Communication method, communication device, and communication system

Abstract

The application relates to a communication method, a communication device and a communication system, and relates to the field of communication. In the method, a terminal device is connected with two networks simultaneously, and data is sent through different data channels corresponding to the two networks respectively, each data including a payload, a sequence number of the payload and double sending information, the payloads being the same, a user function selecting and receiving the payload under the condition that the double sending information and the sequence number of the payload are the same, and sending the payload after the selection and receiving treatment to a data network. The probability of the simultaneous occurrence of communication condition deterioration of the two networks is lower than that of the occurrence of communication condition deterioration of one network, the network without the occurrence of communication condition deterioration can support the terminal device to normally perform data transmission, and the reliability of uplink data transmission is improved. When the communication condition of the two networks deteriorates simultaneously, the terminal device has different packet loss phenomena in different networks, the user function recombines and processes the two received payloads, and the complete payload can still be obtained, and the reliability of uplink data transmission is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Terminal devices can access networks and communicate through those networks. For example, a terminal device can access a cellular network, also known as a mobile network, and communicate through that network. Alternatively, a terminal device can access a Wi-Fi network and communicate through that network.

[0003] In scenarios where terminal devices access a network, network conditions may deteriorate, such as air interface congestion. These conditions can lead to transmission interruptions or even packet loss during data transmission, resulting in a poor user experience. Currently, existing technologies primarily improve data transmission reliability by optimizing air interface resource scheduling. However, these methods are still susceptible to deteriorating communication conditions, limiting their effectiveness in improving data transmission reliability. Therefore, improving data transmission reliability is a pressing technical problem that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method, communication device, and communication system that can improve the reliability of data transmission.

[0005] The communication method described in the first aspect is executed by a user function, which can be a physical entity or a logical concept, such as a logical node, logical module, or logical software. In other words, this application does not limit the implementation form of the user function.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: a user function receiving first data from a first terminal device via a first data channel, the first data including a first payload, dual transmission information, and a sequence number of the first payload, the first data channel being used by the first terminal device for data transmission in a first network; the user function receiving second data from the first terminal device via a second data channel, the second data including a second payload, the dual transmission information, and a sequence number of the second payload, the second data channel being used by the first terminal device for data transmission in a second network, the first network and the second network being networks simultaneously accessed by the first terminal device, the first network being a cellular network and the second network being a Wi-Fi network or a fixed network; or, the second network being a cellular network and the first network being a Wi-Fi network or a fixed network; in the case where there is dual transmission information and the sequence number of the first payload is the same as the sequence number of the second payload, the user function selectively receives the first payload and the second payload to obtain a third payload; and the user function transmitting the third payload to a data network.

[0007] The first network and the second network are networks that the first terminal device accesses simultaneously. This can be understood as the first terminal device connecting to both the first network and the second network at the same time. The first terminal device can access both the first network and the second network simultaneously, or it can access them at different times. For example, the first terminal device may access the first network first and then the second network; or the first terminal device may access the second network first and then the first network.

[0008] The first data sent by the first terminal device through the first data channel and the first data received by the user function through the first data channel may be the same or different. When the first data sent by the first terminal device and the first data received by the user function are different, it indicates that packet loss occurred during the transmission of the first data. The second data sent by the first terminal device through the second data channel and the second data received by the user function through the second data channel may be the same or different. When the second data sent by the first terminal device and the second data received by the user function are different, it indicates that packet loss occurred during the transmission of the second data.

[0009] The first load has the same serial number as the second load, which indicates that the first load and the second load are identical.

[0010] Through the above method, the first terminal device connects to both the first and second networks simultaneously and sends the same payload to the user function through different data channels. This reduces the adverse impact of network communication degradation on the terminal device's data transmission, thereby improving the reliability of uplink data transmission. Specifically, the probability of simultaneous communication degradation in both the first and second networks is lower than the probability of degradation in only one network. In this case, the network without communication degradation supports the first terminal device in normal data transmission, and the user function can receive the complete payload. The selective reception process can involve the user function identifying payloads without packet loss, thus improving the reliability of uplink data transmission. When both the first and second networks experience communication degradation, the packet loss phenomena occurring in the first network and the second network will differ. For example, a payload may consist of multiple data frames, and the data frames lost by the first terminal device in the first network may differ from those lost in the second network. In this case, the selective reception process can refer to the user function reassembling the received first and second payloads, potentially obtaining a complete payload and further improving the reliability of uplink data transmission.

[0011] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: a user function receiving a fourth payload from a data network and address information of a first terminal device; the user function processing the fourth payload according to a pre-configured dual-transmission strategy to obtain third data and fourth data, wherein the third data includes a fifth payload, a sequence number of the fifth payload, and the dual-transmission information, and the fourth data includes a sixth payload, a sequence number of the sixth payload, and the dual-transmission information, wherein the fifth payload, the fourth payload, and the sixth payload are identical, and the sequence number of the fifth payload and the sequence number of the sixth payload are identical; and the user function sending the third data and the fourth data to the first terminal device through a first data channel and a second data channel respectively, according to the address information of the first terminal device.

[0012] The third data received by the first terminal device through the first data channel and the third data sent by the user function through the first data channel may be the same or different. When the third data received by the first terminal device and the third data sent by the user function are different, it indicates that packet loss occurred during the transmission of the third data. Similarly, the fourth data received by the first terminal device through the second data channel and the fourth data sent by the user function through the second data channel may be the same or different. When the fourth data received by the first terminal device and the fourth data sent by the user function are different, it indicates that packet loss occurred during the transmission of the fourth data.

[0013] Using the above method, the user function performs dual-transmission processing on the fourth payload according to the pre-configured dual-transmission strategy to obtain third and fourth data. It then determines the first and second data channels based on the address information of the first terminal device, and sends the third and fourth data to the first terminal device through the first and second data channels respectively. This reduces the adverse impact of deteriorating network communication conditions on data transmission to the terminal device, thereby improving the reliability of downlink data transmission. For a detailed description, please refer to the above description of the uplink data transmission scenario.

[0014] In some implementations of the first aspect, before the user function selects and processes the first and second loads to obtain the third load, the method further includes: the user function acquiring first data from the first data channel and second data from the second data channel through the third data channel, wherein the third data channel is associated with the first data channel and also with the second data channel.

[0015] The third data channel is associated with the first data channel. This means that for uplink data transmission, the user function transmits data received through the first data channel to the third data channel; for downlink data transmission, the user function transmits data received through the third data channel to the first terminal device via the first data channel. Similarly, the third data channel is associated with the second data channel. This means that for uplink data transmission, the user function transmits data received through the second data channel to the third data channel; for downlink data transmission, the user function transmits data received through the third data channel to the first terminal device via the second data channel. The user function can store the mapping relationships between the first and third data channels, as well as between the second and third data channels, thus achieving the association between the data channels. In other words, the association between data channels can be understood as a mapping relationship between the data channels.

[0016] After receiving first data through the first data channel and second data through the second data channel, the user function sends the first data to the third data channel through the correlation between the first and third data channels, and sends the second data to the third data channel through the correlation between the second and third data channels. The third data channel then aggregates the data that needs to be selected and processed, so as to uniformly process the data that needs to be selected and processed, thereby reducing the complexity of the user function's selection and processing. For example, the user function does not need to determine whether specific data needs to be selected and processed, but directly determines that all data obtained through the third data channel needs to be selected and processed.

[0017] Secondly, a communication method is provided, comprising: a user function receiving a fourth payload from a data network and address information of a first terminal device; the user function processing the fourth payload according to a pre-configured dual-transmission strategy to obtain third data and fourth data, the third data including a fifth payload, a sequence number of the fifth payload, and dual-transmission information, the fourth data including a sixth payload, a sequence number of the sixth payload, and the dual-transmission information, wherein the fifth payload, the fourth payload, and the sixth payload are identical, and the sequence number of the fifth payload and the sequence number of the sixth payload are identical; the user function sending the third data and the fourth data to the first terminal device respectively through a first data channel and a second data channel according to the address information of the first terminal device; the first data channel is used for the first terminal device to transmit data in a first network, and the second data channel is used for the first terminal device to transmit data in a second network, wherein the first network and the second network are networks simultaneously accessed by the first terminal device, the first network being a cellular network and the second network being a Wi-Fi network or a fixed network; or, the second network being a cellular network and the first network being a Wi-Fi network or a fixed network.

[0018] For a detailed description, please refer to the relevant description in the first aspect.

[0019] In conjunction with either the first or second aspect, the method further includes: the user function receiving a first indication message from the session function, the first indication message indicating successful establishment of the second data channel and the third data channel, and the first indication message also indicating the association between the second and third data channels; the user function associating the second and third data channels according to the first indication message. Through the above process, the session function indicates to the user function that the second and third data channels have been successfully established and that an association exists between the second and third data channels. The user function can directly associate the second and third data channels according to the indication from the session function, thereby reducing the implementation complexity of the user function.

[0020] In combination with either the first aspect or the second aspect, the method further includes: a user function receiving a first message from a first terminal device, the first message including identification information of the first terminal device; the user function establishing a first data channel based on the first message; and, if it is determined that the identification information of the first terminal device belongs to an identification information group, the user function associating the first data channel and a third data channel, wherein the terminal device corresponding to the identification information in the identification information group supports dual-transmission processing.

[0021] The first message can be understood as a message that can be used to trigger the establishment of the first data channel.

[0022] Through the above process, after the user function establishes a first data channel for the first terminal device based on the first message, since the first data channel is used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the user function, the third data channel is used for selective reception processing by the user function, and the identification information of the first terminal device belongs to the aforementioned identification information group, the user function can determine that the first terminal device supports dual transmission processing. Furthermore, the user function can determine to perform selective reception processing on the first terminal device, thereby associating the first data channel and the third data channel, and thus realizing selective reception processing on the first terminal device.

[0023] Using the above method, the user function automatically associates the first data channel and the third data channel based on the relationship between the identification information and the identification information group of the first terminal device. This reduces the signaling interaction overhead between the user function and the session function. By associating the first data channel and the third data channel, the user function can aggregate the data that needs to be selectively received through the third data channel, so as to uniformly process the data that needs to be selectively received, thereby reducing the complexity of the user function's selective receiving process.

[0024] In combination with either the first aspect or the second aspect, the method further includes: a user function receiving a first message from a first terminal device, the first message including identification information of the first terminal device and dual-transmission processing instruction information, the dual-transmission processing instruction information being used to instruct the first terminal device to support dual-transmission processing; the user function establishing a first data channel according to the first message; and the user function associating the first data channel and a third data channel according to the dual-transmission processing instruction information.

[0025] Through the above process, after the user function establishes a first data channel for the first terminal device based on the first message, since the first data channel is used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the user function, the third data channel is used for selective reception processing by the user function, and the first message includes dual transmission processing instruction information, the user function can determine that the first terminal device supports dual transmission processing. Furthermore, the user function can determine to perform selective reception processing on the first terminal device, thereby associating the first data channel and the third data channel, and thus realizing selective reception processing on the first terminal device.

[0026] Using the above method, the user function directly associates the first and third data channels through dual-transmission instruction information, which reduces the signaling interaction overhead between the user function and the session function. By associating the first and third data channels, the user function can aggregate the data that needs to be selectively received through the third data channel, so as to uniformly process the data that needs to be selectively received, thereby reducing the complexity of the user function's selective receiving process.

