Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a communication method and a communication device, which can guarantee the transmission delay of data and avoid waste of transmission resources. The method comprises the following steps: a terminal device sends a first request to a first network element to request to establish a dedicated channel or a multi-channel, the first request comprising an identifier of a first flow, the dedicated channel being dedicated to carrying first data, the multi-channel being used for redundant transmission of the first data, and the first data being data capable of adding the identifier of the first flow; the data capable of adding the identifier of the first flow comprising one or more of the following: a service first frame; a response frame of a service data flow; downlink data sent by a third network element in a case where the amount of data in a downlink buffer of the terminal device is less than or equal to a first threshold or a depletion speed is greater than or equal to a second threshold; and uplink data sent by the terminal device in a case where the amount of data in an uplink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a third threshold.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication, and in particular to a communication method and a communication device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In order to improve the data transmission rate, a multi-channel transmission technology is introduced, which can divide the data to be transmitted into multiple data streams, and transmit the multiple data streams on multiple channels in parallel. The receiving end can combine and receive the data on the multiple channels.

[0003] The above scheme is greatly affected by the quality of channel transmission. If the transmission speed of a channel is fast, the data can quickly reach the receiving end. However, if the transmission speed of a channel is slow, the application layer needs to wait until all data packets on all channels arrive before performing complete data processing. In this way, the data packets of the slow channel become a bottleneck, resulting in a prolonged overall data transmission delay and seriously affecting user experience.

[0004] However, if all data is redundantly transmitted on multiple channels, it will cause waste of transmission resources. Therefore, how to utilize multiple channels for data transmission to ensure the transmission delay of data and avoid waste of transmission resources is a problem that needs to be solved at present. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and a communication device, which can ensure the transmission delay of data and avoid waste of transmission resources.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device, or can be executed by a component (such as a circuit, a chip or a chip system, etc.) configured in the terminal device, and can also be implemented by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. The present application does not make any limitation in this regard. Hereinafter, the terminal device is taken as an example for description.

[0007] The method comprises: sending a first request to a first network element, the first request being used to request establishment of a dedicated channel or a multi-channel, the first request comprising an identifier of a first flow, the dedicated channel being dedicated to carrying first data, the multi-channel being used for redundant transmission of the first data, the first data being data to which the identifier of the first flow is added; wherein the data to which the identifier of the first flow can be added comprises one or more of the following: a service first frame; a response frame of a service data flow; downlink data sent by a third network element in a case where an amount of data in a downlink buffer of the terminal device is less than or equal to a first threshold; downlink data sent by the third network element in a case where a depletion speed of the data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a second threshold; uplink data sent by the terminal device in a case where an amount of data in an uplink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a third threshold.

[0008] Embodiments of the present application apply for a dedicated channel or a multi-channel for specific data (such as data to which the identifier of the first flow can be added), the dedicated channel or the multi-channel being associated with the identifier of the first flow, so that the data to which the identifier of the first flow is added can be transmitted through the dedicated channel or be redundantly transmitted through the multi-channel, to ensure timely transmission of the data and reduce data transmission delay; and other data can be alternately transmitted on the multi-channel using a traditional scheme, to improve utilization of transmission resources.

[0009] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first network element or a component (such as a circuit, a chip or a chip system, etc.) configured in the first network element, and can also be implemented by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network element. The present application does not make any limitation in this regard. Hereinafter, the first network element (such as a PCF) is taken as an example for description.

[0010] The method comprises: receiving a first request from a terminal device, the first request being used to request establishment of a dedicated channel or a multi-channel, the first request comprising an identifier of a first flow, the dedicated channel being dedicated to carrying first data, the multi-channel being used for redundant transmission of the first data, the first data being data to which the identifier of the first flow is added; wherein the data to which the identifier of the first flow can be added comprises one or more of the following: a service first frame; a response frame of a service data flow; downlink data sent by a third network element in a case where an amount of data in a downlink buffer of the terminal device is less than or equal to a first threshold; downlink data sent by the third network element in a case where a depletion speed of the data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a second threshold; uplink data sent by the terminal device in a case where an amount of data in an uplink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a third threshold.

[0011] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by the third network element or by a component (such as a circuit, a chip or a chip system, etc.) configured in the third network element, and can also be implemented by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the third network element. The present application does not make any limitation in this regard. Hereinafter, the third network element (such as an APP or an AF or an NEF) is taken as an example for description.

[0012] The method comprises: sending a second request to the first network element, the second request being used to request establishment of a dedicated channel or a multi-channel, the second request comprising an identifier of a second flow, the dedicated channel being dedicated to carrying fourth data, the multi-channel being used for redundant transmission of the fourth data, the fourth data being data to which the identifier of the second flow is added; wherein the data to which the identifier of the second flow can be added comprises one or more of the following: a first frame of a service; a response frame of a service data flow; downlink data sent by the third network element in a case where an amount of data in a downlink buffer of a terminal device is less than or equal to a first threshold value; downlink data sent by the third network element in a case where a depletion speed of the data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a second threshold value; uplink data sent by the terminal device in a case where an amount of data in an uplink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a third threshold value.

[0013] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by the first network element or by a component (such as a circuit, a chip or a chip system, etc.) configured in the first network element, and can also be implemented by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network element. The present application does not make any limitation in this regard. Hereinafter, the first network element (such as a PCF) is taken as an example for description.

[0014] The method comprises: receiving a second request from the third network element, the second request being used to request establishment of a dedicated channel or a multi-channel, the second request comprising an identifier of a second flow, the dedicated channel being dedicated to carrying fourth data, the multi-channel being used for redundant transmission of the fourth data, the fourth data being data to which the identifier of the second flow is added; wherein the data to which the identifier of the second flow can be added comprises one or more of the following: a first frame of a service; a response frame of a service data flow; downlink data sent by the third network element in a case where an amount of data in a downlink buffer of a terminal device is less than or equal to a first threshold value; downlink data sent by the third network element in a case where a depletion speed of the data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a second threshold value; uplink data sent by the terminal device in a case where an amount of data in an uplink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a third threshold value.

[0015] In a fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises a transceiver. The transceiver is configured to send a first request to a first network element, the first request being used to request to establish a dedicated channel or a multi-channel, the first request comprising an identifier of a first flow, the dedicated channel being used to carry a first data, the multi-channel being used to redundantly transmit the first data, the first data being data to which the identifier of the first flow is added; wherein the data to which the identifier of the first flow is added comprises one or more of the following: a first frame of a service; an acknowledgement frame of a service data flow; downlink data sent by a third network element in a case that an amount of data in a downlink buffer of the terminal device is less than or equal to a first threshold; downlink data sent by the third network element in a case that a depletion speed of the data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a second threshold; uplink data sent by the terminal device in a case that an amount of data in an uplink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a third threshold. The communication apparatus further comprises a processing module configured to perform a corresponding processing procedure.

[0016] In a sixth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises a transceiver. The transceiver is configured to receive a first request from a terminal device, the first request being used to request to establish a dedicated channel or a multi-channel, the first request comprising an identifier of a first flow, the dedicated channel being used to carry a first data, the multi-channel being used to redundantly transmit the first data, the first data being data to which the identifier of the first flow is added; wherein the data to which the identifier of the first flow is added comprises one or more of the following: a first frame of a service; an acknowledgement frame of a service data flow; downlink data sent by a third network element in a case that an amount of data in a downlink buffer of the terminal device is less than or equal to a first threshold; downlink data sent by the third network element in a case that a depletion speed of the data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a second threshold; uplink data sent by the terminal device in a case that an amount of data in an uplink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a third threshold. The communication apparatus further comprises a processing module configured to perform a corresponding processing procedure.

[0017] The fifth and sixth aspects are the device-side implementation corresponding to the first and second aspects, and the explanations, supplements and beneficial effects of the first and second aspects are equally applicable to the fifth and sixth aspects, and will not be repeated.

[0018] In a seventh aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises a transceiver. The transceiver is configured to send a second request to a first network element, the second request being used to request establishment of a dedicated channel or a multi-channel, the second request comprising an identification of a second flow, the dedicated channel being used to carry fourth data, the multi-channel being used to redundantly transmit the fourth data, the fourth data being data to which the identification of the second flow is added. The fourth data to which the identification of the second flow is added comprises one or more of the following: a first frame of a service; an acknowledgement frame of a service data flow; downlink data sent by a third network element in a case that an amount of data in a downlink buffer of a terminal device is less than or equal to a first threshold; downlink data sent by the third network element in a case that a depletion speed of the data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a second threshold; uplink data sent by the terminal device in a case that an amount of data in an uplink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a third threshold. The communication apparatus further comprises a processing module configured to perform a corresponding processing procedure.

[0019] In an eighth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises a transceiver. The transceiver is configured to receive a second request from a third network element, the second request being used to request establishment of a dedicated channel or a multi-channel, the second request comprising an identification of a second flow, the dedicated channel being used to carry fourth data, the multi-channel being used to redundantly transmit the fourth data, the fourth data being data to which the identification of the second flow is added. The fourth data to which the identification of the second flow is added comprises one or more of the following: a first frame of a service; an acknowledgement frame of a service data flow; downlink data sent by a third network element in a case that an amount of data in a downlink buffer of a terminal device is less than or equal to a first threshold; downlink data sent by the third network element in a case that a depletion speed of the data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a second threshold; uplink data sent by the terminal device in a case that an amount of data in an uplink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a third threshold. The communication apparatus further comprises a processing module configured to perform a corresponding processing procedure.

[0020] The seventh and eighth aspects are device-side implementations corresponding to the third and fourth aspects. The explanations, supplements and beneficial effects of the third and fourth aspects also apply to the seventh and eighth aspects, and will not be repeated.

[0021] In a ninth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises a processor. The processor is coupled with a memory, and is configured to execute instructions or data in the memory to implement the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect. Optionally, the communication apparatus further comprises the memory. Optionally, the communication apparatus further comprises a communication interface, and the processor is coupled with the communication interface.

[0022] In an implementation form, the communication interface can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0023] In another implementation form, the communication apparatus is a chip configured in the terminal device. When the communication apparatus is a chip configured in the terminal device, the communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0024] In a tenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and is configured to execute instructions or data in the memory to implement the method in any possible implementation of the second aspect. Optionally, the communication apparatus further comprises the memory. Optionally, the communication apparatus further comprises a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0025] In an implementation form, the communication interface can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0026] In another implementation form, the communication apparatus is a chip configured in the first network element. When the communication apparatus is a chip configured in the access network device, the communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0027] In an eleventh aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and is configured to execute instructions or data in the memory to implement the method in any possible implementation of the third aspect. Optionally, the communication apparatus further comprises the memory. Optionally, the communication apparatus further comprises a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0028] In an implementation form, the communication interface can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0029] In another implementation form, the communication apparatus is a chip configured in the third network element. When the communication apparatus is a chip configured in the Internet of Things device, the communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0030] In a twelfth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and is configured to execute instructions or data in the memory to implement the method in any possible implementation of the fourth aspect. Optionally, the communication apparatus further comprises the memory. Optionally, the communication apparatus further comprises a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0031] In an implementation form, the communication interface can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0032] In another implementation form, the communication apparatus is a chip configured in the first network element. When the communication apparatus is a chip configured in the access network device, the communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0033] In a thirteenth aspect, a processor is provided, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a signal via the input circuit and transmit a signal via the output circuit, so that the processor performs the method in any possible implementation manner of any of the aspects.

[0034] In a specific implementation process, the processor can be one or more chips, the input circuit can be an input pin, the output circuit can be an output pin, and the processing circuit can be a transistor, a gate circuit, a flip-flop, and various logic circuits, etc. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by, for example but not limited to, a receiver, the signal output by the output circuit can be output to and transmitted by, for example but not limited to, a transmitter, and the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit which is used as the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation manners of the processor and various circuits.

[0035] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to read instructions stored in the memory, and can receive a signal via a receiver and transmit a signal via a transmitter to perform the method in any possible implementation manner of any of the aspects.

[0036] Optionally, the processor is one or more, and the memory is one or more.

[0037] In a fifteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program (which can also be referred to as code or instructions), which when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method in any possible implementation manner of any of the aspects.

[0038] In a sixteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program (which can also be referred to as code or instructions) which when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method in any possible implementation manner of any of the aspects.

[0039] In a seventeenth aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a chip system, which comprises one or more processors configured to call and execute instructions stored in a memory, so that the method in each aspect or any possible implementation manner of each aspect is performed. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0040] In the chip system, the input circuit or interface for transmitting information or data, and the output circuit or interface for receiving information or data can be included.

[0041] In an eighteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising the terminal device and the first network element of the preceding aspect. Optionally, the communication system can further comprise other devices in communication with the terminal device and / or the first network element.

