Information processing method and device

Abstract

The invention provides an information processing method and device, and the method comprises the steps: UE / UPF transmits a first data packet of a first data packet set on a first path of a multi-access data connection session, and when the first data packet set has a second data packet which is not transmitted and the path is switched, the UE / UPF can carry out the path switching, and the UE / UPF can carry out the path switching. And copying one copy of the second data packet on the original path (namely the first path) for transmission, thereby ensuring that the first data packet set can be completely transmitted on the first path, and ensuring the QoS demand of the first data packet set.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] For augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), extended reality (XR) services, multi-modal services, and the like, the network enhances the quality of service (QoS) and introduces differentiated QoS processing at the protocol data unit set (PDU set) granularity. In an access traffic steering, switching and splitting (ATSSS) architecture, after receiving a downlink data packet, a user plane function (UPF) can perform split transmission based on a steering mode, for example, a part of a PDU set is transmitted to a user equipment (UE) through a 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) access, and another part is transmitted to the UE through a non-3GPP access. However, in the ATSSS architecture, based on the steering mode of the UPF / UE, the QoS requirement for transmitting the same PDU set cannot be guaranteed. SUMMARY

[0003] The present application provides an information processing method and device, when a part of a PDU set is transmitted through a first path and another part is transmitted through a second path (for example, the transmission of a PDU set under an ATSSS architecture), the method can realize the complete transmission of a PDU set on the same path to guarantee the QoS requirement of the PDU set.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present application provides an information processing method, which can be implemented by a terminal. For example, the method can be executed by a terminal device or a chip, or by a device capable of implementing the function of a terminal device. In the method, a terminal transmits a first data packet of a first data packet set on a first path of a multi-access data connection session. The multi-access data connection session includes the first path and a second path. When the transmission of a second data packet of the first data packet set is not completed, the terminal determines to switch from the first path to the second path for transmission. The terminal transmits the second data packet on the first path, or transmits the first data packet set on the second path.

[0005] In the method, assuming that the multi-access data connection session is a multi-access PDU (MA PDU) session, the first data packet set is a PDU set, and the first data packet set includes a first PDU data packet and a second PDU data packet. Complete transmission of all data packets in a PDU set on the same path can guarantee the QoS requirement of the PDU set. For example, if the PDU set has a requirement for a PDU set delay budget (PSDB), that is, the entire PDU set is required to be transmitted within a certain time, transmission on the same path can measure the transmission delay of the first PDU set from the first data packet to the last data packet, thereby guaranteeing that the transmission delay of the first PDU set meets the delay requirement. However, when a PDU set is transmitted under the ATSSS architecture, a first SDF in a MA PDU session can be split and transmitted on two paths, such as being transmitted on a first path and a second path. The first SDF is used to transmit one or more PDU sets (including the first PDU set). When the first PDU set has a second PDU data packet that has not been transmitted, and the terminal performs path switching, for example, the first PDU data packet of the first PDU set is transmitted on the first path (where the first PDU data packet refers to a PDU data packet that has been transmitted by the terminal through the first path), at this time, due to changes in link load or other reasons, the second PDU data packet in the first PDU set that has not been transmitted needs to be switched to the second path for transmission, the terminal performs path switching, and a copy of the second PDU data packet is transmitted on the original path (i.e., the first path), thereby ensuring that the first PDU set can be completely transmitted on the first path to guarantee the QoS requirement of the first PDU set. Alternatively, the terminal directly performs path switching, and all data packets of the first PDU set can be retransmitted on the new path (i.e., the second path), thereby ensuring that the first PDU set can be completely transmitted on the second path to guarantee the QoS requirement of the first PDU set.

[0006] In a possible implementation, the terminal receives first indication information from a session management network element, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the second data packet is transmitted on the first path.

[0007] In the implementation, the terminal can transmit the second data packet on the first path based on the first indication information by receiving the first indication information, thereby ensuring that the first data packet set can be completely transmitted on the first path to guarantee the QoS requirement of the first data packet set.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the terminal transmits the second data packet on the first path based on preconfigured information.

[0009] In this embodiment, the terminal can pre-configure a transmission logic. For example, pre-configured information can be used to indicate that when there are untransmitted data packets in the first data packet set but a path switch is required, a copy of the untransmitted second data packet in the first data packet set can be copied on the original path for transmission. Therefore, based on this pre-configured information, the terminal can transmit the second data packet on the first path, thereby ensuring that the first data packet set can be transmitted completely on the first path, thus guaranteeing the QoS requirements of the first data packet set.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the terminal transmits a first set of data packets on a second path based on pre-configured information.

[0011] In this embodiment, the terminal can pre-configure another transmission logic. For example, pre-configured information can be used to indicate that when there are untransmitted data packets in the first data packet set but a path switch is required, all data packets in the first data packet set can be retransmitted on the new path. Therefore, based on this pre-configured information, the terminal can transmit the first data packet set on the second path, thereby ensuring that the first data packet set can be transmitted completely on the second path to guarantee the QoS requirements of the first data packet set.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the terminal receives a second multiple access rule from a session management network element. This second multiple access rule instructs the terminal to transmit a first set of data packets along a first path. Based on the second multiple access rule, the terminal transmits a second set of data packets along the first path.

[0013] In this embodiment, by receiving a second multiple access rule (such as an ATSSS rule), the terminal can transmit a second data packet on the first path based on the second multiple access rule, thereby ensuring that the first data packet set can be transmitted completely on the first path and thus guaranteeing the QoS requirements of the first data packet set.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the terminal receives a second multiple access rule from a session management network element. This second multiple access rule instructs the terminal to transmit the first set of data packets on a second path. Based on the second multiple access rule, the terminal transmits the first set of data packets on the second path.

[0015] In this embodiment, by receiving the second multiple access rule, the terminal can transmit the first data packet set on the second path based on the second multiple access rule, thereby ensuring that the first data packet set can be transmitted completely on the second path and thus guaranteeing the QoS requirements of the first data packet set.

[0016] Secondly, this application provides an information processing method, which can be implemented by a first network element. For example, the first network element can be a user plane function network element or a functional entity capable of implementing user plane functions. The first network element transmits a first data packet of a first data packet set on a first path of a multi-access data connection session (MISSPS). The MISSPS includes a first path and a second path. When a second data packet in the first data packet set is not transmitted, the first network element determines to switch from the first path to the second path for transmission. The first network element transmits the second data packet on the first path; or, it transmits the first data packet set on the second path.

[0017] In this method, assuming the multi-access data connection session is a multi-access PDU session, the first data packet set is the first PDU set, which includes first PDU data packets and second PDU data packets. When there are untransmitted second PDU data packets in the first PDU set, and the first network element performs a path switch, the first network element can copy the second PDU data packets on the original path (i.e., the first path) for transmission, thereby ensuring that the first PDU set can be transmitted completely on the first path, thus guaranteeing the QoS requirements of the first PDU set. Alternatively, the first network element can directly perform a path switch and request the data network to retransmit all data packets of the first PDU set, and retransmit the first data packets on the new path (i.e., the second path), thereby ensuring that the first PDU set can be transmitted completely on the second path, thus guaranteeing the QoS requirements of the first PDU set.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first network element receives first indication information from the session management network element, which is used to indicate the transmission of a second data packet on the first path.

[0019] In this embodiment, the first network element can receive the first indication information and transmit the second data packet on the first path based on the first indication information, thereby ensuring that the first data packet set can be transmitted completely on the first path to guarantee the QoS requirements of the first data packet set.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the first network element transmits the second data packet on the first path based on pre-configured information.

[0021] In this embodiment, the first network element can be pre-configured with a transmission logic. For example, pre-configured information can be used to indicate that when there are untransmitted data packets in the first data packet set but path switching is required, a copy of the untransmitted second data packet in the first data packet set can be copied on the original path for transmission. Therefore, based on this pre-configured information, the first network element can transmit the second data packet on the first path, thereby ensuring that the first data packet set can be transmitted completely on the first path to guarantee the QoS requirements of the first data packet set.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the first network element receives a first multi-access rule from the session management network element. The first multi-access rule instructs the first network element to transmit a first set of data packets on a first path. Based on the first multi-access rule, the first network element transmits a second set of data packets on the first path.

[0023] In this embodiment, the first network element can receive a first multi-access rule (such as a multi-access rule (MAR)) and transmit a second data packet on the first path based on the first multi-access rule, thereby ensuring that the first data packet set can be transmitted completely on the first path to guarantee the QoS requirements of the first data packet set.

[0024] Thirdly, this application provides an information processing method, which can be implemented by a second network element. For example, the second network element can be a policy control function network element, or a functional entity capable of implementing policy control functions. The second network element receives a first message, which includes flow description information of a service data stream and quality of service requirements for a first data packet set. The service data stream is used to transmit the first data packet set. When the session type of the PDU session corresponding to the flow description information is a multi-access data connection session, the second network element sends multi-access data connection session control information associated with the service data stream to the session management function network element. The multi-access data connection session control information is used to instruct the first data packet set to be transmitted on a single path, and the multi-access PDU session includes this single path.

[0025] In this method, the second network element receives a first message (e.g., a request message from an application function network element), enabling it to receive the QoS requirements of the first PDU set and determine whether the session is an MA PDU session. If it is an MA PDU session, it executes the step of sending multi-access PDU session control information to the session management function network element, i.e., updating and sending multi-access PDU session control information to the session management function network element. This is beneficial for instructing the terminal and / or the first network element to transmit the first PDU set on a single path, thereby ensuring the QoS requirements of the first PDU set.

[0026] In one possible implementation, multi-access data connection session control information is used to determine a first multi-access rule and / or a second multi-access rule. The first multi-access rule instructs a first network element to transmit a first set of data packets on a first path. The second multi-access rule instructs a terminal to transmit the first set of data packets on either a first path or a second path.

[0027] In this embodiment, the second network element can send multi-access data connection session control information to the session management function network element. This is beneficial for the session management function network element to determine a first multi-access rule (such as MAR) or a second multi-access rule (such as ATSSS rule) based on the multi-access data connection session control information. This is beneficial for instructing the terminal and / or the first network element to transmit the first data packet set on a single path to ensure the QoS requirements of the first data packet set.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the multi-access data connection session control information includes second indication information, which is used to indicate whether to disable the load balancing redirection mode when it is enabled. The load balancing redirection mode is used to indicate that service data streams are transmitted on a first path and a second path in a certain proportion, and the multi-access PDU session includes a first path and a second path.

[0029] In this embodiment, the multi-access data connection session control information may specifically include second indication information, which is beneficial for instructing the terminal and / or the first network element to disable the load balancing redirection mode (e.g., no traffic splitting), thereby ensuring that the first data packet set is transmitted on a single path.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the multi-access data connection session control information includes a first redirection mode, which is used to instruct a first set of data packets to be transmitted on a first path.

[0031] In this implementation, a new steering mode, such as a first steering mode, can be designed to limit the transmission of the first data packet set on the first path, thereby ensuring that the first data packet set is transmitted on one path.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the multi-access data connection session control information includes third indication information, which is used to indicate the cessation of measuring the quality of service flow of the first set of data packets, including a first parameter such as round trip time (RTT) and / or packet loss rate (PLR).

