Communication method, communication device and communication system

Abstract

The invention discloses a communication method, a communication device and a communication system, and relates to the technical field of communication. In the method, first information and second information are interacted between a radio frequency unit and a first distribution unit, the first information requests a first resource, the first resource belongs to a resource set, resources in the resource set are used for serving at least two distribution units, and the second information is used for responding to the first information. The second information is determined according to the resource allocation condition of the first resource and the resource set. The radio frequency unit can flexibly configure the resources owned by the radio frequency unit based on the information interaction of the radio frequency unit and the resource configuration. For example, when residual resources exist in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit, the first distribution unit can request the radio frequency unit to configure the residual resources, and the radio frequency unit can determine whether to configure the residual resources according to the request of the first distribution unit, so that the utilization rate of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit can be effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In some scenarios, a communication system may include at least one radio unit (RU) and multiple distributed units (DU). For example, if one RU is shared by multiple DUs, the resources owned by the RU can be allocated to multiple DUs, or in other words, multiple DUs can share the resources owned by the RU. However, how to improve the utilization rate of the resources owned by the RU is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present application provides a communication method, a communication device and a communication system, which can support improving the utilization rate of resources owned by RU.

[0004] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: receiving first information from a first distribution unit, the first information requesting a first resource; in response to the first information, sending second information to the first distribution unit, the second information being determined based on resource allocation conditions in a resource set owned by a radio frequency unit and the first resource, the resource set being capable of being used by the radio frequency unit to serve at least two distribution units, the at least two distribution units including the first distribution unit.

[0005] The execution subject of the solution described in the first aspect may be a radio frequency unit, or a module in the radio frequency unit (such as a chip system, etc.), or a logical node, a logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the radio frequency unit, without limitation. For ease of description, the radio frequency unit is used as an example for description below.

[0006] The RF unit and the first distribution unit can exchange the first information and the second information. The RF unit can flexibly configure the resources owned by the RF unit based on the information exchange between the two regarding resource configuration, and thus can more fully configure the resources owned by the RF unit. For example, when there are remaining resources in the resource set owned by the RF unit, the first distribution unit can request the RF unit to configure some or all of the remaining resources, and the RF unit can determine whether the remaining resources owned by the RF unit can be configured based on the request of the first distribution unit, so that the utilization rate of the resources owned by the RF unit can be effectively improved.

[0007] Compared with the method of configuring the resources owned by the radio frequency unit in a static configuration manner (for example, the radio frequency unit pre-configures resources for the distribution unit without considering whether there are remaining resources in the resources owned by the radio frequency unit and without considering the actual demand of the distribution unit for using the resources), the embodiment of the present application can support the effective configuration of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit through the solution of the distribution unit requesting resource configuration from the radio frequency unit.

[0008] For example, it can avoid the radio frequency unit being unable to utilize the remaining resources in the resource set; for another example, when the distribution unit has no actual demand for using the pre-configured resources, this will result in the resources being in an ineffective utilization state. When the distribution unit can request resource configuration from the radio frequency unit according to its own needs, this can effectively improve the resource utilization rate.

[0009] In summary, the embodiment of the present application can support the effective configuration of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit, and thus can support the improvement of the utilization rate of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit.

[0010] In the first aspect, the method further includes: sending third information to a second distribution unit, where the third information indicates that the allocated additional resources corresponding to the second distribution unit in the resource set have changed.

[0011] In this way, the second distribution unit can determine that the resource quantity of the successfully applied additional resources has changed according to the third information, and can adjust the utilization method of the additional resources in a timely manner. For example, the second distribution unit can provide appropriate services for users according to the adjusted additional resources, etc.

[0012] In the first aspect, the method further includes: sending fourth information, where the fourth information indicates the resource allocation situation in the resource set.

[0013] The radio frequency unit can send the fourth information to the first distribution unit and / or the second distribution unit. The first distribution unit and / or the second distribution unit can determine whether it can continue to request resource configuration from the radio frequency unit according to the resource allocation situation in the resource set indicated by the fourth information. In this way, it can further support the improvement of the utilization rate of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit.

[0014] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, including: sending first information to a radio frequency unit, where the first information requests a first resource; receiving second information from the radio frequency unit, where the second information is determined according to the resource allocation situation in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit and the first resource. The resource set can be used for the radio frequency unit to serve at least two distribution units, and the at least two distribution units include a first distribution unit. The second information is a response to the first information.

[0015] The execution entity of the solution described in the second aspect may be, first, a distribution unit, or a module (such as a chip system, etc.) in the first distribution unit, or a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first distribution unit, and this is not limited. For ease of description, the first distribution unit will be used as an example for description below.

[0016] The radio frequency unit and the first distribution unit can interact with each other for the first information and the second information. The radio frequency unit can flexibly configure the resources owned by the radio frequency unit based on the information interaction regarding resource allocation between the two, and thus can allocate the resources owned by the radio frequency unit more fully. For example, when there are remaining resources in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit, the first distribution unit can request to configure some or all of the remaining resources from the radio frequency unit, and the radio frequency unit can determine whether it can configure the remaining resources owned by the radio frequency unit according to the request of the first distribution unit. In this way, the utilization rate of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit can be effectively improved.

[0017] Compared with the method of statically configuring the resources owned by the radio frequency unit (for example, the radio frequency unit pre-configures resources for the distribution unit without considering whether there are remaining resources in the resources owned by the radio frequency unit and whether the distribution unit has an actual need to use the resources), through the solution of the distribution unit requesting to configure resources from the radio frequency unit, the embodiments of the present application can support the effective configuration of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit.

[0018] For example, it can avoid the radio frequency unit being unable to utilize the remaining resources in the resource set; for another example, when the distribution unit has no actual need to use the pre-configured resources, this will result in the resources being in an ineffective utilization state. When the distribution unit can request to configure resources from the radio frequency unit according to its own needs, the utilization rate of the resources can be effectively improved.

[0019] In summary, the embodiments of the present application can support the effective configuration of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit, and thus can support the improvement of the utilization rate of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit.

[0020] In the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving the fourth information from the radio frequency unit, where the fourth information indicates the resource allocation situation in the resource set.

[0021] The first distribution unit can determine whether it can continue to apply to the radio frequency unit for resource configuration according to the resource allocation situation in the resource set indicated by the fourth information, so as to further support the improvement of the utilization rate of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit.

[0022] Combined with the solution described in any one of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first information indicates that the attribute of the first resource is a basic resource or an additional resource. The basic resource is a resource used to provide services within the cell coverage area, and the additional resource is a resource used to enhance the user service experience.

[0023] By distinguishing between the basic resource and the additional resource, the radio frequency unit can meet the resource requirements of different distribution units. For example, the radio frequency unit can meet the requirements of some distribution units for providing basic communication; for another example, the radio frequency unit can meet the requirements of some distribution units for enhancing user services, and so on.

[0024] By indicating the attribute of the first resource, the radio frequency unit can determine whether to configure the first resource according to the attribute of the first resource. For example, the configuration priority of the basic resource is higher than that of the additional resource. When the attribute of the first resource is a basic resource, the radio frequency unit gives priority to ensuring the configuration of the basic resource; for another example, when the attribute of the first resource is an additional resource, the radio frequency unit does not give priority to ensuring the configuration of the additional resource. In this way, the radio frequency unit can ensure that the resource configuration success probability of the distribution unit applying for the basic resource is higher than that of the distribution unit applying for the additional resource.

[0025] Combined with the solution described in any one of the first aspect and the second aspect, the second information is determined according to the resource allocation situation in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit and the first resource, including: the second information is determined according to the attribute of the first resource, the first resource, and the resource allocation situation in the resource set.

[0026] In this way, the radio frequency unit can determine whether to configure the first resource according to the attribute of the first resource, the first resource, and the resource allocation situation in the resource set, thereby being able to support improving the utilization rate of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit.

[0027] Combined with the solution described in any one of the first aspect and the second aspect, the second information is determined according to the attribute of the first resource, the first resource, and the resource allocation situation in the resource set, including: the second information is determined according to the attribute of the first resource, the first resource, the unallocated resources in the resource set, and the allocated additional resources in the resource set.

