Communication method, network element, access network device, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication method, a network element, an access network device, a communication system and a storage medium. The method comprises: receiving first information sent by a second network element, the first information comprising at least one of the following: first parameter information used for indicating a flow parameter of a data stream of a first service; the first indication information is used for indicating that the dynamic change of the flow parameter is supported. Through the scheme of the invention, support can be provided for QoS processing under the condition of dynamic change of the flow mode and / or the flow characteristic.

Description

Communication method, network element, access network equipment, communication system and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, a network element, an access network device, a communication system, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In communication technologies such as the fifth generation mobile networks (5G), mobile media services, online extended reality (XR), online games, and video-based remote control of machines or drones are expected to contribute an increasing amount of traffic to communication networks.

[0003] Currently, due to the high throughput, low latency, and high reliability requirements of XRM and eXtended Reality and interactive media services, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the quality of service (QoS) characteristics of a specific service data flow (SDF) in a service.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a network element, an access network device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0006] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The communication method is applied to a first network element. The communication method includes: receiving first information sent by a second network element, wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information indicating a traffic parameter of a data flow of a first service; and first indication information indicating support for dynamic changes in the traffic parameter.

[0007] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The communication method is applied to a second network element. The communication method includes: sending first information to a first network element, where the first information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information indicating a traffic parameter of a data flow of a first service; and first indication information indicating support for dynamic changes in the traffic parameter.

[0008] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The communication method is applied to a third network element. The communication method includes receiving second information sent by a first network element, wherein the second information includes first parameter information, and the first parameter information is used to indicate a flow parameter of a data flow of a first service.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The communication method is applied to a fourth network element. The communication method includes receiving fourth information sent by a third network element, wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information indicating a traffic parameter of a data flow of a first service; and second parameter information used by the fourth network element to implement QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameter.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The communication method is applied to a fifth network element. The communication method includes: sending a data stream of a first service to a fourth network element, wherein the data packet corresponding to the data stream includes a parameter value of a traffic parameter of the first service.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The communication method is applied to an access network device. The communication method includes receiving fifth information, where the fifth information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information indicating a traffic parameter of a data flow of a first service; and third information indicating a measurement result obtained from QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameter.

[0012] According to a seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The communication method is applied to a core network. The core network includes a second network element and a third network element. The communication method includes: the first network element sending second information to the third network element, wherein the second information includes first parameter information, and the first parameter information is used to indicate a traffic parameter of a data flow of a first service.

[0013] According to an eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network element is provided. The first network element includes: a transceiver module configured to receive first information sent by a second network element, wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information indicating a flow parameter of a data flow of a first service; and first indication information indicating support for dynamic changes in the flow parameter.

[0014] According to a ninth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second network element is provided. The second network element includes: a transceiver module configured to send first information to a first network element, wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information indicating a flow parameter of a data flow of a first service; and first indication information indicating support for dynamic changes in the flow parameter.

[0015] According to a tenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a third network element is provided, comprising: a transceiver module configured to receive second information sent by a first network element, wherein the second information includes first parameter information, and the first parameter information is used to indicate a flow parameter of a data flow of a first service.

[0016] According to an eleventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a fourth network element is provided. The fourth network element includes: a transceiver module configured to receive fourth information sent by a third network element, wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information indicating a flow parameter of a data flow of a first service; and second parameter information used by the fourth network element to implement QoS monitoring related to the flow parameter.

[0017] According to a twelfth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a fifth network element is provided, comprising: a transceiver module configured to send a data stream of a first service to a fourth network element, wherein the data packet corresponding to the data stream includes a parameter value of a traffic parameter of the first service.

[0018] According to a thirteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an access network device is provided. The access network device includes: a transceiver module configured to receive fifth information, where the fifth information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information indicating a flow parameter of a data flow of a first service; and third information indicating a measurement result obtained by QoS monitoring related to the flow parameter.

[0019] According to a fourteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network element is provided. The first network element includes: one or more processors, and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the first network element, the first network element implements the communication method described in the first aspect.

[0020] According to a fifteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second network element is provided. The second network element includes: one or more processors, and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the second network element, the second network element implements the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0021] According to a sixteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a third network element is provided. The third network element includes: one or more processors, and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the third network element, the third network element implements the communication method described in the third aspect.

[0022] According to a seventeenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a fourth network element is provided. The fourth network element includes: one or more processors, and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the fourth network element, the fourth network element implements the communication method described in the fourth aspect.

[0023] According to an eighteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a fifth network element is provided. The fifth network element includes: one or more processors, and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the fifth network element, the fifth network element implements the communication method described in the fifth aspect.

[0024] According to a nineteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an access network device is provided. The access network device includes: one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the access network device, the access network device implements the communication method described in the sixth aspect.

[0025] According to a twentieth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes: a first network element for implementing the communication method described in the first aspect; a second network element for implementing the communication method described in the second aspect; a third network element for implementing the communication method described in the third aspect; a fourth network element for implementing the communication method described in the fourth aspect; a fifth network element for implementing the communication method described in the fifth aspect; and an access network device for implementing the communication method described in the sixth aspect.

[0026] According to a twenty-first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method as described in any one of the first to seventh aspects.

[0027] According to a twenty-second aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a program product is provided, which, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to execute the communication method as described in any one of the first to seventh aspects.

[0028] According to a twenty-third aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to execute the communication method according to any one of the first to seventh aspects.

[0029] According to a twenty-fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a chip or a chip system is provided. The chip or chip system includes a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to execute the communication method as described in any one of the first to seventh aspects.

[0030] The embodiments of the present disclosure can provide support for QoS processing in the case of dynamic changes in flow patterns and / or flow characteristics.

[0031] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory and do not constitute limitations on the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following drawings required for describing the embodiments are introduced. The following drawings are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG1B is a schematic diagram of an architecture of an implementation of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG1C is a schematic diagram of an architecture of another implementation of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG2B is an interactive diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG3A is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG3B is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG4A is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG4B is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG5A is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG5B is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG6A is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG6B is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG7 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG8A is an interactive diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG8B is an interactive diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG8C is an interactive diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG8D is an interactive diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG8E is an interactive diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG9A is an interaction diagram of an exemplary implementation of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG9B is an interaction diagram of an exemplary implementation of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG9C is an interaction diagram of an exemplary implementation of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG11A is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG11B is a schematic structural diagram of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a network element, an access network device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0059] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The communication method is applied to a first network element. The communication method includes receiving first information sent by a second network element, where the first information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information indicating a traffic parameter of a data flow of a first service; and first indication information indicating support for dynamic changes in the traffic parameter.

[0060] According to the above embodiment, the first indication information can be used to indicate support for dynamic changes in traffic parameters, and the first parameter information can also be used to indicate dynamically changing parameters. In this way, the 5GC can support QoS processing when the traffic parameters of the data flow of the first service are dynamically changed.

[0061] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the traffic parameters may include at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum stream bit rate; periodicity; N6 jitter; burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirement; connection migration.

[0062] According to the above embodiment, there may be multiple traffic parameters. The first indication information may indicate the traffic parameters that need to support dynamic changes, thereby enabling targeted QoS processing under dynamic changes in traffic parameters.

[0063] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may also include at least one of the following: first requirement information, used to indicate the requirement for QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters; second requirement information, used to indicate the requirement related to event subscription.

[0064] According to the above embodiment, the first requirement information can indicate the need to perform QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters and / or parameters related to QoS monitoring. Furthermore, the second requirement information can indicate a subscription to notifications of measurement results related to QoS monitoring. This allows, on the one hand, QoS monitoring of the traffic parameters of the first service to be performed to measure QoS information related to the traffic parameters; on the other hand, the measurement results can be reported, so that the parameter values ​​of the traffic parameters can be updated based on the reported measurement results.

[0065] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: sending second information to a third network element, wherein the second information includes the first parameter information.

[0066] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: determining a first rule based on the first information.

[0067] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may further include first policy information, where the first policy information is used for QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters, and the first policy information is determined based on the first information.

[0068] In the above embodiment, by sending the first policy information, it can be instructed to perform QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters.

[0069] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may also include: receiving third information sent by a third network element, wherein the third information is used to indicate the measurement results obtained by QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters; and sending the third information to the second network element.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the first network element may forward the third information from the third network element to the second network element, so that the second network element can obtain the measurement results of QoS monitoring based on the third network element, and then realize the reporting of the measurement results and timely update of traffic parameters.

[0071] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The communication method is applied to a second network element. The communication method includes: sending first information to a first network element, where the first information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information indicating a traffic parameter of a data flow of a first service; and first indication information indicating support for dynamic changes in the traffic parameter.

[0072] According to the above embodiment, the first indication information may be sent to indicate support for dynamic changes in traffic parameters, or the first parameter information may be sent to indicate dynamically changing parameters. In this way, the 5GC can support QoS processing when the traffic parameters of the data flow of the first service are dynamically changed.

[0073] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the traffic parameters may include at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum stream bit rate; periodicity; N6 jitter; burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirement; connection migration.

[0074] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may also include at least one of the following: first requirement information, used to indicate the requirement for QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters; second requirement information, used to indicate the requirement related to event subscription.

[0075] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may also include: receiving third information sent by the first network element, wherein the third information is used to indicate the measurement results obtained by QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters; and updating the first parameter information based on the measurement results.

[0076] In a third aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The communication method is applied to a third network element. The communication method includes receiving second information sent by a first network element, wherein the second information includes first parameter information, and the first parameter information is used to indicate a flow parameter of a data flow of a first service.

[0077] According to the above embodiment, the dynamically changing parameters can be indicated by the first parameter information, so that the 5GC can support QoS processing when the traffic parameters of the data flow of the first service are dynamically changed.

[0078] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the traffic parameters may include at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum stream bit rate; periodicity; N6 jitter; burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirement; connection migration.

[0079] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may further include first policy information, where the first policy information is used for QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters.

[0080] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the second information can be used to indicate the first rule; wherein, the above method may also include: determining the second rule based on the first rule, wherein the second rule is used for QoS processing of the data flow of the first service.

[0081] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may also include: sending fourth information to a fourth network element, wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information; second parameter information, used for the fourth network element to implement QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters.

[0082] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the second parameter information may be determined based on at least one of the following: first policy information, configuration information of a third network element.

[0083] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may also include: receiving third information sent by a fourth network element, wherein the third information is used to indicate the measurement results obtained by QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters; and sending the third information to the first network element.

[0084] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may also include: sending fifth information to the access network device, wherein the fifth information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information; third information, used to indicate the measurement results obtained by QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters.

[0085] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the fifth information may be sent via the next generation application protocol (NGAP).

[0086] In a fourth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The communication method is applied to a fourth network element. The communication method includes receiving fourth information sent by a third network element, where the fourth information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information indicating a traffic parameter of a data flow of a first service; and second parameter information used by the fourth network element to implement QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameter.

[0087] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the traffic parameters may include at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum stream bit rate; periodicity; N6 jitter; burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirement; connection migration.

[0088] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth information may include second parameter information; wherein the above method may further include: performing QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters based on the second parameter information.

[0089] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may also include at least one of the following: sending third information to a third network element on the control plane; sending third information to a fifth network element on the user plane; wherein the third information is used to indicate the measurement results obtained by QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters.

[0090] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may also include: identifying the data flow of the first service based on the first parameter information, wherein the data packet corresponding to the data flow contains the parameter value of the traffic parameter; and sending the data flow to the access network device.

[0091] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the data stream may be sent via a user plane part of general packet radio service tunneling protocol (GTP-U).

[0092] In a fifth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The communication method is applied to a fifth network element. The communication method includes: sending a data stream of a first service to a fourth network element, wherein a data packet corresponding to the data stream includes a parameter value of a traffic parameter of the first service.

[0093] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the traffic parameters may include at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum stream bit rate; periodicity; N6 jitter; burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirement; connection migration.

[0094] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: receiving third information sent by a fourth network element, wherein the third information is used to indicate measurement results obtained by QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters.

[0095] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The communication method is applied to an access network device. The communication method includes receiving fifth information sent by a third network element, where the fifth information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information indicating a traffic parameter of a data flow of a first service; and third information indicating a measurement result obtained by QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameter.

[0096] In combination with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the traffic parameters may include at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum stream bit rate; periodicity; N6 jitter; burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirement; connection migration.

