Information transmission method, device and equipment

Abstract

The invention provides an information transmission method, device and equipment. The method comprises the following steps: a session management function (SMF) determines whether to execute end-to-end redundant transmission for a target data stream according to first information; the SMF sends first indication information to a first node, wherein the first indication information is used for indicating to activate or deactivate end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream; wherein the first information comprises at least one of the following items: strategy information of redundant transmission; monitoring information of packet loss rate; survival time; and capability of the terminal. In the application, an SMF determines whether to execute end-to-end redundant transmission for a target data stream based on one or more of policy information of redundant transmission, monitoring information of packet loss rate, survival time and capability of a terminal, and sends first indication information to a first node, and indicating the first node to execute related operations of activating or deactivating end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream, thereby realizing reliable communication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to an information transmission method, apparatus, and device. Background Art

[0002] The 5G system can support Time Sensitive Communication (TSC) and time synchronization services. Currently, the mechanisms for improving communication reliability in the 5G system include: supporting user plane redundancy based on dual connectivity, user plane redundancy of N3 / N9, and supporting user plane redundancy of multiple UEs in one device. However, it does not define how the 5G system determines whether to trigger end-to-end redundant transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide an information transmission method, apparatus, and device for determining whether to trigger end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0004] An embodiment of this application provides an information transmission method applied to a Session Management Function (SMF). The method includes:

[0005] The Session Management Function SMF determines whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for a target data stream according to first information;

[0006] The SMF sends first indication information to a first node, where the first indication information is used to indicate activation or deactivation of end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream;

[0007] Wherein, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0008] Policy information of redundant transmission;

[0009] Monitoring information of packet loss rate;

[0010] Survival time;

[0011] Capability of the terminal.

[0012] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0013] Receiving policy information of redundant transmission sent by a second node; the policy information includes an end-to-end redundant transmission activation indication or an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indication;

[0014] Wherein, the second node includes at least one of the following:

[0015] Policy Control Function (PCF);

[0016] Replication and Elimination Handling Function (REHF);

[0017] Time Sensitive Communication and Time Synchronization function (TSCTSF).

[0018] Optionally, before determining whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for the target data stream according to the first information, the method further includes:

[0019] Receiving Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session information sent by a terminal, where the PDU session information includes: a PDU session establishment request message or a PDU session modification request message;

[0020] The PDU session establishment request message or the PDU session modification request message carries second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal has the ability to perform packet replication and packet elimination.

[0021] Optionally, the first node includes at least one of the following:

[0022] PDU Session Anchor (PSA) User Plane Function (UPF);

[0023] Radio Access Network (RAN) node;

[0024] Terminal;

[0025] Device-side TSN translator (DS-TT);

[0026] Network-side TSN translator (NW-TT).

[0027] Optionally, the first indication information carries information about a Replication and Elimination (RE) timer, and the information about the RE timer is used to indicate the activation time and deactivation time corresponding to the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0028] The information about the RE timer includes at least one of the following:

[0029] The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0030] The start time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0031] The end time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0032] Optionally, the policy information of the redundant transmission is determined according to the activation or deactivation request of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream by the Application Function (AF);

[0033] The policy information carries the information of the RE timer.

[0034] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0035] Receiving a subscription message sent by the AF;

[0036] According to the subscription message, when determining whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission on the target data stream, sending a notification message to the AF; the notification message is used to notify the AF of the activation or deactivation status of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream.

[0037] An embodiment of the present application provides an information transmission method, which is applied to a first node. The method includes:

[0038] The first node receives first indication information sent by the SMF, and the first indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream;

[0039] The first node performs an operation of activating or deactivating the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream according to the first indication information.

[0040] Optionally, the first node includes at least one of the following:

[0041] PSA UPF;

[0042] RAN node;

[0043] Terminal;

[0044] Device-side Time-Sensitive Network Translator DS-TT;

[0045] Network-side Time-Sensitive Network Translator NW-TT.

[0046] Optionally, when the first node is a terminal, before receiving the first indication information sent by the SMF, the method further includes:

[0047] Obtain the UE Routing Selection Policy (URSP) configuration information, where the URSP configuration information includes third indication information for indicating the activation or deactivation of end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow.

[0048] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0049] Send PDU session information to the SMF according to the URSP configuration information;

[0050] Wherein, the PDU session information includes: a PDU session establishment request message or a PDU session modification request message;

[0051] The PDU session establishment request message or the PDU session modification request message carries second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal has the capabilities of packet replication and packet elimination.

[0052] Optionally, the operation of activating or deactivating the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow according to the first indication information includes:

[0053] If the first indication information indicates the activation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow, copy the uplink data packets corresponding to the target data flow and eliminate the downlink data packets corresponding to the target data flow;

[0054] Or,

[0055] If the first indication information indicates the deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow, stop the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow.

[0056] Optionally, the first indication information carries information of the RE timer, and the information of the RE timer is used to indicate the activation time and deactivation time corresponding to the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0057] The information of the RE timer includes at least one of the following:

[0058] The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0059] The start time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0060] The end time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0061] Optionally, the first node has the Replication and Elimination Functionality (REF), and / or, the first node is connected to a REF node;

[0062] When the first node is connected to the REF node, the method further includes:

[0063] Sending a first request message to the REF node according to the first indication information, where the first request message is used to request to activate or deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream;

[0064] Wherein, the first request message includes at least one of the following:

[0065] The identification information of the target data stream;

[0066] The information of the RE timer.

[0067] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0068] Receiving the data packet corresponding to the target data stream;

[0069] Encapsulating an end-to-end sequence number at the target position of the data packet;

[0070] Wherein, the target position includes at least one of the following:

[0071] Internet Protocol (IP) header;

[0072] Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) header;

[0073] Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) header;

[0074] Radio Link Control (RLC) header.

[0075] An embodiment of the present application provides an information transmission method, which is applied to a second node. The method includes:

[0076] The second node receives a second request message sent by the AF, where the second request message is used to request to activate or deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream;

[0077] Generating policy information for redundant transmission according to the second request message, where the policy information includes an end-to-end redundant transmission activation indication or an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indication;

[0078] Sending the policy information to the SMF.

[0079] Optionally, the second node includes at least one of the following:

[0080] PCF;

[0081] REHF;

[0082] TSCTSF.

[0083] Optionally, the second request message includes time validity information for indicating the time for performing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0084] Wherein, the time validity information includes at least one of the following:

[0085] The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0086] The start time for performing the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0087] The end time for performing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0088] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0089] Determining information of the RE timer according to the time validity information;

[0090] The information of the RE timer includes at least one of the following:

[0091] The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0092] The start time for performing the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0093] The execution end time of the end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0094] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0095] Receiving a subscription message sent by the AF;

[0096] According to the subscription message, when determining whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for a target data stream, sending a notification message to the AF; the notification message is used to notify the activation or deactivation status of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream.

[0097] Optionally, the second request message is determined by the AF based on application requirements; the receiving the second request message sent by the AF includes:

[0098] Receiving the second request message sent by the AF through the NEF.

[0099] An embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which is an SMF and includes: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0100] A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for receiving and sending data under the control of the processor; a processor for reading the computer programs in the memory and performing the following operations:

[0101] Determine whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for a target data stream according to first information;

[0102] The SMF sends first indication information to a first node, and the first indication information is used to indicate activation or deactivation of end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream;

[0103] Wherein, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0104] Policy information of redundant transmission;

[0105] Monitoring information of packet loss rate;

[0106] Survival time;

[0107] Capability of the terminal.

[0108] Optionally, the processor is used to read the computer programs in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0109] Receive policy information of redundant transmission sent by a second node; the policy information includes an end-to-end redundant transmission activation indication or an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indication;

[0110] Wherein, the second node includes at least one of the following:

[0111] Policy control function entity PCF;

[0112] Replication and elimination handling function REHF;

[0113] Time-sensitive communication and time synchronization function TSCTSF.

[0114] Optionally, the processor is used to read the computer programs in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0115] Receive PDU session information sent by a terminal, where the PDU session information includes: a PDU session establishment request message or a PDU session modification request message;

[0116] The PDU session establishment request message or the PDU session modification request message carries second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal has the capabilities of packet replication and packet elimination.

[0117] Optionally, the first node includes at least one of the following:

[0118] PDU session anchor PSA user plane function UPF;

[0119] Radio Access Network RAN node;

[0120] Terminal;

[0121] Device-side Time-Sensitive Network Translator DS-TT;

[0122] Network-side Time-Sensitive Network Translator NW-TT.

[0123] Optionally, the first indication information carries information of a copy and cancellation RE timer, and the information of the RE timer is used to indicate the activation time and deactivation time corresponding to the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0124] The information of the RE timer includes at least one of the following:

[0125] The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0126] The start time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0127] The end time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0128] Optionally, the policy information of the redundant transmission is determined according to the activation or deactivation request of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream by the AF;

[0129] The policy information carries the information of the RE timer.

[0130] Optionally, the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0131] Receive a subscription message sent by the AF;

[0132] According to the subscription message, when determining whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for the target data stream, send a notification message to the AF; the notification message is used to notify the AF of the activation or deactivation status of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream.

[0133] An embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which is a first node, including: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0134] The memory is configured to store a computer program; the transceiver is configured to receive and send data under the control of the processor; the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0135] Receive the first indication information sent by the SMF, where the first indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow;

[0136] Perform an operation to activate or deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow according to the first indication information.

[0137] Optionally, the first node includes at least one of the following:

[0138] PSA UPF;

[0139] RAN node;

[0140] Terminal;

[0141] Device-side Time-Sensitive Network Translator DS-TT;

[0142] Network-side Time-Sensitive Network Translator NW-TT.

[0143] Optionally, the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0144] Obtain the Terminal Routing Selection Policy URSP configuration information, where the URSP configuration information includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow.

[0145] Optionally, the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0146] Send PDU session information to the SMF according to the URSP configuration information;

[0147] Wherein, the PDU session information includes: a PDU session establishment request message or a PDU session modification request message;

[0148] The PDU session establishment request message or the PDU session modification request message carries second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal has the capabilities of packet replication and packet elimination.

[0149] Optionally, the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0150] If the first indication information indicates the activation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow, then replicate the uplink data packets corresponding to the target data flow and eliminate the downlink data packets corresponding to the target data flow;

[0151] Or,

[0152] If the first indication information indicates to deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream, stop the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream.

[0153] Optionally, the first indication information carries information of an RE timer, and the information of the RE timer is used to indicate the activation time and deactivation time corresponding to the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0154] The information of the RE timer includes at least one of the following:

[0155] The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0156] The start time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0157] The end time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0158] Optionally, the first node has a replication and elimination function REF, and / or the first node is connected to a REF node;

[0159] When the first node is connected to the REF node, the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0160] Send a first request message to the REF node according to the first indication information, where the first request message is used to request to activate or deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream;

[0161] Wherein, the first request message includes at least one of the following:

[0162] The identification information of the target data stream;

[0163] The information of the RE timer.

[0164] Optionally, the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0165] Receive the data packet corresponding to the target data stream;

[0166] Encapsulate an end-to-end sequence number at the target position of the data packet;

[0167] Wherein, the target position includes at least one of the following:

[0168] IP packet header;

[0169] SDAP header;

[0170] PDCP header;

[0171] RLC header.

[0172] An embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which is a second node and includes: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0173] The memory is used to store computer programs; the transceiver is used to receive and send data under the control of the processor; the processor is used to read the computer programs in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0174] Receive a second request message sent by the AF, where the second request message is used to request to activate or deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream;

[0175] Generate policy information for redundant transmission according to the second request message, where the policy information includes an end-to-end redundant transmission activation indication or an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indication;

[0176] Send the policy information to the SMF.

[0177] Optionally, the second node includes at least one of the following:

[0178] PCF;

[0179] REHF;

[0180] TSCTSF.

[0181] Optionally, the second request message includes time validity information, where the time validity information is used to indicate the time for performing the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0182] Wherein, the time validity information includes at least one of the following:

[0183] The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0184] The start time for performing the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0185] The end time for performing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0186] Optionally, the processor is used to read the computer programs in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0187] Determine the information of the RE timer according to the time validity information;

[0188] The information of the RE timer includes at least one of the following:

[0189] The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0190] The start time for performing the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0191] Execute the end time of the end-to-end redundant transmission execution.

[0192] Optionally, the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0193] Receive a subscription message sent by the AF;

[0194] According to the subscription message, when determining whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for the target data stream, send a notification message to the AF; the notification message is used to notify the activation or deactivation status of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream.

[0195] Optionally, the second request message is determined by the AF based on application requirements; the receiving the second request message sent by the AF includes:

[0196] Receive the second request message sent by the AF through the NEF.