[0028] When the radio frequency unit determines whether to configure the first resource according to the unallocated resource situation in the resource set, this will not change the configuration situation of the allocated resources in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit.

[0029] Combined with the solution described in any one of the first aspect and the second aspect, the second information is determined according to the attribute of the first resource, the first resource, and the resource allocation situation in the resource set, including: the second information is determined according to the attribute of the first resource, the first resource, the unallocated resources in the resource set, and the allocated additional resources in the resource set.

[0030] When the radio frequency unit determines whether to configure the first resource based on the unallocated resources in the resource set and the additional resources already allocated in the resource set, the radio frequency unit may reclaim some or all of the additional resources from the already allocated additional resources, so as to preferentially ensure the configuration of the basic resources.

[0031] Combining the solutions described in any one of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first information indicates that the attribute of the first resource is the basic resource, the first resource is less than or equal to the unallocated resources in the resource set, and the second information is used to configure the first resource.

[0032] When the first resource is less than or equal to the unallocated resources in the resource set, the radio frequency unit may support the configuration of the first resource.

[0033] Combining the solutions described in any one of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first information indicates that the attribute of the first resource is the basic resource, the first resource is greater than the unallocated resources in the resource set, and the second information is used to indicate a request failure.

[0034] When the first resource is greater than the unallocated resources in the resource set, the radio frequency unit does not support the configuration of the first resource.

[0035] Combining the solutions described in any one of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first information indicates that the attribute of the first resource is the additional resource, the first resource is less than or equal to the unallocated resources in the resource set, and the second information is used to configure the first resource.

[0036] When the first resource is less than or equal to the unallocated resources in the resource set, the radio frequency unit may support the configuration of the first resource.

[0037] Combining the solutions described in any one of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first information indicates that the attribute of the first resource is the additional resource, the first resource is greater than the unallocated resources in the resource set, and the second information is used to indicate a request failure.

[0038] When the first resource is greater than the unallocated resources in the resource set, the radio frequency unit does not support the configuration of the first resource.

[0039] Combining the solutions described in any one of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first information indicates that the attribute of the first resource is the basic resource, the first resource is greater than the unallocated resources in the resource set, the sum of the unallocated resources in the resource set and the additional resources already allocated in the resource set is greater than or equal to the first resource, and the second information is used to configure the first resource; the additional resources already allocated in the resource set are used to serve the second distribution unit.

[0040] In this way, the radio frequency unit can preferentially guarantee the configuration of the basic resources.

[0041] Combined with the solution described in any of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first resource includes at least one of the following: power resource, transmission resource, or bandwidth resource.

[0042] In this way, the embodiments of the present application can support the radio frequency unit to flexibly configure one or more of the power resource, transmission resource, or bandwidth resource it owns.

[0043] Combined with the solution described in any of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first resource is a resource at the carrier granularity.

[0044] The first distribution unit can apply for resources for each carrier to the radio frequency unit at the carrier granularity. After the first distribution unit successfully applies for resources, the first distribution unit does not need to configure resources for each carrier anymore, which can effectively reduce the resource configuration overhead of the first distribution unit.

[0045] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided, including: the first distribution unit sends first information to the radio frequency unit, and the first information requests the first resource; the radio frequency unit sends second information to the first distribution unit, and the second information is determined according to the resource allocation situation in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit and the first resource, and this resource set can be used for the radio frequency unit to serve at least two distribution units, and the at least two distribution units include the first distribution unit.

[0046] The above-mentioned first distribution unit and radio frequency unit can also be respectively used to execute the methods described in the foregoing first aspect and second aspect.

[0047] In a fourth aspect, a communication system is provided, including: a first distribution unit and a radio frequency unit: the first distribution unit is used to send first information to the radio frequency unit, and the first information is used to request the first resource; the radio frequency unit is used to receive the first information, and is further used to send second information to the first distribution unit, and the second information is determined according to the resource allocation situation in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit and the first resource, and this resource set can be used for the radio frequency unit to serve at least two distribution units, and the at least two distribution units include the first distribution unit, and the second information is used to respond to the first information; the first distribution unit is further used to receive the second information.

[0048] The above-mentioned first distribution unit and radio frequency unit can also be respectively used to execute the methods described in the foregoing first aspect and second aspect.

[0049] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, and this communication device can be a radio frequency unit, or a device or module for performing the functions of a radio frequency unit, etc.

[0050] A possible implementation, the communication device may include modules or units corresponding one by one to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect. The modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0051] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be a first distribution unit, or a device or module for performing the functions of the first distribution unit, etc.

[0052] A possible implementation, the communication device may include modules or units corresponding one by one to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect. The modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0053] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes: an interface unit, configured to receive first information from a first distribution unit, where the first information requests a first resource; the interface unit is further configured to send second information to the first distribution unit, where the second information is determined based on the resource allocation situation in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit and the first resource. The resource set can be used by the radio frequency unit to serve at least two distribution units, and the at least two distribution units include the first distribution unit. The second information is used to respond to the first information.

[0054] The above communication device can also be used to execute the solutions of the methods described in the foregoing first aspect and any possible manner in the first aspect, which will not be elaborated here.

[0055] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes: an interface unit, configured to send first information to a radio frequency unit, where the first information requests a first resource; the interface unit is further configured to receive second information from the radio frequency unit, where the second information is determined based on the first resource and the resource allocation situation in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit. The at least two distribution units include the first distribution unit. The second information is used to respond to the first information.

[0056] The above communication device can also be used to execute the solutions of the methods described in the foregoing second aspect and any possible manner in the second aspect, which will not be elaborated here.

[0057] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor. The processor is configured to cause the communication device to execute the methods described in the first aspect and any possible manner in the first aspect by executing computer programs or instructions, or by means of logic circuits; or cause the communication device to execute the methods described in the second aspect and any possible manner in the second aspect; or cause the communication device to execute the methods described in the third aspect and any possible manner in the third aspect.

[0058] A possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory for storing the computer program or instructions.

[0059] A possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface for inputting and / or outputting signals.

[0060] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a logic circuit and an input / output interface. The input / output interface is used for inputting and / or outputting signals, and the logic circuit is used to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect; or, the logic circuit is used to execute the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect; or, the logic circuit is used to execute the method described in the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0061] In an eleventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. A computer program or instructions are stored on the computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program or the instructions are run on a computer, the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect is caused to be executed; or, the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect is caused to be executed; or, the method described in the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect is caused to be executed.

[0062] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product is provided, including instructions. When the instructions are run on a computer, the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect is caused to be executed; or, the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect is caused to be executed; or, the method described in the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect is caused to be executed.

[0063] In a thirteenth aspect, a chip system is provided. The chip is connected to a memory. The chip is used to read and execute the software program stored in the memory to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect as described above; or, to execute the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect as described above; or, to execute the method described in the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect as described above.

[0064] In a fourteenth aspect, a chip system is provided, which includes: a communication interface for communicating with other devices; a processor for causing a communication device installed with the chip system to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner in the first aspect; or, for causing a communication device installed with the chip system to execute the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner in the second aspect; or, for causing a communication device installed with the chip system to execute the method described in the third aspect and any possible manner in the third aspect.

[0065] In a fifteenth aspect, a chip system is provided, which includes a processor, a memory, and an input / output port. The memory is used for storing a computer program. The processor is used for executing the computer program stored in the memory so that the processor executes the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner in the first aspect; or, so that the processor executes the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner in the second aspect; or, so that the processor executes the method described in the third aspect and any possible manner in the third aspect.

[0066] In a sixteenth aspect, a chip system is provided, which is applied to an electronic device. The chip system includes one or more processors. The processor is used for calling computer instructions to cause the electronic device to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner in the first aspect; or, the processor is used for calling computer instructions to cause the electronic device to execute the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner in the second aspect; or, the processor is used for calling computer instructions to cause the electronic device to execute the method described in the third aspect and any possible manner in the third aspect.