[0097] In combination with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the fifth information can be received via NGAP.

[0098] In combination with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: receiving a data stream of the first service sent by a fourth network element, wherein the data packet corresponding to the data stream includes a parameter value of a traffic parameter.

[0099] In combination with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the data stream can be received via the GTP-U protocol.

[0100] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The communication method is applied to a core network. The core network includes a second network element and a third network element. The method includes: the first network element sending second information to the third network element, wherein the second information includes first parameter information, and the first parameter information is used to indicate a traffic parameter of a data flow of a first service.

[0101] In an eighth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a first network element. The first network element includes: a transceiver module configured to receive first information sent by a second network element, wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information indicating a flow parameter of a data flow of a first service; and first indication information indicating support for dynamic changes in the flow parameter.

[0102] In combination with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the traffic parameters may include at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum stream bit rate; periodicity; N6 jitter; burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirement; connection migration.

[0103] In combination with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may also include at least one of the following: first requirement information, used to indicate the requirement for QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters; second requirement information, used to indicate the requirement related to event subscription.

[0104] In combination with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can also be configured to: send second information to a third network element, where the second information includes first parameter information.

[0105] In combination with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned first network element may further include: a processing module configured to determine a first rule based on the first information.

[0106] In combination with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may further include first policy information, the first policy information is used for QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters, and the first policy information is determined based on the first information.

[0107] In combination with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can also be configured to: receive third information sent by a third network element, wherein the third information is used to indicate the measurement results obtained by QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters; and send the third information to the second network element.

[0108] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a second network element. The second network element includes: a transceiver module configured to send first information to the first network element, wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information indicating a flow parameter of a data flow of a first service; and first indication information indicating support for dynamic changes in the flow parameter.

[0109] In combination with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the traffic parameters may include at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum stream bit rate; periodicity; N6 jitter; burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirement; connection migration.

[0110] In combination with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may further include at least one of the following: first requirement information, used to indicate requirements for QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters; second requirement information, used to indicate requirements related to event subscription.

[0111] In combination with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can also be configured to: receive third information sent by the first network element, wherein the third information is used to indicate the measurement results obtained by QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters; and update the first parameter information based on the measurement results.

[0112] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a third network element, comprising: a transceiver module configured to receive second information sent by a first network element, wherein the second information includes first parameter information, and the first parameter information is used to indicate a flow parameter of a data flow of a first service.

[0113] In combination with some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the traffic parameters may include at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum stream bit rate; periodicity; N6 jitter; burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirement; connection migration.

[0114] In combination with some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may further include first policy information, and the first policy information is used for QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters.

[0115] In combination with some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the second information can be used to indicate the first rule; wherein, the above-mentioned third network element may also include: a processing module, configured to determine the second rule based on the first rule, wherein the second rule is used for QoS processing of the data flow of the first service.

[0116] In combination with some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can also be configured to: send fourth information to a fourth network element, wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information; second parameter information, used for the fourth network element to implement QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters.

[0117] In combination with some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the second parameter information can be determined based on at least one of the following: first policy information, configuration information of a third network element.

[0118] In combination with some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can also be configured to: receive third information sent by the fourth network element, wherein the third information is used to indicate the measurement results obtained by QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters; and send the third information to the first network element.

[0119] In combination with some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can also be configured to: send fifth information to the access network device, wherein the fifth information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information; third information, used to indicate the measurement results obtained by QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters.

[0120] In combination with some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the fifth information can be sent via NGAP.

[0121] In an eleventh aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fourth network element. The fourth network element includes: a transceiver module configured to receive fourth information sent by a third network element, wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information indicating a traffic parameter of a data flow of a first service; and second parameter information used by the fourth network element to implement QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameter.

[0122] In combination with some embodiments of the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the traffic parameters may include at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum stream bit rate; periodicity; N6 jitter; burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirement; connection migration.

[0123] In combination with some embodiments of the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth information may include second parameter information; wherein, the above-mentioned fourth network element may also include: a processing module configured to: perform QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters based on the second parameter information.

[0124] In combination with some embodiments of the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can also be configured to perform at least one of the following: sending third information to a third network element on the control plane; sending third information to a fifth network element on the user plane; wherein the third information is used to indicate the measurement results obtained by QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters.

[0125] In combination with some embodiments of the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can also be configured to: identify the data flow of the first service based on the first parameter information, wherein the data packet corresponding to the data flow contains the parameter value of the traffic parameter; and send the data flow to the access network device.

[0126] In combination with some embodiments of the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the data stream can be sent via the GTP-U protocol.

[0127] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a fifth network element, comprising: a transceiver module configured to send a data stream of a first service to a fourth network element, wherein a data packet corresponding to the data stream includes a parameter value of a traffic parameter of the first service.

[0128] In combination with some embodiments of the twelfth aspect, in some embodiments, the traffic parameters may include at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum stream bit rate; periodicity; N6 jitter; burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirement; connection migration.

[0129] In combination with some embodiments of the twelfth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can also be configured to: receive third information sent by the fourth network element, wherein the third information is used to indicate the measurement results obtained by QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters.

[0130] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an access network device. The access network device includes: a transceiver module configured to receive fifth information sent by a third network element, wherein the fifth information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information indicating a flow parameter of a data flow of a first service; and third information indicating a measurement result obtained by QoS monitoring related to the flow parameter.

[0131] In combination with some embodiments of the thirteenth aspect, in some embodiments, the traffic parameters may include at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum stream bit rate; periodicity; N6 jitter; burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirement; connection migration.

[0132] In combination with some embodiments of the thirteenth aspect, in some embodiments, the fifth information can be received via NGAP.

[0133] In combination with some embodiments of the thirteenth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can also be configured to: receive a data stream of the first service sent by the fourth network element, wherein the data packet corresponding to the data stream contains a parameter value of a traffic parameter.

[0134] In combination with some embodiments of the thirteenth aspect, in some embodiments, the data stream can be received via the GTP-U protocol.

[0135] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first network element. The first network element includes: one or more processors, and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the first network element, the first network element implements the communication method as described in any one of the first aspect and possible implementations thereof.

[0136] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a second network element. The second network element includes: one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the second network element, the second network element implements the communication method as described in any one of the second aspect and possible implementations thereof.

[0137] In a sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a third network element. The third network element includes: one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When the third network element executes the instructions, the third network element implements the communication method as described in any one of the third aspect and possible implementations thereof.

[0138] In a seventeenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a fourth network element. The fourth network element includes: one or more processors, and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the fourth network element, the fourth network element implements the communication method as described in any one of the fourth aspect and possible implementations thereof.

[0139] In an eighteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a fifth network element. The fifth network element includes: one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When the fifth network element executes the instructions, the fifth network element implements the communication method as described in any one of the fifth aspect and possible implementations thereof.

[0140] In a nineteenth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an access network device. The access network device includes one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the access network device, the instructions enable the access network device to implement the communication method as described in any one of the sixth aspect and possible implementations thereof.

[0141] In a twentieth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication system. The communication system includes: a first network element for implementing the communication method as described in any one of the first aspect and possible implementations thereof; a second network element for implementing the communication method as described in any one of the second aspect and possible implementations thereof; a third network element for implementing the communication method as described in any one of the third aspect and possible implementations thereof; a fourth network element for implementing the communication method as described in any one of the fourth aspect and possible implementations thereof; a fifth network element for implementing the communication method as described in any one of the fifth aspect and possible implementations thereof; and an access network device for implementing the communication method as described in any one of the sixth aspect and possible implementations thereof.

[0142] In a twenty-first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to execute the communication method described in any one of the first to seventh aspects and possible implementations thereof.

[0143] In a twenty-second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a program product. When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method as described in any one of the first to seventh aspects and possible implementations thereof.

[0144] In a twenty-third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program. When the computer program is executed on a computer, the computer executes the communication method as described in any one of the first to seventh aspects and possible implementations thereof.

[0145] In a twenty-fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or a chip system. The chip or chip system includes a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to execute the communication method as described in any one of the first to seventh aspects and possible implementations thereof.

[0146] It is understandable that the first network element, second network element, third network element, fourth network element, fifth network element, access network device, communication system, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, and chip system are all used to implement the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding methods and will not be repeated here.

[0147] The present disclosure provides a communication method, network element, access network device, communication system, and storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method," "information processing method," and "communication method" are interchangeable; the terms "network element," "information processing device," and "communication device" are interchangeable; and the terms "information processing system," "communication system," and "communication system" are interchangeable.

[0148] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Unless there is any contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementations in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined. In addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all of the steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For another example, a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0149] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or provided for by logic, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0150] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0151] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0152] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0153] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," and the like can be used interchangeably.

[0154] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0155] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0156] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0157] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0158] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0159] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0160] In some embodiments, devices, etc. can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as "device", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", and "subject" can be used interchangeably.

[0161] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network (eg, access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.).

[0162] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station" "fixed station", "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / reception point (TRP)", "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0163] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0164] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced by a terminal. For example, the various embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which the communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (for example, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, it is also possible to set the structure in which the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can also be replaced by terms corresponding to communication between terminals (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channels, downlink channels, etc. can be replaced by side channels, and uplinks, downlinks, etc. can be replaced by side links.

[0165] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device may have a structure that has all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0166] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0167] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0168] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0169] FIG1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG1A , a communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 , an access network device 102 , and a core network device 103 .

[0170] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0171] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 is, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0172] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to the open radio access network (Open RAN) architecture. In this case, the interfaces between access network devices or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0173] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 can be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can be used to split the protocol layer of the access network device, with the functions of some protocol layers centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0174] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may be a device including a first network element 1031, a second network element 1032, a third network element 1033, a fourth network element 1034, a fifth network element 1035, a sixth network element 1036, a seventh network element 1037, etc., or may be a plurality of devices or a device group including all or part of the first network element 1031, the second network element 1032, the third network element 1033, the fourth network element 1034, the fifth network element 1035, the sixth network element 1036, the seventh network element 1037, etc. The network element may be virtual or physical. The core network includes, for example, at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), and a next generation core (NGC).

[0175] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may be, for example, a policy control function (PCF).

[0176] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can be used to support a unified policy framework and provide policy rules, but the name is not limited thereto.

[0177] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be, for example, an application function (AF).

[0178] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be implemented by an application server and used to provide application services, but the name is not limited thereto.

[0179] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may be, for example, a session management function (SMF).

[0180] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can be used to perform session management, execution of PCF control policy, UPF selection, UE Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and other functions, the name is not limited to this.

[0181] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may be, for example, a user plane function (UPF).

[0182] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can be used to implement functions such as user plane (UP) data forwarding, session / flow-level billing statistics, bandwidth limitation, UP QoS processing, etc., and the name is not limited thereto.

[0183] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 may be, for example, an application server (AS).

[0184] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 may be configured to provide support for services subscribed by users, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0185] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 may be, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0186] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 can be used to complete mobility management, non-access stratum mobility management (NAS MM) signaling processing, NAS session management (SM) signaling routing, security anchor point and security context management, etc., and the name is not limited to this.

[0187] In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 may be, for example, a network exposure function (NEF).

[0188] In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 can be used to ensure the security of external applications to the 3GPP network, provide QoS customization capability opening of external applications, mobility status time subscription, AF request distribution, etc., the name is not limited to this.

[0189] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be located outside the core network device 103 or may be located inside the core network device 103, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0190] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 may be located outside the core network device 103 or may be located inside the core network device 103, and this embodiment of the present disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0191] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 and the fifth network element 1035 may be deployed centrally or independently, and this embodiment of the present disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0192] In some embodiments, the communication system 100 may be a 5G communication system. It should be noted that the communication system 100 may also be other communication systems, such as a 4G communication system or a 6G communication system, which is not specifically limited in the present disclosure.

[0193] 1B and 1C , the architecture of a communication system is exemplarily described by taking a 5G communication system as an example, wherein the terminal 101 may be a UE and the access network device 102 may be a RAN.

[0194] Figure 1B is an architectural diagram of an implementation method of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1B, the architecture of the 5G communication system is presented in the form of reference points. N1 is a reference point between the UE and the AMF. N2 is a reference point between the RAN and the AMF. N3 is a reference point between the RAN and the UPF. N4 is a reference point between the SMF and the UPF. N5 is a reference point between the PCF and the AF. N6 is a reference point between the UPF and the data network (DN). N7 is a reference point between the SMF and the PCF. N11 is a reference point between the AMF and the SMF. N15 is a reference point between the SMF and the PCF. Uu is the interface between the UE and the RAN. It should be noted that the NEF is not shown in Figure 1B. However, each network element in the communication system can interact with the NEF.

