Method and device for communication, storage medium and program product

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a communication method and device, a storage medium and a program product. In the method, a first communication network device determines whether the first communication network device can or cannot mark protocol data unit (PDU) set information based on a type of a protocol description associated with a PDU set in a data stream. And further, the first communication network equipment sends capability information for processing the PDU set of the type to second communication network equipment and / or access network equipment. Thus, the first communication network device such as the UPF can mark the data flow based on the capability of supporting the protocol type, thereby facilitating the access network device to carry out QoS processing such as packet discarding, fully utilizing the network transmission bandwidth, and improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this application generally relate to the field of communications, and more specifically to a method, apparatus, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product for communication. Background Technology

[0002] In communication scenarios such as multimedia communication, there are high requirements for transmission bandwidth, necessitating optimization of the data packet processing process. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments of this application provide a technical solution for communication, wherein a first communication network device, such as a User Plane Function (UPF), marks the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) set information of a data stream based on its capabilities, for example, marking the importance of the PDU set. The access network device can discard the PDU set based on the PDU set information when congestion occurs, thereby achieving selective discarding, improving the flexible adaptation capability to services, and improving the efficiency of transmission resource utilization.

[0004] Firstly, a communication method is provided. The execution subject of this method can be a first communication network device or a chip applied within the first communication network device. The following description uses the first communication network device as the execution subject. In this method, the first communication network device determines its capability information for marking PDU set information based on the type of protocol description associated with the protocol data unit (PDU) set of the data stream. Then, the first communication network device sends this capability information for processing the PDU set to a second communication network device and / or an access network device. This capability information can be at the data stream granularity, meaning the first communication network device can mark PDU set information for any PDU set in the data stream; or it can be at the protocol description type granularity, for example, a data stream can be associated with one or more protocol description types, and the first communication network device can support one or more protocol description types, thereby marking PDU set information for PDU sets using the supported protocol description types. Thus, for example, the first communication network device of the UPF can mark the PDU set in the data stream based on its ability to support protocol types, thereby facilitating access network devices to perform processing such as packet dropping, making full use of network transmission bandwidth, and improving user experience.

[0005] In some implementations, the capability information includes whether the first communication network device supports or does not support marking the PDU set information of the data stream. Thus, for example, the first communication network device of the UPF can mark the PDU set in the data stream based on its protocol type support capability, thereby facilitating access network devices to perform processing such as discarding at the PDU set granularity, fully utilizing network transmission bandwidth, and improving user experience.

[0006] In some implementations, the PDU set information may include one or more of the following: PDU set importance, PDU set sequence number, indication of the last PDU in the PDU set, PDU sequence numbers within the PDU set, or PDU set size. Thus, the first communication network device can mark the data stream with, for example, PDU set importance, thereby enabling the access network device to perform PDU set-level processing based on, for example, PDU set importance, fully utilize network transmission bandwidth, and improve user experience.

[0007] In some implementations, the protocol description includes one or more of the following types: Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP), Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP), RTP with RTP header extension, SRTP with RTP header extension, RTP without RTP header extension but with RTP payload type, SRTP without RTP header extension but with RTP payload type, RTP with both RTP header extension and RTP payload type, SRTP with both RTP header extension and RTP payload type, Quick UDP Internet Connections (QUIC), or Media over QUIC. Thus, the first communication network device can determine the labeling of the PDU set transmitted in the data stream based on its support for different protocols, thereby balancing flexibility and compatibility with existing systems.

[0008] In some implementations, the first communication network device receives, from at least one of the second communication network device and the access network device, any one of the following: an instruction to activate or deactivate the PDU set information tag. Thus, the first communication network device can tag the data stream under the control of the second communication network device or the access network device, enabling flexible control.

[0009] In some implementations, the first communication network device receives an instruction from the access network device from the second communication network device to determine whether to activate or deactivate the PDU set information tag. In this way, the second communication network device can transfer control of the first communication network device to the access network device, thereby achieving dynamic and flexible control based on the actual load status of the access network device.

[0010] In some implementations, the first communication network device adds the PDU set information to the header of the data packets sent to the access network device according to the indication of the received activation PDU set information marker, wherein the data packets belong to the PDU set. In this way, the access network device can perform processing based on the PDU set information, such as appropriate packet loss.

[0011] In some implementations, the first communication network device includes a User Plane Function (UPF), the second communication network device includes a Session Management Function (SMF), and the third communication network device includes an Application Function / Application Server (AF / AS). This enables the marking of PDU set information and the discarding of PDU sets at the granularity of data streams in the 5G system. Those skilled in the art will understand that the first communication network device can also be other network devices, such as some functions of the Service Gateway (SGW) and Packet Data Gateway (PGW) in 4G, or other network elements in communication systems such as 6G; this application does not limit this. Similarly, the second communication network device can also be other network devices, such as some functions of the Mobility Management Entity (MME) and Service Gateway (SGW) and Packet Data Gateway (PGW) in 4G, or other network elements in communication systems such as 6G; this application does not limit this.

[0012] Secondly, a communication method is provided. The execution subject of this method can be a first communication network device or a chip applied within the first communication network device. The following description uses the first communication network device as the execution subject. In this method, the first communication network device receives an instruction to activate or deactivate the PDU set information marker from a second communication network device and / or an access network device. This instruction information can be at the data flow or quality of service (QoS) flow granularity. For example, the second communication network device sends activation / deactivation instruction information for the PDU set information marker based on a specific service data flow (optionally, with template information of the service data flow) to the first communication network device. Similarly, the access network device sends activation / deactivation instruction information for the PDU set information marker based on a specific QoS flow (optionally, with identification information of the QoS flow). This instruction information can also be at the protocol description type granularity. For example, a data flow can be associated with one or more protocol description types, and the first communication network device can support one or more protocol description types, thereby marking the PDU set information using the supported protocol description type. Therefore, when the second communication network device and / or access network device send indication information, it may optionally include the protocol description type that needs to be marked. Then, the first communication network device determines whether to add PDU set information to the header of the data packets sent to the access network device based on the indication to activate or deactivate PDU set information marking. In this way, the first communication network device can mark the PDU sets in the data stream, thereby facilitating processing by the access network device, such as packet dropping, fully utilizing network transmission bandwidth, and improving user experience.

[0013] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. The execution subject of this method can be a second communication network device or a chip applied within the second communication network device. The following description uses the second communication network device as the execution subject. In this method, the second communication network device sends the type of protocol description associated with a set of Protocol Data Units (PDUs) to the first communication network device. Then, the second communication network device receives information from the first communication network device regarding its ability to process the set of PDUs of that type. Thus, the second communication network device can accurately determine the first communication network device's support capabilities for different types of protocols, thereby enabling accurate and flexible control.

[0014] In some implementations, the capability information includes whether the first communication network device supports or does not support marking the PDU set information of the data stream. Thus, for example, the first communication network device of the UPF can mark the data stream based on its protocol type support capability, thereby facilitating drop processing by the access network device, fully utilizing network transmission bandwidth, and improving user experience.

[0015] In some implementations, the second communication network device sends any one of the following to the access network device: a flag indicating that the data stream transmitted between the first communication network device and the access network device supports PDU set information, or a flag indicating that the data stream transmitted between the first communication network device and the access network device does not support PDU set information.

[0016] In some implementations, the second communication network device sends capability information about PDU set information marking from the first communication network device to the access network device. This capability information can be at the data stream granularity, meaning the first communication network device can mark PDU set information for any PDU set in the data stream; or it can be at the protocol description type granularity, for example, a data stream can be associated with one or more protocol description types, and the first communication network device can support one or more protocol description types, thereby marking PDU set information for PDU sets using the supported protocol description types. Optionally, the second communication network device also sends a Quality of Service (QoS) file to the access network device. The QoS file and the capability information about PDU set information marking from the first communication network device can be sent simultaneously or sequentially; this invention does not limit this. The second communication network device receives feedback from the access network device, which indicates whether the access network device supports or does not support PDU set processing. The indication of supporting PDU set processing is used to indicate that the access network device supports QoS processing based on PDU sets and / or supports packet loss processing based on the importance of PDU sets. Then, the second communication network device determines, based on the feedback, whether or not to send an instruction to activate the PDU set information tag of the first communication network device.

[0017] In some implementations, the second communication network device receives a discard instruction based on the importance of the PDU set from the third communication network device. Then, the second communication network device sends a Quality of Service (QoS) document to the access network device, which instructs the access network device to discard data streams based on the importance of the PDU set. In this way, the third communication network device enables the access network device to perform PDU set importance-based discarding, improving service control flexibility.

[0018] In some implementations, the QoS document includes PDU Set Integrated Handling Information (PSIHI), which instructs the access network device to discard PDUs based on their set importance. This achieves compatibility with existing protocol structures and provides convenience.

[0019] In some implementations, the second communication network device receives an instruction from the access network device to support PDU set processing. This instruction indicates that the access network device supports PDU set-based Quality of Service (QoS) processing and / or supports PDU set-based packet loss processing. Supporting PDU set-based QoS processing means that the access network device can transmit PDU sets according to their QoS standards. Supporting PDU set-based packet loss processing means that the access network device can support PDU set importance and perform packet loss at the PDU set granularity. This facilitates accurate control of the access network device.

