Access network equipment and communication method

Abstract

The invention discloses access network equipment and a communication method, relates to the technical field of communication, and can reduce the flow of a forward transmission interface and improve the communication performance. The access network equipment comprises a first network element and a second network element in communication connection with the first network element, wherein the first network element comprises a wireless resource control function, a packet data convergence layer protocol function, a non-real-time part of a wireless link control function and a non-real-time part of a media access control function; the second network element includes a non-real-time portion of the physical layer functionality and a real-time portion of the physical layer functionality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and particularly to access network devices and communication methods. Background Art

[0002] In a communication system, an access network device may include a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), and a radio unit (RU). Communication can be carried out between the DU and the RU through a fronthaul (FH) interface.

[0003] With the continuous development of communication technologies, the frequency band for communication between an access network device and a terminal device is gradually increasing. The high frequency band leads to an increase in bandwidth, and further results in a sharp increase in the traffic of the fronthaul interface.

[0004] Therefore, how to reduce the traffic of the fronthaul interface and improve communication performance has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of this application provide an access network device and a communication method, which can reduce the traffic of the fronthaul interface and improve communication performance.

[0006] In a first aspect, an access network device is provided. The access network device includes: a first network element and a second network element communicatively connected to the first network element. The first network element includes a non-real-time part of radio resource control (RRC) function, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) function, radio link control (RLC) function, and a non-real-time part of media access control (MAC) function; the second network element includes a non-real-time part and a real-time part of physical (PHY) layer function.

[0007] Based on the first aspect, the access network device may include a first network element and a second network element. The second network element may include a real-time part and a non-real-time part of the PHY layer function. That is, the second network element can directly process the data transmitted on the PHY layer without sending the data to the first network element, which can reduce the traffic of the fronthaul interface and thus improve communication performance.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the second network element further includes a real-time part of the RLC function and a real-time part of the MAC function.

[0009] Based on this possible implementation, the second network element can, on the basis of including PHY layer functions, further include the real-time part of MAC layer functions and the real-time part of RLC layer functions. The second network element can directly process more data, further reduce the traffic of the fronthaul interface, and thus improve communication performance.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the first network element further includes the real-time part of RLC functions.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the second network element further includes the real-time part of MAC functions.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the first network element further includes the real-time part of MAC functions.

[0013] Based on the above three possible implementations, several feasible solutions are provided for function splitting of the first network element and the second network element.

[0014] In a second aspect, a first network element is provided. The first network element includes RRC functions, PDCP functions, the non-real-time part of RLC functions, and the non-real-time part of MAC functions.

[0015] Based on the second aspect, the first network element can include the above-mentioned functions. The first network element can process data transmitted on the RRC layer and PDCP layer, as well as non-real-time data transmitted on the RLC layer and MAC layer, providing a feasible solution for the implementation of the first network element.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the first network element further includes the real-time part of RLC functions.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the first network element further includes the real-time part of MAC functions.

[0018] Based on the above two possible implementations, the first network element can also process real-time data transmitted on the RLC layer and / or real-time data transmitted on the MAC layer, providing two feasible solutions for the implementation of the first network element.

[0019] In a third aspect, a second network element is provided. The second network element includes the non-real-time part of PHY layer functions and the real-time part of PHY layer functions.

[0020] Based on the third aspect, the second network element can include the real-time part and the non-real-time part of PHY layer functions. That is, the second network element can directly process data transmitted on the PHY layer without sending the data to the first network element, reducing the traffic of the fronthaul interface and thus improving communication performance.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the second network element further includes the real-time part of MAC functions.

[0022] Based on this possible implementation, the second network element can also include the real-time part of the MAC layer function on the basis of including the PHY layer function. The second network element can directly process more data, further reduce the traffic of the fronthaul interface, and thus improve the communication performance.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the second network element further includes the real-time part of the radio link control function.

[0024] Based on this possible implementation, the second network element can include the real-time part of the RLC layer function on the basis of including the real-time parts of the PHY layer function and the MAC layer function. The second network element can directly process more data, further reduce the traffic of the fronthaul interface, and thus improve the communication performance.

[0025] Combining the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the interface between the first network element and the second network element is the first interface, and the control plane protocol stack of the first interface is determined according to the stream control transmission protocol (SCTP).

[0026] Based on this possible implementation, the control plane protocol stack of the first interface can be determined according to SCTP, enabling the first interface to transmit multiple control plane data streams, improving the communication efficiency, and providing a feasible solution for determining the control plane protocol stack of the first interface.

[0027] Combining the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the interface between the first network element and the second network element is the first interface, and the user plane protocol stack of the first interface is determined according to the general packet radio service tunnel protocol-user pannel (GTP-U).

[0028] Based on this possible implementation, the user plane protocol of the first interface can be determined according to the GTP-U protocol, providing a feasible solution for determining the user plane protocol stack of the first interface.

[0029] Combining the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the interface between the first network element and the second network element is the first interface, and the protocol stack of the first interface is determined according to the enhanced common public radio interface (eCPRI) protocol.

[0030] Based on this possible implementation, the protocol stack of the first interface can be determined according to the eCPRI protocol, providing a feasible solution for determining the protocol stack of the first interface.

[0031] In a possible implementation combining the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect, the access network device further includes a third network element communicatively connected to the first network element and the second network element. The third network element includes a non-real-time part of the PHY layer function and a real-time part of the PHY layer function; the interface between the second network element and the third network element is a second interface, and the control plane protocol stack of the second interface is determined according to SCTP.

[0032] Based on this possible implementation, the third network element can include a non-real-time part of the PHY layer function and a real-time part of the PHY layer function, that is, the third network element can directly process the data transmitted on the PHY layer without sending it to the first network element, which can reduce the traffic of the fronthaul interface and improve communication performance; the control plane protocol stack of the second interface can be determined according to SCTP, providing a feasible solution for determining the control plane protocol stack of the second interface.

[0033] In a possible implementation combining the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect, the access network device further includes a third network element communicatively connected to the first network element and the second network element. The third network element includes a non-real-time part of the PHY layer function and a real-time part of the PHY layer function, and the interface between the second network element and the third network element is a second interface, and the user plane protocol stack of the second interface is determined according to the GTP-U protocol.

[0034] Based on this possible implementation, the third network element can implement a non-real-time part of the PHY layer function and a real-time part of the PHY layer function, that is, the third network element can directly process the data transmitted on the PHY layer without sending it to the first network element, which can reduce the traffic of the fronthaul interface and improve communication performance; the user plane protocol stack of the second interface can be determined according to the GTP-U protocol, providing a feasible solution for determining the user plane protocol stack of the second interface.

[0035] In a possible implementation combining the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect, the third network element further includes a real-time part of the MAC function.

[0036] Based on this possible implementation, on the basis of including the PHY layer function, the third network element can further include a real-time part of the MAC layer function. The third network element can directly process more data, which can further reduce the traffic of the fronthaul interface and thus improve communication performance.

[0037] In a possible implementation combining the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect, the third network element further includes a real-time part of the RLC function.

[0038] Based on this possible implementation, the third network element may, on the basis of including the real-time parts of the PHY layer function and the MAC layer function, further include the real-time part of implementing the RLC layer function. The third network element can directly process more data, can further reduce the traffic of the fronthaul interface, and thus can improve the communication performance.

[0039] Combining the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the access network device further includes a radio frequency (RF) network element communicatively connected to the second network element. The interface between the second network element and the RF network element is the third interface, and the third interface is a peripheral interface. The protocol stack of the third interface is determined according to the eCPRI protocol.

[0040] Based on this possible implementation, the protocol stack of the third interface can be determined according to the eCPRI protocol, providing a feasible solution for determining the protocol stack of the third interface.

[0041] Combining the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the first network element is used to send a first request message to the second network element; the second network element is used to send a response message to the first network element for the first request message. Among them, the first request message is used to request the configuration of the first interface; the first request message includes PHY layer configuration information; the first interface is the interface between the first network element and the second network element.

[0042] Based on this possible implementation, the first network element and the second network element can implement the configuration of the first interface according to the first request message, providing a feasible solution for configuring the first interface; the first request message may include PHY layer configuration information, and can implement data transmission between the first network element and the second network element at the PHY layer.

[0043] Combining the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the first request message further includes RLC configuration information and MAC configuration information; or, the first request message further includes MAC configuration information.

[0044] Based on this possible implementation, when the first request message further includes RLC configuration information and MAC configuration information, data transmission between the first network element and the second network element at the RLC layer and the MAC layer can be implemented; when the first request message further includes MAC configuration information, data transmission between the first network element and the second network element at the MAC layer can be implemented.

[0045] Combined with the first aspect, the second aspect and the third aspect, in a possible implementation, a first network element is configured to send first indication information to a second network element; the second network element is configured to release the resources occupied by a first interface according to the first indication information and send a response message of the first indication information to the first network element. The first indication information is used to indicate the release of the resources occupied by the first interface; the first interface is an interface between the first network element and the second network element.

[0046] Based on this possible implementation, when the first network element ends the communication with the second network element, it can send the first indication information to the second network element to indicate the second network element to release the resources occupied by the first interface, which can improve the resource utilization rate and further improve the effectiveness of communication.

[0047] Combined with the first aspect, the second aspect and the third aspect, in a possible implementation, a second network element is configured to send second indication information to a first network element; the first network element is configured to release the resources occupied by a first interface according to the second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate the release of the resources occupied by the first interface; the first interface is an interface between the first network element and the second network element.

[0048] Based on this possible implementation, when the second network element ends the communication with the first network element, it can send the second indication information to the first network element to indicate the first network element to release the resources occupied by the first interface, which can improve the resource utilization rate and further improve the effectiveness of communication.

[0049] Combined with the first aspect, the second aspect and the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the first network element is configured to transparently transmit a downlink control transmission message to the second network element; or, the second network element is configured to transparently transmit an uplink control transmission message to the first network element.