[0067] For the description of the beneficial effects of any one of the third aspect to the sixteenth aspect and the like, reference may be made to the description of the beneficial effects of the first aspect and the second aspect. Description of the Drawings

[0068] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0069] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the interaction process of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0070] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the interaction process of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0071] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the interaction process of yet another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0072] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the interaction process of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0073] Figure 6 It is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0074] Figure 7 It is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0075] Next, the technical solutions in the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0076] To facilitate the understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following explanations are made first.

[0077] First, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "at least two or more" is two or more.

[0078] Second, if there is no special specification and logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments of the present application are consistent and can be mutually referred to. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0079] Third, the various digital numbers involved in the present application are only for the convenience of description and do not limit the protection scope of the present application. The size of the serial numbers involved in the present application does not mean the sequence of execution. The execution sequence of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic. For example, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth" and other various term labels in the specification, claims and drawings of the present application (if any) are used to distinguish similar objects and do not have to be used to describe a specific sequence or order. Among them, such used data can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances so that the embodiments described here can be implemented in a sequence other than that illustrated or described here.

[0080] At the same time, any embodiment or design solution described in the present application as "exemplarily" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or having more advantages than other embodiments or design solutions. Exactly speaking, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present relevant concepts in a specific way for easy understanding.

[0081] Fourth, the terms "include" and "have" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units does not have to be limited to those clearly listed steps or units, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or are inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0082] 5. In this application, "for indicating" can be understood as "enabling", and "enabling" can include direct enabling and indirect enabling. When it is described that a certain piece of information is used to enable A, it can include that the information directly enables A or indirectly enables A, and it does not necessarily mean that A is carried in the information.

[0083] The information enabled by the information is called the information to be enabled. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to enable the information to be enabled. For example, but not limited to, the information to be enabled can be directly enabled, such as the information to be enabled itself or the index of the information to be enabled, etc. The information to be enabled can also be indirectly enabled by enabling other information, where there is an association relationship between the other information and the information to be enabled. It is also possible to only enable a part of the information to be enabled, while the other parts of the information to be enabled are known or pre-agreed. For example, it is also possible to achieve the enabling of specific information by means of the arrangement order of each piece of information pre-agreed (such as protocol regulations), so as to reduce the enabling overhead to a certain extent. At the same time, the common parts of each piece of information can also be identified and enabled uniformly to reduce the enabling overhead caused by enabling the same information separately.

[0084] 6. In this application, "pre-configuration" can include pre-definition, for example, protocol definition. Among them, "pre-definition" can be achieved by pre-saving the corresponding code, table or other ways that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device (for example, including each network element). This application does not limit its specific implementation method.

[0085] 7. The "storage" or "saving" involved in this application can refer to being stored in one or more memories. The one or more memories can be set separately, or can be integrated in the encoder or decoder, processor, or communication device. The one or more memories can also be partially set separately and partially integrated in the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of the memory can be any form of storage medium, and this is not limited.

[0086] 8. The "protocol" involved in this application can refer to the standard protocol in the communication field. For example, it can include the fourth generation (4 th generation, 4G) network, the fifth generation (5 th generation, 5G) network protocol, NR protocol, 5.5G network protocol, the sixth generation (6 th generation, 6G) network protocol, and the relevant protocols applied to future communication systems. This application does not limit this.

[0087] 9. In the schematic diagrams in the attached drawings of the specification of this application, the arrows or boxes shown by the dotted lines represent optional steps or optional modules.

[0088] 10. Unless otherwise specified, " / " means that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. The "and / or" in this application is merely a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Here, A and B can be singular or plural.

[0089] First, the applicable communication system of the embodiments of this application is described.

[0090] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: 5G or NR systems, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) systems, satellite communication systems, future communication systems such as 6G mobile communication systems, or integrated systems of multiple systems, etc. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems or other communication systems.

[0091] A device in a communication system can send a signal to another device or receive a signal from another device. Among them, the signal can include information, signaling, or data, etc. Among them, the device can also be replaced with an entity, a network entity, a communication device, a communication module, a node, a communication node, etc. The embodiments of this application are described by taking the device as an example.

[0092] The network device in the embodiments of this application can be a device used to communicate with a terminal device. This network device can also be referred to as an access network device or a radio access network device. For example, the network device can be a base station. The network device in the embodiments of this application can refer to a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects a terminal device to a wireless network. A base station can generally cover various names as follows, or be replaced with the following names, such as: Node B, evolved NodeB (eNB), next generation NodeB (gNB), relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), master station, slave station, multi-standard radio (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), radio unit (RU), positioning node, etc. A base station can be a macro base station, a micro base station, a relay node, a donor node or the like, or a combination thereof.

[0093] A base station can also refer to a communication module, a modem or a chip used to be disposed in the aforementioned device or apparatus. A base station can also be a mobile switching center and a device that undertakes the functions of a base station in D2D, V2X, M2M communications, a network-side device in a 6G network, a device that undertakes the functions of a base station in a future communication system, etc. A base station can support networks with the same or different access technologies. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle or an in-vehicle device, etc. For example, the access network device in V2X technology can be a road side unit (RSU). The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies and specific device forms adopted by the network device.

[0094] A base station can be fixed or mobile. For example, a helicopter or a drone can be configured to act as a mobile base station, and one or more cells can move according to the position of this mobile base station. In other examples, a helicopter or a drone can be configured to be used as a device for communicating with another base station.

[0095] In some deployments, the network device mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a device including a CU, or a DU, or a device including a CU and a DU, or a control plane CU node (central unit-control plane, CU-CP) and a user plane CU node (central unit-user plane, CU-UP) and a DU node. For example, the network device may include a gNB-CU-CP, a gNB-CU-UP, and a gNB-DU.

[0096] In some deployments, multiple RAN nodes cooperate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement some functions of the base station. For example, the RAN node may be a CU, a DU, a CU-CP, a CU-UP, or an RU, etc. The CU and the DU may be separately provided, or may also be included in the same network element, such as a BBU. The RU may be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, such as included in an RRU, an AAU, or an RRH.

[0097] The RAN node may support one or more types of fronthaul interfaces. Different fronthaul interfaces respectively correspond to DUs and RUs with different functions. If the fronthaul interface between the DU and the RU is a common public radio interface (CPRI), the DU is configured to implement one or more of the baseband functions, and the RU is configured to implement one or more of the radio frequency functions. If the fronthaul interface between the DU and the RU is another interface, compared with the CPRI, some of the downlink and / or uplink baseband functions, such as, for the downlink, one or more of precoding, digital beamforming (BF), or inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) / adding cyclic prefix (CP), are moved from the DU to the RU for implementation, and for the uplink, one or more of digital beamforming (BF), or fast Fourier transform (FFT) / removing cyclic prefix (CP) are moved from the DU to the RU for implementation.

[0098] In a possible design, the processing unit used to implement the baseband function in the BBU is called a baseband high (BBH) unit, and the processing unit used to implement the baseband function in the RRU / AAU / RRH is called a baseband low (BBL) unit.

[0099] In different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, the CU may also be referred to as O-CU (Open CU), the DU may also be referred to as O-DU, the CU-CP may also be referred to as O-CU-CP, the CU-UP may also be referred to as O-CU-UP, and the RU may also be referred to as O-RU. Any one of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application may be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0100] In the embodiments of this application, the device for implementing the functions of a network device may be a network device; it may also be a device capable of supporting the network device to implement such functions, such as a chip system, a hardware circuit, a software module, or a combination of a hardware circuit and a software module. This device may be installed in the network device or used in matching with the network device. In the embodiments of this application, only the case where the device for implementing the functions of a network device is a network device is taken as an example for illustration, which does not limit the solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0101] The network device may be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it may also be deployed on the water surface; it may also be deployed on airplanes, balloons, and satellites in the air.

[0102] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the scenarios where the network device is located. In addition, the network device may be a hardware device, or a software function running on dedicated hardware, a software function running on general hardware. For example, it is a virtualized function instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform), or an entity including dedicated or general hardware devices and software functions. This application does not limit the specific form of the network device.

