An information communication method, device, and system with deterministic capabilities

Abstract

This application discloses a deterministic information communication method, device, and system, comprising the following steps: in a connectionless data network, pre-configuring a deterministic route for an end-to-end bidirectional path; in response to a service request with quality of service requirements transmitted from a service network, allocating an end-to-end deterministic route and assigning the identifier of the deterministic route to the service flow to be transmitted; implementing decentralized resource allocation and management; maintaining the route unchanged during service data flow communication; and releasing the resource requirements after the service data flow communication process ends; the service data flow communication process is initiated and terminated by the bearer network in response to indication information from the service network. This application solves the problem that traditional connectionless networks cannot provide deterministic quality of service guarantees, and is particularly suitable for wide-area information communication systems supporting non-OTT services.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of information and communication technology, and in particular to an information communication method, device and system with deterministic capability. Background Technology

[0002] An information and communication system is a complete technical system from information generation and transmission to application. It includes a service network, whose function is to generate, organize and manage information and communication services, and a bearer network, whose function is to achieve end-to-end transmission of data information generated by the service network throughout the entire domain by managing and controlling network resources, so as to meet users' needs for communication service quality.

[0003] To date, only two types of information and communication systems exist. One type ensures end-to-end communication quality throughout the entire process, employing a connection-oriented bearer network. Typical examples include traditional Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) telephone networks and service networks based on connection-oriented packet data networks, telecommunications value-added services (such as videotext and email), and the "video network" (with tens of millions of users) based on connection-oriented, non-IP technologies. The connection-oriented communication process consists of three phases: connection establishment, communication, and connection teardown. During connection establishment, the resources required for the service are determined through communication negotiation; these resources remain stable throughout the communication process. After communication is completed, the connection is torn down, releasing the resources reserved for the service. This is achieved through the interaction between the service network (service generation, organization, and management) and the bearer network (organization, management, and configuration of transmission resources), ensuring a precise match between the communication resources required by the service network and those provided by the bearer network. Bearer networks using a connection-oriented approach do not require a "deterministic" concept because establishing a connection already guarantees communication quality. For example, TDM provides the highest level of communication quality, ATM provides the next highest, and Ethernet "timeslot" technology provides the next lowest. The disadvantages of this type of communication system are its technical complexity and the fact that network size is limited by the number of connections, preventing large-scale network development. In particular, it cannot support "one-to-many" or "many-to-many" process-level communication services.

[0004] Another type is the communication system that does not guarantee communication resources (i.e., "best-effort"). This information system uses an end-to-end connectionless bearer network to carry services. The connectionless communication process has only one phase: "online users" at both ends can communicate at any time. Communication does not require establishing or dismantling a connection. Typical examples include all services of the Internet and all services of current telecommunications networks. This is a communication system where the service network and the bearer network are completely decoupled; they are designed independently. The advantages of this communication system are its technical simplicity, network size not limited by the number of connections, and the ability to grow infinitely with no upper limit on the number of users. To ensure the bearer network is not limited by network size or the number of connections, its data network uses packet data network technology based on statistical multiplexing and a connectionless operating mode, such as IP networks. However, IP networks do not provide deterministic capabilities at all; they only provide "best-effort" transmission capabilities. Although there has been a desire to overcome this "shortcoming" since the invention of IP, it has not yet been resolved, resulting in all current information and communication services being OTT services, lacking the ability to support "non-OTT" services.

[0005] With the development of communication and information technology, more and more services with deterministic resource guarantees (end-to-end, all-time) are emerging. Communication systems that cannot support "non-OTT" services will become a major "bottleneck" for all wide area networks. Patent ZL 20251 0051184.2, "An Information Communication Network, Method, and Device," proposes a novel information communication system. As a third type of communication information system, it possesses the characteristics of an infinitely large connectionless network and supports "one-to-many" or "many-to-many" process-level communication. It can support "OTT" services, solving the compatibility problem with the Internet, and can also support "non-OTT" services, addressing the "bottleneck" in the development of communication information systems. The bearer network adopts connectionless-oriented technologies. For example, IP networks use dynamic routing technology, but IP networks are difficult to provide end-to-end deterministic transmission routes. Due to the importance of determinism for future communication, IP experts proposed Segment Routing (SRv6) to support routing determinism. This means that when transmitting IP data packets in an IP network, the addresses of all the routers that the data packet passes through are written in the packet header. However, this method has the problems of high overhead and low efficiency in end-to-end communication in large-scale communication networks and can only be used as a temporary technology. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application proposes an information communication method, device, and system with deterministic capabilities, which solves the problem of providing deterministic quality of service assurance in novel information communication systems, and is particularly applicable to wide-area information communication systems that support non-OTT services (such as real-time audio and video, industrial control, telemedicine, etc.).

[0007] In a first aspect, this application proposes an information communication method with deterministic capabilities for use in a bearer network, comprising the following steps:

[0008] On connectionless data networks, pre-configure deterministic routes for one or more bidirectional paths from end to end;

[0009] In response to a request from the business network, a deterministic route is allocated, which remains unchanged during business data flow communication, and the configuration and / or management of time determinism and / or transmission resource determinism are implemented in a decentralized manner, and the resource requirements are released after the business data flow communication process ends;

[0010] The aforementioned business data flow communication process is initiated and terminated by the bearer network in response to the indication information from the business network.

[0011] Preferably, the bearer network comprises multiple distributed autonomous systems, each of which generates at least a portion of the deterministic routes within its own autonomous system.