[0197] An embodiment of the present application provides an information transmission device, which is applied to the SMF. The device includes:

[0198] A first determination unit, configured to determine whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for the target data stream according to the first information;

[0199] A first sending unit, configured to send first indication information to the first node, where the first indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream;

[0200] Wherein, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0201] Redundant transmission policy information;

[0202] Packet loss rate monitoring information;

[0203] Survival time;

[0204] Terminal capabilities.

[0205] An embodiment of the present application provides an information transmission device, which is applied to the first node. The device includes:

[0206] A first receiving unit, configured to receive the first indication information sent by the SMF, where the first indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream;

[0207] A first operation unit, configured to perform an operation of activating or deactivating the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream according to the first indication information.

[0208] An embodiment of the present application provides an information transmission device, which is applied to the second node. The device includes:

[0209] A second receiving unit, configured to receive a second request message sent by the AF, where the second request message is used to request to activate or deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream;

[0210] An information generating unit, configured to generate policy information for redundant transmission according to the second request message, where the policy information includes an end-to-end redundant transmission activation indication or an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indication;

[0211] A second sending unit, configured to send the policy information to the SMF.

[0212] An embodiment of the present application provides a processor-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the above information transmission method are implemented.

[0213] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution of the present application are:

[0214] In an embodiment of the present application, the SMF determines whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for the target data stream based on one or more of the policy information for redundant transmission, the monitoring information of the packet loss rate, the survival time, and the capabilities of the terminal, and sends a first indication information to the first node to instruct the first node to perform relevant operations for activating or deactivating the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream, thereby realizing reliable communication. Description of the Drawings

[0215] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the network architecture of the time-sensitive communication (TSC) and time synchronization service representing an embodiment of the present application;

[0216] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the process flow of the information transmission method representing an embodiment of the present application;

[0217] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the network architecture in the scenario where the UE has the REF function representing an embodiment of the present application;

[0218] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the network architecture in the scenario where the UE and the REF function are independent representing an embodiment of the present application;

[0219] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the process flow of the information transmission method representing an embodiment of the present application;

[0220] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the process flow of the information transmission method representing an embodiment of the present application;

[0221] Figure 7Schematic diagram IV of the information transmission method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0222] Figure 8 Schematic diagram V of the information transmission method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0223] Figure 9 Schematic diagram VI of the information transmission method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0224] Figure 10 Schematic diagram I of the structure of the information transmission device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0225] Figure 11 Schematic diagram II of the structure of the information transmission device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0226] Figure 12 Schematic diagram III of the structure of the information transmission device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0227] Figure 13 Schematic diagram I of the structure of the communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0228] Figure 14 Schematic diagram II of the structure of the communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0229] Figure 15 Schematic diagram III of the structure of the communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0230] To make the technical problems, technical solutions and advantages to be solved by the present application clearer, the following will describe in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. In the following description, providing specific details such as specific configurations and components is only to help comprehensively understand the embodiments of the present application. Therefore, those skilled in the art should clearly understand that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described here without departing from the scope and spirit of the present application. In addition, descriptions of known functions and structures are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0231] It should be understood that the "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mentioned throughout the specification means that the specific features, structures or characteristics related to the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing 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.

[0232] In various embodiments of the present application, it should be understood that the magnitudes of the serial numbers of the following processes do not imply the order of execution, and the order of execution of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation to the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0233] In the embodiments of the present application, the term "and / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects and indicates that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0234] In the embodiments of the present application, the term "plurality" refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0235] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0236] When explaining the embodiments of the present application, some concepts used in the following description will be explained first.

[0237] I. TSC and time synchronization service.

[0238] The 5G system (5GS) can support TSC and time synchronization service, and its network architecture is as Figure 1 shown, including:

[0239] Device-side TSN translator (DS-TT);

[0240] Network-side TSN translator (NW-TT);

[0241] Time Sensitive Communication and Time Synchronization function (TSCTSF); TSCTSF includes TSC and time synchronization service logic, and can control DS-TT(s) and NW-TT to form a Precision Time Protocol (PTP) instance. The UPF can support one or more NW-TT.

[0242] The Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) is used for registration, connection management, etc.

[0243] The User Plane Function (UPF) is an external PDU session node interconnected with the data network and is used to implement packet routing and forwarding.

[0244] The Session Management Function (SMF) is used for session establishment, deletion, user plane selection and control, UE IP allocation, etc.

[0245] The Application Function (AF) interacts with the 3GPP core network to provide services. Based on the operator's deployment, a trusted AF can directly interact with relevant network function entities (NFs), while an untrusted AF cannot directly interact with NFs and should use the publicly available framework to interact through the NEF.

[0246] The Policy Control Function (PCF) supports a unified policy framework to manage network behavior and provide policy rules for the control plane NFs to execute.

[0247] Unified Data Management (UDM) is used to store UE information, such as subscription information and information on established PDU sessions.

[0248] The Network Exposure Function (NEF) is used to provide the function of securely exposing the services and capabilities provided by the 3GPP network to external networks.

[0249] The Unified Data Repository (UDR) stores subscription data and enables the UDM FE to retrieve subscription data. It also stores policy information and enables the PCF to retrieve policy information.

[0250] II. The mechanisms for 5GS to improve communication reliability include: supporting user plane redundancy based on dual connectivity, user plane redundancy of N3 / N9, and supporting user plane redundancy for multiple UEs in one device. Specifically as follows:

[0251] (1) User plane redundancy based on dual connectivity

[0252] The UE improves communication reliability by establishing two redundant PDU sessions. To establish two redundant PDU sessions and associate replicated data traffic from the same application to these two PDU sessions, it can be accomplished by using URSP. The UE can also establish two redundant PDU sessions without implementing based on URSP.

[0253] If URSP is used to establish two redundant PDU sessions and the duplicate data streams from the application are associated with the PDU sessions, they are distinguished by two distinct traffic descriptors, with each traffic descriptor in a distinct URSP rule. These traffic descriptors include different Data Network Names (DNNs), IP descriptors, or non-IP descriptors. Then, the two redundant PDU sessions can be paired to the Route Selection Descriptor of the distinct URSP rules. The Route Selection Descriptor can include the corresponding Redundancy Sequence Number (RSN) and PDU Session Pair ID. The Route Selection Descriptor uses the same PDU Session Pair ID to indicate that the two data streams are redundant to each other.

[0254] When the UE establishes two redundant PDU sessions and replicates data streams without using URSP, even if the application does not replicate data streams and does not provide two distinct traffic descriptions, the UE can determine the RSN and PDU Session Pair ID based on the implementation (e.g., the UE can implement using Frame Replication and Elimination for Reliability (FRER)).

[0255] The UE includes the RSN and / or the PDU Session Pair ID in the PDU session establishment request (Session Establishment Request) message to establish two redundant PDU sessions. The SMF decides whether to perform redundancy processing on the PDU session. This determination is based on the presence of the RSN and / or the PDU Session Pair ID in the PDU session establishment request, or if dynamic policy and charging control (PCC) is used for the PDU session, based on the indication of the need for a redundant PDU session provided by the PCF for this PDU session. If dynamic PCC is not used for the PDU session, a combination of single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), DNN, user subscription, and local policy configuration in the SMF is required to determine.

[0256] The redundancy processing request is implemented by indicating the RSN to the RAN node at each PDU session granularity. The SMF provides the RSN and the PDU Session Pair ID to the NG-RAN, and the NG-RAN side ensures user plane independence / radiore source isolation. The NG-RAN can implement redundant user plane resources for two PDU sessions through two RAN nodes or through one RAN node.

[0257] (2) User plane redundancy of N3 / N9

[0258] To address the issue of low reliability of N3 tunnel transmission, user plane redundant transmission is achieved by establishing two independent N3 tunnels through associating a PDU session between the PSA UPF and the NG-RAN.

[0259] The SMF or PSA UPF needs to provide different routing information in the tunnel information (e.g., different IP addresses or network instances), and these routing information are mapped to disjoint transport layer paths. The SMF indicates that one of the two N3 / N9 tunnels between the NG-RAN and the PSA UPF is used as the redundant tunnel for this PDU session. Redundant transmission uses two N3 / N9 tunnels and is performed at the Quality of Service (QoS) flow granularity and shares the same QoS flow ID. During or after the establishment of an Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC) QoS flow, if the SMF determines that redundant transmission needs to be performed based on the authorized 5G QoS Identifier (5QI), RAN node capabilities, operator configuration, and / or Redundant Transmission Experience analytics, the SMF notifies the PSA UPF and the NG-RAN to perform redundant transmission. The NG-RAN will provide different routing information (e.g., different IP addresses) in the tunnel information.

[0260] For each downlink packet in the QoS flow received by the PSA UPF from the DN, the PSA UPF duplicates the packet, assigns the same General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) User Plane Part of GTP (GTP-U) sequence number, and transmits them in different tunnels. The RAN node eliminates the duplicated data based on the GTP-U sequence number and forwards it to the UE. For each uplink packet in the QoS flow received by the RAN node from the UE, the RAN node duplicates the packet, assigns the same GTP-U sequence number, and transmits them in different tunnels. The PSA UPF eliminates the duplicated data based on the GTP-U sequence number.

[0261] For UE mobility, when the UE moves from one RAN node that supports redundant transmission to another RAN node that does not support redundant transmission, the SMF can release the QoS flow used for redundant transmission.

[0262] (3) Redundant Transmission at the Transport Layer

[0263] The backhaul provides two disjoint transport paths between the UPF and the RAN node. Supporting redundant transmission at the transport layer does not need to affect the 3GPP protocol.

[0264] The UE establishes a PDU session for the URLLC service. Based on factors such as DNN, S-NSSAI, knowledge of supporting redundant transmission at the transport layer, etc., the SMF selects a UPF that supports redundant transmission at the PDU session transport layer. An N3 GTP-U tunnel is established between the UPF and the RAN node. The knowledge of supporting redundant transmission at the transport layer can be configured in the SMF, or configured in the UPF and provided to the SMF during the N4 capability negotiation in the N4 association establishment process.

[0265] For downlink data transmission, the UPF sends downlink data packets over the N3 GTP-U tunnel. The redundancy function of the UPF is to replicate the downlink data at the transport layer, and the redundancy function of the RAN node is to eliminate the received replicated downlink data and send it to the RAN node. For uplink data transmission, the RAN node sends uplink data packets over the N3 GTP-U tunnel. The redundancy function of the NG-RAN is to perform redundant data processing at the transport layer of the backhaul, and the redundancy function of the UPF is to eliminate the received replicated uplink data and send it to the UPF.

[0266] (4) User plane redundancy based on multiple UEs in one device

[0267] Multiple UEs belong to the same terminal device and can request to establish a PDU session by using independent RAN and CN network resources.

[0268] Different gNBs can be selected for different UEs on the same device based on the Reliability Group. The ways to determine the Reliability Group of a UE include:

[0269] 1) Explicitly configure it to the UE and send it to the network side in the registration information using existing parameters (for example, use the S-NSSAI with SST for URLLC as the Requested NSSAI; the SD part is used to determine the Reliability Group).

[0270] 2) It can be derived from existing system parameters based on operator configuration. The ReliabilityGroup of each UE can be represented by existing parameters and sent from the AMF to the RAN when the RAN context is established, so that each gNB can know the Reliability Group of the connected UE.

[0271] The reliability group of the RAN entity can be pre-configured in the RAN through O&M. When establishing an Xn connection, the gNB may learn about the reliability group of adjacent cells, or the reliability group of adjacent cells is also configured to the gNB.

[0272] (5) Support redundant transmission from UE to UPF

[0273] The UE can include its ability to support packet duplication / elimination during the PDU session establishment process. The UE and the UPF perform packet duplication and elimination. During the PDU session establishment or PDU session modification process, the PCF instructs the SMF and the RAN node to activate redundant transmission for the QoS flow based on the 5QI.

[0274] For uplink data, the UE duplicates the data packet, encapsulates the same PDCP sequence number in the data packet, and sends it to the RAN node. The RAN node encapsulates it into the GTP-U header of the data packet based on the PDCP sequence number and sends it to the UPF. For downlink data, the UPF duplicates the data packet, encapsulates the same sequence number in the GTP-U header of the data packet, and sends it to the RAN node. The RAN node sets the downlink PDCP sequence number according to the sequence number in the GTP-U header and sends the data packet to the UE.

[0275] Embodiments of the present application provide an information transmission method, device, and equipment for determining whether to trigger end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0276] Among them, the method and the device are based on the same inventive concept. Since the principles of solving problems by the method and the device are similar, the implementation of the device and the method can be referred to each other, and the repeated parts will not be elaborated.

