Communication method and related equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a communication method and related equipment. In the method, when the D2D service is congested, one piece of MUE can be introduced to manage UE in a signal coverage area of the MUE to transmit D2D service data so as to control the congestion. By implementing the technical scheme provided by the invention, the problem that the D2D service quality is reduced due to congestion of the D2D service can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication methods and related equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Cellular networks (such as 5G cellular networks) offer a wide range of new wireless transmission services, featuring enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive MIMO, and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (uRLLC) capabilities. This provides crucial support for the informatization and intelligentization of vertical industries. A typical local switching service scenario in vertical industries includes applications such as connected vehicles, smart factories, intelligent transportation, robot ensembles, and aircraft ensembles. In some local switching scenarios, the communicating parties (referred to as user equipment with local switching needs, or simply local switching user equipment) are typically located adjacent to each other, and the communication data is closely related to the local environment. The local environment changes rapidly, thus requiring low latency for data transmission. In some local switching scenarios, in addition to low latency, high reliability is also required. For example, in local switching scenarios such as connected vehicles or intelligent transportation, communication between vehicles involves real-time traffic information transmission, thus requiring low latency to ensure the timeliness and accuracy of information. While traditional cellular communication technologies can guarantee latency and reliability, their spectrum utilization efficiency is relatively low. On the other hand, data from locally switched user equipment is aggregated at the base station and then travels back and forth to the core network, leading to unnecessary transmission delays and resource waste. Even with local switching deployed at the base station, it significantly increases the base station load and reduces the quality of service provided by the base station to non-locally switched user equipment.

[0003] To effectively reduce the load on the core network and base stations, and improve service quality and radio resource utilization efficiency, device-to-device (D2D) technology has emerged. D2D technology allows locally switched user equipment (user equipment) to directly connect (D2D direct connection) from one user equipment to another, effectively reducing the load on the core network and base stations. Service data that is not transmitted through the core network and base stations can also be referred to as D2D service data.

[0004] However, existing D2D technologies lack effective transmission management mechanisms, making it difficult to cope with the transmission demands of dense user equipment environments, and easily leading to D2D service congestion. For example, in scenarios with dense user equipment, the increased communication volume between user equipment can easily cause competition and conflicts for communication resources, resulting in D2D service congestion and consequently a decline in D2D service quality. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and related equipment to solve the problem of D2D service quality degradation caused by D2D service congestion.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method, comprising: a primary user equipment (MPE) sending a broadcast message, the broadcast message including an identifier of a temporary microcell (ISC) and D2D service characteristics of the device-to-device (D2D) service supported by the ISC; wherein the ISC is constructed by the MPE in the event of D2D service congestion in a first area; the MPE receiving a response message to the broadcast message, the response message indicating that: a first slave user equipment (SUE) and a second slave user equipment (SUE) access the ISC through the identifier of the ISC; accessing the ISC for management by the MPE, the first SUE and the second SUE exchanging D2D service data; both the first SUE and the second SUE are located in the first area, and the D2D service characteristics of the first SUE and the second SUE match the D2D service characteristics in the broadcast message.

[0007] Here, D2D service data refers to data carrying D2D services. An example of the first user equipment (UE) can be SUE1 in the embodiment, and an example of the second UE can be SUE2 in the embodiment. The first region can be different regions in different scenarios. For example, in congestion control scenario 1 in the embodiment, when the base station participates in congestion control, an example of the first region can be the sector of the base station accessed by the primary UE (region a in the embodiment). In congestion control scenario 2 in the embodiment, the base station does not participate in congestion control, which is completed autonomously by the primary UE, and an example of the first region can be the signal coverage area of ​​the primary UE (region c in the embodiment).

