, when the transmission mode is a redundant transmission mode, the UPF enables or stops transmitting the data of the first PDU session using the redundant transmission mode according to the received transmission parameters corresponding to the redundant transmission mode.

[0371] Understandably, Fig.12 The timing relationship of each step in the illustrated process is merely an example, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the timing relationship of each step.

[0372] In another embodiment, the first access network device sends the transmission parameter to the SMF, and the SMF sends the transmission parameter to the UPF, and the other steps are the same as above. Fig.12 Optionally, the first indication information sent by the SMF to the first access network device also instructs the first access network device to send the transmission parameters to the SMF, or the SMF may also instruct the first access network device to send the transmission parameters to the SMF through the second indication information.

[0373] Above Fig.12 In the process shown, the first access network device determines the diversion ratio of the data of the PDU session on different transmission paths under the diversion transmission mode according to the transmission auxiliary information of the access network device and other access network devices, or determines the target transmission path of the data of the PDU session under the path selection transmission mode. Since the access network device obtains the transmission auxiliary information through negotiation, compared with the UPF performing PMF measurement to obtain the transmission performance between the UPF and the terminal, it can reduce the delay, improve the reliability, and improve the real-time performance, thereby improving the decision-making performance.

[0374] See also Fig.13 , is a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. In the method, when the first access network device and the second access network device are connected to different AMFs, for downlink transmission, the first access network device makes a data flow splitting ratio decision or a transmission path decision based on the transmission auxiliary information of the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0375] like Fig.13 As shown, the process may include the following steps:

[0376] Step 1301: The terminal sends a PDU session establishment request message to the first AMF through the first access network device, requesting to establish a first PDU session; the terminal sends a PDU session establishment request message to the second AMF through the second access network device, requesting to establish a first PDU session.

[0377] Steps 1302a and 1302b: The first AMF sends a PDU session context establishment request message to the SMF, which includes a MAPDU request, and the second AMF sends a PDU session context establishment request message to the SMF, which includes a MA PDU request.

[0378] Step 1303: SMF sends first indication information to the first access network device, wherein the first indication information instructs the first access network device to determine transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of data of the first session, or in other words, the first indication information indicates transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method requested for data of the first session.

[0379] Step 1304: SMF sends transmission indication information to UPF, where the transmission indication information includes fifth transmission indication information, and the fifth transmission indication information instructs UPF to transmit data of the first PDU session according to the transmission parameters.

[0380] Step 1305: The first access network device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first PDU session according to the transmission auxiliary information of the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0381] Step 1306: The first access network device sends the transmission parameters to the UPF.

[0382] Step 1307: UPF transmits the data of the first PDU session according to the determined transmission parameters. For the specific implementation method, please refer to the relevant content in the above text.

[0383] Above Fig.13 In the process shown, step 1301, step 1302a and step 1302b can refer to Figure 7 Implementation of the relevant steps in; Steps 1303 to 1307 can refer to Fig.12 How to implement the relevant steps in .

[0384] Understandably, Fig.13 The timing relationship of each step in the illustrated process is merely an example, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the timing relationship of each step.

[0385] In another embodiment, the first access network device sends the transmission parameter to the SMF, and the SMF sends the transmission parameter to the UPF, and the other steps are the same as above. Fig.13Optionally, the first indication information sent by the SMF to the first access network device also instructs the first access network device to send the transmission parameters to the SMF, or the SMF may also instruct the first access network device to send the transmission parameters to the SMF through the second indication information.

[0386] See also Fig.14 , is a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. In the method, when the first access network device and the second access network device are connected to the same AMF, for uplink transmission, the first access network device makes a data flow splitting ratio decision or a transmission path decision based on the transmission auxiliary information of the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0387] like Fig.14 As shown, the process may include the following steps:

[0388] Step 1401: The terminal sends a PDU session establishment request message to the AMF through the first access network device and the second access network device respectively, requesting to establish a first PDU session.

[0389] Step 1402: AMF sends a PDU session context establishment request message to SMF, which includes an MA PDU request.