[0027] In conjunction with either the first or second aspect, the method further includes: a user function receiving a first message from a first terminal device, the first message including identification information of the first terminal device; the user function sending a first data channel request message to a session function based on the first message, the first data channel request message requesting a first data channel, the first data channel request message including identification information of the first terminal device; the session function establishing a first data channel based on the first data channel request message; if it is determined that the identification information of the first terminal device belongs to an identification information group, the session function determines that the first data channel and a third data channel are associated, and the terminal device corresponding to the identification information in the identification information group supports dual-transmission processing; the session function sending a first data channel response message to the user function, the first data channel response message indicating successful establishment of the first data channel, the first data channel response message also indicating the association between the first data channel and the third data channel; the user function associating the first data channel and the third data channel based on the first data channel response message. By establishing the first data channel through the session function and indicating the association between the first data channel and the third data channel to the user function, the user function does not need to establish the first data channel or determine the association between the first data channel and the third data channel itself, which can reduce the implementation complexity of the user function.

[0028] In conjunction with either the first or second aspect, the method further includes: a user function receiving a first message from a first terminal device, the first message including identification information of the first terminal device and dual-transmission processing indication information, the dual-transmission processing indication information indicating that the first terminal device supports dual-transmission processing; the user function sending a second data channel request message to a session function based on the first message, the second data channel request message requesting a first data channel, the second data channel request message including identification information of the first terminal device and dual-transmission processing indication information; the session function establishing a first data channel based on the second data channel request message; the session function determining the association between the first data channel and a third data channel based on the dual-transmission processing indication information; the session function sending a second data channel response message to the user function, the second data channel response message indicating successful establishment of the first data channel, the second data channel response message also indicating the association between the first data channel and the third data channel; and the user function associating the first data channel and the third data channel based on the second data channel response message. Through the dual-transmission processing indication information, the session function can directly associate the first data channel and the third data channel, which reduces the implementation complexity of the session function. By establishing a first data channel through the session function and instructing the user function to associate the first data channel with the third data channel, the user function does not need to establish the first data channel or determine the association between the first data channel and the third data channel itself, which can reduce the implementation complexity of the user function.

[0029] In conjunction with either the first or second aspect, the method further includes: a user function receiving a second message from a first terminal device, the second message including identification information of the first terminal device; if it is determined that the identification information of the first terminal device belongs to an identification information group, the user function sends a third data channel request message to a session function according to the second message, the third data channel request message being used to request a first data channel and a third data channel, the third data channel request message including the identification information of the first terminal device, and the terminal device corresponding to the identification information in the identification information group supporting dual-transmission processing; the session function establishing a first data channel and a third data channel according to the third data channel request message; the session function sending a third data channel response message to the user function, the third data channel response message being used to indicate that the first data channel and the third data channel were successfully established; the user function receiving the third data channel response message from the session function; if it is determined that the identification information of the first terminal device belongs to an identification information group, the user function associating the first data channel and the third data channel. When the user function determines that the identification information of the first terminal device belongs to an identification information group, it can determine that the first terminal device supports dual-transmission processing, and therefore can determine that it is necessary to establish both a first data channel and a third data channel for the first terminal device simultaneously. The user function interacts with the session function so that the session function can establish a first data channel and a third data channel for the first terminal device, thereby reducing the implementation complexity of the user function. Through this method, the user function can request the session function to establish the first and third data channels and automatically associate the second and third data channels. Furthermore, this also reduces the signaling overhead between the user function and the session function.

[0030] In conjunction with either the first or second aspect, the method further includes: a session function receiving a fourth data channel request message from a first terminal device, the fourth data channel request message requesting a second data channel, the fourth data channel request message including identification information of the first terminal device; the session function establishing a second data channel based on the fourth data channel request message; the session function sending a second indication message to a user function, the second indication message indicating successful establishment of the second data channel; the user function receiving the second indication message from the session function; and, if it is determined that the identification information of the first terminal device belongs to an identification information group, the user function associating the second data channel with the third data channel. Through the above process, the session function establishes a second data channel for the first terminal device based on the fourth data channel request message. Through this method, the user function can automatically associate the second data channel with the third data channel, which can reduce the signaling interaction overhead between the user function and the session function.

[0031] In conjunction with either the first or second aspect, the method further includes: a user function receiving a second message from a first terminal device, the second message including identification information of the first terminal device and dual-transmission processing indication information, the dual-transmission processing indication information indicating that the first terminal device supports dual-transmission processing; the user function sending a fifth data channel request message to a session function according to the dual-transmission processing indication information, the fifth data channel request message requesting a first data channel and a third data channel, the fifth data channel request message including the identification information of the first terminal device; the session function establishing the first data channel and the third data channel according to the fifth data channel request message; the session function sending a fifth data channel response message to the user function, the fifth data channel response message indicating successful establishment of the first data channel and the third data channel; the user function receiving the fifth data channel response message from the session function; and the user function associating the first data channel and the third data channel according to the dual-transmission processing indication information. If the user function determines that the first terminal device supports dual-transmission processing based on the dual-transmission processing indication information, it can determine that both the first data channel and the third data channel need to be established for the first terminal device simultaneously. By interacting with the session function, the user function can enable the session function to establish the first data channel and the third data channel for the first terminal device, thereby reducing the implementation complexity of the user function. Using the above method, the user function can request the session function to establish the first and third data channels, and automatically associate the second and third data channels, which can reduce the signaling interaction overhead between the user function and the session function.

[0032] In conjunction with either the first or second aspect, the method further includes: a session function receiving a sixth data channel request message from a first terminal device, the sixth data channel request message requesting a second data channel, the sixth data channel request message including identification information of the first terminal device; the session function establishing a second data channel based on the sixth data channel request message; the session function sending a third indication message to a user function, the third indication message indicating successful establishment of the second data channel; the user function receiving the third indication message from the session function; and the user function associating the second data channel and the third data channel based on dual-transmission processing indication information. Through the above process, the session function establishes a second data channel for the first terminal device, and the user function automatically associates the second data channel and the third data channel, which can reduce the signaling interaction overhead between the user function and the session function. By using dual-transmission processing indication information, the user function can directly associate the second data channel and the third data channel, thereby reducing the implementation complexity of the user function.

[0033] Combining any one of the first and second aspects, the user function performs selective reception processing on the first and second payloads to obtain a third payload, including: the user function performs recombining processing on the first and second payloads to obtain the third payload. The recombining processing can be understood as the process of recombinizing data frames in the payload. This recombining processing may or may not include deduplication processing, depending on whether the first and second payloads contain the same data frames. Through this recombining processing, selective reception processing of the first and second payloads can be achieved.

[0034] Thirdly, a communication system is provided, comprising: user functions and a data network. The user functions are configured to: receive first data from a first terminal device via a first data channel, the first data including a first payload, dual-transmission information, and a sequence number of the first payload; the first data channel is used by the first terminal device to transmit data in a first network; receive second data from the first terminal device via a second data channel, the second data including a second payload, dual-transmission information, and a sequence number of the second payload; the second data channel is used by the first terminal device to transmit data in a second network, wherein the first network and the second network are networks simultaneously accessed by the first terminal device; the first network is a cellular network, and the second network is a Wi-Fi network or a fixed network; or, the second network is a cellular network, and the first network is a Wi-Fi network or a fixed network; when dual-transmission information and the sequence number of the payload are identical, selectively receive the first payload and the second payload to obtain a third payload; and transmit the third payload to the data network. The data network is configured to: receive the third payload.

[0035] In some implementations of the third aspect, the data network is further configured to: send a fourth payload and address information of the first terminal device to the user function; the user function is further configured to: receive the fourth payload and address information of the first terminal device; process the fourth payload according to a pre-configured dual-transmission strategy to obtain third data and fourth data, wherein the third data includes a fifth payload, a sequence number of the fifth payload, and dual-transmission information, and the fourth data includes a sixth payload, a sequence number of the sixth payload, and dual-transmission information, wherein the fifth payload, the fourth payload, and the sixth payload are identical, and the sequence number of the fifth payload and the sequence number of the sixth payload are identical; and send the third data and the fourth data to the first terminal device through the first data channel and the second data channel respectively according to the address information of the first terminal device.

[0036] Fourthly, a communication system is provided, comprising: a user function and a data network. The data network is used to: send a fourth payload and address information of a first terminal device to the user function; the user function is used to: receive the fourth payload and address information of the first terminal device; process the fourth payload according to a pre-configured dual-transmission strategy to obtain third data and fourth data, the third data including a fifth payload, a sequence number of the fifth payload, and dual-transmission information, the fourth data including a sixth payload, a sequence number of the sixth payload, and dual-transmission information, wherein the fifth payload, fourth payload, and sixth payload are identical, and the sequence number of the fifth payload and the sequence number of the sixth payload are identical; and send the third data and fourth data to the first terminal device respectively through a first data channel and a second data channel according to the address information of the first terminal device; the first data channel is used for data transmission by the first terminal device in a first network, and the second data channel is used for data transmission by the first terminal device in a second network, wherein the first network and the second network are networks simultaneously accessed by the first terminal device; the first network is a cellular network, and the second network is a Wi-Fi network or a fixed network; or, the second network is a cellular network, and the first network is a Wi-Fi network or a fixed network.

[0037] In conjunction with any of the third and fourth aspects, the communication system also includes a session function. The interaction between the user function and the session function can be found in the corresponding descriptions in the first and second aspects above, and will not be repeated here.

[0038] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to, by executing a computer program or instructions, or by using logic circuitry, cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the first to second aspects.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory for storing the computer program or instructions.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a communication interface for inputting and / or outputting signals.

[0041] A sixth aspect provides a communication device including logic circuitry and an input / output interface for inputting and / or outputting signals, the logic circuitry being configured to perform the method described in any of the first to second aspects.

[0042] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program or instructions are stored, which, when executed on a computer, cause the methods described in any of the first to second aspects to be performed.

[0043] Eighthly, a computer program product is provided, comprising instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the methods described in any of the first to second aspects to be performed.

[0044] A ninth aspect provides a chip or chip system comprising: at least one processor for executing a computer program or instructions in the memory, such that the chip or chip system implements the methods of any one of the first to second aspects.

[0045] In a tenth aspect, a chip is provided, which is installed in a communication device. The chip includes a communication interface and at least one processor, which reads and executes instructions through the communication interface, causing the communication device to perform the methods of any one of the first to second aspects.

[0046] For a description of the beneficial effects of any of the second to tenth aspects, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system to which embodiments of this application are applicable.

[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the group data channel and the terminal device data channel in an embodiment of this application.

[0049] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a communication system applied to a 5G network architecture.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0052] Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0053] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0054] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points will be explained first.

[0055] 1. Unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. "At least one" means "one or more".

[0056] 2. Unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions in different embodiments of this application are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0057] III. The various numerical designations used in this application are merely for descriptive convenience and do not limit the scope of protection of this application. The order of the serial numbers used in this application does not imply the sequence of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic. For example, the terms "first (such as a first data channel request message)," "second (such as a second data channel request message)," and other various terminology (if present) in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0058] Furthermore, any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0059] IV. The terms “comprising” and “having” and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method or apparatus that includes a series of steps is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are expressly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not expressly listed and are inherent to such process, method or apparatus.

[0060] V. In this application, "for indicating" can be understood as "enabling", and "enabling" includes direct enabling and indirect enabling. When describing information for enabling A, it may include whether the information directly enables A or indirectly enables A, but it does not mean that the information necessarily carries A.

[0061] The information that enables the information is called the information to be enabled. In practice, there are various ways to enable the information to be enabled, such as, but not limited to, directly enabling the information itself or its index. It can also be indirectly enabled by enabling other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be enabled. Alternatively, only a part of the information to be enabled can be enabled, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, enabling specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) order of information, thus reducing enabling overhead to some extent. Furthermore, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and enabled uniformly to reduce the enabling overhead of individually enabling the same information.