[0042] In a nineteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising the third network element and the first network element of the preceding aspect. Optionally, the communication system can further comprise other devices in communication with the third network element and / or the first network element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 A system architecture diagram of a wireless communication system to which embodiments of the present application can be applied;

[0044] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of data transmission based on QUIC provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the format of a QUIC data packet provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the format of a data stream frame provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a dual connectivity scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 6 A schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 7 A schematic flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 8 A schematic flow chart of traffic scheduling using a special frame channel provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 9 A schematic block diagram of a communication apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 10 A structural schematic diagram of a communication apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] The technical solutions provided in the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example, a global system for mobile communications (GSM) system, a general packet radio service (GPRS), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a long term evolution (LTE) system, an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, an LTE time division duplex (TDD), a sidelink communication system, a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system, a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system or a new radio access technology (NR). The 5G mobile communication system can include a non-standalone (NSA) and / or a standalone (SA). The technical solutions provided in the present application can also be applied to future communication systems. The present application is not limited in this regard.

[0055] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system 100 to which embodiments of the present application are applied. The communication system 100 can include a network device, for example, a network device 110 as shown in FIG. 1. The communication system 100 can also include a terminal device, for example, a terminal device 120 as shown in FIG. 1. The network device 110 and the terminal device 120 can communicate with each other through a wireless link. Figure 1 Figure 1

[0056] Figure 1 One network device 110 and one terminal device 120 are exemplarily shown. Optionally, the communication system 100 can also include a plurality of network devices and / or a plurality of terminal devices.

[0057] ​​The network device in the present application can be a device of a network side such as an access network, a core network device, and the like. The access network device is also sometimes referred to as an access node. The access network device has a wireless transceiving function and is used to communicate with a terminal. The access network device includes, but is not limited to, a base station in the above-mentioned communication system, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, an access network device or a module of an access network device in an open RAN (ORAN) system, a satellite in an NTN communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, and the like. The access network device can also be a module or unit capable of realizing part of the function of a base station. The access network device can be a macro base station, a micro base station or an indoor station, a relay node or a donor node, or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Optionally, the access network device can also be a server, a wearable device, or a vehicle-mounted device, and the like. For example, the access network device in vehicle to everything (V2X) technology can be a road side unit (RSU). Multiple access network devices in a communication system can be the same type of base station or different types of base stations. The base station can communicate with the terminal directly or through a relay station. The terminal can communicate with multiple base stations in different access technologies. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form used by the access network device. In the present application, the access network device is referred to as a network device.

[0058] In the present application, the device for realizing the function of the network device can be a network device or a device capable of supporting the network device to realize the function, such as a processor, a circuit, a chip, or a chip system, and the like, which can be installed in the network device or used in connection with the network device. In the technical solutions provided in the present application, the device for realizing the function of the network device is taken as an example to describe the technical solutions provided in the present application.

[0059] The terminal device in the present application can be a wireless terminal device capable of receiving network device scheduling and indication information. The wireless terminal device can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, or a handheld device with wireless connection function, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. For example, the terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks or the Internet through a radio access network (RAN). The terminal device can also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. The terminal device can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), internet of things (IoT), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, remote medical treatment, smart power grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wear, smart transportation, smart city, or satellite communication, etc. The terminal can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, wearable device, vehicle, aircraft (such as unmanned aerial vehicle, helicopter, airplane), hot air balloon, ship, robot, mechanical arm, or smart home device, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the form of the terminal device.

[0060] In the present application, the device for realizing the function of the terminal device can be a terminal device, or a device capable of supporting the terminal device to realize the function, such as a processor, circuit, chip, chip system, etc., which can be installed in the terminal device or connected with the terminal device for use. In the technical solutions provided in the present application, the device for realizing the function of the terminal device is taken as an example to describe the technical solutions provided in the present application.

[0061] The access network device and / or terminal can be fixed or mobile. The access network device and / or terminal can be deployed on land, including indoor or outdoor, handheld or vehicle-mounted; can also be deployed on the water surface; can also be deployed on aircraft, balloons and artificial satellites in the air. The application embodiments do not limit the application scenarios of the access network device and the terminal. The access network device and the terminal device can be deployed in the same scenario or different scenarios, for example, the access network device and the terminal device are deployed on land at the same time; or the access network device is deployed on land and the terminal device is deployed on the water surface, etc., which will not be listed one by one.

[0062] In actual application, a terminal can be assisted to implement wireless access by multiple network devices in cooperation, and different network devices respectively implement part of functions of a base station. For example, a network device can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. The CU and the DU can be separately arranged, or can be included in a same network element, for example, a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, for example, included in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0063] In different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), the DU, or the RU can also have different names, but a person skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in an ORAN system, the CU can also be referred to as an O-CU (open CU), the DU can also be referred to as an O-DU, the CU-CP can also be referred to as an O-CU-CP, the CU-UP can also be referred to as an O-CU-UP, and the RU can also be referred to as an O-RU. Any of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), the DU, and the RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module. The CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), the DU, and the RU can implement different protocol layer functions.

[0064] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, first, the terms involved in the present application are briefly explained. Optionally, the explanation of part of the terms can also refer to the explanation in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) standard protocol.

[0065] The quick user datagram protocol (UDP) internet connection (QUIC) protocol aims to improve the speed and reliability of network connections. Its goal is to replace the transmission control protocol (TCP) used in the current Internet infrastructure and build on UDP.

[0066] QUIC uses encryption and multiplexing techniques to provide higher security and faster data transmission speed. It allows multiple data streams to be transmitted through a single connection, reducing latency and increasing data throughput, that is, a connection can have multiple streams concurrently (stream), and different streams can carry different data. In addition, QUIC also includes congestion control and flow control functions to manage network congestion and ensure smooth data transmission.

[0067] QUIC is based on the UDP protocol, and a pair of clients and servers can have multiple connections, each with its own connection identity (ID). Each connection includes multiple streams, each with its own stream ID.

[0068] In the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) / 1.1, each TCP connection can only handle one request-response, in order to improve response speed, multiple connections need to be created at the same time, but the management of multiple connections is more complex.

[0069] In HTTP / 2, each TCP connection can include multiple logically independent streams, each stream can transmit different file data, this scheme can solve the problem of multiple data transmission in HTTP1.1, but this scheme is prone to head-of-line blocking problems.

[0070] In HTTP / 3 based on QUIC, each stream is independent of each other, and QUIC allows multiple logical data streams to be transmitted in parallel on a single connection. Each data stream is managed independently, which means that the delay or interruption of one data stream will not affect the transmission of other data streams, which helps to improve network efficiency. Especially in handling multiple requests and responses, it can greatly improve network efficiency. For example, Figure 2 If the data of stream2 is lost, it will only affect the data behind stream2, and the data on stream1 and stream3 will not be affected.

[0071] Multiplexing is another core feature of QUIC, designed to solve the head-of-line blocking problem in traditional HTTP / 1.1 and HTTP / 2. In traditional HTTP, if the response of a certain request is delayed or lost, it will block the processing of subsequent requests, resulting in slower page loading speed.

[0072] QUIC allows multiple logical data streams to be transmitted in parallel over a single connection. Each data stream has its own independent flow control and priority, which means that the delay of one data stream does not affect other data streams. This improves network efficiency, allowing fast responses to multiple requests, thus improving user experience. This is very important for modern websites, applications and multimedia streaming.

[0073] QUIC uses sequence numbers to uniquely identify data packets and sends an acknowledgment after the receiving side receives a data packet. If the sender does not receive an acknowledgment, the sender will resend the data packet, but only retransmit the missing data packet. This mechanism ensures reliable data transmission without introducing unnecessary retransmissions, thus improving efficiency.

[0074] In addition, QUIC also supports congestion control, which can adjust the sending rate of data packets according to network conditions to avoid network congestion, which helps to maintain the stability and performance of the network.

[0075] A QUIC data packet includes a header and data, as shown in Figure 3 .

[0076] The header includes a flag field, a connection ID field, a version field, and a packet number field. The flag field is used to indicate the type, status and other related information of the data packet. Different combinations of flags can represent different types of data packets, such as whether it is an initial connection request, whether the data packet needs to be acknowledged, etc.

[0077] The connection ID field is used to uniquely identify a connection. It is generated when the QUIC connection is established and remains unchanged throughout the connection.

[0078] The version number field indicates the version of the QUIC protocol used. This is to ensure that both sides of the communication use the same version of the protocol to maintain compatibility.

[0079] The packet number field indicates the order of the data packet in the connection. Each data packet has a unique packet number, which is used to sort and recombine data packets at the receiving end.

[0080] Referring to Figure 3 , the data part includes one or more data frames (Frame). Each data frame includes a frame type field and a payload field, and the payload field is used to carry application data.

[0081] There are various types of data frames, such as stream, ACK, padding, window_update, blocked, and the like. Hereinafter, a stream frame used for transmitting application data is mainly introduced.

[0082] As shown in Figure 4 , the stream frame includes a frame type field and a payload field. The frame type field occupies 1 byte.

[0083] The payload field includes a stream ID, an offset, a data length, and data.

[0084] The stream ID is used to identify the stream to which the data packet belongs, and occupies 1-4 bytes.

[0085] The offset is used to indicate the offset of the data packet in the entire data, and is used for data sorting, and occupies 0-8 bytes.

[0086] The data length occupies 2 bytes, and is used to identify the length of the actual application data.

[0087] The data is used to represent the actual application data.

[0088] With the development of wireless communication and multi-network integration technology, terminal devices often face a multi-link concurrent data transmission environment in actual application. For example, a terminal device can simultaneously connect to a WiFi, a 4th generation (4G) network, a 5G network, and the like. One of the typical multi-link transmission technologies is a dual connectivity technology, which is introduced as follows.

[0089] In a wireless communication system, in order to provide a terminal device with higher data transmission rate and utilize macro / micro networking to improve spectrum efficiency and load balancing, a dual connectivity technology is proposed. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a dual connectivity communication system is shown. Referring to Figure 5 , a terminal device supporting dual connectivity can simultaneously establish a communication connection with two network devices. One of the two network devices is a primary network device (such as a primary base station or a primary node), and the other network device is a secondary network device (such as a secondary base station or a secondary node). The primary network device and the secondary network device can be connected through a non-ideal backhaul line.

[0090] In Figure 5In the illustrated communication system, a terminal device supporting dual connectivity is configured with at least two cell groups, one is a master cell group (MCG) and the other is a secondary cell group (SCG). The MCG refers to a cell group associated with a master network device, and generally, the MCG can include a primary cell (PCell). In some implementations, the MCG can include one or more secondary cells (SCells) in addition to the PCell. The SCG refers to a cell group associated with a secondary network device. Generally, the SCG can include a PSCell. In some implementations, the SCG can include one or more SCells in addition to the PSCell.

[0091] Figure 5 The first network device is a base station, which can be any one of a 3G base station, a 4G base station, a 5G base station, a base station in a future communication system (such as a 6G base station), and the second network device is an access point (AP). Of course, in some implementations, the first network device and the second network device can both be base stations, and the network standards of the first network device and the second network device are different. For example, the first network device is a 4G base station, and the second network device is a 5G base station. For another example, the first network device is a 3G base station, and the second network device is a 4G base station. For another example, the first network device is a 5G base station, and the second network device is a 6G base station. In some implementations, the first network device and the second network device can both be wireless APs. For example, the first network device is an AP operating at a 2.4G frequency band, and the second network device is an AP operating at a 5G frequency band.

[0092] A channel can be established between the terminal device and one network device, or multiple channels can be established, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. Referring to Figure 5 , a channel can be established between the terminal device and the first network device, or multiple channels can be established; a channel can be established between the terminal device and the second network device, or multiple channels can be established. The above channel can be replaced by a session, a bearer, a path, a session connection, a packet data network (PDN) connection, a link, etc.

[0093] In some implementations, the network parameters between different channels can be different, including quality of service (QoS), bandwidth, latency, etc. For example, the QoS corresponding to different channels is different, and / or the bandwidth corresponding to different channels is different.

[0094] Figure 5Only the case that the terminal device establishes a connection with two network devices is shown, of course, the terminal device can also establish a connection with a larger number of network devices. For example, the terminal device can simultaneously establish a connection with 3 network devices, which are respectively a 4G base station, a 5G base station and a wireless AP.

[0095] In a multi-channel scenario, data packets are allocated to different channels for transmission. If the transmission speed of a channel is fast, data can quickly reach the terminal device, but if the transmission speed of a channel is slow, the application layer needs to wait for all data packets on all channels to arrive before performing complete data processing. In this way, the data packets of the slow channel become a bottleneck, causing the overall data transmission delay to lengthen, seriously affecting the user experience.

[0096] In addition, the heterogeneity of the network is also a major challenge currently faced. Different types of networks (such as WiFi, LTE, 5G) have significant differences in bandwidth, latency, stability, etc. The multi-path scheduling algorithm must be able to perceive and adapt to these differences, otherwise it is easy to cause waste of bandwidth resources and even exacerbate conflicts. For example, in some scenarios, the delay of 5G is much smaller than that of LTE, and the performance of WiFi is better than that of cellular networks in certain places. How to dynamically select the main path according to the actual capabilities of different networks and achieve effective offloading and load balancing becomes the key to improving network performance.