[0277] As Figure 2 shown, embodiments of the present application provide an information transmission method applied to the SMF, specifically including the following steps:

[0278] Step 201, the session management function SMF determines whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for the target data stream according to the first information;

[0279] Step 202, the SMF sends first indication information to the first node, and the first indication information is used to indicate to activate or deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream;

[0280] Among them, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0281] Redundant transmission policy information;

[0282] Packet loss rate monitoring information;

[0283] Survival time

[0284] The capabilities of the terminal

[0285] In this embodiment, the SMF may determine whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for a specific service data flow based on the redundant transmission policy information. And / or, the SMF may determine whether the application has high reliability requirements based on the survival time. For example, the survival time is set to a maximum message count of 2 (i.e., only two consecutive packet losses are allowed), or the survival time is set to a time length of 500 us, and this survival time is lower than the preset threshold, then the SMF determines that end-to-end redundant transmission needs to be activated for the data flow of this application.

[0286] And / or, the SMF may also determine whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for a specific service data flow based on the monitoring of the packet loss rate. For example: if it is determined according to the monitoring that the maximum packet loss rate is about to be reached, then the SMF determines that end-to-end redundant transmission needs to be activated for the data flow of this application. And / or, the SMF may also determine whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for a specific service data flow based on the capabilities of the terminal, where the capabilities of the terminal are, for example: whether the terminal supports packet replication and elimination.

[0287] Optionally, the terminal may also determine whether to activate end-to-end redundant transmission based on one or more pieces of information such as the capabilities of the RAN node, the operator's configuration, and / or Redundant Transmission Experience analytics.

[0288] After the SMF determines whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for the target data flow, it sends a first indication message to the first node, instructing the first node to activate or deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow.

[0289] In the embodiments of the present application, the SMF determines whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for the target data flow based on one or more of the redundant transmission policy information, the monitored packet loss rate information, the survival time, and the capabilities of the terminal, and sends a first indication message to the first node to instruct the first node to perform related operations of activating or deactivating the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow, thereby achieving reliable communication.

[0290] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes:

[0291] Receiving the redundant transmission policy information sent by the second node; the policy information includes an end-to-end redundant transmission activation indication or an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indication;

[0292] Wherein, the second node includes at least one of the following:

[0293] Policy Control Function entity PCF;

[0294] Replication and Elimination Handling Function REHF;

[0295] Time-Sensitive Communication and Time Synchronization Function TSCTSF.

[0296] In this embodiment, the policy information for redundant transmission may be determined and sent by the second node. Among them, the second node may be PCF, REHF, or TSCTSF. For example: when the second node is PCF, the PCF generates policy information (such as PCC rules) based on the AF request. The policy information includes: service data flow filter (such as IP Packet Filter set or Ethernet Packet Filter set), end-to-end redundant transmission activation indication, or end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indication. Optionally, the PCF sends the generated policy information to the SMF through a Policy Control Update Notify Request (Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify Request).

[0297] For another example: when the second node is REHF or TSCTSF, REHF or TSCTSF sends policy information to the SMF, and the policy information includes an end-to-end redundant transmission activation indication or a deactivation indication. The policy information may include a service data flow filter (such as an IP Packet Filter set or an Ethernet Packet Filter set).

[0298] As an optional embodiment, before determining whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for the target data flow according to the first information, the method further includes:

[0299] Receiving PDU session information sent by the terminal, where the PDU session information includes: a PDU session establishment request message or a PDU session modification request message;

[0300] The PDU session establishment request message or the PDU session modification request message carries second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal has the ability of packet replication and packet elimination.

[0301] In this embodiment, when the terminal determines to establish two mutually redundant PDU sessions according to the URSP indication, the terminal triggers the PDU session establishment or PDU session modification process. The PDU session establishment request or PDU session modification request includes the capability information of the UE having packet duplication and elimination, for example: the UE or DS-TT has the capability of packet duplication and elimination, or the UE or DS-TT can be connected to an external REF.

[0302] Optionally, the second indication information may be included in the NAS information (message), or included in the protocol configuration option of the NAS message (Protocol Configuration Option PCO), or included in the 5G system session management (5GS session management, 5GSM) core network capability of the NAS message.

[0303] As an alternative embodiment, the first node includes at least one of the following:

[0304] PDU session anchor PSA user plane function UPF;

[0305] Radio access network RAN node;

[0306] Terminal;

[0307] Device-side time-sensitive network translator DS-TT;

[0308] Network-side time-sensitive network translator NW-TT.

[0309] In this embodiment, when the SMF determines to activate or deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream, it may send the first indication information to one or more of the above first nodes. For example, when the first node is a PDU UPF and the SMF determines to activate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream, the SMF initiates an N4 session establishment or N4 session modification process and sends a newly introduced end-to-end redundant transmission activation indicator or reuses an existing redundant transmission activation indicator to instruct the PDU UPF to duplicate the downlink data packets and eliminate the uplink data packets for a specific QoS flow (for example, specifying a specific one or more QoS flow IDs (QoS Flow ID, QFI) or Packet Filter Set). In this embodiment, if the PDU UPF is separated from the REF, the PDU UPF may send an end-to-end redundant transmission activation request message to the REF. Optionally, the request message includes a data stream identifier (for example, an IP five-tuple, a Media Access Control (MAC) address, etc.) and an RE timer. If no connection is established between the PDU UPF and the REF, the UPF initiates a connection establishment to the REF.

[0310] If the end-to-end redundant transmission has been activated and the SMF determines to deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission, the SMF sends an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indicator to the PDU UPF to indicate that end-to-end redundant transmission-related operations are no longer performed for a specific QoS flow, such as no longer performing data packet duplication and elimination. In this embodiment, if the PDU UPF is separated from the REF, the PDU UPF sends an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation request message to the REF. Optionally, the request message includes a data stream identifier (for example, an IP five-tuple, a MAC address, etc.). Optionally, the PDU UPF releases the connection with the REF.

[0311] For another example: If the first node is a RAN node and the SMF determines to activate end-to-end redundant transmission, the SMF sends an N2 message to the RAN node via the AMF. The information sent includes an end-to-end redundant transmission activation indicator or reusing the existing redundant transmission indicator, which is used to instruct the RAN node to perform forwarding or discarding operations on data packets containing the end-to-end sequence number in a specific QoS flow (for example, indicating one or more QFIs). If the SMF determines to deactivate end-to-end redundant transmission, the SMF sends an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indicator to the RAN node, which is used to indicate that end-to-end redundant transmission related operations will no longer be performed on a specific QoS flow.

[0312] For another example: If the first node is a terminal / DS-TT and the SMF determines to activate end-to-end redundant transmission, the SMF includes the end-to-end redundant transmission activation indicator in the N1 NAS message and sends it to the UE / DS-TT via the AMF to instruct the UE / DS-TT to duplicate the uplink data packets and eliminate the downlink data packets for a specific QoS flow. In this embodiment, if the UE / DS-TT is separated from the REF, the UE / DS-TT sends a request message for activating end-to-end redundant transmission to the REF. Optionally, the request message includes data flow identifiers (such as IP quintuple, MAC address, etc.) and the RE timer. If no connection is established between the UE / DS-TT and the REF, the UE / DS-TT initiates a connection establishment to the REF.

[0313] If the SMF determines to deactivate end-to-end redundant transmission, the SMF includes the end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indicator in the N1 NAS message and sends it to the UE / DS-TT via the AMF, which is used to indicate that end-to-end redundant transmission related operations will no longer be performed on a specific QoS flow. The specific QoS flow is specified, for example, by one or more QFIs through QoS rules or determined according to the PacketFilter Set. In this embodiment, if the UE / DS-TT is separated from the REF, the UE / DS-TT sends a deactivation indicator for end-to-end redundant transmission to the REF. Optionally, the request message includes data flow identifiers (such as IP quintuple, MAC address, etc.). Optionally, the UE / DS-TT releases the connection with the REF.

[0314] As an optional embodiment, the first indication information carries information of a replication and elimination RE timer, and the information of the RE timer is used to indicate an activation time and a deactivation time corresponding to the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0315] The information of the RE timer includes at least one of the following:

[0316] The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0317] The start time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0318] The end time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0319] In this embodiment, the SMF determines the RE timer based on a local policy or the obtained policy information of the redundant transmission. The RE timer can be a time length. For example, RE timer = 10 minutes, which is used to indicate that the packet replication and elimination mechanism is activated when the RE timer is received, and the packet replication and elimination mechanism is deactivated after the RE timer expires. Alternatively, the RE timer includes the start time and the end time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission. For example, it indicates that the packet replication and elimination mechanism is activated at the start time = 1 pm and deactivated at the end time = 1:30 pm. The start time and the end time are absolute time values, and it is necessary to ensure the time synchronization of the network elements at the receiving end and the sending end first.

[0320] The SMF sends the first indication information to the first node, and the RE timer is carried in the first indication information. For example, the SMF can send the RE timer to the UPF through an N4 message.

[0321] Optionally, the policy information of the redundant transmission is determined according to an activation or deactivation request of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream by the AF; the policy information carries the information of the RE timer.

[0322] In this embodiment, the AF can send an end-to-end redundant transmission activation request or an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation request based on application requirements. If the request carries an end-to-end redundant transmission activation request, optionally, it can include a Temporal Validity Condition for indicating the time of the end-to-end redundant transmission. The second node can generate the policy information of the redundant transmission based on the request of the AF. The second node can determine the RE timer based on the time validity condition in the request message and send the RE timer included in the policy information to the SMF.

[0323] As an alternative embodiment, the method further includes:

[0324] Receiving a subscription message sent by the AF;

[0325] According to the subscription message, when determining whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for a target data stream, sending a notification message to the AF; the notification message is used to notify the AF of the activation or deactivation status of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream.

[0326] In this embodiment, the AF can subscribe to event notifications for activating or deactivating end-to-end redundant transmission from the SMF, and the SMF replies with a notification message to the AF according to the change in the end-to-end redundant transmission status. For example: the SMF replies with a notification message for activating or deactivating end-to-end redundant transmission. Specifically, the AF can reuse the UP (UP with redundant transmission) event with redundant transmission to subscribe to the notification message for the change of the UP with redundant transmission event from the SMF, and the SMF can send a notification message to the AF through Event Exposure Notification (Nsmf_EventExposure Notify); or, the AF introduces a new e2e UP with redundant transmission event to subscribe to the notification message for the change of the e2e UP with redundant transmission event from the SMF.

[0327] In the embodiments of the present application, the UE / DS-TT has a REF function, as Figure 3 shown; or, the UE / DS-TT and the REF are independent functional entities, as Figure 4 shown. The UPF has a REF function, as Figure 3 shown; or, the UPF / NW-TT and the REF are independent functional entities, as Figure 4 shown. Among them, when the RSD and the REF are independent functional entities, they can be deployed outside the 5GS.

[0328] The following uses examples to illustrate the implementation method of the information transmission method.

[0329] Example 1. As Figure 5 shown, it includes:

[0330] Step 50a, by configuring a URSP for the UE / DS-TT to indicate the establishment of two mutually redundant PDU sessions, providing a corresponding RSN and / or Session Pair ID in the Route Selection Descriptor.

[0331] Step 50b. Optionally, if the UE / DS-TT is separated from the REF, the UE / DS-TT establishes a connection with the REF to support the packet duplication and elimination function.

[0332] Step 51. The UE / DS-TT triggers the PDU session establishment or PDU session modification process.

[0333] The UE's capability information for packet duplication and elimination is included in the PDU session establishment request or PDU session modification request, such as: the UE or DS-TT has this capability, or can be connected to an external REF. Specifically, the capability information can be included in the NAS message, or in the PCO of the NAS message, or in the 5GSM core network capability of the NAS message. Optionally, the RSN and / or PDU Session Pair ID are included in the PDU Session Establishment request. The UE establishes PDU sessions (e.g., establishes PDU session 1 and PDU session 2) through RAN node 1 and RAN node 2 respectively, and the AMF selects the SMF and establishes an association with the SMF, etc.

[0334] Step 52. The SMF determines whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for one or more QoS flows of the PDU session. Specifically, the SMF can make a decision based on one or more of the following conditions:

[0335] 1) Based on the policy information received from the PCF or REHF, determine to activate end-to-end redundant transmission for a specific reading data stream.

[0336] 2) When the SMF determines that the application has high reliability requirements based on the survival time, for example, the survival time is set to a maximum message count of 2 (i.e., only two consecutive packet losses are allowed), or the survival time is set to a time length of 500 us, and this survival time is lower than the preset threshold, then the SMF determines that end-to-end redundant transmission needs to be activated for the data stream of this application.