[0195] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another implementation of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1B, the architecture of the 5G communication system is presented in the form of service-based interfaces. Namf is a service-based interface provided by the AMF. Nsmf is a service-based interface provided by the SMF. Nnef is a service-based interface provided by the NEF. Npcf is a service-based interface provided by the PCF. Naf is a service-based interface provided by the AF.

[0196] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0197] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1A , or some of the entities in the communication system 100 , but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in FIG1A are illustrative only. The communication system 100 may include all or some of the entities shown in FIG1A , or may include other entities other than those shown in FIG1A . The number and form of the entities are arbitrary. The entities may be physical or virtual. The connection relationships between the entities are illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0198] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these methods. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0199] In some cases, services such as mobile media services, online AR / VR and other XR services, online gaming, and video-based remote control of machines or drones are expected to contribute increasingly high traffic volumes to communication networks. XR services involve multimodal data streams. Multimodal data is data describing the same service / application that is input from the same device or different devices (including sensors) and may be output to one or more destination devices. The data streams within multimodal data often have some, or even strong, correlation, such as synchronization between audio and video streams, or between touch and vision. These media services share common characteristics within their data streams, between the data streams themselves, and in terms of the network transmission requirements. Effectively identifying and leveraging these characteristics will facilitate network and service transmission and control, as well as enhance service assurance and user experience.

[0200] In further cases, XRM services and interactive media services require the communication system to comprehensively consider the QoS characteristics of service data flows. Such QoS characteristics may include, for example, at least one of the following: whether parameters such as delay-sensitive guaranteed bit rate (GBR) data flows, guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR), packet delay budget (PDB), and default maximum data burst volume (MDBV) can be simultaneously met and coordinated. It also involves multiple XRM data flows of a terminal, and XRM data flows of multiple terminals, and the consistency of QoS authorization and execution between each other.

[0201] In some embodiments, the SDF of the XRM may support PDU set-based processing, thereby enhancing QoS awareness and assurance of the SDF and improving the user's quality of experience (QoE).

[0202] In some embodiments, in systems such as 4G, 5G, 6G, and V2X, the AF may provide PDU set QoS parameters and a protocol description. In some embodiments, the PDU set QoS parameters may include at least one of the following: PDU set delay budget (PSDB), PDU set error rate (PSER), and PDU set integrated handling information (PSIHI). Then, the SMF and UPF may extend the header of the PDU in the PDU set of the SDF in combination with the protocol description and protocol header extension provided by the AF to carry the PDU set information. The carried PDU information can be used by the access network to perform PDU set-based QoS control.

[0203] In some embodiments, the PDU set information may include at least one of the following: a PDU set sequence number, a start PDU or end PDU of the PDU set, a PDU sequence number within the PDU set, the number of PDUs within the PDU set, PDU set importance, and PDU set size. The PDU set importance is used to indicate the importance of a PDU set relative to other PDU sets in the same QoS flow.

[0204] It can be understood that the UPF performs the mapping of the SDF to the QoS flow based on the PDR, and maps (also referred to as encapsulating) the mutually related PDUs into the PDU set. In addition, the UPF can adopt the same QoS policy for all PDU sets in the QoS flow. For example, the UPF can apply the same PDU set QoS parameters to all PDU sets in the QoS flow. In one example, the UPF can map the application flow to the QoS flow based on the packet detection information in the PDR. Some PDUs in the QoS flow can be associated with media components (for example, intra-frame coded frames and predicted frames), and the UPF classifies these PDUs as belonging to the PDU set and performs corresponding control.

[0205] In some embodiments, for scenarios where flow characteristics or flow patterns of services such as XRM change dynamically, 5GS needs to be able to implement corresponding QoS processing.

[0206] FIG2A is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100. As shown in FIG2A, the communication method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes steps S2101 to S2112.

[0207] In step S2101 , the second network element 1032 sends first information to the seventh network element 1037 .

[0208] In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 may receive the first information.

[0209] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: first parameter information, first indication information, first requirement information, and second requirement information.

[0210] In some embodiments, the first parameter information may be used to indicate a traffic parameter of a data flow of the first service.

[0211] In some embodiments, the traffic parameter may be a flow pattern and / or a flow characteristic. In some embodiments, the first parameter information may be used to indicate a flow pattern and / or a flow characteristic that supports dynamic changes.

[0212] In some embodiments, the traffic parameters of the data flow of the first service may be variable. In some embodiments, the traffic parameters of the data flow of the first service may be dynamically variable. In one example, the traffic parameters may change over time. In another example, the traffic parameters may be triggered by an event.

[0213] In some embodiments, the traffic parameters may include at least one of: maximum burst size, maximum stream bit rate, periodicity, N6 jitter, burst arrival time, burst end, burst interval, codec type, attached device type and / or requirement, connection migration.

[0214] In some embodiments, N6 jitter may be associated with periodicity.

[0215] In some embodiments, the first indication information may be used to indicate that dynamic changes of traffic parameters are supported. In some embodiments, the first indication information may be used to indicate that the second network element 1032 and / or the fifth network element 1035 support dynamic changes of traffic parameters.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first requirement information may be used to indicate a requirement for QoS monitoring related to a traffic parameter.

[0217] In some embodiments, the first requirement information may be used to instruct to perform QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters.

[0218] In some embodiments, the first requirement information may include parameter information for QoS monitoring. In some embodiments, the parameter information for QoS monitoring may include at least one of the following: a monitoring parameter, and a parameter value corresponding to the monitoring parameter.

[0219] In some embodiments, the second requirement information may be used to indicate requirements related to event subscription.

[0220] In some embodiments, the second requirement information may be used to indicate event subscription. In some embodiments, the second requirement information may be used to indicate event subscription for QoS monitoring. In one example, the second requirement information may be used to indicate event subscription for measurement results of QoS monitoring.

[0221] In some embodiments, the second requirement information may include parameter information related to event subscription. In some embodiments, the second requirement information may include at least one of the following: a subscription parameter, and a parameter value corresponding to the subscription parameter.

[0222] In some embodiments, the first information may be carried in an AF request.

[0223] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may send an AF session resource request to the seventh network element 1037. The AF session resource request may carry the first information.

[0224] In some embodiments, the AF session resource request may be a Nnef_AFSessionwithQoS_Create request message.

[0225] In some embodiments, the AF session resource request may further include QoS requirement information corresponding to the data flow of the first service.

[0226] In some embodiments, the AF session resource request may also include at least one of the following: an identifier of the first service, an address and / or identifier of the terminal 101, an identifier of the second network element 1032, an application identifier of the first service, a flow description, a data network name (DNN), single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), and QoS parameters.

[0227] In some embodiments, the identifier of the first service may be used to identify a data stream or data stream group of the first service. In some embodiments, the identifier of the first service may be a multimodal service identifier, and the multimodal service identifier may be used to identify all data streams in the service group. In some embodiments, the data stream or data stream group of the first service may be a service data stream or service data stream group.

[0228] In step S2102, the seventh network element 1037 performs authorization.

[0229] In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 may authorize the AF request.

[0230] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be a non-trusted network element, and the seventh network element 1037 may authorize the AF request from the second network element 1032 .

[0231] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be a trusted network element, and the seventh network element 1037 may not need to authorize the AF request from the second network element 1032. In other words, step S2102 may be omitted.

[0232] In step S2103 , the seventh network element 1037 sends first information to the first network element 1031 .

[0233] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may receive the first information.

[0234] In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 may send the first information in different ways. In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 may determine the way to send the first information based on the information and / or parameters received from the second network element 1032.

[0235] In some embodiments, the manner in which the seventh network element 1037 sends the first information may include: sending through a time sensitive communication and time synchronization function (TSCTSF) or sending directly.

[0236] In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 may determine to send the first information to the first network element 1031 through the TSCTSF. In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 may send the fourth information to the TSCTSF through the service-based interface Ntsftsf, and then the TSCTSF may send the first information to the first network element 1031 through the service-based interface Npcf. In one example, the seventh network element 1037 may send the first information to the TSCTSF through an Ntsctsf_QoSandTSCAssistance_Create request message, and then the TSCTSF may send the fourth information to the first network element 1031 through an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create request message or an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Update request message.

[0237] In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 may determine to send the first information directly to the first network element 1031. In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 may send the first information to the first network element 1031 via a service-based interface Npcf. In one example, the seventh network element 1037 may send the first information to the first network element 1031 via an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create request message.

[0238] In step S2104 , the first network element 1031 performs policy decision making.

[0239] In some embodiments, after receiving the first information, the first network element 1031 may execute a policy decision.

[0240] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may determine the first rule through policy decision-making.

[0241] In some embodiments, the first rule may be determined after considering the first information. In some embodiments, the first rule may be determined after considering at least one of the first parameter information, the first indication information, the first requirement information, and the second requirement information.

[0242] In some embodiments, the first rule may be determined based on the first information. In some embodiments, the first rule may be determined based on at least one of the first parameter information, the first indication information, the first requirement information, and the second requirement information.

[0243] In some embodiments, the first rule may be used to identify a data flow of a first service.

[0244] In some embodiments, the first rule may be used for mapping or routing of a data flow of a first service.

[0245] In some embodiments, the first rule may include a policy and charging control (PCC) rule.

[0246] In some embodiments, the first rule may be new. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may determine a new first rule based on the first information.

[0247] In some embodiments, the first rule may be updated. In some embodiments, based on the first information, the first network element 1031 may determine to update the existing first rule.

[0248] In some embodiments, the name of the first rule is not limited, and it can be, for example, a traffic mapping policy, a traffic mapping rule, or a traffic mapping relationship.

[0249] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may determine the first policy information through policy decision-making.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first policy information may be used for QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters.

[0251] In some embodiments, the first policy information may be used to indicate policies and / or rules for QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters.

[0252] In some embodiments, the first policy information may be determined based on the first information. In some embodiments, the first policy information may be determined based on at least one of the first parameter information, the first indication information, the first requirement information, and the second requirement information.

[0253] In some embodiments, the first policy information may be included in the first rule, or may be independent of the first rule.

[0254] In step S2105 , the first network element 1031 sends second information to the third network element 1033 .

[0255] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may receive the second information.

[0256] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate the first rule.

[0257] In some embodiments, the second information may include at least one of the following: first parameter information, first rule, first policy information, first requirement information, and second requirement information.

[0258] In some embodiments, the first parameter information may be included in the first rule.

[0259] In some embodiments, the first parameter information may be included in the first policy information.

[0260] In some embodiments, the first policy information may be included in the first rule.

[0261] In some embodiments, the first parameter information included in the second information may be used to indicate a flow mode and / or flow characteristics that can be dynamically changed.

[0262] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate a subscription to notifications of traffic parameter changes.

[0263] In some embodiments, subscription to notifications of traffic parameter changes may be directed to at least one of the following: the third network element 1033 , the fourth network element 1034 , and the access network device 1035 .

[0264] In some embodiments, the operation of the first network element 1031 subscribing to notifications of traffic parameter changes may be independent of step S2105.

[0265] In some embodiments, the second information may be sent to the third network element 1033 via the service-based interface Npcf.

[0266] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may initiate an SM Policy Association Modification process to send the second information.

[0267] In some embodiments, the second information may be carried in the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify request message.

[0268] In step S2106 , the third network element 1033 sends fourth information to the fourth network element 1034 .

[0269] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may receive fourth information.

[0270] In some embodiments, the fourth information may include at least one of the following: a second rule, first parameter information, and second parameter information.

[0271] In some embodiments, the traffic parameters indicated by the first parameter information in the fourth information received by the third network element 1033 may be the same, partially the same, or different from the traffic parameters indicated by the first parameter information carried by the first information in step S2101. In one example, the traffic parameters indicated by the first parameter information in the fourth information may include more parameters, or fewer parameters, or completely different parameters compared to the traffic parameters indicated by the first parameter information carried by the first information. It is understandable that in the process of generating the first rule (e.g., PCC rule) at the first network element 1031 and / or in the process of generating the second rule (e.g., QoS rule) based on the first rule at the third network element 1033, the first parameter information may be modified, resulting in a change in the traffic parameters indicated by the first parameter information.