[0103] The following Figure 1 describes the communication architecture of the embodiments of this application.

[0104] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication architecture applicable to the embodiments of this application. As Figure 1 shown, this communication architecture includes: an RU and multiple DUs (for example, DU1, DU2,..., and DUn). There is an information interaction channel between the RU and each DU.

[0105] In Figure 1In the shown communication architecture, an RU can be shared by multiple DUs or an RU can manage multiple DUs. For example, the resources owned by the RU (without limiting the attributes or types of the resources, such as one or more of power resources, bandwidth resources, or transmission resources, etc.) can be allocated to multiple DUs, or multiple DUs can share the resources owned by the RU. However, since currently a fixed method is adopted to configure resources for multiple DUs. For example, the RU fixedly configures resources for each DU without considering whether the DU needs more resources or whether there are surplus resources among the resources owned by the RU, etc. This may result in a not very high utilization rate of the resources owned by the RU, or rather, the resources owned by the RU are not utilized in an efficient manner.

[0106] It should be noted that Figure 1 the shown communication architecture is only described as an example and is not an ultimate limitation. In addition, the technical solution provided by this application can be applied to a communication system obtained after evolution based on Figure 1 the shown communication architecture. For example, including but not limited to: an open random access network (O-RAN), which is not limited herein.

[0107] In view of this, this application provides a communication method, a communication device, and a communication system, which can support improving the utilization rate of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit.

[0108] The communication method of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0109] For ease of understanding and explanation, the communication method of the embodiments of this application will be described below by taking the interaction between a radio frequency unit and a first distribution unit as an example, but this should not impose any limitation on the execution subject of the communication method of the embodiments of this application. For example, the radio frequency unit can be replaced by components configured in the radio frequency unit (such as circuits, chips, or chip systems, etc.), and the first distribution unit can be replaced by components configured in the first distribution unit (such as circuits, chips, or chip systems, etc.).

[0110] Figure 2 is an interaction flowchart of a communication method of the embodiments of this application. As Figure 2 shown, the method includes:

[0111] S201. The first distribution unit sends first information to the radio frequency unit.

[0112] Correspondingly, the radio frequency unit receives the first information.

[0113] The first information is used for the first distribution unit to request (which can also be understood as requesting configuration) the first resource from the radio frequency unit. The first resource belongs to the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit, and this resource set can be used by the radio frequency unit to serve at least two distribution units. Or, the radio frequency unit can allocate or configure the resources in this resource set. Or, at least two distribution units can share the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit. Among them, the at least two distribution units include the first distribution unit.

[0114] In a possible implementation, the first information can also indicate the attribute of the first resource. Among them, the attribute of the first resource (which can also be replaced with other terms, such as type or category, etc.) includes basic resources or additional resources (where additional resources can be called non-basic resources, or can also be replaced with extended resources or other resource names, etc.).

[0115] In the embodiments of this application, the basic resources are resources configured according to the coverage and planning of the cell. Or rather, the basic resources are resources planned manually based on static information such as the coverage radius of the cell and the cell bandwidth, and they can be used on all downlink physical channels including common channels. Optionally, the above-mentioned basic resources can also be understood as resources used to provide services (or basic services) within the cell coverage.

[0116] Exemplarily, the distribution unit can use the basic resources to provide basic communication functions within the cell coverage. For example, the basic communication functions can include voice services, SMS services, or can also include some non-delay-sensitive services, etc. Among them, the above-mentioned basic resources can include the power resources of the cell, or can include the communication resources between the distribution unit and the radio frequency unit, etc.

[0117] In the embodiments of this application, the additional resources are resources used to enhance the user service experience. For example, the additional resources can be resources calculated according to dynamically changing scenarios such as cell load and VIP (very important person) guarantee, and they can be used on user-level downlink physical channels to improve the user throughput rate.

[0118] Exemplarily, the distribution unit can use the additional resources to enhance the user service experience. For example, the delay of the communication service based on the basic resources is 5 seconds, and the delay of the communication service based on the additional resources is 1 second, etc. Among them, the additional resources can include the power resources of the cell, etc.

[0119] By differentiating between basic resources and additional resources, the radio frequency unit can meet the needs of different distribution units. For example, it can meet the needs of some distribution units for only providing basic communication functions; or, for example, it can meet the needs of some distribution units for enhancing the user service experience, etc.

[0120] For example, the first information includes one or more bits, and different values of the one or more bits are respectively used to indicate different attributes of the first resource. Exemplarily, the first information includes one bit, and the value of this bit is 0 or 1. 0 can be used to indicate that the attribute of the first resource is a basic resource, and 1 can be used to indicate that the attribute of the first resource is an additional resource.

[0121] By indicating the attribute of the first resource, the radio frequency unit can determine whether it is necessary to configure the required first resource for the first distributed unit according to the attribute of the first resource. For example, the configuration priority of the basic resource is higher than that of the additional resource. That is to say, the radio frequency unit preferentially allocates resources for the applied basic resource, or it can be understood that when the attribute of the first resource is a basic resource, the radio frequency unit preferentially guarantees the configuration of the basic resource.

[0122] In a possible implementation, the first resource can be one or more of a power resource, a bandwidth resource, or a transmission resource.

[0123] Exemplarily, the first resource is a power resource. Then S201 can be understood as: the first distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure the first power resource.

[0124] Exemplarily, the first resource is a bandwidth resource. Then S201 can be understood as: the first distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure the first bandwidth resource.

[0125] Exemplarily, the first resource is a transmission resource (for example, a frequency domain resource and / or a time domain resource, etc.). Then S201 can be understood as: the first distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure the first transmission resource.

[0126] Exemplarily, the first resource is a power resource and a bandwidth resource. Then S201 can be understood as: the first distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure the first power resource and the first bandwidth resource.

[0127] Exemplarily, the first resource is a power resource and a transmission resource. Then S201 can be understood as: the first distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure the first power resource and the first transmission resource.

[0128] Exemplarily, the first resource can be a bandwidth resource and a transmission resource. Then S201 can be understood as: the first distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure the first bandwidth resource and the first transmission resource.

[0129] Exemplarily, the first resource is a power resource, a bandwidth resource, and a transmission resource. Then S201 can be understood as: the first distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure the first power resource, the first bandwidth resource, and the first transmission resource.

[0130] For ease of description, the specific type of the first resource will not be distinguished hereinafter.

[0131] In this way, the embodiments of the present application can support that the radio frequency unit can flexibly configure one or more of the power resources, transmission resources, or bandwidth resources it owns.

[0132] S202. The radio frequency unit sends second information to the first distribution unit.

[0133] Correspondingly, the first distribution unit receives the second information.

[0134] The second information is used to respond to the first information. The second information is determined according to the allocation situation of the first resource and the resources in the resource set.

[0135] The allocation situation of the resources in the above-mentioned resource set can be understood as the situation of the allocated resources and / or the situation of the unallocated resources in the resource set. Among them, the allocated resources and the unallocated resources are relative.

[0136] In the embodiments of the present application, the radio frequency unit can determine the second information according to the following several methods:

[0137] Scenario #1:

[0138] The radio frequency unit determines whether to configure the first resource according to the first resource and the unallocated resources in the resource set.

[0139] The following describes an example where the total amount of resources in the resource set (taking power resources as an example) is 100 W (watts) and the unallocated resources are 20 W (the allocated resources are 80 W).

[0140] Example #1-1:

[0141] The first distribution unit requests to configure 30 W of the first resource. Since the unallocated resources in the resource set are less than the first resource, the radio frequency unit does not support or does not allow the request of the first distribution unit, or rather, the radio frequency unit does not configure 30 W of resources for the first distribution unit.

[0142] Example #1-2:

[0143] The first distribution unit requests to configure 15 W of the first resource. Since the unallocated resources in the resource set are more than the first resource, the radio frequency unit supports the request of the first distribution unit, or rather, the radio frequency unit configures 15 W of the first resource for the first distribution unit.