[0337] 3) When the SMF determines that the maximum packet loss rate is about to be reached based on the monitoring of the packet loss rate, then the SMF determines that end-to-end redundant transmission needs to be activated for the data stream of this application.

[0338] In addition, the SMF can also determine whether to activate end-to-end redundant transmission based on one or more pieces of information such as the capabilities of the UE (supporting packet duplication and elimination), the capabilities of the RAN node, the operator's configuration, and / or Redundant Transmission Experience analytics.

[0339] Step 53: The SMF activates or deactivates end-to-end redundant transmission to the PSA UPF / REF.

[0340] Optionally, in step 53a: If the SMF determines to activate end-to-end redundant transmission, the SMF selects a UPF that supports the packet duplication and elimination function as the PSA UPF. For example, the UPF or NW-TT supports the packet duplication and elimination function, or can be connected to an external REF.

[0341] The SMF can configure locally whether the UPF supports the packet duplication and elimination function, or the UPF registers with the NRF its support for the packet duplication and elimination function. For example, when the PSA UPF is connected to an external REF, it updates the NRF with its support for the packet duplication and elimination function.

[0342] The SMF initiates the N4 session establishment or N4 session modification process, and sends a newly introduced end-to-end redundant transmission activation indicator or reuses an existing redundant transmission activation indicator to indicate that the UPF performs packet duplication for downlink packets and packet elimination for uplink packets for a specific QoS flow (e.g., specifying a particular one or more QFIs or Packet Filter Sets).

[0343] Optionally, the SMF determines the RE timer based on a local policy or policy information received from the PCF. The RE timer can be a time duration. For example, RE timer = 10 minutes, indicating that the packet duplication and elimination mechanism is activated when the RE timer is received and deactivated after the RE timer expires; or, the RE timer contains the start time and end time for performing end-to-end redundant transmission, and these two times are absolute time values. It is necessary to first ensure that the network element times of the receiving end and the sending end are synchronized. For example, it indicates that the packet duplication and elimination mechanism is activated at the start time = 1 pm and deactivated at the end time = 1:30 pm. The SMF sends the RE timer to the UPF via an N4 message.

[0344] Optionally, in step 53b, if the UPF is separated from the REF, the UPF sends an activation end-to-end redundant transmission request message to the REF. Optionally, the request information includes a data flow identifier (e.g., IP quintuple, MAC address, etc.) and an RE timer. If no connection is established between the UPF and the REF, the UPF initiates a connection establishment to the REF.

[0345] Optionally, in step 53c, if the end-to-end redundant transmission is activated and the SMF determines to deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission, the SMF sends an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indication to the UPF, for indicating that end-to-end redundant transmission related operations are no longer performed for a specific QoS flow, such as no longer performing packet replication and elimination.

[0346] Optionally, in step 53d, if the UPF is separated from the REF, the UPF sends a deactivation end-to-end redundant transmission request to the REF. Optionally, the request information includes a data flow identifier (e.g., IP quintuple, MAC address, etc.). Optionally, the connection with the REF is released.

[0347] Step 54: The SMF activates or deactivates the end-to-end redundant transmission to the RAN node.

[0348] Optionally, in step 54a, if the SMF determines to activate the end-to-end redundant transmission, the SMF sends an N2 message to the RAN node through the AMF. The N2 message includes an end-to-end redundant transmission activation indication or reuses an existing redundant transmission indicator, for indicating that the RAN node performs forwarding or discarding operations on packets containing the e2e sequence number in a specific QoS flow (e.g., indicating one or more QFIs).

[0349] Optionally, the SMF sends the RE timer to the RAN node. For example, when the time indicated by the RE timer is exceeded, the secondary RAN node discards the packets containing the end-to-end sequence number (e2e sequence number).

[0350] Optionally, in step 54b, if the SMF determines to deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission, the SMF sends an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indication to the RAN node, for indicating that end-to-end redundant transmission related operations are no longer performed for a specific QoS flow.

[0351] Step 55: The SMF activates or deactivates the end-to-end redundant transmission to the UE / DS-TT.

[0352] Optionally, in step 55a, if the SMF determines to activate end-to-end redundant transmission, the SMF includes an end-to-end redundant transmission activation indicator in the N1 NAS message and sends it to the UE / DS-TT via the AMF to indicate that the UE / DS-TT replicates uplink data packets and eliminates downlink data packets for a specific QoS flow (e.g., specifying one or more QFIs through a QoS rule, or a Packet Filter Set). Optionally, the RE timer is sent to the UE via the N1 NAS message to indicate the time for performing packet replication and elimination.

[0353] Optionally, in step 55b, if the UE / DS-TT is separated from the REF, the UE / DS-TT sends an end-to-end redundant transmission activation request message to the REF. Optionally, the request information includes data flow identifiers (e.g., IP quintuple, MAC address, etc.) and the RE timer. If no connection is established between the UE / DS-TT and the REF, the UE / DS-TT initiates a connection establishment to the REF.

[0354] Optionally, in step 55c, if the SMF determines to deactivate end-to-end redundant transmission, the SMF includes an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indicator in the N1 NAS message and sends it to the UE / DS-TT via the AMF to indicate that end-to-end redundant transmission related operations are no longer performed for a specific QoS flow.

[0355] Optionally, in step 55d, if the UE / DS-TT is separated from the REF, it sends an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indicator to the REF. Optionally, the request information includes data flow identifiers (e.g., IP quintuple, MAC address, etc.). Optionally, the UE / DS-TT releases the connection with the REF.

[0356] Step 56: Duplicate the downlink data packets on the UPF / NW-TT / REF side and encapsulate the end-to-end sequence number in the data packet header.

[0357] When the PSA UPF / NW-TT / REF receives a downlink data packet from the DN, it determines the QoS flow to be replicated according to the service data flow filter (Packet Filter Set) or QFI or QoS flow pair ID. Then, it encapsulates an end-to-end sequence number (e2e sequence number) for each data packet header of this QoS flow, and assigns the same e2e sequence number to the replicated data packets. For example, each data packet has a corresponding sequence number such as 01, 02, 03, etc. in the transmission order, and the corresponding sequence number is encapsulated in the data packet header.

[0358] For the replicated QoS flow, optionally set the same QFI (e.g., the same QoS flow pair ID). Transmit them respectively in different PDU sessions of redundant transmission. For example, PDU session 1 and PDU session 2 established by the UE. Optionally, the RE timer can be encapsulated in the packet header and sent to the RAN node. The UPF / REF can encapsulate the e2e sequence number and the RE timer in the IP header or the GTP-U header.

[0359] Step 57: The RAN node sends the data packet to the UE or discards the data packet.

[0360] When the RAN node receives downlink data, if the data packet header contains the e2e sequence number, it sends the data packet containing the QFI and e2e sequence number parameters to the UE. For example, if the time indicated by the RE timer is exceeded, the secondary RAN node can discard the data packet containing the e2e sequence number.

[0361] The RAN node can encapsulate the e2e sequence number in the IP header or the SDAP header or the PDCP header or the RLC header.

[0362] Step 58: The UE / DS-TT / REF eliminates the duplicate data packets.

[0363] The UE / DS-TT / REF receives downlink data packets. Duplicate data packets are eliminated based on the Packet Filter Set or QFI or QoS flow Pair ID, and / or according to the e2e sequence number in the data packet header. For example: The UE receives a QoS flow with QoS flow Pair ID = 1 through PDU session 1, which contains 4 data packets with e2e sequence numbers 01, 03, 04, 05 respectively, and the UE receives a QoS flow with QoS flow Pair ID = 1 through PDU session 2, which contains 4 data packets with e2e sequence numbers 01, 02, 04, 05 respectively. Then the UE eliminates the data packets 01, 04, 05 with duplicate e2e sequence numbers, and finally obtains the complete data packets 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 of this QoS flow.

[0364] Optionally, if step 55 is not executed, the UE can eliminate duplicate data packets according to the received data packets containing the e2e sequence number.

[0365] Step 59: The UE / DS-TT / REF copies the uplink data packets and encapsulates the end-to-end sequence number in the data packet header.

[0366] When the UE / DS-TT / REF receives an uplink data packet, it determines the QoS flow that needs to be copied based on the Packet Filter Set or QFI or QoS flow Pair ID, then encapsulates the e2e sequence number in each data packet header of this QoS flow, and assigns the same e2e sequence number to the copied data packets. For the copied QoS flow. Optionally, set the same QFI (for example, the same QoS flow Pair ID). Transmit them in different PDU sessions respectively. The UE / REF can encapsulate the e2e sequence number in the IP header or SDAP header or PDCP header or RLC header.

[0367] Step 510: The RAN node sends the data packet to the UE or discards the data packet.

[0368] When the RAN node receives uplink data, if the data packet header contains the e2e sequence number, it encapsulates the parameter containing the e2e sequence number in the IP packet header or the GTP-U packet header and sends it to the UPF. If the time indicated by the RE timer is exceeded, the secondary RAN node may discard the data packet containing the e2e sequence number.

[0369] Step 511: The UE / DS-TT / REF eliminates duplicate data packets.

[0370] When the UE / DS-TT / REF receives uplink data, it eliminates duplicate data packets for a specific Packet Filter Set or QFI or QoSflow Pair ID, and / or based on the e2e sequence number in the data packet header. The specific operation is similar to Step 59 and will not be elaborated here.

[0371] In this embodiment, the SMF determines whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for one or more QoS flows of the PDU session based on one or more pieces of information such as policy information, survival time, packet loss rate information, and UE capabilities, and sends indication information to the UE, RAN node, UPF, etc. to enable them to complete the operations of activating or deactivating end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0372] Example 2: Similar to Example 1, the difference is that whether to activate end-to-end redundant transmission is configured for the UE through URSP. The specific steps include:

[0373] Step 60a: Configure URSP for the UE / DS-TT to indicate the establishment of two mutually redundant PDU sessions, and provide the corresponding RSN and / or PDU session pair identifier (SessionPair ID) in the Route Selection Descriptor.

[0374] In addition, an End-to-End redundant transmission indicator is included in the URSP to indicate that the UE duplicates the uplink data packets and eliminates the downlink data packets for a specific data stream. The specific data stream is indicated, for example, by an IP triple in the IP descriptors or by Non-IP descriptors.

[0375] Among them, the End-to-End redundant transmission indicator parameter can be set to "enable" to indicate activation, or "disable" to indicate deactivation.

[0376] Steps 60b to 64 are the same as steps 50b to 54 in Example 1. Steps 65 to 610 are the same as steps 56 to 511 in Example 1, that is, step 55 in Example 1 is not executed in this Example 2, and similar content will not be elaborated here.

[0377] Example 3: Activate or deactivate end-to-end redundant transmission through an AF request. The AF can be a newly introduced REHAF.

[0378] As Figure 6 shown, it includes:

[0379] Step 71a: Based on application requirements (for example, the service used has high requirements for reliability), the AF sends an end-to-end redundant transmission activation request or an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation request. The request may include one or more of the following: flow description information, port number, source MAC address and destination MAC address, VLAN ID, application identifier, etc. Among them, the flow description information is, for example, the source IP address and the destination IP address.

[0380] This request can indicate to perform or no longer perform end-to-end redundant transmission for a specific service flow. If an end-to-end redundant transmission activation request is sent, optionally, the request includes a temporal validity condition for the time to perform end-to-end redundant transmission. Specifically, the temporal validity condition can have two forms: 1) the start time and / or end time for performing end-to-end redundant transmission, and these two times are absolute time values, and it is necessary to ensure the time synchronization between the AF and the 5GS first; 2) the time length for performing end-to-end redundant transmission, for example, the time length = 10 minutes.

[0381] Optionally, the AF can send the request to the NEF or directly to the PCF.

[0382] Step 71b. Optionally, the AF requests QoS requirements, such as Survival Time and Requested Packet Error Rate, by using the Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create or Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Update to create a session request.

[0383] Step 72. The NEF authenticates the request information and sends it to the PCF through the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create or Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Update request.

[0384] Step 73. The PCF generates policy information for redundant transmission (such as PCC rules) based on the request message sent by the AF. The policy information includes service data flow filte, an indication to activate end-to-end redundant transmission, or an indication to deactivate end-to-end redundant transmission. Optionally, if the AF sends an indication to activate end-to-end redundant transmission, the PCF determines the RE timer based on the Temporal Validity Condition and includes it in the policy information.

[0385] Step 74. The PCF sends the policy information generated in Step 73 to the SMF through the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotifyRequest.

[0386] Step 75. Optionally, the AF subscribes to event notifications for activating end-to-end redundant transmission from the SMF. The SMF replies with a notification message to the AF according to the change in the end-to-end redundant transmission status (such as replying with an indication of activated or deactivated end-to-end redundant transmission).