[0020] In some implementations, the second communication network device sends an indication to the third communication network device whether it supports or does not support PDU aggregation processing of the data stream. This feeds back the status of PDU aggregation processing of the data stream to the third communication network device, improving system reliability.

[0021] Fourthly, a communication method is provided. The executing entity of this method can be an access network device or a chip applied within the access network device. The following description uses an access network device as the executing entity. In this method, the access network device can obtain PDU set information and, based on whether the access network device itself supports or does not support PDU set-based processing capabilities, schedule the PDU set. In one implementation, the access network device sends an indication message to a first communication network device to activate or deactivate the PDU set information marker of the first communication network device. This indication can be at the data flow or service quality flow granularity. For example, a second communication network device sends an activation / deactivation indication message based on a specific service data flow (service data flow) to the first communication network device (optionally, with template information of the service data flow). Similarly, the first communication network device sends an activation / deactivation indication message based on a specific service quality flow (QoS flow) to the access network device (optionally, with identification information of the QoS flow). This indication can also be at the protocol description type granularity. For example, a data stream can be associated with one or more protocol description types. The first communication network device can support one or more protocol description types, thereby marking the PDU set information using the supported protocol description types. Therefore, when the second communication network device and / or the access network device send indication information, it may optionally include the protocol description types that need to be marked. The access network device receives data packets from the first communication network device. In this way, the access network device can control whether the first communication network device marks the PDU set information based on the actual load status, improving the operational efficiency of the first communication network device.

[0022] In some implementations, the access network device sending an instruction to the first communication network device to activate or deactivate the PDU set information marking of the first communication network device includes: when the data traffic of the access network device is higher than a first threshold, the access network device sends an instruction to the first communication network device to activate the PDU set information marking of the first communication network device for the data flow; or when the data traffic of the access network device is lower than a second threshold, the access network device sends an instruction to the first communication network device to deactivate the PDU set information marking of the first communication network device for the data flow. In this way, the access network device can dynamically control whether the first communication network device marks the PDU set information based on the data traffic load, and thus whether or not to discard data packets at the PDU set granularity, improving the operational efficiency of both the first communication network device and the access network device.

[0023] In some implementations, the access network device can first send an instruction to the second communication network device to activate or deactivate the PDU set information tag of the first communication network device, and then the second communication network device can send an instruction to the first communication network device to enable or disable the PDU set information tag, so as to achieve the same effect.

[0024] In some implementations, the access network device receives information from the second communication network device or from the first communication network device regarding the first communication network device's ability to perform PDU set information identification on data packets in the data stream. In this way, the access network device can clearly know the first communication network device's ability to perform PDU set information identification and thus process it accordingly.

[0025] In some implementations, when the access network device receives information from the first communication network device that it does not support marking PDU set information for the PDU set of the data stream, the access network device replaces the PDU set service parameters with legacy service parameters to send / schedule data packets in the data stream. This maintains compatibility with the existing system.

[0026] In some implementations, the access network device sends an indication to the second communication network device that the access network device supports PDU set processing. This indication instructs the access network device to support PDU set-based Quality of Service (QoS) processing and / or packet loss processing based on PDU set importance. Thus, the second communication network device can determine whether to activate the first communication network device's PDU set information marking capability by receiving this indication. For example, if the access network device supports packet loss processing based on PDU set importance, the second communication network device determines to activate the first communication network device's PDU set information marking capability. Conversely, if the access network device does not support packet loss processing based on PDU set importance, the second communication network device determines not to activate the first communication network device's PDU set information marking capability.

[0027] In some implementations, the access network device receives indication information from the second communication network device. This indication information instructs the access network device to discard data streams based on the importance of the PDU set. The indication information can be included in the Quality of Service (QoS) document sent by the second communication network device, or it can be additional indication information sent by the second communication network. In this way, PDU sets with higher importance are retained during network congestion, improving user experience.

[0028] In some implementations, the QoS document includes PDU set integration processing information (PSIHI), and certain values ​​of the PSIHI can instruct the access network device to discard PDU sets based on their importance.

[0029] In some implementations, the access network device discards a portion of the PDU set from the data stream received from the first communication network device based on the importance of the PDU set. This preserves the PDU sets with higher importance during network congestion, improving user experience.

[0030] Fifthly, a first communication network device is provided. This first communication network device can be a module implementing communication functions or a chip within a module. The first communication network device can be implemented entirely in hardware, or in a combination of hardware, software, and firmware, or in other ways; this application does not limit its implementation. The first communication network device includes a capability determination module, used to determine the capability information of the first communication network device to mark PDU set information based on the type of protocol description associated with a set of Protocol Data Units (PDUs) in a data stream. The first communication network device also includes a transmission module, used to transmit the capability information for processing the PDU set to a second communication network device and / or an access network device. This capability information can be at the data stream granularity, meaning the first communication network device can mark PDU set information for any PDU set in the data stream; or it can be at the protocol description type granularity, for example, a data stream can be associated with one or more protocol description types, and the first communication network device can support one or more protocol description types, thereby marking PDU set information for PDU sets using the supported protocol description types. Thus, for example, the first communication network device of the UPF can mark the PDU set in the data stream based on its ability to support protocol types, thereby facilitating QoS processing such as packet dropping by access network devices, making full use of network transmission bandwidth, and improving user experience.

[0031] Sixthly, a first communication network device is provided. This first communication network device can be a module implementing communication functions, or a chip within a module. The first communication network device can be implemented entirely in hardware, or in a combination of hardware, software, and firmware, or in other ways; this application does not limit its implementation. The first communication network device includes a receiving module for receiving an indication to activate or deactivate a PDU set information tag from a second communication network device and / or an access network device. This indication information can be at the data flow or quality of service flow granularity. For example, the second communication network device sends activation / deactivation indication information for a PDU set information tag based on a specific service data flow (optionally, including template information of the service data flow) to the first communication network device; for example, the access network device sends activation / deactivation indication information for a PDU set information tag based on a specific quality of service flow (QoS flow) to the first communication network device (optionally, including identification information of the QoS flow). The indication information can also be at the protocol description type granularity. For example, a data stream can be associated with one or more protocol description types. The first communication network device can support one or more protocol description types, thereby marking the PDU set information using the supported protocol description types. Therefore, when the second communication network device and / or the access network device send indication information, it may optionally include the protocol description types that need to be marked. The first communication network device also includes a determining module, used to determine whether to add PDU set information to the data packets sent to the access network device based on an indication to activate or deactivate PDU set information marking. In this way, the first communication network device can mark data streams, thereby facilitating QoS processing such as packet dropping by the access network device, fully utilizing network transmission bandwidth, and improving user experience.

[0032] In a seventh aspect, a second communication network device is provided. This second communication network device can be a module implementing communication functions, or a chip within a module. The second communication network device can be implemented entirely in hardware, or in a combination of hardware, software, and firmware, or in other ways; this application does not limit its implementation. The second communication network device includes a transmitting module for transmitting to a first communication network device the type of protocol description associated with a set of Protocol Data Units (PDUs). The second communication network device also includes a receiving module for receiving from the first communication network device information regarding its ability to process the set of PDUs of that type. Thus, the second communication network device can accurately determine the first communication network device's support capabilities for different types of protocols, thereby enabling accurate and flexible control.

[0033] Eighthly, an access network device is provided. This access network device can be a module implementing communication functions or a chip within a module. The second communication network device can be implemented entirely in hardware, or in a combination of hardware, software, and firmware, or in other ways; this application does not limit its implementation. The access network device includes a transmitting module for sending indication information to a first communication network device to activate or deactivate the PDU set information marking of the first communication network device. This indication can be at the data flow or quality of service flow granularity. For example, the second communication network device sends activation / deactivation indication information based on a specific service data flow (service data flow) to the first communication network device (optionally, with template information of the service data flow). Similarly, the access network device and the first communication network device send activation / deactivation indication information based on a specific quality of service flow (QoS flow) (optionally, with identification information of the QoS flow). This indication can also be at the protocol description type granularity. For example, a data flow can be associated with one or more protocol description types, and the first communication network device can support one or more protocol description types, thereby marking the PDU set information using the supported protocol description types. Therefore, when the second communication network device and / or the access network device send indication information, it may optionally include a protocol description type that requires information marking. The access network device also includes a receiving module for receiving data packets sent by the first communication network device. In this way, the access network device can control whether the first communication network device marks the PDU set information according to the actual load status, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the first communication network device.

[0034] Ninthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a processor and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the processor, the instructions cause the communication device to perform the methods described in the first, second, third, and fourth aspects.

[0035] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed, implements the methods described in the first, second, third, and fourth aspects.

[0036] In one aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed, implements the methods described in the first, second, third, and fourth aspects.

[0037] Sixthly, this application provides a chip. The chip includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described in the first, second, third, and fourth aspects above. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 An embodiment of the present application is shown, in which a communication system can be implemented.

[0039] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a communication system that supports RAN / UPF for packet identification at the granular level of Quality of Service (QoS) is shown.

[0040] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a communication system based on QoS processing of PDU sets is shown.

