Communication method and device, communication equipment, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication method and device, communication equipment, a communication system and a storage medium. The method is performed by a first network element. The method comprises the steps that a first PCC rule and a first QoS flow are bound, the first PCC rule corresponds to a first SDF, the first PCC rule supports data acceleration processing, and the first QoS flow is used for achieving data acceleration processing of the first SDF. Through the scheme of the invention, the data acceleration processing of the SDF is realized.

Description

Communication method and apparatus, communication device, communication system, and storage medium TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of wireless communication, and in particular, to a communication method and apparatus, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] In communication technologies such as the 5th generation mobile networks (5G), mobile media services, online extended reality (XR), online games, video-based machine or drone remote control, etc. are expected to contribute more and more traffic to the communication network.

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

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method and apparatus, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product.

[0006] According to a first aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a first network element. The method comprises: binding a first PCC rule to a first QoS flow, wherein the first PCC rule corresponds to a first SDF, the first PCC rule supports data acceleration processing, and the first QoS flow is used to implement the data acceleration processing of the first SDF.

[0007] According to a second aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a second network element. The method comprises: sending first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is used to configure a first PCC rule, the first PCC rule corresponds to a first SDF, and the first PCC rule supports data acceleration processing.

[0008] According to a third aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a third network element. The method comprises: performing mapping between a first SDF and a first QoS flow, wherein the first QoS flow is used to implement data acceleration processing of the first SDF.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a fourth network element. The method comprises: sending, to a second network element, third information, wherein the third information is used to request QoS processing for a first SDF, and the first SDF needs data acceleration processing.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a terminal. The method comprises: performing mapping between a first SDF and a first QoS flow, wherein the first QoS flow is used to implement data acceleration processing of the first SDF.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a core network. The core network comprises a first network element, a second network element and a third network element. The method comprises at least one of: performing the communication method according to the first aspect by the first network element; performing the communication method according to the second aspect by the second network element; and performing the communication method according to the third aspect by the third network element.

[0012] According to a seventh aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus is arranged in a first network element. The apparatus comprises a processing module. The processing module is configured to: bind a first PCC rule to a first QoS flow, wherein the first PCC rule corresponds to a first SDF, the first PCC rule supports data acceleration processing, and the first QoS flow is used to implement data acceleration processing of the first SDF.

[0013] According to an eighth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus is arranged in a second network element. The apparatus comprises a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: send, to a first network element, first information, wherein the first information is used to configure a first PCC rule, the first PCC rule corresponds to a first SDF, and the first PCC rule supports data acceleration processing.

[0014] According to a ninth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus is arranged in a third network element. The apparatus comprises a processing module. The processing module is configured to: perform mapping between a first SDF and a first QoS flow, wherein the first QoS flow is used to implement data acceleration processing of the first SDF.

[0015] According to a tenth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus is arranged in a fourth network element. The apparatus comprises a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: send, to a second network element, third information, wherein the third information is used to request QoS processing for a first SDF, and the first SDF needs data acceleration processing.

[0016] According to a twelfth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device comprises one or more processors; and a memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the communication device, cause the communication device to implement the communication method according to any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, or the fifth aspect.

[0017] According to a twelfth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device comprises one or more processors; and a memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the communication device, cause the communication device to implement the communication method according to any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, or the fifth aspect.

[0018] According to a thirteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided. The communication system comprises at least one of: a first network element configured to implement the communication method according to the first aspect; a second network element configured to implement the communication method according to the second aspect; a third network element configured to implement the communication method according to the third aspect; a fourth network element configured to implement the communication method according to the fourth aspect; and a terminal configured to implement the communication method according to the fifth aspect.

[0019] According to a fourteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium stores instructions. The instructions, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method according to the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, or the sixth aspect.

[0020] According to a fifteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a program product is provided. The program product, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the communication method according to the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, or the sixth aspect.

[0021] According to a sixteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided. The computer program, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the communication method according to the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, or the sixth aspect.

[0022] According to a seventeenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a chip or chip system is provided. The chip or chip system comprises processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform the communication method according to the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, or the sixth aspect.

[0023] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, data acceleration processing of SDF can be implemented.

[0024] It should be understood that the general description above and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the invention.

[0026] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the architecture of one implementation of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another implementation of the communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 8A is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 8B is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 8C is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 8D is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 8E is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 9 is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 11A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 11B is a structural schematic diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method and apparatus, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium and a program product.

[0045] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The method is performed by a first network element. The above method comprises: binding a first PCC rule to a first QoS flow, wherein the first PCC rule corresponds to a first SDF, the first PCC rule supports data acceleration processing, and the first QoS flow is used to implement data acceleration processing of the first SDF.

[0046] According to the present embodiment, the first PCC rule is bound to the first QoS flow, the first PCC rule supports data acceleration processing, and the first QoS flow is used to implement data acceleration processing for the first SDF. In this way, in the case where data acceleration processing is required for the first SDF, the first SDF can be mapped into the first QoS flow according to the first PCC rule, so as to implement data acceleration processing, and avoid interference with the QoS characteristics of other SDFs, thereby guaranteeing the efficiency and reliability of communication.

[0047] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the data acceleration processing can be based on a reflective QoS mechanism.

[0048] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first QoS flow bound to the first PCC rule can be a new QoS flow.

[0049] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first QoS flow can be used only for binding with the first PCC rule.

[0050] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the operation of binding the first PCC rule to the first QoS flow can comprise: determining a first QoS characteristic corresponding to the first QoS flow.

[0051] According to the present embodiment, since the first QoS flow and another QoS flow such as the first SDF before data acceleration processing are independent of each other, the QoS of the SDF in the other QoS flow will not be changed, thereby guaranteeing efficient allocation and management of QoS resources.

[0052] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method can further comprise: receiving first information sent by a second network element, wherein the first information is used to configure the first PCC rule.

[0053] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can comprise at least one of: first indication information indicating that the first PCC rule supports data acceleration processing; second QoS characteristics, wherein the second QoS characteristics are QoS characteristics in the first PCC rule for non-data acceleration processing; third QoS characteristics, wherein the third QoS characteristics are candidate QoS characteristics in the first PCC rule for data acceleration processing; priority information of the third QoS characteristics; mapping information of the third QoS characteristics.

[0054] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises: sending second information to a third network element, wherein the second information is used to configure the third network element to perform QoS processing.

[0055] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second information can comprise one of: first QoS characteristics, wherein the first QoS characteristics are QoS characteristics corresponding to the first QoS flow; second QoS characteristics, wherein the second QoS characteristics are QoS characteristics in the first PCC rule for non-data acceleration processing; third QoS characteristics, wherein the third QoS characteristics are candidate QoS characteristics in the first PCC rule for data acceleration processing.

[0056] In the second aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The method is performed by a second network element. The method comprises: sending first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is used to configure a first PCC rule, the first PCC rule corresponds to a first SDF, and the first PCC rule supports data acceleration processing.

[0057] According to the present embodiment, the first information can be used to configure the first PCC rule, and the first PCC rule supports data acceleration processing. The first QoS flow corresponding to the first PCC rule is used to implement data acceleration processing for the first SDF. In this way, the first SDF can be subjected to data acceleration processing when needed.

[0058] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the data acceleration processing can be based on a reflective QoS mechanism.

[0059] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can comprise at least one of: first indication information indicating that the first PCC rule supports data acceleration processing; second QoS characteristics, wherein the second QoS characteristics are QoS characteristics in the first PCC rule for non-data acceleration processing; third QoS characteristics, wherein the third QoS characteristics are candidate QoS characteristics in the first PCC rule for data acceleration processing; priority information of the third QoS characteristics; mapping information of the third QoS characteristics.

[0060] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further can comprise: receiving third information sent by the fourth network element, wherein the third information is used to request the QoS processing for the first SDF; and determining the first PCC rule according to the third information.

[0061] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the third information can comprise at least one of: a QoS requirement related to the first SDF; and second indication information used to indicate that the data acceleration processing is supported.

[0062] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the operation of determining the first PCC rule according to the third information can comprise: determining a third QoS characteristic according to the third information, wherein the third QoS characteristic is a candidate QoS characteristic for the data acceleration processing in the first PCC rule.

[0063] In a third aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The method is performed by a third network element. The method comprises: performing mapping between a first SDF and a first QoS flow, wherein the first QoS flow is used to implement data acceleration processing of the first SDF.

[0064] According to the present embodiments, the first SDF is mapped to the first QoS flow used to implement the data acceleration processing, so as to implement the data acceleration processing. This can avoid the first SDF from interfering with the QoS characteristics of other SDFs, and thus guarantees the efficiency and reliability of communication.

[0065] In some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first QoS flow can correspond to a first QoS characteristic.

[0066] In some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first QoS characteristic can be determined according to at least one of: second information used to configure the third network element to perform the QoS processing; and local configuration.

[0067] In some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first QoS flow can be a new QoS flow.

[0068] In some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first SDF can correspond to a first PCC rule, and the first PCC rule supports the data acceleration processing.

[0069] In some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first QoS flow can be used only for binding with the first PCC rule.

[0070] According to the embodiment, since the first QoS flow is independent of another QoS flow such as the first SDF before data acceleration processing, QoS change of the SDF in the another QoS flow is not caused, and efficient allocation and management of QoS resources are ensured.

[0071] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the data acceleration processing can be based on a reflective QoS mechanism.

[0072] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes adding the RQI in the downlink data packet of the first SDF.

[0073] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the downlink data packet of the first SDF can contain first request information, the first request information being used to request data acceleration processing on the first SDF.

[0074] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first request information can include at least one of the following: a burst indication used to indicate that the first SDF has a burst change; burst time information used to indicate a time interval in which the first SDF has a burst change; and dynamic QoS information used to indicate that a dynamic QoS is adopted.

[0075] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes receiving second information sent by the first network element, wherein the second information is used to configure the third network element to perform QoS processing.

[0076] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the second information can include one of the following: first QoS characteristics corresponding to the first QoS flow; second QoS characteristics used for non-data acceleration processing in the first PCC rule; and third QoS characteristics used for data acceleration processing in the first PCC rule.

[0077] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the second information can include the third QoS characteristics; and the first QoS characteristics are determined from the third QoS characteristics in the second information.

[0078] In a fourth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The method is performed by a fourth network element. The method includes: sending, to a second network element, third information, wherein the third information is used to request QoS processing for a first SDF, and the first SDF needs data acceleration processing.

[0079] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the third information can comprise at least one of: a QoS requirement related to the first SDF; second indication information for indicating support of data acceleration processing.

[0080] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the data acceleration processing can be based on a reflective QoS mechanism.

[0081] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises: sending, to the third network element, a downlink data packet of the first SDF.

[0082] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the downlink data packet of the first SDF can contain first request information for requesting data acceleration processing on the first SDF.

[0083] In a fifth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The method is performed by a terminal. The method comprises: performing mapping between a first SDF and a first QoS flow, wherein the first QoS flow is used to implement data acceleration processing of the first SDF.

[0084] According to the present embodiment, the first SDF is mapped to the first QoS flow used to implement data acceleration processing, thereby implementing data acceleration processing.

[0085] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first QoS flow can correspond to first QoS characteristics.

[0086] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first QoS flow can be a new QoS flow.

[0087] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first SDF can correspond to a first PCC rule, and the first PCC rule supports data acceleration processing.

[0088] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first QoS flow can be used only for binding with the first PCC rule.

[0089] According to the present embodiment, since the first QoS flow and another QoS flow such as the first SDF before data acceleration processing are independent of each other, no QoS change of the SDF in the other QoS flow is caused, thereby guaranteeing efficient allocation and management of QoS resources.

[0090] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the data acceleration processing can be based on a reflective QoS mechanism.

[0091] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further can include: receiving a downlink data packet of the first SDF sent by the third network element, wherein the downlink data packet contains the first request information, and the first request information is used to request data acceleration processing on the first SDF.

[0092] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the downlink data packet of the first SDF can further contain a reflective QoS indication (RQI).