[0272] In some embodiments, the second rule may be used for QoS processing of the data flow of the first service.

[0273] In some embodiments, the second rule may include at least one of the following: a QoS rule, a QoS set parameter.

[0274] In some embodiments, the second rule may be determined by the third network element 1033 after considering the first parameter information.

[0275] In some embodiments, the second rule may be determined by the third network element 1033 according to the first parameter information.

[0276] In some embodiments, the second rule may be determined based on the first rule.

[0277] In some embodiments, the second rule may be determined based on the first parameter information and the first rule.

[0278] In some embodiments, the second parameter information may be used by the fourth network element 1034 to implement QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters.

[0279] In some embodiments, the second parameter information may be used to configure the fourth network element 1034 to perform measurement of QoS information related to traffic parameters.

[0280] In some embodiments, the second parameter information may be determined based on at least one of the following: the first policy information, and configuration information of the third network element 1033. In one example, the configuration information of the third network element 1033 may be a local configuration.

[0281] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may send the fourth information through an N4 session.

[0282] In some embodiments, the fourth information may be carried in an N4 Session Modification request message.

[0283] In step S2107 , the third network element 1033 sends fifth information to the sixth network element 1036 .

[0284] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 may receive the fifth information.

[0285] In some embodiments, the fifth information may include at least one of the following: QoS configuration (profile), first parameter information, and third information.

[0286] In some embodiments, the third information may be used to indicate measurement results obtained by QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters.

[0287] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may send the fifth information via the service-based interface Namf.

[0288] In some embodiments, the fifth information may be sent to the sixth network element 1036 via the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer process.

[0289] In step S2108 , the sixth network element 1036 sends fifth information to the access network device 102 .

[0290] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may receive the fifth information.

[0291] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 may send the fifth information via an N2 message.

[0292] In step S2109 , the fifth network element 1035 sends a data stream to the fourth network element 1034 .

[0293] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 may send the data flow of the first service to the fourth network element 1034 .

[0294] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may receive the data flow on the user plane.

[0295] In some embodiments, the data packet corresponding to the data flow of the first service may include a parameter value of a traffic parameter of the first service.

[0296] In some embodiments, the data packet corresponding to the data stream of the first service may include parameter values ​​of at least one of the following parameters: maximum burst size, maximum stream bit rate, periodicity, N6 jitter, burst arrival time, burst end, burst interval, codec type, attached device type and / or requirement, and connection migration.

[0297] In some embodiments, the parameter value of the traffic parameter may be carried in a header of the data packet.

[0298] In step S2110 , the fourth network element 1034 identifies a data flow.

[0299] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may identify the data flow of the first service based on the fourth information.

[0300] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may identify the data flow of the first service based on the first parameter information and / or the second rule included in the fourth information. In some embodiments, when the fourth information carries the first parameter information, the data flow of the first service may be identified based at least on the first parameter information.

[0301] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can identify the data flow of the first service based on the OAM operation and maintenance configuration, and / or the operator policy, and / or the local configuration. In some embodiments, when the fourth information does not carry the first parameter information (i.e., the fourth network element 1034 does not receive any first parameter information), the data flow of the first service can be identified based on the OAM operation and maintenance configuration, and / or the operator policy, and / or the local configuration. In some embodiments, when the fourth information does not carry the second rule (i.e., the fourth network element 1034 does not receive any second rule), the data flow of the first service can be identified based on the OAM operation and maintenance configuration, and / or the operator policy, and / or the local configuration.

[0302] In some embodiments, data streams may be identified by at least one of the following methods: matching of the real-time transport protocol (RTP) / secure real-time transport protocol (SRTP) header and payload; a new RTP extension header; information contained in the N6 encapsulation header; detection of traffic characteristics; or UPF implementation of non-standardized mechanisms.

[0303] In some embodiments, the data packets corresponding to the data flow of the first service identified by the fourth network element 1034 may include the following types: PDU set data packets and non-PDU set data packets.

[0304] In step S2111 , the fourth network element 1034 sends a data stream to the access network device 102 .

[0305] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may send the identified data flow of the first service to the access network device 102 .

[0306] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may send the data packet corresponding to the identified data flow of the first service to the access network device 102 .

[0307] In some embodiments, the data flow of the first service may be sent to the access network device 102 using the GTP-U protocol.

[0308] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may carry the parameter value of the first parameter information in a GTP-U header.

[0309] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may carry relevant information of the PDU set in a GTP-U header.

[0310] In some embodiments, the relevant information of the PDU set may include at least one of the following: PDU set sequence number, start / end PDU of the PDU set, PDU sequence number in the PDU set, number of PDUs in the PDU set, PDU set importance, PDU set size, and end of data burst.

[0311] In some embodiments, the data stream sent by the fourth network element 1034 may not carry the parameter value of the first parameter information. In this case, the fourth network element 1034 may send the parameter value of the first parameter information to the access network device 102 via the third network element 1033 and the sixth network element 1036. In this case, the parameter value of the first parameter information may be sent to the access network device 102 via the control plane. In some embodiments, the parameter value of the first parameter information sent via the control plane may be statistical information regarding the parameter value of the first parameter information in the data stream.

[0312] In step S2112 , the access network device 102 performs QoS processing.

[0313] In some embodiments, after receiving the data flow from the fourth network element 1034 , the access network device 102 may perform PDU set-based QoS processing on the data flow.

[0314] In some embodiments, the PDU set-based QoS processing may be implemented based on at least one of the following: relevant information of the PDU set, and a parameter value of the first parameter information.

[0315] In step S2113 , the fourth network element 1034 performs QoS monitoring.

[0316] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may perform QoS monitoring on the QoS flow.

[0317] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may perform QoS monitoring based on the fourth information.

[0318] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may perform QoS monitoring based on the first parameter information and / or the second parameter information.

[0319] In some embodiments, QoS monitoring may include monitoring QoS information related to the traffic parameter indicated by the first parameter information.

[0320] In some embodiments, QoS monitoring may include measuring values ​​of QoS information related to traffic parameters.

[0321] In some embodiments, QoS monitoring may include comparing a measured value with a preset threshold to obtain a comparison result.

[0322] In some embodiments, the preset threshold may be specified by a protocol, or may be configured through the first parameter information and / or the second parameter information.

[0323] In some embodiments, the measurement result of QoS monitoring may include at least one of the following: a measurement value, a comparison result.

[0324] In step S2114 , the fourth network element 1034 sends third information to the fifth network element 1035 .

[0325] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may subscribe to notifications of traffic parameter changes from the fourth network element 1034 .

[0326] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may subscribe to notifications of traffic parameter changes from the third network element 1033, and the third network element 1033 may subscribe to notifications of traffic parameter changes from the fourth network element 1034. In this way, the first network element 1031 may indirectly subscribe to notifications of traffic parameter changes from the fourth network element 1034.

[0327] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may subscribe to notifications of traffic parameter changes from the access network device 102 .

[0328] In some embodiments, subscription to notifications of traffic parameter changes may be achieved by sending the first demand information. It is understandable that subscription to notifications of traffic parameter changes may also be achieved in other ways, which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0329] In some embodiments, the third information may be sent in at least one of the following ways: periodic sending and event-triggered sending.

[0330] In some embodiments, the event that triggers the sending of the third information may include at least one of the following: a comparison result indicating that a measurement value exceeds a preset threshold, or trigger information for the third information is received.

[0331] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 sends the third information to the fifth network element 1035 on the user side.

[0332] In some embodiments, the third information may be used to indicate measurement results obtained by QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters.

[0333] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may send the third information to the fifth network element 1035 through the N6 interface.

[0334] In some cases, at least some of steps S2101 through S2114 in this embodiment can be combined to support dynamic changes in the traffic parameters of the first service. In some cases, at least some of steps S2101 through S2114 in this embodiment can be combined to implement QoS monitoring of the traffic parameters of the first service. In some cases, at least some of steps S2101 through S2114 in this embodiment can be combined to implement reporting of measurement results of QoS monitoring of the traffic parameters of the first service.

[0335] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the dynamically changing traffic parameters and the traffic parameters obtained by QoS monitoring may be the same as or different from each other.

[0336] In some embodiments, the dynamically changing traffic parameters and the traffic parameters obtained by QoS monitoring may be completely different. In this case, the implementation scheme for supporting the dynamic change of the traffic parameters of the first service and the implementation scheme for QoS monitoring and / or reporting of measurement results of the traffic parameters of the first service may be independent of each other.

[0337] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2114. For example, step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2110 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2111 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2113 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2114 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S2101 and S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S2107 and S2108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S2110 and S2111 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S2113 and S2114 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps in steps S2101 to S2112 are not limited thereto.

[0338] In some embodiments, at least two of steps S2101 to S2114 may be performed in an order-switched or synchronously. For example, steps S2106 and S2107 may be performed in an order-switched or synchronously.

[0339] In some embodiments, steps S2102 to S2114 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0340] In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2104 and S2106 to S2114 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0341] In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2105 and S2107 to S2114 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0342] In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2106 and S2108 to S2114 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0343] In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2109 and S2111 to S2114 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0344] In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2112 and S2114 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0345] In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2113 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0346] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 2A .

[0347] FIG2B is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100. As shown in FIG2B , the communication method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes steps S2201 to S2205.

[0348] In step S2201 , the fourth network element 1034 performs QoS monitoring.

[0349] The optional implementation of step S2201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2113 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0350] In step S2202 , the fourth network element 1034 sends third information to the third network element 1033 .

[0351] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may receive third information.

[0352] In some embodiments, the third information may be used to indicate measurement results obtained by QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters.

[0353] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may subscribe to notifications of traffic parameter changes from the fourth network element 1034 .

[0354] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may subscribe to notifications of traffic parameter changes from the third network element 1033, and the third network element 1033 may subscribe to notifications of traffic parameter changes from the fourth network element 1034. In this way, the first network element 1031 may indirectly subscribe to notifications of traffic parameter changes from the fourth network element 1034.

[0355] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may subscribe to notifications of traffic parameter changes from the access network device 102 .

[0356] In some embodiments, subscription to notifications of traffic parameter changes may be achieved by sending the first demand information. It is understandable that subscription to notifications of traffic parameter changes may also be achieved in other ways, which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0357] In some embodiments, the third information may be sent in at least one of the following ways: periodic sending and event-triggered sending.

[0358] In some embodiments, the event that triggers the sending of the third information may include at least one of the following: a comparison result indicating that a measurement value exceeds a preset threshold, or trigger information for the third information is received.

[0359] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 sends the third information to the third network element 1033 on the control plane.

[0360] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may send the third information to the third network element 1033 through an N4 interface. In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may send the third information to the third network element 1033 through an N4 session.

[0361] In some embodiments, the third information may be sent via the service-based interface Nupf.

[0362] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may trigger an event exposure notification. In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may send a Nupf_EventExposure_Notify message and carry the third information therein.

[0363] In step S2203 , the third network element 1033 sends third information to the first network element 1031 .

[0364] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may receive third information.

[0365] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may send the third information from the fourth network element 1034 to the first network element 1031 .

[0366] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may send the third information to the first network element 1031 through the N7 interface.

[0367] In step S2204 , the first network element 1031 sends third information to the seventh network element 1037 .

[0368] In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 may receive the third information.

[0369] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may send the third information from the third network element 1033 to the seventh network element 1037 .

[0370] In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 may receive a Nupf_EventExposure_Notify message. The Nupf_EventExposure_Notify message may carry third information.

[0371] In step S2205 , the seventh network element 1037 sends third information to the second network element 1032 .

[0372] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may receive third information.

[0373] In some embodiments, the third information may be sent via the service-based interface Nnef.

[0374] In some embodiments, the seventh network element 1037 may send an Nnef_EventExposure_Notify message and carry the third information therein.

[0375] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2205. For example, step S2201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2205 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps from steps S2201 to S2205 are not limited to this.

[0376] In some embodiments, at least two of steps S2202, S2203, S2204, and S2205 may be executed in an order-switched or synchronously. For example, steps S2106 and S2107 may be executed in an order-switched or synchronously.

[0377] In some embodiments, steps S2201, S2203, S2204, and S2205 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0378] In some embodiments, steps S2201, S2202, S2203, and S2204 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0379] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 2B .

[0380] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc. are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codeword", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0381] In some embodiments, terms such as "uplink", "uplink", "physical uplink" can be interchangeable with each other, and terms such as "downlink", "downlink", "physical downlink" can be interchangeable with each other, and terms such as "side", "sidelink", "side communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", "direct link communication" can be interchangeable with each other.