[0041] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating QoS processing based on the PDU set information marking capability of UPF in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0042] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a communication system that performs QoS processing based on the PDU set information marking capability of UPF is shown in an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 6 The signaling diagram for QoS processing based on the PDU set information marking capability of UPF in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0044] Figure 7 The following is a signaling diagram illustrating the RAN controlling the UPF to mark PDU set information in an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a signaling diagram of QoS processing triggered by application functions based on PDU set information marking in an embodiment of this application.

[0046] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating the processing of the first communication network device in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0047] Figure 10 A flowchart of the processing of a first communication network device in another embodiment of this application is shown.

[0048] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating the processing of the second communication network device in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0049] Figure 12 A flowchart of the processing of the access network device in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0050] Figure 13 A block diagram of the device in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0051] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first communication network device in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0052] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the structure of a first communication network device according to another embodiment of this application is shown.

[0053] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second communication network device in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0054] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the access network device in an embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0055] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific operating methods and functional descriptions in the method embodiments can also be applied to the device embodiments or system embodiments.

[0056] As mentioned above, in communication scenarios such as multimedia communication, there are high requirements for transmission bandwidth, and the data packet processing process needs to be optimized.

[0057] The 5G system architecture defined in 3GPP TS23.501 is as follows: Figure 1 As shown. The 5G system architecture 100 is divided into two parts: the Radio Access Network (RAN) 105 and the core network. The RAN 105 is used to implement radio access-related functions and to access user equipment (UE) 170, such as terminal devices. The main functions of the core network elements are as follows:

[0058] The Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity's main functions include managing user registration, reachability detection, SMF node selection, and mobility state transition management.

[0059] The Session Management Function (SMF) entity's main functions are to control the creation, modification, and deletion of sessions, as well as the selection of user plane nodes.

[0060] The User Plane Function (UPF) entity's main functions include packet routing and forwarding, mobility anchors, uplink classifiers to support routing traffic to the data network, and branch points to support multi-homed PDU sessions.

[0061] The Policy Control Function (PCF) entity primarily functions as a policy decision point, providing rules based on business data flow and application detection, gating, QoS, and flow-based billing control.

[0062] The primary function of the access network node ((Radio Access Network, (R)AN) is to provide radio connectivity, and it is located between the UE and the core network node.

[0063] The Unified Data Management (UDM) entity's main function is to store user-subscribed data.

[0064] The Authentication Server Function (AUSF) entity's main function is to provide authentication services.

[0065] The main function of an Application Function (AF) entity is to interact with the 3GPP core network to provide services, and to influence service flow routing, access network capability opening, policy control, etc.

[0066] A Network Exposure Function (NEF) securely exposes services and capabilities provided by 3GPP network functions, such as third parties, edge computing, and AF.

[0067] Data network (DN), such as carrier services, internet access, or third-party services.

[0068] The Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) provides network data collection and analysis capabilities based on technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence.

[0069] The wireless communication system 100 in this application embodiment can be applied to the three major application scenarios of 5G mobile communication systems, such as eMBB, URLLC, and eMTC, or 5G advanced or 6G communication system scenarios.

[0070] It should be understood that the above wireless communication systems are applicable to both high-frequency scenarios (above 6G) and low-frequency scenarios (sub-6G), such as millimeter waves. Application scenarios for these wireless communication systems include, but are not limited to, existing communication systems such as fifth-generation systems (5G) and new radio (NR) communication systems, or future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN) systems.

[0071] The terminal device 170 shown above can be user equipment (UE), terminal, access terminal, terminal unit, terminal station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile terminal, wireless communication equipment, terminal agent, or terminal equipment, etc. The terminal device 170 can also be a communication chip with a communication module, a vehicle with communication capabilities, or in-vehicle equipment (such as an in-vehicle communication device or in-vehicle communication chip), etc. This terminal device 170 can have wireless transceiver capabilities, enabling it to communicate (e.g., wireless communication) with one or more network devices in one or more communication systems and receive network services provided by the network devices. These network devices include, but are not limited to, the access network device (105) shown in the figure.

[0072] The terminal device 170 may be a cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA) device, handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, vehicle-mounted device, wearable device, terminal device in a future 5G network or terminal device in a future evolved PLMN network, etc.

[0073] Specifically, the terminal device 170 can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, etc.

[0074] Additionally, terminal device 170 can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; terminal device 170 can also be deployed on water (such as ships); terminal device 170 can also be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons, and satellites). Network equipment can be access network equipment 105 (or access site). Access network equipment refers to equipment that provides network access functions, such as radio access network (RAN) base stations, etc. For example, the network equipment of access network equipment (105) may specifically include base stations (BS), or base stations and radio resource management equipment used to control base stations, etc. For example, the network equipment of access network equipment (105) may also include relay stations (relay equipment), access points, and base stations in 5G networks or NR base stations, base stations in future PLMN networks, etc. Access network equipment (105) can be wearable devices or vehicle-mounted devices. For example, the network equipment of access network equipment (105) can also be a communication chip with a communication module.

[0075] For example, network equipment such as access network equipment 105 includes, but is not limited to: base stations (g node B, gNB) in 5G, evolved node B (eNB) in long term evolution (LTE) systems, radio network controllers (RNC), radio controllers (RNCs) in cloud radio access networks (CRAN) systems, base station controllers (BSCs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved node B, or home node B, HNB), baseband units (BBUs), transmitting and receiving points (TRPs), transmitting points (TPs), mobile switching centers, and can also be evolved NBs (eNBs or eNodeBs) in LTE, base station equipment in future 5G networks, or access network equipment in future evolved PLMN networks, and can also be wearable devices or vehicle-mounted devices.

[0076] In some deployments, such as access network device 105, the network device may include a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The network device may also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU implements some of the network device's functions, and the DU implements others. For example, the CU is responsible for handling non-real-time protocols and services, implementing the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layers. The DU is responsible for handling physical layer protocols and real-time services, implementing the functions of the radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layers. The AAU implements some physical layer processing functions, radio frequency processing, and related functions of the active antenna. Since RRC layer information ultimately becomes PHY layer information, or is derived from PHY layer information, in this architecture, higher-layer signaling, such as RRC layer signaling, can also be considered as being sent by the DU, or by the DU+AAU. It is understood that network devices can be one or more of the following: CU nodes, DU nodes, and AAU nodes. Furthermore, a CU can be classified as a network device in the radio access network (RAN) or a network device in the core network (CN); this application does not limit this classification. Examples of network devices include, but are not limited to, NodeB (or NB), evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP), Remote Radio Unit (RRU), Radio Head (RH), Remote Radio Head (RRH), IAB nodes, low-power nodes such as femtonodes, piconodes, reconfigurable smart surfaces (RIS), and network-controlled repeaters.

[0077] Furthermore, network devices such as access network device 105 can connect to core network (CN) devices, which can be used to provide core network services to access network device (105) and terminal device (170). Core network devices can correspond to different devices in different systems. For example, in 3G, core network devices can correspond to a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) and / or a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN). In 4G, core network devices can correspond to a Mobility Management Entity (MME) and / or a Serving Gateway (S-GW). In 5G, core network devices can correspond to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 155, a Session Management Function (SMF) 110, or a User Plane Function (UPF) 115, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0078] As mentioned earlier, multimedia services pose challenges to network transmission capabilities. The development of 5G has driven the exponential growth of media services, with video services becoming the mainstream media format, and emerging multimedia services such as 4K / 8K ultra-high-definition video and extended reality (XR) have appeared.

[0079] XR, through auxiliary devices, enables real-world physical objects and virtual-world digital objects to coexist and interact, ultimately achieving a perfect fusion of the virtual and real worlds. Currently, it mainly includes Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). The 5G+XR model has spawned a large number of new application scenarios, including gaming, social networking, education, and healthcare, providing broad development opportunities for various industries and becoming a mainstream trend in the future development of new media.

[0080] In the initial stage of XR, the bandwidth requirement for a single XR service is 80Mbps. With the simultaneous activation of 4K IPTV and internet services, the recommended bandwidth for users is 80Mbps for XR + 50Mbps for 4K IPTV + 100Mbps for HSI = 230Mbps or higher. New media services pose a significant challenge to network transmission bandwidth, necessitating improvements in network transmission efficiency to meet the rapidly evolving network demands of these services.

[0081] During data stream transmission, 3GPP Release 18 introduced the concept of a PDU set. The standard describes a PDU set as "a collection of one or more PDUs carrying application layer payloads, such as video frames or video slices." Based on this concept, standards for PDU set identification and targeted processing were defined.

[0082] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a communication system is shown, which supports packet identification at the RAN / UPF level for Quality of Service (QoS). Figure 2 The RAN / UPF in the system supports QoS-level packet identification. Scheduling between different QoS flows is independent. For example, when sending packets for QoS flow 1, packets for QoS flow 2 are not considered. PDU set identification and targeted processing of PDU sets are also supported. Figure 2 As shown. Figure 2 AF 210, PCF 215, SMF 220, AMF 225, DN 230, UPF235, RAN 240, and UE 245 can respectively correspond to Figure 1 The components are AF 120, PCF 125, SMF 110, AMF 155, DN 165, UPF 115, RAN 105, and UE 170.