[0390] Step 1403: SMF sends first indication information to the first access network device, and the first indication information instructs the first access network device to determine the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first session, or in other words, the first indication information indicates the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method requested for the data of the first session.

[0391] Optionally, the SMF may also send the identifier or address of the second access network device to the first access network device, report frequency indication information, etc.

[0392] Step 1404: The SMF sends transmission indication information to the terminal, where the transmission indication information includes fifth transmission indication information, and the fifth transmission indication information instructs the terminal to transmit data of the first PDU session according to the transmission parameters.

[0393] Step 1405: The first access network device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first PDU session according to the transmission auxiliary information of the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0394] Step 1406: The first access network device sends the transmission parameters to the terminal.

[0395] Step 1407: The terminal transmits the data of the first PDU session according to the determined transmission parameters.

[0396] Above Fig.14The steps in the process shown can be referred to Fig.12 The relevant steps in the process shown are Fig.12 The "UPF" in the first access network is replaced by "terminal", so that the terminal performs uplink transmission according to the transmission parameters determined by the first access network.

[0397] Understandably, Fig.14 The timing relationship of each step in the illustrated process is merely an example, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the timing relationship of each step.

[0398] In another embodiment, the first access network device sends the transmission parameter to the SMF, and the SMF sends the transmission parameter to the UPF, and the other steps are the same as above. Fig.14 Optionally, the first indication information sent by the SMF to the first access network device also instructs the first access network device to send the transmission parameters to the SMF, or the SMF may also instruct the first access network device to send the transmission parameters to the SMF through the second indication information.

[0399] See also Fig.15 , is a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. In the method, when the first access network device and the second access network device are connected to different AMFs, for uplink transmission, the first access network device makes a data flow splitting ratio decision or a transmission path decision based on the transmission auxiliary information of the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0400] like Fig.15 As shown, the process may include the following steps:

[0401] Step 1501: The terminal sends a PDU session establishment request message to the first AMF through the first access network device, requesting to establish a first PDU session; the terminal sends a PDU session establishment request message to the second AMF through the second access network device, requesting to establish a first PDU session.

[0402] Steps 1502a and 1502b: The first AMF sends a PDU session context establishment request message to the SMF, which includes a MAPDU request, and the second AMF sends a PDU session context establishment request message to the SMF, which includes a MA PDU request.

[0403] Step 1503: SMF sends first indication information to the first access network device, wherein the first indication information instructs the first access network device to determine transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of data of the first session, or in other words, the first indication information indicates transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method requested for data of the first session.

[0404] Step 1504: SMF sends transmission indication information to the terminal, where the transmission indication information includes fifth transmission indication information, and the fifth transmission indication information instructs UPF to transmit data of the first PDU session according to the transmission parameters.

[0405] Step 1505: The first access network device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first PDU session according to the transmission auxiliary information of the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0406] Step 1506: The first access network device sends the transmission parameters to the terminal.

[0407] Step 1507: The terminal transmits the data of the first PDU session according to the determined transmission parameters. For the specific implementation method, please refer to the relevant content in the above text.

[0408] Above Fig.15 The steps of the process shown can be referred to Fig.13 The relevant steps in the process shown are Fig.13 The "UPF" in the first access network is replaced by "terminal", so that the terminal performs uplink transmission according to the transmission parameters determined by the first access network.

[0409] Understandably, Fig.15 The timing relationship of each step in the illustrated process is merely an example, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the timing relationship of each step.

[0410] In another embodiment, the first access network device sends the transmission parameter to the SMF, and the SMF sends the transmission parameter to the UPF, and the other steps are the same as above. Fig.15 Optionally, the first indication information sent by the SMF to the first access network device also instructs the first access network device to send the transmission parameters to the SMF, or the SMF may also instruct the first access network device to send the transmission parameters to the SMF through the second indication information.

[0411] It is understandable that in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the network device and the terminal device include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. It should be easily appreciated by those skilled in the art that, in combination with the units and method steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed in this application, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0412] Fig.16 and Fig.17The schematic diagram of the structure of possible communication devices provided by the embodiments of the present application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects possessed by the above method embodiments.