[0093] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further can include: determining the first QoS characteristic based on the downlink data packet of the first SDF according to the RQI.

[0094] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first QoS characteristic is determined from a third QoS characteristic, and the third QoS characteristic is a candidate QoS characteristic for data acceleration processing in the first PCC rule bound to the first QoS flow.

[0095] In a sixth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The method is performed by a core network. The core network includes a first network element, a second network element, and a third network element. The method includes at least one of: implementing the communication method as described in the first aspect by the first network element; implementing the communication method as described in the second aspect by the second network element; and implementing the communication method as described in the third aspect by the third network element.

[0096] In a seventh aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus is arranged in a first network element. The apparatus includes a processing module. The processing module is configured to: bind a first PCC rule to a first QoS flow, wherein the first PCC rule corresponds to a first SDF, the first PCC rule supports data acceleration processing, and the first QoS flow is used to implement data acceleration processing of the first SDF.

[0097] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the data acceleration processing can be based on a reflective QoS mechanism.

[0098] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first QoS flow bound to the first PCC rule can be a new QoS flow.

[0099] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first QoS flow can be used only for binding to the first PCC rule.

[0100] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the operation of binding the first PCC rule to the first QoS flow can include: determining a first QoS characteristic corresponding to the first QoS flow.

[0101] In some embodiments combining with the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the apparatus can further include a transceiver module. The transceiver module can be configured to receive the first information sent by the second network element, wherein the first information is used to configure the first PCC rule.

[0102] In some embodiments combining with the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can include at least one of: first indication information used to indicate that the first PCC rule supports data acceleration processing; second QoS characteristics, wherein the second QoS characteristics are QoS characteristics in the first PCC rule for non-data acceleration processing; third QoS characteristics, wherein the third QoS characteristics are candidate QoS characteristics in the first PCC rule for data acceleration processing; priority information of the third QoS characteristics; mapping information of the third QoS characteristics.

[0103] In some embodiments combining with the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can be further configured to send second information to the third network element, wherein the second information is used to configure the third network element to perform QoS processing.

[0104] In some embodiments combining with the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the second information can include one of: first QoS characteristics, wherein the first QoS characteristics are QoS characteristics corresponding to the first QoS flow; second QoS characteristics, wherein the second QoS characteristics are QoS characteristics in the first PCC rule for non-data acceleration processing; third QoS characteristics, wherein the third QoS characteristics are candidate QoS characteristics in the first PCC rule for data acceleration processing.

[0105] In an eighth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus is arranged in a second network element. The apparatus includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to send first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is used to configure a first PCC rule, the first PCC rule corresponds to a first SDF, and the first PCC rule supports data acceleration processing.

[0106] In some embodiments combining with the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the data acceleration processing can be based on a reflective QoS mechanism.

[0107] In some embodiments combining with the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can include at least one of: first indication information used to indicate that the first PCC rule supports data acceleration processing; second QoS characteristics, wherein the second QoS characteristics are QoS characteristics in the first PCC rule for non-data acceleration processing; third QoS characteristics, wherein the third QoS characteristics are candidate QoS characteristics in the first PCC rule for data acceleration processing; priority information of the third QoS characteristics; mapping information of the third QoS characteristics.

[0108] In some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can be further configured to receive third information sent by the fourth network element, wherein the third information is used to request the QoS processing for the first SDF. The apparatus can further include a processing module. The processing module is configured to determine the first PCC rule according to the third information.

[0109] In some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the third information can include at least one of the following: QoS requirement related to the first SDF; second indication information used to indicate that the data acceleration processing is supported.

[0110] In some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the processing module can be configured to determine, according to the third information, a third QoS characteristic, wherein the third QoS characteristic is a candidate QoS characteristic for the data acceleration processing in the first PCC rule.

[0111] In a ninth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus is arranged in a third network element. The apparatus includes a processing module. The processing module is configured to perform mapping between a first SDF and a first QoS flow, wherein the first QoS flow is used to implement data acceleration processing of the first SDF.

[0112] In some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the first QoS flow can correspond to a first QoS characteristic.

[0113] In some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the first QoS characteristic can be determined according to at least one of the following: second information, wherein the second information is used to configure the third network element to perform QoS processing; and local configuration.

[0114] In some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the first QoS flow can be a new QoS flow.

[0115] In some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the first SDF can correspond to a first PCC rule, and the first PCC rule supports the data acceleration processing.

[0116] In some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the first QoS flow can be used only for binding with the first PCC rule.

[0117] In some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the data acceleration processing can be based on a reflective QoS mechanism.

[0118] In some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the processing module can be further configured to add an RQI in a downlink data packet of the first SDF.

[0119] In some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the downlink data packet of the first SDF can contain first request information, the first request information being used to request data acceleration processing on the first SDF.

[0120] In some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the first request information can include at least one of the following: a burst indication, used to indicate that the first SDF has a burst change; burst time information, used to indicate a time interval in which the first SDF has a burst change; dynamic QoS information, used to indicate that a dynamic QoS is adopted.

[0121] In some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the apparatus can further include a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: receive second information sent by the first network element, wherein the second information is used to configure the third network element to perform QoS processing.

[0122] In some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the second information can include one of the following: first QoS characteristics, wherein the first QoS characteristics are QoS characteristics corresponding to the first QoS flow; second QoS characteristics, wherein the second QoS characteristics are QoS characteristics used for non-data acceleration processing in the first PCC rule; third QoS characteristics, wherein the third QoS characteristics are candidate QoS characteristics used for data acceleration processing in the first PCC rule.

[0123] In some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the second information can include the third QoS characteristics; and the first QoS characteristics are determined from the third QoS characteristics in the second information.

[0124] In a tenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus is arranged in a fourth network element. The apparatus includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: send third information to a second network element, wherein the third information is used to request QoS processing for a first SDF, and the first SDF needs data acceleration processing.

[0125] In some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the third information can include at least one of the following: QoS requirements related to the first SDF; and second indication information, used to indicate that data acceleration processing is supported.

[0126] In some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the data acceleration processing can be based on a reflective QoS mechanism.

[0127] In some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can be further configured to: send a downlink data packet of the first SDF to the third network element.

[0128] In some embodiments combining with the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the downlink data packet of the first SDF can contain first request information, the first request information being used to request data acceleration processing on the first SDF.

[0129] In an eleventh aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus is arranged in a terminal. The apparatus includes a processing module. The processing module is configured to perform mapping between a first SDF and a first QoS flow, wherein the first QoS flow is used to implement data acceleration processing of the first SDF.

[0130] In some embodiments combining with the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first QoS flow can correspond to first QoS characteristics.

[0131] In some embodiments combining with the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first QoS flow can be a new QoS flow.

[0132] In some embodiments combining with the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first SDF can correspond to a first PCC rule, and the first PCC rule supports data acceleration processing.

[0133] In some embodiments combining with the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first QoS flow can be used only for binding with the first PCC rule.

[0134] In some embodiments combining with the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the data acceleration processing can be based on a reflective QoS mechanism.

[0135] In some embodiments combining with the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the apparatus can further include a transceiver module. The transceiver module can be configured to receive a downlink data packet of the first SDF sent by a third network element, wherein the downlink data packet contains first request information, and the first request information is used to request data acceleration processing on the first SDF.

[0136] In some embodiments combining with the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the downlink data packet of the first SDF can further contain a reflective QoS indication RQI.

[0137] In some embodiments combining with the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the processing module can be further configured to determine the first QoS characteristics based on the downlink data packet of the first SDF according to the RQI.

[0138] In some embodiments combining with the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first QoS characteristics are determined from third QoS characteristics, and the third QoS characteristics are candidate QoS characteristics for data acceleration processing in the first PCC rule bound with the first QoS flow.

[0139] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device. The communication device includes one or more processors; and a memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the communication device, cause the communication device to implement the communication method according to any one of the first aspect and possible implementation manners thereof.

[0140] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device. The communication device includes one or more processors; and a memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the communication device, cause the communication device to implement the communication method according to any one of the second aspect and possible implementation manners thereof.

[0141] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device. The communication device includes one or more processors; and a memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the communication device, cause the communication device to implement the communication method according to any one of the third aspect and possible implementation manners thereof.

[0142] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device. The communication device includes one or more processors; and a memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the communication device, cause the communication device to implement the communication method according to any one of the fourth aspect and possible implementation manners thereof.

[0143] In a sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device. The communication device includes one or more processors; and a memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the communication device, cause the communication device to implement the communication method according to any one of the fifth aspect and possible implementation manners thereof.

[0144] In a seventeenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication system. The communication system includes at least one of: a first network element configured to implement the communication method according to any one of the first aspect and possible implementation manners thereof; a second network element configured to implement the communication method according to any one of the second aspect and possible implementation manners thereof; a third network element configured to implement the communication method according to any one of the third aspect and possible implementation manners thereof; a fourth network element configured to implement the communication method according to any one of the fourth aspect and possible implementation manners thereof; and a terminal configured to implement the communication method according to any one of the fifth aspect and possible implementation manners thereof.

[0145] In an eighteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage medium. The storage medium stores instructions. The instructions, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method according to any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect and possible implementation manners thereof.

[0146] In a nineteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a program product. The program product, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the communication method according to any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, and possible implementation manners thereof.

[0147] In a twentieth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program. The computer program, when running on a computer, causes the computer to perform the communication method according to any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, and possible implementation manners thereof.

[0148] In a twenty-first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or a chip system. The chip or the chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform the communication method according to any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, and possible implementation manners thereof.

[0149] It can be understood that the above communication apparatus, communication device, communication system, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, and chip system are all used to perform the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved thereby can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding method, which will not be described here again.

[0150] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method and apparatus, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. In some embodiments, the terms of the communication method, the information processing method, and the information transmission method can be replaced with each other, the terms of the communication apparatus, the communication device, the network device, the network function, and the network entity can be replaced with each other, and the terms of the communication system and the information processing system can be replaced with each other.

[0151] Embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive, but only illustrate some embodiments, and are not specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure. In the case of no contradiction, each step in an embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be combined arbitrarily, for example, the scheme after removing some steps in an embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in an embodiment can be exchanged arbitrarily, in addition, the optional implementation manners in an embodiment can be combined arbitrarily; in addition, the embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, for example, the steps of different embodiments or parts or all of the steps of different embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, and an embodiment can be combined with the optional implementation manners of other embodiments.

[0152] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent if there is no special description and logical conflict, and can be referred to each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0153] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

[0154] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements represented in singular form, such as "a", "an", "one", "the", "above", "the", "the aforementioned", "this", etc., can represent "one and only one", but can also represent "one or more" or "at least one", etc. For example, in the case of using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English, the noun after the article can be understood as a singular expression, but can also be understood as a plural expression.

[0155] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, "plurality" means two or more.

[0156] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one (at least one, at least one, at least one)", "one or more" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0157] In some embodiments, the writing manner of "at least one of A, B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another case", "in response to a case A, in response to another case B" and the like can include the following technical solutions according to the case: in some embodiments A (A is executed regardless of B); in some embodiments B (B is executed regardless of A); in some embodiments, A and B are selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (A and B are executed). When there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc., it is similar to the above.

[0158] In some embodiments, the writing manner of "A or B" and the like can include the following technical solutions according to the case: in some embodiments A (A is executed regardless of B); in some embodiments B (B is executed regardless of A); in some embodiments, A and B are selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). When there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc., it is similar to the above.

[0159] The prefix words of "first", "second" and the like in the embodiments of the present disclosure are merely used to distinguish different description objects, and do not constitute limitation on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. The description objects are described in the claims or embodiments, and should not be construed as redundant limitation because of the use of the prefix words. For example, the description object is "field", and the ordinal words before "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not limit the position or order between "fields", and "first" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" modified thereby are in the same message or not, nor limit the order of "first field" and "second field". For another example, the description object is "level", and the ordinal words before "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not limit the priority between "levels". For another example, the quantity of the description object is not limited by the ordinal words, and can be one or more. For example, "first device", wherein the quantity of "device" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefix words can be the same or different, for example, the description object is "device", and "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and the types thereof can be the same or different; for another example, the description object is "information", and "second information" and "first information" can be the same information or different information, and the contents thereof can be the same or different.