[0050] Based on this possible implementation, it provides a feasible solution for the first network element to transparently transmit information to the second network element, or provides a feasible solution for the second network element to transparently transmit information to the first network element.

[0051] Combined with the first aspect, the second aspect and the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the access network device further includes a third network element communicatively connected to the first network element and the second network element. The third network element includes a non-real-time part of the PHY layer function and a real-time part of the PHY layer function. The second network element is configured to send a second request message to the third network element; the second interface is an interface between the second network element and the third network element; the third network element is configured to send a response message of the second request message to the second network element; the second request message is used to request the configuration of the second interface; the second request message includes PHY layer configuration information.

[0052] Based on this possible implementation, the third network element may include a non-real-time part of the PHY layer function and a real-time part of the PHY layer function. That is, the third network element can directly process the data transmitted on the PHY layer without sending it to the first network element, which can reduce the traffic of the fronthaul interface and improve the communication performance. In addition, the second network element and the third network element can implement the configuration of the second interface according to the second request information, providing a feasible solution for configuring the second interface; the second request information includes PHY layer configuration information, which can enable the second network element and the third network element to implement data transmission on the PHY layer.

[0053] Combining the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the second request information further includes RLC configuration information and MAC configuration information; or, the second request information further includes MAC configuration information.

[0054] Based on this possible implementation, when the second request information further includes RLC configuration information and MAC configuration information, it can enable the second network element and the third network element to implement data transmission on the RLC layer and the MAC layer; when the second request information further includes MAC configuration information, it can enable the second network element and the third network element to implement data transmission on the MAC layer.

[0055] Combining the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the access network device further includes a third network element communicatively connected to the first network element and the second network element. The third network element includes a non-real-time part of the PHY layer function and a real-time part of the PHY layer function. The first network element is configured to receive a measurement report (MR) from the terminal device and send third request information to the third network element according to the MR; the third network element is configured to send a response message of the third request information to the first network element; the first network element is configured to send a handover command to the terminal device according to the response message of the third request information; wherein, the third request information is used to request to allocate resources for the terminal device to access the third network element; the handover command is used to instruct the terminal device to hand over from the second network element to the third network element.

[0056] Based on this possible implementation, the third network element may include a non-real-time part of the PHY layer function and a real-time part of the PHY layer function. That is, the third network element can directly process the data transmitted on the PHY layer without sending it to the first network element, which can reduce the traffic of the fronthaul interface and improve the communication performance. In addition, the first network element can determine the third network element according to the measurement report from the terminal device. Further, the first network element can determine the resources for the terminal device to access the third network element according to the response message of the third request information from the third network element, ensuring that the terminal device can access the third network element and improving the reliability of communication.

[0057] In a possible implementation combining the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect, the first network element is further configured to send third indication information to the second network element; the second network element is configured to release the resources occupied by the terminal device according to the third indication information. The third indication information is used to indicate the release of the resources occupied by the terminal device.

[0058] Based on this possible implementation, the second network element can release the resources occupied by the terminal device according to the third indication information, which can improve resource utilization rate and thus improve the effectiveness of communication.

[0059] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes the access network device described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect above, or the communication system includes the first network element described in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect above, or the communication system includes the second network element described in the third aspect or any possible design of the third aspect above, or the communication system includes the first network element described in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect above and the second network element described in the third aspect or any possible design of the third aspect above.

[0060] In a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by the access network device. Without special instructions, the "access network device" in the present application can refer to the access network device itself, or a component in the access network device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or can also be a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network device. The method includes: the access network device receives first information from the terminal device through the second network element of the access network device; sends second information to the first network element of the access network device through the second network element; and sends third information to the core network device through the first network element. The second network element includes the non-real-time part of the PHY layer function and the real-time part of the PHY layer function; the second information is the information processed by the second network element for the first information; the first network element includes the RRC function, the PDCP function, the non-real-time part of the RLC function, and the non-real-time part of the MAC function; the third information is the information processed by the first network element for the second information.

[0061] Based on the fifth aspect, the second network element can include the non-real-time part of the PHY layer function and the real-time part of the PHY layer function. That is, the second network element can directly process the data transmitted on the PHY layer without sending the data to the first network element, which can reduce the traffic of the fronthaul interface and thus improve communication performance; the terminal device can communicate with the core network device through the first network element and the second network element in the access network device.

[0062] In a possible implementation, the access network device sends first request information to a second network element through a first network element; and sends a response message of the first request information to the first network element through the second network element. Among them, the first request information is used to request the configuration of a first interface; the first request information includes PHY layer configuration information; and the first interface is an interface between the first network element and the second network element.

[0063] Based on this possible implementation, the first network element and the second network element can configure the first interface according to the first request information, providing a feasible solution for configuring the first interface; the first request information may include PHY layer configuration information, enabling data transmission between the first network element and the second network element at the PHY layer.

[0064] In a possible implementation, the first request information further includes RLC configuration information and MAC configuration information; or, the first request information further includes MAC configuration information.

[0065] Based on this possible implementation, when the first request information further includes RLC configuration information and MAC configuration information, data transmission between the first network element and the second network element at the RLC layer and the MAC layer can be achieved; when the first request information further includes MAC configuration information, data transmission between the first network element and the second network element at the MAC layer can be achieved.

[0066] In a possible implementation, the access network device sends first indication information to the second network element through the first network element; and the second network element releases the resources occupied by the first interface according to the first indication information and sends a response message of the first indication information to the first network element. Among them, the first indication information is used to indicate the release of the resources occupied by the first interface; and the first interface is an interface between the first network element and the second network element

[0067] Based on this possible implementation, when the first network element ends the communication with the second network element, it can send the first indication information to the second network element to indicate the second network element to release the resources occupied by the first interface, which can improve resource utilization rate and thus improve the effectiveness of communication.

[0068] In a possible implementation, the access network device sends second indication information to the first network element through the second network element; and the first network element releases the resources occupied by the first interface according to the second indication information. Among them, the second indication information is used to indicate the release of the resources occupied by the first interface; and the first interface is an interface between the first network element and the second network element.

[0069] Based on this possible implementation, when the second network element ends the communication with the first network element, it can send the second indication information to the first network element to indicate the first network element to release the resources occupied by the first interface, which can improve resource utilization rate and thus improve the effectiveness of communication.

[0070] In a possible implementation, the access network device transparently transmits a downlink control transmission message from the first network element to the second network element; or, transparently transmits an uplink control transmission message from the second network element to the first network element.

[0071] Based on this possible implementation, a feasible solution is provided for the first network element to transparently transmit information to the second network element, or a feasible solution is provided for the second network element to transparently transmit information to the first network element.

[0072] In a possible implementation, the access network device sends second request information to a third network element of the access network device through the second network element; and sends a response message to the second request information from the third network element to the second network element. Among them, the third network element includes a non-real-time part of the PHY layer function and a real-time part of the PHY layer function; the second request information is used to request the configuration of a second interface; the second request information includes PHY layer configuration information; the second interface is the interface between the second network element and the third network element.

[0073] Based on this possible implementation, the second network element and the third network element can implement the configuration of the second interface according to the second request information, providing a feasible solution for configuring the second interface; the second request information includes PHY layer configuration information, which can enable the second network element and the third network element to achieve data transmission at the PHY layer.

[0074] In a possible implementation, the second request information further includes RLC configuration information and MAC configuration information; or, the second request information further includes MAC configuration information.

[0075] Based on this possible implementation, when the second request information further includes RLC configuration information and MAC configuration information, it can enable the second network element and the third network element to achieve data transmission at the RLC layer and the MAC layer; when the second request information further includes MAC configuration information, it can enable the second network element and the third network element to achieve data transmission at the MAC layer.

[0076] In a possible implementation, the access network device receives an MR from a terminal device through the first network element; sends third request information to a third network element of the access network device through the first network element according to the MR; sends a response message to the third request information from the third network element to the first network element; sends a handover command to the terminal device through the first network element according to the response message of the third request information; among them, the third network element includes a non-real-time part of the PHY layer function and a real-time part of the PHY layer function; the third request information is used to request the allocation of resources for the terminal device to access the second network element; the handover command is used to instruct the terminal device to switch from the second network element to the third network element.

[0077] Based on this possible implementation, the first network element can determine the third network element according to the measurement report from the terminal device. Further, the first network element can determine the resources for the terminal device to access the third network element according to the response information of the third request information from the third network element, ensuring that the terminal device can access the third network element and improving the reliability of communication.

[0078] In a possible implementation, the first network element sends third indication information to the second network element; the second network element releases the resources occupied by the terminal device according to the third indication information; wherein, the third indication information is used to indicate the release of the resources occupied by the terminal device.

[0079] Based on this possible implementation, the second network element can release the resources occupied by the terminal device according to the third indication information, improving the resource utilization rate and further improving the effectiveness of communication.

[0080] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided. The beneficial effects can be referred to the description in the fifth aspect and will not be elaborated here. The communication device has the functions to implement the behaviors in the method example of the above fifth aspect. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. In a possible design, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is used for all the transceiver operations performed by the communication device in the embodiments. The processing module is used for all the operations performed by the communication device in the embodiments except for the transceiver operations. These modules can execute the corresponding functions in the method example of the above fifth aspect. For specific details, refer to the detailed description in the method example and will not be elaborated here.

[0081] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device can be the access network device in the above method embodiment, or a chip set in the access network device, or the communication device can be the first network element in the above method embodiment, or a chip set in the first network element, or the communication device can be the second network element in the above method embodiment, or a chip set in the second network element, or the communication device can be the terminal device in the above method embodiment, or a chip set in the terminal device, or the communication device can be the core network device in the above method embodiment, or a chip set in the core network device. The communication device includes one or more processors; the one or more processors are used to run computer programs or instructions. When the one or more processors execute the computer programs or instructions, the communication device executes the communication method as described in the fifth aspect or any possible design of the fifth aspect.