[0387] Specifically, the existing UP with redundant transmission event can be reused to subscribe to the UP with redundant transmission event change notification message from the SMF. The SMF can send a notification to the AF through the Nsmf_EventExposure Notify, or a new e2e UP with redundant transmission event can be introduced to subscribe to the e2e UP with redundant transmission event change notification message from the SMF.

[0388] Optionally, after step 75, steps 52 to 511 in Example 1 can be executed. The specific content of steps 52 to 511 in Example 1 will not be elaborated here.

[0389] Example 4: Introduce a new control plane network function REHF, or co-locate REHF with TSCTSF. The AF can be a newly introduced REH AF.

[0390] As Figure 7 shown, it includes:

[0391] Step 81a: The AF sends an end-to-end redundancy transmission activation request or an end-to-end redundancy transmission deactivation request. The request may include flow description information and / or application identifier. It can indicate to perform end-to-end redundancy transmission for a specific service flow. The flow description information is, for example: source IP address and destination IP address, port number, source MAC address and destination MAC address, VLAN ID. Optionally, the request contains a Temporal Validity Condition, which is the time for performing end-to-end redundancy transmission. Specifically, there are two forms: 1) The start time and / or end time for performing end-to-end redundancy transmission. These two times are absolute time values, and it is necessary to first ensure that the AF is synchronized with the 5GS time. 2) The time length for performing end-to-end redundancy transmission, for example, time length = 10 minutes.

[0392] Step 81b: Optionally, the AF requests QoS requirements by using a QoS create session request (Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create) or a QoS update session request (Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Update), such as: Survival Time, Requested Packet Error Rate.

[0393] Step 82: The NEF authenticates the request information and sends the request information to the REHF / TSCTSF.

[0394] Step 83: The REHF / TSCTSF sends an end-to-end redundant transmission activation / deactivation indication to the SMF. The information may include a service data flow filter. Optionally, the REHF / TSCTSF determines the RE timer based on the Temporal Validity Condition and sends it to the SMF.

[0395] Step 84: Optionally, the AF subscribes to event notifications from the SMF or the REHF / TSCTSF regarding whether end-to-end redundant transmission is activated. The SMF or the REHF / TSCTSF replies with a notification message to the AF according to the change in the end-to-end redundant transmission status (e.g., replying with activation or deactivation of end-to-end redundant transmission).

[0396] Specifically, the existing UP with redundant transmission event can be reused to subscribe to the UP with redundant transmission event change notification message from the SMF or the REHF / TSCTSF. The SMF or the REHF / TSCTSF can send a notification to the AF through Nsmf_EventExposure Notify. Or a new e2e UP with redundant transmission event can be introduced to subscribe to the e2e UP with redundant transmission event change notification message from the SMF or the REHF / TSCTSF.

[0397] Optionally, after Step 84, Steps 52 to 511 in Example 1 can be executed. The specific content of Steps 52 to 511 in Example 1 will not be elaborated here.

[0398] The embodiments of the present application support activating or deactivating end-to-end redundant transmission for specific service data flows at a specific time based on certain QoS requirements (such as Survival Time) of the 5GC or based on an AF request.

[0399] In the embodiments of the present application, the SMF determines whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for the target data flow based on one or more of the policy information of redundant transmission, the monitoring information of packet loss rate, the survival time, and the capabilities of the terminal, and sends a first indication message to the first node to instruct the first node to perform related operations for activating or deactivating the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow, thereby achieving reliable communication.

[0400] As Figure 8 shown, the embodiments of the present application further provide an information transmission method applied to the first node. The method includes:

[0401] Step 801: The first node receives the first indication information sent by the SMF, where the first indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow.

[0402] Step 802: The first node performs an operation to activate or deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow according to the first indication information.

[0403] In this embodiment, the SMF can determine whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for a specific service data flow. After determining whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for the target data flow, the SMF sends the first indication information to the first node to instruct the first node to activate or deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow.

[0404] In the embodiment of the present application, the SMF determines whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for the target data flow and sends the first indication information to the first node. The first node performs relevant operations to activate or deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow according to the first indication information, thereby realizing reliable communication.

[0405] Optionally, the first node includes at least one of the following:

[0406] PSA UPF;

[0407] RAN node;

[0408] Terminal;

[0409] Device-side Time-Sensitive Network Translator (DS-TT);

[0410] Network-side Time-Sensitive Network Translator (NW-TT).

[0411] In this embodiment, when the SMF determines to activate or deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow, it may send the first indication information to one or more of the above-mentioned first nodes. For example: the first node is the PDU UPF. When the SMF determines to activate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow, the SMF initiates the N4 session establishment (SessionEstablishment) or N4 session modification (Session Modification) process, and sends the newly introduced end-to-end redundant transmission activation indicator (End-to-End redundant transmission indicator) or reuses the existing redundant transmission activation indicator (redundant transmission indicator) to instruct the PDU UPF to perform replication of downstream data packets and elimination of upstream data packets for a specific QoS flow (for example, specifying a specific one or more QFIs or Packet Filter Sets). In this embodiment, if the PDU UPF is separated from the REF, the PDU UPF may send an activation end-to-end redundant transmission request message to the REF. Optionally, the request message includes a data flow identifier (for example, IP quintuple, MAC address, etc.) and a REtimer. If there is no connection established between the PDU UPF and the REF, the UPF initiates a connection establishment to the REF.

[0412] If the end-to-end redundant transmission has been activated and the SMF determines to deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission, the SMF sends an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indication to the PDU UPF to indicate that no longer perform end-to-end redundant transmission related operations on a specific QoS flow, such as no longer performing replication and elimination of data packets. In this embodiment, if the PDU UPF is separated from the REF, the PDU UPF sends a deactivation end-to-end redundant transmission request message to the REF. Optionally, the request message includes a data flow identifier (for example, IP quintuple, MAC address, etc.). Optionally, the PDU UPF releases the connection with the REF.

[0413] For another example: if the first node is a RAN node and the SMF determines to activate end-to-end redundant transmission, the SMF sends an N2 message to the RAN node via the AMF. The information sent includes an end-to-end redundant transmission activation indicator or reusing the existing redundant transmission indicator, which is used to instruct the RAN node to perform forwarding or discarding operations on the data packets containing the end-to-end sequence number in a specific QoS flow (for example, indicating one or more QFIs). If the SMF determines to deactivate end-to-end redundant transmission, the SMF sends an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indicator to the RAN node, which is used to indicate that end-to-end redundant transmission related operations will no longer be performed on a specific QoS flow.

[0414] For another example: if the first node is a terminal / DS-TT and the SMF determines to activate end-to-end redundant transmission, the SMF includes the end-to-end redundant transmission activation indicator in the N1 NAS message and sends it to the UE / DS-TT via the AMF to instruct the UE / DS-TT to duplicate the uplink data packets and eliminate the downlink data packets for a specific QoS flow. In this embodiment, if the UE / DS-TT is separated from the REF, the UE / DS-TT sends a request message for activating end-to-end redundant transmission to the REF. Optionally, the request message includes data flow identifiers (such as IP quintuple, MAC address, etc.) and the RE timer. If no connection is established between the UE / DS-TT and the REF, the UE / DS-TT initiates a connection establishment to the REF.

[0415] If the SMF determines to deactivate end-to-end redundant transmission, the SMF includes the end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indicator in the N1 NAS message and sends it to the UE / DS-TT via the AMF, which is used to indicate that end-to-end redundant transmission related operations will no longer be performed on a specific QoS flow. The specific QoS flow is specified by, for example, one or more QFIs through QoS rules or determined according to the PacketFilter Set. In this embodiment, if the UE / DS-TT is separated from the REF, the UE / DS-TT sends a deactivation indicator for end-to-end redundant transmission to the REF. Optionally, the request message includes data flow identifiers (such as IP quintuple, MAC address, etc.). Optionally, the UE / DS-TT releases the connection with the REF.

[0416] As an optional embodiment, when the first node is a terminal, before receiving the first indication information sent by the SMF, the method further includes:

[0417] Obtain the terminal routing selection policy URSP configuration information, where the URSP configuration information includes third indication information for indicating activation or deactivation of end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow.

[0418] In this embodiment, by configuring the URSP for the UE to indicate the establishment of two mutually redundant PDU sessions, the corresponding redundant sequence number RSN and / or PDU SessionPair ID can be provided in the Route Selection Descriptor. The URSP configuration information may include an End-to-End redundant transmission indicator for indicating that the UE performs packet replication for uplink packets and packet elimination for downlink packets for a specific data flow. The End-to-End redundant transmission indicator parameter can be set to "enable" to indicate activation or "disable" to indicate deactivation.

[0419] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes:

[0420] Send PDU session information to the SMF according to the URSP configuration information;

[0421] Wherein, the PDU session information includes: a PDU session establishment request message or a PDU session modification request message;

[0422] The PDU session establishment request message or the PDU session modification request message carries second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal has the capabilities of packet replication and packet elimination.

[0423] In this embodiment, when the terminal determines to establish two mutually redundant PDU sessions according to the URSP indication, the terminal triggers the PDU session establishment or PDU session modification process. The PDU session establishment request or the PDU session modification request contains information about the UE's capabilities of packet replication and elimination, for example: the UE or DS-TT has the capabilities of packet replication and elimination, or the UE or DS-TT can be connected to an external REF.

[0424] As an alternative embodiment, the operation of performing activation or deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream according to the first indication information includes:

[0425] If the first indication information indicates to activate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream, copy the uplink data packets corresponding to the target data stream and eliminate the downlink data packets corresponding to the target data stream;

[0426] Or,

[0427] If the first indication information indicates to deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream, stop the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream.

[0428] Optionally, the first indication information carries information of an RE timer, and the information of the RE timer is used to indicate the activation time and deactivation time corresponding to the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0429] The information of the RE timer includes at least one of the following:

[0430] The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0431] The start time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0432] The end time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0433] In this embodiment, if the SMF determines to activate the end-to-end redundant transmission, the SMF sends an End-to-End redundant transmission indicator to the UE / DS-TT to indicate that the UE / DS-TT copies the uplink data packets and eliminates the downlink data packets for a specific QoS flow. If the SMF determines to deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission, the SMF sends an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indicator to the UE / DS-TT, which is used to indicate that the end-to-end redundant transmission related operations for a specific QoS flow are no longer performed.

[0434] Optionally, the SMF sends an RE timer to the UE to indicate the time for performing packet duplication and elimination. Among them, the SMF can determine the RE timer based on local policies or the obtained policy information of redundant transmission. The RE timer can be a time length. For example, RE timer = 10 minutes, which is used to indicate that the packet duplication and elimination mechanism is activated when the RE timer is received, and deactivated after the RE timer expires. Or, the RE timer includes the start time and end time for performing end-to-end redundant transmission. For example, it indicates that the packet duplication and elimination mechanism is activated at the start time = 1 pm and deactivated at the end time = 1:30 pm. The start time and the end time are absolute time values, and the network element times of the receiving end and the sending end need to be synchronized first.

[0435] As an optional embodiment, the first node has a replication and elimination function REF, and / or the first node is connected to the REF node;

[0436] When the first node is connected to the REF node, the method further includes:

[0437] Sending a first request message to the REF node according to the first indication information, where the first request message is used to request activation or deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow;

[0438] Among them, the first request message includes at least one of the following:

[0439] The identification information of the target data flow;

[0440] The information of the RE timer.

[0441] In this embodiment, taking the first node as the PSA UPF, the SMF activates or deactivates the end-to-end redundant transmission to the PSA UPF / REF. If the PSA UPF is separated from the REF, the PSA UPF sends a request message for activating or deactivating the end-to-end redundant transmission to the REF. Optionally, the request information includes the data flow identifier (such as IP quintuple, MAC address, etc.) and the RE timer. If no connection is established between the PSA UPF and the REF, the PSA UPF initiates a connection establishment to the REF.

[0442] Taking the first node as UE / DS-TT as an example, the SMF sends an activation or deactivation of end-to-end redundant transmission to the UE / DS-TT. If the UE / DS-TT is separated from the REF, the UE / DS-TT sends an activation or deactivation of end-to-end redundant transmission request message to the REF. Optionally, the request information includes data stream identification (e.g., IP quintuple, MAC address, etc.) and RE timer. If there is no connection established between the UE / DS-TT and the REF, the UE / DS-TT initiates a connection establishment to the REF (in the case of indicating activation); optionally, the UE / DS-TT releases the connection with the REF (in the case of indicating deactivation).

[0443] Optionally. The method further includes:

[0444] Receiving a data packet corresponding to the target data stream;

[0445] Encapsulating an end-to-end sequence (e2e sequence number) at the target position of the data packet;

[0446] Wherein, the target position includes at least one of the following:

[0447] Internet Protocol IP packet header;

[0448] Service Data Adaptation Protocol SDAP header;

[0449] Packet Data Convergence Protocol PDCP header;

[0450] Radio Link Control RLC header.