[0008] In the above embodiments, when D2D service congestion occurs, the ISC constructed by the MUE centrally manages the transmission of D2D service data by the UEs (SUEs) within its (MUE) signal coverage area, thereby controlling congestion. Furthermore, the D2D service characteristics of the SUE must match the D2D service characteristics supported by the ISC before it can access the ISC, ensuring that the ISC accurately provides services to service-compatible UEs. It should be noted that the SUE (including the first slave user equipment and the second slave user equipment) is located in the first area, which includes: the SUE being within the signal coverage area of ​​the MUE, and being able to receive broadcast messages. The signal coverage area of ​​the MUE can also be understood as the signal coverage area of ​​the ISC. D2D service characteristics include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: D2D service requirements, D2D service type (image transmission, video transmission), etc.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments, the broadcast message further includes: a protocol configuration for transmitting D2D service data, the protocol configuration indicating: at least one protocol layer used for transmitting the D2D service data and the configuration corresponding to each protocol layer; the method further includes: the master user equipment receiving D2D service data and the identifier of the second slave user equipment; the D2D service data being sent from the first slave user equipment to the master user equipment according to the protocol configuration; and the master user equipment sending the D2D service data to the second slave user equipment according to the protocol configuration.

[0010] The broadcast message includes a new protocol configuration, as described in the manual, customized for the ISC. This new protocol configuration can replace the original protocol configuration used to transmit D2D service data before D2D service congestion. This new protocol configuration includes the protocol layers that SUE and MUE need to use when transmitting D2D service data through the ISC, as well as the corresponding configurations for each protocol layer.

[0011] In the above embodiments, when the MUE controls the SUE to transmit D2D service data through the new protocol configuration (hereinafter referred to as protocol configuration), the transmission resources used are more adapted to the D2D service transmission of each SUE compared to the original transmission resources, which can effectively control congestion. The original transmission resources are those used when transmitting D2D service data through the original protocol configuration. After the SUE accesses the SIC, the SUE's D2D service data is transmitted from the application layer to the port corresponding to the protocol layer, encapsulated and transmitted according to the protocol configuration, and reaches the MUE. The MUE then exchanges the received D2D service data according to the protocol configuration and transmits it to the peer SUE. The port corresponding to the protocol layer of the peer SUE decapsulates the received (encapsulated) D2D service data according to the protocol configuration, and then transmits the decapsulated D2D service data to the application layer of the peer SUE. This completes one exchange of D2D service data.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments, before the primary user equipment sends a broadcast message, the method further includes: the primary user equipment virtualizing at least one functional module using its hardware resources through ISC construction information to construct the ISC; the ISC construction information includes the protocol configuration, access configuration, and local switching configuration; wherein the at least one functional module includes: a first functional module and a second functional module; the first functional module is used for the ISC to implement access functions according to the protocol configuration and the access configuration; the second functional module is used for the ISC to implement local switching functions according to the protocol configuration and the local switching configuration.

[0013] In the above embodiments, the first functional module can be the access functional module involved in the embodiments, and the second functional module can be the switching functional module involved in the embodiments. The access functional module can be used to implement UE authentication, enabling the authenticated UE to access the ISC as the SUE of the MUE. The access functional module can also be used to allocate resources to the SUE and control congestion. For example, resources can be allocated to the SUE according to the D2D service priority of the SUE, or resources can be allocated to different SUEs according to time slots. The local switching function can be responsible for routing the D2D data of one SUE to another SUE.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments, the ISC construction information is determined based on the D2D service requirements of the user equipment in the second region; wherein the second region includes the signal coverage area of ​​the primary user equipment, and the D2D service requirements include at least one of the following: transmission latency, transmission service quality, and transmission rate.

[0015] The ISC construction information is dynamically determined based on the D2D service requirements of user equipment in the second area, rather than a fixed template. This maximizes resource utilization, avoiding over-reserving resources for low-demand D2D services while preventing insufficient resource allocation for high-demand D2D services. D2D service requirements are the transmission demands that must be met to ensure transmission quality when transmitting D2D service data; they are an attribute. For example, if a transmission delay of T1 is required, and transmission failure is determined when T1 arrives, retransmission is possible.

[0016] In the above embodiments, the ISC construction information is determined based on the D2D service requirements of user equipment in the second region, including but not limited to: selecting the most demanding D2D service requirement from the second region to generate the ISC construction information. Thus, the SIC constructed based on the ISC construction information can meet the D2D service transmission requirements of each UE in the second region.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments, D2D service congestion exists in the first area, including: first D2D service congestion exists in the first area, and / or, second D2D service congestion exists; the spectrum used by the first D2D service data for transmission in the first area overlaps with the cellular spectrum but is not orthogonal; the spectrum used by the second D2D service data for transmission in the first area does not overlap with the cellular spectrum or overlaps but is orthogonal; the primary user equipment includes: a first primary user equipment, and / or, a second primary user equipment; the first primary user equipment constructs an ISC using first ISC construction information, which is used to exchange first D2D service data after the first and second secondary user equipments access the system; the second primary user equipment constructs an ISC using second ISC construction information, which is used to exchange second D2D service data after the first and second secondary user equipments access the system.