[0097] In a multi-path and heterogeneous network environment, there are two ways of data transmission. One way of transmission is to repeatedly transmit data on multiple channels, i.e. the same data is transmitted on each channel, but this will cause waste of resources and is not conducive to improving data transmission efficiency. The other way of transmission is to transmit different data on different channels, i.e. to offload data to different channels and transmit data in parallel on different channels, which can improve data transmission efficiency, but if the transmission quality of different channels is different, if the data on the fast channel needs to wait for the data transmission on the slow channel to complete before decoding, the data packets on the slow channel will become a bottleneck. In addition, current technologies and standards still have many problems, mainly in the following aspects:

[0098] 1. Unable to schedule and transmit based on the priority of video frames

[0099] In an actual wireless environment, the quality of each link fluctuates greatly, especially the slow link often appears to be "dragging behind", and the current scheduling strategy is to offload data packets according to the frame number, so high-priority data packets (such as video key frames) cannot be prioritized and scheduled. If low-priority data packets must wait for the arrival of high-priority data packets on the slow link before decoding, the final result may be slow first-frame loading and playback stuttering, etc., affecting the overall user experience.

[0100] 2. Unable to accurately decide whether to perform scheduling based on real-time network quality

[0101] Current multi-path scheduling strategies tend to be "the more the better", almost all links are used at the same time, but this is not necessarily effective. Only when the network status of the user end is good, multi-link concurrency can help improve transmission efficiency. Otherwise, if there is a slow link, it will increase the burden of management and retransmission, bring higher risk, even exacerbate link congestion, and have the opposite effect, resulting in a decrease in overall transmission efficiency.

[0102] 3. Unable to select the optimal scheduling path

[0103] Due to the large differences in delay and bandwidth between different network types (such as 5G, WiFi, LTE), related technologies are difficult to automatically and dynamically select the optimal path for data transmission according to the actual situation. Incorrect path selection not only reduces overall transmission efficiency, but also affects the performance of the protocol stack, such as causing out-of-order and packet loss of acknowledge (ACK) frames and data frames, further deteriorating user experience.

[0104] In summary, the current scheduling and splitting problem in multi-path and heterogeneous network environment not only affects the efficiency and stability of data transmission, but also brings serious challenges to the performance improvement and user experience of the new generation of wireless networks. Future standard and technology research needs to address these pain points and propose more intelligent, flexible and efficient scheduling optimization solutions.

[0105] To solve one or more of the above problems, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, by applying a dedicated channel or multiple channels for specific data, the dedicated channel or multiple channels are associated with the identifier of the first flow, so that the data added with the identifier of the first flow can be transmitted through the dedicated channel, or transmitted redundantly through the multiple channels, to ensure the timely transmission of the data and reduce the data transmission delay; and other data can be alternately transmitted on the multiple channels using the traditional scheme, to improve the utilization rate of transmission resources. For example, the identifier of the first flow can be added to high-priority data, so that the high-priority data can be transmitted through the dedicated channel, or transmitted redundantly through the dual-channel, so as to ensure the timely transmission of the high-priority data and avoid affecting the overall data transmission delay due to slow transmission of the high-priority data.

[0106] The scheme of the embodiments of the present application will be described below.

[0107] The embodiments of the present application aim at the efficient transmission demand of high-priority services such as video in a multi-path and multi-network environment, and design three core technical solutions including a priority retransmission mechanism, quality of experience (QoE) feedback control and main path selection, to improve the first frame loading speed, smoothness and overall service experience of the user end.

[0108] 1. Priority retransmission mechanism

[0109] In QUIC, one connection can have multiple streams concurrently, and each stream can carry different parts of a video. For key frames or important segments in video transmission, the embodiments of the present application introduce a stream-level priority retransmission mechanism.

[0110] When a certain video segment is more urgent or critical than other segments, the system will assign it a higher priority and arrange the transmission of the video segment first. In this way, the phenomenon of "stream blocking" can be effectively avoided, that is, a non-important segment blocks the continuous playback of the overall video, thereby causing the playback to be stuck.

[0111] Taking video frames as an example, the embodiments of the present application use a mapping mechanism of video frames to streams, and by setting a higher priority for key frames and first frame data, the transmission and retransmission of these key contents in all streams and frames are ensured. In this way, the first frame loading speed is greatly improved, which can greatly shorten the startup waiting time of the video, bring a "second opening" experience, and is conducive to ensuring the coherence and smooth playback of the subsequent video.

[0112] In addition, the embodiments of the present application can also apply dedicated loading for specific sites or specific streams. The specific sites can include specific applications (APPs), specific APP server IDs, etc., and one specific site corresponds to one specific stream ID.

[0113] In the scenario of multiple stream concurrency, the embodiments of the present application improve the priority and efficiency of key data transmission by applying dedicated loading to specific streams (such as the first frame of video and the key data stream of interactive services).

[0114] Taking the open university (OU) or user conference (UC) scenario (such as online education and interactive conference) as an example, one site can have multiple streams, and the three slices of each stream can be transmitted through different links. The embodiments of the present application realize dedicated loading for important streams by individually identifying each stream.

[0115] For the first frame of video services or the key control flow of interactive services, the system can automatically identify and assign a dedicated transmission channel, ensuring that these key data can reach the terminal with the fastest speed and lowest delay, greatly improving the first frame opening and interactive response speed.

[0116] 2. QoE feedback control and redundancy scheduling

[0117] In practical applications, blind or excessive retransmission and redundancy transmission can cause resource waste. Only when there is a risk of experience such as stuttering or slow first frame loading at the user end, it is necessary to start retransmission. Therefore, the embodiment of the present application introduces a QoE feedback control mechanism.

[0118] In the actual operation of the business, the system will monitor in real time various QoE risk signals including buffer depletion, first frame not reaching, stuttering, packet loss, etc.

[0119] Through end-to-end data collection, the server can sense and collect the QoE feedback signals of the client in real time (such as audio and video synchronization delay, code rate reduction, slow first frame loading, etc.). The server dynamically adjusts the aggressiveness of retransmission and redundancy scheduling according to these feedbacks, and actively enhances the redundancy transmission only when the experience risk rises.

[0120] Once the terminal detects buffer depletion, or the business platform detects that the first frame loading times out, the system will automatically initiate a special load or retransmission request to prioritize the immediate transmission of key data.

[0121] This mechanism can ensure that special loading or retransmission is only started when there is an actual user experience risk, avoiding the invalid consumption of resources, and achieving dynamic balance between experience guarantee and resource efficiency.

[0122] In addition, this mechanism can effectively achieve dynamic balance between experience and cost. When the user experience is good, unnecessary retransmission and bandwidth consumption are reduced; when the experience risk increases, the system responds quickly to ensure the timely delivery of key data and prevent stuttering and interruption.

[0123] 3. Primary path selection

[0124] In a multi-network environment (such as 5G, Wi-Fi, LTE), the delay and bandwidth of each link differ greatly. If multiple paths are enabled blindly, the overall experience may be dragged down by slow links. Therefore, the embodiment of the present application proposes a primary path selection mechanism. The system can automatically sense the real-time performance of each link, i.e., dynamically select the optimal path as the primary link according to the real-time capability and delay performance of each link to undertake the transmission task of key data.

[0125] When the primary link fails or its performance decreases, the system can seamlessly switch to the alternative link to ensure business continuity and user experience, and reduce the occurrence of waiting and stuttering.

[0126] For example, for the first frame or critical data, the path with the lowest latency and optimal bandwidth (e.g., 5G over Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi over LTE) is prioritized to accelerate the loading of the first frame and the transmission of important data packets, ensuring smooth playback and fast loading. Non-critical data or supplementary traffic can be flexibly allocated to other paths, making full use of the bandwidth resources of multiple links. This not only improves the loading speed of the first frame and the smoothness of the video but also ensures overall transmission efficiency and service experience in a multi-path environment.

[0127] The following detailed explanation of the solution provided in this application, in conjunction with the corresponding flowcharts, illustrates the method in detail. It is understood that the illustrative flowcharts provided in this application primarily use different devices (e.g., terminal devices, first network elements, third network elements, etc.) as examples of the execution entities for this interactive illustration, but this application does not limit the execution entities of the interactive illustrations. For example, the devices (e.g., terminal devices, first network elements, third network elements, etc.) in the illustrative flowcharts can also be chips, chip systems, or processors that support the implementation of this method on those devices, or logic modules or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of those devices.

[0128] As a general statement, the message or signaling interactions involved in the interaction process of this application embodiment can be standard messages or signaling or newly introduced messages or signaling. This application embodiment does not make specific limitations on this.

[0129] The core network elements involved in the embodiments of this application include user plane function network elements (or simply user plane network elements) and control plane network elements (or simply control plane network elements). Control plane function network elements include access management network elements, session management network elements, data management network elements, and policy control network elements.

[0130] User plane network elements are responsible for forwarding and receiving user data in terminal devices. User plane network elements can receive user data from the data network and transmit it to the terminal device through the access network equipment; user plane network elements can also receive user data from the terminal device through the access network equipment and forward it to the data network. The transmission resources and scheduling functions providing services to the terminal device in the user plane network element are managed and controlled by the session management function (SMF) network element. In 5G communication systems, this user plane network element can be a user plane function (UPF) network element. In future communication systems, the user plane network element can still be a UPF network element, or it can have other names; this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0131] The access management network element is a control plane network element provided by an operator network, responsible for access control and mobility management of terminal devices accessing the operator network, for example, including functions such as mobile state management, allocation of user temporary identity, and authentication of users. In the 5G communication system, the access management network element can be an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. In future communication systems, the access management network element can still be an AMF network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited by the embodiments of the present application.

[0132] The session management network element is mainly responsible for session management in a mobile network, such as session establishment, modification, and release. Specific functions include allocating an internet protocol (IP) address for a user, selecting a user plane network element that provides message forwarding functions, and the like. In the 5G communication system, the session management network element can be an SMF network element. In future communication systems, the session management network element can still be an SMF network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited by the embodiments of the present application.

[0133] The data management network element is used to generate an authentication credential, process a user identifier (such as storing and managing a user permanent identity), perform access control, and manage subscription data. In the 5G communication system, the data management network element can be a unified data management (UDM) network element. In future communication systems, the unified data management can still be a UDM network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited by the embodiments of the present application.

[0134] The policy control network element mainly supports providing a unified policy framework to control network behavior, providing policy rules to control layer network functions, and being responsible for obtaining user subscription information related to policy decision. In the 4G communication system, the policy control network element can be a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) network element. In the 5G communication system, the policy control network element can be a policy control function (PCF) network element. In future communication systems, the policy control network element can still be a PCF network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited by the embodiments of the present application.

[0135] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 600 according to an embodiment of the present application. It can be understood that the terminal device in FIG. 6 can be a terminal device in FIG. 1, Figure 6 Figure 1 Figure 5 ​​Any of the terminal devices in the above description can also refer to an apparatus (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the terminal device. The first network element can be a core network (such as a policy control function network element), and can also refer to an apparatus (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the core network. As shown in Figure 6 The method 600 includes step S610.

[0136] In step S610, the terminal device sends a first request to the first network element. The first request is used to request to establish a dedicated channel or a multi-channel. The dedicated channel can be referred to as a dedicated data channel, and the multi-channel can be referred to as a multi-data channel. The channel in the embodiments of the present application can include a channel between the terminal device and the base station, a channel between the base station and the core network, and a channel between the core network and the server. The channel in the embodiments of the present application can also be replaced by a session, a bearer, a path, a session connection, a PDN connection, a link, etc.

[0137] In some implementations, the channel used by the terminal device can include other channels (such as a default channel or a basic channel) in addition to the above-mentioned dedicated channel or multi-channel.

[0138] The terminal device sending the first request to the first network element can mean that the terminal device sends the first request to the first network element through other nodes or network elements. For example, the terminal device can send the first request to the first network element through the RAN, the AMF, the UPF, and the SMF. For example, the terminal device can send a non-access stratum (NAS) service request message to the SMF to report the state of the terminal device (corresponding to the first condition below, such as the downlink buffer area state) to the SMF, and the SMF can send the first request to the first network element according to the first condition.

[0139] In some implementations, the first request includes an identifier of a first stream, which is also referred to as a first stream ID. The dedicated channel or the multi-channel is related to the identifier of the first stream, or in other words, the dedicated channel or the multi-channel is a channel established based on the identifier of the first stream. The first stream can be a stream randomly determined by the terminal device, or the first stream can be a stream determined by the terminal device based on certain rules.

[0140] The above-mentioned dedicated channel includes but is not limited to a data channel providing a specific QoS transmission capability, such as a dedicated bearer of a mobile network satisfying a specific QoS requirement.

[0141] The network types used by the multiple channels can be the same or different, and embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations thereon. The multiple channels can use 3G, 4G, 5G or WiFi session access modes of a mobile network, and the like. Taking the multiple channels as two channels for example, one of the two channels can use a session access mode of a mobile network (such as 3G or 4G or 5G), and the other channel can use a WiFi session access mode; or one of the two channels can use a 4G session access mode, and the other channel can use a 5G session access mode; or both of the two channels use a 5G session access mode; or both of the two channels use a WiFi session access mode.

[0142] In order to ensure timely transmission of the first data, the multiple channels can use different network types, so that in the case of poor transmission quality or failure of one network, other networks can ensure timely transmission of the first data.