[0082] In a possible design, the communication device further includes one or more memories, which are coupled to one or more processors, and are used to store the above-mentioned computer programs or instructions. In a possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device. In another possible implementation, the memory is located inside the communication device. In the embodiments of the present application, the processor and the memory may also be integrated into one device, that is, the processor and the memory may also be integrated together. In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a transceiver, which is used to receive information and / or send information.

[0083] In a possible design, the communication device further includes one or more communication interfaces, which are coupled to one or more processors, and are used to communicate with other modules outside the communication device.

[0084] In a eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which may be the access network device in the above method embodiment, or a chip disposed in the access network device, or the communication device may be the first network element in the above method embodiment, or a chip disposed in the first network element, or the communication device may be the second network element in the above method embodiment, or a chip disposed in the second network element, or the communication device may be the terminal device in the above method embodiment, or a chip disposed in the terminal device, or the communication device may be the core network device in the above method embodiment, or a chip disposed in the core network device. The communication device includes an input / output interface and a logic circuit; the input / output interface is used to input and / or output information; the logic circuit is used to execute the communication method as described in the fifth aspect or any possible design of the fifth aspect, and process and / or generate information according to the information.

[0085] In a ninth aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product includes: computer program code, when the computer program code is run, it causes the methods executed by the access network device in the above aspects to be executed; or, it causes the methods executed by the terminal device in the above aspects to be executed; or, it causes the methods executed by the core network device in the above aspects to be executed.

[0086] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program, and when the computer program is run, it implements the methods executed by the access network device in the above aspects; or, it implements the methods executed by the terminal device in the above aspects; or, it implements the methods executed by the core network device in the above aspects.

[0087] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program, which, when running on a computer, causes the communication method described in the fifth aspect or any possible design of the fifth aspect to be executed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0088] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0089] Figure 2 FIG. is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0090] Figure 3 FIG. is a schematic diagram of an access network device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0091] Figure 4 FIG. is a schematic diagram of the deployment, architecture, and protocol stack of an access network device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0092] Figure 5 FIG. is a schematic diagram of an access network device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0093] Figure 6 FIG. is a schematic diagram of an access network device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0094] Figure 7 FIG. is a schematic diagram of an access network device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0095] Figure 8 FIG. is a schematic diagram of an access network device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0096] Figure 9 FIG. is a schematic diagram of the control plane protocol stack of a first interface provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0097] Figure 10 FIG. is a schematic diagram of the user plane protocol stack of a first interface provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0098] Figure 11 FIG. is a schematic diagram of the user plane protocol stack of a first interface provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0099] Figure 12 FIG. is a schematic diagram of the protocol stack of a first interface provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0100] Figure 13 FIG. is an interaction schematic diagram of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0101] Figure 14 FIG. is an interaction schematic diagram of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0102] Figure 15 Interaction schematic diagram of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0103] Figure 16 Interaction schematic diagram of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0104] Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the control plane protocol stack of a second interface provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0105] Figure 18 Schematic diagram of the user plane protocol stack of a second interface provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0106] Figure 19 Interaction schematic diagram of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0107] Figure 20 Interaction schematic diagram of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0108] Figure 21 Schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0109] Figure 22 Schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0110] Figure 23 Schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0111] The following describes in detail the implementation manners of the embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings of the specification.

[0112] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B may represent A or B; "and / or" in the present application is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Among them, A and B may be singular or plural.

[0113] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "a plurality of" means two or more than two. "At least one (item)" or similar expressions thereof refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single item (item) or plural items (items). For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c may represent: a, b, c, a - b, a - c, b - c, or a - b - c, where a, b, and c may be single or multiple.

[0114] In addition, for the convenience of clearly describing the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish identical or similar items with basically the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art can understand that terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and "first", "second", etc. do not necessarily mean different.

[0115] In the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design solution described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be construed as being more preferred or having more advantages than other embodiments or design solutions. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present relevant concepts in a specific way for easy understanding.

[0116] It can be understood that the "embodiments" mentioned throughout the specification mean that specific features, structures or characteristics related to the embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, these specific features, structures or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. It can be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the magnitude of the serial numbers of the various processes does not mean the sequence of execution, and the execution sequence of the various processes should be determined according to their functions and internal logics, and should not constitute any limitation to the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0117] It can be understood that some optional features in the embodiments of the present application can, in some scenarios, be implemented independently without relying on other features, such as the current solution they are based on, to solve corresponding technical problems and achieve corresponding effects. In some scenarios, they can also be combined with other features according to requirements. Correspondingly, the devices given in the embodiments of the present application can also implement these features or functions accordingly, which will not be elaborated here.

[0118] In the present application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of the present application, if there is no special explanation and logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referred to each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their internal logical relationships. The embodiments of the present application described below do not constitute a limitation on the protection scope of the present application.

[0119] The access network device and communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application can be used in any communication system, which can be a third generation partnership project (3GPP) communication system, such as a long term evolution (LTE) system, a fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system, a new radio (NR) communication system, a vehicle to everything (V2X) system, and can also be applied to a system with a hybrid network of LTE and 5G, or a non-terrestrial network (NTN) system, a device-to-device (D2D) communication system, a machine to machine (M2M) communication system, an internet of things (IoT), a near field communication (NFC) system, a microwave communication (uWave) system, and other next-generation communication systems, such as a sixth generation (6G) and other future communication systems, or a non-3GPP communication system, such as a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless communication system, etc., without limitation.

[0120] Exemplarily, the communication system may include a wireless communication system (such as a global system for mobile communications (GSM) system, a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc.).

[0121] Among them, the wireless communication system has advantages such as rich service types and strong network control capabilities. However, due to factors such as limited frequency and harsh transmission environments, the access rate (such as the uplink rate or the downlink rate) of the terminal device will be relatively low in the wireless communication system. Therefore, a broadband wireless access technology can be introduced into the wireless communication system to make up for the shortcomings of the wireless communication system.

[0122] For example, taking broadband wireless access technologies such as WLAN or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX) as examples, WLAN or WIMAX can provide broadband wireless access services with relatively high speeds, support nomadic and mobile applications, and enhance the ability of terminal devices to access wireless communication systems. The integration of wireless communication systems and broadband access technologies can be a development trend of communication systems.

[0123] It should be noted that the communication systems applicable to this application described above are only examples, and the communication systems applicable to this application are not limited to this. This is explained uniformly here and will not be elaborated further below.

[0124] Next, taking Figure 1 as an example, the communication system provided in the embodiments of this application will be described.

[0125] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in the embodiments of this application. As Figure 1 shown, the communication system may include terminal devices, access network devices, core network devices, and data networks.

[0126] This application can be applied to various communication scenarios, such as beam measurement, channel estimation, signal detection, etc.

[0127] The communication systems and communication scenarios applicable to this application described above are only examples, and the communication systems and communication scenarios applicable to this application are not limited to this. The above description does not impose any limitations on the solutions of this application either.

[0128] Among them, Figure 1 the core network devices in

[0129] may include user plane network elements, mobility management network elements, and session management network elements.

[0130] Among them, the user plane network element mainly responds to requests from the session management network element and serves as the connection point between the access network device and the data network.

[0131] Among them, the mobility management network element is mainly responsible for tasks such as access authentication of terminal devices, mobility management, and signaling interaction between various functional network elements. For example, it manages the registration status of users, the connection status of users, user registration to the network, tracking area updates, cell handovers, user authentication, and key security, etc.

[0132] Among them, Figure 1The intermediate terminal device can be located within the cell coverage area of the access network device. Among them, the terminal device can perform radio interface communication with the access network device through the uplink (UL) or downlink (DL). For example, the terminal device can send uplink data to the access network device through the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) in the UL direction; the access network device can send downlink data to the terminal device through the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) in the DL direction.

[0133] Figure 1 The intermediate terminal device can also communicate with the core network device through a specific interface. For example, the terminal device can communicate with the mobility management network element in the core network device through the N1 interface.

[0134] Among them, after accessing the network, the terminal device can establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session, access an external data network through the PDU session, and interact with the application server deployed in the data network.

[0135] Among them, the terminal device can be a device with wireless transceiver functions or a chip or chip system that can be set in the device, which can allow users to access the network and is a device for providing voice and / or data connectivity to users. The terminal device can also be referred to as UE, subscriber unit, terminal, mobile station (MS), or mobile terminal (MT), etc.

[0136] Optionally, the terminal device in the embodiments of the present application may be a user-side device for implementing wireless communication functions, such as a terminal or a chip that can be used in a terminal. Among them, the terminal may be a UE, user unit, access terminal, terminal unit, terminal station, mobile station, mobile device, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, wireless communication device, terminal agent or terminal device in a 5G network or a public land mobile network (PLMN) evolved after 5G. The access terminal may be a cellular phone, smart phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless data card, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), handset with wireless communication function, laptop computer, tablet computer, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle device, drone, robot, intelligent point of sale (POS) machine, customer-premises equipment (CPE) or wearable device, 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, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal for machine type communication (MTC), wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home (such as smart camera, projector, display, TV set, audio, refrigerator, washing machine, etc.), sensor node in smart city (such as smart water meter, smart electricity meter, smart air detection node, etc.), intelligent device in intelligent office (such as printer, projector, etc.), infrastructure in daily life (such as vending machine, self-service navigation desk in shopping mall, self-service cashier equipment, self-service ordering machine, etc.). Or, the terminal may be a terminal with communication function in IoT, such as a terminal in V2X (such as vehicle-to-everything device), a terminal in D2D communication, or a terminal in M2M communication, etc. The terminal may be mobile or fixed.

[0137] It is understandable that a communication system can establish a complete network management and control mechanism, that is, when a terminal device exits the network, the resources allocated to the terminal device can be released in a timely manner to effectively manage and utilize the resources in the communication system.

[0138] For example, the resources allocated to the terminal device may include one or more of the following: wireless channels, bearers, various tunnels, or stored information.

[0139] Among them, Figure 1 the access network device in can be a device deployed in the access network that can perform wireless communication with a terminal device, or can also be a chip or chip system that can be set in the above device, or can also be a logical node or logical module or a function implemented in software, and can be used to implement functions such as wireless physical control functions, resource scheduling and wireless resource management, wireless access control, and mobility management.