[0018] In the above embodiments, the types of D2D service congestion can be distinguished. Different types of D2D service congestion can be addressed by constructing different ISCs through MUE, thus resolving different types of D2D service congestion in a targeted manner. In this case, the D2D service characteristics include at least one of the following, in addition to: D2D service requirements, D2D service type (image transmission, video transmission), etc. Additionally, they may include: the spectrum mode of the D2D service (overlay mode, out-band mode, underlay mode).

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first region is the signal coverage area of ​​the primary user equipment. Before the primary user equipment constructs the ISC, the method further includes: when the primary user equipment is a candidate user equipment, if it is determined that it meets the conditions for constructing the ISC, it is selected as the primary user equipment; the primary user equipment generates the ISC construction information for constructing the ISC.

[0020] In the above embodiments, the candidate UE can be a soft-defined UE as described in the embodiments. The candidate UE independently determines whether it meets the ISC construction conditions without the intervention of the base station, making it suitable for remote areas without network coverage.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments, the primary user equipment includes: a first primary user equipment, and / or, in the case of a second primary user equipment, when the primary user equipment is a candidate user equipment, determining that it meets the conditions for constructing the ISC specifically includes: in the case of a first D2D service congestion in the first area, the candidate user equipment determines that its first utility value is higher than a first threshold, the first utility value of the candidate user equipment is determined based on the signal strength and D2D interference intensity of the candidate user equipment, and / or, in the case of a second D2D service congestion in the first area, the candidate user equipment determines that its second utility value is higher than a second threshold; the second utility value of the candidate user equipment is determined based on the spectrum ratio, the signal strength and average D2D power of the candidate user equipment; the spectrum ratio indicates the ratio of the spectrum used by the user equipment in the signal coverage area of ​​the candidate user equipment to transmit the second D2D service data to the cellular spectrum.

[0022] The first D2D service congestion can be the D2D service congestion in the underlay mode described in the embodiment, while the second D2D service congestion can be the D2D service congestion in the non-underlay mode described in the embodiment. The D2D service congestion in the non-underlay mode is mainly due to insufficient resource allocation. The D2D service congestion in the underlay mode is mainly due to a poor interference mechanism.

[0023] In the above embodiments, different parameters are used when selecting candidate user equipment to become the first primary user equipment and the second primary user equipment. This results in different processing capabilities for the first and second primary user equipments, enabling them to resolve different types of congestion. The first primary user equipment focuses on interference resistance and is suitable for controlling D2D service congestion caused by insufficient interference mechanisms in underlay mode. The second primary user equipment, when selected, focuses on spectrum allocation and is suitable for controlling D2D service congestion caused by insufficient spectrum allocation in non-underlay mode.

[0024] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first region includes a first sector of a base station connected to the primary user equipment, the first sector being the sector accessed by the primary user equipment; before the primary user equipment constructs the ISC, the method further includes: the base station determining a candidate user equipment that meets the conditions for constructing the ISC, and designating it as the primary user equipment; the candidate user equipment being a user equipment in the first region that supports the construction of the ISC; the base station generating the ISC construction information and sending the ISC construction information to the primary user equipment.

[0025] In the above embodiments, the base station determines the MUE from the candidate UEs based on the global data, which can avoid the selection of MUEs that are locally optimal but globally suboptimal.

[0026] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments, the primary user equipment includes: a first primary user equipment, and / or, in the case of a second primary user equipment, the base station determines candidate user equipment that meets the conditions for constructing the ISC as the primary user equipment. Specifically, this includes: in the case of first D2D service congestion in the first area, the base station selects the first primary user equipment from at least one candidate user equipment with the highest first utility value, the first utility value of which is determined based on the signal strength and D2D interference intensity of the candidate user equipment; and / or, in the case of second D2D service congestion in the first area, the base station selects the second primary user equipment from at least one candidate user equipment with the highest second utility value; the second utility value of the candidate user equipment is determined based on spectrum share, the signal strength and average D2D power of the candidate user equipment; the spectrum share indicates the ratio of the spectrum used by user equipment in the signal coverage area of ​​the candidate user equipment or user equipment in the first area to transmit the second D2D service data to the spectrum of the cellular network.