[0382] In some embodiments, the terms "radio", "wireless", "radio access network (RAN)", "access network (AN)", "RAN-based" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0383] In some embodiments, terms such as "moment", "time point", "time", and "time position" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "duration", "period", "time window", "window", and "time" can be replaced with each other.

[0384] In some embodiments, "obtain", "get", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be interchangeable, and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining by self-processing, autonomous implementation, etc.

[0385] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0386] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "preset", "setting", "indicated", "some", "any", and "first" can be interchangeable. "Specific A", "preset A", "preset A", "setting A", "indicated A", "some A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-specified in a protocol, etc., or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or indication, etc., or as specific A, some A, any A, or first A, etc., but not limited to this.

[0387] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be performed by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (Boolean value) represented by true or false, or by comparison of numerical values ​​(for example, comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0388] In some embodiments, terms such as "traffic", "flow", "stream", and "data flow" can be used interchangeably.

[0389] FIG3A is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method is performed by a first network element 1031. As shown in FIG3A , the method includes steps S3101 to S3103.

[0390] In step S3101, first information is obtained.

[0391] The optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0392] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may receive the first information sent by the second network element 1032 or the seventh network element 1037 , but is not limited thereto and may also receive the first information sent by other entities.

[0393] In step S3102 , policy decision is performed.

[0394] The optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0395] In some embodiments, the first rule may be determined according to the first information.

[0396] In some embodiments, the first policy information may be determined based on the first information.

[0397] In step S3103, the second information is sent.

[0398] The optional implementation of step S3103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0399] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may send the second information to the third network element 1033 , but is not limited thereto and the second information may also be sent to other entities.

[0400] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3103. For example, step S3101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S3101 and S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps from steps S2101 to S2112 are not limited to this.

[0401] In some embodiments, steps S3102 and S3103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0402] In some embodiments, steps S3101 and S3102 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0403] FIG3B is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method is performed by the first network element 1031. As shown in FIG3B , the method includes steps S3201 to S3202.

[0404] In step S3201, the third information is obtained.

[0405] The optional implementation of step S3201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2203 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0406] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may receive third information sent by the third network element 1033 , but is not limited thereto and may also receive third information sent by other entities.

[0407] In step S3202, the third information is sent.

[0408] The optional implementation of step S3202 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2204 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0409] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may send the third information to the second network element 1033 or the seventh network element 1037 , but is not limited thereto and the third information may also be sent to other entities.

[0410] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3201 and S3202. For example, step S3201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S3202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S3201 and S3202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps from steps S3201 to S3202 are not limited to this.

[0411] In some embodiments, step S3202 is optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0412] In some embodiments, step S3201 is optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0413] FIG4A is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method is executed by the second network element 1032. As shown in FIG4A, the method includes step S4101.

[0414] In step S4101, the first information is sent.

[0415] The optional implementation of step S4101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0416] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may send the first information to the first network element 1031 or the seventh network element 1037 , but is not limited thereto and may also send the first information to other entities.

[0417] FIG4B is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method is executed by the second network element 1032. As shown in FIG4B, the method includes step S4201.

[0418] In step S4201, the third information is obtained.

[0419] The optional implementation of step S4201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2205 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0420] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may receive the third information sent by the first network element 1031 or the seventh network element 1037 , but is not limited thereto and may also receive the third information sent by other network elements.

[0421] FIG5A is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method is executed by a third network element 1033. As shown in FIG5A , the method includes steps S5101 to S5103.

[0422] In step S5101, the second information is obtained.

[0423] The optional implementation of step S5101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0424] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may receive the second information sent by the first network element 1031 , but is not limited thereto and may also receive the second information sent by other entities.

[0425] In step S5102, the fourth information is sent.

[0426] The optional implementation of step S5102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0427] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may send the fourth information to the fourth network element 1034 , but is not limited thereto and the fourth information may also be sent to other entities.

[0428] In some embodiments, the fourth information may be used to identify the data flow of the first service.

[0429] In some embodiments, the fourth information may be used to implement QoS monitoring related to traffic parameters.

[0430] In step S5103, the fifth information is sent.

[0431] The optional implementation of step S5103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0432] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may send the fifth information to the sixth network element 1036 , but is not limited thereto and the fifth information may also be sent to other entities.

[0433] In some embodiments, the fifth information may be used to implement QoS processing.

[0434] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S5101 to S5103. For example, step S5101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S5102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S5103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S5101 and S5102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S5101 and S5103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps from steps S5101 to S5103 are not limited to this.

[0435] In some embodiments, at least two of steps S5101 to S5103 may be performed in an order-switched or synchronously. For example, steps S5102 and S5103 may be performed in an order-switched or synchronously.

[0436] In some embodiments, steps S5102 and S5103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0437] In some embodiments, steps S5101 and S5103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0438] In some embodiments, steps S5101 and S5102 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0439] FIG5B is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method is executed by the third network element 1033. As shown in FIG5B , the method includes steps S5201 to S5202.

[0440] In step S5201, the third information is obtained.

[0441] The optional implementation of step S5201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2202 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0442] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may receive the third information sent by the fourth network element 1034, but is not limited thereto and may also receive the third information sent by other entities.

[0443] In step S5202, the third information is sent.

[0444] The optional implementation of step S5202 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2203 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0445] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may send the third information to the first network element 1031 , but is not limited thereto and may also send the third information to other entities.

[0446] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S5201 and S5202. For example, step S5201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S5202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S5201 and S5202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps from steps S5201 to S5202 are not limited to this.

[0447] In some embodiments, step S5202 is optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0448] In some embodiments, step S5201 is optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0449] FIG6A is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method is executed by the fourth network element 1034. As shown in FIG6A , the method includes steps S6101 to S6106.

[0450] In step S6101, the fourth information is obtained.

[0451] The optional implementation of step S6101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0452] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may receive the fourth information sent by the third network element 1033 , but is not limited thereto and may also receive the fourth information sent by other entities.

[0453] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may obtain fourth information specified by the protocol.

[0454] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may obtain the fourth information from an upper layer.

[0455] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may perform processing to obtain fourth information.

[0456] In some embodiments, step S6101 may be omitted, and the fourth network element 1034 may independently implement the function involved in the fourth information, or the above function may be default or by default.

[0457] In step S6102, the data stream is obtained.

[0458] The optional implementation of step S6102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2109 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0459] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may receive a data stream sent by the fifth network element 1035 , but is not limited thereto and may also receive a data stream sent by other entities.

[0460] In step S6103, the data flow is identified.

[0461] The optional implementation of step S6103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2110 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0462] In step S6104, the data stream is sent.

[0463] The optional implementation of step S6104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2111 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0464] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may send a data stream to the access network device 102 , but is not limited thereto and may also send a data stream to other entities.

[0465] In step S6105, QoS monitoring is performed.

[0466] The optional implementation of step S6105 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2113 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0467] In step S6106, the third information is sent.

[0468] The optional implementation of step S6106 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2114 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0469] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may send the third information to the fifth network element 1035 , but is not limited thereto and the third information may also be sent to other entities.

[0470] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S6101 to S6106. For example, step S6101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S6103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S6104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S6106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S6101 and S6103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S6103 and S6104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S6101 and S6106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps from steps S6101 to S6106 are not limited to this.

[0471] In some embodiments, at least two of steps S6101 to S6106 may be performed in an order-switched or synchronously. For example, steps S6104 and S6106 may be performed in an order-switched or synchronously.

[0472] In some embodiments, steps S6102, S6103, S6104, S6105, and S6106 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0473] In some embodiments, steps S6102, S6104, S6105, and S6106 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0474] In some embodiments, steps S6101, S6102, S6103, S6105, and S6106 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0475] In some embodiments, steps S6101, S6102, S6103, S6104, and S6105 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0476] FIG6B is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method is executed by the fourth network element 1034. As shown in FIG6B , the method includes steps S6201 to S6202.

[0477] In step S6201, QoS monitoring is performed.

[0478] The optional implementation of step S6201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2201 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0479] In step S6202, the third information is sent.

[0480] The optional implementation of step S6202 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2202 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0481] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may send the third information to the third network element 1033 , but is not limited thereto and may also send the third information to other entities.

[0482] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S6201 to S6102. For example, step S6201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S6202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps from steps S6201 to S6202 are not limited to these.

[0483] In some embodiments, step S6202 is optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0484] In some embodiments, step S6201 is optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0485] FIG7 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method is executed by the fifth network element 1035. As shown in FIG7, the method includes steps S701 to S702.

[0486] In step S701, a data stream is sent.

[0487] The optional implementation of step S701 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2108 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0488] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 may send a data stream to the fourth network element 1034 , but is not limited thereto and may also send a data stream to other entities.

[0489] In step S702, third information is obtained.

[0490] The optional implementation of step S702 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2114 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0491] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 may receive the third information sent by the fourth network element 1034, but is not limited thereto and may also receive the third information sent by other network elements.

[0492] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S701 and S702. For example, step S701 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S702 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps from steps S701 to S702 are not limited to these.

[0493] In some embodiments, step S701 is optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0494] In some embodiments, step S702 is optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0495] FIG8A is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG8A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method includes step S8101.

[0496] In step S8101 , the second network element 1032 sends first information to the first network element 1031 .

[0497] Optional implementations of step S8101 can refer to the optional implementations of steps S2101 and S2103 in FIG2A , and other related parts in the embodiment involved in FIG2A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0498] FIG8B is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG8A , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method includes step S8201.

[0499] In step S8201 , the first network element 1031 sends second information to the third network element 1033 .

[0500] The optional implementation of step S8201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0501] FIG8C is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG8C , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method includes step S8301.

[0502] In step S8301 , the third network element 1033 sends fourth information to the fourth network element 1034 .

[0503] The optional implementation of step S8301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0504] FIG8D is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG8D , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method includes step S8401.

[0505] In step S8401 , the fifth network element 1035 sends a data stream to the fourth network element 1034 .

[0506] The optional implementation of step S8401 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2108 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0507] FIG8E is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG8E , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method includes step S8401.

[0508] In step S8501 , the third network element 1033 sends fifth information to the access network device 102 .

[0509] Optional implementations of step S8501 can refer to the optional implementations of steps S2107 and S2108 in FIG2A , and other related parts in the embodiment involved in FIG2A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0510] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure are exemplarily described through specific implementation methods.

[0511] In some embodiments, support for dynamically changing flow characteristics (flow patterns and / or flow characteristic information) (i.e., traffic parameters) includes one or more of: maximum burst size; maximum flow bit rate; periodicity (and / or, N6 jitter associated with periodicity); burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirements; connection migration.

[0512] In some embodiments, the AF (i.e., the fifth network element) sends flow mode and / or flow characteristic information (including at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum flow bit rate; periodicity (and / or, N6 jitter related to periodicity); burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirement; connection migration) to the 5GC (NEF / PCF).

[0513] In some embodiments, during the AF QoS request / update process, the AF may provide flow mode and / or flow characteristic information (including at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum flow bit rate; periodicity (and / or, N6 jitter related to periodicity); burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirement; connection migration) to the NEF (i.e., the seventh network element) / PCF (i.e., the sixth network element).

[0514] In some embodiments, during the AF QoS request / update process, the AF may provide the 5GC (NEF / PCF) with an indication of support for dynamic changes in flow mode and / or flow characteristics information. In some embodiments, the AF may send a functional indication. This indication may be sent in conjunction with the flow mode and / or flow characteristics information, or both.

[0515] In some embodiments, the AF may send relevant monitoring requirements (ie, first requirement information) and event subscription requirements (ie, second requirement information) to the PCF (ie, the first network element).

[0516] In some embodiments, the PCF may determine PCC rules by taking into account flow pattern and / or flow characteristic information provided by the AF (including at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum flow bit rate; periodicity (and / or N6 jitter associated with periodicity); burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirements; and connection migration). In some embodiments, the flow pattern and / or flow characteristic information may be used as one of the input information for determining PCC rules.

[0517] In some embodiments, the PCF may send the flow mode and / or flow characteristic information (including at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum flow bit rate; periodicity (and / or N6 jitter related to periodicity); burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirement; connection migration) received from the AF / NEF to the SMF (i.e., the third network element) through PCC rules. In some embodiments, the PCF may send the PCC rules to the SMF to indicate which flow modes and / or flow characteristic changes are specifically supported.