[0143] The dedicated channel is dedicated to carrying (or transmitting) the first data, that is, the dedicated channel does not carry other data except the first data, so as to ensure timely transmission of the first data. The first data is data with an added identifier of the first stream, that is, the dedicated channel only carries data with an added identifier of the first stream, and data without an added identifier of the first stream cannot be transmitted through the dedicated channel.

[0144] The multiple channels are used for redundant transmission of the first data, or in other words, the first data can be redundantly transmitted through the multiple channels, and the same first data is transmitted on each channel, so as to ensure timely transmission of the first data, for example, even if one channel transmits slowly, other channels can ensure timely transmission of the first data. The number of the multiple channels can be any number, such as 2, 3, and the like, and embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations thereon. The redundant transmission can also be referred to as repeated transmission.

[0145] In some implementations, the first data can be a QUIC data packet.

[0146] For other data except the first data, a polling (or alternating) manner can be used for transmission on the multiple channels, so as to avoid waste of transmission resources.

[0147] The data capable of adding the identifier of the first stream is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application. As an example, the data can be data with a higher priority in the to-be-transmitted data, so that the transmission of the data with a high priority can be ensured, and the phenomenon of "stream blocking" can be effectively avoided, i.e., a certain unimportant segment blocks the continuous playing of the whole video, and thus causes the playing to be stuck. As another example, the data can be data transmitted under a certain condition (such as the buffer being depleted or the amount of data in the buffer being small). As still another example, the data can be a service response frame. The data capable of adding the identifier of the first stream is described in detail below.

[0148] The data capable of adding the identifier of the first stream can include one or more of the following: a service first frame; a response frame of a service data stream; downlink data (hereinafter referred to as first downlink data) sent by the third network element in a case where the amount of data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is less than or equal to a first threshold; downlink data (hereinafter referred to as second downlink data) sent by the third network element in a case where the depletion speed of the data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a second threshold; uplink data (hereinafter referred to as first uplink data) sent by the terminal device in a case where the amount of data in the uplink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a third threshold.

[0149] The service first frame includes a video first frame and / or a game first frame. The service first frame is a service key frame, and such a frame plays a key role in playing fluency. Therefore, the service first frame can be transmitted through a dedicated channel or multiple channels, so as to ensure the timeliness of the transmission of the service first frame, greatly shorten the start waiting time of the video, bring a "second opening" experience, and be beneficial to ensuring the coherent and fluent playing of the subsequent video.

[0150] The response frame of the service data stream includes an ACK frame of video data and / or an ACK frame of a game service, etc. For some services such as a video, the sending end will continue to send subsequent data only after receiving the ACK frame fed back by the receiving end. If the ACK frame fed back by the receiving end is not received, the sending end will not send subsequent data. Therefore, the ACK frame plays a key role in playing fluency. Therefore, the service first frame can be transmitted through a dedicated channel or multiple channels, so as to ensure the timeliness of the transmission of the ACK frame.

[0151] The response frame of the service data stream can be sent by the terminal device to the network device, or can be sent by the network device to the terminal device, and the embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this. In other words, the service data stream herein can be an uplink data stream or a downlink data stream.

[0152] In some implementations, the data capable of adding the identification of the first stream comprises interactive game frames. The interactive game frames can refer to data transmitted between a player and a game in an interactive game. The interactive game frames are crucial to the experience of a user, and therefore, the interactive game frames can be transmitted through a dedicated channel or multiple channels to avoid congestion or lag of the interactive game frames, affecting the experience of the user.

[0153] The downlink buffer of the terminal device can cache some downlink data in advance to ensure the smoothness of the playing. If the amount of data in the downlink buffer becomes less, such as the amount of data in the downlink buffer being less than or equal to a first threshold value or the depletion speed of the data in the downlink buffer being greater than or equal to a second threshold value, it means that the data in the buffer can be insufficient to ensure the smoothness of the playing, and the transmission speed of the downlink data needs to be increased to ensure the amount of data in the buffer. In this case, the third network element can add the identification of the first stream to the first downlink data and / or the second downlink data, so that the first downlink data and / or the second downlink data can be transmitted through a dedicated channel or multiple channels to ensure the timely transmission of the first downlink data and / or the second downlink data. In some implementations, the terminal device can send indication information to the third network element to indicate the third network element to transmit the first downlink data and / or the second downlink data through a dedicated channel or a double channel when the amount of data in the downlink buffer is less than or equal to the first threshold value or the depletion speed of the data in the downlink buffer is greater than or equal to the second threshold value.

[0154] The depletion speed of the data in the downlink buffer can refer to the consumption amount (or reduction amount) of the data in the downlink buffer per unit time.

[0155] The amount of data in the uplink buffer of the terminal device represents the amount of uplink data to be transmitted in the terminal device. The more the amount of data in the uplink buffer, the more serious the uplink transmission congestion. Therefore, the identification of the first stream can be added to the first uplink data when the uplink transmission is congested, such as the amount of data in the uplink buffer being greater than or equal to a third threshold value, so that the first uplink data can be transmitted through a dedicated channel or multiple channels to ensure the timely transmission of the first uplink data and avoid link congestion.

[0156] For uplink data, such as the first uplink data, uplink ACK feedback or service first frame, the terminal device can add the identification of the first stream to the uplink data and send the data added with the identification of the first stream on a dedicated channel or multiple channels. The way of adding the identification of the first stream can be as shown in Figure 4

[0157] ​For downlink data, such as first downlink data, second downlink data, service first frame, or downlink ACK feedback, the third network element (such as APP or AF or NEF) can add the identifier of the first flow to the downlink data, and send the data added with the identifier of the first flow on the dedicated channel or the multi-channel. The way of adding the identifier of the first flow can be as shown in Figure 4

[0158] The node (such as UDM, PCF, SMF, UPF, AMF, RAN, etc.) between the third network element and the terminal device receives the data from the third network element or the terminal device, and can select the channel according to the identifier of the flow in the data. For example, if the identifier of the flow in the data is the identifier of the first flow, the data is transmitted on the dedicated channel or transmitted redundantly through the multi-channel; if the identifier of the flow in the data is not the identifier of the first flow, the data is transmitted on the non-dedicated channel or transmitted alternately through the multi-channel.

[0159] In some implementations, the terminal device can send a first request to the first network element under the condition that a first condition is met. This mechanism can ensure that dedicated loading or retransmission is only started when there is actually a user experience risk, avoiding the invalid consumption of resources, and achieving dynamic balance between experience guarantee and resource efficiency. In addition, this mechanism can effectively achieve dynamic balance between experience and cost, reduce unnecessary retransmission and bandwidth consumption when the user experience is good, and quickly respond to guarantee timely delivery of critical data and prevent stalls and interruptions when the experience risk increases.

[0160] The first condition can be related to one or more of the following information: whether there is high-priority data in the service scenario, data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device, data in the uplink buffer of the terminal device, whether the uplink ACK of the terminal device is congested, the loading duration of the service first frame, and the smoothness of video playback. The specific content of the first condition is described in detail below.

[0161] The first condition can include one or more of the following: the terminal device enters a first scenario, and there is second data in the first scenario, the priority of the second data is higher than that of other data in the first scenario except the second data; the amount of data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is less than or equal to a first threshold; the depletion speed of the data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a second threshold; the amount of data in the uplink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a third threshold; the uplink ACK is congested; the loading duration of the service first frame is greater than or equal to a fourth threshold; and the video playback is stalled.

[0162] The terminal device can request the first network element to establish a dedicated channel or a multi-channel under the condition that the first condition is met, so that the first data can be transmitted through the dedicated channel or the multi-channel, to ensure the priority transmission of the first data. ​

[0163] The first scenario can be any service scenario as long as the second data with high priority exists in the scenario. For example, the first scenario can be a video transmission scenario or a game scenario. For example, the first scenario can be a video transmission scenario, and the second data includes a first frame of a video or a key frame of a video. For another example, the first scenario can be a game scenario, and the second data can be an interactive game frame and / or a first frame of a game.

[0164] Taking the first scenario as a video transmission scenario as an example, the terminal device entering the first scenario can include that the terminal device opens a video player APP or receives an operation of a user clicking the video player APP. The terminal device opening the video player APP means that the user is about to watch a video, that is, is about to perform video transmission, and the video data includes a high-priority first frame of a video and a key frame of a video, which play an important role in the smoothness of video playing. Therefore, in order to ensure the smoothness of the subsequent video playing, the terminal device can send a first request to the first network element to request to establish a dedicated channel or multiple channels, so that the subsequent first frame of a video, the key frame of a video, or other first data to be transmitted can be transmitted through the dedicated channel or the multiple channels, to avoid a situation of playing lag, and improve user experience.

[0165] The terminal device entering the first scenario can include that the terminal device opens a game APP or receives an operation of a user clicking the game APP. The terminal device opening the game APP means that the user is about to play a game, that is, is about to perform transmission of game data, and the game data includes a high-priority first frame of a game and an interactive game frame, which play an important role in the smoothness of the game. Therefore, in order to ensure the subsequent effective smoothness, the terminal device can send a first request to the first network element to request to establish a dedicated channel or multiple channels, so that the subsequent first frame of a game, the interactive game frame, or other first data to be transmitted can be transmitted through the dedicated channel or the multiple channels, to avoid a situation of lag, and improve user experience.

[0166] The amount of data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device plays an important role in the smoothness of the service. The more the amount of data in the downlink buffer, the more the smoothness of the service can be ensured; the less the amount of data in the downlink buffer, the more likely the lag occurs. Therefore, the terminal device can request the first network element to establish a dedicated channel or multiple channels when the amount of data in the downlink buffer is less than or equal to a first threshold, so that the subsequent first downlink data or other first data can be transmitted through the dedicated channel or the multiple channels to increase the amount of data in the downlink buffer.

[0167] In addition, the consumption speed of the data in the downlink buffer also affects the amount of data in the downlink buffer. The greater the consumption speed of the data in the downlink buffer, the faster the data in the downlink buffer is consumed. Therefore, the terminal device can request the first network element to establish a dedicated channel or multiple channels when the consumption speed of the data in the downlink buffer is greater than or equal to a second threshold, so that the subsequent second downlink data or other first data can be transmitted through the dedicated channel or the multiple channels, thereby increasing the amount of data in the downlink buffer.

[0168] The greater the amount of data in the uplink buffer of the terminal device, the more congested the uplink transmission is, and the poorer the channel quality of the uplink transmission is. Therefore, the terminal device can request the first network element to establish a dedicated channel or multiple channels when the amount of data in the uplink buffer is greater than or equal to a third threshold, so that the first data described above can be transmitted through the dedicated channel or the multiple channels, thereby reducing the congestion of the uplink transmission.

[0169] As known from the foregoing, the uplink ACK feedback plays an important role in the smoothness of the service. When the uplink ACK feedback is congested, the network side will not send subsequent data to the terminal device, resulting in a lag in the service. Therefore, the terminal device can request the first network element to establish a dedicated channel or multiple channels when the uplink ACK is congested, so that the uplink ACK feedback or other first data can be transmitted through the dedicated channel or the multiple channels, thereby improving the smoothness of the service. The uplink ACK feedback congestion can refer to the number of uplink ACK feedbacks to be sent being greater than or equal to a preset threshold.

[0170] The loading duration of the first frame of the service being greater than or equal to a fourth threshold indicates that the loading of the first frame of the service lags, and the playing of the service is not smooth. In this case, the terminal device can request the first network element to establish a dedicated channel or multiple channels, so that the first frame of the service or other first data can be transmitted through the dedicated channel or the multiple channels, thereby improving the smoothness of the service.

[0171] Video playing lag affects the user experience. The terminal device can request the first network element to establish a dedicated channel or multiple channels when the video playing lags, so that the first data (such as the first frame of the video) can be transmitted through the dedicated channel or the multiple channels, thereby improving the smoothness of the video playing.

[0172] The scheme of the embodiments of the present application takes the user experience as the core. The establishment of the dedicated channel or the multiple channels is triggered only when an actual risk (such as lag, slow first frame, abnormal bandwidth, etc.) is detected, thereby avoiding waste of resources. In addition, the identification of the first flow is used as the unique identifier in the data transmission process, thereby achieving accurate protection of different service flows and improving the network resource utilization and the user perception.

[0173] In some implementations, the embodiments of the present application can also apply for a dedicated channel or a multi-channel for a specific site. The specific site includes, for example, a specific APP or a specific APP server ID.

[0174] In some implementations, the first network element can establish a dedicated channel or a multi-channel in response to the first request. For example, the first network element can determine the first parameter in response to the first request, and the first parameter can include one or more of the following parameters: QoS, bandwidth, and latency. The first network element can send the first parameter to the fourth network element, which is used to trigger the fourth network element to establish a dedicated channel or a multi-channel. The fourth network element can be an SMF. After receiving the first parameter, the fourth network element can send a third request to the UPF through the N4 interface, which is used to request to establish a dedicated channel or a multi-channel, and the third request includes the first parameter, and the third request can be an N4 activate message. After receiving the third request, the UPF can complete the allocation of exclusive resources and the establishment of data channels, and record the identification information of the service, and apply to the base station to establish a dedicated channel or a multi-channel resource.

[0175] In some implementations, the first network element can determine whether to allow the establishment of a dedicated channel or a multi-channel according to the subscription information of the terminal device and / or the reason for which the terminal device requests to establish a dedicated channel or a multi-channel.