[0144] In summary, when the radio frequency unit determines to configure the first resource for the first distribution unit according to the size relationship between the first resource and the unallocated resources in the resource set, the second information indicates consent to configure the first resource, or the second information is understood as the configuration information of the first resource. When the radio frequency unit determines that it cannot configure the first resource for the first distribution unit, the second information indicates disagreement to configure the first resource.

[0145] Scenario #2:

[0146] Determined by the radio frequency unit according to the attributes of the first resource, the first resource, and the resource allocation situation in the resource set.

[0147] In the embodiments of the present application, the resources in the resource set can be divided into two categories: basic resources and additional resources. The resource allocation situation in the resource set can include the allocation situation of basic resources (such as allocated basic resources and unallocated basic resources) and the allocation situation of additional resources (such as allocated additional resources and unallocated additional resources).

[0148] In the embodiments of the present application, the proportion of basic resources in the resource set can be greater than or equal to the proportion of additional resources in the resource set. For example, the radio frequency unit can regard most of the resources in the resource set as basic resources. When the total amount of resources in the resource set can meet the needs of multiple distribution units for basic resources, when there are still some resources left in the resource set (such as unallocated resources), the radio frequency unit can regard this part of the resources as additional resources and configure them for some or all of the multiple distribution units. That is to say, the importance of the configuration of basic resources is higher than the importance of the configuration of additional resources. In addition, any type of the above resources can be configured in a flexible configuration manner. For example, the radio frequency unit can configure according to the requests of the distribution units.

[0149] For further description of Scenario #2, reference can be made to the descriptions of Scenario #2a and Scenario #2b.

[0150] Scenario #2a:

[0151] The radio frequency unit determines the second information according to the attributes of the first resource, the first resource, and the unallocated resources in the resource set.

[0152] The following takes the total amount of resources in the resource set as 100W and the unallocated resources as 20W (the allocated resources (regardless of the attributes of the resources) are 80W) as an example for description.

[0153] Example #2a-1:

[0154] The first distribution unit requests to configure the first resource of 30W (as the basic resource). Since the unallocated resources in the resource set are less than the first resource, the RF unit does not support the request of the first distribution unit, or rather, the RF unit does not configure the 30W basic resource for the first distribution unit.

[0155] Example #2a-2:

[0156] The first distribution unit requests to configure the first resource of 10W (as the basic resource). Since the unallocated resources in the resource set are more than the first resource, the RF unit supports or allows the request of the first distribution unit, or rather, the RF unit configures the 10W basic resource for the first distribution unit.

[0157] Example #2a-3:

[0158] The first distribution unit requests to configure the first resource of 30W (as the additional resource). Since the unallocated resources in the resource set are less than the first resource, the RF unit does not support the request of the first distribution unit, or rather, the RF unit does not configure the 30W additional resource for the first distribution unit.

[0159] Example #2a-4:

[0160] The first distribution unit requests to configure the first resource of 10W (as the additional resource). Since the unallocated resources in the resource set are more than the first resource, the RF unit supports the request of the first distribution unit, or rather, the RF unit configures the 10W additional resource for the first distribution unit.

[0161] In a possible implementation, when the attribute of the first resource is an additional resource, the RF unit can also determine whether to configure the first resource according to the proportion threshold of the unallocated resources in the resource set.

[0162] For example, when the proportion of the unallocated resources in the resource set is lower than the threshold (such as 5%), if the first distribution unit requests to configure the additional resource from the RF unit and the additional resource applied by the first distribution unit is less than the unallocated resources in the resource set, the RF unit determines not to configure the additional resource for the first distribution unit. In this way, resources can be configured for other distribution units that want to apply for basic resources.

[0163] When the RF unit determines whether to configure the first resource according to the unallocated resources in the resource set, this does not change the configured situation of the allocated resources in the resource set owned by the RF unit.

[0164] Scenario #2b:

[0165] The RF unit determines the second information according to the attribute of the first resource, the first resource, the unallocated resources in the resource set, and the additional resources already allocated in the resource set.

[0166] The following describes an example where the total amount of resources in the resource pool is 100W, the unallocated resources are 20W, the allocated basic resources are 60W, and the allocated additional resources are 20W.

[0167] In the embodiments of the present application, the allocated additional resources in the resource pool can be reconfigured. Or rather, when the radio frequency unit determines that it can configure the first resource with the attribute of basic resources to the first distribution unit, the radio frequency unit can reclaim some or all of the resources from the allocated additional resources for the first distribution unit to use. For example, the radio frequency unit has configured 20W of additional resources to the second distribution unit. When the first distribution unit requests to configure 30W of basic resources from the radio frequency unit and the unallocated resources (such as 15W) in the resource pool are less than the first resource, the radio frequency unit can reclaim some resources from the configured 20W of additional resources for the first distribution unit to use.

[0168] Example #2b-1:

[0169] The first distribution unit requests to configure 30W of basic resources. Since the unallocated resources in the resource pool are less than the first resource, the radio frequency unit can reclaim some resources from the allocated additional resources for the first distribution unit to use.

[0170] In this way, the radio frequency unit can preferentially ensure the configuration of basic resources.

[0171] Example #2b-2:

[0172] The first distribution unit requests to configure 20W of basic resources. Since the unallocated resources in the resource pool are equal to the first resource, the radio frequency unit can configure the unallocated resources to the first distribution unit.

[0173] Example #2b-3:

[0174] The first distribution unit requests to configure 30W of additional resources. Since the unallocated resources in the resource pool are less than the first resource, the radio frequency unit can refrain from configuring 30W of additional resources to the first distribution unit.

[0175] In a possible implementation, when the attribute of the first resource is additional resources, the radio frequency unit can determine whether to configure the first resource according to the proportion threshold of the additional resources in the resource pool.

[0176] For example, the first distribution unit requests to configure 10W of additional resources. There is a threshold for the proportion of the additional resources in the resource pool, such as 20%. The total amount of additional resources that can be allocated in the resource pool is 20W. Since the allocated additional resources in the resource pool are 20W, reaching the upper limit. Therefore, the radio frequency unit can refrain from configuring 10W of additional resources to the first distribution unit. In this way, resources can be provided for other distribution units that want to apply for basic resources.

[0177] In summary, the radio frequency unit and the first distribution unit can interact with each other for the first information and the second information. The radio frequency unit can flexibly configure the resources owned by the radio frequency unit based on the information interaction regarding resource allocation between the two, and thus can allocate the resources owned by the radio frequency unit more fully. For example, when there are remaining resources in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit, the first distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure some or all of the remaining resources, and the radio frequency unit determines whether the remaining resources can be configured according to the request of the first distribution unit. In this way, the utilization rate of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit can be effectively improved.

[0178] Compared with the method of statically configuring the resources owned by the radio frequency unit (for example, the radio frequency unit pre-configures resources for the distribution unit without considering whether there are remaining resources in the resources owned by the radio frequency unit and without considering whether the distribution unit has an actual demand for using the resources), the solution of the embodiment of the present application can support the effective configuration of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit by the distribution unit requesting the radio frequency unit to configure resources.

[0179] For example, it can avoid the radio frequency unit being unable to utilize the remaining resources in the resource set; for another example, when the distribution unit has no actual demand for using the pre-configured resources, this will result in the resources being in an ineffective utilization state. When the distribution unit can request the radio frequency unit to configure resources according to its own needs, the utilization rate of the resources can be effectively improved.

[0180] In summary, the embodiment of the present application can support the effective configuration of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit, and thus can support the improvement of the utilization rate of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit.

[0181] The following further describes the Figures 3 to 5 shown method in combination with Figure 2 wherein, the content shown in Figures 3 to 5 can be understood as an example of how the radio frequency unit determines the second information in Figure 2 .

[0182] It should be noted that Figures 3 to 5 the content shown is described by taking the first information indicating the attributes of the first resource as an example. When the first information is not used to indicate the attributes of the first resource, the radio frequency unit can also refer to the content shown in Figures 3 to 5 to determine how to configure the second information, which is not limited herein.