[0140] Based on the above description of the communication system, in a possible communication scenario, the communication system can be as follows Figure 2 As shown, the terminal device can establish a tunnel between the access network and the local serving gateway and a tunnel between the local serving gateway and the data gateway under the control of the mobility management entity through the access network device, and then realize the connectivity between the terminal device and the packet data network (PDN) (it can also be understood that a tunnel is established between the terminal device and the packet data network).

[0141] Among them, Figure 2 the mobility management network element in can refer to the above description and will not be elaborated here.

[0142] Among them, Figure 2 the local serving gateway in is a data anchor for the small-scale movement of the terminal device, is an interface entity between the access network and the core network, and mainly bears the routing and forwarding of user data.

[0143] Among them, Figure 2 the core network control entity in is an entity that records and manages user location information and authentication and authorization information.

[0144] It is understandable that tunneling technology encapsulates protocol packets transmitted between two endpoint entities of a tunnel using a protocol to achieve secure data transmission and routing between the two endpoint entities.

[0145] Among them, as Figure 2 shown, the terminal device can access one or more packet data networks (such as Packet Data Network 1, Packet Data Network 2, and Packet Data Network 3), and different packet data networks can correspond to different packet data services.

[0146] Among them, the packet data service can be identified by an access point name (APN). The access network device can establish the connectivity between the terminal device and the data gateway according to the APN. Further, the data gateway can establish the connectivity between the data gateway and the PDN according to the APN.

[0147] It can be understood that the APN of the packet data service accessed by the terminal device can be pre-configured by the access network device or provided by the terminal device to the access network device.

[0148] It can be understood that the access network and the CN can evolve independently, that is, the access network can shield the influence of various terminal devices on the CN.

[0149] Optionally, the access network device in the communication system can be as Figure 3 shown. The access network device can also be a device including a CU node, or including a DU node, or including a CU node and a DU node. For example, the access network device can be logically divided into a CU and a DU from the perspective of logical functions. The functions of some protocol layers are centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all protocol layers are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. The CU and the DU can be set separately or can also be included in the same network element, such as in a building base band unit (BBU). Further, the centralized unit CU can be further divided into a control plane (CU-CP) and a user plane (CU-UP).

[0150] Among them, the DU can communicate with the terminal device through an RF network element.

[0151] In another example, as follows Figure 4 shown, the access network device can also be a device including a radio unit (RU), or including a CU, a DU, and an RU.

[0152] Among them, the DU and the CU can be deployed in a building base band unit (BBU), and the RU and the RF can be deployed in a remote radio unit (RRU) / active antenna unit (AAU). The interface between the RRU / AAU and the BBU can be called a fronthaul interface.

[0153] Among them, the RU can communicate with the terminal device through an RF network element.

[0154] It can be understood that in different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in an open radio access network (O-RAN) system, the CU may also be referred to as O-CU (open CU), the DU may also be referred to as O-DU, the CU-CP may also be referred to as O-CU-CP, the CU-UP may also be referred to as O-CU-UP, and the RU may also be referred to as O-RU. For the convenience of description, in this application, the CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU are used as examples for description. Any unit among the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0155] It can be understood that the CU and DU can support flexible deployment, that is, the CU and DU support distributed deployment and also support centralized deployment; the CU-CP and CU-UP can also support flexible deployment, that is, the CU-CP and CU-UP support distributed deployment and also support centralized deployment.

[0156] Among them, as Figure 4 shown, the interface between the RRU / AAU and the BBU can be referred to as the fronthaul interface; correspondingly, the access network device can include the fronthaul interface between the DU and the RU for implementing communication between the DU and the RU.

[0157] Exemplarily, the fronthaul interface can include one or more of the following: common public radio interface (CPRI), or eCPRI.

[0158] It can be understood that the BBU and the RRU / AAU can be connected through the fronthaul network, or the DU and the RU can be connected through the fronthaul network. For example, the fronthaul network includes but is not limited to: direct fiber connection, wavelength division network.

[0159] Among them, as Figure 4 shown, the CU, DU, and RU are configured to implement different functions. The CU can include the RRC function and the PDCP function; the DU can include the RLC function, the MAC function, and the non-real-time part of the PHY layer function (the non-real-time part of the PHY layer function can also be described as the high PHY of the PHY layer, or the non-real-time part of the PHY layer function can also be described as the non-real-time function of the PHY layer). When the fronthaul interface is eCPRI, the RU is configured to implement the real-time part of the PHY layer function (the real-time part of the PHY layer function can also be described as the low PHY of the PHY layer).

[0160] With the development of communication, the frequency band for communication between access network devices and terminal devices is gradually increasing. For example, in the sixth generation (6G) mobile communication system, access network devices will introduce higher frequency bands (such as centimeter waves, Sub-T Hz spectrum).

[0161] However, the high frequency band will lead to an increase in bandwidth (such as the bandwidth is in G units). For centimeter waves, the bandwidth can reach 460G; for Sub-T Hz, the bandwidth can reach 1.5T; for future optical modules, the bandwidth can reach 400G.

[0162] Among them, the increase in bandwidth will cause a sharp increase in the traffic of the fronthaul interface. For example, compared with the fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system, the data volume of the 6G communication system has increased by 10 to 100 times.

[0163] Therefore, how to reduce the traffic of the fronthaul interface and improve communication performance has become an urgent problem to be solved.

[0164] To solve the above technical problems, the present application provides an access network device, which includes: a first network element and a second network element communicatively connected to the first network element. The first network element includes the non-real-time parts of the RRC function, PDCP function, RLC function, and the non-real-time part of the MAC function; the second network element includes the non-real-time part and the real-time part of the PHY layer function.

[0165] In the embodiments of the present application, the access network device may include a first network element and a second network element. The second network element may include the real-time part and the non-real-time part of the PHY layer function, that is, the second network element can directly process the data transmitted on the PHY layer without sending the data to the first network element, which can reduce the traffic of the fronthaul interface and thus improve communication performance.

[0166] It should be noted that the communication system described in the embodiments of the present application is to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application. Those of ordinary skill in the art know that with the evolution of the network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0167] The following combines Figure 1 the shown communication system and refers to Figure 5 to describe in detail the access network device provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0168] Figure 5It is a schematic diagram of the composition of an access network device provided by an embodiment of the present application. The core network device includes a first network element and a second network element.

[0169] Exemplarily, the first network element may be an extended CU (e-CU), a radio central node (RCN), or a radio network area (RNA), and the second network element may be an extended RU (e-RU) or a radio distributed node (RDN).

[0170] Among them, the first network element includes the non-real-time parts of the RRC function, PDCP function, RLC function, and MAC function; the second network element includes the non-real-time part and the real-time part of the PHY layer function (which can be collectively referred to as the PHY layer function). The present application proposes three possible implementations:

[0171] In the first possible implementation, the access network device may be as follows Figure 6 As shown, the first network element may include the RRC function, PDCP function, non-real-time parts of the RLC function (such as traffic splitting, etc.), and non-real-time parts of the MAC function (such as multi-user cooperative scheduling, etc.), and the second network element may include the real-time part of the RLC function (such as hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ), etc.), the real-time part of the MAC function (such as data scheduling, etc.), and the PHY layer function (that is, the non-real-time part and the real-time part of the PHY layer function).

[0172] In the second possible implementation, the access network device may be as follows Figure 7 As shown, the first network element may include the RRC function, PDCP function, RLC function (that is, the non-real-time part and the real-time part of the RLC function), and the non-real-time part of the MAC function, and the second network element may include the real-time part of the MAC function and the PHY layer function.

[0173] Among them, compared with the first possible implementation, the first network element may further include the real-time part of the RLC function. Correspondingly, the second network element does not include the real-time part of the RLC function.

[0174] In the third possible implementation, the access network device may be as follows Figure 8 As shown, the first network element may include the RRC function, PDCP function, RLC function, and MAC function (that is, the non-real-time part and the real-time part of the MAC function), and the second network element may include the PHY layer function.

[0175] Among them, compared with the second possible implementation, the first network element may further include a real-time part of the MAC layer. Correspondingly, the second network element does not include the real-time part of the MAC layer.

[0176] Based on the above three possible implementations, under the same conditions, the traffic of the fronthaul interface in the first possible implementation can be smaller than that in the second and third possible implementations. At the same time, the traffic of the fronthaul interface in the second possible implementation can be smaller than that in the third possible implementation.

[0177] Based on the above Figure 5 As shown in the access network device, the access network device may include a first network element and a second network element. The second network element may include a real-time part and a non-real-time part of the PHY layer function. That is, the second network element can directly process the data transmitted on the PHY layer without sending the data to the first network element, which can reduce the traffic of the fronthaul interface and thus improve the communication performance. In addition, on the basis of including the PHY layer function, the second network element may further include a real-time part of the MAC layer function and / or a real-time part of the RLC layer function, and the second network element can directly process more data, which can further reduce the traffic of the fronthaul interface.

[0178] Based on the above Figures 5 - 8 As shown in the access network device, the interface between the first network element and the second network element is the first interface.

[0179] Among them, the protocol stack of the first interface may include a user plane protocol stack, a control plane protocol stack, a management plane protocol stack, and a clock synchronization plane protocol stack.

[0180] In the first possible implementation, the control plane protocol stack of the first interface may be determined according to SCTP.

[0181] Among them, SCTP is a reliable general transport layer protocol used on the IP network. SCTP is a connection-oriented stream transport protocol that can provide stable and ordered data transfer services between two endpoints.

[0182] Exemplarily, the control plane protocol stack of the first interface may be as follows Figure 9 As shown, the control plane protocol stack of the first interface may include L1 (i.e., the PHY layer), L2 (i.e., the MAC layer), the IP layer, the SCTP layer, and the first interface access point (AP) layer.