[0451] In this embodiment, taking the first node as a RAN node as an example, when the RAN node receives downlink data, if the data packet header contains an e2e sequence number, the data packet containing QFI and e2e sequence number parameters is sent to the UE. For example: if the time indicated by the RE timer is exceeded, the secondary RAN node may discard the data packet containing the e2e sequence number. The RAN node may encapsulate the e2e sequence number in the IP packet header or SDAP header or PDCP header or RLC header.

[0452] When the RAN node receives uplink data, if the data packet header contains an e2e sequence number, the e2e sequence number parameter is encapsulated in the IP packet header or GTP-U header and sent to the UPF. If the time indicated by the RE timer is exceeded, the secondary RAN node may discard the data packet containing the e2e sequence number.

[0453] For another example, the first node is a terminal. When the UE (or the REF connected to the terminal) receives an uplink data packet, it determines the QoS flow to be replicated based on the IP Packet Filter set or QFI or QoS flow Pair ID. Then, it encapsulates the e2e sequence number in each data packet header of this QoS flow, and assigns the same e2e sequence number to the replicated data packets. For the replicated QoS flow, the same QFI (for example, the same QoS flow Pair ID) is optionally set. They are transmitted in different PDU sessions respectively. The UE (or the REF connected to the terminal) can encapsulate the e2e sequence number in the IP header or SDAP header or PDCP header or RLC header.

[0454] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present application can implement all the steps performed by the first node in the above embodiments applied to the SMF and can achieve the corresponding technical effects. Similar content will not be elaborated here.

[0455] In the embodiments of the present application, the SMF determines whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for the target data stream, and sends the first indication information to the first node. The first node performs related operations to activate or deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream according to the first indication information, thereby realizing reliable communication.

[0456] As Figure 9 shown, the embodiments of the present application further provide an information transmission method, which is applied to a second node. The method includes:

[0457] Step 901, the second node receives a second request message sent by the AF. The second request message is used to request to activate or deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream;

[0458] Step 902, generate policy information for redundant transmission according to the second request message. The policy information includes an end-to-end redundant transmission activation indication or an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indication;

[0459] Step 903, send the policy information to the SMF.

[0460] In this embodiment, the AF can send an end-to-end redundant transmission activation request or an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation request to the second node based on application requirements. The second node generates policy information for redundant transmission based on the request message of the AF and sends the policy information to the SMF. The SMF determines whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for a specific service data stream based on the policy information.

[0461] Optionally, the second node includes at least one of the following:

[0462] PCF;

[0463] REHF;

[0464] TSCTSF.

[0465] In this embodiment, the second node may be a PCF, a REHF, or a TSCTSF. For example, when the second node is a PCF, the PCF generates policy information (e.g., PCC rules) based on an AF request. The policy information includes: a service data flow filter (e.g., an IP Packet Filter set or an Ethernet Packet Filter set), an indication for activating end-to-end redundant transmission, or an indication for deactivating end-to-end redundant transmission. Optionally, the PCF sends the generated policy information to the SMF via a Policy Control Update Notification Request (Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify Request).

[0466] For another example, when the second node is a REHF or a TSCTSF, the REHF or the TSCTSF sends policy information to the SMF. The policy information includes an indication for activating end-to-end redundant transmission or an indication for deactivating end-to-end redundant transmission. The policy information may include a service data flow filter (e.g., an IP Packet Filter set or an Ethernet Packet Filter set).

[0467] As an optional embodiment, the second request message includes time validity information, which is used to indicate the time for performing the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0468] wherein the time validity information includes at least one of the following:

[0469] the execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0470] the start time for performing the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0471] the end time for performing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0472] In this embodiment, the AF may send an end-to-end redundant transmission activation request or an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation request based on application requirements. Optionally, if the request carries an end-to-end redundant transmission activation request, it may include a Temporal Validity Condition for indicating the time of the end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0473] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0474] Determining information of the RE timer according to the time validity information;

[0475] The information of the RE timer includes at least one of the following:

[0476] The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0477] The start time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0478] The end time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0479] In this embodiment, the second node may generate policy information for redundant transmission based on the request of the AF. The second node may determine the RE timer based on the temporal validity condition in the request message and include the RE timer in the policy information and send it to the SMF.

[0480] The RE timer may be a time length. For example, RE timer = 10 minutes, which is used to indicate activating the packet duplication and elimination mechanism when the RE timer is received and deactivating the packet duplication and elimination mechanism after the RE timer expires. Or, the RE timer includes the start time and end time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission. For example: indicating activating the packet duplication and elimination mechanism at the start time = 1 pm and deactivating it at the end time = 1:30 pm.

[0481] Optionally, the second request message is determined by the AF based on application requirements; receiving the second request message sent by the AF includes: receiving the second request message sent by the AF through the NEF.

[0482] In this embodiment, based on application requirements (for example, the service used has high requirements for reliability), the AF may send an end-to-end redundant transmission activation request or an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation request to the NEF, and the NEF sends the end-to-end redundant transmission activation request or the end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation request to the second node.

[0483] The method further includes: receiving a subscription message sent by the AF;

[0484] When determining whether to perform end - to - end redundant transmission for the target data stream according to the subscription message, send a notification message to the AF; the notification message is used to notify the activation or de - activation status of the end - to - end redundant transmission of the target data stream.

[0485] In this embodiment, the AF can subscribe to the event notification for activating or de - activating the end - to - end redundant transmission from the REHF / TSCTSF. The REHF / TSCTSF replies to the AF with a notification message according to the change of the end - to - end redundant transmission status. For example, the REHF / TSCTSF replies with a notification message for activating or not activating the end - to - end redundant transmission. Specifically, the AF can reuse the UP (UP with redundant transmission) event with redundant transmission and subscribe to the notification message for the change of the UP with redundant transmission event from the REHF / TSCTSF. The REHF / TSCTSF can send a notification message to the AF through the event open notification (Nsmf_EventExposureNotify); or the AF introduces a new e2e UP with redundant transmission event and subscribes to the notification message for the change of the e2e UP with redundant transmission event from the REHF / TSCTSF.

[0486] In the embodiment of the present application, the AF can send an end - to - end redundant transmission activation request or an end - to - end redundant transmission de - activation request to the second node based on the application requirements. The second node generates the policy information for redundant transmission based on the request message of the AF and sends the policy information to the SMF, enabling the SMF to determine whether to perform end - to - end redundant transmission for a specific service data stream based on the policy information.

[0487] The above embodiments introduce the information transmission method of the present application. Next, this embodiment will further describe the corresponding device with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0488] Specifically, as Figure 10 shown, an information transmission device 1000 provided by an embodiment of the present application is applied to the SMF and includes:

[0489] A first determination unit 1010, configured to determine whether to perform end - to - end redundant transmission for the target data stream according to the first information;

[0490] A first sending unit 1020, configured to send first indication information to the first node, where the first indication information is used to indicate the activation or de - activation of the end - to - end redundant transmission of the target data stream;

[0491] Wherein, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0492] Policy information for redundant transmission;

[0493] Monitoring information of packet loss rate;

[0494] Time to live;

[0495] The capabilities of the terminal.

[0496] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0497] A third receiving unit, configured to receive the policy information for redundant transmission sent by the second node; the policy information includes an end-to-end redundant transmission activation indication or an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indication;

[0498] Wherein, the second node includes at least one of the following:

[0499] Policy Control Function entity PCF;

[0500] Replication and Elimination Handling Function REHF;

[0501] Time-Sensitive Communication and Time Synchronization Function TSCTSF.

[0502] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0503] A fourth receiving unit, configured to receive the PDU session information sent by the terminal, where the PDU session information includes: a PDU session establishment request message or a PDU session modification request message;

[0504] The PDU session establishment request message or the PDU session modification request message carries second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal has the capabilities of packet replication and packet elimination.

[0505] Optionally, the first node includes at least one of the following:

[0506] PDU Session Anchor PSA User Plane Function UPF;

[0507] Radio Access Network RAN node;

[0508] Terminal;

[0509] Device-Side Time-Sensitive Network Translator DS-TT;

[0510] Network-Side Time-Sensitive Network Translator NW-TT.

[0511] Optionally, the first indication information carries the information of the Replication and Elimination RE timer, and the information of the RE timer is used to indicate the activation time and deactivation time corresponding to the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0512] The information of the RE timer includes at least one of the following:

[0513] The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0514] The start time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0515] The execution end time of the end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0516] Optionally, the policy information of the redundant transmission is determined according to the activation or deactivation request of the AF for the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream;

[0517] The policy information carries the information of the RE timer.

[0518] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0519] A fifth receiving unit, configured to receive a subscription message sent by the AF;

[0520] A third sending unit, configured to send a notification message to the AF according to the subscription message when determining whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for the target data stream; the notification message is used to notify the AF of the activation or deactivation status of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream.

[0521] It should be noted here that the above device provided in the embodiments of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented in the method embodiments applied to the SMF, and can achieve the same technical effects. The same parts and beneficial effects as those in the method embodiments will not be specifically described in this embodiment.

[0522] Specifically, as Figure 11 shown, an information transmission device 1100 provided in an embodiment of the present application is applied to a first node, and the device includes:

[0523] A first receiving unit 1110, configured to receive first indication information sent by the SMF, where the first indication information is used to indicate activation or deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream;

[0524] A first operation unit 1120, configured to perform an operation of activating or deactivating the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream according to the first indication information.

[0525] Optionally, the first node includes at least one of the following:

[0526] PSA UPF;

[0527] RAN node;

[0528] Terminal;

[0529] Device - side Time - Sensitive Network Translator DS - TT;

[0530] Network - side Time - Sensitive Network Translator NW - TT.

[0531] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0532] An obtaining unit, configured to obtain terminal routing selection policy URSP configuration information, where the URSP configuration information includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate activation or de - activation of end - to - end redundant transmission of a target data flow.

[0533] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0534] A fourth sending unit, configured to send PDU session information to the SMF according to the URSP configuration information;

[0535] Wherein, the PDU session information includes: a PDU session establishment request message or a PDU session modification request message;

[0536] The PDU session establishment request message or the PDU session modification request message carries second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal has the capabilities of packet replication and packet elimination.

[0537] Optionally, the first operation unit is specifically configured to:

[0538] If the first indication information indicates activation of the end - to - end redundant transmission of the target data flow, then replicate the uplink data packets corresponding to the target data flow and eliminate the downlink data packets corresponding to the target data flow;

[0539] Or,

[0540] If the first indication information indicates de - activation of the end - to - end redundant transmission of the target data flow, then stop the end - to - end redundant transmission of the target data flow.

[0541] Optionally, the first indication information carries information of an RE timer, and the information of the RE timer is used to indicate the activation time and de - activation time corresponding to the end - to - end redundant transmission;

[0542] The information of the RE timer includes at least one of the following:

[0543] The execution time length of the end - to - end redundant transmission;

[0544] The start time of executing the end - to - end redundant transmission;

[0545] The end time of executing the end - to - end redundant transmission.

[0546] Optionally, the first node has a copy and elimination function REF, and / or the first node is connected to the REF node;

[0547] The apparatus further comprises:

[0548] A fifth sending unit, configured to send a first request message to the REF node according to the first indication information, where the first request message is used to request activation or deactivation of end-to-end redundant transmission of a target data stream;

[0549] Wherein, the first request message includes at least one of the following:

[0550] Identification information of the target data stream;

[0551] Information of the RE timer.

[0552] Optionally, the apparatus further comprises:

[0553] A seventh receiving unit, configured to receive a data packet corresponding to the target data stream;

[0554] An encapsulation unit, configured to encapsulate an end-to-end sequence number at a target position of the data packet;

[0555] Wherein, the target position includes at least one of the following:

[0556] Internet Protocol (IP) packet header;

[0557] Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) header;

[0558] Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) header;

[0559] Radio Link Control (RLC) header.

[0560] It should be noted here that the above apparatus provided in the embodiments of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented by the method embodiments applied to the first node, and can achieve the same technical effects. The same parts and beneficial effects as those in the method embodiments are not specifically described in this embodiment again.

[0561] Specifically, as Figure 12 shown, the embodiments of the present application provide an information transmission apparatus 1200, which is applied to a second node. The apparatus includes:

[0562] A second receiving unit 1210, configured to receive a second request message sent by the AF, where the second request message is used to request activation or deactivation of end-to-end redundant transmission of a target data stream;

[0563] An information generation unit 1220, configured to generate policy information for redundant transmission according to the second request message, where the policy information includes an end-to-end redundant transmission activation indication or an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indication;

[0564] A second sending unit 1230, configured to send the policy information to the SMF.