[0083] exist Figure 2In the communication system 200, AF 210 sends an AF request to PCF 215, providing flow characteristic information related to the PDU set, such as protocol description and QoS parameters. PCF 215 generates Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules for the PDU set based on the information provided by AF 210. SMF 220 generates QoS parameters and detection rules for the PDU set based on the PCC rules. UPF 235 identifies data packets from DN 230 belonging to the same PDU set, carries PDU set information in the GPRS Tunneling Protocol User Plane (GTP-U) header, and transmits the PDU set information to RAN 240. PCF 215 generates PDU set QoS parameters based on the information provided by AF 210 and sends them to RAN 240 via SMF 220. RAN 240 performs QoS processing based on the received PDU set QoS parameters.

[0084] PDU set information may include at least one of the following: PDU set importance (PSI), which identifies the relative importance of a PDU set compared to other PDU sets in the QoS flow; PDU set sequence number; identifier of the last PDU in the PDU set; PDU sequence number in the PDU set; and size of the PDU set (in bytes).

[0085] PDU set QoS parameters may include at least one of the following: PDU set delay budget (PSDB), PDU set error rate (PSER), and PDU set integrated handling information (PSIHI).

[0086] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a communication system based on QoS processing of PDU sets is shown. Figure 3 AF 305, PCF310, SMF 315, UPF 320, RAN 325, and UE 330 can respectively correspond to Figure 1 The components are AF 120, PCF 125, SMF110, UPF 115, RAN 105, and UE 170.

[0087] Regarding QoS processing scenarios based on PDU sets, 3GPP R18 XRM defines QoS parameters based on PDU sets for NG-RAN to perform QoS processing based on PDU sets. The specific content of the QoS parameters for PDU sets is as described above.

[0088] exist Figure 3 In the communication system 300, the QoS processing procedure based on the PDU set is as follows:

[0089] At 340, AF 305 provides PCF 310 with a protocol description and / or QoS parameters based on the PDU set and related flow characteristics. PCF 310 generates PCC rules for the data flow based on the information provided by AF 305 and provides them to SMF 315 at 345. SMF 315 generates at least one of the following based on the PCC rules: a QoS document and packet detection rules. The QoS document may include QoS parameters based on the PDU set.

[0090] At 350, SMF 315 sends the generated QoS document to RAN 325; SMF 315 then sends the packet detection rules (PDR) to UPF 320 at 355.

[0091] By sending a QoS document to RAN 325 containing at least one PDU-based QoS parameter, SMF 315 requests RAN 325 to perform QoS processing on a set of PDUs for a specific QoS flow. RAN 325 then provides indication information to SMF 315 at 360°, indicating whether RAN 325 supports or does not support PDU-based processing.

[0092] Based on this instruction information, the SMF 315 can activate the PDU set of the UPF 320 for identification and tagging at 360 degrees.

[0093] Upon receiving the instruction information, the UPF 320 identifies the PDU set starting from a complete PDU set, adds the PDU set information to the GTP-U header of the PDUs in the PDU set, and sends a data packet to the RAN 325 at 370.

[0094] After receiving the data packet, the RAN identifies the PDU set based on the information added to the GTP-U by the UPF 320, and performs PDU set QoS processing based on the received PDU set QoS parameters.

[0095] Based on the above description, RAN 325 will only send a yes / no indication of PDU set QoS processing if, for example, the QoS document of RAN 325 in NG-RAN contains at least one PDU set QoS parameter. In this case, SMF 315 will activate PDU set identification and marking in UPF 320, ensuring that the GTP-U header of the PDU set sent to RAN 325 contains PDU set information. Only when the GTP-U header contains PDU set information can RAN 325 identify which PDUs belong to a PDU set.

[0096] Based on the aforementioned PDU information, PDU set information may include PDU Set Importance (PSI), which is used to perform PDU set-level packet loss based on PDU set importance during RAN congestion. However, if the QoS profile does not include QoS parameters based on PDU sets, the SMF will not activate the UPF's PDU Set information marking function based on RAN feedback. Consequently, the RAN will not identify which PDUs belong to a PDU set from received packets, and will not perform packet loss processing based on PDU set importance during RAN congestion.

[0097] Therefore, packet loss based on PDU set importance requires first identifying the PDU set based on the PDU set information. When the QoS document lacks QoS parameters based on the PDU set, packet loss processing based on PDU importance and granular at the level of important frames cannot be implemented.

[0098] Because the data streams received by the UPF contain various protocol types, if the SMF lacks the capability information for the protocol types supported by the UPF, it cannot accurately determine whether the UPF can or cannot mark the corresponding PDU set information. Consequently, it cannot enable the RAN to handle packet loss. Moreover, since the RAN's service throughput varies randomly, if the UPF marks the data stream with PDU set information when the RAN is not congested, but the RAN does not actually experience packet loss, it results in a waste of processing resources in the core network and access network. Dynamic control based on the actual operating state of the RAN is needed to improve efficiency. The aforementioned control process, such as the third-party communication network equipment of the AF, cannot be directly controlled and lacks flexibility, thus requiring optimization.

[0099] Based on the above analysis and research, this application proposes a communication technology solution, particularly a solution for processing PDU sets, which can be subdivided based on UPF capabilities. In some examples of this application, the SMF triggers the processing of the PDU set according to the protocol types supported by the UPF and the capabilities of the RAN. The RAN can activate or deactivate the PDU set information marking operation of the UPF based on the load congestion state, and the RAN itself will also perform or not perform QoS processing such as importance-based packet loss accordingly. Optionally, the AF can also act as a trigger source to control the PDU set information marking operation of the UPF and the QoS processing of the RAN.

[0100] In this embodiment, the AF can first provide a protocol description. In this scenario, if packet loss based on PDU importance information (PSI) is to be supported, the SMF can confirm whether the UPF supports or does not support PSI identification and marking for different protocols based on the protocol description. This can be proactive feedback from the UPF based on the PDR, or confirmation feedback from the SMF. The information fed back by the UPF can also be further refined; for example, the UPF can provide feedback on the ability to support PDU set marking, or it can provide feedback on which capability of the PDU set information is supported, such as supporting PDU set importance marking. Based on the feedback from the UPF, the SMF further confirms whether the RAN supports or does not support PDU set processing, such as packet loss based on PDU set information, specifically, packet loss based on PDU set importance. Then, the SMF indicates to the RAN whether the UPF supports or does not support the ability to identify and mark PDU set information. Then, the SMF instructs the UPF to initiate PDU set information marking based on the feedback from the RAN. When the RAN needs it, for example when RAN data traffic exceeds a first threshold (potentially causing congestion), it can request the UPF to begin PDU set information marking. Alternatively, when RAN data traffic falls below a second threshold and congestion is cleared, it can request the UPF to end PDU set information marking. Depending on the operating environment, the first threshold may or may not be equal to the second threshold. Thus, the UPF's PDU set information marking can be controlled based on its capabilities, and the RAN can dynamically control the UPF according to the real-time network operating status, improving efficiency and flexibility.

[0101] In this embodiment, the QoS parameters based on the PDU set in the current QoS document can be expanded to instruct the RAN to perform PSI-based packet loss processing. This allows for a flexible signaling approach.

[0102] Figure 4 This illustration shows a flowchart of QoS processing based on the PDU set information marking capability of UPF in an embodiment of this application. In some embodiments, Figure 4 The access network device 405, the first communication network device 415, and the second communication network device 410 can be implemented as follows: Figure 1 RAN 105, UPF 115, SMF110.

[0103] like Figure 4 As shown, the second communication network device 410 sends (418) the type 420 of the protocol description associated with the data stream to the first communication network device 415. At 425, the first communication network device 415 determines whether it can or cannot mark the PDU set information based on the type of the protocol description associated with the data stream. The first communication network device 415 sends (428) capability information 430 for processing the PDU set of this type to the second communication network device 410. The first communication network device 415 may also send (431) capability information 432 for processing the PDU set of this type to the access network device 405. This capability information can be at the data stream granularity, that is, the first communication network device can mark the PDU set information of any PDU set in the data stream; this capability information can also be at the protocol description type granularity, for example, a data stream can be associated with one or more protocol description types, and the first communication network device can support one or more protocol description types, thereby marking the PDU set information of the PDU set using the supported protocol description type. For example, the first communication network device 415 of the UPF can explicitly inform the second communication network device 410 and / or the access network device 405 of its processing capabilities, such as which types of protocols it can process, so that the second communication network device 410 and / or the access network device 405 can control the PDU set information marking of the first communication network device 415.

[0104] Optionally, the second communication network device 410 sends (433) an instruction to activate the PDU set information marker or an instruction to deactivate the PDU set information marker 435 to the first communication network device 415. In this way, the second communication network device 410 can flexibly control the PDU set information marker operation of the first communication network device 415. Optionally, the access network device 405 sends (438) an instruction to activate the PDU set information marker or an instruction to deactivate the PDU set information marker 440 to the first communication network device 415. In this way, the access network device 405 can, for example, flexibly control the PDU set information marker operation of the first communication network device 415 according to its own load status, such as performing or not performing packet loss. At 445, the first communication network device 415 determines whether to add PDU set information to the data packets sent to the access network device 405 based on the instruction to activate or deactivate the PDU set information marker.