[0176] In some implementations, the first request can include first information, which is used to indicate a first condition that triggers the first request, and the first condition is used to inform the first network element of the reason for requesting to establish a dedicated channel or a multi-channel. The first network element can determine whether to allow the establishment of a dedicated channel or a multi-channel according to the first condition.

[0177] In some implementations, the first network element can also send the reason for which the terminal device requests to establish a dedicated channel or a multi-channel to the third network element, so that the third network element determines which data can be added to the identification of the first flow and transmitted on the dedicated channel or the multi-channel according to the reason.

[0178] In some implementations, the type of the established channel (dedicated channel or multi-channel) can be determined by the terminal device or by the first network element.

[0179] As an example, the terminal device can determine whether to request to establish a dedicated channel or a multi-channel according to the type of the first condition. For example, for the case where playback stuttering or transmission congestion (such as uplink ACK feedback congestion, slow loading of the first frame of service, video playback stuttering, etc.) has occurred, the terminal device can request to establish a dedicated channel so that the data can be transmitted in time; and for other cases, the terminal device can request to establish a multi-channel.

[0180] As another example, the terminal device can determine whether the requested channel to be established is a dedicated channel or a multi-channel according to whether the terminal device has the capability of multi-channel. If the terminal device does not have the capability of multi-channel, the terminal device can request to establish a dedicated channel; if the terminal device has the capability of multi-channel, the terminal device can request to establish a multi-channel.

[0181] As another example, the first network element can determine whether to establish a dedicated channel or a multi-channel according to the first information included in the first request. For example, if the first information indicates that the first condition is that the situation of playing card jam or transmission congestion (such as uplink ACK feedback congestion, slow loading of the first frame of service, video playing card jam, etc.) has occurred, the first network element can establish a dedicated channel to enable timely transmission of data; and for other situations, the first network element can establish a multi-channel.

[0182] In some implementations, the first network element can send second information to the terminal device. The second information includes an identifier of the dedicated channel or an identifier of the multi-channel, and the terminal device can select a channel for data transmission according to the identifier of the dedicated channel or the identifier of the multi-channel. The identifier of the channel and the identifier of the first flow have a corresponding relationship. The first network element can send the second information after the establishment of the dedicated channel or the multi-channel is completed, or before the establishment of the dedicated channel or the multi-channel is completed.

[0183] In some implementations, the third network element can add the identifier of the channel to the data transmitted by the terminal device in addition to the identifier of the first flow, so that other nodes can select the corresponding channel for data transmission according to the identifier of the channel.

[0184] In some implementations, for the first data, the terminal device can select the dedicated channel to transmit the first data, and for other data other than the first data, the terminal device can select a channel other than the dedicated channel for transmission. Alternatively, for the first data, the terminal device can redundantly transmit the first data on the multi-channel, and for other data other than the first data, the terminal device can alternately transmit the data on the multi-channel or alternately transmit the data on other channels.

[0185] For example, if the first request is used to request to establish a multi-channel, or the first network element establishes a multi-channel based on the first request of the terminal device, for the third data, the terminal device can use a polling manner to receive or send the third data on the multi-channel, the third data being data other than the first data in the data to be transmitted.

[0186] In some implementations, the second network element can further send, to the terminal device, third information indicating a data transmission quality of the dedicated channel or the multiple channels, the data transmission quality being used by the terminal device to adjust a transmission strategy of subsequent data. The data transmission quality can also be understood as a channel quality. For example, the terminal device can determine a QoS class identifier (QCI) of the data based on the data transmission quality of the dedicated channel or the multiple channels. For example, if the data transmission quality of the dedicated channel or the multiple channels is poor, the terminal device can increase the QCI of the data and transmit the data with a higher QCI.

[0187] The data transmission quality of the dedicated channel can be determined based on buffered data on the dedicated channel and / or a data forwarding time difference on the dedicated channel, and the data transmission quality of the multiple channels can be determined based on buffered data on the multiple channels and / or a data forwarding time difference on the multiple channels. The more buffered data on a channel, the poorer the data transmission quality of the channel. The data forwarding time difference can refer to a time difference between a time at which the terminal device sends data and a time at which the second network element sends the data.

[0188] In some implementations, the second network element can send the third information in a periodic manner or a non-periodic manner. For example, the second network element can send the third information to the terminal device again if the data transmission quality is poor. For another example, the second network element can periodically send the third information to the terminal device regardless of whether the data transmission quality is good or bad, so that the terminal device can timely learn the transmission quality of the channel and adjust the data transmission strategy.

[0189] In some implementations, if the terminal device and the third network element do not use the dedicated channel or the multiple channels to transmit data within a first preset time period after the network side establishes the dedicated channel or the multiple channels, i.e., there is no important data to be transmitted within the first preset time period, or other channels can meet the transmission requirement, the network side can release the dedicated channel or the multiple channels to save resources.

[0190] The above describes a scheme in which the terminal device initiates establishment of the dedicated channel or the multiple channels. The following describes a scheme in which the third network element initiates establishment of the dedicated channel or the multiple channels. Figure 7 The following describes a scheme in which the third network element initiates establishment of the dedicated channel or the multiple channels. Figure 7 The scheme shown in FIG. 7 is similar to the scheme shown in FIG. 6, and the content not described in detail can be referred to the description of FIG. 6. Figure 6 The scheme shown in FIG. 7 is similar to the scheme shown in FIG. 6, and the content not described in detail can be referred to the description of FIG. 6.

[0191] Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 700 according to an embodiment of the present application. It can be understood that the communication method 700 can be implemented by the terminal device 100 shown in FIG. 1, the network device 200 shown in FIG. 2, or the network device 200 shown in FIG. 3. Figure 7The third network element in the method can be any third network element, and can also refer to an apparatus (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the third network element. The first network element can be a core network (such as a policy control function network element), and can also refer to an apparatus (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the core network. The third network element can be a core network (such as an AF or an NEF) or a service APP, and can also refer to an apparatus (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the core network. As shown in Figure 7 The method 700 includes step S710.

[0192] In step S710, the third network element sends a second request to the first network element. The second request is used to request to establish a dedicated channel or a multi-channel. The dedicated channel can be referred to as a dedicated data channel, and the multi-channel can be referred to as a multi-data channel. The channel in the embodiments of the present application can include a channel between a terminal device and a base station, a channel between a base station and a core network, and a channel between a core network and a server.

[0193] In some implementations, the channel used by the terminal device can include other channels (such as a default channel or a basic channel) in addition to the above-mentioned dedicated channel or multi-channel.

[0194] The third network element sending the second request to the first network element can mean that the third network element sends the second request to the first network element through other nodes or network elements. For example, the third network element can send the second request to the first network element through a UDM.

[0195] In some implementations, the second request includes an identification of a second stream, which is also referred to as a second stream ID. The dedicated channel or the multi-channel is related to the identification of the second stream, or in other words, the dedicated channel or the multi-channel is a channel established based on the identification of the second stream. The second stream can be a stream randomly determined by the third network element, or the second stream can be a stream determined by the third network element based on certain rules. The identification of the second stream here has the same function as the identification of the first stream in the above, and the difference is only that the identification of the first stream is an identification determined by the terminal device, and the identification of the second stream is an identification determined by the third network element.

[0196] The above-mentioned dedicated channel includes but is not limited to a data channel providing a specific QoS transmission capability, such as a dedicated bearer of a mobile network satisfying a specific QoS requirement.

[0197] The network types used by the multiple channels can be the same or different, and embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations thereon. The multiple channels can use 3G, 4G, 5G or WiFi session access modes of a mobile network. Taking the multiple channels as two channels for example, one of the two channels can use a session access mode of a mobile network (such as 3G or 4G or 5G), and the other channel can use a WiFi session access mode; or one of the two channels can use a 4G session access mode, and the other channel can use a 5G session access mode; or both of the two channels use a 5G session access mode; or both of the two channels use a WiFi session access mode.

[0198] To ensure timely transmission of the fourth data, the multiple channels can use different network types, so that in the case of poor transmission quality or failure of one network, other networks can ensure timely transmission of the fourth data.

[0199] In some implementations, the fourth data is the same as the first data.

[0200] The dedicated channel is dedicated to carrying (or transmitting) the fourth data, that is, the dedicated channel does not carry other data except the fourth data, so as to ensure timely transmission of the fourth data. The fourth data is data that adds an identifier of the second flow, that is, the dedicated channel only carries data that adds an identifier of the second flow, and cannot transmit data that does not add an identifier of the second flow.

[0201] The multiple channels are used for redundant transmission of the fourth data, or in other words, the fourth data can be redundantly transmitted through the multiple channels, and the same fourth data is transmitted on each channel, so as to ensure timely transmission of the fourth data, for example, even if one channel transmits slowly, other channels can ensure timely transmission of the fourth data. The number of multiple channels can be any number, such as 2, 3, etc., and embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations thereon. Redundant transmission can also be referred to as repeated transmission.

[0202] In some implementations, the fourth data can be a QUIC data packet.

[0203] For other data than the fourth data, a polling (or alternating) manner can be used for transmission on the multiple channels, so as to avoid wasting transmission resources.

[0204] Embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations on the data that can add an identifier of the second flow. As an example, the data can be data with a higher priority in the data to be transmitted. As another example, the data can be data transmitted under specific conditions. As yet another example, the data can be a business response frame. The data that can add an identifier of the second flow is described in detail below.

[0205] The data capable of adding the identifier of the second stream can include one or more of the following: a service first frame; an ACK frame of a service data stream; downlink data (hereinafter referred to as first downlink data) sent by the third network element in a case where the amount of data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is less than or equal to a first threshold; downlink data (hereinafter referred to as second downlink data) sent by the third network element in a case where the depletion speed of the data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a second threshold; uplink data (hereinafter referred to as first uplink data) sent by the terminal device in a case where the amount of data in the uplink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a third threshold.

[0206] The service first frame includes a video first frame and / or a game first frame. The service first frame is a service key frame, and such a frame plays a key role in playing fluency, and therefore, the service first frame can be transmitted through a dedicated channel or multiple channels to ensure the timeliness of the transmission of the service first frame. The service first frame can be sent by the terminal device to the third network element or sent by the third network element to the terminal device, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0207] The ACK frame of the service data stream includes an ACK frame of video data and / or an ACK frame of a game service. For some services such as video, the sending end will continue to send subsequent data only after receiving the ACK frame fed back by the receiving end, and will not send subsequent data if the ACK frame fed back by the receiving end is not received. Therefore, the ACK frame plays a key role in playing fluency, and therefore, the ACK frame can be transmitted through a dedicated channel or multiple channels to ensure the timeliness of the transmission of the ACK frame.

[0208] The ACK frame of the service data stream can be sent by the terminal device to the network device or sent by the network device to the terminal device, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In other words, the service data stream herein can be an uplink data stream or a downlink data stream.

[0209] In some implementations, the data capable of adding the identifier of the second stream includes an interactive game frame. The interactive game frame can refer to data transmitted between a player and a game in an interactive game. The interactive game frame is crucial to the experience of a user, and therefore, the interactive game frame can be transmitted through a dedicated channel or multiple channels to avoid congestion or lag of the interactive game frame, which affects the user experience.

[0210] The downlink buffer of the terminal device can cache some downlink data in advance to ensure the smoothness of the playing. If the amount of data in the downlink buffer becomes small, such as the amount of data in the downlink buffer being less than or equal to a first threshold, or the depletion speed of the data in the downlink buffer being greater than or equal to a second threshold, it means that the data in the buffer can be insufficient to ensure the smoothness of the playing, and the transmission speed of the downlink data needs to be increased to ensure the amount of data in the buffer. In this case, the third network element can add the identifier of the first flow to the first downlink data and / or the second downlink data, so that the first downlink data and / or the second downlink data can be transmitted through a dedicated channel or multiple channels to ensure the timely transmission of the first downlink data and / or the second downlink data. In some implementations, the terminal device can send indication information to the third network element to indicate that the third network element transmits the first downlink data and / or the second downlink data through a dedicated channel or multiple channels when the amount of data in the downlink buffer is less than or equal to the first threshold, or the depletion speed of the data in the downlink buffer is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0211] The depletion speed of the data in the downlink buffer can refer to the consumption amount (or reduction amount) of the data in the downlink buffer per unit time.

[0212] The amount of data in the uplink buffer of the terminal device represents the amount of uplink data to be transmitted in the terminal device. The more the amount of data in the uplink buffer, the more serious the uplink transmission congestion. Therefore, the identifier of the second flow can be added to the first uplink data when the uplink transmission is congested, such as when the amount of data in the uplink buffer is greater than or equal to a third threshold, so that the first uplink data can be transmitted through a dedicated channel or multiple channels to ensure the timely transmission of the first uplink data and avoid link congestion.

[0213] For uplink data such as the first uplink data, uplink ACK feedback, or service first frame, the terminal device can add the identifier of the second flow to the uplink data and send the data with the added identifier of the second flow on a dedicated channel or multiple channels. The way of adding the identifier of the second flow can be as shown in Figure 4 .