[0033] In this implementation, since RTT / PLR is measured based on the performance measurement function (PMF), the second network element can instruct the session management network element to update the QoS flow measured by the PMF through the third indication information. For example, it can instruct the session management network element to delete the QoS flow transmitting the first data packet set from the QoS flow list measured by the PMF. Stopping the measurement of the related QoS flow can be assumed that the RTT / PLR of the related QoS flow does not exceed the threshold, thus preventing traffic splitting and ensuring that the first data packet set is transmitted on a single path.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the multi-access data connection session control information includes fourth indication information, which is used to indicate that there is a second data packet that has not been transmitted in the first data packet set and that path switching is required. If the path switching condition is met, the path is not switched, and path switching is performed again when the path switching condition is met again, such as when the measurement result shows that the first parameter is greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0035] In this implementation, the PMF measurement frequency is typically 1 second (s), for example, sending a message every 1 second for measurement. For instance, suppose the measurement result in the 1st second indicates that the path switching condition has been met, and the UPF / UE needs to switch paths. However, if the UPF / UE is currently transmitting the first data packet set, the UPF / UE will not switch based on the fourth indication information. The measurement results in the 2nd and 3rd seconds do not meet the switching condition, so no switching is needed. However, if the switching condition is met again in the 4th second (e.g., the measurement result (such as RTT or PLR) reaches a threshold), and the UE / UPF is not transmitting any PDU set at this time, the UPF / UE will then switch in the 4th second. By this time, the first data packet set has been completely transmitted on the current path, thus ensuring that the first data packet set is transmitted on a single path.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the multi-access data connection session control information includes fifth indication information, which is used to indicate that the first data packet set is transmitted on the second path.

[0037] In this embodiment, the multi-access data connection session control information may specifically include fifth instruction information. The fifth instruction information is used to instruct the terminal and / or user plane function network element to copy the first data packet set for transmission on the second path, or to instruct the terminal and / or user plane function network element to retransmit the first data packet set on the second path, thereby ensuring that the first data packet set is transmitted on one path.

[0038] Fourthly, this application provides an information processing method, which can be implemented by a third network element. For example, the third network element can be a session management function network element or a functional entity capable of implementing session management functions. The third network element receives multi-access data connection session control information associated with a service data flow. This multi-access data connection session control information is used to instruct the transmission of a first set of data packets on a single path; the multi-access PDU session includes this single path. Based on the multi-access data connection session control information, the third network element instructs a user plane function network element and / or a terminal to transmit a second data packet on the first path; or, instructs a terminal to transmit the first set of data packets on the second path. A single path is either the first path or the second path; the second data packet is a PDU data packet that was not transmitted on the first path when the first set of data packets is switched from the first path to the second path for transmission. The first path is the path through which the first data packet of the first set of data packets is transmitted.

[0039] In this method, after receiving the multi-access data connection session control information, the third network element can generate indication information or multi-access rules based on the multi-access data connection session control information, thereby instructing the user plane function network element and / or the terminal to transmit the second data packet on the first path, or instructing the terminal to transmit the first data packet set on the second path. This is beneficial for the user plane function network element and / or the terminal to transmit the first data packet set on one path, so as to ensure the QoS requirements of the first data packet set.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the third network element determines first indication information based on multi-access data connection session control information. The first indication information is used to indicate the transmission of a second data packet on the first path. The third network element sends the first indication information to the user plane function network element and / or the terminal.

[0041] In this embodiment, the third network element can generate first indication information based on the multi-access data connection session control information, thereby instructing the user plane function network element and / or the terminal to transmit the second data packet on the first path, ensuring that the first data packet set is transmitted on one path.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the third network element generates a fifth indication information based on the multi-access data connection session control information. The fifth indication information is used to indicate that the first data packet set is transmitted on the second path.

[0043] In this embodiment, the fifth instruction information is used to instruct the terminal and / or user plane function network element to copy the first data packet set for transmission on the second path, or to instruct the terminal and / or user plane function network element to retransmit the first data packet set on the second path, thereby ensuring that the first data packet set is transmitted on one path.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the third network element receives multi-access data connection session control information, which includes QoS parameters for a first data packet set. When the third network element receives the QoS parameters for the first data packet set and the session type of the PDU session is a multi-access PDU session, it determines first indication information, which is used to indicate the transmission of the first data packet set on the second path.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the third network element determines a first multi-access rule based on multi-access data connection session control information. This first multi-access rule instructs the user plane function network element to transmit a first set of data packets on the first path. The third network element sends the first multi-access rule to the user plane function network element. First indication information is used to instruct the transmission of a second data packet on the first path. The third network element then sends this first indication information to the user plane function network element and / or the terminal.

[0046] In this embodiment, the third network element can determine the first multi-access rule (such as MAR) based on the multi-access data connection session control information, thereby instructing the user plane function network element to copy the second data packet that has not been transmitted in the first data packet set and continue to transmit it on the first path, so as to ensure the complete transmission of the first data packet set on a path.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the third network element determines a second multi-access rule based on multi-access data connection session control information. The second multi-access rule is used to instruct the terminal to transmit the first data packet set on the first path. The third network element sends the second multi-access rule to the terminal.

[0048] In this embodiment, the third network element can determine the second multi-access rule (such as the ATSSS rule) based on the multi-access data connection session control information, thereby instructing the terminal to copy the second data packet that was not transmitted in the first data packet set and continue to transmit it on the first path, so as to ensure the complete transmission of the first data packet set on a path.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the third network element determines a second multi-access rule based on multi-access data connection session control information. The second multi-access rule is used to instruct the terminal to transmit the first data packet set on the second path. The third network element sends the second multi-access rule to the terminal.

[0050] In this embodiment, since the terminal can copy all data packets of the first data packet set, the second multi-access rule can also instruct the terminal to copy all data packets of the first data packet set and transmit them on the second path after the handover, so as to ensure the complete transmission of the first data packet set on one path.

[0051] Fifthly, this application provides an information processing apparatus. This information processing apparatus may be a terminal device or a chip, or a device capable of implementing the functions of a terminal device. In one possible implementation, the information processing apparatus has the functions described in the first aspect above. For example, the information processing apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the first aspect above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the information processing apparatus includes a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit is configured to transmit a first data packet of a first data packet set on a first path of a multi-access data connection session; the multi-access data connection session includes a first path and a second path. If a second data packet in the first data packet set is not transmitted, the processing unit is configured to determine whether to switch from the first path to the second path for transmission. The communication unit is also configured to transmit the second data packet on the first path; or, transmit the first data packet set on the second path.

[0053] In this embodiment, when a second data packet in the first data packet set is not transmitted and the first network element performs a path switch, the information processing device can perform a path switch and copy the second data packet onto the original path (i.e., the first path) for transmission, thereby ensuring that the first data packet set can be transmitted completely on the first path to guarantee the QoS requirements of the first data packet set. Alternatively, the information processing device can perform a path switch and retransmit all data packets of the first data packet set on the new path (i.e., the second path), thereby ensuring that the first data packet set can be transmitted completely on the second path to guarantee the QoS requirements of the first data packet set.

[0054] Optionally, other possible implementations of the fifth aspect can be referred to the descriptions of other possible implementations of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0055] Sixthly, this application provides an information processing apparatus. This information processing apparatus may be a user plane function network element or a functional entity capable of implementing user plane functions. In one possible implementation, the information processing apparatus has the functions described in the second aspect above. For example, the information processing apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the second aspect above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the information processing apparatus includes a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit is configured to transmit a first data packet of a first data packet set on a first path of a multi-access data connection session; the multi-access data connection session includes a first path and a second path. If a second data packet of the first data packet set is not transmitted, the processing unit is configured to determine whether to switch from the first path to the second path for transmission. The communication unit is also configured to transmit the second data packet on the first path; or, transmit the first data packet set on the second path.

[0057] In this embodiment, when a second data packet in the first data packet set is not transmitted and the first network element performs a path switch, the information processing device can perform a path switch and copy the second data packet onto the original path (i.e., the first path) for transmission, thereby ensuring that the first data packet set can be transmitted completely on the first path to guarantee the QoS requirements of the first data packet set. Alternatively, the first network element can perform a path switch and retransmit all data packets of the first data packet set on the new path (i.e., the second path), thereby ensuring that the first data packet set can be transmitted completely on the second path to guarantee the QoS requirements of the first data packet set.

[0058] Optionally, other possible implementations of the sixth aspect can be referred to the descriptions of other possible implementations of the second aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0059] Seventhly, this application provides an information processing apparatus. This information processing apparatus may be a policy control function network element or a functional entity capable of implementing policy control functions. In one possible implementation, the information processing apparatus has the functions described in the third aspect above. For example, the information processing apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the third aspect above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the information processing apparatus includes a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit receives a first message, which includes flow description information of a service data stream and a quality of service requirement for a first PDU set. The service data stream is used to transmit a first data packet set. When the session type of the PDU session corresponding to the flow description information is a multi-access PDU session, the communication unit is further configured to send multi-access data connection session control information associated with the service data stream to the session management function network element. The multi-access data connection session control information instructs that the first data packet set be transmitted on a single path, and the multi-access PDU session includes this single path.

[0061] In this embodiment, the information processing device receives a first message (e.g., a request message from an application function network element), enabling the second network element to receive the QoS requirements of the first data packet set and determine whether the session is an MA PDU session. If it is an MA PDU session, the device executes the step of sending multi-access data connection session control information to the session management function network element. This is beneficial for instructing the terminal and / or the first network element to transmit the first data packet set on a single path, thereby ensuring the QoS requirements of the first data packet set.

[0062] Optionally, other possible implementations of the seventh aspect can be referred to the descriptions of other possible implementations of the third aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0063] Eighthly, this application provides an information processing apparatus. This information processing apparatus may be a session management function network element or a functional entity capable of implementing session management functions. In one possible implementation, the information processing apparatus has the functions described in the fourth aspect above. For example, the information processing apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the fourth aspect above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the information processing apparatus includes a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit receives multi-access data connection session control information associated with a service data stream. This multi-access data connection session control information instructs the transmission of a first set of data packets along a single path; the multi-access PDU session includes this single path. The processing unit, based on the multi-access data connection session control information, instructs a user plane function network element and / or a terminal to transmit a second data packet along the first path; or, instructs a terminal to transmit the first set of data packets along the second path. A single path is either the first path or the second path; the second data packet is a PDU data packet that was not transmitted along the first path when the first set of data packets is switched from the first path to the second path for transmission.

[0065] In this embodiment, after receiving the multi-access data connection session control information, the information processing device can generate indication information or multi-access rules based on the multi-access data connection session control information, thereby instructing the user plane function network element and / or the terminal to transmit the second data packet on the first path, or instructing the terminal to transmit the first data packet set on the second path. This is beneficial for the user plane function network element and / or the terminal to transmit the first data packet set on one path, so as to ensure the QoS requirements of the first data packet set.

[0066] Optionally, other possible implementations of the eighth aspect can be found in the descriptions of other possible implementations of the fourth aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0067] Ninthly, this application provides an information processing apparatus comprising a memory and one or more processors. The memory stores part or all of a computer program or instructions necessary for implementing the functions described in at least one of the first to fourth aspects. The one or more processors are executable to carry out the computer program or instructions, which, when executed, cause the information processing apparatus to perform at least one of the following: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect; the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect; the method of the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect; and the method of the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect. Optionally, the memory and the processor may be decoupled.