[0062] In addition, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information to indicate A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0063] VI. The term "storage" or "preservation" in this application can refer to storage in one or more memory devices. These memory devices can be separately configured or integrated into an encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memory devices can be separately configured, while others can be integrated into a decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this is not limited.

[0064] VII. The arrows or boxes indicated by dashed lines in the schematic diagrams in the accompanying drawings of this application represent optional steps or optional modules.

[0065] 8. In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission by other units or modules via the air interface. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY by other units or modules via the air interface. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0066] The following sections describe the communication system, communication method, and communication device.

[0067] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system to which embodiments of this application apply. (Reference) Figure 1 The communication system includes user functions and a data network. A data channel exists between the user functions and the data network for data transmission between them. For example, downlink and / or uplink data transmission can be performed between the user functions and the data network via this data channel. Further description of data transmission between the user functions and the data network is provided below and will not be detailed here.

[0068] One possible example is a data network that deploys switches, through which the data network connects to user functions; that is, there is a data channel between the switches and user functions. Alternatively, a data network gateway may be connected to user functions, meaning there is a data channel between the gateway and user functions. Furthermore, a server may also be deployed in the data network, through which the data network communicates with terminal devices; that is, there is also a data channel between the server and terminal devices.

[0069] One possible example is the data path between the user function and the data network, which includes a Virtual Extensible Local Area Network (VXLAN) tunnel. The VXLAN tunnel is used to enable data transmission between the user function and the data network. For example, there might be a VXLAN tunnel between the user function and a switch in the data network, or between the user function and the gateway of the data network.

[0070] Optionally, the communication system further includes a first terminal device. The first terminal device transmits data with the user function via a first data channel and / or a second data channel. For example, the first terminal device transmits uplink data with the user function via the first data channel and / or the second data channel; or, for another example, the first terminal device transmits downlink data with the user function via the first data channel and / or the second data channel.

[0071] The first data channel is used by the first terminal device to transmit data in the first network, and the second data channel is used by the first terminal device to transmit data in the second network. The first network and the second network are networks that the first terminal device accesses simultaneously. The first data channel, used for data transmission in the first network, can be understood as follows: to support data transmission by the first terminal device in the first network, the entity responsible for establishing the data channel constructs the first data channel based on the first network. When the first terminal device is in the first network, it can transmit data with the user function through the first data channel. Similarly, the second data channel, used for data transmission in the second network, can be understood as follows: to support data transmission by the first terminal device in the second network, the entity responsible for establishing the data channel constructs the second data channel based on the second network. When the first terminal device is in the second network, it can transmit data with the user function through the second data channel. Alternatively, the first terminal device can transmit data with the user function simultaneously through both the first and second networks, but the scenario is not limited to the first terminal device transmitting data through only one network. The entity responsible for establishing the data channel may include the user function, the session function, or both; this is not limited.

[0072] The first network is a cellular network, and the second network is a Wi-Fi network or a fixed network; or, the first network is a Wi-Fi network or a fixed network, and the second network is a cellular network. Additionally, a fixed network can be understood as a network where terminal devices are connected via wired media such as fiber optic cables, twisted-pair cables, or coaxial cables. For example, fixed networks include, but are not limited to, fiber optic networks or optical networks.

[0073] Optionally, the communication system also includes a session function. The session function can perform bidirectional information exchange with the first terminal device to establish a data channel for the terminal device and support data transmission between the first terminal device and the user function. The session function can also perform bidirectional information exchange with the user function to establish a corresponding data channel for the user function and support data transmission between the first terminal device and the user function.

[0074] It should be noted that the data channel described in this application can be understood as a channel that supports data transmission between devices or functions. For example, a data channel includes a protocol data unit (PDU) session, or a VXLAN tunnel or an Internet Protocol (IP) secure tunnel, etc., without limitation.

[0075] User functions are used to perform functions related to user plane data processing. For example, user functions may be responsible for: routing and forwarding user packets, policy enforcement, or protocol adaptation. An example of a user function is the user plane function (UPF) in a fifth-generation (5G) core network, or it may be an entity with the same or similar functions as the UPF in future communication networks.

[0076] Session functions are used to perform functions related to data transmission. For example, session functions can be responsible for tunnel maintenance, IP address allocation and management, policy enforcement, billing data collection, or roaming. An example of a session function is the session management function (SMF) in the 5G core network, or it could be an entity with the same or similar functions as the SMF in future communication networks.

[0077] User functions and session functions can be configured independently or integrated into a single device. An example of such a device is the Unified Edge Gateway (UEG), which can be deployed on the enterprise side according to the needs of different enterprise private networks. In other scenarios, the UEG can also be referred to as the Unified Enterprise Node (UEN). The functions included in the UEG / UEN include, but are not limited to: access and mobility management function (AMF), SMF, UPF, etc.

[0078] The data network refers to the enterprise intranet or external network that users ultimately access; it is the target network that the core network connects to when providing data services to users. It is not part of the core network, but the core network is responsible for forwarding user data traffic to these external networks.

[0079] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, including but not limited to: user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent or user device, satellite phone, cellular phone, smartphone, wireless data card, wireless modem, machine-type communication equipment, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), customer-premises equipment (CPE), point-of-sale (POS) machine, handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle equipment, communication equipment mounted on high-altitude aircraft, wearable device, drone, robot, terminal in device-to-device (D2D) communication, terminal in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity, and virtual reality (VR) device. The term "terminal device" can refer to wireless terminals in various fields, including VR (virtual reality), AR (augmented reality), industrial control, self-driving, telemedicine / telehealth services, smart grids, transportation safety, smart cities, smart homes, and future communication networks. There are no restrictions on the specific type of terminal device. Furthermore, terminal devices can also be communication-enabled devices within future communication networks, and their form within those networks is not limited.

[0080] As mentioned earlier, both uplink and downlink data transmission are possible between user functions and the data network. The following sections describe the uplink and downlink data transmission processes between user functions and the data network, respectively.

[0081] Taking upstream data transmission as an example, the user function and the data network exchange information as follows.

[0082] The user function receives first data from a first terminal device via a first data channel. The first data includes a first payload, dual-transmission information, and a sequence number of the first payload. It also receives second data from the first terminal device via a second data channel. The second data includes a second payload, dual-transmission information, and a sequence number of the second payload. If dual-transmission information and the sequence number of the first payload match the sequence number of the second payload, the user performs selective processing on the first and second payloads to obtain a third payload, and then sends the third payload to the data network. The data network receives the third payload.

[0083] The first data sent by the first terminal device through the first data channel and the first data received by the user function through the first data channel may be the same or different. When the first data sent by the first terminal device and the first data received by the user function are different, it indicates that packet loss occurred during the transmission of the first data. The second data sent by the first terminal device through the second data channel and the second data received by the user function through the second data channel may be the same or different. When the second data sent by the first terminal device and the second data received by the user function are different, it indicates that packet loss occurred during the transmission of the second data.

[0084] The first network and the second network are networks that the first terminal device accesses simultaneously. This can be understood as the first terminal device connecting to both the first network and the second network at the same time. The first terminal device can access both the first network and the second network simultaneously, or it can access them at different times. For example, the first terminal device may access the first network first and then the second network; or the first terminal device may access the second network first and then the first network.

[0085] Dual transmission information is used to instruct a first terminal device to perform dual transmission processing on a payload. When performing dual transmission processing on a payload, the first terminal device needs to configure dual transmission information for each of the multiple copies of that payload, so that the user function can determine which payload to receive. For example, the first terminal device performs dual transmission processing on a seventh payload to obtain a first payload and a second payload. Both the first and second payloads are identical to the seventh payload; in other words, the first and second payloads are copies of the seventh payload. Dual transmission information is configured for both the first and second payloads respectively, so that the user function can determine that there are payloads identical to the first payload and payloads identical to the second payload. The user function determines which payload to receive based on this dual transmission information. For example, after receiving first data, if the user function determines that the first data includes the first payload and dual transmission information, it determines to receive the first payload. Similarly, after receiving second data, if the user function determines that the second data includes the second payload and dual transmission information, it determines to receive the second payload.

[0086] Optionally, the first terminal device generates the seventh payload itself.

[0087] Optionally, the first terminal device receives a seventh payload from the second terminal device. An example of the second terminal device is an automated guided vehicle (AGV), which connects to the first terminal device and uses the first terminal device to perform uplink and / or downlink data transmission with the user. As an example, the first terminal device is integrated within the second terminal device.

[0088] The following section provides a further description of the user function's selective processing of the first and second loads, using examples.

[0089] For example, the first terminal device sends data a1, data a2, and data a3 to the user function through the first data channel, and sends data b1, data b2, and data b3 to the user function through the second data channel. The payload in data a1 is the same as the payload in data b1, and the sequence number of the payload in data a1 is the same as the sequence number of the payload in data b1. The payload in data a2 is the same as the payload in data b2, and the sequence number of the payload in data a2 is the same as the sequence number of the payload in data b2. The payload in data a3 is the same as the payload in data b3, and the sequence number of the payload in data a3 is the same as the sequence number of the payload in data b3. The payloads in data a1, data a2, and data a3 are all different from each other. The payloads in data b1, data b2, and data b3 are all different from each other. Each data from data a1 to data b3 includes a payload, a payload sequence number, and dual transmission information. The user function stores data a1 to data b3. When it's determined that the payload in data a1 and data b1 are the same, it performs selective reception processing on the payloads in data a1 and data b1. Similarly, when it's determined that the payloads in data a2 and data b2 are the same, it performs selective reception processing on the payloads in data a2 and data b2. When it's determined that the payloads in data a3 and data b3 are the same, it performs selective reception processing on the payloads in data a3 and data b3. If the user function receives data a1 and data b1 simultaneously, it can perform selective reception processing on data a1 and data b1 immediately, but it is not limited to performing selective reception processing after receiving data a1 and data b1. If the user function receives data a1 first and then data b1, it can perform selective reception processing on data a1 and data b1 after receiving data b1.

[0090] Through the above method, the first terminal device connects to both the first and second networks simultaneously and sends the same payload to the user function through different data channels. This reduces the adverse impact of network communication degradation on the terminal device's data transmission, thereby improving data transmission reliability. Specifically, the probability of simultaneous communication degradation in both the first and second networks is lower than the probability of degradation in only one network. In this case, the network without communication degradation supports the first terminal device in normal data transmission, and the user function can receive the complete payload. The selective reception process can involve the user function identifying payloads that have not experienced packet loss, thus improving data transmission reliability. When both the first and second networks experience communication degradation, the packet loss phenomena occurring in the first network and the second network will differ. For example, a payload may consist of multiple data frames, and the data frames lost by the first terminal device in the first network may differ from those lost in the second network. In this case, the selective reception process can refer to the user function reassembling the received first and second payloads, potentially obtaining a complete payload and further improving data transmission reliability.

[0091] One possible implementation is that the user function performs selective processing on the first and second loads to obtain a third load, including: the user function performs recombinant processing on the first and second loads to obtain a third load.

[0092] In this embodiment, the reassembly process can be understood as the process of recombining data frames in the payload. During this process, the reassembly process may or may not include deduplication, depending on whether the first payload and the second payload contain the same data frames. Through the reassembly process, selective reception of the first payload and the second payload can be achieved.

[0093] The following description uses specific examples.

[0094] In one possible example, the seventh payload includes data frames 1, 2, 3, and 4. The first payload sent by the first terminal device includes data frames 1, 2, 3, and 4. The second payload sent by the first terminal device includes data frames 1, 2, 3, and 4. The first payload received by the user function includes data frames 1, 2, and 3. The second payload received by the user function includes data frames 1, 2, and 4. When the user function determines that both the received first and second payloads include data frames 1 and 2, it can determine that data frames 1 and 2 are duplicate data frames. Therefore, deduplication processing is performed on data frames 1 and 2. Then, data frames 1, 2, 3, and 4 are reassembled to obtain the complete seventh payload. Each data frame includes a frame number to distinguish different data frames.