[0160] In some embodiments, "including A", "containing A", "for indicating A", "carrying A" can be interpreted as directly carrying A, or indirectly indicating A.

[0161] In some embodiments, the terms of "in response to", "in response to determining", "in the case of", "when", "when", "if", "if" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0162] In some embodiments, the terms of "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not lower than", "above" and the like can be replaced with each other, and the terms of "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", "below" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0163] In some embodiments, an apparatus or the like can be interpreted as an entity, and can also be interpreted as virtual, and the name thereof is not limited to the name described in the embodiments, and the terms "apparatus", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0164] In some embodiments, a "network" can be interpreted as an apparatus (for example, an access network device, a core network device, and the like) included in the network.

[0165] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station", "fixed station", "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / reception point (TRP)", "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0166] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal," "terminal device," "user equipment (UE)," "user terminal," "mobile station (MS)," "mobile terminal (MT)," "subscriber station," "mobile unit," "subscriber unit," "wireless unit," "remote unit," "mobile device," "wireless device," "wireless communication device," "remote device," "mobile subscriber station," "access terminal," "mobile terminal," "wireless terminal," "remote terminal," "handset," "user agent," "mobile client," "client," and so on can be replaced with each other.

[0167] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced with a terminal. For example, the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced with communication between a plurality of terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the terminal can also be configured to have all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, the terms "uplink," "downlink," and the like can also be replaced with terms corresponding to the inter-terminal communication (e.g., "side"). For example, the uplink channel, the downlink channel, and the like can be replaced with the side channel, and the uplink, the downlink, and the like can be replaced with the sidelink.

[0168] In some embodiments, the terminal can be replaced with the access network device, the core network device, or the network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can also be configured to have all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0169] In some embodiments, the data, information, etc. can be obtained in compliance with the laws and regulations of the country in which the location is situated.

[0170] In some embodiments, the data, information, etc. can be obtained after obtaining the consent of the user.

[0171] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0172] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1A, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101, an access network device 102, and a core network 103.

[0173] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes at least one of a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a Pad, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in smart city, a wireless terminal device in smart home, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0174] In some embodiments, the access network device 102, for example, is a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network, and the access network device can include at least one of an evolved NodeB (eNB) in a 5G communication system, a next generation eNB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved node B (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an Open RAN, a Cloud RAN, a base station in other communication systems, an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0175] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of the present disclosure can be applicable to an Open RAN architecture, at this time, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can become internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be realized through software or programs.

[0176] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 can be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), wherein the CU can also be referred to as a control unit (control unit). The CU-DU structure can split the protocol layers of the access network device, and part of the protocol layer functions are controlled by the CU, and the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and controlled by the CU, but is not limited thereto.

[0177] In some embodiments, the core network 103 can be one device including the first network element 1031, the second network element 1032, the third network element 1033, the fourth network element 1034, the fifth network element 1035, the sixth network element 1036, and the like, or can be a plurality of devices or device groups including all or part of the first network element 1031, the second network element 1032, the third network element 1033, the fourth network element 1034, the fifth network element 1035, the sixth network element 1036, and the like, respectively. The network element can be virtual or physical. The core network 103 includes, for example, at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), and a next generation core (NGC).

[0178] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can be, for example, a control plane network element.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can be, for example, a session management function (SMF).

[0180] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can be used for session management, execution of control policies issued by the PCF, selection of the UPF, allocation of an internet protocol (IP) address of the UE, and the like, without limitation of the name.

[0181] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can be, for example, a control plane network element.

[0182] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can be, for example, a policy control function (PCF).

[0183] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can be used to support a unified policy framework and provide policy rules, without limitation of the name.

[0184] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can be, for example, a user plane network element.

[0185] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can be, for example, a user plane function (UPF).

[0186] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can be used to implement user plane (UP) data forwarding, session / stream level-based charging statistics, bandwidth limitation, QoS processing of the UP, and the like, without limitation of the name.

[0187] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can be a control plane and / or user plane network element.

[0188] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can include, for example, an application function (AF) and / or an application server (AS).

[0189] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can be implemented by an application server and used to provide application services, without limitation.

[0190] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can be used to provide application services and support.

[0191] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 can be, for example, a network exposure function (NEF).

[0192] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 can be used to secure external applications to the 3GPP network, provide QoS customization capabilities for external applications, mobility state time subscription, AF request distribution, and the like, without limitation.

[0193] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 can be, for example, a control plane network element.

[0194] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 can be, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0195] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 can be used to complete mobility management, non-access stratum mobility management (NAS MM) signaling processing, NAS session management (SM) signaling routing, security anchor point and security context management, and the like, without limitation.

[0196] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can be located outside the core network 103, or can be located inside the core network 103, or can be partially located inside the core network 103 and partially located outside the core network 103, without limitation in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0197] In some embodiments, the AF and AS in the fourth network element 1034 can be deployed centrally or independently, without limitation in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0198] In some embodiments, the above communication system 100 can be a 5G communication system. It should be noted that the communication system 100 can also be other communication systems, for example, a 4G communication system, a 6G communication system, and the like, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not make a specific limitation thereon.

[0199] In FIGS. 1B and 1C, the architecture of the communication system is exemplarily illustrated taking the 5G communication system as an example. Here, the terminal 101 can be a UE, and the access network device 102 can be a RAN.

[0200] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of an architecture of an implementation of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1B, the architecture of the 5G communication system is presented in the form of reference points. N1 is a reference point between the UE and the AMF. N2 is a reference point between the RAN and the AMF. N3 is a reference point between the RAN and the UPF. N4 is a reference point between the SMF and the UPF. N5 is a reference point between the PCF and the AF. N6 is a reference point between the UPF and the data network (DN). N7 is a reference point between the SMF and the PCF. N11 is a reference point between the AMF and the SMF. N15 is a reference point between the SMF and the PCF. Uu is an interface between the UE and the RAN. It should be noted that the NEF is not shown in FIG. 1B. However, each network element in the communication system can interact with the NEF.

[0201] FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram of another implementation of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1B, the architecture of the 5G communication system is presented in the form of service-based interfaces. Namf is a service-based interface provided by the AMF. Nsmf is a service-based interface provided by the SMF. Nnef is a service-based interface provided by the NEF. Npcf is a service-based interface provided by the PCF. Naf is a service-based interface provided by the AF.

[0202] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of the present disclosure is for more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. It can be known by those skilled in the art that the technical solutions proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems as the system architecture evolves and new business scenarios appear.

[0203] The following embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1A, or a part of the main bodies in the communication system 100, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies illustrated in FIG. 1A are examples, and the communication system 100 can include all or part of the main bodies in FIG. 1A, or other main bodies other than those in FIG. 1A. The number and form of the main bodies are arbitrary. Each of the main bodies can be an entity or a virtual entity. The connection relationship between the main bodies is an example. The main bodies can not be connected or can be connected. The connection can be in any manner, can be direct connection or indirect connection, and can be wired connection or wireless connection.

[0204] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (Bluetooth (registered trademark)), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) network, Device-to-Device (D2D) system, Machine to Machine (M2M) system, Internet of Things (IoT) system, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), system using other communication methods, next-generation system expanded based thereon, and the like. Further, a plurality of systems can be applied in combination (for example, combination of LTE or LTE-A and 5G, and the like).

[0205] In some cases, mobile media type services, XR services such as online AR / VR, online games, video-based machine or drone remote control, and the like, are expected to contribute to an increasingly high traffic for a communication network. XR services involve multi-modal data flows. Multi-modal data is data input from the same device or different devices (including sensors) that describe the same service / application, which can be output to one or more destination device terminals. Each data flow in multi-modal data often has certain or even strong correlation, such as synchronization of audio and video streams, synchronization of haptics and vision, and the like. There are some common characteristics in the data flows of such media services, between the data flows, and the requirements of these service data flows for network transmission. Effective identification and utilization of these characteristics will be more helpful for network and service transmission, control, and also for service assurance and user experience.

[0206] In further cases, XRM services and interactive media type services require a communication system to comprehensively consider the QoS characteristics of service data flows. The QoS characteristics include, for example, at least one of the following: whether delay-sensitive guaranteed bit rate (GBR) data flows, guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR), packet delay budget (PDB), and default maximum data burst volume (MDBV) parameters can be simultaneously satisfied and consistently coordinated. The consistency of QoS authentication and execution of multiple XRM data flows involving one terminal and XRM data flows involving multiple terminals is guaranteed.

[0207] In some embodiments, the SDF for XRM can support PDU set-based processing, thereby enhancing QoS awareness and assurance for the SDF and enhancing the quality of experience (QoE) of users.

[0208] In some embodiments, in a system such as 4G, 5G, 6G, V2X, an AF can provide PDU Set QoS parameters and protocol description. In some embodiments, the PDU Set QoS parameters can include at least one of: PDU Set Delay budget (PSDB), PDU Set Error Rate (PSER), PDU Set Integrated Handling Information (PSIHI). Then, the SMF and UPF can extend the packet header of the PDU in the PDU Set of the SDF in combination with the protocol description provided by the AF and the protocol header extension to carry the PDU Set information. The carried PDU information can be used by the access network for PDU Set based QoS control.

[0209] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned PDU Set information can include at least one of: PDU Set sequence number, start PDU or end PDU of the PDU Set, PDU sequence number within the PDU Set, number of PDUs within the PDU Set, PDU Set importance, PDU Set size. Here, the PDU Set importance is used to represent the importance of a PDU Set relative to other PDU Sets in the same QoS flow.

[0210] It can be understood that the UPF performs SDF to QoS flow mapping based on the PDR, and maps (also can be called encapsulates) the mutually associated PDUs into a PDU Set. In addition, the UPF can apply the same QoS policy to all PDU Sets within the QoS flow. For example, the UPF can apply the same PDU Set QoS parameters to all PDU Sets within the QoS flow. In an example, the UPF can map an application flow to a QoS flow based on the packet detection information in the PDR. Some PDUs in the QoS flow can be associated with media components (e.g., intra-coded frames and predicted frames), and the UPF classifies these PDUs as belonging to a PDU Set and performs corresponding control.

[0211] In some embodiments, data boost handling can be performed for a scenario where the flow characteristics or flow pattern of the SDF of a service such as XRM dynamically changes. In the data boost handling, the QoS characteristics of the QoS flow can be updated so as to adapt to the boost or fallback of the flow characteristics or flow pattern of the SDF. The QoS characteristics may, for example, include 5QI or other characteristics. In this process, the QoS characteristics corresponding to all the SDFs in the QoS flow are updated. In some cases, such handling can cause the authentication QoS such as bandwidth and latency to change, and can not be consistent with the actual QoS requirement of the SDF in the QoS flow.

[0212] Therefore, how to efficiently perform QoS handling on the SDF of the service with data boost handling is a problem to be solved.

[0213] FIG. 2 is an interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the communication method of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes steps S201 to S213.

[0214] In step S201, the fourth network element 1034 sends third information to the second network element 1032.

[0215] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 receives the third information.

[0216] In some embodiments, the third information can be used to request QoS handling for the first SDF. In some embodiments, the first SDF can need data boost handling.

[0217] In some embodiments, the third information can be used to request QoS control on the transmission of the PDU in the first SDF of the first service.

[0218] In some embodiments, the name of the third information is not limited, which may, for example, be request information, QoS request information, QoS requirement information, etc.

[0219] In some embodiments, the third information can include at least one of the following: QoS requirement, second indication information. It should be noted that the third information can also include other information, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0220] In some embodiments, the QoS requirement contained in the third information can be the QoS requirement related to the first SDF.

[0221] In some embodiments, the second indication information can be used to indicate that data acceleration processing is supported. In some embodiments, the second indication information can be used to indicate that the first SDF supports data acceleration processing. In some embodiments, the second indication information can be used to indicate that the first SDF requires data acceleration processing. In some embodiments, the second indication information can be used to indicate that the first SDF can require data acceleration processing.