[0068] In one possible design, the information processing device may also include interface circuitry, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components via the interface circuitry.

[0069] In a tenth aspect, this application provides an information processing apparatus, comprising: one or more processors and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is configured to receive signals from other information processing apparatuses and transmit them to the processors or to send signals from the processors to other information processing apparatuses, and the processors are configured to implement at least one of the following through logic circuits or executing code instructions: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, the method of the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect, and the method of the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect. Optionally, the information processing apparatus may be located on the network side.

[0070] In one aspect, this application provides a communication system comprising at least one of the means or apparatuses of the fifth to tenth aspects, such that the at least one means or apparatus performs at least one of the following: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, the method of the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect, and the method of the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0071] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform at least one of the following: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, the method of the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect, and the method of the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0072] In a thirteenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product including instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform at least one of the following: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, the method of the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect, and the method of the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0073] In a fourteenth aspect, this application provides a chip including one or more processors (or logic circuits). Optionally, the chip may further include one or more communication interfaces (or interfaces) for implementing at least one of the following: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, the method of the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect, and the method of the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0074] In one possible implementation, if the chip is the smallest processing unit in the whole machine, the chip may be one or more processors, or may include one or more processors and one or more memories, or may include one or more processors, one or more memories and one or more transceivers, for implementing at least one of the following: the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, the method of the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect, and the method of the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0075] In a fifteenth aspect, this application provides a chip system. The chip system includes one or more processors and one or more interfaces. Optionally, it may also include memory for implementing at least one of the following: the methods of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, the methods of the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, the methods of the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect, and the methods of the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. Attached Figure Description

[0076] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a system architecture;

[0077] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of traffic offloading in an ATSSS architecture;

[0078] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an information processing method provided in this application;

[0079] Figure 4 The flowchart of Example 1 provided for this application;

[0080] Figure 5 The flowchart of Example 2 provided for this application;

[0081] Figure 6 The flowchart of Example 3 provided for this application;

[0082] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a communication device provided in this application;

[0083] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of another communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0084] For ease of understanding, the definitions of relevant terms used in this application are provided below:

[0085] System Architecture: The information processing method provided in this application can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 In the system architecture shown. For example. Figure 1 The system architecture shown includes a terminal side, an access network side, and a core network side; optionally, it also includes a data network (DN). The terminal side includes one or more terminal devices (such as…). Figure 1 The user equipment (UE) shown; the access network side includes one or more access devices (such as...). Figure 1The diagram shows 3GPP access equipment and non-3GPP access equipment; the core network side includes one or more functional network elements, which are described in detail below. These devices and / or functional network elements can communicate with each other through interfaces, for example, the UE and AMF communicate through the N1 interface, and the 3GPP access and AMF communicate through the N2 interface, etc., which is not limited in this application. Optionally, Figure 1 This is merely an example and does not limit the specific system architecture.

[0086] The communication system described in this application may include, but is not limited to, various radio access technologies (RATs), such as: Internet of Things (IoT) systems, narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) systems, reduced capability (RedCap) systems, IoT non-terrestrial networks (IoT NTN), 5th generation (5G, or new radio (NR)) communication systems, and transitional systems between Long Term Evolution (LTE) and 5G communication systems. These transitional systems may also be referred to as 4.5G communication systems, or future communication systems. The network architecture and business scenarios described in this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that, with the evolution of communication network architectures and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0087] The terminal involved in this application can also be called a terminal device, which can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. It can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as ships); and it can also be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons, and satellites). The terminal device can be a UE, where the UE includes handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, or computing devices with wireless communication capabilities. For example, the UE can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, or computer with wireless transceiver capabilities. The terminal device can also be a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in autonomous driving, a wireless terminal in telemedicine, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, and so on. In this application, the device used to implement the terminal's functions can be the terminal itself; it can also be a device capable of supporting the terminal in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the terminal. In this application, the chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components. In the technical solution provided in this application, the device used to implement the functions of the terminal is the terminal, and the terminal is the UE as an example to describe the technical solution provided in this application.

[0088] The 3GPP access discussed in this application refers to accessing the core network through a standard 3GPP access network (such as 5G NR, LTE, etc.). Non-3GPP access refers to accessing the core network through methods not connected to a 3GPP access network, such as non-3GPP interworking functions (N3IWF) and wireline access gateways (W-AGF). In one possible implementation, 3GPP or non-3GPP access includes radio access network (RAN) equipment, primarily responsible for air interface-side radio resource management, QoS management, data compression, and encryption. Access network equipment can include various types of base stations, such as macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small cells), relay stations, and access points. In systems employing different wireless access technologies, the names of devices with base station functions may vary. For example, in 5G systems, they are called gNBs; in LTE systems, they are called evolved NodeBs (eNBs or eNodeBs); and in third-generation (3G) systems, they are called Node Bs, etc. In this application, the apparatus for implementing the functions of the network device can be the network device itself; it can also be an apparatus capable of supporting the network device in implementing that function, such as a chip system, which can be installed within the network device. In the technical solutions provided in this application, the apparatus for implementing the functions of the network device is a network device, and the network device is a base station, as an example, to describe the technical solutions provided in this application.

[0089] The data network involved in this application is a digital transmission network used for transmitting data communication services. Depending on its coverage and function, it can be classified as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), etc.

[0090] This application involves one or more functional network elements (also called functional entities) on the core network side, which may include, but are not limited to, one or more functional entities such as: Policy Control Function (PCF) entity, Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity, Session Management Function (SMF) entity, or User Plane Function (UPF) entity. The AMF's main functions include managing user registration, reachability detection, SMF node selection, and mobility state transition management. The SMF's main functions are controlling session establishment, modification, and deletion, and user plane node selection. The UPF is mainly responsible for user data processing (forwarding, receiving, accounting, etc.). For example, the UPF can receive user data from the DN and forward it to the terminal through the access network equipment. The UPF can also receive user data from the terminal through the access network equipment and forward it to the DN. DN refers to the operator network that provides data transmission services to users. Examples include Internet Protocol (IP), IP Multimedia Service (IMS), and the Internet. DN can be an external network of the operator or a network controlled by the operator, used to provide service to terminals. In a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the UPF directly connected to the DN via N6 is also called the Protocol Data Unit Session Anchor (PSA). The main function of the PCF is as a policy decision point, providing rules based on service data flow and application detection, gating, QoS, and flow-based charging control.

[0091] In one possible implementation, the UE and functional network elements in this application need to support the following functions:

[0092] (1) The UE supports one or more steering functions, such as multi-path TCP (transmission control protocol, MPTCP), multi-path QUIC (quick UDP Internet connection, a low-latency Internet transport layer protocol based on user datagram protocol, MPQUIC), and ATSSS low-layer functionality (ATSSS-LL). Each steering function supports steering, switching, and splitting of traffic between 3GPP access and non-3GPP access (according to the ATSSS rules provided by the network).

[0093] (2) UPF supports MPTCP Proxy, MPQUIC Proxy and ATSSS-LL functions.

[0094] PDU set transmission: For example, for XR / media services, a PDU set can carry different content, such as frames, video slices, tags, I / B / P frames, and slices / tiles within I / B / P frames. A PDU set consists of a group of data packets, and the data packets in a PDU set are decoded and / or processed as a whole to improve scheduling efficiency. Due to the high data rate and low latency characteristics of XR / media services, current protocol standards support differentiated QoS processing for PDU sets, introducing QoS parameters for PDU sets. For example, the base station implements QoS processing based on the QoS parameters of the PDU set. The PCF generates the QoS parameters of the PDU set based on information / local configuration provided by the AF, and then sends these QoS parameters as part of the PCC rules to the SMF. The SMF configures the QoS parameters of the PDU set in its QoS profile and sends it to the base station.

[0095] In one possible implementation, the QoS parameters of the PDU set may include, but are not limited to, the following parameters: PSDB, PDU set error rate (PSER), and PDU set integrated handling information (PSIHI). PSDB represents the maximum transmission delay of the PDU set between the UE and the endpoint of the N6 interface on the UPF. For example, when PSDB is uplink delay, it represents the delay from when the UE sends the first PDU to when the UPF receives all PDUs in the PDU set; when PSDB is downlink delay, it represents the delay from when the UPF sends the first PDU to when the UE receives all PDUs in the PDU set. To meet the PDU set delay requirements, the base station's service level agreement (SLA) must include a maximum arrival time, which is less than or equal to PSDB. Optionally, PSDB and QoS flows are associated (e.g., a one-to-one correspondence). PSDB is the same for uplink and downlink. If PSDB exists, it can replace PDU delay budget (PDB), and the base station can use PSDB to configure traffic scheduling and link layer functions. In this context, PSER refers to the maximum rate at which a PDU set has been processed by the sender of a link-layer protocol (such as the radio link control (RLC) layer or hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) in a base station) but not successfully transmitted to the upper layer (such as the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer in a base station) without a response from the receiver. Optionally, PSER and QoS flow are associated (e.g., a one-to-one correspondence). PSER is the same for uplink and downlink, and if it exists, it can replace the PDU error rate (PER). PSIHI is used to indicate whether the receiver of the PDU set needs all the PDUs in the PDU set.

[0096] ATSSS rule: A multi-access rule used to instruct a UE to perform corresponding operations on data traffic, such as instructing the UE to perform traffic offloading. In one possible implementation, an ATSSS rule may include, but is not limited to, the following information: rule identifier, rule precedence, traffic descriptor, application descriptors, IP descriptors, non-IP descriptors, access selection descriptor, steering mode, steering mode indicator, and threshold values. The traffic descriptor defines the components of the ATSSS rule's traffic descriptor. Application descriptors define one or more application identifiers that generate traffic. IP descriptors define one or more destination IP address 5-tuples. Non-IP descriptors define one or more destination non-IP address identifiers (such as Ethernet). The steering mode indicates how to match traffic using different steering modes. The steering mode indicator is used to indicate whether automatic load balancing is performed or whether UE assistance is required for load balancing if the steering mode is load balancing mode. Threshold values ​​include RTT or PLR thresholds (such as maximum RTT and / or maximum PLR).

[0097] Steering mode: The steering mode can include, but is not limited to, the following:

[0098] (1) Active-standby mode. Assuming that the SDF is transmitted only on one active access path, service traffic will preferentially select the primary node related to the ATSSS rule for transmission. If the primary node path is disconnected, the SDF will be transmitted on the standby path.

[0099] (2) Smallest delay mode: Only applicable to non-guaranteed bit rate (non-GBR) streams. The SDF is transmitted on the path with the minimum RTT, and the UE and UPF measure the RTT for both 3GPP access and non-3GPP access.

[0100] (3) Priority-based mode: Only applicable to non-GBR streams. All SDF traffic is transmitted on high-priority access paths; if a high-priority path becomes congested, it is diverted to a low-priority path. If a higher-priority path is unavailable, a low-priority path is used to transmit SDF.

[0101] (4) Load balancing mode: Only applicable to non-GBR streams. An SDF is distributed across two paths for transmission at a certain ratio.