[0095] In one possible example, the seventh payload includes data frames 1, 2, 3, and 4. The first payload sent by the first terminal device includes data frames 1, 2, 3, and 4. The second payload sent by the first terminal device includes data frames 1, 2, 3, and 4. The first payload received by the user function includes data frames 1 and 3. The second payload received by the user function includes data frames 2 and 4. When the user function determines that the received first payload and second payload do not have the same data frames, it can directly reassemble the received first payload and second payload to obtain the complete seventh payload.

[0096] The user function can selectively process the received first and second payloads in several ways. One possible example is that the user function stores both the first and second payloads within its own storage space and performs selective processing within that storage space. Another possible example is that the user function uses a dedicated data channel to selectively process the first and second payloads, as described below.

[0097] In one possible implementation, before the user function selects and processes the first and second payloads to obtain the third payload, the user function obtains first data from the first data channel and second data from the second data channel through the third data channel. The third data channel is associated with the first data channel and also with the second data channel.

[0098] The third data channel is associated with the first data channel. This means that for uplink data transmission, the user function transmits data received through the first data channel to the third data channel; for downlink data transmission, the user function transmits data received through the third data channel to the first terminal device via the first data channel. Similarly, the third data channel is associated with the second data channel. This means that for uplink data transmission, the user function transmits data received through the second data channel to the third data channel; for downlink data transmission, the user function transmits data received through the third data channel to the first terminal device via the second data channel. The user function can store the mapping relationships between the first and third data channels, as well as between the second and third data channels, thus achieving the association between the data channels. In other words, the association between data channels can be understood as a mapping relationship between the data channels.

[0099] After receiving first data through the first data channel and second data through the second data channel, the user function sends the first data to the third data channel through the correlation between the first and third data channels, and sends the second data to the third data channel through the correlation between the second and third data channels. The third data channel then aggregates the data that needs to be selected and processed, so as to uniformly process the data that needs to be selected and processed, thereby reducing the complexity of the user function's selection and processing. For example, the user function does not need to determine whether specific data needs to be selected and processed, but directly determines that all data obtained through the third data channel needs to be selected and processed.

[0100] One possible implementation is that the third data channel is a data channel specifically set up for the first terminal device. In this way, user functions can uniformly handle the dual-transmission / selective reception requirements of the first terminal device through the third data channel.

[0101] One possible implementation is that the third data channel is a group data channel. For example, a first terminal device subscribes to a group of terminal devices. Each terminal device in this group has its own terminal device data channel. A single terminal device data channel serves data transmission between a terminal device and a user function. The group data channel is used by the user function to transmit data from one terminal device in the group to other terminal devices within the same group, thus enabling data transmission between terminal devices within the group. The user function can perform selective reception through this group data channel, eliminating the need to establish additional data channels and reducing the implementation complexity of the user function.

[0102] For a description of the group data channel, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 .

[0103] refer to Figure 2 In (a), UE1 to UE4 are subscribed to the same UE group. UPF1 provides services for UE1 to UE4. SMF creates a group data channel 1 for the UE group and a separate UE data channel for each UE. The group data channel is used to serve data transmission between UEs within the UE group. For example, SMF creates UE data channel 1 for UE1, which is used to serve data transmission between UE1 and UPF1. SMF creates UE data channel 2 for UE2, which is used to serve data transmission between UE2 and UPF1. SMF creates UE data channel 3 for UE3, which is used to serve data transmission between UE3 and UPF1. SMF creates UE data channel 4 for UE4, which is used to serve data transmission between UE4 and UPF1. When UE1 wants to communicate with UE2, UE1 sends data to UPF1 through UE data channel 1. UPF1 associates the source address of the data with the group data channel 1 corresponding to the UE group. The context corresponding to group data channel 1 records that UE2 is also served by UPF1 and the address information of UE2. When the receiver of the data is determined to be UE2 based on the receiver address of the data, the data can be forwarded to UE2 through UE data channel 2.

[0104] refer to Figure 2(b) UE1 to UE4 are subscribed to the same UE group, which corresponds to UPF1 and UPF2. UPF1 provides services to UE1 to UE2, and UPF2 provides services to UE3 and UE4. SMF creates two group data channels for this UE group: Group Data Channel 1 and Group Data Channel 2. Group Data Channel 1 and Group Data Channel 2 are associated with the same UE group, and UE data channels are created for each UE. For example, SMF creates UE data channel 1 for UE1, which is used to serve data transmission between UE1 and UPF1. SMF creates UE data channel 2 for UE2, which is used to serve data transmission between UE2 and UPF1. SMF creates UE data channel 3 for UE3, which is used to serve data transmission between UE3 and UPF2. SMF creates UE data channel 4 for UE4, which is used to serve data transmission between UE4 and UPF2. When UE1 wants to communicate with UE3, UE1 sends data to UPF1 through UE data channel 1. UPF1 associates the data with group data channel 1 based on the source address of the data. The context corresponding to group data channel 1 records that UE3 is served by UPF2 and the tunnel address information of UPF2. Then, it forwards the data to UPF2. UPF2 receives the data through group data channel 2. Based on the receiving end address of the data, it determines that the receiving end of the data is UE3. Then, it can forward the data to UE3 based on UE data channel 3.

[0105] The above description uses upstream data transmission as an example. The following section describes the scenario of downstream data transmission.

[0106] Taking the following data transmission as an example, the user function and the data network exchange information as follows.

[0107] The data network sends a fourth payload and the address information of the first terminal device to the user function; the user function receives the fourth payload and the address information of the first terminal device; processes the fourth payload according to a pre-configured dual-transmission strategy to obtain third data and fourth data, the third data including a fifth payload, the sequence number of the fifth payload, and dual-transmission information, the fourth data including a sixth payload, the sequence number of the sixth payload, and dual-transmission information, the fifth payload, the fourth payload, and the sixth payload are the same, the sequence number of the fifth payload and the sequence number of the sixth payload are the same; and sends the third data and fourth data to the first terminal device through the first data channel and the second data channel respectively according to the address information of the first terminal device.

[0108] The third data received by the first terminal device through the first data channel and the third data sent by the user function through the first data channel may be the same or different. When the third data received by the first terminal device and the third data sent by the user function are different, it indicates that packet loss occurred during the transmission of the third data. Similarly, the fourth data received by the first terminal device through the second data channel and the fourth data sent by the user function through the second data channel may be the same or different. When the fourth data received by the first terminal device and the fourth data sent by the user function are different, it indicates that packet loss occurred during the transmission of the fourth data.

[0109] The address information of the first terminal device is used to indicate that the receiving end of the fourth payload is the first terminal device. After receiving the address information of the first terminal device, the user function determines the first data channel and the second data channel based on the address information of the first terminal device.

[0110] The dual-transmission strategy can be understood as a strategy for configuring dual-transmission information for a specific terminal device or a specific destination address by the user function. When a payload destined for a specific terminal device or a specific destination address is received, the payload is copied to obtain multiple copies. When the dual-transmission strategy is applied to any terminal device, the user function stores information about two data channels associated with different terminal devices to enable dual-transmission processing through the two data channels associated with each terminal device. When the dual-transmission strategy is applied to a first terminal device, the user function stores information about two data channels associated with the first terminal device to enable dual-transmission processing through the two data channels associated with the first terminal device.

[0111] After receiving the third and fourth data, the terminal device performs selective reception processing on the fifth and sixth payloads to obtain the fourth payload. For a description of the terminal device's selective reception processing, please refer to the foregoing description.

[0112] Using the above method, the user function performs dual-transmission processing on the fourth payload according to the pre-configured dual-transmission strategy to obtain third and fourth data. It then determines the first and second data channels based on the address information of the first terminal device, and sends the third and fourth data to the first terminal device through the first and second data channels respectively. This reduces the adverse impact of deteriorating network communication conditions on data transmission to the terminal device, thereby improving the reliability of downlink data transmission. For a detailed description, please refer to the above description of the uplink data transmission scenario.

[0113] One possible implementation is that the user function receives the address information of the fourth payload and the first terminal device through the third data channel. Since the third data channel is dedicated to dual-transmission selective processing (selective reception processing is performed for uplink data transmission, and dual-transmission processing is performed for downlink data transmission), the user function can determine whether to perform dual-transmission processing on the payload from the data network.

[0114] In the presence of a third data channel, the user function can determine the relationship between the three data channels independently, or the session function can indicate the relationship between them. This is described below with specific examples. The examples described below are distinguished by the order in which the first, second, and third data channels are established. It should be noted that the user function can store the relationships between the first and third data channels, as well as the relationships between the second and third data channels, thereby realizing the association between data channels. In other words, the association between data channels can be understood as a mapping relationship between them, as detailed below.

[0115] Example A - First establish the second and third data channels, then establish the first data channel.

[0116] The session function sends a first indication message to the user function. This first indication message indicates successful establishment of both the second and third data channels. It also indicates the association between the second and third data channels. The user function receives the first indication message and associates the first and third data channels accordingly.

[0117] One possible example is that the first indication message includes identification information for the second data channel and identification information for the third data channel, based on which the user function determines that the second data channel and the third data channel have been successfully established. The first indication message also includes a first processing rule, which the user function can use to determine the association between the second data channel and the third data channel.

[0118] Taking the following data transmission as an example, the first processing rule includes: the user function sends the data packet received through the third data channel with a destination medium access control (MAC) address of MAC address 1 (assumed to be the UE's MAC address) to the second data channel. The data packet is then sent to the UE through the tunnel of the second data channel (exemplarily, one example of the second data channel is the general packet radio service tunneling protocol for user plane (GTP-U) tunnel between the UPF and the radio access network (RAN)).

[0119] Taking the upstream data transmission as an example, the first processing rule includes: the user function sends the data packet received through the second data channel with the destination MAC address being MAC address 2 (assumed to be the MAC address of the server in the data network) to the third data channel. The data packet is then sent through the third data channel, via the VXLAN tunnel, to the switch or gateway of the data network, and finally sent by the switch or gateway to the server in the data network.

[0120] In this application embodiment, examples of the first processing rule may include the data forwarding rule described below, as detailed in the following description.

[0121] In one possible example, the first indication message includes identification information for the second and third data channels. The user function uses this information to determine whether the second and third data channels have been successfully established. The first indication message also includes the purpose of the second and third data channels, allowing the user function to associate the second and third data channels based on their respective purposes. For instance, the second data channel might be used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the user function, while the third data channel might be used for the user function's dual-transmission selective reception processing. Since both involve the user function, and the user function needs to perform dual-transmission selective reception processing for the first terminal device (details can be found below), the user function can use this information to determine the association between the second and third data channels.

[0122] Through the above process, the session function indicates to the user function that the second and third data channels have been successfully established and that there is a relationship between the second and third data channels. The user function can directly associate the second and third data channels according to the instructions of the session function, thereby reducing the implementation complexity of the user function.

[0123] Based on Example A, the first data channel can be established in a variety of ways, as detailed in Examples A1 to A4 below.

[0124] Example A1

[0125] The first terminal device sends a first message to the user function, the first message including the identification information of the first terminal device.

[0126] The user function receives a first message and establishes a first data channel based on the first message. If it is determined that the identification information of the first terminal device belongs to the identification information group, the user function associates the first data channel and the third data channel. The terminal device corresponding to the identification information in the identification information group supports dual-transmission processing.

[0127] The first message can be understood as a message that can be used to trigger the establishment of the first data channel.