[0012] When generating deterministic routes within a domain, the route generation device in the autonomous domain calculates the forwarding table of deterministic routes for each route node based on the domain topology and sends it to each route node.

[0013] Preferably, each network element of the bearer network manages its own resources and allocates resources according to the classification and hierarchical identifiers of the service data streams.

[0014] Preferably, the method further includes the following step: determining at least one dynamic route, wherein the dynamic route is capable of switching routes based on data packets during the same service communication process.

[0015] In any embodiment of the first aspect of this application, preferably, the method further includes the step of determining the header of the data packet for the deterministic route. The header of the data packet includes a route identifier, which serves at least one of the following functions: the route identifier is used to distinguish between dynamic routes and deterministic routes; the route identifier is used to distinguish between different deterministic routes; routes with the same identifier in each autonomous system are connected to form an end-to-end deterministic route; intermediate nodes retrieve their local routing tables based on the route identifier to forward data.

[0016] More preferably, the routing identifier is generated by the bearer network side device, and / or the service flow classification and grading identifier is generated by the service network side device; and the header of the data packet does not contain the router address of the intermediate node of the deterministic route.

[0017] Secondly, this application proposes an information communication method with deterministic capabilities for use in a service network, comprising the following steps:

[0018] Distinguish between business data flows and initiate business requests to the bearer network to transmit business data flows with corresponding quality of service requirements;

[0019] Receive status information from the bearer network, the status information including confirmation information that the bearer network is able to provide end-to-end deterministic routing for the service data flow;

[0020] The deterministic route remains unchanged during the business data flow communication process, the allocated deterministic resources meet the corresponding quality of service requirements, and are released after the business data flow communication process ends;

[0021] In response to the status information, an indication message is sent to the bearer network to initiate or terminate the service data stream communication process.

[0022] In any embodiment of the first or second aspect of this application, preferably, the multiple end-to-end deterministic routes are independent of each other, and each deterministic route is used for one or more service data flows.

[0023] In any embodiment of the first or second aspect of this application, preferably, the header of the data packet of the service data stream includes a classification and grading identifier of the service data stream, used to distinguish the quality of service requirements of the service data stream.

[0024] More preferably, the classification and grading identifier is generated by the service network side device, and / or the bearer network side device does not generate the classification and grading identifier.

[0025] Thirdly, embodiments of this application propose a bearer network-side device for implementing the method of any embodiment of the first aspect of this application, wherein at least one module in the bearer network-side device is configured to perform at least one of the following functions:

[0026] Determine the deterministic route;

[0027] Generate and / or store a routing table for deterministic routes of end-to-end bidirectional paths;

[0028] Add a deterministic route identifier or a dynamic route identifier to the data packets of the received business data stream;

[0029] The service data stream is forwarded based on the routing identifier carried in the service data packet and the stored routing forwarding table;

[0030] In response to instructions from the service network, initiate and terminate the service data stream communication process;

[0031] Determine and generate the header of the data packet for the deterministic route;

[0032] Resource allocation is based on the classification and grading identifiers of business data flows.

[0033] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a service network-side device for implementing the method of any embodiment of the second aspect of this application. At least one module in the service network-side device is configured to perform at least one of the following functions:

[0034] Determine the classification and grading identifiers for business data flows;

[0035] Distinguish between business data flows and initiate business requests to the bearer network to transmit business data flows with corresponding quality of service requirements;

[0036] Receive status information from the bearer network, the status information including confirmation information that the bearer network is able to provide end-to-end deterministic routing for the service data flow;

[0037] Send an instruction to the bearer network to initiate or terminate the communication process of the service data stream.

[0038] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide an information communication device, including: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the computer program, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the method described in any one of the embodiments of the first and second aspects of this application.

[0039] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method as described in any one of the embodiments of the first or second aspect of this application.

[0040] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application propose an information communication system comprising at least one bearer network-side device as described in the third aspect of this application and / or at least one service network-side device as described in the fourth aspect of this application.

[0041] The above-described technical solutions adopted in the embodiments of this application can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0042] It enables deterministic routing, resource and time guarantees in connectionless bearer networks, supports the deterministic quality of service requirements of non-OTT services (such as real-time audio and video, industrial control, telemedicine, etc.), and is compatible with existing Internet services, thus solving the fundamental problem that traditional IP networks cannot provide end-to-end deterministic transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0044] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method of this application;

[0045] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method of this application used in a bearer network-side device;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method of this application used in a service network-side device;

[0047] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the bearer network side equipment;

[0048] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the service network side equipment;

[0049] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a video conferencing business scenario;

[0050] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating a scenario supporting multiple service flows in wireless terminals. Detailed Implementation

[0051] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0052] The core technology of this application is deterministic technology for the transport network. The transport network includes the lower three layers of the OSI seven-layer model, namely the physical layer, the data link layer, and the network layer. The transport network in this application mainly involves network layer technology, that is, the specific technology of how to provide deterministic capabilities for the data network of the information communication network.

[0053] The deterministic problem involves three aspects: route determinism, transmission resource determinism, and time determinism, among which resource determinism and time determinism are based on the determinism of transmission routes. This application also proposes a deterministic classification and grading technique, classifying and grading services according to their flow, based on the fact that current services are mostly multimedia services.

[0054] The technical solutions provided by the various embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method of this application.

[0056] This application proposes an information communication method with deterministic capabilities, comprising the following steps 110-130:

[0057] Step 110: On a connectionless data network, pre-configure deterministic routes for end-to-end bidirectional paths.