[0105] The first communication network device 415 sends (448) data packet 450 to the access network device 405. Thus, the access network device 405 can process data based on the PDU set information, such as performing packet loss processing during congestion based on the importance of the PDU set, thereby improving service quality. For example, for intra-frame coded frames (I-frames), one-way predictive inter-frame coded frames (P-frames), and two-way predictive inter-frame coded frames (B-frames) with different importance in a video stream, during congestion, B-frames and P-frames with lower importance are selectively discarded while retaining I-frames with higher importance as much as possible, reducing mosaic artifacts during decoder image reproduction and improving user experience. Besides the different importance of I, B, and P frames in a video stream, the basic layer and enhancement layer in layered video coding can also have different importance, and other data such as multimodal data can also have different importance, which can be applied to importance-based labeling and packet loss processing; this application does not limit this.

[0106] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a communication system based on the PDU set information marking capability of UPF is shown in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 The AF520, PCF 525, SMF 510, UPF515, RAN 505, and UE 530 mentioned can be respectively Figure 1 Examples of AF120, PCF 125, SMF 110, UPF115, RAN 105, and UE 170. SMF 510, UPF515, and RAN 505 can also correspond to... Figure 4 The second communication network equipment 410, the first communication network equipment 415, and the access network equipment 405 are included. Figure 5 The following is an overview. Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 In this context, the process involves PDU set information marking and QoS processing based on the capabilities of the UPF, the control of the UPF by the SMF and RAN, and the control of the PDU set information marking and QoS processing by the AF.

[0107] At 535, AF 520 provides PCF 525 with flow characteristic information related to the PDU set, such as protocol descriptions. Protocol descriptions may include RTP, SRTP, RTP with RTP header extensions, SRTP with RTP header extensions, RTP without RTP header extensions but with RTP payload format, SRTP without RTP header extensions but with RTP payload format, RTP with both RTP header extensions and RTP payload format, SRTP with both RTP header extensions and RTP payload format, Quick UDP Internet Connections (QUIC), or Media over QUIC, etc. Based on the information provided by AF 520, PCF 525 generates PCC rules for the PDU set and sends these rules to SMF 510 at 540. SMF 510 generates a QoS profile based on the PCC rules, which may include PDU set QoS parameters. SMF 510 can also generate PDU set detection rules (PDR). At 545, SMF 510 sends the Detection Rule (PDR) for the PDU set to UPF 515 so that SMF 510 can know whether UPF 515 supports or does not support the ability to label PDU sets for a specific type of protocol. UPF 515 returns information at 550 indicating whether SMF itself can or cannot support that type of protocol. By including at least one PDU set QoS parameter in the QoS document sent to RAN 505 at 555, SMF 510 requests RAN 505 to perform PDU set QoS processing for a specific QoS flow. SMF 510 can instruct RAN 505 at this time or subsequently that the current UPF 515 has or does not have the ability to label PDU sets. RAN 505 provides indication information to SMF 510 at 560, indicating whether RAN 505 supports or does not support PDU set QoS processing. Based on this indication information, RAN 505 can send an indication message to UPF 515 at 565 to activate or deactivate the PDU set marking operation of UPF 515. For example, the PDU set marking operation of UPF 515 can be activated when RAN 505 is congested, and deactivated when RAN 505 is not congested. After receiving the activation indication, UPF 515 can identify the PDU set starting from the starting PDU position of a complete PDU set, add PDU set information, such as PDU set importance, to the GTP-U header of the PDUs in the PDU set, and send the PDUs to RAN 505 at 570.After receiving PDUs via RAN 570, the RAN identifies the PDU set based on the PDU set information added to the GTP-U header in UPF 515, and performs PDU set QoS processing based on the received PDU set QoS parameters. For example, during congestion, it performs PSI-based packet dropping, discarding less important PDU sets while sending important PDU set data to UE 530 via RAN 575. In this way, PDU sets can be marked based on the support capabilities of UPF 515 for different protocol types, and the PDU set marking in UPF 515 can be dynamically controlled according to the congestion status of RAN 505, improving processing efficiency. AF 520 can also control PDU set marking and QoS processing, increasing flexibility.

[0108] In this embodiment, the functions of the network elements or modules involved are as follows: SMF 510 can determine whether to activate or deactivate the PDU set information marking function of UPF 515 based on any one or more of the capabilities of RAN 505, QoS document requirements, and UPF capability information. It can indicate the capability information of UPF 515 to RAN 505, or instruct UPF 515 to perform PDU set information marking operations based on the indication of RAN 505. UPF 515 can provide more granular feedback on UPF capabilities according to the type described in the protocol, and can enable or disable the PDU set information marking function at a more granular level according to the indication of RAN 505 or SMF 510. RAN 505 can enable or disable the PDU set information marking function of UPF 515 according to the current congestion state and the capability information of UPF 515, thereby achieving dynamic control.

[0109] Figure 6 The signaling diagram for QoS processing based on the PDU set information marking capability of UPF in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 6 RAN 605, SMF 610, UPF 615, PCF625, NEF 630, AF 620, and UE 635 are respectively Figure 1 Examples of RAN 105, SMF 110, UPF 115, PCF 125, NEF 130, AF 120, and UE 170. Figure 6 RAN 605, SMF 610, and UPF 615 in the text correspond to respectively Figure 4 The access network device 405, the second communication network device 410, and the first communication network device 415 are included.

[0110] In embodiment 600, SMF 610 verifies the capabilities of UPF 615. In this embodiment, the capability information of UPF 615 can be refined, such as the identification and marking of PDU sets for specific protocol types, for example, the identification and marking of PDU set importance (PSI). Based on the capabilities of UPF 615, SMF 610 can also refer to the QoS parameters in the QoS document that include or do not include PDU sets to determine whether to activate or deactivate the PDU set information marking function of UPF 615.

[0111] In this embodiment, AF 620 sends (639) a protocol description 640. Optionally, AF 620 sends a PDU set of QoS parameters. Optionally, NEF 630 authenticates the request initiated by AF 620 at 643; the authenticated request 646 is sent (645) to PCF 625. PCF 625 generates PCC rules based on this, and PCF 625 sends (648) a response 649 to NEF 630 in response to the AF request, and forwards (651) to AF 620.

[0112] In this embodiment, PCF 625 sends (654) the generated PCC rule 655 to SMF 610. Based on this, SMF 610 sends (657) a QoS profile 658 to RAN 605. The QoS profile optionally includes PDU set QoS parameters. If PDU set QoS parameters are included and the current RAN 605 supports PDU set-based QoS processing, RAN 605 sends (660) a support indication 661. Indication 661 can be used to indicate that RAN 605 supports PDU set-based QoS processing. Additionally or alternatively, indication 661 can be used to indicate that RAN 605 supports packet loss processing based on PDU set importance.

[0113] In this embodiment, SMF 610 sends (662) N4 rule 663 to UPF 615, including a PDR. The PDR may include a protocol description, which may include a protocol type. Based on the type of the protocol description, UPF 615 sends (665) an indication 666 indicating whether it supports PDU set information marking for the protocol type associated with the data stream. For example, if it sends RTP, or SRTP without RTP header extensions but with RTP payload format, but UPF 615 only supports header extension-based identification, then UPF 615 will return an indication that it does not support PDU set information marking. Alternatively, if UPF 615 supports RTP payload format identification but does not support PDU set importance identification, UPF will also send an indication that it does not support PDU set importance identification. The sending of indication 666 may be triggered based on support or non-support.

[0114] In this embodiment, at step 669, SMF 610, based on the capabilities of UPF 615 or in conjunction with the QoS document, determines whether to activate or deactivate the PDU set information marking for UPF, and at step 671 instructs UPF 615 to activate or deactivate the PDU set information marking. For example, if UPF 615 does not support PDU set information marking, SMF 610 will choose to instruct RAN 605 at step 674 that the current QoS flow does not support this information. Optionally, RAN 605 will replace the PDU set QoS parameters with lagecy PDU parameters. If there are no PDU set QoS parameters in the QoS profile, SMF 610 can choose not to activate the PDU set information marking for UPF 615. If the QoS document only includes PSIHI information, SMF 610 can optionally instruct UPF 615 to only mark the PDU set sequence number. Thus, the SMF 610 can determine whether to enable or disable the PDU information set marking of the UPF 615, such as the PDU set importance marking, based on the protocol types that the UPF 615 can support. Accordingly, the SMF 610 can also determine whether to cause the RAN 605 to perform PDU set-level processing, such as dropping packets based on PDU set importance.

[0115] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, SMF 610 may notify NEF630 and AF 620 of indication information that the current QoS flow is or is not performing PDU set processing.

[0116] The protocol description for PDU set identification and tagging supported by UPF may include the following parts.

[0117] - Protocol description: Indicates the transport protocol and information used by the service data stream (e.g., RTP, SRTP), as described below: - RTP

[185] or SRTP

[186] ;

[0118] - RTP or SRTP with RTP header extension:

[0119] - The RTP header extension for PDU set tagging defined in TS26.522

[179] ;

[0120] - Other RTP header extensions defined in RFC 8285;

[0121] - RTP or SRTP without RTP header extension but with RTP payload format (e.g., H.264

[187] or H.265

[188] );

[0122] - An RTP or SRTP without an RTP header extension for PDU set tags as defined in TS26.522

[179] , and with an RTP payload format (e.g., H.264

[187] or H.265

[188] );

[0123] - An RTP or SRTP with other RTP header extensions according to RFC 8285

[189] and an RTP payload format (e.g., H.264

[187] or H.265

[188] ).