[0183] Among them, the air interface (AI) is the air interface between the terminal device and the second network element.

[0184] Among them, the first interface AP layer is used to establish a link for different terminal devices. That is, after the terminal device accesses the access network device, the access network device can establish a signaling tunnel according to the identity document (ID) of the terminal device. The first network element can send signaling to the second network element on this tunnel, and the second network element can determine the terminal device associated with the signaling according to this signaling tunnel.

[0185] For example, the first network element may include an RRC layer, a PDCP layer, a first interface AP layer, an SCTP layer, an IP layer, an L2, and an L1. The second network element may include a first interface AP layer, an SCTP layer, an IP layer, an L2, and an L1. The first network element and the second network element can realize data transmission on the first interface AP layer, the SCTP layer, the IP layer, the L2, and the L1.

[0186] Based on the first possible implementation, the control plane protocol stack of the first interface can be determined according to SCTP, providing a feasible solution for determining the control plane protocol stack of the first interface.

[0187] In the second possible implementation, the user plane protocol stack of the first interface can be determined according to the GTP-U protocol.

[0188] Among them, the GTP-U protocol may include a transmission control protocol (TCP) and a user datagram protocol (UDP).

[0189] An exemplary one is as follows Figure 10 As shown, the user plane protocol stack of the first interface can be determined according to TCP. The user plane protocol stack of the first interface may include an L1, an L2, a TCP / IP layer, and a GTP-U layer.

[0190] For example, the first network element may include a PDCP layer, a GTP-U layer, a TCP / IP layer, an L2, and an L1. The second network element may include a GTP-U layer, a TCP / IP layer, an L2, and an L1. The first network element and the first network element can realize data transmission on the GTP-U layer, the TCP / IP layer, the L2, and the L1.

[0191] Another exemplary one is as follows Figure 11 As shown, the user plane protocol stack of the first interface can be determined according to UDP. The user plane protocol stack of the first interface may include an L1, an L2, a UDP / IP layer, and a GTP-U layer.

[0192] For example, the first network element may include a PDCP layer, a GTP-U layer, a UDP / IP layer, an L2, and an L1, and the second network element may include a GTP-U layer, a UDP / IP layer, an L2, and an L1. Data transmission may be implemented between the first network element and the second network element on the GTP-U layer, the UDP / IP layer, the L2, and the L1.

[0193] Among them, when the user plane protocol stack of the first interface is determined according to TCP, a reliable connection will be established before the first network element sends the user plane data stream to the second network element, which can improve the reliability of communication; when the user plane protocol stack of the first interface is determined according to UDP, there is no need to establish a connection before the first network element sends the user plane data stream to the second network element, which can reduce the latency.

[0194] In a third possible implementation, the control plane protocol stack of the first interface, the user plane protocol stack of the first interface, the management plane protocol stack of the first interface, and the clock synchronization plane protocol stack of the first interface may be determined according to the eCPRI protocol.

[0195] Exemplarily, the control plane protocol stack of the first interface, the user plane protocol stack of the first interface, the management plane protocol stack of the first interface, and the clock synchronization plane protocol stack of the first interface may be as follows Figure 12 shown.

[0196] Among them, the user data module is used to obtain the user plane data stream. The user plane data stream may be encapsulated at the eCPRI layer. Further, the encapsulated user plane data stream may be encapsulated at the UDP layer, the IP layer, and the Ethernet (or Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) layer) in sequence, or may directly skip the UDP layer and the IP layer and be directly encapsulated at the Ethernet layer (or VLAN layer). The user plane data stream after encapsulation may be transmitted through the first interface.

[0197] Among them, the real-time control module is used to obtain the control plane data stream. The control plane data stream may be encapsulated at the eCPRI layer. Further, the encapsulated control plane data stream may be encapsulated at the UDP layer, the IP layer, and the Ethernet layer, or may directly skip the UDP layer and the IP layer and be directly encapsulated at the Ethernet layer. The control plane data stream after encapsulation may be transmitted through the first interface.

[0198] Among them, the configuration and management (C&M) module is used to obtain the management plane data stream. The management plane data stream may be encapsulated at the simple network management protocol (SNMP) layer, the UDP (or TCP, SCTP) layer, the IP layer, and the Ethernet layer (or VLAN layer) in sequence. The management plane data stream after encapsulation may be transmitted through the first interface.

[0199] Among them, the synchronization module is used to obtain the clock synchronization plane data stream. The clock synchronization plane data stream can be encapsulated at the precise time protocol (PTP) layer. Further, the encapsulated clock synchronization plane data stream can be encapsulated at the UDP layer, IP layer, and Ethernet layer (or VLAN layer), or can directly skip the UDP layer and IP layer and be directly encapsulated at the Ethernet layer (or VLAN layer); or, the clock synchronization plane data stream can be encapsulated at the synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) layer and then directly encapsulated at the Ethernet layer. The completed encapsulated clock synchronization plane data stream can be transmitted through the first interface.

[0200] Among them, the operations administration and maintenance (OAM) plane of the Ethernet is used for network monitoring and management, such as fault detection and handling, etc. The connection OAM module is used to obtain the management plane data stream. The management plane data stream can be encapsulated at the UDP / TCP layer, IP layer (or internet control message protocol (ICMP) layer), and the encapsulated management plane data stream is encapsulated at the Ethernet layer; or, the management plane data stream can be directly encapsulated at the Ethernet layer, and the completed encapsulated management plane data stream can be transmitted through the first interface.

[0201] Based on the above Figures 5 - 12 The access network device shown can implement the following Figure 13 The communication method shown. The specific steps can be as follows:

[0202] S1301. The access network device receives the first information from the terminal device through the second network element of the access network device.

[0203] Among them, the second network element includes the non-real-time part of the PHY layer function and the real-time part of the PHY layer function.

[0204] Optionally, the second network element may further include the real-time part of the RLC function and / or the real-time part of the MAC function.

[0205] Among them, the second network element can refer to the description of the second network element above Figure 5 and will not be elaborated here.

[0206] S1302. The access network device sends the second information to the first network element of the access network device through the second network element.

[0207] Among them, the second information is the information after the second network element processes the first information.

[0208] Among them, the first network element includes the non-real-time parts of the RRC function, PDCP function, RLC function, and MAC function.

[0209] Optionally, the first network element may further include the real-time part of the RLC function; or, the first network element may further include the real-time part of the RLC function and the real-time part of the MAC function.

[0210] Among them, the first network element may refer to the description of the first network element above Figure 5 and will not be elaborated here.

[0211] S1303. The access network device sends the third information to the core network device through the first network element.

[0212] Among them, the third information is the information processed by the first network element from the second information.

[0213] Based on the communication method shown above Figure 13 The second network element may include the non-real-time part of the PHY layer function and the real-time part of the PHY layer function, that is, the second network element can directly process the data transmitted on the PHY layer without sending the data to the first network element, which can reduce the traffic of the fronthaul interface and thus improve the communication performance; the terminal device can communicate with the core network device through the first network element and the second network element in the access network device.

[0214] In addition, on the basis of including the PHY layer function, the second network element may further include the real-time part of the MAC layer function and / or the real-time part of the RLC layer function, and the second network element can directly process more data, which can further reduce the traffic of the fronthaul interface.

[0215] Optionally, the first network element and the second network element may refer to the communication method shown below Figure 14 to implement the configuration of the first interface, and the specific steps may be as follows Figure 14 shown:

[0216] S1401. The access network device sends the first request information to the second network element through the first network element.

[0217] Among them, the first request information is used to request the configuration of the first interface; the first request information includes the PHY layer configuration information.

[0218] In the first possible implementation, when the first network element includes the non-real-time parts of the RRC function, PDCP function, RLC function, and MAC function, and the second network element includes the real-time part of the RLC function, the real-time part of the MAC function, and the PHY layer function, the first request information may include the RLC configuration information, the MAC configuration information, and the PHY layer configuration information.

[0219] Among them, when the first request information includes RLC configuration information, MAC configuration information, and PHY layer configuration information, data transmission between the first network element and the second network element can be achieved at the RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer.

[0220] In a second possible implementation, when the first network element includes non-real-time parts of RRC function, PDCP function, RLC function, and MAC function, and the second network element includes the real-time part of MAC function and PHY layer function, the first request information may include MAC configuration information and PHY layer configuration information.

[0221] Among them, when the first request information includes PHY layer configuration information and MAC configuration information, data transmission between the first network element and the second network element can be achieved at the PHY layer and MAC layer.

[0222] In a third possible implementation, when the first network element includes RRC function, PDCP function, RLC function, and MAC function, and the second network element includes PHY layer function, the first request information may include PHY layer configuration information.

[0223] Among them, when the first request information can include PHY layer configuration information, data transmission between the first network element and the second network element can be achieved at the PHY layer.

[0224] It can be understood that when the first network element is powered on or when the first network element is initially configured, the first network element can send the first request information to the second network element.

[0225] S1402. The access network device sends a response message to the first request information to the first network element through the second network element.

[0226] Based on the above Figure 14 shown communication method, the first network element and the second network element can configure the first interface according to the first request information, providing a feasible solution for configuring the first interface; the first request information may include PHY layer configuration information, and data transmission between the first network element and the second network element can be achieved at the PHY layer.

[0227] In addition, when the first request information further includes RLC configuration information and MAC configuration information, data transmission between the first network element and the second network element can be achieved at the RLC layer and MAC layer; when the first request information further includes MAC configuration information, data transmission between the first network element and the second network element can be achieved at the MAC layer.

[0228] Optionally, the first network element and the second network element can refer to the Figure 15 shown communication method to release the resources occupied by the first interface. Two possible designs are proposed in this application:

[0229] In a first possible design, a first network element may instruct a second network element to release resources occupied by a first interface.

[0230] S1501. The access network device sends first indication information to the second network element through the first network element.

[0231] Wherein, the first indication information is used to indicate the release of resources occupied by the first interface.