[0058] It should be noted that in the novel information and communication network of this application, the network layer of the bearer network is not a connection-oriented network. The bearer network needs to be pre-configured with multiple deterministic routes for end-to-end bidirectional paths. For example, the system has multiple built-in (e.g., 16, but not limited to 16) independent end-to-end bidirectional path routes, each with a clear route identifier. To be compatible with OTT services, at least one dynamic route is determined. For example, among the 16 routes mentioned above, one route identifier is reserved for the traditional dynamic route to ensure compatibility with Internet services. Deterministic routes remain static during a single service communication activity; while dynamic routes can switch routes based on data packets. Among two end-to-end deterministic routes, some intermediate route overlap is allowed, but deterministic routes with overlapping relationships cannot be used simultaneously.

[0059] In this application, the bearer network responds to a request from the service network to allocate the deterministic route. The deterministic route remains unchanged during the service data flow communication process. On this basis, deterministic resources are allocated by dispersively implementing the configuration and / or management of time determinism and / or transmission resource determinism to ensure resource determinism and time determinism. The resource demand is released after the service data flow communication process ends. The dynamic route can realize route switching based on data packets during the same service communication process.

[0060] If the bearer network can satisfy the requests from the service network, the total available resources of the deterministic route include enough resources to guarantee the requests from the service network. For example, if the total configured resources of any deterministic route are X, the unused resources are Y, and the resources required to satisfy the requests from the service network are Z, where X>Y>Z, then the bearer network edge device does not specifically allocate end-to-end resources for the request. Instead, it identifies that the available resources are greater than the resources required to guarantee the requests from the service network, and allocates the deterministic route to the service network accordingly.

[0061] If the bearer network cannot fulfill the request of the service network, it sends a message to the service network that it cannot provide a deterministic route for the requested service data flow. The service network then sends an indication that it cannot transmit the service data flow to the terminal that requested the service data flow. Alternatively, the service network sends an indication that it has made every effort to transmit the service data flow to the bearer network (using traditional dynamic routing).

[0062] It should also be noted that pre-configured deterministic routes refer to the pre-setting of several fixed routes (for example, a 4-bit route identifier can represent 16 routes, of which 1 is a dynamic route and 15 are fixed routes) when the bearer network adopts a connectionless data network architecture. The determinism of the routes is achieved through these fixed routes. Therefore, these deterministic routes do not need to be generated through protocols such as IP.

[0063] It should also be noted that "decentralized implementation" means that multiple network elements of the bearer network independently configure and manage resources. The resource configuration and management adopt a decentralized system, with each network element independently managing local resources and making specific resource allocations within its own network element for one or more service data flows that occupy each deterministic route.

[0064] Step 120: Respond to the instructions from the service network and initiate or terminate the service data stream communication process.

[0065] The aforementioned service data flow communication process is initiated and terminated by the bearer network responding to indications from the service network. When the service network requires deterministic services, it initiates a service request through the interface between the service network and the bearer network. Upon receiving the request, the bearer network selects a deterministic route based on the current resource status and returns an acknowledgment response. After communication ends, the service network sends a release instruction, and the bearer network releases the routes and resources reserved for that service flow. This process embodies collaborative control between the service network and the bearer network, rather than the "best-effort" mode of traditional IP networks.

[0066] Step 130: During business data flow communication, data packets are forwarded according to the routing identifier to ensure that the deterministic route remains unchanged and the dynamic route can be switched.

[0067] A routing identifier is set in the header of the data packet to distinguish between routing types and service flow levels. Specifically, the header of the data packet contains a routing identifier for at least one of the following functions: distinguishing between dynamic routes and deterministic routes; and distinguishing between different deterministic routes.

[0068] For example, deterministic routes have dedicated bits (e.g., 4 bits, supporting 16 routes, or expandable to more bits) in the packet header. Fifteen of these bits identify deterministic routes, and one bit identifies dynamic routes for internet compatibility. The route identifier is randomly assigned by network edge devices to improve network element utilization and is not determined by the user, ensuring network security. Service flow classification and grading information can also be reflected through this identifier or additional fields; for example, there could be four categories, each with four grading levels.

[0069] In IP protocol service messages, to fix the route, the addresses of the routers traversed must be specified in the packet header. In contrast, the deterministic route of the scheme in this application is preset, so there is no need to list the addresses traversed in the data header. In the embodiments of this application, the addresses of the routers traversed by the deterministic route are not included in the data header.

[0070] In one embodiment of this application, to ensure the security of the bearer network, the routing identifier is generated only by the bearer network-side device, and not by the service network-side device. The routing identifier field of the message can be determined by the access device of the bearer network, rather than being filled in by the user terminal.

[0071] For example, routing identifiers are assigned to classified and graded service flows. The routing identifiers are randomly assigned by the network edge devices (twice, but not limited to two random selections) to improve the actual utilization rate of network elements on the network. The routing identifiers are not determined by the user to ensure network security. The edge devices are located at the bearer network layer, not the service network layer.

[0072] In some embodiments of this application, the header of the data packet includes a classification and grading identifier for the service data flow, used to distinguish the quality of service requirements of the service data flow. Preferably, the classification and grading identifier is generated by the service network-side device, and / or the bearer network-side device does not generate the classification and grading identifier, as the service network is the initiator of the requirement.