[0214] For downlink data such as the first downlink data, the second downlink data, the service first frame, or the downlink ACK feedback, the third network element (such as APP or AF or NEF) can add the identifier of the second flow to the downlink data and send the data with the added identifier of the second flow on a dedicated channel or multiple channels. The way of adding the identifier of the second flow can be as shown in Figure 4 .

[0215] The node (such as a UDM, a PCF, a SMF, a UPF, an AMF, a RAN, etc.) between the third network element and the terminal device receives data from the third network element or the terminal device, and can select a channel according to the flow identifier in the data. For example, if the flow identifier in the data is the identifier of the second flow, the data is transmitted on the dedicated channel or through multi-channel redundancy; if the flow identifier in the data is not the identifier of the second flow, the data is transmitted on the non-dedicated channel or through multi-channel alternation.

[0216] In some implementations, the third network element can send a second request to the first network element when the second condition is met. This mechanism can ensure that dedicated loading or retransmission is only started when there is actually a user experience risk, avoiding the invalid consumption of resources and achieving dynamic balance between experience guarantee and resource efficiency. In addition, this mechanism can effectively achieve dynamic balance between experience and cost, reduce unnecessary retransmission and bandwidth consumption when the user experience is good, and quickly respond to guarantee timely delivery of critical data and prevent stalls and interruptions when the experience risk increases.

[0217] The second condition is related to whether there is high-priority data in the service scenario. For example, the second condition can include that the terminal device enters the second scenario, and there is fifth data in the second scenario, and the priority of the fifth data is higher than that of other data in the second scenario except the fifth data.

[0218] The third network element can perceive whether the terminal device enters the second scenario. In some implementations, if the terminal device enters the second scenario, the terminal device will send indication information to the third network element to indicate that the terminal device has entered the second scenario. The second scenario here is the same as the first scenario described above.

[0219] The third network element can request the first network element to establish a dedicated channel or multi-channel when the second condition is met, so that the fourth data can be transmitted through the dedicated channel or the multi-channel, to ensure the priority transmission of the fourth data.

[0220] The second scenario can be any service scenario as long as there is high-priority fifth data in the scenario, such as a video transmission scenario or a game scenario. For example, the second scenario can be a video transmission scenario, and the fifth data includes a first frame of video or a key frame of video. For another example, the second scenario can be a game scenario, and the fifth data can be an interactive game frame and / or a first frame of game.

[0221] Taking the second scenario as an example of a video transmission scenario, the terminal device entering the second scenario can include the terminal device opening a video player APP or receiving a user operation of clicking the video player APP. The terminal device opening the video player APP means that the user is about to watch a video, that is, is about to perform video transmission. The video data includes high-priority video first frames and video key frames, and the video first frames and the video key frames play an important role in the smoothness of video playing. Therefore, in order to ensure the smoothness of the subsequent video playing, the third network element can send a second request to the first network element to request the establishment of a dedicated channel or multiple channels, so that the subsequent video first frames, video key frames or other fourth data to be transmitted can be transmitted through the dedicated channel or the multiple channels, to avoid the occurrence of playing lag and improve the user experience.

[0222] The terminal device entering the second scenario can include the terminal device opening a game APP or receiving a user operation of clicking the game APP. The terminal device opening the game APP means that the user is about to play a game, that is, is about to perform transmission of game data. The game data includes high-priority game first frames and interactive game frames, and the game first frames and the interactive game frames play an important role in the smoothness of the game. Therefore, in order to ensure the effective smoothness of the subsequent playing, the third network element can send a second request to the first network element to request the establishment of a dedicated channel or multiple channels, so that the subsequent game first frames, interactive game frames or other fourth data to be transmitted can be transmitted through the dedicated channel or the multiple channels, to avoid the occurrence of lag and improve the user experience.

[0223] In some implementations, the embodiments of the present application can also adopt a QoE feedback control mechanism, so that the third network element can perceive and collect QoE feedback signals of the terminal device in real time, such as playing lag, slow first frame loading, downlink buffer depletion, downlink buffer blocking, etc. In this scenario, the second condition can include the content in the first condition, and the third network element can also send a second request to the first network element in the case of meeting the first condition.

[0224] The scheme of the embodiments of the present application takes user experience as the core, and can trigger the establishment of a dedicated channel or multiple channels only in the case of detecting actual risks (such as lag, slow first frame, abnormal bandwidth, etc.), to avoid waste of resources. In addition, the identification of the second flow is used as a unique identifier in the data transmission process, to realize accurate protection of different service flows and improve network resource utilization and user perception.

[0225] In some implementations, the embodiments of the present application can also apply for a dedicated channel or multiple channels for a specific site. The specific site includes, for example, a specific APP or a specific APP server ID.

[0226] In some implementations, the first network element can establish the dedicated channel or the multi-channel in response to the second request. For example, the first network element can determine first parameters in response to the second request, the first parameters can include one or more of the following parameters: QoS, bandwidth, and latency. The first network element can send the first parameters to the fourth network element, which are used to trigger the fourth network element to establish the dedicated channel or the multi-channel. The fourth network element can be an SMF. After receiving the first parameters, the fourth network element can send a third request to a UPF through an N4 interface, the third request is used to request to establish the dedicated channel or the multi-channel, and the third request includes the first parameters. After receiving the third request, the UPF can complete the allocation of the dedicated resources and the establishment of the data channel, and record the identification information of the service, and apply to the base station to establish the resources of the dedicated channel or the multi-channel.

[0227] In some implementations, the first network element can determine whether to allow the establishment of the dedicated channel or the multi-channel according to the subscription information of the terminal device and / or the reason for which the third network element requests to establish the dedicated channel or the multi-channel.

[0228] In some implementations, the second request can include fourth information, the fourth information is used to indicate a second condition that triggers the second request, the second condition is used to inform the first network element of the reason for which the third network element requests to establish the dedicated channel or the multi-channel. The first network element can determine whether to allow the establishment of the dedicated channel or the multi-channel according to the second condition.

[0229] In some implementations, the first network element can also send the reason for which the third network element requests to establish the dedicated channel or the multi-channel to the terminal device, so that the terminal device determines which data can be added to the identification of the first flow and transmitted on the dedicated channel or the multi-channel according to the reason.

[0230] In some implementations, the type of the established channel (dedicated channel or multi-channel) can be determined by the third network element or the first network element. As an example, the third network element can determine whether to request to establish a dedicated channel or a multi-channel according to whether the third network element has the capability of multi-channel. If the third network element does not have the capability of multi-channel, the third network element can request to establish a dedicated channel; if the third network element has the capability of multi-channel, the third network element can request to establish a multi-channel.

[0231] In some implementations, the first network element can send fifth information to the third network element. The fifth information includes the identification of the dedicated channel or the identification of the multi-channel, and the third network element can select a channel for data transmission according to the identification of the dedicated channel or the identification of the multi-channel. The identification of the channel has a corresponding relationship with the identification of the second flow. The first network element can send the fifth information after the establishment of the dedicated channel or the multi-channel is completed, or before the establishment of the dedicated channel or the multi-channel is completed.

[0232] In some implementations, the third network element can add an identifier of the channel to the data transmitted by the terminal device in addition to adding the identifier of the first flow, so that other nodes can select the corresponding channel for data transmission according to the identifier of the channel.

[0233] In some implementations, for the fourth data, the terminal device can select the dedicated channel to transmit the fourth data, and for other data other than the fourth data, the third network element can select a channel other than the dedicated channel for transmission. Alternatively, for the fourth data, the third network element can redundantly transmit the fourth data on multiple channels, and for other data other than the fourth data, the third network element can alternately transmit the data on the multiple channels or alternately transmit the data on other channels.

[0234] For example, if the second request is used to request to establish multiple channels, or the first network element establishes multiple channels based on the second request of the third network element, for the sixth data, the third network element can use a polling manner to receive or send the sixth data on the multiple channels, and the sixth data is data other than the fourth data in the data to be transmitted.

[0235] In some implementations, the second network element can also send sixth information to the third network element, the sixth information being used to indicate a data transmission quality of the dedicated channel or the multiple channels, and the data transmission quality being used by the third network element to adjust a transmission strategy of subsequent data. The data transmission quality can also be understood as a channel quality. For example, the third network element can determine a QCI of the data based on the data transmission quality of the dedicated channel or the multiple channels. For example, if the data transmission quality of the dedicated channel or the multiple channels is poor, the third network element can increase the QCI of the data and send the data with a higher QCI.

[0236] The data transmission quality of the dedicated channel can be determined based on buffered data on the dedicated channel and / or a data forwarding time difference on the dedicated channel, and the data transmission quality of the multiple channels can be determined based on buffered data on the multiple channels and / or a data forwarding time difference on the multiple channels. The more buffered data on the channel, the poorer the data transmission quality of the channel. The data forwarding time difference can refer to a time difference between a time when the terminal device sends data and a time when the second network element sends the data.

[0237] In some implementations, the second network element can send the sixth information in a periodic manner or a non-periodic manner. For example, the second network element can send the sixth information to the third network element again in the case of poor data transmission quality. For another example, the second network element can periodically send the sixth information to the third network element regardless of whether the data transmission quality is good or bad, so that the third network element can timely understand the transmission quality of the channel and adjust the data transmission strategy.

[0238] In some implementations, after the network side establishes the dedicated channel or the multiple channels, if there is no data transmission between the terminal device and the third network element using the dedicated channel or the multiple channels within a first preset time length, i.e., there is no important data to be transmitted within the first preset time length, or other channels can meet the transmission requirements, the network side can release the dedicated channel or the multiple channels to save resources.

[0239] The scheme of the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below. Figure 8 It should be noted that, Figure 8 The scheme described can be used in combination with the scheme described above.

[0240] Referring to Figure 8 In step S802, the UE sends a first request to the PCF, or the third network element (APP or AF or NEF) sends a second request to the PCF. The third network element can also be referred to as a user service side.

[0241] When the UE detects a critical scenario, the UE will actively send a first request to the PCF; when the third network element detects a critical scenario, the third network element will actively send a second request to the PCF. The critical scenario includes one or more of the following: video first frame, interactive game key frame, buffer depletion, etc.

[0242] The first request is used to apply for a dedicated channel or multiple channels for special frames, and the first request can also indicate the reason or intention of establishing a dedicated channel or multiple channels. The special frames include video first frames and / or interactive game frames, etc. In addition, the first request can also indicate that the terminal device has a multiple channel transmission capability.

[0243] The second request is used to apply for a dedicated channel or multiple channels for special frames, and the second request can also indicate the reason or intention of establishing a dedicated channel or multiple channels. The special frames include video first frames and / or interactive game frames, etc. In addition, the second request can also indicate that the third network element has a multiple channel transmission capability, has a special frame priority transmission capability, and can authorize a special frame transmission strategy.

[0244] In addition, the first request or the second request can include a unique stream ID (hereinafter referred to as streamID1) to facilitate subsequent network, service application identification and resource allocation.

[0245] The service side explicitly passes the intention of applying for a dedicated channel or multiple channels in the request, and the intention corresponds to a unique stream ID. In this way, all subsequent related resource applications, strategy judgments and data forwarding quality can be differentiated based on the stream ID.

[0246] At step S804, the PCF sends a special frame channel label to the UE or the third network element, which uniquely corresponds to a specific stream. The special frame channel is the dedicated channel or the multi-channel described above.

[0247] At step S806, the PCF sends an N4 activation message to the UPF through the SMF to establish a special frame channel (or a special frame forwarding channel) corresponding to certain indicators such as latency and bandwidth.

[0248] At step S808, if the channel established at step S806 is a dedicated channel, the third network element sends data to the UPF through the dedicated channel, and the UPF forwards the data to the UE through the dedicated channel, the data carrying the stream ID1.

[0249] At step S810, if the channel established at step S806 is a multi-channel, the third network element sends data to the UPF through the multi-channel, and the UPF forwards the data to the UE through the multi-channel, the data carrying the stream ID1.

[0250] It should be noted that if step S802 is to apply for establishing a special frame channel for the first frame of a video, the third network element can add the stream ID1 to the first frame of the video when sending the first frame of the video; if step S802 is to apply for establishing a special frame channel for an interactive game frame, the third network element can add the stream ID1 to the interactive game frame when sending the interactive game frame.

[0251] At step S812, if the terminal device detects a buffer anomaly, such as the amount of data in the buffer being less than or equal to a first threshold, or the depletion rate of data in the buffer being greater than or equal to a second threshold, the terminal device can apply for a dedicated channel or a multi-channel.

[0252] At step S814, the terminal device can send a NAS service request message to the SMF to report the current buffer status to the network side and apply for a dedicated channel or a multi-channel.

[0253] At step S816, after receiving the NAS service request message, the SMF can send a request message to the PCF, such as forwarding the current buffer status of the terminal device, to apply for a high-priority dedicated channel or a multi-channel.

[0254] At step S818, the PCF sends an N4 activation message to the UPF through the SMF to establish a special frame channel (or a special frame forwarding channel) corresponding to certain indicators such as latency and bandwidth.

[0255] At step S820, the terminal device can send a NAS service request message to the SMF to request a dedicated channel or a multi-channel for uplink ACK feedback. For example, the terminal device can send the request message to the SMF in a case where uplink ACK feedback is congested.