[0102] (5) Redundant mode: Copy the SDF and transmit it on both paths. If the ATSSS rule and N4rule have a high-priority path, then transmit it on the high-priority path and copy a portion to transmit it on the low-priority path.

[0103] Steering mode indicator: Used to indicate whether the UE changes the default parameters of steering mode to adjust traffic redirection. This could be an automatic load balancing indicator and / or a UE-assisted indicator. The automatic load balancing indicator indicates that the UE can automatically adjust the traffic splitting ratio without adhering to the pre-configured splitting ratio in steering mode, and can adjust the splitting ratio based on maximizing uplink aggregation bandwidth. Optionally, if the N4 rule also carries a steering mode indicator, it can instruct the UPF to automatically adjust the splitting ratio. The UE-assisted indicator: Provided only in load balancing mode, the UE adjusts the splitting ratio based on its internal state, such as power-saving mode. The UE will inform the UPF of its adjusted splitting ratio.

[0104] Threshold: Provides one or more thresholds in priority mode or load balancing mode. Provides one threshold in redundancy mode. For example, this threshold could be the maximum RTT and / or the maximum PLR, provided to the UE and UPF to adjust how traffic is redirected or offloaded based on different modes. For instance, in priority mode, the threshold represents a congestion standard; in load balancing mode, when an access method reaches this threshold, transmission on that path is stopped; in redundancy mode, if, for example, the PLR ​​exceeds the threshold, replication is initiated.

[0105] MAR: This is another type of multi-access rule used to instruct the UPF to perform corresponding operations on data traffic, such as instructing the UPF to perform traffic offloading. In one possible implementation, the MAR message may include, but is not limited to, the following information: MAR ID, steering functionality, steering mode, threshold values, and steering mode indicator. The MAR ID is used to distinguish different MARs. Steering functionality indicates the function used for offloading, such as indicating the layer (MPTCP, MPQUIC, ATSSS-LL) for offloading. Steering mode indicates how the UPF performs offloading, for example, it can be the same as the offloading mode in the ATSSS rule. Threshold values ​​include RTT or PLR thresholds. The steering mode indicator instructs the UPF to adaptively adjust the traffic in the offloading path, or instructs the UE to steering based on load, etc.

[0106] Quality of Service (QoS) flow: Also known as a QoS stream, for example, in a 5G system (5GS), when a UE has a service communication requirement, a PDU session is established. The specific service flow carried within the PDU session is the corresponding QoS stream. Specifically, the UE obtains an IP address through the PDU session establishment to interact with external service servers and achieve service communication; while 5GS, based on service flow description information, such as the Service Data Flow Template (SDF template), maps the corresponding service to different QoS streams and performs the appropriate QoS processing.

[0107] For example, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of traffic splitting in an ATSSS architecture. After receiving downlink data packets, the UPF performs traffic splitting based on steering mode. Assume a PDU set (e.g., ... Figure 2The PDU set shown includes a portion (e.g., packets 1-5) of which is transmitted to the UE via 3GPP access (e.g., packets 1-3), and another portion (e.g., packets 4 and 5) via non-3GPP access. However, a PDU set needs to be transmitted on a single path to guarantee its QoS requirements. For example, for XR services under the ATSSS architecture, if a PDU set is transmitted on both access paths but only the PSDB is sent to the 3GPP AN, the AN cannot guarantee the PSDB for the entire PDU set; if a PDU set is transmitted on both access paths and includes PSIHI, the AN will incorrectly discard the entire PDU set. Therefore, under the ATSSS architecture, the UPF / UE based on the turnaround mode cannot guarantee that a PDU set is transmitted on a single path, thus failing to guarantee the QoS requirements of PDU sets under the ATSSS architecture.

[0108] This application provides an information processing method that enables a PDU set to be transmitted completely on the same path when a part of the PDU set is transmitted through a first path and another part is transmitted through a second path, thereby ensuring the QoS requirements of the PDU set.

[0109] For example, Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method provided in this application. The method is implemented by a terminal or user plane function network element. For ease of description, this embodiment refers to the terminal or user plane function network element as a first device. The method includes the following steps:

[0110] S101, the first device transmits the first data packet of the first data packet set on the first path of the multiple access data connection session.

[0111] In one possible implementation, a multiple access data connection session is used to transmit a set of data packets. For example, a multiple access data connection session can be a multiple access PDU session or other forms of session, which are not limited in this application. The set of data packets is a collection of multiple data packets. For example, the set of data packets can be the set of data packets contained in a frame, or the set of data packets contained in a coding unit, etc., which are not limited in this application.

[0112] In one possible implementation, when the multi-access data connection session is a multi-access PDU session, the first data packet set is a first PDU set. This PDU set may include multiple PDU data packets, such as a first PDU data packet and a second PDU data packet. For ease of description, the following description will use the example of a multi-access data connection session being a multi-access PDU session, the first data packet set being the first PDU set, and the first PDU set including a first PDU data packet and a second PDU data packet.

[0113] In one possible implementation, the multi-access PDU session includes a first path and a second path, with different access methods for the two paths. It should be noted that transmission on different paths (such as the first path or the second path) mentioned in this application refers to the first device transmitting through different access methods, for example, the first device transmitting through a 3GPP access method or a non-3GPP access method. That is, transmission on the first path or the second path described in this application is equivalent to transmission through access method one (such as 3GPP access) or through access method two (such as non-3GPP access). Optionally, in the following embodiments, if transmission is mentioned on the first path or the second path, it can refer to transmission through a 3GPP access method or a non-3GPP access method; the two descriptions can be used interchangeably. For example, when the multi-access PDU session begins transmission, traffic splitting may not be performed, and the first device can transmit the first PDU set on one path (such as the first path) of the multi-access session. Optionally, the first PDU data packet may refer to one or more PDU data packets; for example, the first device transmitting the first PDU data packet of the first PDU set on the first path of the multi-access PDU session indicates that some PDU data packets (which may be one or more PDU data packets) of the PDU set have been transmitted on the first path, but the complete data packets of the PDU set have not yet been transmitted.

[0114] S102, when the first data packet set contains a second data packet that has not been transmitted, the first device determines to transmit the second data packet in the second path.

[0115] In one possible implementation, the first device has already transmitted a first set of PDUs on the first path of a multi-access PDU session. However, due to changes in link load or other factors, it needs to switch from the first path to the second path (i.e., the first device determines to transmit the second data packet on the second path) before continuing to transmit the multi-access PDU session. It is understood that the first device's decision to transmit the second data packet on the second path may be due to steering, switching, or splitting. For example, the first set of PDUs should have been transmitted completely on the first path, but due to changes in link load or other factors, the second PDU data packets that were not transmitted in the first set need to be switched to the second path for transmission. Optionally, the second PDU data packet can refer to one or more data packets; for example, if there are untransmitted second PDU data packets in the first PDU set, it means that all data packets in that PDU set have not been completely transmitted, and the untransmitted one or more data packets are referred to by the second PDU data packet.

[0116] According to the descriptions in S101 and S102, the first PDU set is split into two different paths for transmission if it is not fully transmitted. In order to ensure that the first PDU set is fully transmitted on the same path, this embodiment provides two different schemes, which are described in S103a and S103b respectively.

[0117] S103a, the first device transmits the second data packet on the first path.

[0118] To ensure the complete transmission of the first PDU set on the same path, although the first device switches to another path for transmission, it can continue to transmit the second PDU data packets on the first path. In other words, the first device transmits the second PDU data packets on the first path. It can be understood that although the multi-access PDU session has switched to the second path for transmission (i.e., the second PDU data packets that were not transmitted in the first PDU set are transmitted on the second path), the first path can still continue to transmit PDU data packets. Therefore, the first device can transmit the second PDU data packets on the first path.

[0119] Optionally, if other data packet sets exist (assuming a second data packet set exists), then similar to the first data packet set, if the first device determines to transmit the remaining part of the second data packet set on the second path while transmitting a portion of the second data packet set on the first path, the processing method is the same as that for the first data packet set (for example, the first device continues to transmit the remaining part of the second data packet set on the first path, or the first device copies a copy of the second data packet set on the second path for transmission); if the transmission of the second data packet set is not split, switched, or redirected, then the first device normally transmits the complete second data packet set on the first path.

[0120] In one possible implementation, the first device transmits the second data packet on the first path. Specifically, the first device receives first indication information from the SMF, which instructs the transmission of the second PDU data packet on the first path. Based on the first indication information, the first device determines to continue transmitting the second PDU data packet on the first path. For example, when the first device is a UPF, the SMF can send an N4 Session Establishment / Modification request message to the UPF, which includes the first indication information, thereby instructing the UPF to copy the second PDU data packet on the first path for transmission. Optionally, when the first device is a UE, the first indication information can also be indication information issued by the SMF; for example, the SMF may include the first indication information in an N2 message sent to the access network, thereby instructing the UE to copy the second PDU data packet on the first path for transmission.

[0121] In one possible implementation, the first device transmits the second data packet on the first path. Specifically, the first device transmits the second PDU data packet on the first path based on pre-configuration information. For example, when the first device is a UPF / UE, the UPF / UE can pre-configure a transmission logic. For instance, the pre-configuration information indicates that if there are untransmitted data packets in the first PDU set but a path switch is required, the untransmitted second PDU data packet in the first PDU set can be copied and transmitted on the original path. Therefore, based on this pre-configuration information, the UPF / UE can transmit the second PDU data packet on the first path, thereby ensuring that the first PDU set can be transmitted completely on the first path.

[0122] In one possible implementation, the first device transmits the second data packet on the first path. Specifically, when the first device is a terminal, the terminal receives a second multiple access rule from the SMF (Software-Defined Function), which instructs the terminal to transmit the first PDU set on the first path. The terminal transmits the second PDU data packet on the first path based on the second multiple access rule. For example, the second multiple access rule could be an ATSSS rule, based on which the terminal can copy the untransmitted second PDU data packet from the first PDU set onto the original path for transmission.

[0123] In one possible implementation, the first device transmits the second data packet on the first path. Specifically, when the first device is a UPF, the UPF receives a first multiple access rule from the SMF. The first multiple access rule instructs the UPF to transmit the first PDU set on the first path. Based on the first multiple access rule, the UPF transmits the second PDU data packet on the first path. For example, the first multiple access rule can be a MAR (Multi-Access Rule), based on which the UPF can copy the untransmitted second PDU data packet from the first PDU set on the original path for transmission.

[0124] S103b, the first device transmits a first set of data packets on the second path.

[0125] To ensure the complete transmission of the first PDU set along the same path, the first device can retransmit the first PDU set along the second path. That is, the first device transmits the first PDU set along the second path. It is understood that although retransmitting the first PDU set along the second path may result in data duplication, the receiving end (e.g., UE or UPF) can deduplicate the data packets to obtain the data from the first PDU set.

[0126] In one possible implementation, the first device transmits a first set of data packets on the second path. Specifically, the first device transmits a first set of PDUs on the second path based on pre-configuration information. For example, the first device can pre-configure another transmission logic, such as the pre-configuration information indicating that if there are untransmitted data packets in the first PDU set but a path switch is required, all data packets in the first PDU set can be retransmitted on the new path. Therefore, based on this pre-configuration information, the first device can achieve the transmission of the first PDU set on the second path, thereby ensuring that the first PDU set can be transmitted completely on the second path.