[0413] like Fig.16 As shown, the communication device 1600 includes a processing unit 1610 and a transceiver unit 1620. The communication device 1600 is used to implement the above Figures 6 to 15 The functions of a terminal or network device in a method embodiment shown in any of the accompanying drawings.

[0414] When the communication device 1600 is used to implement Figure 6 or Figure 7 When the functions of the user plane functional entity in the method embodiment shown are: the transceiver unit 1620 is used to receive transmission indication information from the session management functional entity, the transmission indication information includes first transmission indication information, the first transmission indication information indicates the transmission mode of the data of the first session; wherein the transmission mode is a diversion transmission mode or a path selection transmission mode, the first device includes a terminal and / or a user plane functional entity, the session management functional entity is used to manage the first session of the terminal, and the user plane functional entity is used to transmit the data of the first session. The transceiver unit 1620 is also used to receive transmission auxiliary information from N access network devices, the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices indicates the transmission performance of the transmission path corresponding to the N access network devices, N is a positive integer greater than 1; the N access network devices are used to transmit the data of the first session. The processing unit 1610 is used to determine the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first session according to the transmission auxiliary information when the transceiver unit 1620 receives the transmission indication information, the transmission parameters corresponding to the diversion transmission mode indicating the diversion ratio of the data of the first session on the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices, and the transmission parameters corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicating the target transmission path of the data of the first session, and the target transmission path is one of the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices.

[0415] When the communication device 1600 is used to implement Figure 8 or Fig. 9When the function of the terminal in the method embodiment shown is: the transceiver unit 1620 is used to receive transmission indication information from a session management function entity, the transmission indication information includes first transmission indication information, the first transmission indication information indicates the transmission mode of the data of the first session; wherein the transmission mode is a diversion transmission mode or a path selection transmission mode, the first device includes a terminal and / or a user plane function entity, the session management function entity is used to manage the first session of the terminal, and the user plane function entity is used to transmit the data of the first session. The transceiver unit 1620 is also used to receive transmission auxiliary information from N access network devices, the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices indicates the transmission performance of the transmission path corresponding to the N access network devices, N is a positive integer greater than 1; the N access network devices are used to transmit the data of the first session. The processing unit 1610 is used to determine the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first session according to the transmission auxiliary information when the transceiver unit 1620 receives the transmission indication information, the transmission parameters corresponding to the diversion transmission mode indicating the diversion ratio of the data of the first session on the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices, and the transmission parameters corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicating the target transmission path of the data of the first session, and the target transmission path is one of the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices.

[0416] When the communication device 1600 is used to implement Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 or Fig. 9In the method embodiment shown, the function of the session management function entity is: the processing unit 1610 is used to send reporting indication information to N access network devices through the transceiver unit 1620, and the reporting indication information sent to the first access network device indicates that the first access network device sends transmission auxiliary information to the first device, the first access network device is one of the N access network devices, and the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices indicates the transmission performance of the transmission path corresponding to the N access network devices. The first device includes a terminal and / or a user plane function entity, and N is a positive integer greater than 1; wherein the session management function entity is used to manage the first session of the terminal, and the N access network devices and the user plane function entity are used to transmit data of the first session. The processing unit 1610 also sends transmission indication information to the first device through the transceiver unit 1620, and the transmission indication information includes second transmission indication information, and the second transmission indication information indicates that the first device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first session according to the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices, and the transmission mode is a diversion transmission mode or a path selection transmission mode. The transmission parameters corresponding to the diversion transmission mode indicate the diversion ratio of the data of the first session on the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices, and the transmission parameters corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicate the target transmission path of the data of the first session, and the target transmission path is one of the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices.