[0128] Through the above process, after the user function establishes a first data channel for the first terminal device based on the first message, since the first data channel is used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the user function, the third data channel is used for selective reception processing by the user function, and the identification information of the first terminal device belongs to the aforementioned identification information group, the user function can determine that the first terminal device supports dual transmission processing. Furthermore, the user function can determine to perform selective reception processing on the first terminal device, thereby associating the first data channel and the third data channel, and thus realizing selective reception processing on the first terminal device.

[0129] Using the above method, the user function automatically associates the first data channel and the third data channel based on the relationship between the identification information and the identification information group of the first terminal device. Since this does not involve information interaction between the user function and the session function, it can reduce the signaling interaction overhead between the user function and the session function. By associating the first data channel and the third data channel, the user function can aggregate the data that needs to be selected and processed through the third data channel, so as to uniformly process the data that needs to be selected and processed, thereby reducing the complexity of the user function's selection and processing.

[0130] Example A2

[0131] The first terminal device sends a first message to the user function. The first message includes the identification information of the first terminal device and the dual-transmission processing instruction information, which is used to indicate that the first terminal device supports dual-transmission processing.

[0132] The user function receives the first message and establishes a first data channel based on the first message; it then associates the first data channel and the third data channel according to the dual-transmission processing instruction information.

[0133] For example, the dual-transmission / selective reception indication information includes a bit. When this bit is 1, it indicates that the first terminal device supports dual-transmission processing. When this bit is 0, it indicates that the first terminal device does not support dual-transmission processing. In this embodiment of the application, when the terminal device supports dual-transmission processing, it can also indicate that the terminal device supports selective reception processing.

[0134] Through the above process, after the user function establishes a first data channel for the first terminal device based on the first message, since the first data channel is used for data transmission between the first terminal device and the user function, the third data channel is used for selective reception processing by the user function, and the first message includes dual transmission processing instruction information, the user function can determine that the first terminal device supports dual transmission processing. Furthermore, the user function can determine to perform selective reception processing on the first terminal device, thereby associating the first data channel and the third data channel, and thus realizing selective reception processing on the first terminal device.

[0135] Using the above method, the user function directly associates the first and third data channels via dual-transmission instruction information. Since this does not involve information exchange between the user function and the session function, it reduces the signaling overhead between the user function and the session function. By associating the first and third data channels, the user function can aggregate the data that needs selective reception processing through the third data channel, enabling unified processing of the data and reducing the complexity of selective reception processing for the user function.

[0136] Examples A1 and A2 are described using the example of a user function establishing the first data channel on its own, but they are not limited to the scenario of a session function establishing the first data channel. For details, please refer to Examples A3 and A4.

[0137] Example A3

[0138] The first terminal device sends a first message to the user function, the first message including the identification information of the first terminal device.

[0139] The user function receives a first message and sends a first data channel request message to the session function based on the first message. The first data channel request message is used to request a first data channel and includes the identification information of the first terminal device.

[0140] The session function receives a first data channel request message and establishes a first data channel based on the first data channel request message; if it is determined that the identification information of the first terminal device belongs to the identification information group, it determines that the first data channel and the third data channel are associated; and sends a first data channel response message to the user function, which is used to indicate that the first data channel has been successfully established and also to indicate that the first data channel and the third data channel are associated.

[0141] The user function receives the response message from the first data channel and associates the first data channel with the third data channel based on the response message.

[0142] For a description of how the first data channel response message indicates the association between the first data channel and the third data channel, please refer to the aforementioned description of the first indication message indicating the association between the second data channel and the third data channel. The processing logic of the two is the same and will not be repeated here.

[0143] For a description of how the session function determines the association between the first data channel and the third data channel based on the identification information group, please refer to the aforementioned description of the user function associating the first data channel and the third data channel based on the identification information group. The judgment logic of the two is the same, so it will not be repeated here.

[0144] By establishing a first data channel through the session function and instructing the user function to associate the first data channel with the third data channel, the user function does not need to establish the first data channel or determine the association between the first data channel and the third data channel itself, which can reduce the implementation complexity of the user function.

[0145] Example A4

[0146] The first terminal device sends a first message to the user function. The first message includes the identification information of the first terminal device and the dual-transmission processing instruction information, which is used to indicate that the first terminal device supports dual-transmission processing.

[0147] The user function receives a first message and sends a second data channel request message to the session function based on the first message. The second data channel request message is used to request the first data channel and includes the identification information of the first terminal device and dual transmission processing instruction information.

[0148] The session function receives a second data channel request message and establishes a first data channel based on the second data channel request message; determines the association between the first data channel and the third data channel based on the dual-transmission processing instruction information; and sends a second data channel response message to the user function. The second data channel response message is used to indicate that the first data channel has been successfully established, and the second data channel response message is also used to indicate that the first data channel and the third data channel are associated.

[0149] The user function receives the response message from the second data channel and associates the first data channel with the third data channel based on the response message from the second data channel.

[0150] By using dual-transmission processing instructions, the session function can directly associate the first and third data channels, which reduces the implementation complexity of the session function. By establishing the first data channel and instructing the user function to associate the first and third data channels, the user function does not need to establish the first data channel or determine the association between the first and third data channels itself, further reducing the implementation complexity of the user function.

[0151] Example A describes the scenario where the second and third data channels are established before the first data channel is established. However, it is not limited to the scenario where the first and third data channels are established before the second data channel is established. Please refer to the description of Example B below.

[0152] Example B - First establish the first data channel and the third data channel, then establish the second data channel.

[0153] The first terminal device sends a second message to the user function, the second message including the identification information of the first terminal device.

[0154] The user function receives a second message; if it is determined that the identification information of the first terminal device belongs to the identification information group, it sends a third data channel request message to the session function according to the second message. The third data channel request message is used to request the first data channel and the third data channel, and the third data channel request message includes the identification information of the first terminal device.

[0155] The session function receives a third data channel request message and establishes a first data channel and a third data channel based on the third data channel request message; it sends a third data channel response message to the user function, which is used to indicate that the first data channel and the third data channel were successfully established.

[0156] The user function receives a response message from the third data channel; and when it is determined that the identification information of the first terminal device belongs to the identification information group, it associates the first data channel with the third data channel.

[0157] When the user function determines that the identification information of the first terminal device belongs to the identification information group, it can determine that the first terminal device supports dual-transmission processing. Therefore, it can be determined that a first data channel and a third data channel need to be established for the first terminal device simultaneously. The user function interacts with the session function so that the session function can establish the first data channel and the third data channel for the first terminal device, thereby reducing the implementation complexity of the user function.

[0158] Using the above method, user functions can request session functions to establish first and third data channels, and automatically associate second and third data channels, which can reduce the signaling interaction overhead between user functions and session functions.

[0159] Based on Example B, the second data channel can be established in the following way, as detailed in Example B1.

[0160] Example B1

[0161] The first terminal device sends a fourth data channel request message to the session function. The fourth data channel request message is used to request the second data channel and includes the identification information of the first terminal device.

[0162] The session function receives a fourth data channel request message and establishes a second data channel based on the fourth data channel request message; it also sends a second indication message to the user function, which is used to indicate that the second data channel has been successfully established.

[0163] The user function receives a second instruction message; if it is determined that the identification information of the first terminal device belongs to the identification information group, the user function associates the second data channel with the third data channel.

[0164] Through the above process, the session function establishes a second data channel for the first terminal device based on the fourth data channel request message.

[0165] Using the above method, the user function can automatically associate the second data channel and the third data channel. Since the session function does not need to indicate the association relationship between the second data channel and the third data channel to the user function, this can reduce the signaling interaction overhead between the user function and the session function.

[0166] Example B describes the scenario where the user function requests the establishment of the first and third data channels from the session function based on the identification information group. However, it is not limited to the scenario where the user function requests the establishment of the first and third data channels from the session function based on the dual-processing instruction information. See Example C for more details.

[0167] Example C

[0168] The first terminal device sends a second message to the user function. The second message includes the identification information of the first terminal device and the dual-transmission processing instruction information, which is used to indicate that the first terminal device supports dual-transmission processing.

[0169] The user function receives the second message and sends a fifth data channel request message to the session function according to the dual-transmission processing instruction information. The fifth data channel request message is used to request the first data channel and the third data channel, and the fifth data channel request message includes the identification information of the first terminal device.

[0170] The session function receives a fifth data channel request message and establishes a first data channel and a third data channel based on the fifth data channel request message; it also sends a fifth data channel response message to the user function, which indicates that the first data channel and the third data channel have been successfully established.

[0171] The user function receives the response message from the fifth data channel and associates the first and third data channels according to the dual-transmission processing instruction information.

[0172] Based on the dual-transmission processing instruction information, the user function determines that the first terminal device supports dual-transmission processing. Therefore, it can determine that a first data channel and a third data channel need to be established simultaneously for the first terminal device. The user function interacts with the session function to enable the session function to establish the first and third data channels for the first terminal device, thereby reducing the implementation complexity of the user function.

[0173] Using the above method, the user function can request the session function to establish the first and third data channels, and automatically associate the second and third data channels, which can reduce the signaling interaction overhead between the user function and the session function.

[0174] Based on Example C, the second data channel can be established in the following way, as detailed in Example C1.

[0175] Example C1

[0176] The first terminal device sends a sixth data channel request message to the session function. The sixth data channel request message is used to request the second data channel and includes the identification information of the first terminal device.

[0177] The session function receives a sixth data channel request message; establishes a second data channel based on the sixth data channel request message; and sends a third indication message to the user function, which indicates that the second data channel has been successfully established.

[0178] The user function receives the third instruction message and associates the second and third data channels according to the dual-transmission processing instruction information.

[0179] Through the above process, the session function establishes a second data channel for the first terminal device, and the user function automatically associates the second and third data channels. This reduces the signaling interaction overhead between the user function and the session function. By transmitting dual-transmission processing instruction information, the user function can directly associate the second and third data channels, reducing the implementation complexity of the user function.

[0180] Figure 1 The communication system described can be applied to the following systems: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), 5G communication systems, Sixth Generation (6G) communication systems, Future Communication Systems, inter-satellite communication, and satellite communication, as well as other non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems. Among these, satellite communication systems include satellite base stations and terminal equipment. Satellite base stations provide communication services to terminal equipment. Satellite base stations can also communicate with terrestrial base stations. Satellites can function as both base stations and terminal equipment. Satellites can refer to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), hot air balloons, low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, medium-Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, high-Earth orbit (HEO) satellites, and other non-terrestrial base stations or equipment.

[0181] The following text is incomplete and cannot be translated. Figure 1 The communication system shown is described using a 5G network architecture as an example.

[0182] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a communication system applied to a 5G network architecture. Figure 3 As shown, the network architecture includes AMF, SMF, policy control function (PCF), unified data repository (UDR), unified data management (UDM), application function (AF), UPF, radio (R) access network (AN), and data network (DN). The following mainly describes the functions of the network elements related to this application:

[0183] 1. SMF. SMF is mainly used for session management, IP address allocation and management of terminal devices, selection of manageable user plane functions, policy control and charging function interface endpoints, downlink data notification, and completion of processes related to PDU session establishment, release, and update.

[0184] 2. UPF. As the interface with the data network, the UPF performs functions such as user plane data forwarding, session / flow-based billing and statistics, and bandwidth limiting. This includes packet routing and forwarding, as well as QoS processing of user plane data.

[0185] In the above description, the network element can be a network component in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualization function instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The network element can be divided into one or more services; furthermore, services that exist independently of network functions may also exist. Instances of the network element, instances of services included in the network element, or instances of services that exist independently of network functions can all be referred to as service instances.