[0127] In one possible implementation, the first device transmits a first set of data packets on a second path. Specifically, the first device receives a second multiple access rule from a session management network element. This second multiple access rule instructs the terminal to transmit the first set of PDUs on the second path. The first device transmits the first set of PDUs on the second path based on the second multiple access rule. For example, the second multiple access rule could be an ATSSS rule, based on which the first device can retransmit all data packets of the first set of PDUs on the new path.

[0128] In this embodiment, when a second PDU data packet in the first PDU set is not transmitted, triggering a path switch by the first device, the first device can perform a path switch and copy the second PDU data packet onto the original path (i.e., the first path) for transmission, thereby ensuring that the first PDU set can be transmitted completely on the first path, thus guaranteeing the QoS requirements of the first PDU set. Alternatively, the first device can perform a path switch and retransmit all data packets of the first PDU set on the new path (i.e., the second path), thereby ensuring that the first PDU set can be transmitted completely on the second path, thus guaranteeing the QoS requirements of the first PDU set.

[0129] The following will provide a detailed introduction through several specific examples. Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment is extended and applied to the PDU session establishment process, and the specific implementation method is described below. For ease of description, the following description takes a multi-access data connection session as a multi-access PDU session, a first data packet set as a first PDU set, and the first PDU set includes a first PDU data packet and a second PDU data packet as an example.

[0130] Example 1: Based on the request message sent by the AF, the PCF determines that a certain SDF has existing PDU set QoS requirements, and the PDU session to which the SDF belongs is an MA PDU session. Therefore, the PCF updates the MA PDU session control information, thereby enabling the UE / UPF to transmit a complete PDU set on one path through the updated redirection and traffic splitting rules. For example, Figure 4 The flowchart provided in Example 1 of this application illustrates a process that can be implemented through interactions between the UE, the first access network (AN#1), the second access network (AN#2), the AMF, SMF, PCF, UPF, NEF, and AF, including the following steps:

[0131] S201, AF sends a service request message; correspondingly, NEF receives the service request message.

[0132] In one possible implementation, the service request message sent by the AF is used to request the network to provide specific QoS for one or more UE AF sessions. For example, the service request message may be an Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create / Update request message sent by the AF to the NEF, which includes one or more of the following: UE address, AF identifier, flow description information (e.g., flow description information may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following information such as IP triplet, IP quintuple, or application identity (APP ID), used to characterize the corresponding service flow), and the QoS requirements of the first PDU set (e.g., the QoS parameters of the PDU set requested by the AF (such as the PSDB requested by the AF)), used to instruct the network to provide specific QoS for the AF session.

[0133] S202, NEF authenticates and sends the first message; correspondingly, PCF receives the first message.

[0134] In one possible implementation, after receiving a service request message from an AF, the NEF can authenticate the service request message. For example, if the AF is within the operator's network trust domain, the service request message will be successfully authenticated, and the NEF can forward the service request message to the PCF.

[0135] In one possible implementation, the first message includes flow description information of the service data stream and the quality of service requirements of the first PDU set. For example, the first message may be an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create / Update_Request message, which includes flow description information of the service data stream and the quality of service requirements of the first PDU set (such as the QoS parameters of the PDU set).

[0136] S203, when the service request message includes the service quality requirements of the first PDU set and the session type of the PDU session corresponding to the flow description information is a multi-access PDU session, the PCF determines the multi-access PDU session control information associated with the service data flow.

[0137] For example, after receiving the first message, the PCF can determine the session type of the corresponding PDU session as an MA PDU session based on the flow description information, and then determine the MA PDU session control information associated with the service data flow. Alternatively, if the PCF has already generated the PDU session control information for this session, the PCF can update the MA PDU session control information based on the flow description information.

[0138] In one possible implementation, the multi-access PDU session control information is used to instruct the first PDU set to be transmitted on a single path, and the multi-access PDU session includes this path. That is, the multi-access PDU session control information can guarantee that a PDU set is transmitted on a single access path. Specifically, the implementation methods for using the multi-access PDU session control information to instruct the first PDU set to be transmitted on a single path may include, but are not limited to, the following:

[0139] Implementation method 1: The multi-access PDU session control information includes second indication information, which is used to indicate that the load balancing redirection mode is disabled when the load balancing redirection mode is enabled.

[0140] The load balancing steering mode is used to indicate that service data streams should be transmitted on the first path and the second path in a certain proportion. A multi-access PDU session includes the first path and the second path. For example, assuming that the currently configured steering mode is load balancing mode, the second indication information is used to indicate that the load balancing mode is disabled, thereby preventing data packets in the first PDU set from being diverted to other paths for transmission and ensuring that the first PDU set is transmitted on only one path.

[0141] Implementation method 2: The multi-access PDU session control information includes a first redirection mode, which is used to instruct the first PDU set to be transmitted on the first path.

[0142] For example, the first steering mode can be a newly defined steering mode (e.g., a set-based mode) that differs from the existing steering modes. This first steering mode is used to limit the transmission of the SDF of the first PDU set to only one access path, thereby ensuring that the first PDU set is transmitted on only one path. Optionally, the first steering mode can be pre-configured. For example, core network elements (such as PCF / SMF / UPF, etc.) and UEs are pre-configured with relevant information of the first steering mode. When the multi-access PDU session control information includes the first steering mode, each network element and / or UE can limit the transmission of the first PDU set to only one path based on the first steering mode.

[0143] Implementation Method 3: The multi-access PDU session control information includes third indication information, which is used to indicate the first parameter of the service quality flow of the first PDU set to be stopped for measurement transmission. The first parameter includes RTT and / or PLR.

[0144] For example, since RTT / PLR is measured by PMF, PCF can instruct SMF to update the QoS flow measured by PMF through third indication information. For instance, it can instruct the session management network element to delete the QoS flow transmitting the first PDU set from the QoS flow list measured by PMF. Stopping the measurement of the related QoS flow can default to the RTT / PLR of the related QoS flow not exceeding the threshold, thus preventing traffic splitting and ensuring that the first PDU set is transmitted on a single path.

[0145] Implementation Method 4: The multi-access PDU session control information includes fourth indication information. The fourth indication information is used to indicate that when there is a second PDU data packet that has not been transmitted in the first PDU set and path switching is performed, the path is not switched, and path switching is performed again when the first parameter is greater than or equal to the threshold in the next measurement.

[0146] For example, since the measurement frequency of PMF is typically 1 second, such as sending a message every second for measurement, suppose the measurement result in the 1st second indicates that the path switching condition has been met, and the UPF / UE needs to perform a path switch. However, if the UPF / UE is currently transmitting the first PDU set, the UPF / UE will not perform a switch based on the fourth indication information. The measurement results in the 2nd and 3rd seconds do not meet the switching condition, so no switch is needed. But in the 4th second, the switching condition is met again (e.g., the measurement result (such as RTT or PLR) reaches a threshold), and the UE / UPF has not transmitted any PDU sets at this time. Therefore, the UPF / UE will then perform a switch in the 4th second. At this point, the first PDU set has been completely transmitted on the current path, thus ensuring that the first PDU set is transmitted on a single path.

[0147] Implementation Method 5: The multi-access PDU session control information includes a fifth indication information, which is used to indicate that the first PDU set is transmitted on the second path.

[0148] For example, assuming the currently configured steering mode is redundancy mode, if the first PDU set is being transmitted, a copy of the first PDU set is transmitted on another path (such as the second path), thus ensuring that the complete first PDU set is transmitted on one path. Optionally, the fifth indication information could be, for example, a set deplicate indication, to indicate that the copied PDU set is transmitted on another path. Optionally, this fifth indication information also applies if the currently configured steering mode is one of the other modes described above.

[0149] Optionally, the fifth indication information is used to instruct the first PDU set to be retransmitted on the second path. For example, the fifth indication information is used to instruct the terminal and / or user plane function network element to retransmit the first PDU set on the second path, thereby ensuring that the first PDU set is transmitted on one path.

[0150] Optionally, Implementation Method 1 can be implemented in combination with Implementation Methods 2 to 5. For example, the multi-access PDU session control information includes second indication information and a first redirection mode, thereby indicating that the load balancing mode is disabled and the first redirection mode is adopted, thereby ensuring that the first PDU set is transmitted on a single path.

[0151] S204a, PCF sends a first response message; correspondingly, NEF receives the first response message.

[0152] For example, the PCF can send an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create / Update Response message to the NEF, which indicates that a QoS flow that meets the QoS requirements of the first PDU set has been successfully established.

[0153] S204b, NEF sends a service response message; correspondingly, AF receives the service response message.

[0154] For example, NEF can send an Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Notify message to AF, which is used to notify AF that a QoS flow that meets its issued QoS requirements has been successfully established.

[0155] Optionally, S204a and S204b above can also be combined into one step; for example, if the AF is within the operator's network trust domain, the PCF can directly send an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create / Update Response message to the AF, thereby notifying the AF that the QoS flow that meets its issued QoS requirements has been successfully established.

[0156] S205, the PCF sends the multi-access PDU session control information associated with the service data stream; correspondingly, the SMF receives the multi-access PDU session control information associated with the service data stream.

[0157] In one possible implementation, the PCF can send the policy and charging control rule (PCC rule) to the SMF, carrying MA PDU session control information and PDU set QoS information. For example, the PCF can send the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create / Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update message to the SMF, which includes the PDU session ID and the PCC rule.

[0158] S206, SMF determines the first multi-access rule and / or the second multi-access rule based on the multi-access PDU session control information.

[0159] In one possible implementation, the first multi-access rule is used to instruct the UPF to transmit the first PDU set on a first path or a second path. For example, the first multi-access rule could be a MAR, which instructs the UPF on how to redirect and offload traffic.

[0160] In one possible implementation, the second multi-access rule is used to instruct the terminal to transmit the first PDU set on the first path or the second path. For example, the second multi-access rule could be an ATSSS rule, which instructs the UE on how to perform redirection and traffic offloading.

[0161] Optionally, if the SMF has generated a MAR or ATSSS rule associated with the session, the SMF can update the MAR or ATSSS rule based on the multi-access PDU session control information to instruct the UPF and UE on how to perform redirection and offloading.

[0162] S207a, the SMF sends the first multiple access rule; correspondingly, the UPF receives the first multiple access rule.

[0163] For example, the SMF sends an N4 Session Establishment / Modification Request message to the UPF, which includes the MAR.

[0164] S207b, SMF sends the second multiple access rule.

[0165] Specifically, the SMF sending the second multiple access rule can include the following process:

[0166] (1) The SMF sends the second multiple access rule to the AMF;

[0167] (2) The AMF sends a second multiple access rule to AN#1 and / or the AMF sends a second multiple access rule to AN#2;

[0168] (3) AN#1 or AN#2 sends the second multiple access rule to the UE.

[0169] For example, the SMF can send a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message to the AMF, which includes the PDU session ID and ATSSS rule. Then, the AMF can send an N2 message to AN#1 and AN#2 corresponding to the two access paths respectively. This N2 message includes the PDU session ID and ATSSS rule. Finally, one of the ANs (AN#1 and AN#2, depending on which AN the current transmission path belongs to) can send a PDU SessionModification Command message to the UE, which includes the ATSSS rule, thus enabling the transmission of a second multi-access rule to the UE.