[0232] Exemplarily, taking the first indication information as one bit, when the bit value is 1, it may indicate the release of resources occupied by the first interface; or, when the bit value is 0, it may indicate the release of resources occupied by the first interface.

[0233] Wherein, the first indication information may carry a release cause.

[0234] Exemplarily, taking the first indication information as three bits, the first bit may be used to indicate whether to release the resources occupied by the first interface, and the second and third bits may be used to indicate the release cause. When the bit value is 100, it may indicate the release of resources occupied by the first interface, and the release cause is cause 1; when the bit value is 101, it may indicate the release of resources occupied by the first interface, and the release cause is cause 2; when the bit value is 110, it may indicate the release of resources occupied by the first interface, and the release cause is cause 3; when the bit value is 111, it may indicate the release of resources occupied by the first interface, and the release cause is cause 4.

[0235] Or, when the bit value is 000, it may indicate the release of resources occupied by the first interface, and the release cause is cause 1; when the bit value is 001, it may indicate the release of resources occupied by the first interface, and the release cause is cause 2; when the bit value is 010, it may indicate the release of resources occupied by the first interface, and the release cause is cause 3; when the bit value is 011, it may indicate the release of resources occupied by the first interface, and the release cause is cause 4.

[0236] Another exemplarily, taking the first indication information as two bits, the first indication information may be used to indicate the release cause, and the second network element may directly release the resources occupied by the first interface according to the release cause. When the bit value is 00, it may indicate that the release cause is cause 1; when the bit value is 01, it may indicate that the release cause is cause 2; when the bit value is 10, it may indicate that the release cause is cause 3; when the bit value is 11, it may indicate that the release cause is cause 4.

[0237] S1502. The access network device releases the resources occupied by the first interface according to the first indication information through the second network element.

[0238] S1503. The access network device sends a response message of the first indication information to the first network element through the second network element.

[0239] It can be understood that the first network element can release the resources occupied by the first interface according to the response message of the first indication information, or the first network element can release the resources occupied by the first interface according to the first indication information, without limitation.

[0240] It should be noted that there is no strict sequence between S1502 and S1503.

[0241] In the second possible design, the second network element can instruct the first network element to release the resources occupied by the first interface.

[0242] S1504. The access network device sends second indication information to the first network element through the second network element.

[0243] Among them, the second indication information is used to instruct to release the resources occupied by the first interface.

[0244] Optionally, the second network element can release the resources occupied by the first interface according to the second indication information.

[0245] Among them, the second indication information can refer to the description of the above first indication information and will not be elaborated here.

[0246] S1505. The access network device releases the resources occupied by the first interface through the first network element according to the second indication information.

[0247] It can be understood that the second network element can also release the resources occupied by the first interface according to the second indication information.

[0248] Based on the above Figure 15 shown communication method, when the first network element ends the communication with the second network element, it can send the first indication information to the second network element to instruct the second network element to release the resources occupied by the first interface, which can improve the resource utilization rate and thus improve the communication effectiveness; when the second network element ends the communication with the first network element, it can send the second indication information to the first network element to instruct the first network element to release the resources occupied by the first interface, which can improve the resource utilization rate and thus improve the communication effectiveness.

[0249] Optionally, the first network element can be used to transparently transmit downlink control transmission messages to the second network element; or, the second network element can be used to transparently transmit uplink control transmission messages to the first network element.

[0250] Among them, the first network element and the second network element can build a message transparent transmission channel.

[0251] An exemplary one is as follows Figure 16As shown in S1601, the first network element may send a downlink control transmission message to the second network element (information to be transparently transmitted may be carried on the downlink control transmission message).

[0252] Another exemplary case is as follows Figure 16 As shown in S1602, the second network element may send an uplink control transmission message to the first network element (information to be transparently transmitted may be carried on the uplink control transmission message).

[0253] Optionally, as Figure 5 shown, the first network element may communicate with a core network device, and the interface between the core network device and the first network element may be the fourth interface.

[0254] Exemplarily, the functions of the fourth interface may include the functions of the NG interface defined by 3GPP, and may also include functions such as integrated sensing function and positioning function.

[0255] Based on the above Figures 5 - 16 shown access network device, the access network device may further include a third network element communicatively connected to the first network element and the second network element.

[0256] Exemplarily, the third network element may be communicatively connected to the first network element or may be communicatively connected to the second network element.

[0257] Among them, the third network element may include a non-real-time part of the PHY layer function and a real-time part of the PHY layer function.

[0258] Optionally, the third network element may further include a real-time part of the RLC function and a real-time part of the MAC function; or, the third network element may further include a real-time part of the MAC function.

[0259] Exemplarily, as Figure 5 shown, the first network element may be communicatively connected to the second network element, or the first network element may be communicatively connected to the second network element and the third network element.

[0260] It can be understood that there is more than one second network element and third network element communicatively connected to the first network element.

[0261] It can be understood that the third network element and the second network element may be of the same type of network element. For specific descriptions, reference may be made to the above description of the second network element, which will not be elaborated here.

[0262] It can be understood that the third network element may include the non-real-time part of the PHY layer function and the real-time part of the PHY layer function. That is, the third network element can directly process the data transmitted on the PHY layer without sending it to the first network element, which can reduce the traffic of the fronthaul interface and improve the communication performance. In addition, based on the inclusion of the PHY layer function, the third network element may further include the real-time part of the RLC layer function and / or the real-time part of the MAC layer function. The third network element can directly process more data, which can further reduce the traffic of the fronthaul interface.

[0263] Based on the above Figures 5 - 16 For the access network device shown above, the interface between the second network element and the third network element is the second interface.

[0264] In a first possible implementation, the control plane protocol stack of the second interface can be determined according to SCTP.

[0265] Exemplarily, the control plane protocol stack of the second interface can be as follows Figure 17 As shown, the control plane protocol stack of the second interface can include L1, L2, IP layer, SCTP layer, and the second interface AP layer.

[0266] Among them, the second interface AP layer is similar to the first interface AP layer and will not be elaborated here.

[0267] For example, the second network element and the third network element can include the second interface AP layer, SCTP layer, IP layer, L2, and L1. The second network element and the third network element can implement data transmission on the second interface AP layer, SCTP layer, IP layer, L2, and L1.

[0268] In a second possible implementation, the user plane protocol stack of the second interface can be determined according to GTP-U.

[0269] Exemplarily, the user plane protocol stack of the second interface can be as follows Figure 18 As shown, the user plane protocol stack of the second interface can include L1, L2, UDP / IP layer, and GTP-U layer.

[0270] For example, the second network element and the third network element can include the GTP-U layer, UDP / IP layer, L2, and L1. The second network element and the third network element can implement data transmission on the GTP-U layer, UDP / IP layer, L2, and L1.

[0271] Based on the above Figures 5 - 18 For the access network device shown above, the access network device may further include an RF network element communicatively connected to the second network element or the third network element.

[0272] Among them, the second network element can be communicatively connected to one or more RF network elements, and / or the third network element can be communicatively connected to one or more RF network elements.

[0273] Among them, the interface between the second network element (or the third network element) and the RF network element may be the third interface.

[0274] In a possible implementation, the third interface may be a peripheral interface, and the protocol stack of the third interface may be determined according to the eCPRI protocol.

[0275] Among them, the protocol stack of the third interface may be as described above Figure 12 as shown, which will not be elaborated here.

[0276] It can be understood that the third interface may also be an internally implemented interface.

[0277] Optionally, the second network element and the third network element may refer to the Figure 19 communication method shown below to implement the configuration of the second interface. The specific steps may be as follows Figure 19 shown:

[0278] S1901. The access network device sends a second request message to the third network element of the access network device through the second network element.

[0279] Among them, the second request message is used to request the configuration of the second interface; the second request message includes PHY layer configuration information.

[0280] In a first possible implementation, when the first network element includes the non-real-time parts of the RRC function, PDCP function, RLC function, and MAC function, and the second network element includes the real-time part of the RLC function, the real-time part of the MAC function, and the PHY layer function, the second request message may include RLC configuration information, MAC configuration information, and PHY layer configuration information.

[0281] Among them, when the second request message includes RLC configuration information, MAC configuration information, and PHY layer configuration information, it can enable the second network element and the third network element to implement data transmission at the RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer.

[0282] In a second possible implementation, when the first network element includes the RRC function, PDCP function, RLC function, and the non-real-time part of the MAC function, and the second network element includes the real-time part of the MAC function and the PHY layer function, the second request message may include MAC configuration information and PHY layer configuration information.

[0283] Among them, when the second request message includes MAC configuration information and PHY layer configuration information, it can enable the second network element and the third network element to implement data transmission at the MAC layer and PHY layer.

[0284] In a third possible implementation, when the first network element includes RRC functions, PDCP functions, RLC functions, and MAC functions, and the second network element includes PHY layer functions, the second request message may include PHY layer configuration information.

[0285] Among them, the second request message including PHY layer configuration information enables the second network element and the third network element to implement data transmission on the PHY layer.

[0286] S1902. The access network device sends a response message of the second request message to the second network element through the third network element.

[0287] Based on the above Figure 19 shown communication method, the second network element and the third network element can configure the second interface according to the second request message, providing a feasible solution for configuring the second interface; the second request message including PHY layer configuration information enables the second network element and the third network element to implement data transmission on the PHY layer.

[0288] In addition, when the second request message further includes RLC configuration information and MAC configuration information, it enables the second network element and the third network element to implement data transmission on the RLC layer and the MAC layer; when the second request message further includes MAC configuration information, it enables the second network element and the third network element to implement data transmission on the MAC layer.

[0289] Optionally, the present application also proposes a communication method that enables a terminal device to switch from the second network element to the third network element. The specific steps may be as follows Figure 20 shown:

[0290] S2001. The access network device receives an MR from the terminal device through the first network element.

[0291] Exemplarily, the terminal device may receive measurement signals from the second network element and the third network element, determine the MR according to the measurement signals, and then send the MR to the first network element.

[0292] S2002. The access network device sends a third request message to the third network element of the access network device according to the MR through the first network element.