[0183] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the interaction process of another communication method of the embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 3 , this method includes:

[0184] S301. The second distribution unit sends information #31 to the radio frequency unit.

[0185] Correspondingly, the radio frequency unit receives Information #31. Information #31 is used for the second distribution unit to request Resource #31 from the radio frequency unit, and the attribute of Resource #31 is the basic resource.

[0186] S302. The radio frequency unit sends Response Information #31 to the second distribution unit.

[0187] Correspondingly, the second distribution unit receives Response Information #31. Response Information #31 is used for Response Information #31.

[0188] For the convenience of description, the following takes the example that Response Information #31 is used to indicate that the radio frequency unit agrees to configure Resource #31, but it does not limit the application scenario where Response Information #31 is used to indicate that the radio frequency unit does not agree to configure Resource #31.

[0189] For the convenience of description, the following takes the example that the total amount of resources in the resource set is 100W (unallocated).

[0190] The second distribution unit requests to configure Resource #31 from the radio frequency unit. The value of Resource #31 is 40W and is less than 100W. Therefore, the radio frequency unit can agree to configure Resource #31 for the second distribution unit. Correspondingly, the total amount of unallocated resources in the resource set is 60W.

[0191] S303. The first distribution unit sends Information #32 (which can be the aforementioned first information) to the radio frequency unit.

[0192] Correspondingly, the radio frequency unit receives Information #32. Information #32 is used for the first distribution unit to request Resource #32 from the radio frequency unit, and the attribute of Resource #32 is the basic resource.

[0193] S304. The radio frequency unit sends Response Information #32 (which can be the aforementioned second information) to the first distribution unit.

[0194] Correspondingly, the first distribution unit receives Response Information #32. Response Information #32 is used for Response Information #32.

[0195] After the second distribution unit successfully applies for Resource #31 from the radio frequency unit, the total amount of unallocated resources in the resource set will decrease. When the radio frequency unit receives Information #32 from the first distribution unit, the radio frequency unit can determine whether to agree or support configuring Resource #32 according to Resource #32 and the unallocated resources in the resource set.

[0196] Exemplarily, the value of Resource #32 is 30W, which is less than 60W. Therefore, the radio frequency unit can agree to configure Resource #32 for the first distribution unit. Correspondingly, the total amount of unallocated resources in the resource set is 30W.

[0197] In summary, the radio frequency unit can flexibly configure the resources it owns based on the information interaction between the two parties regarding resource allocation, and thus can allocate the resources it owns more fully. For example, when there are remaining resources in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit, the radio frequency unit can determine whether to allocate the remaining resources according to the request of the first distribution unit. In this way, the utilization rate of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit can be effectively improved. Figure 3 In the scheme shown, after the second radio frequency unit successfully applies for resources (taking basic resources as an example) from the radio frequency unit, the radio frequency unit can determine whether to support allocating resources to the first distribution unit according to the unallocated resources in the resource set. For specific details, please refer to the description of Scenario #1.

[0198] In addition, Figure 3 the description is made by taking the first distribution unit's request to the radio frequency unit for allocating basic resources as an example. When the first unit requests the radio frequency unit to allocate additional resources, the radio frequency unit can determine whether to allocate additional resources to the first distribution unit according to Figure 3 the content shown.

[0199] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the interaction process of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 4 shown, the method includes:

[0200] S401. The second distribution unit sends Information #41 to the radio frequency unit.

[0201] Correspondingly, the radio frequency unit receives Information #41. Information #41 is used to request Resource #41, and the attribute of Resource #41 is basic resources.

[0202] For specific description, please refer to the description of S301 and will not be repeated here.

[0203] S402. The radio frequency unit sends response Information #41 to the second distribution unit.

[0204] Correspondingly, the second distribution unit receives response Information #41. Response Information #41 is used to respond to Information #41.

[0205] For ease of description, in the following, it is described by taking response Information #41 as being used to indicate that the radio frequency unit agrees to allocate Resource #41 as an example, but it does not limit the application scenario where response Information #41 is used to indicate that the radio frequency unit does not agree to allocate Resource #41.

[0206] For ease of description, in the following, it is described by taking the total amount of resources in the resource set as 100W (unallocated) as an example.

[0207] The second distribution unit requests to configure Resource #41 from the radio frequency unit. The value of Resource #41 is 40W and is less than 100W. Therefore, the radio frequency unit can agree to configure Resource #41 for the second distribution unit. Accordingly, the total amount of unallocated resources in the resource set is 60W.

[0208] S403. The first distribution unit sends Information #42 to the radio frequency unit.

[0209] Accordingly, the radio frequency unit receives Information #42. Information #42 is used to request Resource #42, and the attribute of Resource #42 is the basic resource.

[0210] S404. The radio frequency unit sends response Information #42 to the first distribution unit.

[0211] Accordingly, the first distribution unit receives response Information #42. Response Information #42 is used to respond to Information #42.

[0212] For example, the first distribution unit requests to configure Resource #42 from the radio frequency unit. The value of Resource #42 is 30W and is less than 60W. Therefore, the radio frequency unit can agree to configure Resource #42 for the first distribution unit. Accordingly, the total amount of unallocated resources in the resource set is 30W.

[0213] S405. The first distribution unit sends Information #43 (which can be the aforementioned first information) to the radio frequency unit.

[0214] Accordingly, the radio frequency unit receives Information #43. Among them, Information #43 is used to request Resource #43, and the attribute of Resource #43 is the additional resource.

[0215] S406. The radio frequency unit sends response Information #43 (which can be the aforementioned second information) to the first distribution unit.

[0216] Accordingly, the first distribution unit receives response Information #43. Response Information #43 is used to respond to Information #43.

[0217] For example, the first distribution unit requests to configure Resource #43 from the radio frequency unit. The value of Resource #43 is 10W and is less than 30W. Therefore, the radio frequency unit can agree to configure Resource #43 for the first distribution unit. Accordingly, the total amount of unallocated resources in the resource set is 20W.

[0218] After the second distribution unit and the first distribution unit respectively successfully apply for Resource #41 and Resource #42 from the radio frequency unit, the total amount of unallocated resources in the resource set will decrease. When the radio frequency unit receives Information #43 from the first distribution unit, the radio frequency unit can determine whether to agree or support configuring or allocating Resource #43 based on Resource #43 and the unallocated resources in the resource set.

[0219] For a specific description of how the radio frequency unit determines the second information, reference may be made to the description of S202, which will not be repeated here.

[0220] In summary, the RF unit can flexibly configure the resources owned by the RF unit based on the information exchange between the two about resource configuration, and thus can more fully configure the resources owned by the RF unit. For example, when there are remaining resources in the resource set owned by the RF unit, the first distribution unit requests the RF unit to configure some or all of the remaining resources, and the RF unit determines whether the remaining resources can be configured based on the request of the first distribution unit, so that the utilization rate of the resources owned by the RF unit can be effectively improved.

[0221] Figure 4 In the scheme shown, after the first RF unit successfully applies for basic resources from the RF unit, when the first RF unit continues to apply to the RF unit for configuration of additional resources, the RF unit can determine whether to support configuration of resources for the first distributed unit based on the unallocated resources in the resource set. For details, please refer to the description of scenario #1.

[0222] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The radio frequency unit determines whether to configure the first resource for the first distribution unit according to the unallocated resources in the resource set (such as Figure 3 Resources #32 and Figure 4 The resource #43 in the example is described below. Figure 5 A scenario is described in which the radio frequency unit determines whether the first resource can be configured for the first distributed unit according to the allocated additional resources and the unallocated resources in the resource set. For ease of description, the following description is taken as an example that the first distributed unit requests to configure basic resources.

[0223] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 As shown, the method includes:

[0224] S501. The second distribution unit sends information #51 to the radio frequency unit.

[0225] Correspondingly, the radio frequency unit receives information #51. Information #51 is used to request resource #51, and the attribute of resource #51 is a basic resource.

[0226] S502. The radio frequency unit sends a response message #51 to the second distributed unit.