[0170] Optionally, S207a and S207b are parallel schemes, and this application does not limit their execution order; for example, S207a can be executed first and then S207b, or S207b can be executed first and then S207a, or S207a and S207b can be executed simultaneously.

[0171] In Example 1, the PCF determines the MA PDU session control information by judging that a certain SDF has both PDU set QoS requirements and its PDU session is also a MAPDU session. This MA PDU session control information is used to determine the redirection and diversion rules (such as MAR and / or ATSSS rule) based on the PDU set, thereby instructing the UE and / or UPF to transmit a complete PDU set on one path.

[0172] Example 2: Based on pre-configured information / instructions from the network side, the UPF copies a portion of the data packets from the untransmitted PDU set and transmits it along the original path. In this case, the timing for the UPF to redirect the SDF to another path for transmission remains unchanged. For example, Figure 5 The flowchart of Example 2 provided in this application illustrates a process that can be implemented through interaction between the UE, the first access network (AN#1), the second access network (AN#2), the AMF, the SMF, the PCF, the UPF, and the DN, including the following steps:

[0173] S301, PCF sends the second message; correspondingly, SMF receives the second message.

[0174] In one possible implementation, the second message includes a PDU session identifier and a PCC rule for the PDU set. For example, similar to Example 1, the PCF can receive a service request message from the AF, which includes the service quality requirements of the first PDU set (e.g., the QoS parameters of the PDU set requested by the AF). The PCF generates a corresponding PCC rule for the PDU set based on the QoS parameters and sends the second message to the SMF, thereby sending the PCC rule to the SMF. For example, the PCF sends an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create / Update message to the SMF, which includes information such as the PDU session ID and the PCC rule for the PDU set.

[0175] S302, when the session type of the PDU session is a multi-access PDU session, the SMF determines the first indication information.

[0176] In one possible implementation, the first indication information is used to instruct the transmission of the second PDU data packet on the first path. For example, the first indication information is used to instruct the UPF and / or UE to copy the second PDU data packet on the first path for transmission. That is, after the first PDU set is switched to the second path for transmission, the UPF and / or UE can also copy the part of the first PDU set that was not transmitted on the first path and continue to transmit it on the first path, thereby ensuring that the first PDU set can be transmitted completely on one path.

[0177] S303, SMF sends the first instruction information to UPF.

[0178] For example, the SMF can send an N4 Session Establishment / Modification request message to the UPF, which includes first indication information, thereby instructing the UPF to copy the second PDU data packet on the first path for transmission.

[0179] S304, complete the PDU session establishment / modification process.

[0180] Specifically, the PDU session establishment / modification process is completed through interaction between the SMF, AMF, AN#1, and AN#2. For example, the SMF can send a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message to the AMF, which includes the PDU session ID and QoS profile (including the QoS parameters of the PDU set). Then, the AMF can send an N2 message to the AN#1 and AN#2 corresponding to the two access paths, respectively. This N2 message includes the PDU session ID and the QoS parameters of the PDU set. Finally, one of the AN#1 and AN#2 (depending on which AN the current transmission path belongs to) can send a PDU Session Modification Command message to the UE, which includes the QoS parameters of the PDU set. The UE can also send confirmation information to the AMF, SMF, and other network elements via AN#1 or AN#2, thereby completing the PDU session establishment / modification process.

[0181] S305, DN sends downlink data to UPF.

[0182] For example, when there is downlink data to be sent in the DN, downlink data can be sent to the UPF.

[0183] S306a, UPF determines to copy the second PDU data packet based on pre-configuration information.

[0184] For example, the UPF can be pre-configured with transmission logic. For instance, the pre-configuration information indicates that when there are untransmitted data packets in the first PDU set but a path switch is required, the untransmitted second PDU data packets in the first PDU set can be copied and transmitted on the original path. For example, the UPF originally sends an SDF (used to transmit the first PDU set) to the UE via AN#1. However, after sending a portion of the PDU data packets (such as the first PDU data packet), the UPF performs a path switch due to reasons such as the RTT / PLR of the path being greater than or equal to a threshold. After the switch, the remaining PDU data packets are sent to the UE via AN#2. At this time, based on the pre-configuration information, the UPF can determine to copy the untransmitted second PDU data packets from the first PDU set and then transmit them on the original path (i.e., the first path).

[0185] S307a, the UPF transmits the second PDU data packet on the first path.

[0186] For example, the DN has already sent a portion of the data packets from the first PDU set (such as the first PDU data packet) to the UPF, but the remaining PDU data packets (such as the second PDU data packet) have not yet been sent to the UPF when path switching occurs due to excessively high RTT / PLR on the first path. In this case, the UPF can perform path switching first. When the second PDU data packet arrives at the UPF, the UPF can switch the second PDU data packet to the second path for transmission; and duplicate the second PDU data packet to continue transmission on the first path, thereby ensuring that the first PDU set can be transmitted completely on the first path. Optionally, after receiving the PDU data packets from the UPF, the UE can perform deduplication to obtain a complete first PDU set without duplicate data.

[0187] S306b, UPF determines to copy the second PDU data packet based on the first instruction information.

[0188] For example, if the first instruction information is used to instruct the UPF to copy the second PDU data packet on the first path for transmission, then when the second PDU data packet arrives at the UPF, the UPF can switch the second PDU data packet to the second path for transmission and copy the second PDU data packet.

[0189] S307b, the UPF transmits the second PDU data packet on the first path.

[0190] The specific implementation of S307b can be found in the description of S307a, and will not be repeated here.

[0191] Optionally, S306a and S307a are parallel schemes to S306b and S307b, and one of these schemes can be selected to be executed in the implementation. For example, if S306a and S307a are executed, then S306b and S307b are not executed, or vice versa. It should be noted that if the UPF is based on pre-configured copying of the second data packet, then S301-S304 may not be executed.

[0192] In this second example, the UPF can copy a portion of the data packets in the PDU set that has not been transmitted on the first path and transmit it on the first path based on pre-configuration information or first indication information, thereby ensuring that a complete PDU set is transmitted on one path.

[0193] Example 3: The UE performs PDU set copying based on pre-configuration information / instructions issued by the network side. This involves copying any untransmitted data packets from the PDU set and transmitting them along the original path, or retransmitting the PDU set along the new path after the handover. For example, Figure 6 The flowchart of Example 3 provided in this application illustrates a process that can be implemented through interaction between the UE, the first access network (AN#1), the second access network (AN#2), the AMF, the SMF, the PCF, and the UPF, including the following steps:

[0194] S401, the PCF sends the multi-access PDU session control information associated with the service data stream; correspondingly, the SMF receives the multi-access PDU session control information associated with the service data stream.

[0195] The specific implementation of S401 can be found in the corresponding description in S205, and will not be repeated here.

[0196] S402, SMF generates MAR and ATSSS rules based on multi-access PDU session control information.

[0197] S403, SMF sends MAR to UPF.

[0198] For example, the SMF generates a MAR based on the PCC rule and sends the MAR to the UPF. The description of the MAR can be found in Example 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0199] S404, SMF sends ATSSS rule to UE.

[0200] For example, the SMF generates an ATSSS rule based on the PCC rule, and then sends the ATSSS rule to the UE through the AMF, AN#1, or AN#2. Specifically, the process of the SMF sending the ATSSS rule to the UE can include the following steps:

[0201] (1) SMF sends ATSSS rule to AMF;

[0202] (2) AMF sends an ATSSS rule to AN#1 or AN#2;

[0203] (3) AN#1 or AN#2 sends an ATSSS rule to the UE.

[0204] For example, the SMF can send a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message to the AMF, which includes the PDU session ID and QoS profile (including the ATSSS rule). Then, the AMF can send an N2 message to AN#1 or AN#2, which includes the PDU session ID and the ATSSS rule. Finally, AN#1 or AN#2 can send a PDU Session Establishment Accept message to the UE, which includes the ATSSS rule, thus completing the PDU session establishment and issuing the ATSSS rule to the UE. The description of the ATSSS rule can be found in Example 1 and will not be repeated here.

[0205] Optionally, the message received by the UE may also include first indication information, which is used to instruct the UE to transmit a second PDU data packet on the first path. This first indication information is determined and sent by the SMF when it receives the QoS parameters of the first PDU set and the session type of the PDU session is a multi-access PDU session.

[0206] S405, complete the PDU session establishment process.

[0207] For example, the specific implementation of S404 can refer to the corresponding description in S304, thereby completing the PDU session establishment and issuing ATSSS rule to the UE.

[0208] S406a, the UE transmits a second PDU data packet on the first path based on pre-configuration information or first indication information.

[0209] For example, when the steering mode is not active-standby, similar to the operation performed by the UPF in Example 2, the UE can pre-configure a transmission logic. For instance, the pre-configuration information might indicate that if there are untransmitted data packets in the first PDU set but a path switch is required, the UE can copy the untransmitted second PDU data packets from the first PDU set onto the original path for transmission. For example, the UE might initially send an SDF (used to transmit the first PDU set) to the UPF via AN#1. However, after sending a portion of the PDU data packets (such as the first PDU data packet), the UE performs a path switch due to reasons such as the RTT / PLR of the path being greater than or equal to a threshold. After the switch, the UE sends the remaining PDU data packets to the UPF via AN#2. Therefore, based on this pre-configuration information, the UE can determine to copy the untransmitted second PDU data packets from the first PDU set and then send them onto the original path, thus ensuring that the first PDU set can be transmitted completely on the first path. Optionally, after receiving PDU data packets from the UE, the UPF can perform a deduplication operation to obtain a complete first PDU set without duplicate data.

[0210] For example, when the steering mode is not active-standby, similar to the operation performed by the UPF in Example 2, the first indication information is used to instruct the UE to copy the second PDU data packet on the first path for transmission. The UE can then switch the second PDU data packet to the second path for transmission; and copy the second PDU data packet and transmit it on the original path, thus ensuring that the first PDU set can be transmitted completely on the first path. Optionally, after receiving the PDU data packet from the UE, the UPF can perform a deduplication operation to obtain a complete first PDU set without duplicate data.

[0211] S406b, the UE transmits the first PDU set on the second path based on pre-configuration information.

[0212] For example, when the steering mode is active-standby, the UE transmits the complete PDU set on the new path (i.e., the second path) based on pre-configured information. For instance, if the UE originally sent an SDF to the UPF via AN#1, but after sending only a portion of the PDU data packets from the first PDU set (such as the first PDU data packet), and the path status becomes unavailable due to a path break or the original path's RTT / PLR being greater than or equal to a threshold, the UE can retransmit the first PDU set on the new path, thus ensuring the complete transmission of the first PDU set on the second path. Optionally, the UPF can perform deduplication after receiving the PDU data packets from the UE to obtain a complete first PDU set without duplicate data.

[0213] Optionally, S406a and S406b are parallel schemes, and one of them can be selected to be executed in the implementation. For example, if S406a is executed, S406b is not executed, or if S406b is executed, S406a is not executed. It should be noted that if the UE copies the second data packet based on pre-configuration information, then S401-S405 may not be executed.