[0518] In some embodiments, if monitoring and event subscription functions are supported and there is monitoring reporting or event change subscription, the 5GS can report the corresponding events or changes to the AF through the PCF or UPF. This function can be implemented by the AF, SMF, UPF, RAN, etc.

[0519] In some embodiments, the PCF may generate an authorized QoS monitoring policy (i.e., first policy information) (QoS monitoring related to flow mode and / or flow characteristics). In some embodiments, for a service data flow based on a request received from the AF, the PCF may subscribe (to the SMF and / or UPF and / or RAN) for notifications of flow mode and / or flow characteristic information change events.

[0520] In some embodiments, the PCF may include authorized QoS monitoring policies (QoS monitoring related to flow mode and / or flow characteristics) and notification subscriptions for flow mode and / or flow characteristic information change events (subscriptions to SMF and / or UPF and / or RAN) in the PCC rules and provide them to the SMF.

[0521] In some embodiments, upon receiving PCC rules, the SMF may determine QoS rules and QoS set parameters, thereby configuring and / or activating QoS rules for the UPF (e.g., via an N4 session), taking into account flow pattern and / or flow characteristic information (including at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum flow bit rate; periodicity (and / or, N6 jitter associated with periodicity); burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirements; connection migration).

[0522] In some embodiments, when the SMF receives an authorized QoS monitoring policy (QoS monitoring related to flow mode and / or flow characteristics) for notification of a flow mode and / or flow characteristic information change event, the SMF configures the UPF (i.e., the fourth network element) to perform measurements (of QoS information related to flow mode and / or flow characteristics).

[0523] In some embodiments, the SMF configures the UPF to report QoS monitoring results (i.e., measurement results) for QoS flows (QoS information related to flow mode and / or flow characteristics) through parameters determined by the SMF. The parameters can be determined by the SMF based on the authorized QoS monitoring policy and / or local configuration received from the PCF.

[0524] In some embodiments, after receiving the report (i.e., the third information), the SMF may forward the report (of QoS information related to flow patterns and / or flow characteristics) to the PCF to determine PCC rules and expose it to the AF if the AF subscribes.

[0525] In some embodiments, taking into account the flow pattern and / or flow characteristic information, the UPF can identify data packets of the PDU set using the XRM (i.e., first service) SDF and send them to the NG-RAN (i.e., access network device) in an extension header (e.g., GTP-U header).

[0526] In some embodiments, the changed flow characteristics and / or flow mode can be delivered to the RAN in two ways: via the GTP-U enhanced header; or via the SMF via NGAP. In the latter case, the information delivered by the SMF to the RAN can include information delivered by the PCF and information reported to the SMF after the UPF performs identification and statistics. It is understood that these two solutions can be implemented either or both.

[0527] In some embodiments, flow pattern and / or flow characteristic information (including at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum flow bit rate; periodicity (and / or, N6 jitter related to periodicity); burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirement; connection migration) can be provided to the UPF by the AS (i.e., the fifth network element) directly or via the NEF.

[0528] In some embodiments, taking into account the flow pattern and / or flow characteristic information, the UPF can identify data packets of the PDU set using the XRM SDF and send them to the NG-RAN in an extension header (e.g., GTP-U header).

[0529] In some embodiments, taking into account flow pattern and / or flow characteristic information, the UPF can identify packets of PDU sets using XRM SDF based on OAM configuration and / or operator policy and send them to the NG-RAN in an extension header (e.g., GTP-U header).

[0530] In some embodiments, the SMF may configure the UPF to perform QoS monitoring on the QoS flow (QoS information related to the flow mode and / or flow characteristics) and report the monitoring results.

[0531] In some embodiments, the SMF may subscribe to events for QoS flows and report monitoring results.

[0532] In some embodiments, the UPF may perform QoS monitoring (of QoS information related to flow patterns and / or flow characteristics).

[0533] In some embodiments, the UPF may report (the monitoring results of QoS information related to flow patterns and / or flow characteristics) to the SMF and PCF, and / or to the local NEF or AF.

[0534] Figure 9A is an interactive diagram of an exemplary implementation of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 9A , the communication method includes steps S9101 to S9118.

[0535] In step S9101, the AF sends an AF session resource request, for example, through an Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create request, to create an AF request. The AF carries the QoS requirements of the XRM service and interactive media service data flows in the request message.

[0536] In some embodiments, the AF sends traffic pattern and / or traffic characteristics information (including at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum stream bit rate; periodicity (and / or N6 jitter associated with periodicity); burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirements; connection migration) to the 5GC (NEF / PCF). The AF may provide the traffic pattern and / or traffic characteristics information to the NEF / PCF during the AF QoS request / update process.

[0537] In some embodiments, the AF may provide an indication of support for dynamic changes in flow mode and / or flow characteristics information to the 5GC (NEF / PCF) during the AF QoS request / update process. In some embodiments, the AF may send a functional indication. This indication may be sent in conjunction with the flow mode and / or flow characteristics information, or both.

[0538] In some embodiments, the AF may send relevant monitoring requirements and event subscription requirements to the PCF.

[0539] In some embodiments, the XRM service information may be carried to identify the XRM service data flow or data flow group (e.g., multimodal service ID), UE address / UE identifier, AF identifier, application ID, flow description, DNN, S-NSSAI, QoS parameters, and other corresponding information. Here, the multimodal service ID can be used to identify all flows in the XRM service group.

[0540] In step S9102, the NEF authorizes the AF request. If it is an untrusted AF, the AF request is sent to the PCF through the NEF. (Optionally, the NEF performs relevant mappings, including mapping the XRM service (AF service identifier) ​​to the DNN and S-NSSAI, mapping the external application to the core network application identifier; and mapping the external UE identifier to the UE identifier within the core network based on the UDM subscription information (such as SUPI), and performing external to internal XRM service group identifier mapping based on the UDM subscription information).

[0541] In step S9103, the NEF authorizes the AF request and determines whether to trigger TSCTSF or directly contact the PCF based on the parameters provided by the AF. These signaling steps can be referred to the AF session with required QoS process. The PCF receives the attributes provided by the AF from the NEF or TSCTSF. The NEF triggers Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create and sends the AF request to the PCF, carrying QoS requirement information for the PCF (i.e., the first core network device) to make policy decisions. The message carries the mode and / or flow characteristic information of the corresponding SDF (including at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum flow bit rate; periodicity (and / or, N6 jitter related to periodicity); burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attachment device type and / or requirement; connection migration).

[0542] In step S9104, the PCF makes a policy decision and may determine that updated or new policy information needs to be sent to the SMF.

[0543] In some embodiments, the PCF determines PCC rules by taking into account pattern and / or flow characteristic information provided by the AF (including at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum flow bit rate; periodicity (and / or N6 jitter associated with periodicity); burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirements; and connection migration). Flow pattern and / or flow characteristic information can be used as one of the input information for determining PCC rules.

[0544] In some embodiments, the PCF may send the flow mode and / or flow characteristic information received from the AF / NEF to the SMF through PCC rules.

[0545] In some embodiments, if monitoring and event subscription functions are supported and there are monitoring reports or event change subscriptions, the 5GS can report the corresponding events or changes to the AF through the PCF or UPF. This function can be implemented by the AF, SMF, UPF, RAN, etc.

[0546] In some embodiments, the PCF may generate an authorized QoS monitoring policy (QoS monitoring related to flow mode and / or flow characteristics). In some embodiments, for a service data flow based on a request received from the AF, the PCF may subscribe (to the SMF and / or UPF and / or RAN) to notifications of flow mode and / or flow characteristic information change events.

[0547] In some embodiments, the PCF may include authorized QoS monitoring policies (QoS monitoring related to flow mode and / or flow characteristics) and notification subscriptions for flow mode and / or flow characteristic information change events (subscriptions to SMF and / or UPF and / or RAN) in the PCC rules and provide them to the SMF.

[0548] In step S9105 , the PCF sends an Npcf_Policy Authorization_Create response to the NEF in response.

[0549] In step S9106, the NEF sends a Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create response message to the AF, which carries a result to inform whether the request is authorized.

[0550] In step S9107, the PCF initiates an SM Policy Association Modification request to the SMF, which carries the PCC rule (interburst time event).

[0551] In some embodiments, upon receiving PCC rules, the SMF may determine QoS rules and QoS set parameters, thereby configuring and / or activating QoS rules for the UPF (e.g., via an N4 session), taking into account flow pattern and / or flow characteristic information (including at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum flow bit rate; periodicity (and / or, N6 jitter associated with periodicity); burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirements; connection migration).

[0552] In some embodiments, when the SMF receives an authorized QoS monitoring policy (QoS monitoring related to flow mode and / or flow characteristics) for notification of a flow mode and / or flow characteristic information change event, the SMF configures the UPF to perform measurements (of QoS information related to flow mode and / or flow characteristics).

[0553] In some embodiments, the SMF configures the UPF to report QoS monitoring results (i.e., measurement results) for QoS flows (QoS information related to flow mode and / or flow characteristics) through parameters determined by the SMF. The parameters can be determined by the SMF based on the authorized QoS monitoring policy and / or local configuration received from the PCF.

[0554] In some embodiments, after receiving the report, the SMF may forward the report (of QoS information related to flow patterns and / or flow characteristics) to the PCF to determine PCC rules and expose to the AF if the AF subscribes.

[0555] In step S9108, the SMF sends an SM Policy Association Modification response to the PCF.

[0556] In step S9109, the SMF initiates an N4 Session Modification request to the UPF, which includes flow mode and / or flow characteristic information.

[0557] In step S9110, the UPF responds to the SMF.

[0558] In some embodiments, taking into account the flow pattern and / or flow characteristic information, the UPF can identify data packets of the PDU set using the XRM SDF and send them to the NG-RAN in an extension header (e.g., GTP-U header).

[0559] In some embodiments, the changed flow characteristics and / or flow mode can be delivered to the RAN in two ways: via the GTP-U enhanced header; or via the SMF via NGAP. In the latter case, the information delivered by the SMF to the RAN can include information delivered by the PCF and information reported to the SMF after the UPF performs identification and statistics. It is understood that these two solutions can be implemented either or both.

[0560] In some embodiments, flow pattern and / or flow characteristic information (including at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum flow bit rate; periodicity (and / or, N6 jitter related to periodicity); burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirement; connection migration) can be provided by the AS to the UPF directly or via the NEF.

[0561] In some embodiments, taking into account the flow pattern and / or flow characteristic information, the UPF can identify data packets of the PDU set using the XRM SDF and send them to the NG-RAN in an extension header (e.g., GTP-U header).

[0562] In some embodiments, taking into account flow pattern and / or flow characteristic information, the UPF can identify packets of PDU sets using XRM SDF based on OAM configuration and / or operator policy and send them to the NG-RAN in an extension header (e.g., GTP-U header).

[0563] In some embodiments, the SMF may configure the UPF to perform QoS monitoring on the QoS flow (QoS information related to the flow mode and / or flow characteristics) and report the monitoring results.

[0564] In some embodiments, the SMF may subscribe to events for QoS flows and report monitoring results.

[0565] In some embodiments, the UPF may perform QoS monitoring (of QoS information related to flow patterns and / or flow characteristics).

[0566] In some embodiments, the UPF may report (the monitoring results of QoS information related to flow patterns and / or flow characteristics) to the SMF and PCF, and / or to the local NEF or AF.

[0567] In step S9111, for the modification requested by the SMF, the SMF causes Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer (N2SM information (PDU session ID, QFI, QoS configuration, N1SM container)).

[0568] In step S9112, the AMF (i.e., the sixth network element) may send an N2 message (N2SM information received from the SMF, NAS message (PDU session ID, N1SM container (PDU session modification command))) to the RAN.

[0569] In step S9114, the RAN may acknowledge the N2PDU session request by sending an N2PDU Session Ack message to the AMF.

[0570] In step S9115, AMF forwards the N2SM information from the access network to SMF through the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext service operation.

[0571] In step S9116, the SMF replies with an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response.

[0572] In steps S9117 and S9118, SMF can update the N4 session of UPF involved in the PDU session modification by sending an N4 Session Modification request to UPF.

[0573] Figure 9B is an interactive diagram of an exemplary implementation of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 9B , the communication method includes steps S9201a to S9207.

[0574] In step S9201a, the PDU Session Establishment process is performed.