[0227] Correspondingly, the second distribution unit receives the response information #51. The response information #51 is used for the response information #51.

[0228] For ease of description, the following uses the response message #51 for indicating that the radio frequency unit agrees to configure resource #51 as an example for description, but it does not limit the application scenario where the response message #51 is used to indicate that the radio frequency unit does not agree to configure resource #51 either.

[0229] For ease of description, the following uses the total amount of resources in the resource set being 100W (unallocated) as an example for description.

[0230] The second distribution unit requests to configure resource #51 from the radio frequency unit. The value of resource #51 is 40W and is less than 100W. Therefore, the radio frequency unit can agree to configure resource #51 for the second distribution unit. Correspondingly, the total amount of unallocated resources in the resource set is 60W.

[0231] S503: The second distribution unit sends message #52 to the radio frequency unit.

[0232] Correspondingly, the radio frequency unit receives message #52. Among them, message #52 is used for the second distribution unit to request resource #52, and the attribute of resource #52 is an additional resource.

[0233] S504: The radio frequency unit sends the response message #52 to the second distribution unit.

[0234] Correspondingly, the second distribution unit receives the response message #52. The response message #52 is used for the response message #52.

[0235] The second distribution unit requests to configure resource #52 from the radio frequency unit. The value of resource #52 is 35W and is less than 60W. Therefore, the radio frequency unit can agree to configure resource #52 for the second distribution unit. Correspondingly, the total amount of unallocated resources in the resource set is 25W.

[0236] S505: The first distribution unit sends message #53 (which can be the aforementioned first message) to the radio frequency unit.

[0237] Correspondingly, the radio frequency unit receives message #53. Among them, message #53 is used to request resource #53, and the attribute of resource #53 is a basic resource.

[0238] S506: The radio frequency unit sends the response message #53 to the first distribution unit. The response message #53 is used for the response message #53.

[0239] Correspondingly, the first distribution unit receives the response message #53.

[0240] The first distribution unit requests configuration resource #53 from the radio frequency unit. The value of resource #53 is 45W, which is greater than 25W and less than 35W + 25W. Therefore, the radio frequency unit can reclaim 20W of resources from the 35W that has been configured for the second distribution unit, and combine it with the unallocated resource of 25W to configure resource #53 for the second distribution unit. Accordingly, the total amount of unallocated resources in the resource set is 0W.

[0241] When the second distribution unit successfully requests resource #51 and resource #52 from the radio frequency unit respectively, the total amount of unallocated resources in the resource set will decrease. When the radio frequency unit receives the information #53 from the first distribution unit, the radio frequency unit can determine whether to support the configuration of resource #53 based on the situation of resource #53, unallocated resources, and the allocated additional resources. For the specific description, please refer to the description of scenario #2b in S202. To sum up, the radio frequency unit can flexibly configure the resources it owns based on the information interaction between the two regarding resource configuration, and thus can allocate the resources it owns more fully.

[0242] Optionally, the method may further include:

[0243] S507. The radio frequency unit sends information #54 (which can be understood as the third information) to the second distribution unit, and the information #54 indicates that the allocated additional resources corresponding to the second distribution unit in the resource set have changed.

[0244] Correspondingly, the second distribution unit receives the information #54.

[0245] When the radio frequency unit reclaims some additional resources from the additional resources that have been configured for the second distribution unit, the radio frequency unit can send the information #54 indicating that the allocated additional resources in the resource set have changed to the second distribution unit, and the second distribution unit can accordingly determine that the originally configured 35W of additional resources has changed to 15W of resources. Correspondingly, the second distribution unit can adjust its own utilization method of the additional resources.

[0246] In this way, the second distribution unit can determine that the resource quantity of the successfully applied additional resources has changed according to the third information, and can timely adjust the utilization method of the additional resources. For example, the second distribution unit can provide appropriate services for users according to the adjusted additional resources, etc.

[0247] In Figures 2 to 5In the solution shown, the radio frequency unit may further send fourth information to the first distribution unit and / or the second distribution unit, and the fourth information may indicate the resource allocation in the resource set. The first distribution unit and / or the second distribution unit may determine whether to continue to apply to the radio frequency unit for resource configuration according to the resource allocation in the resource set indicated by the fourth information, which can further support improving the utilization rate of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit.

[0248] In addition, the embodiments of the present application do not limit the timing for the radio frequency unit to send the fourth information to the first distribution unit and / or the second distribution unit. For example, the radio frequency unit may send the fourth information to the first distribution unit and / or the second distribution unit before the first distribution unit and / or the second distribution unit send the information for requesting resources, or the radio frequency unit may send the fourth information to the first distribution unit and / or the second distribution unit after the first distribution unit and / or the second distribution unit successfully apply for resources, and so on.

[0249] In the embodiments of the present application, by establishing an interaction process for resource configuration between the radio frequency unit and the distribution unit, the radio frequency unit can flexibly and efficiently configure the resources it owns. In this way, it can support improving the utilization rate of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit.

[0250] In the above description, the first resource may be a resource at the distribution unit granularity. For example, if the distribution unit needs to maintain multiple carriers, the distribution unit may apply to the radio frequency unit for a total resource. After the application is successful, the distribution unit may allocate the resource internally by itself.

[0251] In the above description, the first resource may also be a resource at the carrier granularity. For example, if the first distribution unit needs to maintain multiple carriers, the first distribution unit may apply to the radio frequency unit for resources for each carrier in terms of the carrier. After the first distribution unit successfully applies for resources, the first distribution unit does not need to configure resources for each carrier anymore, which can effectively reduce the resource configuration overhead of the first distribution unit.

[0252] It should be noted that Figures 2 to 5 The information terms in the method shown are only used as an example, and they can be replaced by other term names, which are not limited in this regard.

[0253] In a possible implementation, the first information may be carried in a network configuration protocol (NETCONF) edit-config remote procedure call (RPC) message, or the first information may be a NETCONF edit-config RPC. There is no limitation in this regard. NETCONF provides a set of protocols for communication between a network management station and network devices. The network management station can perform operations such as issuing, modifying, and deleting configurations of remote devices through the NETCONF protocol. RPC is used to implement communication between a client and a server.

[0254] In another possible implementation, the fourth information may be carried in a NETCONF supervision-notification RPC, or the fourth information may be a NETCONF supervision-notification RPC. There is no limitation in this regard.

[0255] It should be noted that Figures 2 to 5 The method described above takes the interaction process of resource configuration between a radio frequency unit and a first distribution unit as an example. The names of the terms appearing in the above content are all for example purposes and are not the final limitations.

[0256] Finally, the device embodiments of this application are introduced.

[0257] To implement each function in the method provided by this application, both the first device and the second device may include a hardware structure and / or software module, and implement the above functions in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a combination of a hardware structure and a software module. Whether a certain function among the above functions is executed in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a combination of a hardware structure and a software module depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0258] Figure 6 FIG. is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device includes a processor 610 and a communication interface 620. The processor 610 and the communication interface 620 may be connected to each other through a bus 630. The communication device may be a radio frequency unit or a first distribution unit.

[0259] Optionally, the communication device may further include a memory 640. The memory 640 includes, but is not limited to, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), and the memory 640 is used for relevant instructions and data.

[0260] The processor 610 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs). When the processor 610 is a single CPU, the CPU may be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU.

[0261] When the communication device is a first distribution unit, exemplarily, the processor 610 is used to perform the following operations: sending first information; receiving second information, etc.

[0262] When the communication device is a radio frequency unit, exemplarily, the processor 610 is used to perform the following operations: receiving first information; sending second information, and so on.

[0263] The above content is only described as an example. The communication device is a radio frequency unit or a first distribution unit, and it will be responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the radio frequency unit or the first distribution unit in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0264] The above description is only an exemplary description. For specific content, reference may be made to the content shown in the foregoing method embodiments. Figure 6 The implementation of each operation in Figures 2 to 5 may also correspond to the corresponding description in the method embodiment shown.