[0222] In some embodiments, the data acceleration processing can be based on a reflective QoS mechanism. In some embodiments, the data acceleration processing based on reflective QoS can be understood as that the uplink data packet of the first SDF has reflective QoS characteristics between the QoS characteristics of the uplink data packet for data acceleration processing and the QoS characteristics of the downlink data packet for data acceleration processing.

[0223] In some embodiments, the second indication information can be used to indicate that data acceleration processing based on a reflective QoS mechanism is supported. In some embodiments, the second indication information can be used to indicate that the first SDF supports data acceleration processing based on a reflective QoS mechanism. In some embodiments, the second indication information can be used to indicate that the first SDF requires data acceleration processing based on a reflective QoS mechanism. In some embodiments, the second indication information can be used to indicate that the first SDF can require data acceleration processing based on a reflective QoS mechanism.

[0224] In some embodiments, the second indication information can be used to indicate that the first SDF corresponds to better QoS characteristics. In some embodiments, the second indication information can be used to indicate that the first SDF corresponds to higher quality QoS characteristics. In an example, the second indication information can be used to indicate that the QoS characteristics corresponding to the first SDF can have greater bandwidth. In an example, the second indication information can be used to indicate that the QoS characteristics corresponding to the first SDF can have lower delay. In an example, the second indication information can be used to indicate that the QoS characteristics corresponding to the first SDF can have lower bit error rate. In an example, the second indication information can be used to indicate that the QoS characteristics corresponding to the first SDF can have higher priority.

[0225] In some embodiments, the third information can further include an identifier of the first service, an address and / or identifier of the terminal 101, an identifier of the fourth network element 1034, an application identifier of the first service, a flow description, a data network name (DNN), single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), a QoS parameter, and the like.

[0226] In some embodiments, the process that the fourth network element 1034 sends the third information to the second network element 1032 can be implemented as: the fourth network element 1034 sends the third information to the second network element 1032 through the fifth network element 1035. In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can be a non-trusted network element. In this case, the fifth network element 1035 can send the third information to the fourth network element 1034; the fourth network element 1034 can authenticate the AF request and send the third information to the second network element 1032. In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can be a trusted network element. In this case, the fifth network element 1035 can send the third information to the fourth network element 1034; the fourth network element 1034 can send the third information to the second network element 1032.

[0227] In some embodiments, the third information can be carried in the AF request. In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can send an AF session resource request. The AF session resource request can carry the third information. In some embodiments, the AF session resource request can be an Nnef_AFSessionwithQoS_Create request message.

[0228] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 can send the third information in different ways. In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 can determine the way to send the third information according to the information and / or parameters received from the fourth network element 1034.

[0229] In some embodiments, the way that the fifth network element 1035 sends the third information can include: sending through a time sensitive communication and time synchronization function (TSCTSF), directly sending.

[0230] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 can determine to send the third information to the second network element 1032 through the TSCTSF. In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 can send the third information to the TSCTSF through a service-based interface Ntsftsf, and then the TSCTSF can send the third information to the second network element 1032 through a service-based interface Npcf. In an example, the fifth network element 1035 can send the third information to the TSCTSF through an Ntsctsf_QoSandTSCAssistance_Create request message, and then the TSCTSF can send the third information to the second network element 1032 through an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create request message or an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Update request message.

[0231] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 can determine to send the third information directly to the second network element 1032. In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 can send the third information to the second network element 1032 through a service-based interface Npcf. In an example, the fifth network element 1035 can send the third information to the second network element 1032 through an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create request message.

[0232] In step S202, the second network element 1032 performs a policy decision.

[0233] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can perform the policy decision according to the received third information. In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can perform the policy decision by taking the third information into account. In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can perform the policy decision according to the third information and / or local configuration information.

[0234] In some embodiments, the local configuration information can include at least one of the following: an operator policy, an operation administration and maintenance (OAM) configuration.

[0235] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can authenticate the first SDF by performing the policy decision.

[0236] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can determine to support data acceleration processing by performing the policy decision. In some embodiments, supporting data acceleration processing can be considered as that data acceleration processing is enabled or triggered.

[0237] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can obtain a first rule through the policy decision. The first rule can correspond to the first SDF.

[0238] In some embodiments, the first rule can support data acceleration processing. In some embodiments, the first rule can indicate that data acceleration processing is enabled or triggered.

[0239] In some embodiments, the first rule can include a policy and charging control (PCC) rule. It can be understood that the first rule can also be other rules, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0240] In some embodiments, the first rule can be new. In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can determine the new first rule. In some embodiments, the first rule can be updated. In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can determine the update to the existing first rule.

[0241] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032, by performing the policy decision, can also determine a third QoS characteristic.

[0242] In some embodiments, the third QoS characteristic can be a candidate QoS characteristic for data acceleration processing. In some embodiments, the third QoS characteristic can be one or more candidate QoS characteristics determined for the case where data acceleration processing is enabled. In some embodiments, the third QoS characteristic can be a candidate QoS characteristic of the first QoS flow that is bound to the first rule. In some embodiments, the third QoS characteristic can be a candidate QoS characteristic for data acceleration processing in the first rule.

[0243] In some embodiments, the third QoS characteristic can be a 5QI. In an example, the third QoS characteristic can include one or more 5QIs. In some embodiments, the third QoS characteristic can correspond to a 5QI. In some embodiments, the third QoS characteristic can be identified by a 5QI. In an example, the third QoS characteristic can include multiple QoS characteristics corresponding to different 5QIs.

[0244] In some embodiments, the third QoS characteristic can correspond to a QoS profile. In some embodiments, the third QoS characteristic can be identified by a QoS profile. In some embodiments, different third QoS characteristics can correspond to different QoS profiles. In some embodiments, a QoS profile can include a PDU set QoS parameter. In an example, the third QoS characteristic can correspond to a PDU set QoS parameter. In some embodiments, different third QoS characteristics can correspond to PDU set QoS parameters in different QoS profiles. It can be appreciated that a PDU set QoS parameter can be independent of a 5QI.

[0245] In some embodiments, a 5QI can be used to represent a set of standard QoS characteristics. Different 5QI values can correspond to different QoS characteristics.

[0246] In some embodiments, a 5QI can be an unsigned integer value. In an example, the 5QI can have a value range of 0 to 255.

[0247] In some embodiments, the third QoS characteristics have corresponding priority information and / or mapping information. In some embodiments, different third QoS characteristics can have the same or different priorities. In some embodiments, different third QoS characteristics can have the same or different mapping information.

[0248] In step S203, the second network element 1032 sends the first information to the first network element 1031.

[0249] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can receive the first information.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first information can be used for configuring the first rule.

[0251] In some embodiments, the first information can be used for determining that the first rule is bound to the first QoS flow.

[0252] In some embodiments, the first information can be used for the first network element 1031 to perform QoS management.

[0253] In some embodiments, the name of the first information is not limited, which can be, for example, rule information, configuration information, and the like.

[0254] In some embodiments, the first information can include at least one of the following: the first indication information, the second QoS characteristic, the third QoS characteristic, priority information of the third QoS characteristic, mapping information of the third QoS characteristic.

[0255] In some embodiments, the first indication information can be used to indicate that the first rule supports data acceleration processing.

[0256] In some embodiments, the second QoS characteristic can be a QoS characteristic for non-data acceleration processing. It can be understood that the second QoS characteristic can be a QoS characteristic corresponding to the first SDF without triggering data acceleration processing. In an example, the second QoS characteristic can be a QoS characteristic already existing in the first rule corresponding to the first SDF.

[0257] In some embodiments, the third QoS characteristic can be superior to the second QoS characteristic. In some embodiments, any third QoS characteristic can be superior to the second QoS characteristic. In an example, the value of the 5QI corresponding to the third QoS characteristic can be less than the value of the 5QI corresponding to the second QoS characteristic.

[0258] It should be noted that the first information can further include the first rule and other information, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0259] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can send the first information to the first network element 1031 through a service-based interface Npcf. In an example, the second network element 1032 can send the first information to the first network element 1031 through an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify request message.

[0260] In step S204, the first network element 1031 binds the first rule with the first QoS flow.

[0261] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can perform the binding between the first rule and the first QoS flow according to the received first information. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can perform the binding between the first rule and the first QoS flow with consideration of the first information. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can perform the binding according to the first information and / or local configuration information.

[0262] In some embodiments, the first QoS flow can support data acceleration processing. In some embodiments, the first QoS flow can be used for data acceleration processing of the first SDF.

[0263] In some embodiments, the local configuration information can comprise at least one of the following: operator policy, OAM configuration.

[0264] In some embodiments, the first rule corresponds to the first SDF. In this way, the binding between the first rule and the first QoS flow can achieve the binding between the first SDF and the first QoS flow. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can determine to map the first SDF to the first QoS flow.

[0265] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can determine the first QoS characteristics of the first QoS flow.

[0266] In some embodiments, the first QoS characteristics can be determined according to the first information and / or local configuration information. In some embodiments, the first QoS characteristics can be determined according to the third QoS characteristics contained in the first information. In an example, the first QoS characteristics can be selected from the third QoS characteristics. In some embodiments, the first QoS characteristics can be determined according to the local configuration information. In an example, the first QoS characteristics can be specific QoS characteristics determined according to the local configuration information. In some embodiments, the first QoS characteristics can be determined according to the first information and the local configuration information. In an example, the first QoS characteristics can be selected from the third QoS characteristics with reference to the local configuration. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can preferentially determine the first QoS characteristics of the first QoS flow according to the first information.

[0267] In some embodiments, the first QoS flow can be a new QoS flow. In some embodiments, the first QoS characteristics determined by the first network element 1031 can be different from the QoS characteristics of any existing QoS flow. In this case, the first QoS flow with the first QoS characteristics can be a new QoS flow.

[0268] In some embodiments, the first QoS flow can be used only for binding the first PCC rule. In some embodiments, no other PCC rule can be bound to the first QoS flow in the case that the first PCC rule is bound to the new first QoS flow.

[0269] In some embodiments, the first QoS flow can be an existing QoS flow. In some embodiments, the first QoS characteristics determined by the first network element 1031 can be the same as the QoS characteristics of an existing QoS flow. In this case, the first QoS flow with the first QoS characteristics can be an existing QoS flow.

[0270] In some embodiments, all PCC rules bound to the first QoS flow support data acceleration processing, e.g., in the case that the first rule is a PCC rule. In some embodiments, all SDFs bound to the first QoS flow support data acceleration processing. In some embodiments, the first QoS flow can be used only for SDFs that support or require data acceleration processing. This means that SDFs or corresponding PCC rules that do not support data acceleration processing will not be bound to the first QoS flow.

[0271] In some embodiments, PCC rules with enabled data acceleration processing are not bound to the same QoS flow as PCC rules without enabled data acceleration processing, e.g., in the case that the first rule is a PCC rule. In some embodiments, the QoS flow bound by PCC rules with enabled data acceleration processing is a different QoS flow than the QoS flow bound by PCC rules without enabled data acceleration processing. In some embodiments, the QoS characteristics of the QoS flow bound by PCC rules with enabled data acceleration processing can be superior to the QoS characteristics of the QoS flow that is a different QoS flow than the QoS flow bound by PCC rules without enabled data acceleration processing. In an example, the value of the 5QI of the QoS flow bound by PCC rules with enabled data acceleration processing can be less than the value of the 5QI of the QoS flow that is a different QoS flow than the QoS flow bound by PCC rules without enabled data acceleration processing.

[0272] In some embodiments, the first rule can not explicitly indicate support of data acceleration processing. For example, the third information related to the first SDF corresponding to the first rule can not contain the second indication information. In this case, in some embodiments, according to the local configuration information of the first network element 1031 and / or the local configuration information of the second network element 1032, the first rule can be bound to the first QoS flow.

[0273] In step S205, the first network element 1031 sends the second information to the third network element 1033.

[0274] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can receive the second information.