[0293] Among them, the third request message is used to request allocation of resources for the terminal device to access the third network element.

[0294] Exemplarily, the terminal device may receive measurement signals from the second network element and the third network element, determine the MR according to the measurement signals, and then send the MR to the first network element.

[0295] S2003. The access network device sends a response message of the third request message to the first network element through the third network element.

[0296] Exemplarily, the response information of the third request information may include the resources for the terminal device to access the third network element (such as time domain resources, frequency domain resources, etc.).

[0297] S2004. The access network device sends a handover command to the terminal device through the first network element according to the response information of the third request information.

[0298] Among them, the handover command is used to instruct the terminal device to hand over from the second network element to the third network element.

[0299] It can be understood that the first network element can determine the third network element according to the measurement report from the terminal device. Further, the first network element can determine the resources for the terminal device to access the third network element according to the response information of the third request information from the third network element, ensuring that the terminal device can access the third network element and improving the reliability of communication.

[0300] S2005. The terminal device accesses the third network element according to the handover command.

[0301] Optionally, the access network device can also release the resources occupied by the terminal device. The specific steps can be as follows:

[0302] S2006. The access network device sends third indication information to the second network element through the first network element.

[0303] Among them, the third indication information is used to indicate the release of the resources occupied by the terminal device.

[0304] Exemplarily, the third indication information can be one bit. When the bit value is 1, it can indicate the release of the resources occupied by the terminal device; or when the bit value is 0, it can indicate the release of the resources occupied by the terminal device.

[0305] S2007. The access network device releases the resources occupied by the terminal device through the second network element according to the third indication information.

[0306] Based on Figure 20 the communication method shown above, the first network element can determine the third network element according to the measurement report from the terminal device. Further, the first network element can determine the resources for the terminal device to access the third network element according to the response information of the third request information from the third network element, ensuring that the terminal device can access the third network element and improving the reliability of communication. In addition, the second network element can release the resources occupied by the terminal device according to the third indication information, improving the resource utilization rate and further improving the effectiveness of communication.

[0307] Optionally, different from the above where the first network element receives the MR from the terminal device, the second network element can also receive the MR from the terminal device and send a fourth request information to the third network element according to the MR.

[0308] Among them, the fourth request information is used to request allocation of resources for the terminal device to access the third network element.

[0309] It can be understood that the terminal device can move within the coverage of the second network element, and the terminal device can send the MR to the second network element.

[0310] It can be understood that the second network element can communicate with the third network element, and the second network element can send fourth request information to the third network element.

[0311] Further, the second network element may receive response information to the fourth request information from the third network element, and send a switching command to the terminal device according to the response information to the fourth request information.

[0312] The switching command is used to instruct the terminal device to switch from the second network element to the third network element.

[0313] It can be understood that, unlike the above-mentioned first network element instructing the terminal device to switch from the second network element to the third network element, the second network element can also instruct the terminal device to switch from the second network element to the third network element, which can reduce the traffic transmission between the second network element (or the third network element) and the first network element, thereby reducing the traffic on the fronthaul interface and improving communication performance.

[0314] The above description is based on an example where the first network element and the second network element are deployed in one device (ie, access network device). It is understandable that the first network element and the second network element may also be deployed independently without limitation.

[0315] It should be noted that the terminal device, access network device, first network element, second network element, third network element, and core network device in the embodiments of the present application are merely exemplary illustrations, and the number of devices is not limited.

[0316] Optionally, based on the above description of the terminal device, the access network device and the core network device, in specific implementation, the terminal device, the access network device, the first network element, the second network element, the third network element, and the core network device may also adopt Figure 21 The structure shown, or including Figure 21 Parts shown. Figure 21 A schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device 210 provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the communication device 210 may be a terminal device or a chip or a system on chip in a terminal device; may also be an access network device or a chip or a system on chip in an access network device; may also be a first network element or a chip or a system on chip in the first network element; may also be a second network element or a chip or a system on chip in the second network element; may also be a third network element or a chip or a system on chip in the third network element; may also be a core network device or a chip or a system on chip in a core network device.

[0317] likeFigure 21 As shown, the communication device 210 includes one or more processors 2101. Further, the communication device 210 may further include a communication bus 2102 and at least one communication interface ( Figure 21 which is only exemplary in this case. Taking the communication device 210 including a communication interface 2104 and one processor 2101 as an example for illustration). Optionally, the communication device 210 may further include a memory 2103.

[0318] The processor 2101 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of the program of the solution of the present application, or a processing core for processing data (such as computer program instructions). The processor may be a single-CPU processor or a multi-CPU processor.

[0319] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the processor 2101 may include one or more CPUs, such as Figure 21 CPU0 and CPU1 in

[0320] The communication bus 2102 may be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. This bus may be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For the sake of easy representation, Figure 21 only a thick line is shown in

[0321]

[0322] ​The memory 2103 can be a device with storage functions. For example, it can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices that can store information and instructions, or it can also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compact discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory can exist independently and be connected to the processor via the communication bus 2102. The memory can also be integrated with the processor.

[0323] Exemplarily, the memory 2103 is used to store computer execution instructions for implementing the solution of this application and is controlled by the processor 2101 for execution. The processor 2101 is used to execute the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 2103, thereby implementing the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0324] Alternatively, optionally, in the embodiments of this application, it can also be that the processor 2101 executes the functions related to processing in the communication method provided in the above embodiments of this application, and the communication interface 2104 is responsible for communicating with other devices or communication networks. The embodiments of this application do not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0325] Optionally, the computer execution instructions in the embodiments of this application can also be referred to as application program code. The embodiments of this application do not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0326] In a specific implementation, as an example, the communication device 210 may further include an output device 2105 and an input device 2106. The output device 2105 communicates with the processor 2101 and can display information in various ways. For example, the output device 2105 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector, etc. The input device 2106 communicates with the processor 2101 and can receive user input in various ways. For example, the input device 2106 may be a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen device, or a sensing device, etc.

[0327] It should be noted that Figure 21 the component structure shown in Figure 21 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. In addition to the components shown, the communication device may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0328] In the embodiments of the present application, the chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0329] It should be noted that the various embodiments of the present application may be implemented independently or in combination without limitation. If there is no special description and logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments provided in the present application are consistent and can be referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0330] It can be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the execution subject may execute some or all of the steps in the embodiments of the present application. These steps or operations are only examples, and the embodiments of the present application may also execute other operations or various deformations of the operations. In addition, the various steps may be executed in different orders presented in the embodiments of the present application, and it is possible not to execute all the operations in the embodiments of the present application.

[0331] The above mainly introduces the solution provided by this application from the perspective of the interaction between various devices. Correspondingly, this application also provides a communication device, which is used to implement the above various methods. The communication device may be the terminal device in the above method embodiments, or a device including the above terminal device, or a component applicable to the terminal device; or, the communication device may be the access network device involved in the above method embodiments, or a device including the access network device, or a component applicable to the access network device; or, the communication device may be the first network element involved in the above method embodiments, or a device including the first network element, or a component applicable to the first network element; or, the communication device may be the second network element involved in the above method embodiments, or a device including the second network element, or a component applicable to the second network element; or, the communication device may be the third network element involved in the above method embodiments, or a device including the third network element, or a component applicable to the third network element; or, the communication device may be the core network device involved in the above method embodiments, or a device including the core network device, or a component applicable to the core network device.

[0332] It can be understood that, in order to implement the above functions, the communication device includes the corresponding hardware structure and / or software module for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed in this article, this application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is executed in the way of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of this application.

[0333] The embodiments of this application can divide the functional modules of the communication device according to the above method embodiments. For example, each functional module can be divided corresponding to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional module. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiments of this application is illustrative, only a logical functional division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation.

[0334] In the case of dividing each functional module corresponding to each function, Figure 22A communication device 220 is shown. The communication device 220 may perform the actions performed by the terminal device, access network device, first network element, second network element, third network element, and core network device in the method shown above. All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be cited in the function descriptions of the corresponding functional modules. The technical effects that can be obtained can refer to the above method embodiments and will not be elaborated here.

[0335] Among them, the communication device 220 may include a transceiver module 2201 and a processing module 2202. Exemplarily, the communication device 220 may be a communication device, or a chip applied to a communication device, or other combined devices, components, etc. having the functions of the above communication device. When the communication device 220 is a communication device, the transceiver module 2201 may be a transceiver, and the transceiver may include an antenna and a radio frequency circuit, etc.; the processing module 2202 may be a processor (or, processing circuit), such as a baseband processor, and one or more CPUs may be included in the baseband processor. When the communication device 220 is a component having the functions of the above communication device, the transceiver module 2201 may be a radio frequency unit; the processing module 2202 may be a processor (or, processing circuit), such as a baseband processor. When the communication device 220 is a chip system, the transceiver module 2201 may be an input / output interface of the chip (such as a baseband chip); the processing module 2202 may be a processor (or, processing circuit) of the chip system, and may include one or more central processing units. It should be understood that the transceiver module 2201 in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components; the processing module 2202 may be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components (or, referred to as a processing circuit).

[0336] For example, the transceiver module 2201 may be used to perform all the transceiver operations performed by the communication device in the above embodiments, and / or other processes for supporting the technologies described herein; the processing module 2202 may be used to perform all the operations performed by the communication device in the above embodiments except for the transceiver operations, and / or other processes for supporting the technologies described herein.

[0337] In the present application, the communication device 220 is presented in the form of dividing each functional module in an integrated manner. Here, the "module" may refer to an ASIC, a circuit, a processor and a memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, an integrated logic circuit, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0338] In some embodiments, in terms of hardware implementation, those skilled in the art can think that the terminal device 220 may adopt Figure 21 the form of the communication device 210 shown.