[0124] The original English text is:

[0125]

[0126] The RTP protocol format is as follows:

[0127]

[0128] The functions of each field are as follows.

[0129] V: The RTP protocol version number, occupying 2 digits. The current protocol version number is 2.

[0130] P: Padding flag, occupies 1 bit. If P=1, one or more additional octets are padded to the end of the message. These are not part of the payload.

[0131] X: Extension flag, occupies 1 bit. If X = 1, an extension header will follow the RTP header.

[0132] CC: CSRC counter, occupying 4 bits, indicates the number of CSRC identifiers.

[0133] M: Marker, occupies 1 bit, and has different meanings depending on the payload. For video, it marks the end of a frame; for audio, it marks the beginning of a session.

[0134] PT: Payload Type, 7 bits, used to describe the type of payload in the RTP message, such as GSM audio, JPEM image, etc. In streaming media, it is mostly used to distinguish between audio streams and video streams, which makes it easier for the client to parse.

[0135] Sequence Number: 16 bits, used to identify the sequence number of the RTP message sent by the sender. The sequence number is incremented by 1 for each message sent. This field can be used to check for packet loss when the underlying bearer protocol is UDP and network conditions are poor. It can also be used to reorder data in the event of network jitter. The initial value of the sequence number is random, and the sequence numbers for audio and video packets are counted separately.

[0136] Timestamp: 32 bits, requires a 90kHz clock frequency. The timestamp reflects the sampling time of the first octet of the RTP message. The receiver uses the timestamp to calculate delay and jitter, and for synchronization control.

[0137] Synchronization Source (SSRC) Identifier: 32 bits, used to identify the synchronization source. This identifier is randomly selected, and two synchronization sources participating in the same video conference cannot have the same SSRC.

[0138] Contributing Source (CSRC) Identifier: Each CSRC identifier occupies 32 bits, and there can be 0 to 15. Each CSRC identifies all the contributing sources included in the payload of this RTP message.

[0139] In this embodiment of the application, the RTP extension header format is as follows:

[0140]

[0141] PDU collection information includes:

[0142] -PDU set serial number;

[0143] - The end of the PDU set indicates the PDU;

[0144] - The PDU serial number in the PDU set;

[0145] - PDU collection size (in bytes);

[0146] - PDU set importance, which indicates the relative importance of a PDU set in a QoS flow compared to other PDU sets.

[0147] In this embodiment of the application, this content corresponds one-to-one with the content of the aforementioned PDU set information.

[0148] Figure 7 The following is a signaling diagram illustrating the RAN controlling the UPF to mark PDU set information in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 RAN 705, SMF 710, UPF 715, PCF 725, NEF 730, AF 720, and UE 735 are respectively Figure 1 Examples of RAN 105, SMF110, UPF 115, PCF 125, NEF 130, AF 120, and UE 170. Figure 7 RAN 705, SMF 710, and UPF715 correspond to respectively Figure 4 The access network device 405, the second communication network device 410, and the first communication network device 415 are included.

[0149] Example 700 is used in a scenario where RAN 705 dynamically enables or disables PSI marking by UPF 715. Based on the capabilities of UPF 715, RAN 705 requests to enable or disable the PSI marking function of UPF 715 for packet dropping based on PSI.

[0150] In this embodiment, AF 720 sends (739) a protocol description 740. Optionally, AF sends a set of PDU QoS parameters. NEF 730 authenticates the request initiated by AF 720 at 743, and sends (745) a successful authentication request 746 to PCF 725. PCF 725 generates PCC rules based on this, and PCF 725 sends (748) a response to the AF request 749 to NEF 730 and forwards (751) to AF 720.

[0151] In this embodiment, PCF 725 sends (754) the generated PCC rule 755 to SMF 710. Based on this, SMF 710 sends (757) a QoS profile 758 to RAN 705. The QoS profile may optionally include PDU set QoS parameters. If PDU set QoS parameters are included and the current RAN 605 supports QoS processing based on PDU sets, RAN 605 sends a support indication 661.

[0152] In this embodiment, SMF 710 sends a PDR (762) to UPF 715. The PDR may include a protocol description, which may include a protocol type. Based on the type of the protocol description, UPF 715 sends an indication message 766 indicating whether it supports PDU set information marking for that protocol type. For example, if it sends RTP, or SRTP without RTP header extensions but with RTP payload format, but UPF 715 only supports header extension-based identification, then UPF 715 will return an indication message indicating that it does not support PDU set information marking. Alternatively, if UPF 715 supports RTP payload format identification but does not support PDU set importance identification, UPF 715 will also send an indication message indicating that it does not support PDU set importance. The sending of indication message 766 may be triggered based on support or non-support.

[0153] In this embodiment, SMF 710 determines whether to activate or deactivate PDU set information marking based on the capabilities of UPF 715, assuming UPF 715 supports PSI marking. If UPF 715 supports PDU set information marking, SMF 710 will request RAN 705 to indicate whether PDU set processing is currently supported at 768. If RAN 705 responds that PDU set processing is supported, SMF 710 instructs RAN at 771 that UPF 715 has the capability for PDU set marking for the current data stream, such as which protocols can be PDU set marked. Optionally, SMF 710 may instruct UPF 715 to perform PDU set information marking based on RAN 705's feedback at 774. If RAN 705 does not support PDU set processing, steps 771 and 774 are omitted.

[0154] In this embodiment, when RAN 705 determines congestion at 778, for example, when the data volume exceeds a first threshold, RAN 705 can, for example, construct an empty packet to instruct (780) UPF to activate the PDU set marking operation. RAN 705 receives (786) downlink data 787 from UPF 715 and performs packet dropping operations based on the PDU set importance information. When RAN 705 determines no congestion at 778, for example, when the data volume is less than a second threshold, RAN 705 can, for example, construct an empty packet to instruct (783) UPF to deactivate the PDU set marking operation. The first threshold can be the same as or different from the second threshold. In this way, RAN 705 can dynamically control the PDU set information marking of UPF 715 according to the congestion situation and perform packet dropping accordingly, making full use of transmission bandwidth and improving service quality.

[0155] In this embodiment, the capabilities of RAN 705 can be decoupled from QoS capabilities or from the capabilities of UPF 715. For example, SMF 710 only needs to confirm whether RAN 705 needs to perform PDU set importance-based discarding, and then take further action, such as activating the PDI set importance flag of UPF, thereby improving flexibility.

[0156] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a signaling diagram of QoS processing triggered by application functions based on PDU set information marking in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 RAN 805, SMF 810, UPF 815, PCF 825, NEF 830, AF 820, and UE 835 are respectively Figure 1 Examples of RAN 105, SMF 110, UPF 115, PCF 125, NEF 130, AF 120, and UE 170. Figure 8 RAN805, SMF 810, and UPF 815 in the text correspond to respectively Figure 4 The access network device 405, the second communication network device 410, and the first communication network device 415 are included.

[0157] Example 800 is used to extend the QoS parameters of the PDU set to indicate packet loss based on the importance of the PDU set.

[0158] In this embodiment, AF 820 sends (839) protocol description 840. Optionally, AF sends PDU set QoS parameters, such as PDU set importance, enabling AF 820 to control the PDU set information marking operation of UPF 815, and RAN 805 to perform QoS processing based on PDU set information, such as PDU set granular QoS processing, such as PDU set granular packet loss based on PDU set importance. NEF 830 authenticates the request initiated by AF 820 at 843, and sends (845) the authenticated request 846 to PCF 825. The PDU set QoS parameters can be new indication information for performing packet loss based on PDU set importance, or they can be an extension of PSIHI. For example, when PSIHI is 1, it indicates that PDU set importance integrity transmission is possible. For example, when PSIHI is 2, it indicates that packet loss is possible based on PDU set importance. Based on this, PCF 825 generates PCC rules, sends (848) a response 849 to NEF 830 in response to the AF request, and forwards (851) to AF 820.

[0159] In this embodiment, PCF 825 sends (854) the generated PCC rule 855 to SMF 810. Based on this, SMF 810 sends (857) a QoS profile 858 to RAN 805. The QoS profile optionally includes PDU set QoS parameters. If PDU set QoS parameters are included and the current RAN 805 supports PDU set-based QoS processing, RAN 805 sends (860) a support indication 861. Indication 861 can be used to indicate that RAN 805 supports PDU set-based QoS processing. Additionally or alternatively, indication 861 can be used to indicate that RAN 805 supports packet loss processing based on PDU set importance.

[0160] In this embodiment, SMF 810 sends a PDR (862) to UPF 815. The PDR may include a protocol description, which may include a protocol type. Based on the type of the protocol description, UPF 815 sends an indication message 866 indicating whether it supports PDU set information marking for that protocol type. For example, if it sends RTP, or SRTP without RTP header extensions but with RTP payload format, but UPF 815 only supports header extension-based identification, then UPF 815 will return an indication message indicating that it does not support PDU set information marking. Alternatively, if UPF 815 supports RTP payload format identification but does not support PDU set importance identification, UPF will also send an indication message indicating that it does not support PDU set importance. The sending of indication message 866 may be triggered based on support or non-support.