[0275] In some embodiments, the second information can be used for configuring the third network element 1033 to perform QoS processing.

[0276] In some embodiments, the second information can be used for implementing mapping of the first SDF to the first QoS flow.

[0277] In some embodiments, the second information can be used for the third network element 1033 to perform packet filtering. In some embodiments, the second information can be used for the third network element 1033 to perform traffic mapping for the first service.

[0278] In some embodiments, the second information can be used for the third network element 1033 to determine QoS characteristics of the first QoS flow.

[0279] In some embodiments, the name of the second information is not limited, which can be, for example, QoS configuration information, mapping configuration information, etc.

[0280] In some embodiments, the second information can include at least one of the following: the first QoS characteristic, the second QoS characteristic, the third QoS characteristic.

[0281] In some embodiments, the second information can include indication information used for indicating support of data acceleration processing. In an example, the indication information can be used for indicating that the first SDF supports and / or needs data acceleration processing.

[0282] In some embodiments, the second information can include a second rule. The second rule can be used for traffic mapping of the first SDF.

[0283] In some embodiments, the second rule can be a packet detection rule (PDR).

[0284] In some embodiments, the second rule can be determined by the first network element 1031 based on the first rule.

[0285] In some embodiments, at least one of the first QoS characteristic, the second QoS characteristic, the third QoS characteristic can be included in the second rule. In some embodiments, at least one of the first QoS characteristic, the second QoS characteristic, the third QoS characteristic can be independent of the second rule.

[0286] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can send the second information to the third network element 1033 through an N4 session. In an example, the first network element 1031 can send the second information to the third network element 1033 through an N4 session modification request message.

[0287] In some embodiments, the first QoS characteristic and / or the third QoS characteristic in the second information can be used by the third network element 1033 to determine the first QoS characteristic of the first QoS flow.

[0288] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can directly obtain the first QoS characteristic of the first QoS flow from the second information. In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can select the first QoS characteristic for the first QoS flow from the third QoS characteristic in the second information.

[0289] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can reject the first QoS characteristic included in the second information. In some embodiments, in case of rejecting the first QoS characteristic in the second information, the third network element 1033 can determine a new first QoS characteristic for the first QoS flow according to the third QoS characteristic and / or local configuration information. In some embodiments, the new first QoS characteristic can be used directly. For example, the third network element 1033 can directly use the newly determined first QoS characteristic for QoS processing. In some embodiments, the new first QoS characteristic needs to be authorized. For example, the third network element 1033 can send the newly determined first QoS characteristic to the first network element 1031 and / or the second network element 1032, so that the first network element 1031 and / or the second network element 1032 authorize the newly determined first QoS characteristic. Then, the third network element 1033 can use the authorized new first QoS characteristic for QoS processing. In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can send the new first QoS characteristic to the access network device 102, so that the access network device 102 confirms the newly determined first QoS characteristic or sends to the first network element 1031 and / or the second network element 1032 for authorization.

[0290] In some embodiments, after the first network element 1031 obtains the newly determined first QoS characteristics (e.g., 5QI and / or 5QI information) reported by the third network element 1033 and / or the access network device 102, the first network element 1031 can perform synchronization or update for QoS. In an example, the first network element 1031 can synchronize or update at least one of the second rule, the third rule, and the fourth rule according to the received first QoS characteristics.

[0291] In some embodiments, after the second network element 1032 obtains the newly determined first QoS characteristics (e.g., 5QI and / or 5QI information) reported by the third network element 1033 and / or the access network device 102, the second network element 1032 can perform synchronization or update for QoS. In an example, the second network element 1032 can synchronize or update the first rule according to the received first QoS characteristics.

[0292] In step S206, the first network element 1031 sends the fourth information to the access network device 102.

[0293] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 can receive the fourth information.

[0294] In some embodiments, the fourth information can be used to indicate QoS related information.

[0295] In some embodiments, the fourth information can include at least one of the following: the first QoS characteristics, the second QoS characteristics, the third QoS characteristics.

[0296] In some embodiments, the second information can include indication information used to indicate support of data acceleration processing.

[0297] In some embodiments, the fourth information can include at least one of the following: the third rule, the fourth rule.

[0298] In some embodiments, the third rule can be used by the access network device 102 to implement QoS processing. In an example, the third rule can be a QoS profile.

[0299] In some embodiments, the fourth rule can be used by the terminal 101 to implement QoS processing. In an example, the fourth rule can be a QoS rule.

[0300] In some embodiments, at least one of the first QoS characteristic, the second QoS characteristic, the third QoS characteristic can be included in the third rule. In some embodiments, at least one of the first QoS characteristic, the second QoS characteristic, the third QoS characteristic can be independent of the third rule. In some embodiments, at least one of the first QoS characteristic, the second QoS characteristic, the third QoS characteristic can be included in the fourth rule. In some embodiments, at least one of the first QoS characteristic, the second QoS characteristic, the third QoS characteristic can be independent of the fourth rule.

[0301] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can send the fourth information to the access network device 102 through the sixth network element 1036.

[0302] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can send the fourth information to the sixth network element 1036 through a Namf based interface. In an example, the first network element 1031 can send the fourth information to the sixth network element 1036 through a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer service operation.

[0303] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 can send the fourth information to the access network device 102 through an N2 message. In an example, the sixth network element 1036 can send the fourth information to the access network device 102 through an N2 PDU session request message.

[0304] In step S207, the access network device 102 sends fifth information to the terminal 101.

[0305] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 can receive the fifth information.

[0306] In some embodiments, the fifth information can be used for the terminal 101 to perform QoS processing.

[0307] In some embodiments, the fifth information can be used for mapping of the first SDF to the first QoS flow.

[0308] In some embodiments, the fifth information can be used for the terminal 101 to perform packet filtering. In some embodiments, the fifth information can be used for the terminal 101 to perform traffic mapping for the first service.

[0309] In some embodiments, the fifth information can be used for the terminal 101 to determine QoS characteristics of the first QoS flow.

[0310] In some embodiments, the name of the fifth information is not limited, which can be, for example, QoS configuration information, mapping configuration information, etc.

[0311] In some embodiments, the second information can comprise at least one of the following: the first QoS characteristic, the second QoS characteristic, the third QoS characteristic.

[0312] In some embodiments, the second information can comprise indication information for indicating support of data acceleration processing.

[0313] In some embodiments, the second information can comprise a fourth rule.

[0314] In step S208, the terminal 101 performs data interaction with the fourth network element 1034.

[0315] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 and the fourth network element 1034 can perform transmission of uplink data and / or downlink data.

[0316] It can be understood that, in step S208, the first SDF of the first service can not require data acceleration processing. In an example, the uplink data packets and the downlink data packets of the first SDF have lower QoS requirements. For example, the first SDF can have a smaller data payload.

[0317] In some embodiments, the first SDF can be mapped to a second QoS flow at this time. The second QoS flow can correspond to the second QoS characteristic. In some embodiments, the second QoS characteristic can be worse than the first QoS characteristic and the third QoS characteristic. For example, the second QoS characteristic can correspond to a smaller bandwidth, a larger delay, a higher bit error rate, etc. In an example, the value of the 5QI corresponding to the second QoS characteristic can be greater than the value of the 5QI corresponding to the first QoS characteristic and the third QoS characteristic.

[0318] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 can perform data interaction with the AS.

[0319] In step S209, the fourth network element 1034 determines to perform data acceleration processing.

[0320] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can determine to perform data acceleration processing for the first SDF according to the application requirements of the first service. In some embodiments, data acceleration processing can be the transmission of a large amount of data within a relatively short period of time. It can be understood that data acceleration processing is for the case of large data volume and / or high delay requirement.

[0321] In some embodiments, the first SDF can comprise uplink data and / or downlink data. In some embodiments, data acceleration processing can be for the uplink data and / or the downlink data.

[0322] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can determine to perform data boost on the uplink data in the first SDF. In an example, the fourth network element 1034 can need the terminal 101 to send video, high-definition image, etc. related to the first service.

[0323] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can determine to perform data boost on the downlink data in the first SDF. In an example, the fourth network element 1034 can send video, high-definition image, etc. related to the first service to the terminal 101.

[0324] In step S210, the fourth network element 1034 sends the downlink data to the third network element 1033.

[0325] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can receive the downlink data.

[0326] In some embodiments, the (downlink) data packet of the downlink data can comprise first request information.

[0327] In some embodiments, the first request information can be used to request data boost on the first SDF. In some embodiments, the first request information can be used to request data boost on the uplink data packet and / or the downlink data packet of the first SDF.

[0328] In some embodiments, the first request information can be carried in an extended header (EH) of a packet data unit (PDU).

[0329] In some embodiments, the first request information can comprise at least one of: a burst indication, burst time information, dynamic QoS information.

[0330] In some embodiments, the burst indication can be used to indicate that the first SDF has a burst change. In some embodiments, the burst indication can be used to trigger data burst processing.

[0331] In some embodiments, the burst indication can comprise at least one of: data boost, burst size changed.

[0332] In some embodiments, the data boost can be for the case of burst change of data in a very short time.

[0333] In some embodiments, the burst size changed can be for the case of burst change of data in a short time.

[0334] In some embodiments, the burst time information can be used to indicate a time interval of the first SDF sending burst change. In some embodiments, the burst time information can be used to indicate a time interval between two burst changes. In an example, the burst time information can be used to indicate a time interval from the end of the previous burst change to the start of the next burst change.

[0335] In some embodiments, the burst event information can include a time to next burst change.

[0336] In some embodiments, the dynamic QoS information can be used to indicate that dynamic QoS is adopted.

[0337] In some embodiments, the dynamic QoS information can include dynamic QoS required.

[0338] In some embodiments, the data packet of the downlink data can include the first instruction.

[0339] In some embodiments, the first instruction can be used to instruct the terminal 101 to perform data burst. In some embodiments, the first instruction can be used to instruct the terminal 101 to perform uplink data transmission related to data acceleration processing. In some embodiments, the first instruction can be used to instruct the terminal 101 to perform uplink data transmission related to the first service.

[0340] In some embodiments, the first instruction can be contained in the payload of the downlink data packet.

[0341] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can send the downlink data to the third network element 1033 through the fifth network element 1035.

[0342] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can send the downlink data directly to the third network element 1033.

[0343] In step S211, the third network element 1033 performs QoS processing on the downlink data.

[0344] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can perform packet detection processing on the downlink data according to the PDR.

[0345] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can determine, according to the first request information in the downlink data packet, that the downlink data packet belongs to the first SDF and needs data acceleration processing. In some embodiments, in the case that the first request information in the downlink data packet requests data acceleration processing on the uplink data packet and / or the downlink data packet of the first SDF, the third network element 1033 can determine to map the first SDF to the bound first QoS flow.

[0346] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can determine to map the first SDF to the first QoS flow. In an example, the third network element 1033 can determine, for the first SDF, a first QoS characteristic corresponding to the first QoS flow.

[0347] In some embodiments, the first QoS characteristic can correspond to a 5QI. The 5QI can be used to identify or index the first QoS characteristic. In some embodiments, the 5QI can be replaced by a QoS flow identifier (QFI). In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can determine, for the first SDF, a 5QI or a QFI corresponding to the first QoS flow.

[0348] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can add a reflective QoS indication (RQI) in a downlink data packet of the first SDF. In some embodiments, the data acceleration processing can be based on a reflective QoS mechanism. In this case, the third network element 1033 can add the RQI in the downlink data packet. In an example, the third network element 1033 can add an RQI field in the downlink data packet. In an example, the third network element 1033 can update the RQI field in the downlink data packet.

[0349] In some embodiments, whether the data acceleration processing is based on a reflective QoS mechanism can be determined by the first network element 1031.

[0350] In some embodiments, the RQI can be carried in the downlink data packet of the first SDF. In some embodiments, the RQI can be carried in an extension header of a PDU.

[0351] In some embodiments, the RQI can be used for the terminal 101 to determine a QoS characteristic of an uplink data packet according to a QoS characteristic of a downlink data packet. In some embodiments, the RQI can be used to instruct the terminal 101 to determine a QoS characteristic of the first SDF in the uplink direction by itself.