[0265] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device may be a first distribution unit or a radio frequency unit, or a chip or module in the first distribution unit or the radio frequency unit, and is used to implement the methods involved in the foregoing embodiments.

[0266] The communication device includes an interface unit 710. The interface unit 710 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is used to perform the sending action of the communication device, and the receiving unit is used to perform the receiving action of the communication device. For the sake of description, in the embodiments of the present application, the sending unit and the receiving unit are combined into one interface unit. A unified description is made here and will not be repeated hereinafter.

[0267] When the communication device is the first distribution unit, for example, the interface unit 710 is used to send the first information and receive the second information, etc.

[0268] Optionally, the communication device may further include a processing unit 720, which is used to execute the content related to processing, coordination, etc. steps involved in the first distribution unit. For example, the processing unit 720 is used to use the first resource, etc.

[0269] When the communication device is a radio frequency unit, for example, the interface unit 710 is used to receive the first information and send the second information, etc.

[0270] Optionally, the communication device may further include a processing unit 720, which is used to execute the content related to processing, coordination, etc. steps involved in the radio frequency unit. For example, the processing unit 720 is used to determine whether the first resource is configured, etc.

[0271] The above content is only described as an example. The communication device is the first distribution unit or the radio frequency unit, which will be responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the first distribution unit or the radio frequency unit in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0272] Optionally, the communication device further includes a storage unit 730, which is used to store the programs or codes for executing the foregoing methods.

[0273] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The shown device embodiment is used to implement Figures 2 to 5 the content described above. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The specific execution steps and methods of the shown device can refer to the content described in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0274] The above description of the communication device is only an example. The communication device can be used to execute the methods described in the foregoing embodiments. The specific content can refer to the description of the foregoing method embodiments and will not be elaborated here.

[0275] This application also provides a chip, including a processor, which is used to call and run the instructions stored in the memory, so that the communication device installed with the chip executes the methods in the above examples.

[0276] This application also provides another chip, including: an input interface, an output interface, and a processor. The input interface, the output interface, and the processor are connected through an internal connection path. The processor is used to execute the code in the memory. When the code is executed, the processor is used to execute the methods in the above examples. Optionally, the chip further includes a memory, which is used to store computer programs or codes.

[0277] The present application also provides a processor, which is used to be coupled with a memory and execute the methods and functions related to network devices or terminal devices in any one of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0278] In another embodiment of the present application, a computer program product including instructions is provided. When the computer program product runs on a computer, the methods of the foregoing embodiments are implemented.

[0279] The present application also provides a computer program. When the computer program runs on a computer, the methods of the foregoing embodiments are implemented.

[0280] In another embodiment of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a computer, the methods described in the foregoing embodiments are implemented.

[0281] Those of ordinary skill in the art can realize that the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are executed in a hardware or software manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods for each specific application to implement the described functions, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of the present application.

[0282] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and conciseness of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be described herein again.

[0283] In several embodiments provided by the present application, the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the displayed or discussed couplings or direct couplings or communication connections to each other can be through some interfaces. The indirect couplings or communication connections of devices or units can be in an electrical, mechanical, or other form.

[0284] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they can be located in one place, or distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0285] In addition, each functional unit in the embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a processing unit, may exist physically alone for each unit, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0286] If the function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or part of this technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This 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.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods in the embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical discs.

[0287] The above is only the specific implementation manners of the embodiments of the present application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can easily think of changes or substitutions, which should all be covered within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a radio frequency unit and includes: Receiving first information from a first distribution unit, where the first information requests a first resource; In response to the first information, sending second information to the first distribution unit, where the second information is determined based on the resource allocation in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit and the first resource, and the resource set can be used by the radio frequency unit to serve at least two distribution units, and the at least two distribution units include the first distribution unit.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first information indicates that the attribute of the first resource is a basic resource or an additional resource. The basic resource is a resource for providing services within the cell coverage, and the additional resource is a resource for enhancing the user service experience.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The second information is determined based on the resource allocation in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit and the first resource, and includes: The second information is determined based on the attribute of the first resource, the first resource, and the resource allocation in the resource set.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The second information is determined based on the attribute of the first resource, the first resource, and the resource allocation in the resource set, and includes: The second information is determined based on the attribute of the first resource, the first resource, and the unallocated resources in the resource set.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The second information is determined based on the attribute of the first resource, the first resource, and the resource allocation in the resource set, and includes: The second information is determined based on the attribute of the first resource, the first resource, the unallocated resources in the resource set, and the allocated additional resources in the resource set.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein The first information indicates that the attribute of the first resource is a basic resource, the first resource is greater than the unallocated resources in the resource set, and the sum of the unallocated resources in the resource set and the allocated additional resources in the resource set is greater than or equal to the first resource. The second information is used to configure the first resource; The allocated additional resources in the resource set are used to serve a second distribution unit, and the at least two distribution units further include the second distribution unit.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The method further includes: Sending third information to the second distribution unit, where the third information indicates that the allocated additional resources corresponding to the second distribution unit in the resource set have changed.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The method further includes: Sending fourth information, where the fourth information indicates the resource allocation in the resource set.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first resource includes at least one of the following: Power resource, transmission resource, or bandwidth resource.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first resource is a resource with a carrier granularity.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first distribution unit and includes: Sending first information to a radio frequency unit, where the first information requests a first resource; Receive second information from the radio frequency unit, where the second information is determined based on the resource allocation situation in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit and the first resource. The resource set can be used by the radio frequency unit to serve at least two distribution units, and the at least two distribution units include the first distribution unit. The second information is a response to the first information.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The first information further indicates that the attribute of the first resource is a basic resource or an additional resource. The basic resource is a resource used to provide services within the cell coverage area, and the additional resource is a resource used to enhance the user service experience.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein The second information is determined based on the resource allocation situation in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit and the first resource, and includes: The second information is determined based on the attribute of the first resource, the first resource, and the resource allocation situation in the resource set.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second information is determined based on the attribute of the first resource, the first resource, and the resource allocation situation in the resource set, and includes: The second information is determined based on the attribute of the first resource, the first resource, and the unallocated resources in the resource set.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second information is determined based on the attribute of the first resource, the first resource, and the resource set, and includes: The second information is determined based on the attribute of the first resource, the first resource, the unallocated resources in the resource set, and the allocated additional resources in the resource set.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The first information indicates that the attribute of the first resource is a basic resource. The first resource is greater than the unallocated resources in the resource set, and the sum of the unallocated resources in the resource set and the allocated additional resources in the resource set is greater than or equal to the first resource. The second information is used to configure the first resource; The allocated additional resources in the resource set are used to serve a second distribution unit, and the at least two distribution units further include the second distribution unit.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive fourth information from the radio frequency unit, where the fourth information indicates the resource allocation situation in the resource set.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that The first resource includes at least one of the following: Power resource, transmission resource, or bandwidth resource.

19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that, The first resource is a resource at the carrier granularity.

20. A communication method, characterized in that, Includes: The first distribution unit sends first information to the radio frequency unit, and the first information requests the first resource; The radio frequency unit sends second information to the first distribution unit, where the second information is determined based on the resource allocation situation in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit and the first resource. The resource set can be used by the radio frequency unit to serve at least two distribution units, and the at least two distribution units include the first distribution unit.

21. A communication system, characterized in that, Includes: The first distribution unit and the radio frequency unit, The radio frequency unit is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The first distribution unit is used to execute the method according to any one of 11 to 19.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, comprising a unit for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or comprising a unit for performing the method according to any one of claims 11 to 19.

23. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, A computer program or instruction is stored on the computer-readable storage medium, and when the computer program or the instruction runs on a computer, causing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 to be performed; or, causing the method according to any one of claims 11 to 19 to be performed.

24. A computer program product, characterized in that, comprising instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 to be performed; or, cause the method according to any one of claims 11 to 19 to be performed.

25. A chip system, characterized in that, The chip system includes a processor, a memory, and an input / output port, the memory being used for storing a computer program; the processor being used for executing the computer program stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10; or, so that the processor executes the method according to any one of claims 11 to 19.

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