[0256] At step S822, after receiving the request message, the SMF can send a request message to the PCF to apply for a high-priority dedicated channel or a multi-channel.

[0257] At step S824, the PCF sends an N4 activation message to the UPF through the SMF to establish a special frame channel (or a special frame forwarding channel), which corresponds to certain indicators such as latency and bandwidth.

[0258] It should be noted that steps S802-S806, steps S812-S818, steps S820-S824 are schemes for the terminal device to request establishment of a special frame channel based on three different intentions.

[0259] Steps S808 and S810 are schemes for the third network element to send data to the UE based on two different channels (dedicated channel or multi-channel). Steps S808 and S810 are applicable to any one of the intentions for requesting establishment of a special frame channel.

[0260] It should be understood that Figures 1 to 8 The flowchart or scenario diagram shown is only for understanding and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the present application to the examples shown in the diagram. In fact, based on the examples in the foregoing detailed description, those skilled in the art can make equivalent transformations to obtain more implementation manners. Figures 1 to 8

[0261] The foregoing detailed description of the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application is described in conjunction with Figures 1 to 8 The device embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below in conjunction with Figures 9 to 10 It should be understood that the communication device of the embodiments of the present application can perform the various communication methods of the foregoing embodiments of the present application, i.e., the specific working processes of the following various products can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0262] In the foregoing embodiments, the terminal device can perform part or all of the steps in the embodiments; the core network can perform part or all of the steps in the embodiments. These steps or operations are only examples, and the embodiments of the present application can also perform other operations or variations of various operations. In addition, the various steps can be performed in different orders according to the different sequences presented in the embodiments, and it is possible that not all operations in the embodiments of the present application are performed. Moreover, the size of the serial number of each step does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of each process should be determined according to its function and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.​

[0263] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of a communication apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 9 the communication apparatus 900 can include a communication module 920. The communication module 920 can implement a corresponding communication function, which can be an internal communication function of the communication apparatus 900, or a communication function of the communication apparatus 900 and other apparatuses. Alternatively, the communication module 920 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a transceiver module. Alternatively, the communication apparatus 900 further includes a processing module 910. The processing module 910 can implement a corresponding processing function.

[0264] Alternatively, the communication apparatus 900 further includes a storage module, which can be used to store instructions and / or data; the processing module 910 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module, so that the communication apparatus 900 implements the foregoing method embodiments.

[0265] In a possible design, the communication apparatus 900 can correspond to a terminal device in the foregoing method embodiments, or a component (such as a circuit, a chip or a chip system, etc.) configured in the terminal device. The communication apparatus 900 can be used to execute steps or processes performed by the terminal device in any of the foregoing method embodiments.

[0266] For example, in some implementations, the communication module 920 is configured to: send a first request to a first network element, the first request being used to request establishment of a dedicated channel or a multi-channel, the first request including an identifier of a first flow, the dedicated channel being used to carry first data, the multi-channel being used for redundant transmission of the first data, and the first data being data to which the identifier of the first flow is added; wherein the data to which the identifier of the first flow is added comprises one or more of the following: a service first frame; a response frame of a service data flow; downlink data sent by a third network element in a case where an amount of data in a downlink buffer of the terminal device is less than or equal to a first threshold; downlink data sent by the third network element in a case where a depletion speed of data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a second threshold; and uplink data sent by the terminal device in a case where an amount of data in an uplink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a third threshold.

[0267] In some embodiments, the communication module 920 is configured to: in a case where a first condition is met, send the first request to the first network element, the first condition comprising one or more of: the terminal device entering a first scenario, and there being second data in the first scenario, the second data having a higher priority than other data in the first scenario except the second data; an amount of data in a downlink buffer of the terminal device being less than or equal to a first threshold; a depletion speed of the data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device being greater than or equal to a second threshold; an amount of data in an uplink buffer of the terminal device being greater than or equal to a third threshold; uplink acknowledgement (ACK) feedback congestion; a loading duration of a first frame of a service being greater than or equal to a fourth threshold; video playback freezing.

[0268] In some embodiments, the first scenario is a video transmission scenario, and the second data comprises a first frame of a video; and / or, the first scenario is a game scenario, and the second data comprises an interactive game frame and / or a first frame of a game.

[0269] In some embodiments, the first request comprises first information, the first information being used to indicate the first condition that triggers the second request, the first condition being used to inform the first network element of a reason for requesting establishment of the dedicated channel or the multiple channels.

[0270] In some embodiments, the communication module 920 is further configured to: receive second information from the first network element, the second information comprising an identifier of the dedicated channel or an identifier of the multiple channels, the dedicated channel or the multiple channels being established based on first parameters determined by the first network element, the first parameters comprising quality of service (QoS) and / or bandwidth.

[0271] In some embodiments, if the second request is used to request establishment of the multiple channels, the communication module 920 is further configured to: send or receive third data on the multiple channels in a polling manner, the third data comprising data other than the first data in to-be-transmitted data.

[0272] In some embodiments, the communication module 920 is further configured to: receive third information from a second network element, the third information being used to indicate a data transmission quality of the dedicated channel or the multiple channels, the data transmission quality being used by the terminal device to adjust a transmission strategy for subsequent data, the data transmission quality of the dedicated channel being determined based on buffered data on the dedicated channel and / or a data forwarding time difference on the dedicated channel, the data transmission quality of the multiple channels being determined based on buffered data on the multiple channels and / or a data forwarding time difference on the multiple channels.

[0273] In some embodiments, the second network element is a user plane function network element.

[0274] In some implementations, the first network element is a policy control function network element, and the third network element is an application function network element or a network exposure function network element.

[0275] The above is only an example, and detailed steps or processes can refer to the description of the foregoing embodiments.

[0276] In a possible design, the communication apparatus 900 can correspond to the first network element in the foregoing method embodiments, or be a component (such as a circuit, a chip, or a chip system) configured in the first network element. The communication apparatus 900 can be used to perform steps or processes performed by the first network element in any of the foregoing method embodiments.

[0277] For example, the communication module 920 is configured to receive a first request from a terminal device, the first request being used to request establishment of a dedicated channel or a multi-channel, the first request including an identifier of a first flow, the dedicated channel being used to carry first data, the multi-channel being used for redundant transmission of the first data, and the first data being data to which the identifier of the first flow is added; and the data to which the identifier of the first flow is added includes one or more of the following: a service first frame, a response frame of a service data flow, downlink data sent by a third network element in a case where an amount of data in a downlink buffer of the terminal device is less than or equal to a first threshold, downlink data sent by the third network element in a case where a depletion speed of the data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a second threshold, and uplink data sent by the terminal device in a case where an amount of data in an uplink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a third threshold.

[0278] In some implementations, the first request is sent by the terminal device in a case where a first condition is met, and the first condition includes one or more of the following: the terminal device enters a first scenario, and there is second data in the first scenario, a priority of the second data being higher than that of other data in the first scenario except the second data; an amount of data in a downlink buffer of the terminal device is less than or equal to a first threshold; a depletion speed of the data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a second threshold; an amount of data in an uplink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a third threshold; uplink acknowledgement (ACK) feedback congestion; a loading duration of a service first frame is greater than or equal to a fourth threshold; and video playback stuttering.

[0279] In some implementations, the first scenario is a video transmission scenario, and the first data includes a video first frame; and / or, the first scenario is a game scenario, and the first data includes an interactive game frame and / or a game first frame.

[0280] In some embodiments, the first request includes a first condition triggering the first request, the first condition being used to inform the first network element of a reason for requesting establishment of the dedicated channel or the multi-channel.

[0281] In some embodiments, the processing module 910 is configured to determine, in response to the first request, a first parameter, the first parameter including a quality of service (QoS) and / or a bandwidth; and the communication module 920 is further configured to send the first parameter to a fourth network element, the fourth network element being a session management function network element, the first parameter being used to trigger the fourth network element to establish the dedicated channel or the multi-channel; and send second information to the terminal device, the second information including an identifier of the dedicated channel or an identifier of the multi-channel.

[0282] In some embodiments, the first network element is a policy control function network element, and the third network element is an application function network element or a network exposure function network element.

[0283] The above is merely an example, and detailed steps or procedures can be referred to the foregoing description of the embodiments.

[0284] In one possible design, the communication apparatus 900 can correspond to the third network element in the foregoing method embodiments, or can be configured in the third network element (such as a circuit, a chip, or a chip system, etc.). The communication apparatus 900 can be configured to perform the steps or procedures performed by the third network element in any of the foregoing method embodiments.

[0285] For example, the communication module 920 is configured to send a second request to the first network element, the second request being used to request establishment of a dedicated channel or a multi-channel, the second request including an identifier of a second flow, the dedicated channel being used to carry fourth data, and the multi-channel being used for redundant transmission of the fourth data, the fourth data being data to which the identifier of the second flow is added; and wherein the data to which the identifier of the second flow is added includes one or more of the following: a service first frame; a response frame of a service data flow; downlink data sent by the third network element in a case where an amount of data in a downlink buffer of the terminal device is less than or equal to a first threshold; downlink data sent by the third network element in a case where a depletion speed of the data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a second threshold; and uplink data sent by the terminal device in a case where an amount of data in an uplink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a third threshold.

[0286] In some embodiments, the communication module 920 is configured to send the second request to the first network element in a case where a second condition is met, the second condition including: detecting that the terminal device enters a second scenario, and there being fifth data in the second scenario, the fifth data having a priority higher than other data in the second scenario except the fifth data.

[0287] In some embodiments, the second scenario is a video transmission scenario, and the fifth data comprises a first frame of a video; and / or, the second scenario is a game scenario, and the fifth data comprises an interactive game frame and / or a first frame of a game.

[0288] In some embodiments, the second request comprises fourth information, and the fourth information is used to indicate the second condition triggering the second request, and the second condition is used to inform the first network element of a reason for requesting establishment of the dedicated channel or the multi-channel.

[0289] In some embodiments, the communication module 920 is further configured to receive fifth information from the first network element, and the fifth information comprises an identifier of the dedicated channel or an identifier of the multi-channel, and the dedicated channel or the multi-channel is established based on a second parameter determined by the first network element, and the second parameter comprises a quality of service (QoS) and / or a bandwidth.

[0290] In some embodiments, if the second request is used to request establishment of the multi-channel, the communication module 920 is further configured to send or receive sixth data on the multi-channel in a polling manner, and the sixth data comprises data to be transmitted, except for the fourth data.

[0291] In some embodiments, the communication module 920 is further configured to receive sixth information from the second network element, and the sixth information is used to indicate a data transmission quality of the dedicated channel or the multi-channel, and the data transmission quality is used by the third network element to adjust a transmission strategy of subsequent data, and the data transmission quality of the dedicated channel is determined based on buffered data on the dedicated channel and / or a data forwarding time difference on the dedicated channel, and the data transmission quality of the multi-channel is determined based on buffered data on the multi-channel and / or a data forwarding time difference on the multi-channel.

[0292] In some embodiments, the second network element is a user plane function network element.

[0293] In some embodiments, the first network element is a policy control function network element, and the third network element is an application function network element or a network exposure function network element.

[0294] The above are merely examples, and detailed steps or processes can refer to the foregoing description of the embodiments.

[0295] In one possible design, the communication apparatus 900 can correspond to the first network element in the foregoing method embodiments, or be configured in the first network element (such as a circuit, a chip, or a chip system, etc.). The communication apparatus 900 can be used to perform steps or processes performed by the first network element in any of the foregoing method embodiments.

[0296] The communication module 920 is configured to receive a second request from the third network element, the second request being used to request establishment of a dedicated channel or a multi-channel, the second request comprising an identifier of a second flow, the dedicated channel being used to carry fourth data, the multi-channel being used for redundant transmission of the fourth data, the fourth data being data to which the identifier of the second flow is added.

[0297] In some implementations, the second request is sent by the third network element when a second condition is met, the second condition comprising: detecting that the terminal device enters a second scenario, and there is fifth data in the second scenario, the priority of the fifth data being higher than that of other data in the second scenario except the fifth data.

[0298] In some implementations, the second scenario is a video transmission scenario, and the fifth data comprises a video first frame; and / or, the second scenario is a game scenario, and the fifth data comprises an interactive game frame and / or a game first frame.

[0299] In some implementations, the second request comprises the second condition triggering the second request, the second condition being used to inform the first network element of the reason for requesting establishment of the dedicated channel or the multi-channel.

[0300] In some implementations, the processing module 910 is configured to determine a second parameter in response to the second request, the second parameter comprising a quality of service (QoS) and / or a bandwidth; and the communication module 920 is further configured to send the second parameter to a fourth network element, the fourth network element being a session management function network element, the second parameter being used to trigger the fourth network element to establish the dedicated channel or the multi-channel; and send fifth information to the third network element, the fifth information comprising an identifier of the dedicated channel or an identifier of the multi-channel.

[0301] In some implementations, the first network element is a policy control function network element; and the third network element is an application function network element or a network exposure function network element.

[0302] The above is only an example, and detailed steps or processes can refer to the descriptions of the foregoing embodiments.