[0186] Figure 3 In this context, Npcf, Nudr, Nudm, Naf, Namf, and Nsmf are the service interfaces provided by PCF, UDR, UDM, AF, AMF, and SMF, respectively, used to invoke the corresponding service operations. The UE communicates with the AMF through the NG1 interface (N1), the (R)AN communicates with the AMF through the NG2 interface (N2), the (R)AN communicates with the UPF through the NG3 interface (N3), the SMF communicates with the UPF through the NG4 interface (N4), and the UPF accesses the DN through the NG6 interface (N6).

[0187] Figure 3 The network structure shown is for illustrative purposes only. Figure 3 The network structure shown may also include other network elements, such as authentication server function (AUSF) elements.

[0188] The following text combines Figure 4 and Figure 5 The interaction between the above functions will be further described. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The numbering used in Figure 1 The numerical codes used are different, but the correspondence between them can be determined based on the context. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This description uses examples of UE as the first terminal device, SMF as the session function, and UPF as the user function. Additionally, Figure 4 and Figure 5This description uses the example of a second network being a cellular network and a first network being a Wi-Fi network.

[0189] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application. (Reference) Figure 4 The method includes:

[0190] S401, the UE sends a data channel request message 1 to the SMF. For example, data channel request message 1 is the aforementioned sixth data channel request message.

[0191] Correspondingly, the SMF receives data channel request message 1.

[0192] Data Channel Request Message 1 is used to request the establishment of a second data channel. Data Channel Request Message 1 includes the UE's identification information.

[0193] One possible example is that the UE's identification information is the International Mobile Subscriber Identification Number (IMSI) or the Subscriber Permanent Identifier (SUPI). The following description assumes that the UE's identification information includes the IMSI.

[0194] After the UE accesses the cellular network, it sends a Data Channel Request Message 1 to the SMF to request the SMF to establish a second data channel for the UE, thereby supporting data transmission between the UE and the UPF in the cellular network. For a description of how the SMF creates a second data channel for the UE, please refer to the relevant protocol documentation (3GPP TS 23.502).

[0195] S402, SMF and UDM interact with UE's contract data.

[0196] After receiving Data Channel Request Message 1, the SMF interacts with the UDM to obtain the UE's subscription data. For example, the SMF sends a Subscription Data Request Message to the UDM, requesting the UE's subscription data and including the UE's IMSI. Upon receiving the Subscription Data Request Message, the UDM determines the UE's subscription data based on the UE's IMSI carried in the message and sends the UE's subscription data to the SMF. The UE's subscription data indicates that the UE has subscribed to a UE group, and includes identification information for the UE group to which the UE has subscribed.

[0197] One possible implementation is to associate different UE groups with different data network names (DNNs) and slices. For example, UE group 1 is associated with DNN1 and slice 1, and UE group 2 is associated with DNN2 and slice 2. DNN1 and DNN2 are different, and slice 1 and slice 2 are different. See Table 1 for a description of this. The content shown in Table 1 is only an example; it can be stored in other ways and is not a final limitation.

[0198] Table 1

[0199]

[0200] As shown in Table 1, the UE is identified as IMSI#1, which is associated with DNN1, slice 1 and UE group identifier #1; the UE is identified as IMSI#2, which is associated with DNN2, slice 1 and UE group identifier #2; the UE is identified as IMSI#3, which is associated with DNN1 and slice 1, but not with UE group identifier.

[0201] One possible implementation is that the Data Channel Request Message 1 also includes the identification information of the DNN and the identification information of the slice. After obtaining the UE's subscription data, the SMF determines the UE group identifier to which the UE is subscribed based on the UE's IMSI, the DNN identification information, and the slice identification information.

[0202] S403, SMF and UPF establish a second data channel and a third data channel.

[0203] After obtaining the UE's subscription data, the SMF determines that the UE has subscribed to a UE group based on the UE's IMSI. Therefore, it can determine that the UE needs a second and third data channel and establish these channels with the UPF. For example, the SMF sends a data channel creation request to the UPF. The UPF receives the request, which includes data forwarding rules for the second and third data channels. The UPF installs the data processing rules for the second and third data channels according to the request and sends a data channel creation response message to the SMF. This response message indicates that the UPF has installed the data forwarding rules for the second and third data channels, or in other words, it indicates that the second and third data channels have been successfully created.

[0204] Taking uplink data transmission as an example, the data forwarding rules in the second data channel include: the user function will send the data received through the second data channel to the third data channel. Taking downlink data transmission as an example, the data forwarding rules in the second data channel include: the user function will receive data from the third data channel through the second data channel and send data to the UE through the second data channel.

[0205] Taking upstream data transmission as an example, the data forwarding rules in the third data channel include: user functions obtain data from the second data transmission through the third data channel. Taking downstream data transmission as an example, the data forwarding rules in the third data channel include: user functions send data to the second data channel through the third data channel.

[0206] Through the above process, SMF successfully creates the second and third data channels. UPF acquires and stores information about the second and third data channels, such as the data forwarding rules for the second and third data channels.

[0207] One possible implementation is that the SMF sends a first indication message to the UPF. Correspondingly, the UPF receives the first indication message.

[0208] As an example, the SMF determines the association between the second and third data channels based on the UE's identification information belonging to the identification information group. In this case, the SMF can obtain the identification information group from the UDM, or the identification information group can be pre-configured in the SMF.

[0209] As an example, the SMF determines the association between the second and third data channels based on the UE's subscribed UE group. In this case, the third data channel is the data channel serving that UE group; see [link to relevant documentation] for details. Figure 2 Related descriptions.

[0210] S404 and UPF are associated with the second and third data channels.

[0211] For example, the UPF associates the second and third data channels based on a first indication message. Exemplarily, the first indication message includes data forwarding rules for the second and third data channels, and the UPF associates the second and third data channels based on these rules. Taking uplink data transmission as an example, the data forwarding rules for the second data channel include: the user function will send data received through the second data channel to the third data channel. Taking downlink data transmission as an example, the data forwarding rules for the second data channel include: the user function receives data from the third data channel through the second data channel and sends data to the UE through the second data channel, thus establishing the association between the second and third data channels. Taking uplink data transmission as an example, the data forwarding rules for the third data channel include: the user function obtains data transmitted from the second data channel through the third data channel. Taking downlink data transmission as an example, the data forwarding rules for the third data channel include: the user function sends data to the second data channel through the third data channel, thus establishing the association between the second and third data channels. The following description uses a PDU session as an example for further explanation.

[0212] In one example, the second data channel is PDU session 1, and the third data channel is PDU session 2. The UPF maintains the contexts of PDU session 1 and PDU session 2 respectively, and establishes a bidirectional data forwarding path between PDU session 1 and PDU session 2 based on the association between these two contexts. That is, the UPF associates PDU session 1 and PDU session 2 according to their respective contexts. The context of PDU session 1 includes forwarding action rule (FAR) 1 and packet detecting rule (PDR) 1, while the context of PDU session 2 includes FAR2 and PDR2. For uplink data transmission scenarios, PDR1 is used to identify uplink data sent from the UE to the UPF within the context of PDU session 1. FAR1 instructs the UPF to forward uplink packets matching PDR1 in PDU session 1 to PDU session 2. PDR2 is used to identify uplink data from PDU session 1 within the context of PDU session 2, enabling the UPF to perform subsequent processing on the data within the context of PDU session 2. For downlink data transmission scenarios, PDR2 is used to identify downlink data from the data network within the context of PDU session 2, and FAR2 is used to instruct the UPF to forward downlink data matching PDR2 in PDU session 2 to PDU session 1. PDR1 is used to identify downlink data from PDU session 2 within the context of PDU session 1, and FAR1 is used to instruct the UPF to send this downlink data to the UE through PDU session 1. Thus, the UPF can associate PDU session 1 and PDU session 2 based on the relationship between the contexts of the PDU sessions. Here, FAR can be an example of the aforementioned data forwarding rules.

[0213] For example, if it is determined that the UE's identification information belongs to an identification information group, the UPF associates the second data channel and the third data channel. For instance, the UPF maintains a second data channel and a third data channel for this UE. Since the UE supports dual-transmission processing, the association between the second data channel and the third data channel can be determined; see the preceding description for details. The identification information group can be configured within the UPF.

[0214] Optionally, an Internet key exchange (IKE) establishment process is performed between the S405, UPF, and UE.

[0215] After the UE accesses the Wi-Fi network, it initiates an IKE establishment process with the UPF to establish an IKE connection, which supports data transmission between the UE and the UPF. For example, after obtaining the UPF's address information, the UE sends an IKE verification request message to the UPF. This message requests the establishment of an IKE connection (or an IKE tunnel). The IKE verification request message includes a list of algorithms supported by the UE, which includes, but is not limited to, encryption algorithms, integrity algorithms, or key exchange algorithms, as well as a random number generated by the UE. The UPF's IP address can be pre-configured by the UE, or it can be obtained by the UE from the server based on the UPF's fully qualified domain name (FQDN). The UPF's FQDN can be pre-configured by the UE. After receiving the IKE key verification request message, the UPF selects an algorithm supported by the UPF from the list of algorithms supported by the UE and sends an IKE verification request message to the UE. This message includes the algorithm selected by the UPF and a random number generated by the UPF. Both the UE and the UPF generate the same key based on an algorithm jointly selected by both parties and their own generated random numbers. This key is used for communication between the UE and the UPF via the aforementioned IKE connection. Through the above process, an IKE connection is established between the UE and the UPF.

[0216] S406. The UE sends an authentication request message to the UPF. Correspondingly, the UPF receives the authentication request message.

[0217] The authentication request message is used to trigger the establishment of the first data channel. The authentication request message includes the UE's FQDN information, which includes the UE's IMSI. The UE's FQDN information is obtained by encrypting it using the aforementioned key. The UPF can decrypt the UE's FQDN information using the aforementioned key to obtain the original UE's FQDN information.

[0218] Optionally, the FQDN information may also include dual-processing instruction information.

[0219] Optionally, the authentication request message is an example of the first message mentioned above.

[0220] Optionally, if the UE's subscription information (including the UE's IMSI, the identifier of the UE group to which the UE is subscribed, etc.) is configured locally on the UPF, the UPF can perform authentication locally and determine the identifier of the UE group corresponding to the UE, and steps S407-S410 can be skipped.

[0221] Optionally, S407 and UPF send an authentication request message to the authentication, authorization, and accounting server (AAA). Correspondingly, the AAA receives the authentication request message. The authentication request message includes the UE's IMSI.

[0222] After receiving the authentication request message, UPF sends an authentication request message to AAA in order to verify the identity of the UE. This authentication request message is used to request the verification of the UE's identity.

[0223] Optionally, a verification process can be performed between S408, AAA, and UDM.

[0224] For example, AAA sends a verification request message to UDM. The verification request message is used to request the verification of the UE's identity and includes the UE's identification information. UDM obtains the corresponding UE's subscription data based on the UE's identification information. If the UE's subscription data is obtained, it means that the UE verification is successful, and it sends the UE's verification result to AAA. The UE's verification result is used to indicate that the UE has passed the verification, that is, the UE is reliable.

[0225] Optionally, S409 and AAA send a verification response message to the UPF. Correspondingly, the UPF receives the verification response message.

[0226] The verification response message indicates that the UE has passed the verification and contains the identifier of the UE group to which the UE is subscribed. The UPF can determine the association of the third data channel with the identifier of the UE group to which the UE is subscribed.

[0227] S410 and UPF send an authentication response message to the UE. The UE then receives the authentication response message. The authentication response message indicates that the UE has passed authentication.

[0228] S411, the UE and UPF establish the first data channel.

[0229] In one possible implementation, the UPF locally creates a first data channel. This first data channel includes data forwarding rules. Taking uplink data transmission as an example, the data forwarding rules for the first data channel include: the user function will send data received through the first data channel to a third data channel. Taking downlink data transmission as an example, the data forwarding rules for the first data channel include: the user function receives data from the third data channel through the first data channel and sends data to the UE through the first data channel.