[0073] The term "classification and grading identifier" in this application encompasses classification and / or grading functions. For example, if a service data stream contains multiple media streams (audio, video, image, etc.), and the service network assigns three classification and grading identifiers to the service, then the data streams will be forwarded as three separate streams. Service stream classification can also be achieved in other ways, such as distinguishing between "best-effort services," "variable-rate services," and "constant-rate services." Grading of service data streams can also be based on factors such as the presence or absence of deterministic requirements, and the indicators for deterministic requirements, such as bandwidth resources and time. The classification and grading of service data streams can also be corresponding; therefore, the bearer network can determine the deterministic requirements of the service data stream based on the classification and grading identifiers, and accordingly determine whether to allocate deterministic or dynamic routes, and the amount of resources allocated to the service data stream. In some embodiments, several classification identifiers may correspond to a default grading, or several grading identifiers may correspond to a default classification.

[0074] It should also be noted that when the system of this application is compatible with OTT services, dynamic routes can be assigned to the service flow according to the "no deterministic demand" or "best-effort service" indicated by the classification and grading identifier of the service flow.

[0075] It should be noted that the above steps are used for network entities of information communication systems, including service network-side equipment, bearer network-side equipment, or other intermediate equipment; the above steps can also be used for service devices that provide information processing for the network entity equipment; the above steps can also be used for any device, system, subsystem, circuit, chip, or software entity that provides information reception, transmission, identification, and processing for service network-side equipment or bearer network-side equipment.

[0076] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method of this application used in a bearer network-side device.

[0077] The method described in any embodiment of the first aspect of this application, used for carrying network-side equipment, includes the following steps 210-240:

[0078] Step 210: Receive service requests from the service network.

[0079] The deterministic capability of the communication information system in this application is an end-to-end, wide-area capability. It is generated by the data network layer of the bearer network and provided upwards to the service network to ensure the determinism required by the service. If it is a new service network requiring deterministic capability (i.e., the service is non-OTT), then the service network determines the resource requirements of various service flows at all levels. Through the control and management planes of the service network, via the interface between the service network and the bearer network, and using appropriate protocols, the bearer network guarantees the maintenance of the corresponding resources throughout the service process through its control and management planes. If it is a traditional OTT service network, it needs to be modified to extract the relevant service flows and obtain the resources required by the service flows through the interface between the service network and the data network.

[0080] Interface: For example, the interface between the service network and the transport network at the management and control layers. The transport network notifies the service network of deterministic capabilities through the interface, and the service network can issue service requests through the interface, including requests for deterministic resources and deterministic communication time parameters. The service network can only use resources after receiving an acknowledgment response from the transport network. For services that do not require determinism (OTT services), transmission is carried out through route numbers specified for "best-effort" transmission. In this case, the routing is dynamic, and the transmission capacity is "best-effort".

[0081] Step 220: Select a deterministic route based on the classification and grading identifier of the service flow.

[0082] Preferably, the bearer network comprises multiple distributed autonomous systems, each of which generates part or all of the deterministic routes within its own autonomous system.

[0083] For example, the system employs a distributed autonomous system (DAS) mechanism, where each DAS generates multiple (16 or more) non-overlapping bidirectional deterministic routes. Inter-DAS connect the corresponding numbered paths through an inter-domain route distribution deterministic route generation algorithm, forming multiple globally deterministic, non-overlapping, bidirectional end-to-end routes. This mechanism supports unlimited network expansion and meets the requirements of wide area network (WAN) construction. Specifically, when generating deterministic routes within a DAS, a route generation device (or a module within the device) is set up in the DAS to obtain the complete topology of the DAS (through a topology discovery mechanism), calculate the forwarding table of deterministic routes for each routing node, and distribute it to the routing nodes.

[0084] In other words, the routing management node or module generates a routing table for deterministic routes of bidirectional end-to-end paths, and the other network element nodes on the data forwarding plane store the routing table.

[0085] When the outgoing nodes of many autonomous systems constitute a backbone autonomous system, the same method described above is used to calculate the deterministic routing table for each outgoing node in the backbone autonomous system and distribute it to each outgoing node.

[0086] Preferably, an end-to-end deterministic route has the same route identifier in each autonomous system. Thus, routes with the same identifier in each autonomous system are connected to form an end-to-end deterministic route.

[0087] It should be noted that in IP protocol service messages, if a route is to be fixed, the addresses of the routers traversed must be specified one by one in the header. In contrast, when the scheme of this application has built-in routing, the routing table within the autonomous system is pre-distributed to each routing node, and each routing node can forward data based on the routing identifier in the data packet.

[0088] In step 220, route uniqueness is ensured. Route uniqueness means that the route remains unchanged and is not occupied by other flows during the same service flow communication process.

[0089] In the selection of locations, the multiple deterministic routes from end to end are independent of each other, and each deterministic route can be used for one or more service data flows.

[0090] It should be noted that deterministic routing resource allocation ensures that the service traffic using that route is guaranteed. Each service data flow's data packets are independent. When the quality of service (QoS) of multiple service data flows, determined by their respective classification and grading identifiers, can be guaranteed through deterministic resource allocation within the route, then these multiple service data flows are allowed to use that route simultaneously. However, dynamic resource allocation can also be used to increase the amount of resources occupied by the route to meet the needs of multiple service data flows using that deterministic route.

[0091] Preferably, to ensure network security, multiple independent deterministic routes can be configured for at least one end-to-end service data flow.

[0092] It should be noted that the multiple independent, bidirectional end-to-end routes are established by dedicated network elements or modules, with the forwarding table sent to the corresponding network elements. This ensures the uniqueness and configurability of the service routes. Multiple routes guarantee efficient utilization of network elements. Uniqueness here means that for the same end-to-end service media stream, the route used is unique; that is, it will not dynamically change or be overtaken by other media streams within a single service communication activity. In other words, different end-to-end data packets within a single service communication activity will have different routes.