[0565] Optionally, the second node includes at least one of the following:

[0566] PCF;

[0567] REHF;

[0568] TSCTSF.

[0569] Optionally, the second request message includes time validity information, where the time validity information is used to indicate the time for performing the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0570] Wherein, the time validity information includes at least one of the following:

[0571] The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0572] The start time for performing the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0573] The end time for performing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0574] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0575] A determination unit, configured to determine information of an RE timer according to the time validity information;

[0576] The information of the RE timer includes at least one of the following:

[0577] The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0578] The start time for performing the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0579] The execution end time for performing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0580] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0581] A sixth receiving unit, configured to receive a subscription message sent by the AF;

[0582] A sixth sending unit, configured to send a notification message to the AF according to the subscription message when determining whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for a target data stream; the notification message is used to notify the activation or deactivation state of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream.

[0583] Optionally, the second request message is determined by the AF based on application requirements; the second receiving unit is specifically configured to: receive the second request message sent by the AF through the NEF.

[0584] Here, it should be noted that the above device provided in the embodiments of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiments applied to the second node, and can achieve the same technical effects. Therefore, the same parts and beneficial effects as those in the method embodiments will not be specifically described in this embodiment.

[0585] It should be noted that the division of units in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative only, and is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. In addition, in each embodiment of the present application, each functional unit may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically alone, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional unit.

[0586] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it may be stored in a processor-readable storage medium. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of the present application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, may be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, 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 a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disc that can store program codes.

[0587] As Figure 13 shown, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device, which is an SMF and includes: a memory 1320, a transceiver 1300, and a processor 1310; wherein, the memory 1320 is used to store a computer program; the transceiver 1300 is used to receive and send data under the control of the processor 1310; the processor 1310 is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0588] Determine whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for a target data stream according to the first information;

[0589] The SMF sends first indication information to the first node, where the first indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow;

[0590] Among them, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0591] Policy information for redundant transmission;

[0592] Monitoring information of the packet loss rate;

[0593] Survival time;

[0594] The capabilities of the terminal.

[0595] Optionally, the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0596] Receive the policy information for redundant transmission sent by the second node; the policy information includes an end-to-end redundant transmission activation indication or an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indication;

[0597] Among them, the second node includes at least one of the following:

[0598] Policy Control Function entity PCF;

[0599] Replication and Elimination Handling Function REHF;

[0600] Time-Sensitive Communication and Time Synchronization Function TSCTSF.

[0601] Optionally, the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0602] Receive the PDU session information sent by the terminal, where the PDU session information includes: a PDU session establishment request message or a PDU session modification request message;

[0603] The PDU session establishment request message or the PDU session modification request message carries second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal has the capabilities of packet replication and packet elimination.

[0604] Optionally, the first node includes at least one of the following:

[0605] PDU Session Anchor PSA User Plane Function UPF;

[0606] Radio Access Network RAN node;

[0607] Terminal;

[0608] Device-Side Time-Sensitive Network Translator DS-TT;

[0609] Network-side Time-Sensitive Network Translator NW-TT.

[0610] Optionally, the first indication information carries information about the replication and elimination RE timer, and the information about the RE timer is used to indicate the activation time and deactivation time corresponding to the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0611] The information about the RE timer includes at least one of the following:

[0612] The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0613] The start time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0614] The end time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0615] Optionally, the policy information of the redundant transmission is determined according to the activation or deactivation request of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream by the AF;

[0616] The policy information carries the information about the RE timer.

[0617] Optionally, the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0618] Receive a subscription message sent by the AF;

[0619] According to the subscription message, when determining whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for the target data stream, send a notification message to the AF; the notification message is used to notify the AF of the activation or deactivation status of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream.

[0620] Among them, in Figure 13 The bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically, various circuits represented by one or more processors represented by the processor 1310 and the memory represented by the memory 1320 are linked together. The bus architecture can also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art, so they will not be further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1300 may be a plurality of components, that is, including a transmitter and a transceiver, and provides a unit for communicating with various other devices on the transmission medium. The processor 1310 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1320 can store the data used by the processor 1310 when performing operations.

[0621] The processor 1310 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0622] It should be noted here that the above device provided by the embodiments of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented by the above method embodiments applied to the SMF, and can achieve the same technical effects. The same parts and beneficial effects as those in the method embodiments will not be specifically described herein.

[0623] As Figure 14 shown, an embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device. The communication device is a first node and includes: a memory 1420, a transceiver 1400, and a processor 1410. Among them, the memory 1420 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1400 is used to receive and send data under the control of the processor 1410; the processor 1410 is used to read the computer programs in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0624] Receive first indication information sent by the SMF, where the first indication information is used to indicate activation or deactivation of end-to-end redundant transmission of a target data stream;

[0625] Perform an operation of activating or deactivating end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream according to the first indication information.

[0626] Optionally, the first node includes at least one of the following:

[0627] PSA UPF;

[0628] RAN node;

[0629] Terminal;

[0630] Device-side time-sensitive network translator DS-TT;

[0631] Network-side time-sensitive network translator NW-TT.

[0632] Optionally, the processor is used to read the computer programs in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0633] Obtain the terminal routing selection policy URSP configuration information, where the URSP configuration information includes third indication information for indicating to activate or deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream.

[0634] Optionally, the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0635] Send PDU session information to the SMF according to the URSP configuration information;

[0636] Wherein, the PDU session information includes: a PDU session establishment request message or a PDU session modification request message;

[0637] The PDU session establishment request message or the PDU session modification request message carries second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal has the ability of packet duplication and packet elimination.

[0638] Optionally, the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0639] If the first indication information indicates to activate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream, duplicate the uplink data packets corresponding to the target data stream and eliminate the downlink data packets corresponding to the target data stream;

[0640] Or,

[0641] If the first indication information indicates to deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream, stop the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream.

[0642] Optionally, the first indication information carries information of the RE timer, and the information of the RE timer is used to indicate the activation time and deactivation time corresponding to the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0643] The information of the RE timer includes at least one of the following:

[0644] The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0645] The start time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0646] The end time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0647] Optionally, the first node has a replication and elimination function REF, and / or the first node is connected to a REF node;

[0648] When the first node is connected to the REF node, the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0649] Send a first request message to the REF node according to the first indication information, where the first request message is used to request to activate or deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream;

[0650] Wherein, the first request message includes at least one of the following:

[0651] The identification information of the target data stream;

[0652] The information of the RE timer.

[0653] Optionally, the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0654] Receive the data packet corresponding to the target data stream;

[0655] Encapsulate the end-to-end sequence number at the target position of the data packet;

[0656] Wherein, the target position includes at least one of the following:

[0657] IP packet header;

[0658] SDAP header;

[0659] PDCP header;

[0660] RLC header.

[0661] Wherein, in Figure 14 The bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically various circuits represented by one or more processors represented by the processor 1410 and the memory represented by the memory 1420 are linked together. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art, and thus will not be further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1400 may be multiple elements, that is, including a transmitter and a transceiver, and provides a unit for communicating with various other devices on the transmission medium. For different user equipments, the user interface 1430 may also be an interface capable of externally or internally connecting required devices, and the connected devices include but are not limited to a keypad, a display, a speaker, a microphone, a joystick, etc.

[0662] The processor 1410 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1420 may store the data used by the processor 1410 when performing operations.

[0663] Optionally, the processor 1410 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0664] The processor is configured to execute any of the methods provided in the embodiments of the present application according to the obtained executable instructions by invoking the computer program stored in the memory. The processor and the memory may also be physically separated.

[0665] It should be noted here that the above devices provided in the embodiments of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented in the method embodiments applied to the first node, and can achieve the same technical effects. The same parts and beneficial effects as those in the method embodiments will not be specifically described in this embodiment.

[0666] As Figure 15 shown, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device, which is a second node, including: a memory 1520, a transceiver 1500, and a processor 1510; wherein, the memory 1520 is configured to store a computer program; the transceiver 1500 is configured to receive and send data under the control of the processor 1510; the processor 1510 is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0667] Receive a second request message sent by the AF, where the second request message is used to request to activate or deactivate the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream;

[0668] Generate policy information for redundant transmission according to the second request message, where the policy information includes an end-to-end redundant transmission activation indication or an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indication;

[0669] Send the policy information to the SMF.

[0670] Optionally, the second node includes at least one of the following:

[0671] PCF;

[0672] REHF;

[0673] TSCTSF.

[0674] Optionally, the second request message includes time validity information, where the time validity information is used to indicate the time for performing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0675] Among them, the time validity information includes at least one of the following:

[0676] The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0677] The start time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0678] The end time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0679] Optionally, the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0680] Determine the information of the RE timer according to the time validity information;

[0681] The information of the RE timer includes at least one of the following:

[0682] The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0683] The start time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission;

[0684] The execution end time of the end-to-end redundant transmission.

[0685] Optionally, the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0686] Receive the subscription message sent by the AF;

[0687] According to the subscription message, when determining whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for the target data stream, send a notification message to the AF; the notification message is used to notify the activation or deactivation state of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream.

[0688] Optionally, the second request message is determined by the AF based on application requirements; the receiving the second request message sent by the AF includes:

[0689] Receive the second request message sent by the AF through the NEF.

[0690] Among them, in Figure 15Among them, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically, various circuits represented by one or more processors represented by the processor 1510 and the memory represented by the memory 1520 are linked together. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, etc., which are well known in the art, and therefore, they will not be further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1500 may be multiple components, that is, including a transmitter and a transceiver, and provides a unit for communicating with various other devices on the transmission medium. The processor 1510 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1520 may store data used by the processor 1510 when performing operations.

[0691] The processor 1510 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0692] It should be noted here that the above device provided by the embodiments of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented by the method embodiments applied to the second node, and can achieve the same technical effects. The same parts and beneficial effects as those in the method embodiments will not be specifically described in this embodiment.

[0693] In addition, the specific embodiments of the present application also provide a processor-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored. When the program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the information transmission method as described above and can achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, it will not be elaborated here. Among them, the readable storage medium may be any available medium or data storage device accessible by the processor, including but not limited to magnetic memories (such as floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical disks (MO), etc.), optical memories (such as CDs, DVDs, BDs, HVDs, etc.), and semiconductor memories (such as ROMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, non-volatile memories (NAND FLASH), solid state drives (SSD), etc.).

[0694] It should be noted that the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to multiple systems, especially 5G systems. For example, the applicable systems can be a global system of mobile communication (GSM) system, a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) general packet radio service (GPRS) system, a long term evolution (LTE) system, an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, an LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, a long term evolution advanced (LTE-A) system, a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) system, a 5G New Radio (NR) system, etc. Both terminal devices and network devices are included in these multiple systems. The system may also include a core network part, such as an Evolved Packet System (EPS), a 5G System (5GS), etc.

[0695] The terminal device involved in the embodiments of the present application may be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to users, such as a handheld device with wireless connection capabilities, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, etc. In different systems, the name of the terminal device may also be different. For example, in a 5G system, the terminal device may be referred to as a user equipment (UE). The wireless terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks (CNs) via a radio access network (RAN). The wireless terminal device can be a mobile terminal device, such as a mobile phone (or a "cellular" phone) and a computer with a mobile terminal device. For example, it can be a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-integrated, or vehicle-mounted mobile device that exchanges voice and / or data with the radio access network. For example, devices such as personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiated protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). The wireless terminal device can also be referred to as a system, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile, a remote station, an access point, a remote terminal, an access terminal, a user terminal, a user agent, a user device, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0696] The network device involved in the embodiments of the present application may be a base station, which may include multiple cells that provide services to terminals. Depending on the specific application scenario, the base station may also be referred to as an access point, or may be a device in the access network that communicates with wireless terminal devices through one or more sectors over the air interface, or other names. The network device can be used to mutually replace the received airframe with Internet Protocol (IP) packets and act as a router between the wireless terminal device and the rest of the access network, where the rest of the access network may include an Internet Protocol (IP) communication network. The network device can also coordinate the attribute management of the air interface. For example, the network device involved in the embodiments of the present application may be a network device (Base Transceiver Station, BTS) in a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), may also be a network device (NodeB) in Wide-band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), may also be an evolved network device (evolutional Node B, eNB or e-NodeB) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, a 5G base station (gNB) in a 5G network architecture (next generation system), may also be a Home evolved Node B (HeNB), a relay node, a femto, a pico, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In some network structures, the network device may include a centralized unit (centralized unit, CU) node and a distributed unit (distributed unit, DU) node, and the centralized unit and the distributed unit may also be geographically separated.