[0417] When the communication device 1600 is used to implement Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 or Fig. 9 In the method embodiment shown, when the function of the access network device is: the transceiver unit 1620 is used to receive reporting indication information from the session management function entity; the processing unit 1610 is used to send transmission auxiliary information to the session management function entity or the first device according to the reporting indication information, and the transmission auxiliary information indicates the transmission performance of the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device, and the first device includes a terminal and / or a user plane function entity; wherein the session management function entity is used to manage the first session of the terminal, and the first access network device and the user plane function entity are used to transmit data of the first session.

[0418] When the communication device 1600 is used to implement Fig.10 or Fig.11In the method embodiment shown, the function of the user plane function entity is as follows: the transceiver unit 1620 is used to receive a transmission parameter corresponding to a transmission mode from a session management function entity, where the transmission mode is a shunt transmission mode or a path selection transmission mode, and the transmission parameter corresponding to the shunt transmission mode indicates a shunt ratio of data of the first session on the transmission paths corresponding to N access network devices, and the transmission parameter corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicates a target transmission path of the data of the first session, and the target transmission path is one of the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices. The transmission parameter is determined according to transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices, and the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices indicates the transmission performance of the transmission path corresponding to the N access network devices. The first device includes a terminal and / or a user plane function entity, and N is a positive integer; wherein the session management function entity is used to manage the first session of the terminal, and the N access network devices and the user plane function entity are used to transmit the data of the first session; the processing unit 1610 is used to transmit the data of the first session according to the transmission parameter.

[0419] When the communication device 1600 is used to implement Fig.10 or Fig.11 In the method embodiment shown, the function of the terminal is as follows: the transceiver unit 1620 is used to receive a transmission parameter corresponding to a transmission mode from a session management function entity, where the transmission mode is a shunt transmission mode or a path selection transmission mode, and the transmission parameter corresponding to the shunt transmission mode indicates a shunt ratio of data of the first session on the transmission paths corresponding to N access network devices, and the transmission parameter corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicates a target transmission path of the data of the first session, and the target transmission path is one of the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices. The transmission parameter is determined according to transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices, and the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices indicates the transmission performance of the transmission path corresponding to the N access network devices. The first device includes a terminal and / or a user plane function entity, and N is a positive integer; wherein the session management function entity is used to manage the first session of the terminal, and the N access network devices and the user plane function entity are used to transmit the data of the first session; the processing unit 1610 is used to transmit the data of the first session according to the transmission parameter.

[0420] When the communication device 1600 is used to implement Fig.10 or Fig.11In the method embodiment shown, the function of the session management function entity is: the processing unit 1610 sends reporting indication information to N access network devices through the transceiver unit, the reporting indication information instructs the N access network devices to send transmission auxiliary information to the first device, the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices indicates the performance of the transmission path corresponding to the N access network devices, the first device includes a terminal and / or a user plane function entity, N is a positive integer greater than 1; wherein the session management function entity is used to manage the first session of the terminal, and the N access network devices and the user plane function entity are used to transmit the data of the first session. The transceiver unit 1620 is also used to receive transmission auxiliary information from the N access network devices. The processing unit 1610 is also used to determine the transmission parameter corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first session according to the transmission auxiliary information, the transmission mode is a shunt transmission mode or a path selection transmission mode, the transmission parameter corresponding to the shunt transmission mode indicates the shunt ratio of the data of the first session on the transmission path corresponding to the N access network devices, and the transmission parameter corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicates the target transmission path of the data of the first session, and the target transmission path is one of the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices. The session management function entity sends the transmission parameter to the first device.

[0421] When the communication device 1600 is used to implement Fig.12 or Fig.13 In the method embodiment shown, the function of the user plane function entity is as follows: the transceiver unit 1620 is used to receive transmission indication information from the control plane function entity, the transmission indication information includes fifth transmission indication information, and the fifth transmission indication information indicates that the first device transmits the data of the first session according to the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode; the first device receives the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode from the first access network device, the transmission mode is a shunt transmission mode or a path transmission mode, the transmission parameters corresponding to the shunt transmission mode indicate the shunt ratio of the data on the transmission paths corresponding to N access network devices, the transmission parameters corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicate the target transmission path of the data, and the target transmission path is one of the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices, the first device includes a terminal and / or a user plane function entity, the session management function entity is used to manage the first session of the terminal, and the N access network devices and the user plane function entity are used to transmit the data of the first session; the processing unit 1610 is used to transmit the data of the first session according to the transmission parameters.