[0093] It should also be noted that "mutual independence" here means that the use of resources on the bearer network is independent, and does not exclude the possibility that multiple deterministic routes pass through the same bearer network equipment in certain local areas.

[0094] Step 230: Allocate resources according to the classification and grading identifiers of business data flows.

[0095] The multiple network elements of the bearer network manage resources independently. Resource management adopts a decentralized system, with each network element independently managing local resources and allocating resources according to the classification and hierarchical identifiers of service flows. The service network and the bearer network negotiate and control resources through interfaces to achieve precise matching and guarantee of resources.

[0096] To ensure time determinism, the system can employ a "quasi-timeslot" mechanism combining the link layer and network layer to allocate specific time slots or priority queues to different types of service flows, thereby controlling maximum latency and jitter. The service network can carry time parameters in its requests, which the bearer network uses for scheduling, ensuring determinism in the time dimension.

[0097] A sound resource allocation and management mechanism ensures resource certainty and time certainty. Furthermore, step 230 also includes the following A~B:

[0098] Step 230A, Mechanism for Resource Determinism

[0099] Determinism of resources is achieved through decentralized resource management (independent management by each network element). Note that it is decentralized management, not distributed management. Decentralized management means that each routing domain (or router) manages itself, neither managing nor being managed by other routing domains except for the transmission of service requests. With decentralized management, the resource management domain is independent of the actual number of network elements, enabling a resource-controllable bearer network of virtually unlimited scale. Current services are all complex multimedia services, therefore, they cannot be limited to single-media (voice) communication like telephone calls. New communication information systems use deterministic resource allocation and control based on dynamic service flows (not static services), classifying and grading service flows. The number of service flow classifications can be, but is not limited to, four, and the number of grades within each category can be, but is not limited to, four. Allocating resources according to the classification and grading of "service flows" (rather than "services") can effectively support non-OTT services at the network layer.

[0100] The resource management technology adopted in this solution is implemented through three technical means:

[0101] At the service network layer, services (such as multimedia services) are classified and graded, interfaces and interface signaling are determined, and resources for different categories and levels of service flows are managed and controlled separately.

[0102] The interfaces between the service network and the transport network, such as the control and management planes of the service network and the transport network, must be interconnected. The service network and the transport network should use inter-resource management and control technologies, rather than indirect management through sensing.

[0103] At the bearer network layer, there is resource management capability, the ability to output and be scheduled within the resource management capability, and not just 'best-effort' transmission capability. Resource management adopts a "distributed" system as described in step 220 to meet the requirements of building a wide area network.

[0104] In summary, resource determinism relies on coordination between the service network and the transport network through the aforementioned interfaces. When the service network sends a resource request to the transport network, it carries a classification and hierarchical identifier for the service flow (e.g., video streams are Class 1, Level 1; audio streams are Class 2, Level 1; control signaling is Class 3, Level 1, etc.). Each network element in the transport network reserves and allocates resources based on this identifier, ensuring that resources are not preempted during communication. Resource management adopts a distributed architecture, with each network element independently managing its local resources and coordinating with adjacent network elements through interfaces to achieve end-to-end resource assurance.

[0105] Step 230B, Mechanism for Deterministic Transmission Time

[0106] To achieve time determinism, the communication information system of this application adopts a "quasi-time slot" mechanism that combines the link layer and network layer, but is not limited to this technology, to manage deterministic time dimensions (such as maximum latency and jitter), and combines the classification and grading of service flows (rather than by service) to ensure the deterministic requirements of services in the time dimension.

[0107] Achieving time determinism relies on a coordinated scheduling mechanism between the link layer and the network layer. For example, time division multiplexing (TDM) or time slot scheduling techniques can be used to allocate fixed time slots or priority queues to different types of service flows, ensuring that the maximum latency and jitter of data packets are controlled during transmission. When initiating a request, the service network can carry time parameters (such as maximum allowable latency and jitter limit), and the bearer network makes scheduling decisions based on these parameters.

[0108] Step 240: Forward the data packet and release the route after the communication ends.

[0109] The bearer network equipment allocates end-to-end deterministic routes to the service network based on the current bearer network resource conditions and assigns the identifier of the deterministic route to the service flow to be transmitted. The bearer network edge equipment writes the identifier of the deterministic route of the allocated service data flow into the header of the flow data packet of the service data flow to be transmitted.

[0110] In the above embodiments, the process of establishing deterministic routes can be implemented in bearer network side devices (such as routers and switches). After receiving a resource request from the service network, the edge device selects an available route from a pre-configured set of deterministic routes based on the current network resource status and the classification and grading identifier of the service flow, and writes the route identifier into the data packet header.

[0111] This identifier is recognized by each forwarding node during transmission, ensuring that data packets are transmitted along the predetermined path. During service data flow communication, all nodes on the deterministic route forward the service data flow on the deterministic route according to the deterministic route identifier contained in the service flow message until the service data flow reaches the receiving end, and release the deterministic route after the service data flow communication process ends.

[0112] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method of this application used in a service network-side device.

[0113] The method described in any embodiment of the first aspect of this application, used in a service network side device, includes the following steps 310-340:

[0114] Step 310: Classify and grade the business flows.

[0115] Communication information systems allocate and manage resources deterministically based on service flows (not by service itself). Service flows are classified and graded, with the number of categories being, but not limited to, four, and each category having, but not limited to, four levels. Allocating resources based on service flow (not by service itself) classification and grading can effectively support non-OTT services at the network layer.

[0116] The service network layer classifies and grades services (currently generally multimedia services) to determine interfaces and interface signaling, and manages and controls resources for different categories and levels of service flows.