[0352] In step S212, the third network element 1033 sends the downlink data to the terminal 101.

[0353] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can send the downlink data to the terminal 101 through the first QoS flow. In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can map the first SDF into the first QoS flow and send to the terminal 101.

[0354] In some embodiments, the data packet of the downlink data sent by the third network element 1033 to the terminal 101 can comprise at least one of the following: the first instruction, the RQI, the first QoS characteristic (or the corresponding 5QI / QFI).

[0355] In step S213, the terminal 101 sends uplink data to the fourth network element 1034.

[0356] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 can perform the burst transmission according to the first instruction in the downlink data.

[0357] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 can map the uplink data of the first SDF to the first QoS flow corresponding to the first QoS characteristic for uplink transmission.

[0358] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 can obtain the first QoS characteristic through the fifth information in step S207 and / or the downlink data in step S213. The first QoS characteristic can correspond to the first QoS flow for transmitting the uplink data of the first SDF.

[0359] In some embodiments, the downlink data obtained by the terminal 101 from the third network element 1033 can not contain the RQI. In this case, the terminal 101 can determine not to use the reflective QoS. In an example, the terminal 101 can obtain the first QoS characteristic from the fifth information. In an example, the terminal 101 can select the first QoS characteristic from the third QoS characteristic contained in the fifth information.

[0360] In some embodiments, the downlink data obtained by the terminal 101 from the third network element 1033 can contain the RQI. In this case, the terminal 101 can determine to use the reflective QoS. The terminal 101 can determine the first QoS characteristic for the uplink data of the first SDF according to the first QoS characteristic carried in the data packet of the downlink data. It can be understood that the first QoS characteristic of the first QoS flow for the downlink data and the first QoS characteristic of the first QoS flow for the uplink data can have the reflective QoS characteristic.

[0361] In some embodiments, the first QoS characteristic of the first QoS flow corresponding to the first SDF in the uplink direction and the first QoS characteristic in the downlink direction can be the same. In some embodiments, the terminal 101 can determine the first QoS characteristic of the first QoS flow of the first SDF in the downlink direction, and use the first QoS characteristic for the first QoS flow of the first SDF in the uplink direction.

[0362] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 can map the uplink data of the first SDF to the first QoS flow corresponding to the first QoS characteristic for uplink transmission.

[0363] Through the above steps S201 to S213, the communication method of the embodiments of the present disclosure is realized.

[0364] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S201 to S213. For example, step S201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S211 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments composed of one or more of steps S201 to S213 are not limited to this.

[0365] In some embodiments, at least two of steps S201 to S213 can be exchanged in order or synchronously executed. For example, steps S205 and S206 can be exchanged in order or executed at the same time.

[0366] In some embodiments, steps S202, S203, S204, S205, S206, S207, S208, S209, S210, S211, S212, S213 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0367] In some embodiments, steps S201, S202, S204, S205, S206, S207, S208, S209, S210, S211, S212, S213 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0368] In some embodiments, steps S201, S202, S203, S205, S206, S207, S208, S209, S210, S211, S212, S213 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0369] In some embodiments, steps S201, S202, S203, S204, S205, S206, S207, S208, S209, S210, S212, S213 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0370] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the corresponding description of FIG. 2 can be referred to.

[0371] In some embodiments, the names of information and the like are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", "chip", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0372] In some embodiments, terms such as "uplink", "physical uplink", and the like can be replaced with each other, terms such as "downlink", "physical downlink", and the like can be replaced with each other, terms such as "side", "sidelink", "sidelink communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct connection link", "direct connection communication", "direct connection link communication", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0373] In some embodiments, terms such as "radio", "wireless", "radio access network (RAN)", "access network (AN)", "RAN-based", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0374] In some embodiments, terms such as "time", "time point", "time", "time position", and the like can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "duration", "period", "time window", "window", "time", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0375] In some embodiments, "acquire", "obtain", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive", and the like can be replaced with each other, and can be interpreted as receiving from other subjects, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, processing by itself, and the like.

[0376] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "issue", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0377] In some embodiments, the terms "certain", "preset", "pre-set", "set", "indicated", "a certain", "any", "first", and the like can be replaced with each other, "certain A", "preset A", "pre-set A", "set A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", "first A" can be interpreted as A predetermined in a protocol or the like, can be interpreted as A obtained by setting, configuring, or indicating, or the like, can be interpreted as a certain A, a certain A, any A, or first A, and the like, but are not limited thereto.

[0378] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), can be made by a true or false value (Boolean value) represented by true or false, can be made by comparison of numerical values (for example, comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0379] In some embodiments, the terms "traffic", "flow", "stream", "data flow", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0380] In some embodiments, the terms "service", "business", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0381] In some embodiments, the terms "QoS characteristic", "QoS parameter", "QoS rule", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0382] In some embodiments, the terms "authorization", "authentication", "verification", "inspection", "identification", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0383] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a communication method according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method. The communication method is performed by a first network element 1031. As shown in FIG. 3, the above method includes steps S301 to S304.

[0384] In step S301, first information is obtained.

[0385] The optional implementation of step S301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S203 of FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved by FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0386] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can receive the first information sent by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and can also receive the first information sent by other subjects.

[0387] In step S302, binding is performed.

[0388] The optional implementation of step S302 can refer to the optional implementation of step S204 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0389] In step S303, the second information is sent.

[0390] The optional implementation of step S303 can refer to the optional implementation of step S205 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0391] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can send the second information to the third network element 1033, but is not limited to this, and can also send the second information to other subjects.

[0392] In step S304, the fourth information is sent.

[0393] The optional implementation of step S304 can refer to the optional implementation of step S206 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0394] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can send the fourth information to the access network device 102, but is not limited to this, and can also send the fourth information to other subjects.

[0395] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S301 to S304. For example, step S301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments composed of one or more of steps S301 to S304 are not limited to this.

[0396] In some embodiments, at least two of steps S301 to S304 can be exchanged in order or synchronously executed. For example, steps S303 and S304 can be exchanged in order or executed simultaneously.

[0397] In some embodiments, steps S302, S303, and S304 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0398] In some embodiments, steps S301, S303, and S304 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0399] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method. The communication method is performed by a second network element 1032. As shown in FIG. 4, the above method includes steps S401 to S403.

[0400] In step S401, third information is acquired.

[0401] The optional implementation of step S401 can refer to the optional implementation of step S201 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0402] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can receive the third information sent by the fourth network element 1034, but is not limited thereto, and can also receive the third information sent by other subjects.

[0403] In step S402, a policy decision is performed.

[0404] The optional implementation of step S402 can refer to the optional implementation of step S202 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0405] In step S403, the first information is sent.

[0406] The optional implementation of step S403 can refer to the optional implementation of step S203 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0407] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can send the first information to the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and can also send the first information to other subjects.

[0408] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S401 to S403. For example, step S401 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S403 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments composed of one or more of steps S401 to S403 are not limited thereto.

[0409] In some embodiments, steps S402 and S403 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0410] In some embodiments, steps S401 and S402 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0411] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method. The communication method is performed by a third network element 1033. As shown in FIG. 5, the above method includes steps S501 to S504.

[0412] In step S501, second information is acquired.

[0413] The optional implementation of step S501 can refer to the optional implementation of step S205 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0414] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can receive the second information sent by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and can also receive the second information sent by other subjects.

[0415] In step S502, downlink data is acquired.

[0416] The optional implementation of step S502 can refer to the optional implementation of step S210 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0417] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can receive the downlink data sent by the fourth network element 1034, but is not limited thereto, and can also receive the downlink data sent by other subjects.

[0418] In step S503, QoS processing is performed.

[0419] The optional implementation of step S503 can refer to the optional implementation of step S211 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0420] In step S504, downlink data is sent.

[0421] The optional implementation of step S504 can refer to the optional implementation of step S212 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0422] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can send the downlink data to the terminal 101, but is not limited thereto, and can also send the downlink data to other subjects.

[0423] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S501 to S504. For example, step S503 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments composed of one or more of steps S501 to S504 are not limited thereto.

[0424] In some embodiments, steps S501, S502, and S504 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0425] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method is performed by the fourth network element 1034. As shown in FIG. 6, the method includes steps S601-S605.

[0426] In step S601, third information is sent.

[0427] The optional implementation of step S601 can refer to the optional implementation of step S201 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0428] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can send the third information to the second network element 1032, but is not limited to this, and can also send the third information to other subjects.

[0429] In step S602, data interaction is performed.

[0430] The optional implementation of step S602 can refer to the optional implementation of step S208 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0431] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can perform data interaction with the terminal 101, but is not limited to this, and can also perform data interaction with other subjects.

[0432] In step S603, it is determined to perform data acceleration processing.

[0433] The optional implementation of step S603 can refer to the optional implementation of step S209 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0434] In step S604, downlink data is sent.

[0435] The optional implementation of step S604 can refer to the optional implementation of step S210 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0436] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can send the downlink data to the third network element 1033, but is not limited to this, and can also send the downlink data to other subjects.

[0437] In step S605, uplink data is obtained.

[0438] The optional implementation of step S605 can refer to the optional implementation of step S213 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0439] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can receive the uplink data sent by the terminal 101, but is not limited thereto, and can also receive the uplink data sent by other subjects.

[0440] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S601 to S605. For example, step S601 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments composed of one or more of steps S601 to S605 are not limited thereto.

[0441] In some embodiments, steps S602, S603, S604, and S605 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0442] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method. The communication method is performed by the terminal 101. As shown in FIG. 7, the above method includes steps S701 to S704.

[0443] In step S701, fifth information is acquired.

[0444] The optional implementation of step S701 can refer to the optional implementation of step S207 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0445] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 can receive the fifth information sent by the access network device 102, but is not limited thereto, and can also receive the fifth information sent by other subjects.

[0446] In step S702, data interaction is performed.

[0447] The optional implementation of step S702 can refer to the optional implementation of step S208 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0448] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 can perform data interaction with the fourth network element 1034, but is not limited thereto, and can also perform data interaction with other subjects.

[0449] In step S703, downlink data is acquired.

[0450] The optional implementation of step S703 can refer to the optional implementation of step S212 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0451] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 can receive the downlink data sent by the third network element 1033, but is not limited thereto, and can also receive the downlink data sent by other subjects.

[0452] In step S704, the uplink data is sent.

[0453] The optional implementation of step S704 can refer to the optional implementation of step S213 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0454] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 can send the uplink data to the fourth network element 1034, but is not limited thereto, and can also send the uplink data to other subjects.

[0455] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S701 to S704. For example, step S704 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments composed of one or more of steps S701 to S704 are not limited thereto.

[0456] In some embodiments, steps S701, S702, S703 are optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0457] FIG. 8A is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method. As shown in FIG. 8A, the above method includes step S8101.

[0458] In step S8101, the first network element 1031 binds the first rule to the first QoS flow.

[0459] The optional implementation of step S8101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S204 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0460] FIG. 8B is an interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method. As shown in FIG. 8B, the above method includes step S8201.

[0461] In step S8201, the second network element 1032 sends the first information to the first network element 1031.

[0462] The optional implementation of step S8201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S203 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0463] FIG. 8C is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. As shown in FIG. 8C, the method includes step S8301.

[0464] In step S8301, the third network element 1033 performs mapping between the first SDF and the first QoS flow.

[0465] Optional implementation of step S8301 can refer to optional implementation of step S211 of FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be described here.

[0466] FIG. 8D is an interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. As shown in FIG. 8D, the method includes step S8401.

[0467] In step S8401, the fourth network element 1034 sends third information to the second network element 1032.

[0468] Optional implementation of step S8401 can refer to optional implementation of step S201 of FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be described here.

[0469] FIG. 8E is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. As shown in FIG. 8E, the method includes step S8501.

[0470] In step S8501, the terminal 101 performs mapping between the first SDF and the first QoS flow.

[0471] Optional implementation of step S8501 can refer to optional implementation of step S213 of FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be described here.