[0161] In this embodiment, at step 869, the SMF 810, based on the capabilities of the UPF 815 or in conjunction with the QoS document, determines whether to activate or deactivate the PDU set information marking for the UPF, and at step 871 instructs the UPF 815 to activate or deactivate the PDU set information marking. For example, if the UPF 815 does not support PDU set information marking, the SMF 810 will choose to instruct the RAN 805 at step 874 that the current QoS flow does not support this information. Optionally, the RAN 805 will replace the PDU set QoS parameters with traditional (lagecy) PDU parameters. If there are no PDU set QoS parameters in the QoS profile, the SMF 810 can choose not to activate the PDU set information marking for the UPF 815. If the QoS document only includes PSIHI information, the SMF 810 can optionally instruct the UPF 815 to only mark the PDU set sequence number. Thus, the SMF 810 can determine whether to enable or disable the PDU information set marking of the UPF, such as the PDU set importance marking, based on the protocol types supported by the UPF 815. Accordingly, the SMF 810 can also determine whether to cause the RAN805 to perform QoS processing, such as dropping packets based on the PDU set importance.

[0162] In this embodiment, optionally, SMF 810 can notify NEF 830 and AF 820 of the indication information for whether or not to perform PDU set processing on the current QoS flow via 877 and 880. AF 820 can directly control the PDU set information marking operation of UPF 815 and the RAN 805 to perform QoS processing based on PDU set information, thereby improving flexibility.

[0163] In this embodiment of the application, if there is no corresponding indication information in the QoS document, the PCF825 can dynamically generate policy information based on the network status. The policy information indicates that packet loss processing based on the importance of PDU sets is required, such as QoS processing at the PDU set granularity, or packet loss at the PDU set granularity based on the importance of PDU sets, thereby improving flexibility.

[0164] Figure 9 A processing flowchart of the first communication network device 415 in an embodiment of this application is shown. In process 900, at 910, the first communication network device 415 determines whether it can or cannot mark the PDU set information based on the type of protocol description associated with the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) set in the data stream. At 920, the first communication network device 415 sends capability information for processing the type of PDU set to the second communication network device 410 and / or the access network device 405. It will be understood that process 900 may also include the above references. Figures 4 to 8Other operations implemented at the first communication device or UPF, as described herein, will not be repeated here.

[0165] Figure 10 A processing flowchart of a first communication network device 415 according to another embodiment of this application is shown. In process 1000, at 1010, the first communication network device 415 receives an instruction to activate or deactivate a PDU set information marker from the second communication network device 410 and / or the access network device 405. At 1020, the first communication network device 415 determines, based on the instruction to activate or deactivate the PDU set information marker, whether or not to add PDU set information to the data packet sent to the access network device 405. It will be understood that process 1000 may also include the above references. Figures 4 to 8 Other operations implemented at the first communication device or UPF, as described herein, will not be repeated here.

[0166] Figure 11 A processing flowchart of the second communication network device 410 in an embodiment of this application is shown. In process 1100, at 1110, the second communication network device 410 sends the type of protocol description associated with the set of Protocol Data Units (PDUs) to the first communication network device 415. At 1120, the second communication network device 410 receives from the first communication network device 415 information on its ability to process the set of PDUs of that type. It will be understood that process 1100 may also include the above references. Figures 4 to 8 Other operations implemented at the second communication device or SMF, as described herein, will not be elaborated upon further.

[0167] Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating the processing of access network device 405 in an embodiment of this application is shown. In process 1200, at 1210, access network device 405 sends indication information to first communication network device 415 to activate or deactivate the PDU set information tag of first communication network device 415. At 1220, access network device 405 receives data packets from first communication network device 415. It will be understood that process 1200 may also include the above-referenced... Figures 4 to 8 Other operations implemented at the access network equipment or RAN as described herein will not be elaborated upon further.

[0168] Figure 13This is a block diagram that can be used to implement device 1300 according to some embodiments of this application. The first communication network device 415, the second communication network device 410, and the access network device 405 can be implemented in device 1300, for example, they can be part of device 1300. The first communication network device 415, the second communication network device 410, and the access network device 405 can be implemented as a single chip, or a combination of several chips, or as hardware circuits, or partially implemented as hardware circuits and partially implemented as software, firmware, or other forms. This application does not limit this. In some embodiments, device 1300 may be a component of a communications network infrastructure, such as a base station (e.g., a NodeB, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a next-generation NodeB (sometimes referred to as a gNodeB or gNB), a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), a gateway (GW), such as a Packet Gateway (PGW) or a Serving Gateway (SGW), or various other nodes or functions within a core network (CN) or Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). In other embodiments, device 1300 may be a device connected to the network infrastructure via a wireless interface, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or other such device that can be classified as User Equipment (UE). In some embodiments, device 900 may be a Machine Type Communication (MTC) device. This can be a backup device (also known as a machine-to-machine (M2M) device), or another such device that, although not providing direct service to a user, can be classified as a UE. In some embodiments, device 1300 may be a roadside unit (RSU), a vehicle UE (V-UE), a pedestrian UE (P-UE), or an infrastructure UE (I-UE). In some scenarios, device 1300 may also be referred to as a mobile device, a term intended to reflect a device connected to a mobile network, regardless of whether the device itself is designed for or capable of being mobile. A particular device may utilize all or only a subset of the components shown, and the level of integration may vary with device 1300. Furthermore, device 1300 may contain multiple instances of components, such as multiple processors, memories, transmitters, receivers, etc.

[0169] Device 1300 typically includes a processor 1302, such as a central processing unit (CPU), and may further include a dedicated processor, such as a graphics processing unit (GPU) or other such processor, memory 1304, a network interface 1306, and a bus 1308 for connecting the components of device 1300. Optionally, device 1300 may also include components such as a mass storage device 1310, a video adapter 1312, and an I / O interface 1316 (shown in dashed lines).

[0170] Memory 1304 may include any type of non-transitory system memory readable by processor 1302, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), read-only memory (ROM), or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, memory 1304 may include more than one type of memory, such as ROM used at boot time and DRAM used for program and data storage during program execution. Bus 1308 may be one or more of a plurality of bus architectures of any type, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, or a video bus.

[0171] Device 1300 may also include one or more network interfaces 1306, which may include at least one of wired network interfaces and wireless network interfaces. For example... Figure 13 As shown, network interface 1306 may include a wired network interface for connecting to network 1322, and may also include a wireless access network interface 1320 for connecting to other devices via a wireless link. When device 1300 is a network infrastructure element, the wireless access network interface 1320 may be omitted for nodes or functions that are elements of a PLMN rather than elements at the wireless edge (e.g., eNB). When device 1300 is infrastructure at the wireless edge of the network, both wired and wireless network interfaces may be included. When device 1300 is a wirelessly connected device, such as a user equipment, the wireless access network interface 1320 may be present and may be supplemented by other wireless interfaces such as a WiFi network interface. Network interface 1306 allows device 1300 to communicate with remote entities such as those connected to network 1322.

[0172] Mass storage 1310 may include any type of non-transitory storage device configured to store data, programs, and other information and make the data, programs, and other information accessible via bus 1308. Mass storage 1310 may include, for example, one or more of a solid-state drive, hard disk drive, disk drive, or optical disk drive. In some embodiments, mass storage 1310 may be located remotely from device 1300 and may be accessed using a network interface such as interface 1306. In the illustrated embodiment, mass storage 1310 is distinct from the memory 1304 that includes it, and mass storage 1310 typically performs storage tasks compatible with higher latency but typically provides low or no fluctuation. In some embodiments, mass storage 1310 may be integrated with heterogeneous memory 1304.

[0173] Optional video adapter 1312 and I / O interface 1316 (shown in dashed lines) provide interfaces for coupling device 1300 to external input and output devices. Examples of input and output devices include a display 1314 coupled to video adapter 1312 and an I / O device 1318, such as a touchscreen, coupled to I / O interface 1316. Other devices may be coupled to device 1300 and may utilize additional or fewer interfaces. For example, a serial interface such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) (not shown) may be used to provide interfaces for external devices. Those skilled in the art will understand that in embodiments where device 1300 is part of a data center, I / O interface 1316 and video adapter 1312 may be virtualized and provided via network interface 1306.

[0174] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first communication network device 1400 according to some embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the first communication network device 1400 includes a determining module 1402 and a transmitting module 1404. The first communication network device 1400 can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 The communication system shown can implement any of the methods provided in the preceding embodiments. Optionally, the physical manifestation of the first communication network device 1400 can be a communication device, such as a network device. Alternatively, the first communication network device 1400 can be other devices capable of implementing the functions of a communication device, such as a processor or chip inside a communication device. Specifically, the first communication network device 1400 can be a programmable chip, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a system on a chip (SOC).