[0303] Figure 10 is another schematic block diagram of the communication apparatus 1000 provided by the embodiments of the present application. The communication apparatus 1000 can be a chip, a chip system, or a processor, etc. of a terminal device or a core network network element (such as the first network element or the third network element) for implementing the above method. The communication apparatus 1000 can be used to implement the method described in the above method embodiments, and the details can be referred to the description in the above method embodiments.

[0304] As shown in Figure 10 , the communication apparatus 1000 can include one or more processors 1010, which can also be referred to as processing units or processing modules, and can implement certain control functions. The processor 1010 can be a general purpose processor or a special purpose processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication apparatus 1000 (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a user, and a user chip), execute software programs, and process data of the software programs.

[0305] In an optional design, the processor 1010 can also store instructions and / or data, which can be run by the processor 1010, so that the communication apparatus 1000 executes the method described in the above method embodiments.

[0306] In another optional design, the communication apparatus 1000 can include a communication interface 1020 for implementing receiving and sending functions. For example, the communication interface 1020 can be a transceiver circuit, an interface, an interface circuit, or a transceiver, etc. The transceiver circuit, the interface, the interface circuit, or the transceiver for implementing the receiving and sending functions can be separate or integrated together. The above transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver can be used for reading and writing of codes / data, or the above transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver can be used for transmission or transfer of signals.

[0307] Optionally, the communication apparatus 1000 can include one or more memories 1030, which can store instructions that can be run on the processor 1010, so that the communication apparatus 1000 executes the method described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 1030 can also store data. Optionally, the processor 1010 can also store instructions and / or data. The processor 1010 and the memory 1030 can be separately arranged or integrated together.

[0308] It should be understood that, in a possible design, each step in the method embodiments provided in the present application can be completed by integrated logic circuits of hardware in a processor or instructions in the form of software. The steps of the method disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as execution completed by a hardware processor, or execution completed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can be located in storage media which are mature in the art, such as random storage, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, register, etc. The storage media are located in the storage, and the processor reads information in the storage, and combines the hardware to complete the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, no longer detailed description is made here.

[0309] In an implementation, the communication apparatus 1000 can correspond to the terminal device in the above method embodiments, and can be used to execute each step and / or procedure executed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The processor 1010 can be used to execute instructions stored in the memory 1030, and when the processor 1010 executes the instructions stored in the memory, the processor 1010 is used to execute each step and / or procedure of the above method embodiments corresponding to the terminal device.

[0310] In another implementation, the communication apparatus 1000 can correspond to the core network element (such as the first network element or the third network element) in the above method embodiments, and can be used to execute each step and / or procedure executed by the core network element in the above method embodiments. The processor 1010 can be used to execute instructions stored in the memory 1030, and when the processor 1010 executes the instructions stored in the memory, the processor 1010 is used to execute each step and / or procedure of the above method embodiments corresponding to the core network element.

[0311] It should be understood that the above processing apparatus can be one or more chips. For example, the processing apparatus can be a field programmable gate array (FPGA), can be an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), can also be a system on chip (SoC), can also be a central processor unit (CPU), can also be a network processor (NP), can also be a digital signal processor (DSP), can also be a micro controller unit (MCU), can also be a programmable logic device (PLD) or other integrated chip.

[0312] It is to be appreciated that the memory in the embodiments of the application can be a volatile or non-volatile memory, or can include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically EPROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It is to be appreciated that the memory described herein is intended to include, without being limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0313] According to the method provided by the embodiments of the application, the application further provides a chip system, which comprises one or more processors, and is used for calling and running instructions stored in a memory, so that the method of the embodiments of the application is executed. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or can comprise a chip and other discrete devices.

[0314] The chip system can comprise an input circuit or interface for sending information or data, and an output circuit or interface for receiving information or data.

[0315] According to the method provided by the embodiments of the application, the application further provides a communication system, which comprises the first network element, the third network element, and the terminal device.

[0316] According to the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the present application further provides a computer program product, which comprises computer program codes, and when the computer program codes are run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute each step or process executed by the first network element, the third network element and the terminal device in any of the preceding method embodiments.

[0317] According to the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the present application further provides a computer readable storage medium, which stores program codes, and when the program codes are run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute each step or process executed by the first network element, the third network element and the terminal device in any of the preceding method embodiments.

[0318] The computer readable storage medium can be the volatile memory or the non-volatile memory described above, or can simultaneously include the volatile memory and the non-volatile memory.

[0319] In the embodiments of the present application, each term and English abbreviation is an exemplary example given for convenience of description, and should not constitute any limitation on the present application. The present application does not exclude the possibility of defining other terms capable of achieving the same or similar functions in the existing or future protocols.

[0320] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be realized by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When realized by software, all or part of the embodiments can be realized in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product comprises one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated.

[0321] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device and method can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division, and actual implementation can have another division manner, for example, a plurality of units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the units shown or discussed can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or unit, and can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0322] It should be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial number of each process does not mean the execution order, and the execution order of each process should be determined according to its function and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0323] In conclusion, the above only describes the preferred embodiments of the technical scheme of the present application, and is not used to limit the protection scope of the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a terminal device and includes: If the first condition is met, a first request is sent to the first network element. The first request is used to request the establishment of a dedicated channel or multiple channels. The first request includes the identifier of the first stream. The dedicated channel is dedicated to carrying the first data. The multiple channels are used for redundant transmission of the first data. The first data is data with the identifier of the first stream added. The data that can be used to add the identifier of the first stream includes one or more of the following: The first frame of the service; Response frames for business data streams; Downlink data sent by the third network element when the amount of data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is less than or equal to the first threshold; Downlink data sent by the third network element when the data depletion rate in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the second threshold; Uplink data sent by the terminal device when the amount of data in the uplink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the third threshold; The first condition includes one or more of the following: The terminal device enters a first scene, and there is second data in the first scene. The priority of the second data is higher than that of other data in the first scene except for the second data. The amount of data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is less than or equal to a first threshold. The rate at which the data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is exhausted is greater than or equal to the second threshold. The amount of data in the uplink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the third threshold. Uplink ACK feedback congestion; The loading time of the first frame of the service is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold; The video playback is choppy.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first scenario is a video transmission scenario, and the second data includes the first frame of the video; and / or, the first scenario is a game scenario, and the second data includes interactive game frames and / or the first frame of the game.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first request includes first information, which indicates the first condition that triggers the first request, and the first condition is used to notify the first network element of the reason for requesting to establish the dedicated channel or the multiple channels.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives second information from the first network element, the second information including the identifier of the dedicated channel or the identifier of the multi-channel, the dedicated channel or the multi-channel being established based on first parameters determined by the first network element, the first parameters including Quality of Service (QoS) and / or bandwidth.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the first request is used to request the establishment of the multi-channel, the method further includes: The third data is sent or received on the multi-channel using a polling method. The third data includes data other than the first data in the data to be transmitted.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device receives third information from a second network element. The third information is used to indicate the data transmission quality of the dedicated channel or the multi-channel. The data transmission quality is used by the terminal device to adjust the transmission strategy of subsequent data. The data transmission quality of the dedicated channel is determined based on the cached data on the dedicated channel and / or the data forwarding time difference on the dedicated channel. The data transmission quality of the multi-channel is determined based on the cached data on the multi-channel and / or the data forwarding time difference on the multi-channel.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second network element is a user plane function network element.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first network element is a policy control function network element, and the third network element is an application function network element or a network open function network element.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to the first network element, including: A first request is received from a terminal device. The first request is used to request the establishment of a dedicated channel or multiple channels. The first request includes an identifier of a first-level channel. The dedicated channel is used to carry first data, and the multiple channels are used for redundant transmission of the first data. The first data is data with the identifier of the first-level channel added. The data that can be used to add the identifier of the first stream includes one or more of the following: The first frame of the service; Response frames for business data streams; Downlink data sent by the third network element when the amount of data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is less than or equal to the first threshold; Downlink data sent by the third network element when the data depletion rate in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the second threshold; Uplink data sent by the terminal device when the amount of data in the uplink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the third threshold; The first request is sent by the terminal device when a first condition is met, the first condition including one or more of the following: The terminal device enters a first scene, and there is second data in the first scene. The priority of the second data is higher than that of other data in the first scene except for the second data. The amount of data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is less than or equal to a first threshold. The rate at which the data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is exhausted is greater than or equal to the second threshold. The amount of data in the uplink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the third threshold. Uplink ACK feedback congestion; The loading time of the first frame of the service is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold; The video playback is choppy.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first scenario is a video transmission scenario, and the first data includes the first frame of the video; and / or, the first scenario is a game scenario, and the first data includes interactive game frames and / or the first frame of the game.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first request includes the first condition that triggers the first request, and the first condition is used to notify the first network element of the reason for requesting to establish the dedicated channel or the multiple channels.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The method further includes: In response to the first request, a first parameter is determined, the first parameter including Quality of Service (QoS) and / or bandwidth; The first parameter is sent to the fourth network element, which is a session management function network element. The first parameter is used to trigger the fourth network element to establish the dedicated channel or the multiple channels. Send a second message to the terminal device, the second message including the identifier of the dedicated channel or the identifier of the multi-channel.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The first network element is a policy control function network element, and the third network element is an application function network element or a network open function network element.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a third network element, including: If the second condition is met, a second request is sent to the first network element. The second request is used to request the establishment of a dedicated channel or multiple channels. The second request includes the identifier of the second stream. The dedicated channel is dedicated to carrying the fourth data, and the multiple channels are used for redundant transmission of the fourth data. The fourth data is data with the identifier of the second stream added. The data for which the identifier of the second stream can be added includes one or more of the following: The first frame of the service; Response frames for business data streams; Downlink data sent by a third network element when the amount of data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is less than or equal to the first threshold; Downlink data sent by the third network element when the data depletion rate in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the second threshold; Uplink data sent by the terminal device when the amount of data in the uplink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the third threshold; The second condition includes: detecting that the terminal device has entered a second scene, and that there is fifth data in the second scene, wherein the priority of the fifth data is higher than that of other data in the second scene.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second scenario is a video transmission scenario, and the fifth data includes the first frame of the video; and / or, the second scenario is a game scenario, and the fifth data includes interactive game frames and / or the first frame of the game.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second request includes fourth information, which indicates the second condition that triggers the second request, and the second condition is used to notify the first network element of the reason for requesting the establishment of the dedicated channel or the multiple channels.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14-16, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives fifth information from the first network element, the fifth information including the identifier of the dedicated channel or the identifier of the multi-channel, the dedicated channel or the multi-channel being established based on a second parameter determined by the first network element, the second parameter including Quality of Service (QoS) and / or bandwidth.

18. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, If the second request is used to request the establishment of the multi-channel, the method further includes: The sixth data is sent or received on the multi-channel using a polling method. The sixth data includes data other than the fourth data in the data to be transmitted.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14-16, characterized in that, The method further includes: The third network element receives a sixth piece of information, which is used to indicate the data transmission quality of the dedicated channel or the multi-channel. The data transmission quality is used by the third network element to adjust the transmission strategy of subsequent data. The data transmission quality of the dedicated channel is determined based on the cached data on the dedicated channel and / or the data forwarding time difference on the dedicated channel. The data transmission quality of the multi-channel is determined based on the cached data on the multi-channel and / or the data forwarding time difference on the multi-channel.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The second network element is a user plane function network element.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14-16, characterized in that, The first network element is a policy control function network element; the third network element is an application function network element or a network open function network element.

22. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to the first network element, including: A second request is received from a third network element. The second request is used to request the establishment of a dedicated channel or multiple channels. The second request includes an identifier of a second stream. The dedicated channel is dedicated to carrying fourth data, and the multiple channels are used for redundant transmission of the fourth data. The fourth data is data with the identifier of the second stream added. The data for which the identifier of the second stream can be added includes one or more of the following: The first frame of the service; Response frames for business data streams; Downlink data sent by a third network element when the amount of data in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is less than or equal to the first threshold; Downlink data sent by the third network element when the data depletion rate in the downlink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the second threshold; Uplink data sent by the terminal device when the amount of data in the uplink buffer of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the third threshold; The second request is sent by the third network element when the second condition is met. The second condition includes: detecting that the terminal device has entered the second scene, and that there is fifth data in the second scene, wherein the priority of the fifth data is higher than that of other data in the second scene.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The second scenario is a video transmission scenario, and the fifth data includes the first frame of the video; and / or, the second scenario is a game scenario, and the fifth data includes interactive game frames and / or the first frame of the game.

24. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The second request includes a second condition that triggers the second request, which is used to notify the first network element of the reason for requesting the establishment of a dedicated channel or the multi-channel.

25. The method according to any one of claims 22-24, characterized in that, The method further includes: In response to the second request, a second parameter is determined, the second parameter including Quality of Service (QoS) and / or bandwidth; Send the second parameter to the fourth network element, where the fourth network element is a session management function network element, and the second parameter is used to trigger the fourth network element to establish the dedicated channel or the multiple channels; Send fifth information to the third network element, the fifth information including the identifier of the dedicated channel or the identifier of the multi-channel.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing a computer program, which, when invoked by the processor, causes the communication device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, or any one of claims 9 to 13, or any one of claims 14 to 21, or any one of claims 22 to 25.

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