[0230] In another possible implementation, the SMF establishes the first data channel. For a detailed description of how the SMF establishes the first data channel, please refer to the description in protocol number 3GPP TS 23.402.

[0231] S412, UPF is associated with the first data channel and the third data channel.

[0232] For a description of how UPF associates the first and third data channels, please refer to the description of UPF associating the second and third data channels. The processing logic is the same for both, so it will not be repeated here.

[0233] Using the above method, a first data channel, a second data channel, and a third data channel can be established for the UE. The UPF is associated with the first data channel and the third data channel, as well as with the second data channel and the third data channel. This allows for selective reception processing (for uplink data transmission scenarios) or dual transmission processing (for downlink data transmission scenarios) through the first data channel, the second data channel, and the third data channel, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission.

[0234] Figure 4 This description is based on the example of the UE establishing the second and third data channels first, followed by the establishment of the first data channel. Figure 4 For a detailed description, please refer to the preceding descriptions of Examples A to A4. The following text combines... Figure 5 The scenario in which the UE first establishes the first data channel and the third data channel, and then establishes the second data channel is described.

[0235] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of this application. (Reference) Figure 5 The method includes:

[0236] Optionally, an IKE establishment process can be performed between S501, UE, and UPF. See S405 for details.

[0237] S502, the UE sends an authentication request message to the UPF. Correspondingly, the UPF receives the authentication request message. See the description in S406 for details.

[0238] Optionally, the authentication request message is an example of the second message mentioned above.

[0239] Optionally, S503 and UPF send an authentication request message to AAA. Correspondingly, AAA receives the authentication request message. See the description in S407 for details.

[0240] Optionally, a verification process can be performed between S504, AAA, and UDM. See the description in S408 for details.

[0241] Optionally, S505 and AAA send an authentication response message to the UPF. Correspondingly, the UPF receives the authentication response message. See the description in S409 for details.

[0242] Through S502 to S505, the UPF can complete the authentication of the UE.

[0243] S506, UPF sends Data Channel Request Message 2 to SMF. Correspondingly, SMF receives Data Channel Request Message 2. For example, Data Channel Request Message 2 is either the aforementioned Third Data Channel Request Message or Fifth Data Channel Request Message.

[0244] Data Channel Request Message 2 is used to request the establishment of a first data channel and a third data channel. Data Channel Request Message 2 includes the UE's IMSI.

[0245] For a description of S506, please refer to the descriptions of Examples B and C above.

[0246] S507, SMF and UDM interact with UE's contracted data.

[0247] SMF obtains the UE's subscription data from UDM based on the UE's IMSI, and obtains the identifier of the UE group to which the UE is subscribed.

[0248] S508, SMF and UPF establish the first data channel and the third data channel.

[0249] After obtaining the UE's subscription data, the SMF determines that the UE has subscribed to a UE group based on the UE's IMSI and establishes a second and third data channel with the UPF. For example, the SMF sends a data channel creation request to the UPF. The UPF receives the data channel creation request message, which includes the data forwarding rules for the first and third data channels. The UPF installs the data processing rules according to the data channel creation request message and sends a data channel creation response message to the SMF. The data channel creation response message indicates that the UPF has installed the data forwarding rules for the first and third data channels, or in other words, it indicates that the first and third data channels have been successfully created.

[0250] For example, taking uplink data transmission as an example, the data forwarding rules in the first data channel include: the user function will send the data received through the first data channel to the third data channel. Taking downlink data transmission as an example, the data forwarding rules in the first data channel include: the user function will receive data from the third data channel through the first data channel and send data to the UE through the first data channel.

[0251] One possible implementation is that the SMF sends the aforementioned second indication message to the UPF. This second indication message indicates that both the first and third data channels have been successfully established.

[0252] Optionally, the SMF may also indicate to the UPF that the third data channel is a data channel of the UE group to which the UE is subscribed. In this way, the UPF can determine that the third data channel is associated with the UE group to which the UE is subscribed.

[0253] S509 and UPF send an authentication response message to the UE. The UE then receives the authentication response message. The authentication response message indicates that the UE has passed authentication.

[0254] S510 and UPF are associated with the first and third data channels. See Example B or Example C above for details.

[0255] Through the above steps S501 to S510, a first data channel and a third data channel have been established for the UE.

[0256] S511, the UE sends a data channel request message 1 to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the data channel request message 1. See the description in S401 for details.

[0257] S512, SMF and UDM interact with UE's contracted data.

[0258] Once the SMF determines that the UE has signed up for a UE group based on the UE's IMSI and that the UE has already established a third data channel, it does not need to establish a third data channel for the UE, but instead establishes a second data channel for the UE.

[0259] S513, SMF and UPF establish a second data channel.

[0260] For example, the SMF sends a data channel creation request to the UPF. The UPF receives the data channel creation request message, which includes the data forwarding rules for the second data channel. The UPF installs the data processing rules according to the data channel creation request message and sends a data channel creation response message to the SMF. The data channel creation response message is used to indicate that the UPF has installed the data forwarding rules for the second data channel, or in other words, it is used to indicate that the second data channel has been successfully created.

[0261] Optionally, the SMF can also send a third indication message to the UPF. Correspondingly, the UPF receives the third indication message. The third indication message is used to indicate that the second data channel has been successfully established.

[0262] S514 and UPF are associated with the second and third data channels. See Example B or Example C above for details.

[0263] Using the above method, a first data channel, a second data channel, and a third data channel can be established for the UE. The UPF is associated with the first data channel and the third data channel, as well as with the second data channel and the third data channel. This allows for selective reception processing (for uplink data transmission scenarios) or dual transmission processing (for downlink data transmission scenarios) through the first data channel, the second data channel, and the third data channel, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission.

[0264] Finally, the device embodiments of this application will be described.

[0265] To implement the functions of the methods provided in this application, user functions may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implemented in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is implemented in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0266] Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device includes a processing circuit 610 and a transceiver circuit 620, which can be interconnected or coupled, for example, interconnected via a bus 630. This communication device can provide user functionality.

[0267] Optionally, the communication device may also include a memory 640. The memory 640 includes, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), which is used for related instructions and data.

[0268] The processing circuit 610 may be all or part of the processing circuitry in one or more processors, or it may be one or more processors. The processor may be a central processing unit (CPU). If the processing circuit 610 is a CPU, the CPU may be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU. The processing circuit 610 may be a signal processor, a chip, or other integrated circuit capable of implementing the methods of this application, or a portion of the circuitry within the aforementioned processor, chip, or integrated circuit that performs processing functions. Additionally, the transceiver circuit 620 may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface. An input / output interface is used for inputting or outputting signals or data and may also be referred to as an input / output circuit.

[0269] When the communication device is a user function, exemplarily, the processing circuit 610 is configured to perform the following operations: control the transceiver circuit 620 to receive first data from the first terminal device through a first data channel, the first data including a first payload, dual transmission information, and a serial number of the first payload, the first data channel being used by the first terminal device for data transmission in a first network; control the transceiver circuit 620 to receive second data from the first terminal device through a second data channel, the second data including a second payload, dual transmission information, and a serial number of the second payload, the second data channel being used by the first terminal device for data transmission in a second network, the first network and the second network being networks simultaneously accessed by the first terminal device, the first network being a cellular network and the second network being a Wi-Fi network or a fixed network; or, the second network being a cellular network and the first network being a Wi-Fi network or a fixed network; if dual transmission information and the serial number of the first payload are the same as the serial number of the second payload, perform selective reception processing on the first payload and the second payload to obtain a third payload; control the transceiver circuit 620 to send the third payload to the data network.

[0270] When the communication device is a user function, the processing circuit 610 can also be used to execute the aforementioned user function-related methods, which will not be described again.

[0271] When the communication device is a user function, it will be responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the user function in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0272] Optionally, when the communication device is a first terminal device, the processing circuit 610 can also be used to execute the aforementioned methods related to the first terminal device, which will not be described again.

[0273] Optionally, when the communication device is for session function, the processing circuit 610 can also be used to execute the aforementioned methods related to session function, which will not be described in detail here.

[0274] When the communication device is a user function, the transceiver circuit 620 can be a transceiver.

[0275] When the communication device is a chip used for user functions, the transceiver circuit 620 can be an input / output circuit.

[0276] The above description is merely exemplary. For details, please refer to the content shown in the above method embodiments.

[0277] Figure 6 The implementation of each operation can also be found by referring to... Figures 1 to 5 The corresponding description of the method embodiments shown.

[0278] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application. This communication device can provide user functionality for implementing the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0279] The communication device includes a transceiver unit 710 and a processing unit 720. The transceiver unit 710 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is used to perform the sending action of the communication device, and the receiving unit is used to perform the receiving action of the communication device. For ease of description, the sending unit and the receiving unit are combined into one transceiver unit in this embodiment. This will be explained uniformly here and will not be repeated later.

[0280] When the communication device is a user function, exemplarily, the transceiver unit 710 is configured to perform the following operations: receive first data from a first terminal device via a first data channel, the first data including a first payload, dual transmission information, and a sequence number of the first payload, the first data channel being used by the first terminal device for data transmission in a first network; receive second data from the first terminal device via a second data channel, the second data including a second payload, dual transmission information, and a sequence number of the second payload, the second data channel being used by the first terminal device for data transmission in a second network, the first network and the second network being networks simultaneously accessed by the first terminal device, the first network being a cellular network, and the second network being a Wi-Fi network or a fixed network; or, the second network being a cellular network, and the first network being a Wi-Fi network or a fixed network; the processing unit 720 is configured to perform selective reception processing on the first payload and the second payload to obtain a third payload when dual transmission information and the sequence number of the first payload are the same as the sequence number of the second payload; the transceiver unit 710 is configured to send the third payload to the data network.

[0281] When the above-mentioned communication device is a user function, the transceiver unit 710 and the processing unit 720 can also be used to execute the aforementioned methods related to the user function, which will not be described again.

[0282] When the communication device is a user function, it will be responsible for executing one or more of the methods or steps related to the user function in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0283] Optionally, when the above-mentioned communication device is a first terminal device, the transceiver unit 710 and the processing unit 720 can also be used to execute the aforementioned methods related to the first terminal device, which will not be described in detail here.

[0284] Optionally, when the above-mentioned communication device is for session function, the transceiver unit 710 and the processing unit 720 can also be used to execute the aforementioned methods related to session function, which will not be described in detail here.

[0285] Optionally, the communication device further includes a storage unit 730 for storing programs or code for executing the aforementioned methods.

[0286] Figure 7 The transceiver unit in the middle can correspond to Figure 6 The transceiver circuit in the middle, Figure 7 The processing unit in can correspond to Figure 6 The processing circuitry within.

[0287] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The illustrated device embodiment is used to implement Figures 1 to 5 The content described. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The specific execution steps and methods of the device shown can be found in the content described in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0288] This application also provides a chip, including a processor, for calling and executing instructions stored in a memory, causing a communication device on which the chip is installed to perform the methods described in the examples above. The memory may be integrated within the chip or located externally.

[0289] This application also provides another chip, including: an input interface, an output interface, and a processing circuit, wherein the input interface, the output interface, and the processor are connected through an internal connection path, and the processing circuit is used to execute code in memory. When the code is executed, the processing circuit is used to execute the methods in the above examples.

[0290] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory for storing computer programs or code. The input and output interfaces can be independent of each other, or they can be integrated into a single input / output interface.

[0291] The processing circuitry can be all or part of the processing circuitry in one or more processors, or one or more processors.