[0575] In step S9201b, the AF may send information (QoS parameters of each PDU set in the QoS flow and frame identification parameters) to the PCF via the Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create request. Before the PDU session is established, the AF may also provide this information to the 5GS.

[0576] In some embodiments, the AF sends flow mode and / or flow characteristic information (including at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum flow bit rate; periodicity (and / or, N6 jitter related to periodicity); burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirement; connection migration) to the 5GC (NEF / PCF).

[0577] In some embodiments, the AF may provide flow pattern and / or flow characteristic information (including at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum flow bit rate; periodicity (and / or, N6 jitter associated with periodicity); burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirement; connection migration) to the NEF / PCF during the AF QoS request / update process.

[0578] In some embodiments, the AF may provide an indication of support for dynamic changes in flow mode and / or flow characteristics information to the 5GC (NEF / PCF) during the AF QoS request / update process. In some embodiments, the AF may send a functional indication. This indication may be sent in conjunction with the flow mode and / or flow characteristics information, or both.

[0579] In some embodiments, the AF may send relevant monitoring requirements and event subscription requirements to the PCF.

[0580] In some embodiments, the AF may provide a protocol description and PDU set related auxiliary information. The PDU set related auxiliary information may include QoS parameters for each QoS set within the QoS flow. The QoS parameters include at least one of the following: a PDU set processing indication, whether the application layer requires all PDUs for use of the PDU set, a PDU set delay budget, and a PDU set bit error rate. In some embodiments, the PDU set processing indication may be used to indicate whether PDU set-based processing is activated for the flow. This indication may be implicitly indicated by other PDU set related information provided by the AF.

[0581] In step S9202, the PCF generates appropriate PCC rules. The PCC rules may include PDU set-related QoS parameters. The PCF may send the PCC rules to the SMF.

[0582] In some embodiments, the PCF may determine PCC rules by taking into account flow pattern and / or flow characteristic information provided by the AF (including at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum flow bit rate; periodicity (and / or N6 jitter associated with periodicity); burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirements; and connection migration). In some embodiments, the flow pattern and / or flow characteristic information may be used as one of the input information for determining PCC rules.

[0583] In some embodiments, if monitoring and event subscription functions are supported and there is monitoring reporting or event change subscription, the 5GS can report the corresponding events or changes to the AF through the PCF or UPF. This function can be implemented by the AF, SMF, UPF, RAN, etc.

[0584] In some embodiments, the PCF may generate an authorized QoS monitoring policy (QoS monitoring related to flow mode and / or flow characteristics). In some embodiments, for a service data flow based on a request received from the AF, the PCF may subscribe (to the SMF and / or UPF and / or RAN) to notifications of flow mode and / or flow characteristic information change events.

[0585] In some embodiments, the PCF may include authorized QoS monitoring policies (QoS monitoring related to flow mode and / or flow characteristics) and notification subscriptions for flow mode and / or flow characteristic information change events (subscriptions to SMF and / or UPF and / or RAN) in the PCC rules and provide them to the SMF.

[0586] In some embodiments, the PDU set-related QoS parameters may be new QoS parameters for PDU set-based QoS processing in 5GS, and may include at least one of the following: whether the application layer requires all PDUs for use of the PDU set, the PDU set delay budget, the PDU set bit error rate, and whether to discard the PDU set if the PDU set delay budget is exceeded.

[0587] In some embodiments, step S9202 can be completed through some steps of the PDU session establishment process and the PDU session modification process.

[0588] In some embodiments, step S9202 may be triggered by step S9201b , and the PCF may then consider the information provided by the AF to generate PCC rules.

[0589] In step S9203, the SMF generates the QoS configuration and N4 rules based on the PCC rules from the PCF. The SMF sends the N4 rules to the UPF and sends the QoS configuration to the RAN via the AMF.

[0590] In some embodiments, upon receiving PCC rules, the SMF may determine QoS rules and QoS set parameters, thereby configuring and / or activating QoS rules for the UPF (e.g., via an N4 session), taking into account flow pattern and / or flow characteristic information (including at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum flow bit rate; periodicity (and / or, N6 jitter associated with periodicity); burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirements; connection migration).

[0591] In some embodiments, when the SMF receives an authorized QoS monitoring policy (QoS monitoring related to flow mode and / or flow characteristics) for notification of a flow mode and / or flow characteristic information change event, the SMF configures the UPF to perform measurements (of QoS information related to flow mode and / or flow characteristics).

[0592] In some embodiments, the SMF configures the UPF to report QoS monitoring results (QoS information related to flow mode and / or flow characteristics) for QoS flows through parameters determined by the SMF. The parameters can be determined by the SMF based on the authorized QoS monitoring policy and / or local configuration received from the PCF.

[0593] In some embodiments, after receiving the report, the SMF may forward the report (of QoS information related to flow patterns and / or flow characteristics) to the PCF to determine PCC rules and expose to the AF if the AF subscribes.

[0594] In some embodiments, the protocol description and PDU set related auxiliary information can be sent to the SMF as part of the PCC rules. The SMF can send the protocol description and PDU set related auxiliary information to the NG-RAN through the AMF as part of the QoS configuration.

[0595] In some embodiments, step S9203 can be completed through some steps of the PDU session establishment process and the PDU session modification process.

[0596] In step S9204, the remaining steps in the PDU session establishment process and the PDU session modification process are executed.

[0597] In step S9205, based on the received N4 rule or local configuration, the UPF identifies relevant information and performs QoS processing based on the PDU set according to the N4 rule instructions.

[0598] In some embodiments, the UPF may identify data packets of a PDU set using XRMSDF, taking into account flow pattern and / or flow characteristic information, and send them to the NG-RAN in an extension header (e.g., GTP-U header).

[0599] In some embodiments, the changed flow characteristics and / or flow mode can be delivered to the RAN in two ways: via the GTP-U enhanced header; or via the SMF via NGAP. In the latter case, the information delivered by the SMF to the RAN can include information delivered by the PCF and information reported to the SMF after the UPF performs identification and statistics. It is understood that these two solutions can be implemented either or both.

[0600] In some embodiments, flow pattern and / or flow characteristic information (including at least one of the following: maximum burst size; maximum flow bit rate; periodicity (and / or, N6 jitter related to periodicity); burst arrival time; burst end; burst interval; codec type; attached device type and / or requirement; connection migration) can be provided by the AS to the UPF directly or via the NEF.

[0601] In some embodiments, taking into account the flow pattern and / or flow characteristic information, the UPF can identify data packets of the PDU set using the XRM SDF and send them to the NG-RAN in an extension header (e.g., GTP-U header).

[0602] In some embodiments, taking into account flow pattern and / or flow characteristic information, the UPF can identify packets of PDU sets using XRM SDF based on OAM configuration and / or operator policy and send them to the NG-RAN in an extension header (e.g., GTP-U header).

[0603] In some embodiments, the SMF may configure the UPF to perform QoS monitoring on the QoS flow (QoS information related to the flow mode and / or flow characteristics) and report the monitoring results.

[0604] In some embodiments, the SMF may subscribe to events for QoS flows and report monitoring results.

[0605] In some embodiments, the UPF may perform QoS monitoring (of QoS information related to flow patterns and / or flow characteristics).

[0606] In some embodiments, the UPF may report (the monitoring results of QoS information related to flow patterns and / or flow characteristics) to the SMF and PCF, and / or to the local NEF or AF.

[0607] In some embodiments, the UPF can detect dynamic changes in the flow pattern and / or flow characteristics of the target SDF. In some embodiments, the UPF can detect dynamic changes in the flow parameters and / or flow characteristics of the target SDF. The UPF can identify the flow parameters and / or flow characteristics of the SDF and the corresponding parameter values. In some embodiments, the UPF can add the changed flow parameters and / or flow characteristics and the corresponding parameter values ​​to the GTP-U header, thereby transmitting the changed flow parameters and / or flow characteristics and the corresponding parameter values ​​to the RAN.

[0608] In some embodiments, the PDU set information in the extended header may include at least one of the following: PDU set sequence number, the start PDU or end PDU of the PDU set, the PDU sequence number within the PDU set, the number of PDUs within the PDU set, the PDU set importance, the PDU set size, and the end of the data burst.

[0609] In some embodiments, the UPF can identify relevant information through at least one of the following methods and / or mechanisms: matching of RTP / SRTP header and payload; new RTP extension header; information contained in the N6 encapsulation header; detection of traffic characteristics; UPF implementation of non-standardized mechanisms.

[0610] In step S9206, the UPF sends the PDU set information to the RAN. The UPF sends the PDU set related information to the RAN. The UPF may add the PDU set related information to the GTP-U header.

[0611] In step S9207, based on the received PDU set related information, the RAN may perform PDU set-based QoS processing.

[0612] Figure 9C is an interactive diagram of an exemplary implementation of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 9C, the communication method includes steps S9301 to S9304.

[0613] In step S9301, when an event is detected or an event arrives (eg, a threshold is reached, a periodic timer times out, an event is triggered), a report may be triggered. The UPF may report measurement information based on a subscription triggering Nupf_EventExposure_Notify message.

[0614] In step S9302, the UPF sends a Nupf_EventExposure_Notify message to the NEF, which carries the measurement results of the monitoring information.

[0615] In step S9303, the NEF sends a Nnef_Nnef_EventExposure_Notify message to the AF, which carries the measurement result of the monitoring information.

[0616] In step S9304, as an alternative, the report may not be provided by the PCF to the AF, but may be exposed / notified to the AS by the UPF directly or through the NEF.

[0617] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0618] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a communication device for implementing any of the above methods. For example, the embodiments of the present disclosure also provide another communication device, including units or modules for implementing each step performed by a network device (network element, access network device) in any of the above methods.

[0619] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above devices is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and the memory stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the various units or modules of the above devices, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory within the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which realizes the functions of some or all of the above units or modules by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0620] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit, a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP); in another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of the hardware circuit. The logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by a dedicated integrated circuit or a programmable logic device, such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and implementing the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0621] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG10 , the communication device 1000 may include at least one of the following: a transceiver module 1001 and a processing module 1002 .

[0622] In some embodiments, the communication device 1000 may be a first network element 1031. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1001 may be configured to receive first information sent by a second network element, wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information for indicating the traffic parameters of the data flow of the first service; first indication information for indicating support for dynamic changes in traffic parameters. Optionally, the transceiver module 1001 may be configured to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving executed by the first network element 1031 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2103, S2105, S2203, S2204), which are not described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 1002 may be configured to execute at least one of the other steps (e.g., step S2104) other than the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving executed by the first network element 1031 in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here.

[0623] In some embodiments, the communication device 1000 may be the second network element 1032. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1001 may be configured to send first information to the first network element, where the first information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information indicating a traffic parameter of a data flow of a first service; and first indication information indicating support for dynamic changes in traffic parameters. Optionally, the transceiver module 1001 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2101 and S2205) such as sending and / or receiving performed by the second network element 1032 in any of the above methods, which will not be further described herein.

[0624] In some embodiments, the communication device 1000 may be a third network element 1033. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1001 may be configured to receive second information sent by the first network element, wherein the second information includes first parameter information, and the first parameter information is used to indicate the traffic parameters of the data flow of the first service. Optionally, the transceiver module 1001 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the third network element 1033 in any of the above methods (for example, steps S2105, S2106, S2107, S2202, and S2203), which will not be repeated here.

[0625] In some embodiments, the communication device 1000 may be a fourth network element 1034. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1001 may be configured to receive fourth information sent by the third network element, wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information indicating a traffic parameter of a data flow of the first service; and second parameter information used by the fourth network element to implement QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameter. Optionally, the transceiver module 1001 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2106, S2111, S2114, and S2202) of sending and / or receiving performed by the fourth network element 1034 in any of the above methods, which are not further described here. Optionally, the processing module 1002 may be configured to perform at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S2110, S2113, and S2201) other than the communication steps (e.g., steps S2110, S2113, and S2201) of sending and / or receiving performed by the fourth network element 1034 in any of the above methods, which are not further described here.

[0626] In some embodiments, the communication device 1000 may be the fifth network element 1035. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1001 may be configured to send a data stream of the first service to the fourth network element, wherein the data packet corresponding to the data stream includes a parameter value of a traffic parameter of the first service. Optionally, the transceiver module 1001 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2109 and S2114) such as sending and / or receiving performed by the fifth network element 1035 in any of the above methods, which will not be further described here.