[0214] In Example 3, the UE can copy a portion of the data packets in the PDU set that was not transmitted on the first path and transmit it on the first path based on pre-configuration information or ATSSS rule, or retransmit the complete PDU set on the second path after the handover, thereby ensuring that a complete PDU set is transmitted on one path.

[0215] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions described in the above embodiments of the device, the base station and the terminal include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0216] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the communication device provided in this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the first network element, terminal, or first satellite in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0217] like Figure 7 As shown, the communication device 700 includes a processing unit 710 and a transceiver unit 720. The communication device 700 is used to implement the above-mentioned... Figures 3 to 6The method embodiment shown illustrates the functions of the terminal, the first network element, the second network element, or the third network element. Optionally, the transceiver unit 720 includes a transmitting unit and a receiving unit; the transceiver unit 720 may also be referred to as a communication unit.

[0218] When the communication device 700 is used to achieve Figures 3 to 6 In the illustrated method embodiment, the terminal functions as follows: the transceiver unit 720 is used to transmit a first data packet of a first data packet set on a first path of a multi-access data connection session; the multi-access data connection session includes a first path and a second path. The processing unit 710 is used to determine whether to switch from the first path to the second path for transmission when a second data packet in the first data packet set has not been transmitted. The transceiver unit 720 is used to transmit the second data packet on the first path; or, to transmit the first data packet set on the second path.

[0219] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 720 is configured to receive first indication information from a session management network element, the first indication information being used to indicate the transmission of a second data packet on a first path.

[0220] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 710 is used to transmit a second data packet on a first path via the transceiver unit 720 based on pre-configured information.

[0221] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 710 is used to transmit a first set of data packets on a second path through the transceiver unit 720 based on pre-configured information.

[0222] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 720 is configured to receive a second multiple access rule from a session management network element, the second multiple access rule instructing the terminal to transmit a first set of data packets on a first path. The processing unit 710 is configured to transmit a second data packet on the first path through the transceiver unit 720 based on the second multiple access rule.

[0223] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 720 is configured to receive a second multiple access rule from a session management network element, the second multiple access rule instructing the terminal to transmit a first set of data packets on a second path. The processing unit 710 is configured to transmit the first set of data packets on the second path through the transceiver unit 720 based on the second multiple access rule.

[0224] It can be seen that when the communication device 700 is used to achieve Figures 3 to 6In the illustrated method embodiment, when the terminal's function is such that a second data packet in the first data packet set has not been transmitted and the terminal performs a path switch, the communication device 700 can copy the second data packet on the original path (i.e., the first path) and transmit it, thereby ensuring that the first data packet set can be transmitted completely on the first path, thus guaranteeing the QoS requirements of the first data packet set. Alternatively, the communication device 700 can directly perform a path switch and request the data network to retransmit all data packets of the first data packet set, and retransmit the first data packet on the new path (i.e., the second path), thereby ensuring that the first data packet set can be transmitted completely on the second path, thus guaranteeing the QoS requirements of the first data packet set.

[0225] When the communication device 700 is used to achieve Figures 3 to 6 In the illustrated method embodiment, the first network element functions as follows: the transceiver unit 720 is used to transmit a first data packet of a first data packet set on a first path of a MAPDU session; the MAPDU session includes a first path and a second path. The processing unit 710 is used to determine whether to switch from the first path to the second path for transmission when there is a second data packet in the first data packet set that has not been transmitted. The transceiver unit 720 is also used to transmit the second data packet on the first path; or, to transmit the first data packet set on the second path.

[0226] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 720 is configured to receive first indication information from a session management network element, the first indication information being used to indicate the transmission of a second data packet on a first path.

[0227] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 710 is used to transmit a second data packet on a first path via the transceiver unit 720 based on pre-configured information.

[0228] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 720 is configured to receive a first multiple access rule from a session management network element, the first multiple access rule instructing the first network element to transmit a first set of data packets on a first path. The processing unit 710 is configured to transmit a second data packet on the first path through the transceiver unit 720 based on the first multiple access rule.

[0229] It can be seen that when the communication device 700 is used to achieve Figures 3 to 6 In the method embodiment shown, when the first network element functions as follows: when there is a second data packet in the first data packet set that has not been transmitted, and the first network element performs path switching, the communication device 700 can copy the second data packet on the original path (i.e., the first path) for transmission, thereby ensuring that the first data packet set can be transmitted completely on the first path, so as to guarantee the QoS requirements of the first data packet set.

[0230] When the communication device 700 is used to achieve Figures 3 to 6In the illustrated method embodiment, the function of the second network element is as follows: the transceiver unit 720 is used to receive a first message, which includes flow description information of the service data stream and the quality of service requirements of the first PDU set; the service data stream is used to transmit the first data packet set. When the session type of the PDU session corresponding to the flow description information is a multi-access data connection session, the transceiver unit 720 is used to send multi-access data connection session control information associated with the service data stream to the session management function network element. The multi-access data connection session control information is used to instruct the first data packet set to be transmitted on a single path, and the multi-access data connection session includes this single path.

[0231] In one possible implementation, multi-access data connection session control information is used to determine a first multi-access rule and / or a second multi-access rule. The first multi-access rule instructs a first network element to transmit a first set of data packets on a first path. The second multi-access rule instructs a terminal to transmit the first set of data packets on either a first path or a second path.

[0232] In one possible implementation, the multi-access data connection session control information includes second indication information, which is used to indicate whether to disable the load balancing redirection mode when it is enabled. The load balancing redirection mode is used to indicate that service data streams are transmitted on a first path and a second path in a certain proportion, and the multi-access data connection session includes a first path and a second path.

[0233] In one possible implementation, the multi-access data connection session control information includes a first redirection mode, which is used to instruct a first set of data packets to be transmitted on a first path.

[0234] In one possible implementation, the multi-access data connection session control information includes third indication information, which is used to indicate a first parameter of the quality of service flow for stopping the measurement transmission of the first set of data packets, the first parameter including RTT and / or PLR.

[0235] In one possible implementation, the multi-access data connection session control information includes fourth indication information, which is used to indicate that there is a second data packet that has not been transmitted in the first data packet set and that path switching is required. If the path switching condition is met, the path is not switched, and path switching is performed again when the path switching condition is met again, such as when the measurement result shows that the first parameter is greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0236] In one possible implementation, the multi-access data connection session control information includes fifth indication information, which is used to indicate that the first data packet set is transmitted on the second path.

[0237] It can be seen that when the communication device 700 is used to achieve Figures 3 to 6 In the method embodiment shown, when the second network element is functioning, the communication device 700 receives a first message (for example, the first message may be a request message from the application function network element), enabling the second network element to receive the QoS requirements of the first data packet set and determine whether the session is an MA PDU session. If it is an MA PDU session, the second network element executes the step of sending multi-access data connection session control information to the session management function network element, that is, updating and sending multi-access data connection session control information to the session management function network element. This is beneficial for instructing the terminal and / or the first network element to transmit the first data packet set on a single path to ensure the QoS requirements of the first data packet set.

[0238] When the communication device 700 is used to achieve Figures 3 to 6 In the illustrated method embodiment, the function of the third network element is as follows: the transceiver unit 720 is used to receive multi-access data connection session control information associated with the service data stream. The multi-access data connection session control information is used to instruct the first data packet set to be transmitted on a path; the multi-access data connection session includes this path. The processing unit 710 is used to, based on the multi-access data connection session control information, instruct the user plane function network element and / or the terminal to transmit the second data packet on the first path; or, instruct the terminal to transmit the first data packet set on the second path. Here, a path is either the first path or the second path; the second data packet is the PDU data packet that was not transmitted on the first path when the first data packet set is switched from the first path to the second path for transmission. The first path is the path through which the first data packet set's first data packet is transmitted.

[0239] In one possible implementation, the third network element determines first indication information based on multi-access data connection session control information. The first indication information is used to indicate the transmission of a second data packet on the first path. The third network element sends the first indication information to the user plane function network element and / or the terminal.

[0240] In one possible implementation, the third network element generates a fifth indication information based on the multi-access data connection session control information. The fifth indication information is used to indicate that the first data packet set is transmitted on the second path.

[0241] In one possible implementation, the third network element receives multi-access data connection session control information, which includes QoS parameters for a first data packet set. When the third network element receives the QoS parameters for the first data packet set and the session type of the PDU session is multi-access data connection session, it determines first indication information, which is used to indicate the transmission of the first data packet set on the second path.

[0242] In one possible implementation, the third network element determines a first multi-access rule based on multi-access data connection session control information. This first multi-access rule instructs the user plane function network element to transmit a first set of data packets on the first path. The third network element sends the first multi-access rule to the user plane function network element. First indication information is used to instruct the transmission of a second data packet on the first path. The third network element then sends this first indication information to the user plane function network element and / or the terminal.

[0243] In one possible implementation, the third network element determines a second multi-access rule based on multi-access data connection session control information. The second multi-access rule is used to instruct the terminal to transmit the first data packet set on the first path. The third network element sends the second multi-access rule to the terminal.

[0244] In one possible implementation, the third network element determines a second multi-access rule based on multi-access data connection session control information. The second multi-access rule is used to instruct the terminal to transmit the first data packet set on the second path. The third network element sends the second multi-access rule to the terminal.

[0245] It can be seen that when the communication device 700 is used to achieve Figures 3 to 6 When the third network element functions as shown in the method embodiment, after the communication device 700 receives the multi-access data connection session control information, it can generate indication information or multi-access rules based on the multi-access data connection session control information, thereby instructing the user plane function network element and / or the terminal to transmit the second data packet on the first path, or instructing the terminal to transmit the first data packet set on the second path. This is beneficial for the user plane function network element and / or the terminal to transmit the first data packet set on one path, so as to ensure the QoS requirements of the first data packet set.

[0246] Optionally, a more detailed description of the processing unit 710 and the transceiver unit 720 described above can be found in [reference needed]. Figures 3 to 6 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown.

[0247] like Figure 8 As shown, the communication device 800 includes at least one processor 810 and an interface circuit 820. The at least one processor 810 and the interface circuit 820 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 820 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 800 may also include a memory 830 for storing instructions executed by the at least one processor 810, or storing input data required for the execution of instructions by the at least one processor 810, or storing data generated after the at least one processor 810 executes instructions. Sometimes, the interface circuit 820 can also be understood as part of the at least one processor 810, in which case the communication device 800 includes at least one processor 810. Optionally, the transceiver includes a transmitter and a receiver.

[0248] When the communication device 800 is used to implement Figures 3 to 6 In the method embodiment shown, at least one processor 810 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 710, and the interface circuit 820 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 720.

[0249] A transceiver provides a communication interface or means for communicating with various other devices via a wireless transmission medium. The transceiver may be coupled to an antenna array, and the transceiver and antenna array may be used together for communication with a corresponding network type. At least one interface (e.g., a network interface and / or a user interface) provides a communication interface or means for communication via an internal bus or via an external transmission medium.