[0292] This application also provides a processor coupled to a memory for executing the methods and functions of the service session function network element, local session function network element, or anchor session function network element involved in any of the above embodiments.

[0293] In another embodiment of this application, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, enables the implementation of the methods of the foregoing embodiments.

[0294] This application also provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, enables the implementation of the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0295] In another embodiment of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program that, when executed by a computer, implements the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0296] In this embodiment, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), but it can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0297] The memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous linked DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0298] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more sets of available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium. A semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0299] In the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0300] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for example, the division of units is merely a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0301] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. If the above functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0302] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The user function receives first data from the first terminal device through the first data channel. The first data includes a first payload, dual transmission information, and the sequence number of the first payload. The first data channel is used by the first terminal device to transmit data in the first network. The user function receives second data from the first terminal device through a second data channel. The second data includes a second payload, the dual transmission information, and the serial number of the second payload. The second data channel is used by the first terminal device to transmit data in a second network. The first network and the second network are networks that the first terminal device accesses simultaneously. The first network is a cellular network, and the second network is a Wi-Fi network or a fixed network; or, the second network is a cellular network, and the first network is a Wi-Fi network or a fixed network. The user function obtains the first data from the first data channel and the second data from the second data channel through the third data channel. The third data channel is associated with the first data channel and also with the second data channel. The third data channel is a group data channel. The first terminal device is subscribed to a terminal device group. The group data channel is used for data transmission between terminal devices in the terminal device group. If the dual transmission information is available and the sequence number of the first payload is the same as the sequence number of the second payload, the user function performs selective reception processing on the first payload and the second payload to obtain a third payload. The user function sends the third payload to the data network.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The user function receives a fourth payload from the data network and address information from the first terminal device; The user function processes the fourth payload according to the pre-configured dual-transmission strategy to obtain third data and fourth data. The third data includes the fifth payload, the sequence number of the fifth payload, and the dual-transmission information. The fourth data includes the sixth payload, the sequence number of the sixth payload, and the dual-transmission information. The fifth payload, the fourth payload, and the sixth payload are the same, and the sequence number of the fifth payload and the sequence number of the sixth payload are the same. The user function sends the third data and the fourth data to the first terminal device through the first data channel and the second data channel, respectively, based on the address information of the first terminal device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The user function receives a first indication message from the session function. The first indication message is used to indicate that the second data channel and the third data channel have been successfully established. The first indication message is also used to indicate that the second data channel and the third data channel are associated. The user function associates the second data channel and the third data channel according to the first instruction message.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The user function receives a first message from the first terminal device, the first message including the identification information of the first terminal device; The user function establishes the first data channel based on the first message; If it is determined that the identification information of the first terminal device belongs to the identification information group, the user function is associated with the first data channel and the third data channel, and the terminal device corresponding to the identification information in the identification information group supports dual-transmission processing.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The user function receives a first message from the first terminal device. The first message includes the identification information of the first terminal device and dual-transmission processing indication information. The dual-transmission processing indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device supports dual-transmission processing. The user function establishes the first data channel based on the first message; The user function associates the first data channel and the third data channel according to the dual-transmission processing instruction information.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The user function receives a first message from the first terminal device, the first message including the identification information of the first terminal device; The user function sends a first data channel request message to the session function according to the first message. The first data channel request message is used to request the first data channel and includes the identification information of the first terminal device. The session function establishes the first data channel based on the first data channel request message; If it is determined that the identification information of the first terminal device belongs to the identification information group, the session function determines that the first data channel and the third data channel are associated, and the terminal device corresponding to the identification information in the identification information group supports dual transmission processing; The session function sends a first data channel response message to the user function. The first data channel response message is used to indicate that the first data channel has been successfully established. The first data channel response message is also used to indicate that the first data channel and the third data channel are associated. The user function associates the first data channel with the third data channel based on the response message from the first data channel.

7. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The user function receives a first message from the first terminal device. The first message includes the identification information of the first terminal device and dual-transmission processing indication information. The dual-transmission processing indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device supports dual-transmission processing. The user function sends a second data channel request message to the session function according to the first message. The second data channel request message is used to request the first data channel. The second data channel request message includes the identification information of the first terminal device and the dual transmission processing indication information. The session function establishes the first data channel based on the second data channel request message; The session function determines the association between the first data channel and the third data channel based on the dual-transmission processing instruction information; The session function sends a second data channel response message to the user function. The second data channel response message is used to indicate that the first data channel was successfully established. The second data channel response message is also used to indicate that the first data channel and the third data channel are associated. The user function associates the first data channel with the third data channel based on the response message from the second data channel.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The user function receives a second message from the first terminal device, the second message including the identification information of the first terminal device; When it is determined that the identification information of the first terminal device belongs to the identification information group, the user function sends a third data channel request message to the session function according to the second message. The third data channel request message is used to request the first data channel and the third data channel. The third data channel request message includes the identification information of the first terminal device. The terminal device corresponding to the identification information in the identification information group supports dual-transmission processing. The session function establishes the first data channel and the third data channel based on the third data channel request message; The session function sends a third data channel response message to the user function. The third data channel response message is used to indicate that the first data channel was successfully established and the third data channel was successfully established. The user function receives the third data channel response message from the session function; If it is determined that the identification information of the first terminal device belongs to the identification information group, the user function associates the first data channel with the third data channel.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: The session function receives a fourth data channel request message from the first terminal device. The fourth data channel request message is used to request the second data channel and includes the identification information of the first terminal device. The session function establishes the second data channel based on the fourth data channel request message; The session function sends a second indication message to the user function, the second indication message being used to indicate that the second data channel has been successfully established; The user function receives the second indication message from the session function; If it is determined that the identification information of the first terminal device belongs to the identification information group, the user function associates the second data channel with the third data channel.

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The user function receives a second message from the first terminal device. The second message includes the identification information of the first terminal device and dual-transmission processing indication information. The dual-transmission processing indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device supports dual-transmission processing. The user function sends a fifth data channel request message to the session function according to the dual-transmission processing instruction information. The fifth data channel request message is used to request the first data channel and the third data channel. The fifth data channel request message includes the identification information of the first terminal device. The session function establishes the first data channel and the third data channel based on the fifth data channel request message; The session function sends a fifth data channel response message to the user function. The fifth data channel response message is used to indicate that the first data channel was successfully established and the third data channel was successfully established. The user function receives the fifth data channel response message from the session function; The user function associates the first data channel with the third data channel based on the dual-processing instruction information.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The session function receives a sixth data channel request message from the first terminal device. The sixth data channel request message is used to request the second data channel and includes the identification information of the first terminal device. The session function establishes the second data channel based on the sixth data channel request message; The session function sends a third indication message to the user function, the third indication message being used to indicate that the second data channel has been successfully established; The user function receives the third indication message from the session function; The user function associates the second data channel with the third data channel based on the dual-processing instruction information.

12. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The user function performs selective processing on the first and second payloads to obtain a third payload, including: The user function recombines the first load and the second load to obtain the third load.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The user function receives a fourth payload from the data network and address information from the first terminal device; The user function processes the fourth payload according to the pre-configured dual-transmission strategy to obtain third data and fourth data. The third data includes the fifth payload, the sequence number of the fifth payload, and dual-transmission information. The fourth data includes the sixth payload, the sequence number of the sixth payload, and the dual-transmission information. The fifth payload, the fourth payload, and the sixth payload are the same, and the sequence number of the fifth payload and the sequence number of the sixth payload are the same. The user function sends the third data and the fourth data to the first data channel and the second data channel respectively, based on the address information of the first terminal device and the third data channel. The third data channel is a group data channel, and the first terminal device is subscribed to a terminal device group. The group data channel is used for data transmission between terminal devices in the terminal device group. The third data channel is associated with the first data channel and also with the second data channel. The first data channel is used for the first terminal device to transmit data in a first network, and the second data channel is used for the first terminal device to transmit data in a second network. The first network and the second network are networks that the first terminal device accesses simultaneously. The first network is a cellular network, and the second network is a Wi-Fi network or a fixed network; or, the second network is a cellular network, and the first network is a Wi-Fi network or a fixed network. The user function sends the third data and the fourth data to the first terminal device through the first data channel and the second data channel, respectively.

14. A communication system, characterized in that, include: User functions and data network; The user function is configured to: receive first data from a first terminal device via a first data channel, the first data including a first payload, dual-transmission information, and a sequence number of the first payload, the first data channel being used by the first terminal device for data transmission in a first network; and receive second data from the first terminal device via a second data channel, the second data including a second payload, the dual-transmission information, and a sequence number of the second payload, the second data channel being used by the first terminal device for data transmission in a second network, wherein the first network and the second network are networks simultaneously accessed by the first terminal device, the first network being a cellular network, and the second network being a Wi-Fi network or a fixed network; or, the second network being a cellular network. The network consists of a wireless fidelity network or a fixed network. The system acquires first data from the first data channel and second data from the second data channel via a third data channel. The third data channel is associated with both the first and second data channels. The third data channel is a group data channel, where the first terminal device is subscribed to a terminal device group. The group data channel is used for data transmission between terminal devices within the terminal device group. If the dual-transmission information is available and the sequence number of the first payload matches the sequence number of the second payload, the system performs selective reception processing on the first and second payloads to obtain a third payload. The third payload is then transmitted to the data network. The data network is used to: receive the third payload.

15. The system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The data network is also used to: send a fourth payload and the address information of the first terminal device to the user function; The user function is further configured to: receive the fourth payload and the address information of the first terminal device; process the fourth payload according to a pre-configured dual-transmission strategy to obtain third data and fourth data, wherein the third data includes a fifth payload, the sequence number of the fifth payload, and the dual-transmission information, and the fourth data includes a sixth payload, the sequence number of the sixth payload, and the dual-transmission information, wherein the fifth payload, the fourth payload, and the sixth payload are identical, and the sequence number of the fifth payload and the sequence number of the sixth payload are identical; and send the third data and the fourth data to the first terminal device through the first data channel and the second data channel respectively according to the address information of the first terminal device.

16. A communication system, characterized in that, include: User functions and data network; The data network is used to: send the fourth payload and the address information of the first terminal device to the user function; The user function is configured to: receive the fourth payload and the address information of the first terminal device; process the fourth payload according to a pre-configured dual-transmission strategy to obtain third data and fourth data, wherein the third data includes a fifth payload, the sequence number of the fifth payload, and dual-transmission information, and the fourth data includes a sixth payload, the sequence number of the sixth payload, and the dual-transmission information, wherein the fifth payload, the fourth payload, and the sixth payload are identical, and the sequence number of the fifth payload and the sequence number of the sixth payload are identical; and send the third data and the fourth data to a first data channel and a second data channel respectively according to the address information of the first terminal device and the third data channel, wherein the third data channel is a group data channel, and the first terminal device is subscribed to a terminal device group. The third data channel is used for data transmission between terminal devices in the terminal device group. The third data channel is associated with the first data channel and also with the second data channel. The first data channel is used for the first terminal device to transmit data in a first network, and the second data channel is used for the first terminal device to transmit data in a second network. The first network and the second network are networks that the first terminal device accesses simultaneously. The first network is a cellular network, and the second network is a Wi-Fi network or a fixed network; or, the second network is a cellular network, and the first network is a Wi-Fi network or a fixed network. The third data and the fourth data are sent to the first terminal device through the first data channel and the second data channel, respectively.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor, which is configured to cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 by executing a computer program or instructions, or by using logic circuitry.

18. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 to be performed.

19. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 to be performed.

20. A chip, characterized in that, include: At least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions in a memory, causing the chip to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 13.

21. A chip, characterized in that, The chip is installed in a communication device. The chip includes a communication interface and at least one processor. The at least one processor reads instructions through the communication interface and runs them, causing the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images