[0422] When the communication device 1600 is used to implement Fig.14 or Fig.15In the method embodiment shown, the function of the terminal is as follows: the transceiver unit 1620 is used to receive transmission indication information from a control plane function entity, the transmission indication information includes fifth transmission indication information, and the fifth transmission indication information indicates that the first device transmits the data of the first session according to the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode; the first device receives the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode from the first access network device, the transmission mode is a shunt transmission mode or a path transmission mode, the transmission parameters corresponding to the shunt transmission mode indicate the shunt ratio of the data on the transmission paths corresponding to N access network devices, the transmission parameters corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicate the target transmission path of the data, and the target transmission path is one of the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices, the first device includes a terminal and / or a user plane function entity, the session management function entity is used to manage the first session of the terminal, and the N access network devices and the user plane function entity are used to transmit the data of the first session; the processing unit 1610 is used to transmit the data of the first session according to the transmission parameters.

[0423] When the communication device 1600 is used to implement Fig.12 , Fig.13 , Fig.14 or Fig.15 In the method embodiment shown, the function of the session management function entity is as follows: the processing unit 1610 is used to send a first indication message to a first access network device among N access network devices through the transceiver unit 1620, wherein the first indication message indicates that the first access network device determines a transmission parameter corresponding to a transmission mode of data of a first session, wherein the transmission mode is a diversion transmission mode or a path selection transmission mode, and the transmission parameter corresponding to the diversion transmission mode indicates a diversion ratio of the data of the first session on the transmission path corresponding to the N access network devices, and the transmission parameter corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicates a target transmission path of the data of the first session, and the target transmission path is one of the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices. The transmission parameters are determined based on the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices, and the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices indicates the transmission performance of the transmission path corresponding to the N access network devices, and N is a positive integer greater than 1; the processing unit 1610 sends transmission indication information to the first device through the transceiver unit 1620, and the transmission indication information includes fifth transmission indication information, and the fifth transmission indication information indicates that the first device transmits the data of the first session according to the transmission parameters, the first device includes a terminal and / or a user plane function entity, the session management function entity is used to manage the first session of the terminal, and the N access network devices and the user plane function entity are used to transmit the data of the first session.

[0424] When the communication device 1600 is used to implement Fig.12 , Fig.13 , Fig.14 or Fig.15 In the method embodiment shown, the function of the access network device is: the transceiver unit is used to receive the first indication information from the session management function entity, the first indication information indicates that the first access network device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first session, the transmission mode is the diversion transmission mode or the path selection transmission mode, the transmission parameters corresponding to the diversion transmission mode indicate the diversion ratio of the data of the first session on the transmission paths corresponding to N access network devices including the first access network device, the transmission parameters corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicate the target transmission path of the data of the first session, and the target transmission path is one of the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices. One, N is a positive integer greater than 1; the first access network device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first session according to the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices, and the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices indicates the transmission performance of the transmission path corresponding to the N access network devices; the processing unit 1610 is used to send the transmission parameters to the first device or the control plane functional entity through the transceiver unit 1620, and the first device includes a terminal and / or a user plane functional entity; wherein the session management functional entity is used to manage the first session of the terminal, and the N access network devices and the user plane functional entity are used to transmit the data of the first session.

[0425] A more detailed description of the processing unit 1610 and the transceiver unit 1620 can be obtained by directly referring to the relevant description in the method embodiment shown in the relevant drawings, and will not be repeated here.

[0426] like Fig.17 As shown, the communication device 1700 includes a processor 1710 and an interface circuit 1720. The processor 1710 and the interface circuit 1720 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1720 can be a transceiver or an input-output interface. Optionally, the communication device 1700 may also include a memory 1730 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1710 or storing input data required by the processor 1710 to execute instructions or storing data generated after the processor 1710 executes instructions.