[0175] In some embodiments, the determining module 1402 may be configured to determine whether a first communication network device can or cannot mark PDU set information based on the type of protocol description associated with a set of Protocol Data Units (PDUs) in the data stream. The sending module 1404 may be configured to send capability information for processing PDU sets of the aforementioned type to a second communication network device and / or an access network device.

[0176] In some other embodiments, the first communication network device 1400 may include various other units or modules that can be configured to perform the various operations or functions described with respect to the foregoing method embodiments. Specific details can be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0177] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first communication network device 1500 according to some embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 15 As shown, the first communication network device 1500 includes a receiving module 1502 and a determining module 1504. The first communication network device 1500 can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 The communication system shown can implement any of the methods provided in the preceding embodiments. Optionally, the physical manifestation of device 1500 can be a communication device, such as a network device. Alternatively, the first communication network device 1500 can be other devices capable of implementing the functions of a communication device, such as a processor or chip inside the communication device. Specifically, the first communication network device 1500 can be a programmable chip, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a system on a chip (SOC).

[0178] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1502 may be configured to receive an indication to activate or deactivate the PDU set information flag from a second communication network device and / or an access network device. The determining module 1504 may be configured to determine, based on the indication to activate or deactivate the PDU set information flag, whether or not to add PDU set information to the data packet sent to the access network device.

[0179] In some other embodiments, the first communication network device 1500 may include various other units or modules that can be configured to perform the various operations or functions described with respect to the foregoing method embodiments. Specific details can be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0180] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second communication network device 1600 according to some embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 16As shown, the second communication network device 1600 includes a transmitting module 1602 and a receiving module 1604. The second communication network device 1600 can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 The communication system shown can implement any of the methods provided in the preceding embodiments. Optionally, the physical manifestation of the second communication network device 1600 can be a communication device, such as a network device. Alternatively, the second communication network device 1600 can be other devices capable of implementing the functions of a communication device, such as a processor or chip inside the communication device. Specifically, the second communication network device 1600 can be a programmable chip, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a system on a chip (SOC).

[0181] In some embodiments, the sending module 1602 may be configured to send to the first communication network device the type of protocol description associated with the set of Protocol Data Units (PDUs). The receiving module 1604 may be configured to receive from the first communication network device capability information for processing the set of PDUs of that type.

[0182] In some other embodiments, the second communication network device 1600 may include various other units or modules that can be configured to perform the various operations or functions described with respect to the foregoing method embodiments. Specific details can be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0183] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an access network device 1700 according to some embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 17 As shown, the access network device 1700 includes a transmitting module 1702 and a receiving module 1704. The access network device 1700 can be applied to, for example... Figure 1The communication system shown can implement any of the methods provided in the preceding embodiments. Optionally, the physical manifestation of the access network device 1700 can be a communication device, such as a network device. Alternatively, the access network device 1700 can be other devices capable of implementing the functions of a communication device, such as a processor or chip inside the communication device. Specifically, the access network device 1700 can be a programmable chip, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a system on a chip (SOC).

[0184] In some embodiments, the sending module 1702 may be configured to send indication information to the first communication network device to activate or deactivate the PDU set information tag of the first communication network device. The receiving module 1704 may be configured to receive data packets from the first communication network device 1400 or 1500.

[0185] In some other embodiments, the access network device 1700 may include various other units or modules that can be configured to perform the various operations or functions described with respect to the foregoing method embodiments. Specific details can be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0186] It should be noted that the module division in the above embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, exist as separate physical units, or be integrated into one unit by two or more units. The integrated units described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional units.

[0187] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, or all or part of it, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0188] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute any of the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0189] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program. When executed by a computer, the computer program causes the computer to perform any of the methods provided in the above embodiments. The storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, but not limited to, a computer-readable medium may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code having the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

[0190] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a chip for reading a computer program stored in a memory and implementing any of the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0191] Based on the above embodiments, this application provides a chip system including a processor for supporting a computer device in implementing the functions involved in the communication devices in the above embodiments. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing necessary programs and data of the computer device. This chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0192] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0193] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0194] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0195] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0196] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, comprising: The first communication network device determines how to mark the PDU set information based on the type of protocol description associated with the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) set in the data stream; as well as The first communication network device sends capability information for processing the PDU set of the aforementioned type to the second communication network device and / or the access network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the capability information includes: The first communication network device may or may not support marking the PDU set information of the data stream's PDU set.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The first communication network device receives any one of the following from the second communication network device and / or access network device: Instructions for activating PDU collection information markers; or Instructions to deactivate the PDU collection information marker.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: The first communication network device receives an instruction from the second communication network device to determine whether to activate or deactivate the PDU set information tag based on an instruction from the access network device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: The first communication network device adds the PDU set information to the header of the data packet of the data stream sent to the access network device according to the instruction of the received activation PDU set information marker, and the data packet belongs to the PDU set.

6. A communication method, comprising: The first communication network device receives an instruction to activate or deactivate the PDU set information tag from the second communication network device and / or the access network device; as well as The first communication network device determines whether to add PDU set information to the header of the data packets sent to the access network device based on the indication of the activation PDU set information marker or the indication of the deactivation PDU set information marker.

7. A communication method, comprising: The second communication network device sends the type of protocol description associated with the set of Protocol Data Units (PDUs) to the first communication network device; as well as The second communication network device receives capability information from the first communication network device regarding the ability to process the set of PDUs of the aforementioned type.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the capability information includes: The first communication network device may or may not support marking the PDU set information of the data stream's PDU set.

9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: The second communication network device sends any one of the following to the access network device: The data stream transmitted between the first communication network device and the access network device contains markers that support PDU set information; or The data stream transmitted between the first communication network device and the access network device does not support the marking of PDU set information.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising: The second communication network device sends the capability information of the first communication network device regarding the PDU set information marking to the access network device; The second communication network device receives feedback from the access network device; The second communication network device determines, based on the feedback, whether or not to activate the PDU set information tag indication; as well as The second communication network device sends an indication to the first communication network device to indicate whether or not to activate the PDU set information tag.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising: The second communication network device receives a discard instruction based on the importance of the PDU set from the third communication network device; as well as The second communication network device sends a Quality of Service (QoS) document to the access network device, the QoS document instructing the access network device to discard data streams based on the importance of PDU sets.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the QoS document includes PDU set integration processing information (PSIHI), the PSIHI instructing the access network device to discard PDU sets based on their importance.

13. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising: The second communication network device receives an instruction from the access network device to support the processing of PDU sets.

14. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising: The second communication network device sends an indication to the third communication network device as to whether it supports PDU aggregation processing of the data stream.

15. A communication method, comprising: The access network device sends an indication message to the first communication network device to activate or deactivate the PDU set information tag of the first communication network device; as well as The access network device receives data packets sent by the first communication network device.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the access network device sending indication information to the first communication network device to activate or deactivate the PDU set information tag of the first communication network device includes: When the data traffic of the access network device exceeds a first threshold, the access network device sends an indication message to the first communication network device to activate the PDU set information tag of the first communication network device for the data traffic; as well as When the data traffic of the access network device is lower than the second threshold, the access network device sends an indication message to the first communication network device to deactivate the PDU set information tag of the first communication network device in the data flow.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: The access network device receives, from the second communication network device or from the first communication network device, the capability information of the first communication network device to identify the PDU set information of the data packets in the data stream.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising: When the access network device receives information from the first communication network device that it does not support marking the PDU set information of the data stream's PDU set, the access network device uses legacy service parameters to replace the PDU set service parameters to send the data packets in the data stream.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising: The access network device sends an indication to the second communication network device that the access network device supports PDU set processing. The indication that the access network device supports PDU set-based quality of service processing and / or the access network device supports packet loss processing based on PDU set importance.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising: The access network device receives a Quality of Service (QoS) document from the second communication network device, the QoS document instructing the access network device to discard the data stream based on the importance of the PDU set.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the QoS document includes PDU set integration processing information (PSIHI), the PSIHI instructing the access network device to discard PDU sets based on their importance.

22. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising: The access network device discards a portion of the PDU set in the data stream received from the first communication network device based on the importance of the PDU set.

23. A first communication network device, comprising: The determining module is used to determine, based on the type of protocol description associated with the set of Protocol Data Units (PDUs) in the data stream, how the first communication network device marks the PDU set information; as well as The transmitting module is used to transmit capability information for processing the PDU set of the aforementioned type to the second communication network device and / or access network device.

24. A first communication network apparatus, comprising: The receiving module is configured to receive an instruction to activate or deactivate the PDU set information tag from the second communication network device and / or access network device. as well as The determining module is used to determine, based on the indication of activating or deactivating the PDU set information marker, whether or not to add PDU set information to the data packet sent to the access network device.

25. A second communication network apparatus, comprising: The transmitting module is used to transmit the type of protocol description associated with the set of Protocol Data Units (PDUs) to the first communication network device; as well as A receiving module is used to receive capability information from a first communication network device regarding the ability to process a set of PDUs of the aforementioned type.

26. An access network apparatus, comprising: The sending module is used to send indication information to the first communication network device to activate or deactivate the PDU set information tag of the first communication network device; as well as The receiving module is used to receive data packets sent by the first communication network device.

27. A communication device, comprising: A processor and a memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

28. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

29. A computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

30. A chip comprising processing circuitry configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

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