[0117] Step 320: Initiate a service request to the bearer network.

[0118] The service request distinguishes between different service data flows and initiates a request to the bearer network to transmit service data flows with corresponding quality of service requirements. The service request also serves as an indication to the bearer network to initiate or terminate the service data flow communication process. The service request carries the endpoint address, classification and hierarchical identifier (e.g., video streams are Class 1 Level 1, audio streams are Class 2 Level 1, control signaling is Class 3 Level 1, etc.), time parameters, etc., and accordingly requests the bearer network to generate or allocate deterministic routes and / or dynamic routes.

[0119] Step 330: Receive the status information returned by the bearer network.

[0120] In one embodiment of this application, the status information returned by the bearer network includes indications of whether network resources exist between the sender and receiver of the service data to satisfy deterministic requirements. For example, it includes information that the bearer network can provide end-to-end deterministic routing for the service data stream, and confirmation that the allocated deterministic resources meet the corresponding quality of service requirements. The bearer network-side equipment generates or allocates deterministic and dynamic routes based on service requests from the service network and the bearer network resource status.

[0121] The service network receives feedback information from the bearer network indicating whether the service request can be fulfilled, and sends the received feedback information to the terminal requesting the transmission of the service data stream. When the bearer network can carry the requested service data, the service network generates or confirms a classification and grading identifier for the service data stream, and sends the service data stream and the classification and grading identifier to the bearer network.

[0122] The service network-side equipment responds to the status information of the bearer network, determines the classification and grading identifier of the service data flow, and sends the service data flow and the classification and grading identifier to the bearer network. The status information includes confirmation information that the bearer network provides end-to-end deterministic routing for the service data flow. Step 340: Service establishment or release.

[0123] In response to the status information, an indication message is sent to the bearer network to initiate or terminate the service data stream communication process.

[0124] A service confirmation instruction is sent to the bearer network, including an indication of whether to establish a service connection. Once the service is established, it is decomposed into multiple data streams, and each data stream, along with its classification and grading identifier, is sent to the bearer network.

[0125] When the service ends, a service confirmation instruction is sent to the bearer network again, which includes an instruction to the bearer network to release the deterministic route configured for the service data between the sending and receiving ends of the service data.

[0126] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the bearer network side equipment.

[0127] This application also proposes a bearer network side device for implementing the method of any embodiment of this application. At least one module in the bearer network side device performs at least one of the following functions: determining a deterministic route for an end-to-end bidirectional path; determining and / or storing a routing table and dynamic routing protocol for the deterministic route of the end-to-end bidirectional path; adding a deterministic route identifier or a dynamic route identifier to the data packets of the received service data stream; forwarding the service data stream according to the route identifier carried in the service data packet and the stored routing table; initiating and terminating the service data stream communication process in response to indication information from the service network; determining and generating the header of the data packets on the deterministic route; and allocating resources according to the classification and hierarchical identifier of the service data stream. To implement the above technical solution, this application proposes a bearer network side device 400, comprising a network sending module 401, a network determining module 402, a network receiving module 403, and a resource management module 404 interconnected with each other.

[0128] When the network-side device is used as a network element node in the data forwarding plane, the network sending module is used to send resource status information to the service network and forward service data streams according to the routing identifier carried in the service data packet and the stored routing forwarding table. And / or, when the network-side device is used as an intra-domain route generation device, the network sending module is used to distribute the deterministic routing forwarding table of each routing node to each routing node.

[0129] The network determination module is used to determine the deterministic route (when the network-side device is used as an intra-domain route generation device, it calculates the forwarding table of deterministic routes for each routing node based on the intra-domain topology; or, when the network-side device is used as a network element node of the data forwarding plane, it determines the deterministic route based on the received deterministic route forwarding table), determine the dynamic route, determine and generate the header of the data packet on the deterministic route, and generate the route identifier.

[0130] The network receiving module is used to receive a forwarding table of deterministic routes issued by the routing generation device within the domain, and is also used to receive service requests from the service network and instructions to initiate and terminate service data stream communication.

[0131] The resource management module allocates local resources based on the business flow classification and grading identifier.

[0132] The specific methods for implementing the functions of the network sending module, network determining module, network receiving module, and resource management module are as described in the various method embodiments of this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0133] The bearer network side equipment described in this application may refer to data network equipment, bearer network side equipment or servers connected to data network equipment, including components therein or devices connected thereto, and may also be a system that provides services to the above-mentioned equipment, or any system, subsystem, module, circuit, chip or software running device that provides information reception, transmission, identification and processing for the above-mentioned equipment.

[0134] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the service network side equipment.

[0135] This application also proposes a service network-side device for implementing the method of any embodiment of this application. At least one module in the service network-side device is configured to perform at least one of the following functions: classifying and grading service flows to determine the classification and grading identifiers of service data flows; initiating service requests to the bearer network, including distinguishing service data flows and initiating service requests to the bearer network to transmit service data flows with corresponding quality of service requirements; sending indication information to the bearer network to initiate or terminate the communication process of the service data flows; and receiving status information from the bearer network, the status information including confirmation information that the bearer network can provide end-to-end deterministic routing for the service data flows, and confirmation information that it can allocate deterministic resources for the deterministic routing to meet the corresponding quality of service requirements.

[0136] To implement the above technical solution, this application proposes a service network-side device 500, which includes a service transmission module 501, a service determination module 502, and a service reception module 503 that are interconnected.

[0137] The service receiving module is used to receive status information returned by the bearer network.