[0627] In some embodiments, the communication device 1000 may be an access network device 102. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1001 may be configured to receive fifth information, wherein the fifth information includes at least one of the following: first parameter information for indicating the traffic parameters of the data flow of the first service; third information for indicating the measurement results obtained by QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameters. Optionally, the transceiver module 1001 may be configured to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving (for example, steps S2108, SS2111) executed by the access network device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the processing module 1002 may be configured to execute at least one of the other steps (for example, step S2112) other than the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving executed by the access network device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0628] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module. The transmitting module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with the transceiver.

[0629] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a single module or can include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules respectively execute all or part of the steps required to be executed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module can be interchangeable with the processor.

[0630] Figure 11A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 11100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), or a terminal (e.g., a user device, etc.), or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports a network device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports a terminal to implement any of the above methods. Communication device 11100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments.

[0631] As shown in Figure 11A, the communication device 11100 includes one or more processors 11101. The processor 11101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process the communication protocol and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 11100 is used to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 11101 are used to call instructions to enable the communication device 11100 to perform any of the above methods.

[0632] In some embodiments, the communication device 11100 further includes one or more transceivers 11102. When the communication device 11100 includes one or more transceivers 11102, the transceiver 11102 performs at least one of the communication steps of sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101, S2103, S2105, S2106, S2107, S2108, S2109, S2111, S2114, S2202, S2203, S2204, S2205, but not limited thereto), and the processor 11101 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S2102, S2104, S2110, S2112, S2113, S2201, but not limited thereto). In an optional embodiment, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, and the receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, terms such as transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface can be replaced with each other, terms such as transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit can be replaced with each other, and terms such as receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit can be replaced with each other.

[0633] In some embodiments, the communication device 11100 further includes one or more memories 11103 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 11103 may be located outside the communication device 11100. In alternative embodiments, the communication device 11100 may include one or more interface circuits 11104. Optionally, the interface circuits 11104 are connected to the memories 11103 and may be configured to receive data from the memories 11103 or other devices, or to send data to the memories 11103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 11104 may read data stored in the memories 11103 and send the data to the processor 11101.

[0634] The communication device 11100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 11100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 11100 may not be limited to FIG. 11A. The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0635] FIG11B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 11100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 11200 shown in FIG11B , but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0636] The chip 11200 includes one or more processors 11201. The chip 11200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0637] In some embodiments, chip 11200 further includes one or more interface circuits 11202. Alternatively, the terms interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pins may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 11200 further includes one or more memories 11203 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of memory 11203 may be located external to chip 11200. Optionally, interface circuit 11202 is connected to memory 11203. Interface circuit 11202 may be configured to receive data from memory 11203 or other devices, or to send data to memory 11203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 11202 may read data stored in memory 11203 and send the data to processor 11201.

[0638] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 11202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101, S2103, S2105, S2106, S2107, S2108, S2109, S2111, S2114, S2202, S2203, S2204, and S2205, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 11202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, for example, means that the interface circuit 11202 performs data exchange between the processor 11201, the chip 11200, the memory 11203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 11201 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S2102, S2104, S2110, S2112, S2113, and S2201, but not limited thereto).

[0639] The modules and / or devices described in various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be arbitrarily combined or separated according to circumstances. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0640] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a storage medium having instructions stored thereon. When the instructions are executed on the communication device 11100, the communication device 11100 is caused to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0641] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 11100, enables the communication device 11100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0642] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute any of the above methods.

[0643] Other embodiments of the present invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow from the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

[0644] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exact construction described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, performed by a first network element, wherein, The method includes: Receiving first information sent by a second network element, where the first information includes at least one of the following: First parameter information for indicating traffic parameters of a data stream of a first service; First indication information for indicating support for dynamic changes of the traffic parameters.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The traffic parameters include at least one of the following: Maximum burst size; Maximum flow bit rate; Periodicity; N6 jitter; Burst arrival time; Burst end; Burst interval; Coding and decoding type; Attachment device type and / or requirements; Connection migration.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first information further includes at least one of the following: First requirement information for indicating requirements for QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameters; Second requirement information for indicating requirements related to event subscription.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The method further includes: Sending second information to a third network element, where the second information includes the first parameter information.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The second information further includes first policy information for QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameters, and the first policy information is determined based on the first information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The method further includes: Determining a first rule according to the first information.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The method further includes: Receiving third information sent by a third network element, where the third information is used to indicate measurement results obtained from QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameters; Sending the third information to the second network element.

8. A communication method, which is executed by a second network element, wherein, The method includes: Sending first information to a first network element, where the first information includes at least one of the following: First parameter information for indicating traffic parameters of a data stream of a first service; First indication information for indicating support for dynamic changes of the traffic parameters.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The traffic parameters include at least one of the following: Maximum burst size; Maximum flow bit rate; Periodicity; N6 jitter; Burst arrival time; Burst end; Burst interval; Coding and decoding type; Attachment device type and / or requirements; Connection migration.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The first information further includes at least one of the following: First requirement information for indicating requirements for QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameters; Second requirement information for indicating requirements related to event subscription.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein The method further includes: Receiving third information sent by the first network element, where the third information is used to indicate measurement results obtained from QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameters; Updating the first parameter information according to the measurement results.

12. A communication method, which is executed by a third network element, wherein, The method includes: Receiving second information sent by a first network element, where the second information includes first parameter information for indicating traffic parameters of a data stream of a first service.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The traffic parameters include at least one of the following: Maximum burst size; Maximum flow bit rate; Periodicity; N6 jitter; Burst arrival time; Burst end; Burst interval; Coding and decoding type; Attachment device type and / or requirements; Connection migration.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The second information further includes first policy information for QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameters.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein The second information is used to indicate a first rule; Wherein, the method further includes: According to the first rule, determine a second rule, where the second rule is used for QoS processing of the data stream of the first service.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein The method further includes: Sending fourth information to a fourth network element, where the fourth information includes at least one of the following: The first parameter information; Second parameter information, which is used for the fourth network element to implement QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameters.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein The second parameter information is determined based on at least one of the following: the first policy information, the configuration information of the third network element.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein, The method further includes: Receiving third information sent by the fourth network element, where the third information is used to indicate the measurement result obtained from QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameters; Sending the third information to the first network element.

19. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein The method further includes: Sending fifth information to an access network device, where the fifth information includes at least one of the following: The first parameter information; Third information, which is used to indicate the measurement result obtained from QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameters.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The fifth information is sent through the Next Generation Application Protocol NGAP.

21. A communication method, which is executed by a fourth network element, wherein, The method includes: Receiving fourth information sent by a third network element, where the fourth information includes at least one of the following: First parameter information, which is used to indicate the traffic parameters of the data stream of the first service; Second parameter information, which is used for the fourth network element to implement QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameters.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein The traffic parameters include at least one of the following: Maximum burst size; Maximum flow bit rate; Periodicity; N6 jitter; Burst arrival time; Burst end; Burst interval; Coding and decoding type; Attachment device type and / or requirements; Connection migration.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, The fourth information includes the second parameter information; Wherein, the method further includes: Performing QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameters according to the second parameter information.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The method further includes at least one of the following: Sending third information to the third network element on the control plane; Sending third information to a fifth network element on the user plane; Wherein, the third information is used to indicate the measurement result obtained from QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameters.

25. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein The method further includes: Identifying the data stream of the first service according to the first parameter information, where the data packets corresponding to the data stream include the parameter values of the traffic parameters; Sending the data stream to the access network device.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein, The data stream is sent through the General Packet Radio Service User Plane Part GTP-U protocol.

27. A communication method, performed by a fifth network element, wherein, The method includes: Sending the data stream of the first service to a fourth network element, where the data packets corresponding to the data stream include the parameter values of the traffic parameters of the first service.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein, The traffic parameters include at least one of the following: Maximum burst size; Maximum flow bit rate; Periodicity; N6 jitter; Burst arrival time; Burst end; Burst interval; Coding and decoding type; Attachment device type and / or requirements; Connection migration.

29. The method according to claim 27 or 28, wherein The method further includes: Receiving third information sent by the fourth network element, where the third information is used to indicate the measurement result obtained from QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameters.

30. A communication method, performed by an access network device, wherein, The method includes: Receiving fifth information sent by the third network element, where the fifth information includes at least one of the following: The first parameter information is used to indicate the traffic parameters of the data stream of the first service; The third information is used to indicate the measurement results obtained by QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameters.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein, The traffic parameters include at least one of the following: Maximum burst size; Maximum flow bit rate; Periodicity; N6 jitter; Burst arrival time; Burst end; Burst interval; Coding and decoding type; Attachment device type and / or requirements; Connection migration.

32. The method according to claim 30 or 31, wherein The fifth information is received through the Next Generation Application Protocol NGAP.

33. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein, The method further includes: Receiving the data stream of the first service sent by the fourth network element, where the data packet corresponding to the data stream includes the parameter values of the traffic parameters.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein, The data stream is received through the General Packet Radio Service User Plane Part GTP-U protocol.

35. A communication method, executed by a core network, wherein, The core network includes a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, and a fourth network element; Wherein, the method includes: The first network element executes the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 7; The second network element executes the communication method according to any one of claims 8 to 11; The third network element executes the communication method according to any one of claims 12 to 20; The fourth network element executes the communication method according to any one of claims 21 to 26.

36. A first network element, comprising: A transceiver module, configured to receive the first information sent by the second network element, where the first information includes at least one of the following: The first parameter information is used to indicate the traffic parameters of the data stream of the first service; The first indication information is used to indicate support for the dynamic change of the traffic parameters.

37. A second network element, comprising: A transceiver module, configured to send the first information to the first network element, where the first information includes at least one of the following: The first parameter information is used to indicate the traffic parameters of the data stream of the first service; The first indication information is used to indicate support for the dynamic change of the traffic parameters.

38. A third network element, comprising: A transceiver module, configured to receive the second information sent by the first network element, where the second information includes the first parameter information, and the first parameter information is used to indicate the traffic parameters of the data stream of the first service.

39. A fourth network element, comprising: A transceiver module, configured to receive the fourth information sent by the third network element, where the fourth information includes at least one of the following: The first parameter information is used to indicate the traffic parameters of the data stream of the first service; The second parameter information is used for the fourth network element to implement QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameters.

40. A fifth network element, comprising: A transceiver module, configured to send the data stream of the first service to the fourth network element, where the data packet corresponding to the data stream includes the parameter values of the traffic parameters of the first service.

41. An access network device, comprising: A transceiver module, configured to receive the fifth information, where the fifth information includes at least one of the following: The first parameter information is used to indicate the traffic parameters of the data stream of the first service; The third information is used to indicate the measurement results obtained by QoS monitoring related to the traffic parameters.

42. A first network element, comprising: One or more processors; A memory storing instructions; Wherein, when the instruction is executed by the first network element, the first network element implements the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

43. A second network element, comprising: One or more processors; A memory storing instructions; Wherein, when the instruction is executed by the second network element, the second network element implements the communication method described in any one of claims 8 to 11.

44. A third network element, comprising: One or more processors; A memory storing instructions; Wherein, when the instruction is executed by the third network element, the third network element implements the communication method described in any one of claims 12 to 20.

45. A fourth network element, comprising: One or more processors; A memory storing instructions; Wherein, when the instruction is executed by the fourth network element, the fourth network element implements the communication method described in any one of claims 21 to 26.

46. A fifth network element, comprising: One or more processors; A memory storing instructions; Wherein, when the instruction is executed by the fifth network element, the fifth network element implements the communication method described in any one of claims 27 to 29.

47. An access network device, comprising: One or more processors; A memory storing instructions; Wherein, when the instruction is executed by the access network device, the access network device implements the communication method described in any one of claims 30 to 34.

48. A communication system, comprising: A first network element for implementing the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 7; A second network element for implementing the communication method described in any one of claims 8 to 11; A third network element for implementing the communication method described in any one of claims 12 to 20; A fourth network element for implementing the communication method described in any one of claims 21 to 26; A fifth network element for implementing the communication method described in any one of claims 27 to 29; An access network device for implementing the communication method described in any one of claims 30 to 34.

49. A storage medium, the storage medium stores instructions, wherein, When the instruction runs on a communication device, the communication device implements the method described in any one of claims 1 to 35.

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