[0427] When the communication device 1700 is used to implement Figures 6 to 15 When the method is shown, the processor 1710 is used to implement the function of the above-mentioned processing unit 1610, and the interface circuit 1720 is used to implement the function of the above-mentioned transceiver unit 1620.

[0428] When the above communication device is a chip applied to a terminal device, the terminal chip implements the functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiment. The terminal chip receives information from other modules in the terminal device (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna), and the information is sent by the network device to the terminal; or the terminal chip sends information to other modules in the terminal device (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna), and the information is sent by the terminal device to the network device.

[0429] When the above-mentioned communication device is a module applied to a network device, the network device module implements the function of the network device in the above-mentioned method embodiment. The network device module receives information from other modules in the network device (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna), and the information is sent by the terminal to the network device; or, the network device module sends information to other modules in the network device (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna), and the information is sent by the network device to the terminal. The network device module here can be a baseband chip of the network device, or it can be a DU or other module. The DU here can be a DU under the open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture.

[0430] It is understandable that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0431] In the present application, another example of a communication device is provided, the communication device includes at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one processor is coupled to the at least one memory, the at least one memory is used to store instructions, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the communication device executes the method in the above embodiment. Take the communication device including a processor and a memory as an example, Fig.17 As shown, the communication device 1700 includes a processor 1710 and a memory 1730. The processor 1710 and the memory 1730 are coupled, and the memory 1730 stores instructions. When the instructions stored in the memory 1730 are executed by the processor 1710, the communication device 1700 executes the method executed by the terminal device or the network device in the above embodiment.

[0432] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions that can be executed by a processor. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, register, hard disk, mobile hard disk, CD-ROM or any other form of storage medium well 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 can write information to the storage medium. 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 network device or a terminal. The processor and the storage medium can also be present in a network device or a terminal as discrete components.

[0433] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instruction is loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is executed in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user device or other programmable device. The computer program or instruction may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium, for example, the computer program or instruction may be transmitted from one website site, computer, server or data center to another website site, computer, server or data center by wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a tape; it may also be an optical medium, for example, a digital video disc; it may also be a semiconductor medium, for example, a solid-state hard disk. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or nonvolatile storage medium, or may include both volatile and nonvolatile types of storage media.

[0434] 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.

[0435] In the present 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 the present application, the character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship; in the formula of the present application, the character " / " indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in a "division" relationship. "Including at least one of A, B and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B and C.

[0436] 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, It is characterized in that include: The first device receives transmission indication information from a session management function entity, where the transmission indication information includes first transmission indication information, where the first transmission indication information indicates a transmission mode of data of a first session; wherein the transmission mode is a split transmission mode or a path selection transmission mode, the first device includes a terminal and / or a user plane function entity, the session management function entity is used to manage the first session of the terminal, and the user plane function entity is used to transmit data of the first session; The first device receives transmission auxiliary information from N access network devices, where the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices indicates transmission performance of transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices, where N is a positive integer greater than 1; the N access network devices are used to transmit data of the first session; When the first device receives the transmission indication information, the first device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first session based on the transmission auxiliary information, the transmission parameters corresponding to the diversion transmission mode indicate the diversion ratio of the data of the first session on the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices, and the transmission parameters corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicate the target transmission path of the data of the first session, and the target transmission path is one of the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices.

2. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The transmission indication information also includes second transmission indication information, where the second transmission indication information indicates transmission parameters corresponding to a transmission method for data of the first session determined according to transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, It is characterized in that The first session includes at least one data stream, and the at least one data stream includes a first data stream; the data of the first session includes the first data stream.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that Also includes: The first device receives a traffic diversion rule from the session management function entity, where the traffic diversion rule indicates a corresponding relationship between transmission auxiliary information and a traffic diversion ratio; The first device determines, according to the transmission auxiliary information, a transmission parameter corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first session, including: the first device determines, according to the received transmission auxiliary information and the diversion rule, a diversion ratio of the data of the first session on the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices; or The first device receives a path selection rule from the session management function entity; the first device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first session based on the transmission auxiliary information, including: the first device determines the target transmission path of the data of the first session based on the received transmission auxiliary information and the transmission path selection rule.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The first device determines, according to the transmission auxiliary information, a transmission parameter corresponding to a transmission mode of data of the first session, including: The first device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission method of the data of the first session based on the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices and the capability information of the terminal; wherein the capability information of the terminal indicates the air interface transmission capability of the terminal at the N access network devices.