[0138] The service determination module is used to classify and grade the service data stream, determine the classification and grading identifier, and determine the establishment and / or termination of service communication.

[0139] The service sending module is used to send service requests to the bearer network and send indication information to initiate or terminate the service data stream communication process. These indication information are used to trigger the bearer network equipment to select a deterministic route, perform resource allocation for the deterministic route, or release the resources allocated for the deterministic route.

[0140] The specific methods for implementing the functions of the service sending module, service determining module, and service receiving module are as described in the various method embodiments of this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0141] The service network-side equipment described in this application may refer to fixed-line terminal equipment (conference equipment, industrial control equipment, etc.), mobile communication user equipment (UE), personal mobile terminal, service computer with communication function, including components therein or devices connected thereto, and may also be a system that provides services to the above-mentioned equipment, or any system, subsystem, module, circuit, chip or software running device that provides information reception, transmission, identification and processing for the above-mentioned equipment.

[0142] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the present invention can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present invention can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. In a typical configuration, the device of this application includes one or more processors (CPUs), an input / output user interface, a network interface, and memory.

[0143] Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0144] Therefore, this application also proposes a computer-readable medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in any embodiment of this application. For example, the memory of this invention may include non-permanent memory in a computer-readable medium, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM.

[0145] Furthermore, this application also proposes an information communication device, including: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the computer program, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the method described in any embodiment of this application.

[0146] Based on the embodiments of the above-described apparatus in this application, this application also proposes an information communication system, including at least one embodiment of any one of the service network-side devices in this application and / or at least one embodiment of any one of the bearer network-side devices in this application.

[0147] As an example of the information communication system of this application, Example 1: Application scenario for quality of service assurance in video conferencing services, such as... Figure 6 As shown.

[0148] Video conferencing services involve real-time multi-party interactive video, audio, text, and screen sharing. Video conferencing terminal 601, based on the user's settings, transmits the video and audio data captured or prepared by the device, along with images or text prepared by the user, to the participating video conferencing terminal 607 using the transmission capacity of the bearer network 600, achieving conferencing functionality similar to a live conference. In new information and communication networks, when a user activates audio or video, the video conferencing service network initiates a service request to the bearer network. The bearer network allocates corresponding deterministic routes based on the classification and grading of the service flow (e.g., video streams are Class 1 Level 2, audio streams are Class 2 Level 1), and writes the route identifier into the packet header. Each route independently guarantees resources and latency, ensuring synchronized audio and video, low latency, and no stuttering during the conference.

[0149] The local video conferencing terminal 601 (i.e., the service network side device) and the remote video conferencing terminal 607 conduct video conferencing communication. The sending end is responsible for acquiring and sending media streams; the receiving end receives and presents the media streams. The service network control module 602 is responsible for classifying and grading service streams and generating requests, initiating service requests or release instructions to the bearer network edge device 603. The bearer network edge device is used to receive requests and allocate routes, and is responsible for route selection and identifier writing. Deterministic route 1 (for video streams) 604, deterministic route 2 (for audio streams) 605, and dynamic route (for signaling and background data) 606 respectively carry different types of data streams.

[0150] Through the aforementioned system, when participating in a video conference, users can choose to enable audio, video, and screen sharing as needed to transmit their voice, video, and any shared images, audio, video, and text information to other participants. In the information communication network of this application, when a user enables video, audio, and screen sharing, the video conferencing service network sends the network resource requirements for these functions to the data network within the new bearer network. Upon receiving the network resource requirements from the video conferencing service network, the data network allocates deterministic routes to the video conferencing service network based on the current resource usage of the bearer network, ensuring the quality of service (QoS) required for the user's audio, video, and text information. Specific network elements of the new information communication network then guarantee the allocated QoS for the video conferencing service's video, audio, and screen sharing traffic according to the network resource requirements and time determinism requirements contained in their respective classification and grading identifiers. The deterministic route identifier is then configured in the header of the video, audio, and screen sharing data packets sent by the user equipment, and the user equipment begins sending the corresponding information. This ensures the QoS of the video conferencing service.

[0151] As an embodiment of the information communication system of this application, Example 2: A scenario where a wireless communication terminal supports multiple service flows, such as... Figure 7 As shown.

[0152] In 5G / 6G environments, smart terminals simultaneously run multiple service streams, such as AR video streams, voice streams, game streams, and IoT data streams. These service streams have different requirements for network service quality (latency, bandwidth, jitter). The service network classifies and categorizes each stream and initiates service requests to the bearer network. The bearer network allocates deterministic routes with high bandwidth and low latency for AR video streams, medium-latency routes for voice streams, and dynamic routes for background data streams. Each stream's routing is independent, resources are not preempted, and a high-quality experience is supported for concurrent multi-service operation.

[0153] Wireless terminal 701 (such as smartphones or AR devices) runs various applications and generates service flows, communicating with cloud server / peer device 706. The cloud server / peer device provides service or receives data. The multi-service flow generation module 702 generates video, voice, game, and sensor data streams, classifying and grading the service flows. Base station / bearer network access device 703 receives requests and forwards them to the core network. Core network routing and resource scheduling module 705 performs resource scheduling and route management. Deterministic routing group 704 contains routes of different levels, assigning different levels of deterministic routes to different service flows.

[0154] In new information and communication networks, service network modules (such as operating systems or application layer services) on terminals classify and classify various service flows (e.g., video streams are class 1 level 2, voice streams are class 2 level 1, game streams are class 3 level 2, and sensor data streams are class 4 level 1). When a user launches an augmented reality (AR) application, the service network sends a resource request to the bearer network, carrying the classification and classification identifiers of each service flow and the corresponding resource and time parameters.