[0697] A network device and a terminal device can each use one or more antennas for Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) transmission. The MIMO transmission can be Single User MIMO (SU-MIMO) or Multiple User MIMO (MU-MIMO). According to the form and quantity of the root antenna combination, the MIMO transmission can be 2D-MIMO, 3D-MIMO, FD-MIMO, or massive-MIMO, and can also be diversity transmission, precoding transmission, beamforming transmission, etc.

[0698] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as a method, a system, or a computer program product. Therefore, the present application can take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Moreover, the present application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage and optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0699] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that each process and / or block in the flowchart and / or block diagram, and the combination of processes and / or blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer-executable instructions. These computer-executable instructions can be provided to the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing devices to generate a machine, such that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing devices generate a device for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more blocks in the block diagram.

[0700] These processor-executable instructions can also be stored in a processor-readable memory capable of guiding a computer or other programmable data processing device to work in a specific manner, such that the instructions stored in the processor-readable memory generate a manufactured product including an instruction device, and the instruction device implements the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more blocks in the block diagram.

[0701] These processor-executable instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device, such that a series of operation steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to generate a computer-implemented process, and thus the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more blocks in the block diagram.

[0702] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalent technologies, this application is also intended to include these changes and modifications.

Claims

1. An information transmission method, characterized in that, including: The Session Management Function (SMF) determines whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for a target data flow according to the first information; The SMF sends first indication information to a first node, and the first indication information is used to indicate activation or deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow; wherein, the first information includes at least one of the following: policy information of redundant transmission; monitoring information of packet loss rate; survival time; capability of the terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further includes: receiving policy information of redundant transmission sent by a second node; the policy information includes an end-to-end redundant transmission activation indication or an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indication; wherein, the second node includes at least one of the following: Policy Control Function (PCF); Replication and Elimination Handling Function (REHF); Time-Sensitive Communication and Time Synchronization Function (TSCTSF).

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein Before determining whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for a target data flow according to the first information, the method further includes: receiving PDU session information sent by a terminal, where the PDU session information includes: a PDU session establishment request message or a PDU session modification request message; the PDU session establishment request message or the PDU session modification request message carries second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal has the capabilities of packet replication and packet elimination.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first node includes at least one of the following: PDU Session Anchor (PSA) User Plane Function (UPF); Radio Access Network (RAN) node; terminal; Device Side Time-Sensitive Network Translator (DS-TT); Network Side Time-Sensitive Network Translator (NW-TT).

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first indication information carries information of a Replication and Elimination (RE) timer, and the information of the RE timer is used to indicate the activation time and deactivation time corresponding to the end-to-end redundant transmission; the information of the RE timer includes at least one of the following: execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission; start time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission; end time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein The policy information of the redundant transmission is determined according to an activation or deactivation request of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow by an Application Function (AF); the policy information carries the information of the RE timer.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: receiving a subscription message sent by an AF; according to the subscription message, when determining whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for a target data flow, sending a notification message to the AF; the notification message is used to notify the AF of the activation or deactivation status of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow.

8. An information transmission method, characterized in that, including: A first node receives first indication information sent by an SMF, and the first indication information is used to indicate activation or deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of a target data flow; The first node performs an operation of activating or deactivating the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data flow according to the first indication information.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The first node includes at least one of the following: PSA UPF; RAN node; terminal; DS-TT; NW-TT.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, When the first node is a terminal, before receiving the first indication information sent by the SMF, the method further includes: Obtain the terminal routing selection policy URSP configuration information, where the URSP configuration information includes third indication information for indicating activation or deactivation of end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein The method further includes: Send PDU session information to the SMF according to the URSP configuration information; Wherein, the PDU session information includes: a PDU session establishment request message or a PDU session modification request message; The PDU session establishment request message or the PDU session modification request message carries second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal has the capabilities of packet duplication and packet elimination.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein The operation of performing activation or deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream according to the first indication information includes: If the first indication information indicates activation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream, duplicate the uplink data packets corresponding to the target data stream and eliminate the downlink data packets corresponding to the target data stream; Or, If the first indication information indicates deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream, stop the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream.

13. The method according to claim 8, wherein The first indication information carries information of the RE timer, and the information of the RE timer is used to indicate the activation time and deactivation time corresponding to the end-to-end redundant transmission; The information of the RE timer includes at least one of the following: The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission; The start time of performing the end-to-end redundant transmission; The end time of performing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

14. The method according to claim 8, wherein The first node has a replication and elimination function REF, and / or the first node is connected to the REF node; When the first node is connected to the REF node, the method further includes: Send a first request message to the REF node according to the first indication information, where the first request message is used to request activation or deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream; Wherein, the first request message includes at least one of the following: The identification information of the target data stream; The information of the RE timer.

15. The method according to claim 8, wherein The method further includes: Receive the data packets corresponding to the target data stream; Encapsulate the end-to-end sequence number at the target position of the data packet; Wherein, the target position includes at least one of the following: The Internet Protocol IP header; The Service Data Adaptation Protocol SDAP header; The Packet Data Convergence Protocol PDCP header; The Radio Link Control RLC header.

16. An information transmission method, characterized in that, Includes: The second node receives a second request message sent by the AF, where the second request message is used to request activation or deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream; Generate redundant transmission policy information according to the second request message, where the policy information includes an end-to-end redundant transmission activation indication or an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indication; Send the policy information to the SMF.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein The second node includes at least one of the following: PCF; REHF; TSCTSF.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The second request message includes time validity information, which is used to indicate the time for performing the end-to-end redundant transmission; Wherein, the time validity information includes at least one of the following: The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission; The start time for performing the end-to-end redundant transmission; The end time for performing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: Determining information of the RE timer according to the time validity information; The information of the RE timer includes at least one of the following: The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission; The start time for performing the end-to-end redundant transmission; The execution end time of the end-to-end redundant transmission.

20. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The method further includes: Receiving a subscription message sent by the AF; According to the subscription message, when determining whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for the target data stream, sending a notification message to the AF; the notification message is used to notify the activation or deactivation status of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream.

21. The method according to claim 16, wherein The second request message is determined by the AF based on application requirements; the receiving of the second request message sent by the AF includes: Receiving the second request message sent by the AF through the NEF.

22. A communication device, the communication device being a SMF, characterized in that, Includes: A memory, a transceiver, and a processor; The memory is used to store computer programs; The transceiver is used to receive and send data under the control of the processor; The processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Determining whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for the target data stream according to the first information; The SMF sends first indication information to the first node, and the first indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream; Wherein, the first information includes at least one of the following: Redundant transmission policy information; Packet loss rate monitoring information; Survival time; Terminal capabilities.

23. The device according to claim 22, wherein, The processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Receiving redundant transmission policy information sent by the second node; the policy information includes an end-to-end redundant transmission activation indication or an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indication; Wherein, the second node includes at least one of the following: Policy control function entity PCF; Replication and elimination processing function REHF; Time-sensitive communication and time synchronization function TSCTSF.

24. The device according to claim 22, characterized in that, The processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Receiving PDU session information sent by the terminal, and the PDU session information includes: a PDU session establishment request message or a PDU session modification request message; The PDU session establishment request message or the PDU session modification request message carries second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal has the ability of packet replication and packet elimination.

25. The device according to claim 22, characterized in that, The first node includes at least one of the following: PDU session anchor PSA user plane function UPF; Radio access network RAN node; Terminal; Device-side time-sensitive network translator DS-TT; Network-side time-sensitive network translator NW-TT.

26. The device according to claim 22, characterized in that, The first indication information carries information about the replication and elimination RE timer, and the information about the RE timer is used to indicate the activation time and deactivation time corresponding to the end-to-end redundant transmission; The information about the RE timer includes at least one of the following: The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission; The start time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission; The end time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

27. The device according to claim 26, wherein The policy information of the redundant transmission is determined according to the activation or deactivation request of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the AF for the target data stream; The policy information carries the information about the RE timer.

28. The device according to claim 22, wherein The processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Receive a subscription message sent by the AF; According to the subscription message, when determining whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for the target data stream, send a notification message to the AF; the notification message is used to notify the AF of the activation or deactivation status of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream.

29. A communication device, the communication device being a first node, characterized in that, Including: A memory, a transceiver, and a processor: The memory is used to store a computer program; The transceiver is used to receive and send data under the control of the processor; The processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Receive the first indication information sent by the SMF, and the first indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream; Perform the operation of activating or deactivating the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream according to the first indication information.

30. The apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that, The first node includes at least one of the following: PSA UPF; RAN node; Terminal; Device-side time-sensitive network translator DS-TT; Network-side time-sensitive network translator NW-TT.

31. The device according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that, The processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Obtain the terminal route selection policy URSP configuration information, and the URSP configuration information contains the third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream.

32. The device according to claim 31, wherein The processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Send PDU session information to the SMF according to the URSP configuration information; Wherein, the PDU session information includes: a PDU session establishment request message or a PDU session modification request message; The PDU session establishment request message or the PDU session modification request message carries the second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal has the ability of packet replication and packet elimination.

33. The device according to claim 29, characterized in that The processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: If the first indication information indicates the activation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream, copy the uplink data packets corresponding to the target data stream and eliminate the downlink data packets corresponding to the target data stream; Or, If the first indication information indicates the deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream, stop the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream.

34. The device according to claim 29, wherein The first indication information carries information about the RE timer, and the information about the RE timer is used to indicate the activation time and deactivation time corresponding to the end-to-end redundant transmission; The information about the RE timer includes at least one of the following: The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission; The start time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission; The end time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

35. The device according to claim 29, wherein, The first node has a replication and elimination function REF, and / or, the first node is connected to a REF node; When the first node is connected to the REF node, the processor is configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Send a first request message to the REF node according to the first indication information, where the first request message is used to request activation or deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream; Wherein, the first request message includes at least one of the following: The identification information of the target data stream; The information about the RE timer.

36. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein The processor is configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Receive a data packet corresponding to the target data stream; Encapsulate an end-to-end sequence number at the target position of the data packet; Wherein, the target position includes at least one of the following: IP packet header; SDAP header; PDCP header; RLC header.

37. A communication device, the communication device being a second node, characterized in that, Comprising: A memory, a transceiver, a processor: The memory is used to store a computer program; The transceiver is used to receive and send data under the control of the processor; The processor is configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Receive a second request message sent by the AF, where the second request message is used to request activation or deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream; Generate policy information for redundant transmission according to the second request message, where the policy information includes an end-to-end redundant transmission activation indication or an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indication; Send the policy information to the SMF.

38. The device according to claim 37, wherein, The second node includes at least one of the following: PCF; REHF; TSCTSF.

39. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein The second request message includes time validity information, and the time validity information is used to indicate the time for executing the end-to-end redundant transmission; Wherein, the time validity information includes at least one of the following: The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission; The start time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission; The end time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission.

40. The apparatus according to claim 39, characterized in that, The processor is configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Determine the information about the RE timer according to the time validity information; The information about the RE timer includes at least one of the following: The execution time length of the end-to-end redundant transmission; The start time of executing the end-to-end redundant transmission; The execution end time of the end-to-end redundant transmission.

41. The device according to claim 37, wherein The processor is configured to read a computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Receive a subscription message sent by the AF; When determining whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for a target data stream according to the subscription message, send a notification message to the AF; the notification message is used to notify the activation or deactivation status of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream.

42. The device according to claim 37, characterized in that, The second request message is determined by the AF based on application requirements; receiving the second request message sent by the AF includes: Receiving the second request message sent by the AF through the NEF.

43. An information transmission device, characterized in that, Includes: The first determination unit is configured to determine whether to perform end-to-end redundant transmission for a target data stream according to the first information; The first sending unit is configured to send first indication information to a first node, and the first indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream; Wherein, the first information includes at least one of the following: Policy information for redundant transmission; Monitoring information of the packet loss rate; Survival time; The capabilities of the terminal.

44. An information transmission device, characterized in that, Includes: The first receiving unit is configured to receive the first indication information sent by the SMF, and the first indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream; The first operation unit is configured to perform an operation of activating or deactivating the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream according to the first indication information.

45. An information transmission device, characterized in that, Includes: The second receiving unit is configured to receive the second request message sent by the AF, and the second request message is used to request the activation or deactivation of the end-to-end redundant transmission of the target data stream; The information generation unit is configured to generate policy information for redundant transmission according to the second request message, and the policy information includes an end-to-end redundant transmission activation indication or an end-to-end redundant transmission deactivation indication; The second sending unit is configured to send the policy information to the SMF.

46. A processor-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When executed by a processor, the computer program implements the steps of the information transmission method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or implements the steps of the information transmission method according to any one of claims 8 to 15, and implements the steps of the information transmission method according to any one of claims 16 to 21.

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