[0250] The processor is responsible for managing the bus and general processing, including executing software stored on a computer-readable medium. When executed by the processor, the software causes the processing system to perform the various functions described below for any particular device. Functions that can be implemented by the processor, memory, and computer-readable medium may include: encoding, decoding, rate matching, rate dematching, scrambling, descrambling, modulation, demodulation, layer mapping, fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT), precoding, resource element (RE) mapping, channel equalization, RE demapping, digital beamforming (BF), adding CP, removing CP, and so on.

[0251] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be RAN nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. Information transmission and reception can be between RAN nodes and terminals, such as between a base station and a terminal; between two RAN nodes, such as between a CU and a DU; or between different modules within a single device, such as between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or between a base station chip and other modules of the base station.

[0252] 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 buses, wiring, or interfaces.

[0253] It is understandable that information may undergo necessary processing, such as encoding and modulation, between the source and destination, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar statements in this application can be interpreted in a similar way and will not be elaborated further.

[0254] This application also provides a communication system, which includes one or more of a first device or a second device. A first network element is used to perform all or part of the steps performed by the first network element in the preceding embodiments. A second network element is used to perform all or part of the steps performed by the second network element in the preceding embodiments. A terminal is used to perform all or part of the steps performed by the terminal in the preceding embodiments. An access network device is used to perform all or part of the steps performed by the access network device in the preceding embodiments.

[0255] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a program or instructions. When the program or instructions are executed on a computer, the computer performs the following actions: Figures 3 to 6 The information processing method in the illustrated embodiment.

[0256] This application provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes instructions. When the instructions are executed on a computer, they cause the computer to perform actions such as... Figures 3 to 6 The information processing method in the illustrated embodiment.

[0257] This application provides a chip or chip system including at least one processor and at least one interface, the at least one interface and at least one processor being interconnected via a circuit, the at least one processor being used to run computer programs or instructions to perform, for example... Figures 3 to 6 The information processing method in the illustrated embodiment.

[0258] The interfaces in the chip can be input / output interfaces, pins, or circuits, etc.

[0259] The aforementioned chip system can be a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) or a baseband chip, etc. The baseband chip can include a processor, channel encoder, digital signal processor, modem, and interface module, etc.

[0260] In one possible implementation, the chip or chip system described above in this application further includes at least one memory, in which instructions are stored. The at least one memory can be an internal storage unit of the chip, such as a register, cache, etc., or it can be a storage unit of the chip itself (e.g., read-only memory, random access memory, etc.).

[0261] In one possible implementation, the chip architecture provided in this application includes a CU, a DU, and a RU. The CU performs layer 2 (L2) and layer 3 (L3) functions. Midhaul and backhaul interfaces are used to carry traffic between the CU and DU, as well as between the CU and the core network. The DU performs layer 1 (L1) and some L2 functions, while the RU performs L1 computation and RF digital functions. Fronthaul and backhaul interfaces are used to carry traffic between the RU and DU, as well as between the CU and DU. An integrated DU includes the aforementioned DU and RU functions.

[0262] The CU / DU hardware includes a chassis platform, motherboard, peripherals, and cooling system. The motherboard contains processing units, memory, internal I / O interfaces, and external connection ports. Its hardware accelerator is designed with interfaces, and hardware functional components include: storage for software, hardware, and system debugging interfaces, and a single-board management controller.

[0263] DU systems are typically implemented using multi-core processors and one or more hardware accelerators. Parts of the DU protocol stack can be implemented in software running on the multi-core processor, while computationally intensive L1 and L2 functions can be offloaded to a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) / graphics processing unit (GPU)-based hardware accelerator; alternatively, all L1 functions can be offloaded to an FPGA / GPU-based hardware accelerator, while other protocol stack components are implemented in software running on the processor; or the entire protocol stack can be implemented in software running on the processor. The hardware accelerator supports interconnection with x86 or non-x86 processors. Similarly, the accelerator has a multi-channel PCIe interface pointing to the central processing unit (CPU) and external connections via GbE.

[0264] The RU comprises three parts: the O-RAN processing unit (OPU), which receives eCPRI frames from the O-RAN fronthaul and performs fronthaul interface operations, the lowest level L1 (encoding, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding), synchronization, beamforming, and resource unit mapping. The OPU can be implemented as a CPU, FPGA, or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The O-RU's digital processing unit (DPU) performs synchronization, digital downconversions (DDC) in the UL, and digital upconversions (DUC) in the DL, improving power amplifier efficiency by reducing the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) / adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) of the RF frontend; the DPU can be implemented as an FPGA or ASIC. The O-RU's RF processing unit includes a transceiver module, up / down converters, power amplifiers (PA), low-noise amplifiers (LNA), and transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) filters. All conversions between the analog and digital domains (such as digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs)). Note that physical and logical partitions within the RF processing unit do not require specific boundaries.

[0265] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a base station or terminal.

[0266] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. 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 integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0267] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0268] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects. "Including at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C.

[0269] In this application, terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish technical features that have the same or similar functions. The terms "first" and "second" do not limit the number or execution order, nor do they necessarily imply that they are different.

[0270] In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. The use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0271] It is understood that in this application, “when…”, “…when…”, and “if” all refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require a judgment action when implemented, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0272] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0273] In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct and indirect instructions, as well as explicit and implicit instructions. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (hereinafter referred to as instruction information) is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementation, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed; or it can indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction can be implemented by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol predefined) arrangement of various information, thereby reducing the instruction overhead to a certain extent. This application does not limit the specific method of instruction. It is understood that for the sender of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to indicate the information to be instructed; for the receiver of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to determine the information to be instructed.

[0274] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. An information processing method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: transmitting a first data packet of a first data packet set on a first path of a multi-access data connection session; the multi-access data connection session comprises the first path and a second path; when the first data packet set has a second data packet that is not transmitted, determining to transmit the second data packet on the second path; transmitting the second data packet on the first path; or, transmitting the first data packet set on the second path.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, Before the transmitting the second data packet on the first path, the method further comprises: receiving first indication information from a session management network element, the first indication information being used to indicate to transmit the second data packet on the first path.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The transmitting the second data packet on the first path comprises: transmitting the second data packet on the first path based on preconfigured information.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The transmitting the first data packet set on the second path comprises: transmitting the first data packet set on the second path based on preconfigured information.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving first multi-access rules from a session management network element, the first multi-access rules being used to instruct a user plane function network element to transmit the first data packet set on the first path; The transmitting the second data packet on the first path comprises: transmitting the second data packet on the first path based on the first multi-access rules.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving second multi-access rules from a session management network element, the second multi-access rules being used to instruct a terminal to transmit the first data packet set on the first path; The transmitting the second data packet on the first path comprises: transmitting the second data packet on the first path based on the second multi-access rules.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving second multi-access rules from a session management network element, the second multi-access rules being used to instruct a terminal to transmit the first data packet set on the second path; The transmitting the first data packet set on the second path comprises: transmitting the first data packet set on the second path based on the second multi-access rules.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first path and the second path access a network in different manners.

9. An information processing method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: receiving a first message, the first message comprising flow description information of a service data flow and quality of service requirements of a first data packet set; the service data flow is used to transmit the first data packet set; when a session type corresponding to the flow description information is a multi-access data connection session, sending multi-access data connection session control information associated with the service data flow to a session management function network element, the multi-access data connection session control information being used to instruct to transmit the first data packet set on a path, the multi-access data connection session comprising the path.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The multi-access data connection session control information is used to determine first multi-access rules and / or second multi-access rules; The first multi-access rule is used to instruct a user plane function network element to transmit the first data packet set on a first path; and the second multi-access rule is used to instruct a terminal to transmit the first data packet set on the first path or a second path, wherein the one path is the first path or the second path.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein, The multi-access data connection session control information comprises second indication information, which is used to instruct to disable the load balancing redirection mode in the case of enabling the load balancing redirection mode. The load balancing redirection mode is used to instruct to transmit the service data flow on the first path and the second path according to a certain proportion, and the multi-access data connection session comprises the first path and the second path.

12. The method according to claim 9 or 11, characterized in that, The multi-access data connection session control information comprises a first redirection mode, which is used to instruct to transmit the first data packet set on a first path.

13. The method of claim 9 or 11, wherein, The multi-access data connection session control information comprises third indication information, which is used to instruct to stop measuring a first parameter of a quality of service flow for transmitting the first data packet set, wherein the first parameter comprises a round trip time and / or a packet loss rate.

14. The method of claim 9 or 11, wherein, The multi-access data connection session control information comprises fourth indication information, which is used to instruct not to switch paths and to switch paths again when a path switching condition is met next time in the case that the first data packet set exists second data packets that are not transmitted and path switching is performed.

15. The method of claim 9 or 11, wherein, The multi-access data connection session control information comprises fifth indication information, which is used to instruct to transmit the first data packet set on a second path.

16. An information processing method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: receiving multi-access data connection session control information associated with a service data flow, wherein the multi-access data connection session control information is used to instruct to transmit a first data packet set on one path, and the multi-access data connection session comprises the one path; based on the multi-access data connection session control information, instructing a user plane function network element and / or a terminal to transmit second data packets on a first path, or instructing the terminal to transmit the first data packet set on a second path; wherein the one path is the first path or the second path, and the second data packets are PDU data packets of the first data packet set that are not transmitted on the first path when the first data packet set is switched from the first path to the second path for transmission.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The method comprises: based on the multi-access data connection session control information, determining first indication information, which is used to instruct to transmit the second data packets on the first path; sending the first indication information to the user plane function network element and / or the terminal.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein, The method comprises: based on the multi-access data connection session control information, determining first indication information, which is used to instruct to transmit the second data packets on the first path; sending the first indication information to the user plane function network element and / or the terminal. determine, based on the multi-access data connection session control information, a first multi-access rule for instructing a user plane function network element to transmit the first set of data packets on the first path; send the first multi-access rule to the user plane function network element.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein, The determining, based on the multi-access data connection session control information, to instruct a user plane function network element and / or a terminal to transmit a second set of data packets on a first path comprises: determine, based on the multi-access data connection session control information, a second multi-access rule for instructing a terminal to transmit the first set of data packets on the first path; send the second multi-access rule to the terminal.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein, The determining, based on the multi-access data connection session control information, to instruct the terminal to transmit the first set of data packets on a second path comprises: determine, based on the multi-access data connection session control information, a second multi-access rule for instructing a terminal to transmit the first set of data packets on the second path; send the second multi-access rule to the terminal.

21. An information processing apparatus, comprising: comprising means or units for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 8, or comprising means or units for performing the method of any one of claims 9 to 15, or comprising means or units for performing the method of any one of claims 16 to 20.

22. An information processing apparatus comprising: comprising a memory for storing a computer program and one or more processors for executing the computer program in the memory, so that the information processing device performs the method of any one of claims 1 to 8 or claims 9 to 15 or claims 16 to 20.

23. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by an information processing device, implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 8 or claims 9 to 15 or claims 16 to 20.

24. A computer program product, characterised in that, comprising instructions which, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 8 or claims 9 to 15 or claims 16 to 20.

25. A communication system, characterized by The communication system comprises one or more of: a device for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 8, a device for performing the method of any one of claims 9 to 15, or a device for performing the method of any one of claims 16 to 20.

26. A chip or chip system, characterized by comprising a processor for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 8 or claims 9 to 15 or claims 16 to 20.

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