6. The method according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The first device is the user plane functional entity, and the method further includes: The user plane function entity receives the capability information of the terminal from the session management function entity.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, It is characterized in that The method further comprises: The user plane function entity performs offload transmission on the downlink transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices according to the offload ratio indicated by the transmission parameter corresponding to the offload transmission mode, or transmits the data of the first session on the target downlink transmission path according to the target downlink transmission path indicated by the transmission parameter corresponding to the path selection transmission mode; or The terminal transmits the data of the first session on the downlink transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices according to the diversion ratio indicated by the transmission parameters corresponding to the first transmission mode, or transmits the data of the first session on the target uplink transmission path according to the target uplink transmission path indicated by the transmission parameters corresponding to the second transmission mode.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, Features: The N access network devices include N radio access network RAN ​​devices; or The N access network devices include N non-3rd Generation Partnership Project 3GPP interworking function N3IWF devices; or The N access network devices include N untrusted non-3GPP gateway function TNGF devices; or The N access network devices include at least one RAN device and at least one N3IWF device; or The N access network devices include at least one RAN device and at least one TNGF device; or The N access network devices include at least one N3IWF device and at least one TNGF device.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, It is characterized in that The N access network devices include a first access network device, and the transmission auxiliary information of the first access network device includes one or more of the following information: Signal state information measured by the first access network device, the signal state information indicating a signal state between the first access network device and the terminal; Signal status information received by the first access network device from the terminal, the signal status information indicating a signal status between the first access network device and the terminal; load information of the first access network device; An air interface transmission delay between the first access network device and the terminal; The transmission rate between the first access network device and the terminal; Transmission reliability information between the first access network device and the terminal.

10. A communication method, It is characterized in that include: The session management function entity sends reporting indication information to N access network devices, and the reporting indication information sent to the first access network device indicates that the first access network device sends transmission auxiliary information to the first device, the first access network device is one of the N access network devices, and the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices indicates the transmission performance of the transmission path corresponding to the N access network devices, and the first device includes a terminal and / or a user plane function entity, and N is a positive integer greater than 1; wherein the session management function entity is used to manage a first session of the terminal, and the N access network devices and the user plane function entity are used to transmit data of the first session; The session management function entity sends transmission indication information to the first device, the transmission indication information includes second transmission indication information, the second transmission indication information indicates that the first device determines the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission mode of the data of the first session according to the transmission auxiliary information of the N access network devices, the transmission mode is a diversion transmission mode or a path selection transmission mode, the transmission parameters corresponding to the diversion transmission mode indicate the diversion ratio of the data of the first session on the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices, and the transmission parameters corresponding to the path selection transmission mode indicate the target transmission path of the data of the first session, and the target transmission path is one of the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices.

11. The method according to claim 10, It is characterized in that The transmission indication information also includes first transmission indication information, where the first transmission indication information indicates a transmission method for data of the first session.

12. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 11, It is characterized in that The first session includes at least one data stream, and the at least one data stream includes a first data stream; the data of the first session includes the first data stream.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, It is characterized in that Also includes: The session management function entity sends a diversion rule or a transmission path selection rule to the first device, where the diversion rule indicates a corresponding relationship between transmission auxiliary information and a diversion ratio.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, It is characterized in that Also includes: The session management function entity sends the capability information of the terminal to the user plane function entity, where the capability information of the terminal indicates the air interface transmission capability of the terminal on the N access network devices.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, It is characterized in that Before the session management function entity sends the reporting indication information to the N access network devices, the method further includes: The session management function entity determines that the transmission paths corresponding to the N access network devices are associated with the first session of the terminal.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, It is characterized in that The method further comprises: The session management function entity sends reporting frequency indication information to the N access network devices, where the reporting frequency indication information indicates a sending frequency of transmission auxiliary information.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, Features: The N access network devices include N radio access network RAN ​​devices; or The N access network devices include N non-3rd Generation Partnership Project 3GPP interworking function N3IWF devices; or The N access network devices include N untrusted non-3GPP gateway function TNGF devices; or The N access network devices include at least one RAN device and at least one N3IWF device; or The N access network devices include at least one RAN device and at least one TNGF device; or The N access network devices include at least one N3IWF device and at least one TNGF device.

18. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 17, It is characterized in that The N access network devices include a first access network device, and the transmission auxiliary information of the first access network device includes one or more of the following information: Signal state information measured by the first access network device, the signal state information indicating a signal state between the first access network device and the terminal; Signal status information received by the first access network device from the terminal, the signal status information indicating a signal status between the first access network device and the terminal; load information of the first access network device; An air interface transmission delay between the first access network device and the terminal; The transmission rate between the first access network device and the terminal; Transmission reliability information between the first access network device and the terminal.

19. A communication method, It is characterized in that include: The first access network device receives reporting indication information from the session management function entity; The first access network device sends transmission assistance information to the session management function entity or the first device according to the reporting indication information, where the transmission assistance information indicates the transmission performance of the transmission path corresponding to the first access network device, and the first device includes a terminal and / or a user plane function entity; The session management function entity is used to manage the first session of the terminal, and the first access network device and the user plane function entity are used to transmit data of the first session.

20. The method of claim 19, It is characterized in that The reporting indication information further indicates that the first access network device sends the transmission assistance information to the session management function entity; or, The reporting indication information further instructs the first access network device to send the transmission assistance information to the first device.

21. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 20, It is characterized in that Also includes: The first access network device receives reporting frequency indication information from the network function entity; The first access network device sends transmission assistance information to the session management function entity or the first device according to the reporting indication information, including: The first access network device sends transmission assistance information to the session management function entity or the first device according to the reporting frequency indicated by the reporting frequency indication information.

22. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, It is characterized in that The transmission auxiliary information includes one or more of the following information: Signal state information measured by the first access network device, the signal state information indicating a signal state between the first access network device and the terminal; Signal status information received by the first access network device from the terminal, the signal status information indicating a signal status between the first access network device and the terminal; load information of the first access network device; An air interface transmission delay between the first access network device and the terminal; The transmission rate between the first access network device and the terminal; Transmission reliability information between the first access network device and the terminal.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, It is characterized in that The first access network device is a radio access network RAN ​​device, or a non-3rd Generation Partnership Project 3GPP interworking function N3IWF device, or a non-3GPP gateway function TNGF device.

24. A communication device, It is characterized in that The method comprises a unit or module for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or comprises a unit or module for executing the method according to any one of claims 10 to 18, or comprises a unit or module for executing the method according to any one of claims 19 to 23.

25. A communication device, It is characterized in that include: One or more processors are configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-9, or to execute the method according to any one of claims 10-18, or to execute the method according to any one of claims 19-23.

26. A communication system, It is characterized in that include: A first device implementing the method according to any one of claims 1-9, a session management function entity implementing the method according to any one of claims 10-18, and a first access network device implementing the method according to any one of claims 19-23.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, It is characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by the communication device, it implements the method described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or implements the method described in any one of claims 10 to 18, or implements the method described in any one of claims 19 to 23.

28. A chip system, It is characterized in that include: a memory for storing computer programs; a processor; When the processor calls and runs the computer program from the memory, the communication device equipped with the chip system executes the method described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or executes the method described in any one of claims 10 to 18, or executes the method described in any one of claims 19 to 23.

29. A computer program product, It is characterized in that When the computer program product is called by a computer, the computer executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or the method according to any one of claims 10 to 18, or the method according to any one of claims 19 to 23.

Images