[0155] The bearer network side equipment (such as base stations and core network routers) allocates different deterministic routes and resources to various service flows according to requests. For example, a high-bandwidth, low-latency deterministic route (labeled "Deterministic Route 1") is allocated to the AR video stream, a medium-latency deterministic route (labeled "Deterministic Route 2") is allocated to the voice stream, and a dynamic route (labeled "Dynamic Route") is allocated to the background data stream. Each route does not interfere with the others during transmission, and resources are independently guaranteed.

[0156] In this way, end users can simultaneously enjoy high-quality video calls, low-latency cloud gaming, and reliable IoT data reporting on the same device without experiencing a decline in service quality due to network congestion or resource contention. This embodiment demonstrates the powerful support capabilities of the new information and communication network in multi-service concurrent scenarios on wireless terminals.

[0157] In this application, it should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0158] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An information communication method with certainty capability for a bearer network supporting non-OTT services and compatible with OTT services, the bearer network using a non-connection-oriented data network, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: On the connectionless data network, deterministic routes for one or more bidirectional paths are pre-configured from end to end; In response to a request from the service network to allocate a deterministic route, the deterministic route remains unchanged during service data flow communication. The network elements of the bearer network manage resources independently, implementing time determinism and / or transmission resource determinism configuration and / or management in a decentralized manner. The header of the data packet transmitted via the deterministic route includes a route identifier, which is used by intermediate nodes to retrieve their local routing tables based on the route identifier. The header of the data packet does not contain the router address of the intermediate node of the deterministic route. Furthermore, the resource requirement is released after the service data flow communication process ends. The aforementioned business data flow communication process is initiated and terminated by the bearer network in response to the indication information from the business network.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bearer network comprises multiple distributed autonomous domains, each of which generates a portion of the deterministic route within its own autonomous domain. When generating deterministic routes within a domain, the route generation device in the autonomous domain calculates the forwarding table of deterministic routes for each route node based on the domain topology and sends it to each route node.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The network elements of the bearer network allocate resources according to the classification and hierarchical identifiers of the service data streams.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, It also includes the following steps: At least one dynamic route is determined, which enables route switching based on data packets during the same business communication process.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The routing identifier is also used for at least one of the following functions: The routing identifier is used to distinguish between dynamic routes and deterministic routes; The route identifier is used to distinguish different deterministic routes; Routes with the same identifier in each autonomous system are connected to form an end-to-end deterministic route.

6. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The routing identifier is generated by the bearer network side device, and / or the service network side device does not generate the routing identifier.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, The bearer network side equipment allocates different deterministic routes to various service data streams according to the request; each route has independent resource protection during transmission.

8. An information communication method with certainty capability for a service network, characterized by, Includes the following steps: Distinguish between business data flows and initiate business requests to the bearer network to transmit business data flows with corresponding quality of service requirements; The system receives status information from the bearer network, which includes confirmation that the bearer network can provide end-to-end deterministic routing for the service data flow. The deterministic routing is allocated from multiple bidirectional deterministic routes pre-configured by the bearer network. The routing remains unchanged during the service data flow communication process. Resource management is performed independently by the network elements of the bearer network, and the configuration and / or management of time determinism and / or transmission resource determinism are implemented in a decentralized manner. The header of the data packet transmitted via the deterministic routing includes a routing identifier, which is used by intermediate nodes to retrieve local routing tables based on the routing identifier. The header of the data packet does not contain the router address of the intermediate node of the deterministic routing. The allocated deterministic resources meet the corresponding quality of service requirements and are released after the end of the service data flow communication process; In response to the status information, an indication message for initiating or ending the service data flow communication process is sent to the bearer network.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The multiple end-to-end deterministic routes are independent of each other, and each deterministic route can be used for one or more service data flows.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the step of determining a header of a data packet transmitted via the deterministic routing, characterized in that, The header of the data packet contains the classification and grading identifier of the service data flow, which is used to distinguish the quality of service requirements of the service data flow.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The classification and grading identifier is generated by the service network side device, and / or the bearer network side device does not generate the classification and grading identifier.

12. A bearer network side device for implementing the method of any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by At least one module in the bearer network side device is used for at least one of the following functions: Determine the deterministic route; The routing management node or module generates a routing forwarding table for the deterministic route of the end-to-end bidirectional path, and the remaining data forwarding plane network element nodes store the routing forwarding table; Add a deterministic route identifier or a dynamic route identifier to the data packet of the received service data flow; Forward the service data flow according to the routing identifier carried in the service data packet and the stored routing forwarding table; Initiate and end the service data flow communication process in response to the indication information of the service network; Determine and generate the header of the data packet on the deterministic route; Perform resource allocation according to the classification and grading identifier of the service data flow.

13. A service network side device for implementing the method of claim 8, characterized by At least one module in the service network side device is used for at least one of the following functions: Distinguish the service request for initiating the transmission of the service data flow with corresponding quality of service requirements to the bearer network; Receive the status information from the bearer network, and the status information includes the confirmation information that the bearer network can provide an end-to-end deterministic route for the service data flow; Determine the classification and grading identifier of the service data flow; Send an indication message for initiating or ending the service data flow communication process to the bearer network.

14. An information communication device, characterized by comprising: Comprising: A memory, a processor, and a computer program stored on the memory and executable on the processor, and when the computer program is executed by the processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 are implemented.

15. A computer-readable medium, on which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 are implemented.

16. An information communication system, comprising at least one bearer network side device according to claim 12 and / or at least one service network side device according to claim 13.

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