[0472] In the following, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure are exemplarily described through specific embodiments.

[0473] FIG. 9 is an interaction diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method can be implemented through the following flow.

[0474] In step S901, PDU session establishment and AF session request with QoS requirement for SDF are performed.

[0475] In some embodiments, the AF (i.e., the fourth network element) can provide QoS requirement for target media stream and indicate support for data acceleration processing with reflective QoS (for example, 5QI with higher quality can be used).

[0476] In some embodiments, a PCF (i.e., second network element) can authenticate a traffic data flow (i.e., first SDF) in a PCC rule (i.e., first rule) that can include a data expedited handling with reflective QoS. In some embodiments, one or more candidate 5QIs (i.e., third QoS characteristics) can be provided with the candidate 5QIs providing priority or mapping information, with the data expedited handling being enabled.

[0477] In some embodiments, an SMF (i.e., first network element) shall not map a PCC rule for a traffic data flow with data expedited handling with reflective QoS into the same QoS flow as a PCC rule for a traffic data flow without data expedited handling with reflective QoS.

[0478] In some embodiments, a PCF provides a PCC rule that supports data expedited handling with reflective QoS. The PCC rule is bound to a new QoS flow (i.e., first QoS flow) and the QoS flow is not bound to other PCC rules.

[0479] In some embodiments, an SMF can bind a PCC rule that does not include an indication for data expedited handling with reflective QoS to a new QoS flow that supports data expedited handling with reflective QoS based on local configuration in the PCF and the SMF.

[0480] In some embodiments, a UPF (i.e., third network element) can apply or update a reflective QoS indicator in downlink packets of an SDF when the UPF detects an “expedite request” or when an AS (i.e., fourth network element) provides an “expedite request” (e.g., data expedited, burst size of change, time to next burst change, need for dynamic QoS) in an EH of a PDU directly or through a NEF (i.e., fifth network element).

[0481] In some embodiments, a UPF can select a new 5QI (e.g., higher quality 5QI), mark or update a reflective QoS indicator, and perform next uplink and / or downlink forwarding based on authentication of data expedited handling with reflective QoS and N4 rules (i.e., second rules) from an SMF. In some embodiments, a UPF can select a new 5QI (e.g., higher quality 5QI), mark or update a reflective QoS indicator, and perform next uplink and / or downlink forwarding based on an expedite request from an AS and / or local configuration in the UPF and / or OAM.

[0482] In some embodiments, in the case of receiving RQI from mapping to downlink SDF in downlink QoS flow, UE (i.e., terminal) can replace 5QI of uplink SDF with one of (PCF authentication, or SMF / UPF indicated candidate 5QI), or can switch relevant uplink data from default QoS flow to target QoS flow with RQI (new candidate 5QI of this QoS flow is bound with PCC rule) and perform data forwarding.

[0483] In some embodiments, UPF can report reselected 5QI and newly selected 5QI information to SMF / PCF for QoS and PCC policy synchronization or update.

[0484] In step S902 (including S902a and S902b), after PCC and QoS authentication, PCC rule binding with QoS flow, UE sends uplink data to AS, and / or UE receives downlink data sent by AS. UE can use authenticated QoS flow or default QoS flow (e.g., 5QI-10).

[0485] In step S903 (including S903a and S903b), based on application requirement in AS, AS instructs UE to send high resolution data file (e.g., video, Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) image). Because AS perceives that data size from UE is expected to be large and timely reception of this information is critical for the application, AS can include request for acceleration of forwarding towards 5GS in metadata.

[0486] In step S904, when UPF detects “acceleration request”, or when AS provides “acceleration request” (e.g., data acceleration, burst size change, time to next burst change, dynamic QoS requirement) in EH of PDU directly through NEF, UPF can apply or update RQI marking in downlink data packet of SDF.

[0487] In some embodiments, based on authentication of data acceleration processing with reflective QoS, and N4 rule from SMF, UPF can select new 5QI (e.g., higher quality 5QI), mark or update reflective QoS indication, and perform following uplink and / or downlink forwarding. In some embodiments, based on acceleration request from AS, and / or local configuration in UPF and / or OAM, UPF can select new 5QI (e.g., higher quality 5QI), mark or update reflective QoS indication, and perform following uplink and / or downlink forwarding.

[0488] In some embodiments, the UPF can wake up the reflective QoS feature by selecting a QoS flow with a higher quality 5QI (e.g., 5QI-6) that has already been established (in step S901), thereby performing subsequent uplink and / or downlink forwarding.

[0489] In steps S905 and S906 (including S906a and S906b), in the case of receiving a RQI from a downlink SDF mapped to a downlink QoS flow, the UE can replace the 5QI of the uplink SDF with one of the (PCF authenticated, or SMF / UPF indicated candidate 5QIs), or can switch the relevant uplink data from the default QoS flow to a target QoS flow with the RQI (the new candidate 5QI of this QoS flow is bound with the PCC rule) and perform data forwarding.

[0490] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, part or all of the steps, and optional implementation manners thereof, can be combined with part or all of the steps in other embodiments, or can be combined with optional implementation manners of other embodiments.

[0491] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication apparatus comprising units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network element in any of the above methods. For example, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication apparatus comprising units or modules for implementing the steps performed by an access network device in any of the above methods. For example, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication apparatus comprising units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a terminal in any of the above methods.

[0492] It should be understood that the division of each unit or module in the above apparatus is only a logical function division, and all or part of them can be integrated into a physical entity or physically separated in actual implementation. In addition, the units or modules in the apparatus can be implemented in the form of processor calling software: for example, the apparatus includes a processor connected with a memory, the memory stores instructions, and the processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or realize the functions of each unit or module of the above apparatus, wherein the processor is, for example, a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory in the apparatus or a memory outside the apparatus. Alternatively, the units or modules in the apparatus can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, and the functions of part or all of the units or modules can be realized by the design of hardware circuit. The above hardware circuit can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the functions of part or all of the above units or modules are realized by the design of the logical relationship of elements in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above hardware circuit is a programmable logic device (PLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) is taken as an example, which can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by a configuration file, so as to realize the functions of part or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above apparatus can be implemented in the form of processor calling software, or all units or modules can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, or part of the units or modules are implemented in the form of processor calling software, and the remaining part is implemented in the form of hardware circuit.

[0493] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capability. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and running capability, such as a central processing unit, a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), a digital signal processor (DSP), and the like. In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through a logical relationship of a hardware circuit, and the logical relationship of the hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by a special-purpose integrated circuit or a programmable logic device, such as an FPGA. In the reconfigurable hardware circuit, the processor loads a configuration document to implement the configuration of the hardware circuit. It can be understood that the processor loads an instruction to implement the functions of the above part or all units or modules. In addition, the hardware circuit can also be designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), and the like.

[0494] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 10, the communication apparatus 1000 can include at least one of the following: a transceiver module 1001 and a processing module 1002.

[0495] In some embodiments, the communication apparatus 1000 can be the first network element 1031. In some embodiments, the processing module 1002 can be configured to bind the first PCC rule to the first QoS flow, where the first PCC rule corresponds to the first SDF, the first PCC rule supports data acceleration processing, and the first QoS flow is used to implement the data acceleration processing of the first SDF. Optionally, the transceiver module 1001 can be configured to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving communication steps (for example, steps S203, S205, and S206) performed by the first network element 1031 in any of the above methods, which will not be described herein again. Optionally, the processing module 1002 can be configured to perform at least one of the other steps (for example, step S204) performed by the first network element 1031 in any of the above methods, other than the sending and / or receiving communication steps, which will not be described herein again.

[0496] In some embodiments, the communication apparatus 1000 can be the second network element 1032. In some embodiments, the transceiver 1001 can be configured to send first information to the first network element, where the first information is used to configure a first PCC rule, the first PCC rule corresponds to a first SDF, and the first PCC rule supports data acceleration processing. Optionally, the transceiver 1001 can be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S201, S203) of sending and / or receiving performed by the second network element 1032 in any of the above methods, which will not be described herein again. Optionally, the processing module 1002 can be configured to perform at least one of the steps (e.g., step S202) other than the communication steps of sending and / or receiving performed by the second network element 1032 in any of the above methods, which will not be described herein again.

[0497] In some embodiments, the communication apparatus 1000 can be the third network element 1033. In some embodiments, the processing module 1002 can be configured to perform mapping between the first SDF and a first QoS flow, where the first QoS flow is used to implement data acceleration processing of the first SDF. Optionally, the transceiver 1001 can be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S205, S210, S213) of sending and / or receiving performed by the third network element 1033 in any of the above methods, which will not be described herein again. Optionally, the processing module 1002 can be configured to perform at least one of the steps (e.g., step S211) other than the communication steps of sending and / or receiving performed by the third network element 1033 in any of the above methods, which will not be described herein again.

[0498] In some embodiments, the communication apparatus 1000 can be the fourth network element 1034. In some embodiments, the transceiver 1001 can be configured to send third information to the second network element, where the third information is used to request QoS processing for a first SDF, and the first SDF needs data acceleration processing. Optionally, the transceiver 1001 can be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S201, S208, S210, S213) of sending and / or receiving performed by the fourth network element 1034 in any of the above methods, which will not be described herein again. Optionally, the processing module 1002 can be configured to perform at least one of the steps (e.g., step S209) other than the communication steps of sending and / or receiving performed by the fourth network element 1034 in any of the above methods, which will not be described herein again.

[0499] In some embodiments, the communication apparatus 1000 can be the terminal 101. In some embodiments, the processing module 1002 can be configured to perform mapping between the first SDF and the first QoS flow, wherein the first QoS flow is used to implement data acceleration processing of the first SDF. Optionally, the transceiver module 1001 can be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S207, S208, S212, S213) of transmitting and / or receiving performed by the terminal 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be described herein. Optionally, the processing module 1002 can be configured to perform at least one of the steps other than the communication steps of transmitting and / or receiving performed by the terminal 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be described herein.

[0500] In some embodiments, the transceiver module can include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module. The transmitting module and the receiving module can be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the transceiver module can be mutually replaced with the transceiver.

[0501] In some embodiments, the processing module can be one module or include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules perform all or part of the steps required to be performed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module can be mutually replaced with the processor.

[0502] FIG. 11A is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The communication device 11100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., a user equipment, etc.), a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the network device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the terminal to implement any of the above methods. The communication device 11100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments, which can be referred to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0503] As shown in FIG. 11A, the communication device 11100 includes one or more processors 11101. The processor 11101 can be a general purpose processor or a special purpose processor, etc., for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication apparatus (e.g., a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process data of the programs. Optionally, the communication device 11100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, the one or more processors 11101 are used to invoke instructions to enable the communication device 11100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0504] In some embodiments, the communication device 11100 further includes one or more transceivers 11102. When the communication device 11100 includes one or more transceivers 11102, the transceiver 11102 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S201, S203, S305, S206, S207, S208, S210, S212, S213, but not limited to) of transmission and / or reception in the above-described methods, and the processor 11101 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S202, S204, S209, S211, but not limited to). In optional embodiments, the transceiver can include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which can be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiving unit, transceiver, transceiving circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc. can be replaced with each other, the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other, and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other.

[0505] In some embodiments, the communication device 11100 further includes one or more memories 11103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memory 11103 can also be outside the communication device 11100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 11100 can include one or more interface circuits 11104. Optionally, the interface circuit 11104 is connected with the memory 11103, and the interface circuit 11104 can be used to receive data from the memory 11103 or other devices, and can be used to send data to the memory 11103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 11104 can read the data stored in the memory 11103 and send the data to the processor 11101.

[0506] The communication device 11100 described in the above embodiments can be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 11100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 11100 can not be limited by FIG. 11A. The communication device can be a standalone device or can be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be: 1) a standalone integrated circuit (IC), or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a set of one or more ICs, optionally, the set of ICs can also include a storage component for storing data, programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a Modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, a smart terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handset, a mobile unit, a vehicle-mounted device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0507] FIG. 11B is a structural schematic diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the case that the communication device 11100 can be a chip or a chip system, reference can be made to the structural schematic diagram of the chip 11200 shown in FIG. 11B, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0508] The chip 11200 comprises one or more processors 11201. The chip 11200 is configured to perform any of the above methods.