[0339] As an example,Figure 22 The function / implementation process of the processing module 2202 in Figure 21 can be implemented by the processor 2101 in the communication device 210 shown in Figure 22 calling the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 2103. Figure 21 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 2201 in

[0340] As another implementable manner, Figure 22 the transceiver module 2201 in Figure 22 can be replaced by a transceiver, which can integrate the function of the transceiver module 2201; the processing module 2202 can be replaced by a processor, which can integrate the function of the processing module 2202. Further,

[0341] Optionally, when the processing module 2202 is replaced by a processor and the transceiver module 2201 is replaced by a transceiver, the communication device 220 involved in the embodiments of the present application can also be Figure 23 the communication device 230 shown in Figure 23 wherein, the processor can be the logic circuit 2301, and the transceiver can be the interface circuit 2302. Further,

[0342] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product, which can implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments when executed by a computer.

[0343] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be completed by a computer program instructing relevant hardware. This program can be stored in the above computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, it can include the processes of the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of any of the foregoing embodiments of the terminal (including the data sending end and / or the data receiving end), such as the hard disk or memory of the terminal. The above computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the above terminal, such as a plug-in hard disk equipped on the above terminal, a smart media card (SMC), a secure digital (SD) card, a flash card, etc. Further, the above computer-readable storage medium can also include both the internal storage unit of the above terminal and the external storage device. The above computer-readable storage medium is used to store the above computer program and other programs and data required by the above terminal. The above computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store the data that has been output or will be output. The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program or instruction is stored. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a computer, the functions of any of the above method embodiments are implemented.

[0344] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and simplicity of description, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be allocated to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device is divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0345] In several embodiments provided by the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed device and method can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only illustrative. For example, the division of the module or unit is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another device, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the displayed or discussed coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between each other can be through some interfaces. The indirect coupling or communication connection of the device or unit can be in an electrical, mechanical or other form.

[0346] The unit described as a separated component may or may not be physically separated. The component displayed as a unit may be a physical unit or multiple physical units, that is, it may be located in one place, or it may be distributed to multiple different places. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0347] In addition, in each embodiment of the present application, each functional unit can be integrated into a processing unit, or each unit can exist physically alone, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated unit can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional unit.

[0348] If the above-mentioned integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application essentially or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product. The software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a device (which can be a single-chip microcomputer, a chip, etc.) or a processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the embodiments of the present application. The foregoing storage medium includes: various media such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical discs that can store program codes.

[0349] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using a software program, 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 instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes (or functions) described in the embodiments of the present application are implemented. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can 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 instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center by wire (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wirelessly (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that the computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or a data center that contains one or more media integrated therein. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (such as a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (such as a solid state drive (SSD)), etc. In the embodiments of the present application, the computer can include the device described above.

[0350] Although the present application has been described in connection with various embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other variations of the disclosed embodiments may be understood and effected while practicing the claimed present application, by viewing the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may implement several functions recited in the claims. Certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims, but this does not indicate that these measures cannot be combined to advantage.

[0351] Although the present application has been described in connection with specific features and their embodiments, it will be apparent that various modifications and combinations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of the present application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of the present application. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalent technologies, the present application is also intended to include these changes and modifications.

Claims

1. An access network device, characterized in that, it includes: a first network element and a second network element communicatively connected to the first network element, the first network element includes a non-real-time part of radio resource control function, packet data convergence protocol function, radio link control function, and a non-real-time part of media access control function; the second network element includes a non-real-time part of physical layer function and a real-time part of physical layer function.

2. The access network device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the second network element further includes a real-time part of radio link control function and a real-time part of media access control function.

3. The access network device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the first network element further includes a real-time part of radio link control function.

4. The access network device according to claim 3, characterized in that, the second network element further includes a real-time part of media access control function.

5. The access network device according to claim 3, characterized in that, the first network element further includes a real-time part of media access control function.

6. The access network device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, the interface between the first network element and the second network element is a first interface, the control plane protocol stack of the first interface is determined according to the stream control transmission protocol.

7. The access network device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, the interface between the first network element and the second network element is a first interface, the user plane protocol stack of the first interface is determined according to the general packet radio service tunneling protocol for the user plane.

8. The access network device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, the interface between the first network element and the second network element is a first interface, the protocol stack of the first interface is determined according to the enhanced general public radio interface protocol.

9. The access network device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, the access network device further includes a third network element communicatively connected to the first network element and the second network element, the third network element includes a non-real-time part of physical layer function and a real-time part of physical layer function; the interface between the second network element and the third network element is a second interface, the control plane protocol stack of the second interface is determined according to the stream control transmission protocol.

10. The access network device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, the access network device further includes a third network element communicatively connected to the first network element and the second network element, the third network element includes a non-real-time part of physical layer function and a real-time part of physical layer function, the interface between the second network element and the third network element is a second interface, the user plane protocol stack of the second interface is determined according to the general packet radio service tunneling protocol for the user plane.

11. The access network device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, the third network element further includes a real-time part of media access control function.

12. The access network device according to claim 11, characterized in that, the third network element further includes a real-time part of radio link control function.

13. The access network device according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, the access network device further includes a radio frequency network element communicatively connected to the second network element, and an interface between the second network element and the radio frequency network element is a third interface, the third interface is a peripheral interface, and a protocol stack of the third interface is determined according to an enhanced general public radio interface protocol.

14. The access network device according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, the first network element is configured to send a first request message to the second network element; wherein, the first request message is used to request configuration of a first interface; the first request message includes physical layer configuration information; the first interface is an interface between the first network element and the second network element; the second network element is configured to send a response message to the first network element for the first request message.

15. The access network device according to claim 14, characterized in that, the first request message further includes radio link control configuration information and media access control configuration information; or, the first request message further includes media access control configuration information.

16. The access network device according to any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that, the first network element is configured to send a first indication message to the second network element; wherein, the first indication message is used to indicate release of resources occupied by a first interface; the first interface is an interface between the first network element and the second network element; the second network element is configured to release resources occupied by the first interface according to the first indication message and send a response message to the first network element for the first indication message.

17. The access network device according to any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that, the second network element is configured to send a second indication message to the first network element; wherein, the second indication message is used to indicate release of resources occupied by a first interface; the first interface is an interface between the first network element and the second network element; the first network element is configured to release resources occupied by the first interface according to the second indication message.

18. The access network device according to any one of claims 1-17, characterized in that, the first network element is configured to transparently transmit a downlink control transmission message to the second network element; or, the second network element is configured to transparently transmit an uplink control transmission message to the first network element.

19. The access network device according to any one of claims 1-18, characterized in that, the access network device further includes a third network element communicatively connected to the first network element and the second network element, the third network element includes a non-real-time part of a physical layer function and a real-time part of a physical layer function, the second network element is configured to send a second request message to the third network element; wherein, the second request message is used to request configuration of a second interface; the second request message includes physical layer configuration information; the second interface is an interface between the second network element and the third network element; the third network element is configured to send a response message to the second network element for the second request message.

20. The access network device according to claim 19, characterized in that, The second request information further includes radio link control configuration information and media access control configuration information; or, The second request information further includes media access control configuration information.

21. The access network device according to any one of claims 1-20, characterized in that the access network device further includes a third network element communicatively connected to the first network element and the second network element, and the third network element includes a non-real-time part of the physical layer function and a real-time part of the physical layer function, the first network element is configured to receive a measurement report MR from a terminal device, and send third request information to the third network element according to the MR; wherein, the third request information is used to request allocation of resources for the terminal device to access the third network element; the third network element is configured to send response information of the third request information to the first network element; the first network element is configured to send a handover command to the terminal device according to the response information of the third request information; wherein, the handover command is used to instruct the terminal device to hand over from the second network element to the third network element.

22. The access network device according to claim 21, characterized in that the first network element is further configured to send third indication information to the second network element; wherein, the third indication information is used to indicate release of resources occupied by the terminal device; the second network element is configured to release the resources occupied by the terminal device according to the third indication information.

23. A communication system, characterized in that the communication system includes the access network device according to any one of claims 1-22.

24. A communication method, characterized in that the method is applied to an access network device and includes: receiving first information from a terminal device through a second network element of the access network device; wherein, the second network element includes a non-real-time part of the physical layer function and a real-time part of the physical layer function; sending second information to a first network element of the access network device through the second network element; wherein, the second information is the information after the second network element processes the first information; the first network element includes a radio resource control function, a packet data convergence protocol function, a non-real-time part of a radio link control function, and a non-real-time part of a media access control function; sending third information to a core network device through the first network element; wherein, the third information is the information after the first network element processes the second information.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that the method further includes: sending first request information to the second network element through the first network element; wherein, the first request information is used to request configuration of a first interface; the first request information includes physical layer configuration information; the first interface is an interface between the first network element and the second network element; sending response information of the first request information to the first network element through the second network element.

26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the method further includes: Sending second request information to a third network element of the access network device through the second network element; wherein, the third network element includes a non-real-time part of the physical layer function and a real-time part of the physical layer function; the second request information is used to request configuration of a second interface; the second request information includes physical layer configuration information; the second interface is an interface between the second network element and the third network element; Sending response information of the second request information to the second network element through the third network element.

27. The method according to any one of claims 24-26, characterized in that, the method further includes: Receiving a measurement report MR from the terminal device through the first network element; Sending third request information to a third network element of the access network device through the first network element according to the MR; wherein, the third network element includes a non-real-time part of the physical layer function and a real-time part of the physical layer function; the third request information is used to request allocation of resources for the terminal device to access the second network element; Sending response information of the third request information to the first network element through the third network element; Sending a handover command to the terminal device through the first network element according to the response information of the third request information; wherein, the handover command is used to instruct the terminal device to hand over from the second network element to the third network element.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, the method further includes: Sending third indication information to the second network element through the first network element; wherein, the third indication information is used to indicate release of resources occupied by the terminal device; Releasing the resources occupied by the terminal device through the second network element according to the third indication information.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions or programs, and when the computer instructions or programs run on a computer, the communication method according to any one of claims 24-28 is executed.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that, the computer program product includes computer instructions; when part or all of the computer instructions run on a computer, the communication method according to any one of claims 24-28 is executed.

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