[0509] In some embodiments, the chip 11200 further comprises one or more interface circuits 11202. Optionally, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, etc. can replace each other. In some embodiments, the chip 11200 further comprises one or more memories 11203 configured to store data. Optionally, all or part of the memory 11203 can be outside the chip 11200. Optionally, the interface circuit 11202 is connected with the memory 11203, the interface circuit 11202 can be configured to receive data from the memory 11203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 11202 can be configured to send data to the memory 11203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 11202 can read the data stored in the memory 11203 and send the data to the processor 12201.

[0510] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 11202 performs at least one of the communication steps (for example, steps S201, S203, S305, S206, S207, S208, S210, S212, S213, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto) of transmitting and / or receiving in the above methods. The interface circuit 11202 performing the communication steps such as transmitting and / or receiving in the above methods means that the interface circuit 11202 performs data interaction between the processor 11201, the chip 11200, the memory 11203 or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 11201 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, steps S202, S204, S209, S211, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto).

[0511] The modules and / or devices described in each of the embodiments of the virtual device, the physical device, the chip, etc. can be combined or separated as appropriate. Optionally, part or all of the steps can also be performed by a plurality of modules and / or devices in cooperation, which is not limited herein.

[0512] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a storage medium, and instructions are stored on the storage medium. When the instructions are executed on the communication device 11100, the communication device 11100 performs any one of the above methods. Alternatively, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium is a computer readable storage medium, but is not limited to this, and can also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Alternatively, the storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited to this, and can also be a transitory storage medium.

[0513] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a program product, and the program product is executed by the communication device 11100, so that the communication device 11100 performs any one of the above methods. Alternatively, the program product is a computer program product.

[0514] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a computer program, and when the computer program is executed on a computer, the computer performs any one of the above methods.

[0515] Other embodiments of the application will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the application disclosed herein. The present disclosure is intended to cover any and all variations of the present application comprising adaptations, modifications and equivalents of the subject matter disclosed in the specification and appended claims. The specification and examples given are intended as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense, as the true scope and spirit of the present application are indicated by the appended claims.

[0516] It is understood that the application is not limited to the precise construction and methods described herein and shown in the drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the application. The scope of the application is limited only by the claims that follow.

Claims

A communication method, performed by a first network element, wherein The method comprises: binding a first policy and charging control (PCC) rule with a first quality of service (QoS) flow, wherein the first PCC rule corresponds to a first service data flow (SDF), and the first PCC rule supports data acceleration processing, and the first QoS flow is used to implement the data acceleration processing of the first SDF. The method of claim 1, wherein, The data acceleration processing is based on a reflective QoS mechanism. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first QoS flow bound with the first PCC rule is a new QoS flow. The method of claim 3, wherein, The first QoS flow is only used to be bound with the first PCC rule. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The binding of the first PCC rule with the first QoS flow comprises: determining first QoS characteristics corresponding to the first QoS flow. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving first information sent by a second network element, wherein the first information is used to configure the first PCC rule. The method of claim 6, wherein, The first information comprises at least one of: first indication information used to indicate that the first PCC rule supports the data acceleration processing; second QoS characteristics, wherein the second QoS characteristics are QoS characteristics used for non-data acceleration processing in the first PCC rule; third QoS characteristics, wherein the third QoS characteristics are candidate QoS characteristics used for the data acceleration processing in the first PCC rule; priority information of the third QoS characteristics; mapping information of the third QoS characteristics. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The method further comprises: sending second information to a third network element, wherein the second information is used to configure the third network element to perform QoS processing. The method of claim 8, wherein, The second information comprises one of: first QoS characteristics, wherein the first QoS characteristics are QoS characteristics corresponding to the first QoS flow; second QoS characteristics, wherein the second QoS characteristics are QoS characteristics used for non-data acceleration processing in the first PCC rule; third QoS characteristics, wherein the third QoS characteristics are candidate QoS characteristics used for the data acceleration processing in the first PCC rule. A communication method, performed by a second network element, wherein The method comprises: sending first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is used to configure a first policy and charging control (PCC) rule, and the first PCC rule corresponds to a first service data flow (SDF), and the first PCC rule supports data acceleration processing. The method of claim 10, wherein, The data acceleration processing is based on a reflective quality of service (QoS) mechanism. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein The first information comprises at least one of: first indication information used to indicate that the first PCC rule supports the data acceleration processing; second QoS characteristics, wherein the second QoS characteristics are QoS characteristics used for non-data acceleration processing in the first PCC rule; third QoS characteristics, wherein the third QoS characteristics are candidate QoS characteristics used for the data acceleration processing in the first PCC rule; priority information of the third QoS characteristics; mapping information of the third QoS characteristics. The method of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving third information sent by a fourth network element, wherein the third information is used to request QoS processing for the first SDF; determining the first PCC rule according to the third information. The method of claim 13, wherein, The third information includes at least one of: a QoS requirement related to the first SDF; second indication information for indicating support of the data acceleration processing. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein The determining the first PCC rule according to the third information includes: determining a third QoS characteristic according to the third information, wherein the third QoS characteristic is a candidate QoS characteristic for the data acceleration processing in the first PCC rule. A communication method, performed by a third network element, wherein The method includes: performing mapping between a first service data flow (SDF) and a first quality of service (QoS) flow, wherein the first QoS flow is used to implement data acceleration processing of the first SDF. The method of claim 16, wherein, The first QoS flow corresponds to a first QoS characteristic. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein The first QoS characteristic is determined according to at least one of: second information, wherein the second information is used to configure the third network element to perform QoS processing; local configuration. The method of any one of claims 16-18, wherein The first QoS flow is a new QoS flow. The method of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein The first SDF corresponds to a first policy and charging control (PCC) rule, and the first PCC rule supports the data acceleration processing. The method of claim 20, wherein, The first QoS flow is only used to be bound with the first PCC rule. The method of any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein, The data acceleration processing is based on a reflective QoS mechanism. The method of claim 22, wherein, The method further includes: adding a reflective QoS indication (RQI) in a downlink data packet of the first SDF. The method of any one of claims 16 to 23, wherein The downlink data packet of the first SDF contains first request information for requesting the data acceleration processing of the first SDF. The method of claim 24, wherein, The first request information includes at least one of: burst indication for indicating that the first SDF has a burst change; burst time information for indicating a time interval in which the first SDF has a burst change; dynamic QoS information for indicating that a dynamic QoS is used. The method of any one of claims 16 to 25, wherein The method further includes: receiving second information sent by a first network element, wherein the second information is used to configure the third network element to perform QoS processing. The method of claim 26, wherein, The second information includes one of: a first QoS characteristic, wherein the first QoS characteristic is a QoS characteristic corresponding to the first QoS flow; a second QoS characteristic, wherein the second QoS characteristic is a QoS characteristic for non-data acceleration processing in a first PCC rule; a third QoS characteristic, wherein the third QoS characteristic is a candidate QoS characteristic for the data acceleration processing in the first PCC rule. The method of claim 27, wherein, The second information includes the third QoS characteristic. The first QoS characteristic is determined from the third QoS characteristic in the second information. A communication method, performed by a fourth network element, wherein The method includes: sending third information to a second network element, wherein the third information is used to request quality of service (QoS) processing for a first service data flow (SDF), and the first SDF needs data acceleration processing. The method of claim 29, wherein, The third information includes at least one of: a QoS requirement related to the first SDF; second indication information for indicating support of the data acceleration processing. The method of claim 29 or 30, wherein, The data acceleration processing is based on a reflective QoS mechanism. The method of any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein The method further includes: sending a downlink data packet of the first SDF to a third network element. The method of claim 32, wherein, The downlink data packet of the first SDF contains first request information, and the first request information is used to request the data acceleration processing of the first SDF. A communication method, performed by a terminal, wherein The method comprises: mapping between a first service data flow (SDF) and a first quality of service (QoS) flow, wherein the first QoS flow is used to implement data acceleration processing of the first SDF. The method of claim 34, wherein, The first QoS flow corresponds to first QoS characteristics. The method of claim 34 or 35, wherein, The first QoS flow is a new QoS flow. The method of any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein, The first SDF corresponds to first policy and charging control (PCC) rules, and the first PCC rules support the data acceleration processing. The method of claim 37, wherein, The first QoS flow is only used to be bound with the first PCC rules. The method of any one of claims 34 to 38, wherein The data acceleration processing is based on a reflective QoS mechanism. The method of any one of claims 34 to 39, wherein The method further comprises: receiving a downlink data packet of the first SDF sent by a third network element, wherein the downlink data packet contains first request information, and the first request information is used to request the data acceleration processing of the first SDF. The method of claim 40, wherein, The downlink data packet of the first SDF further contains a reflective QoS indication (RQI). The method of claim 41, wherein, The method further comprises: determining the first QoS characteristics based on the downlink data packet of the first SDF according to the RQI. The method of claim 42, wherein, The first QoS characteristics are determined from third QoS characteristics, which are candidate QoS characteristics for the data acceleration processing in the first PCC rules bound with the first QoS flow. A communication method, performed by a core network, wherein The core network comprises a first network element, a second network element, and a third network element. The method comprises at least one of the following: implementing the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 through the first network element; implementing the communication method according to any one of claims 10 to 15 through the second network element; implementing the communication method according to any one of claims 16 to 28 through the third network element. A communication device is arranged in a first network element, wherein The apparatus comprises: a processing module configured to bind first policy and charging control (PCC) rules with a first quality of service (QoS) flow, wherein the first PCC rules correspond to a first service data flow (SDF), the first PCC rules support data acceleration processing, and the first QoS flow is used to implement the data acceleration processing of the first SDF. A communication device is arranged in a second network element, wherein The apparatus comprises: a transceiver module configured to send first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is used to configure first policy and charging control (PCC) rules, the first PCC rules correspond to a first service data flow (SDF), and the first PCC rules support data acceleration processing. A communication device is arranged in a third network element, wherein The apparatus comprises: a processing module configured to map between a first service data flow (SDF) and a first quality of service (QoS) flow, wherein the first QoS flow is used to implement data acceleration processing of the first SDF. A communication device is arranged in a fourth network element, wherein The apparatus comprises: a transceiver module configured to send third information to a second network element, wherein the third information is used to request quality of service (QoS) processing for the first service data flow (SDF), and the first SDF needs data acceleration processing. A communication device is provided in a terminal, wherein The apparatus comprises: The processing module is configured to perform mapping between a first service data flow (SDF) and a first quality of service (QoS) flow, wherein the first QoS flow is used to implement data acceleration processing of the first SDF. A communication device comprising: one or more processors; memory storing instructions; wherein the instructions, when executed on the communication device, cause the communication device to implement one of: the communication method of any of claims 1-9; the communication method of any of claims 10-15; the communication method of any of claims 16-28; the communication method of any of claims 29-33; the communication method of any of claims 34-43. A communication system comprising at least one of: a first network element configured to implement the communication method of any of claims 1-9; a second network element configured to implement the communication method of any of claims 10-15; a third network element configured to implement the communication method of any of claims 16-28; a fourth network element configured to implement the communication method of any of claims 29-33; a terminal configured to implement the communication method of any of claims 34-43. A storage medium storing instructions, wherein, when the instructions are run on a communication device, cause the communication device to implement at least one of: the communication method of any of claims 1-9; the communication method of any of claims 10-15; the communication method of any of claims 16-28; the communication method of any of claims 29-33; the communication method of any of claims 34-43; the communication method of claim 44. A computer program product comprising instructions, wherein when the instructions are run on a communication device, cause the communication device to implement at least one of: the communication method of any of claims 1-9; the communication method of any of claims 10-15; the communication method of any of claims 16-28; the communication method of any of claims 29-33; the communication method of any of claims 34-43; the communication method of claim 44.

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