[0027] The first D2D service congestion can be the D2D service congestion in the underlay mode described in the embodiment, while the second D2D service congestion can be the D2D service congestion in the non-underlay mode described in the embodiment. The D2D service congestion in the non-underlay mode is mainly due to insufficient resource allocation. The D2D service congestion in the underlay mode is mainly due to a poor interference mechanism.

[0028] In the above embodiments, two primary user equipments with different processing capabilities can be selected using different parameters. The first primary user equipment focuses on anti-interference and is suitable for controlling D2D service congestion caused by insufficient interference mechanisms in underlay mode. The second primary user equipment focuses on spectrum allocation when selecting and is suitable for controlling D2D service congestion caused by insufficient spectrum allocation in non-underlay mode.

[0029] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first utility value of the candidate user equipment is positively correlated with the signal strength of the candidate user equipment and positively correlated with the D2D interference strength of the candidate user equipment; the second utility value of the candidate user equipment is positively correlated with the signal strength of the candidate user equipment and positively correlated with the spectrum share and the average D2D power of the candidate user equipment.

[0030] In the above embodiments, D2D service congestion in non-underlay mode is mainly due to insufficient resource allocation. D2D service congestion in underlay mode is mainly due to poor interference mechanisms. A higher signal strength and lower interference level of a soft-defined UE makes it more likely to be selected as the first primary user equipment (PUE). Thus, the higher the signal strength and lower the interference level of the determined PUE, the more suitable it is for scheduling D2D services in underlay mode. This can effectively control D2D service congestion caused by insufficient interference mechanisms in underlay mode. The smaller the spectrum allocated to D2D services in non-underlay mode, the more prone it is to congestion. When using a second PUE to schedule D2D services in non-underlay mode, D2D service congestion can be controlled to the greatest extent. Simultaneously, higher signal strength and lower power consumption of the second PUE can improve the control effect when controlling D2D service congestion.

[0031] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, the method comprising: a first slave user equipment receiving a broadcast message from a master user equipment; the broadcast message including an identifier of a temporary microcell (ISC) and D2D service characteristics of the device-to-device (D2D) service supported by the ISC; wherein the ISC is constructed by the master user equipment in the event of D2D service congestion in a first area; if the D2D service characteristics in the broadcast message match the D2D service characteristics of the first slave user equipment, the first slave user equipment accesses the ISC through the identifier of the ISC; accessing the ISC allows the first slave user equipment, under the management of the master user equipment, to exchange D2D service data with a second slave user equipment that has also accessed the ISC; both the first slave user equipment and the second slave user equipment are located in the first area.

[0032] In the above embodiments, when D2D service congestion occurs, the SUE (including the first slave user equipment and the second slave user equipment) can access the ISC constructed by the MUE. It receives centralized management from the MUE to control congestion. Furthermore, the SUE's D2D service characteristics must match the D2D service characteristics supported by the ISC before it can access the ISC, ensuring that the ISC accurately provides services to service-compatible UEs. It should be noted that the SUE is located in the first area, which includes: the SUE is within the signal coverage range of the MUE, so it can receive broadcast messages. The signal coverage range of the MUE can also be understood as the signal coverage range of the ISC.

[0033] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the broadcast message further includes: a protocol configuration for transmitting D2D service data, the protocol configuration indicating: at least one protocol layer used for transmitting D2D service data and the configuration corresponding to each protocol layer; after the first slave user equipment receives the broadcast message from the master user equipment, the method further includes: the first slave user equipment sending the D2D service data and an identifier of the second slave user equipment to the master user equipment according to the protocol configuration, the identifier of the second slave user equipment instructing the master user equipment to send the D2D service data to the second slave user equipment.

[0034] In the above embodiments, after the first slave user equipment (SUE) accesses the SIC, its D2D service data is transmitted from the application layer to the port corresponding to the protocol layer, encapsulated and transmitted according to the protocol configuration, and reaches the MUE. The MUE then exchanges the received D2D service data according to the protocol configuration and transmits it to the peer device (second slave user equipment) of the first slave user equipment. The port corresponding to the protocol layer of the second slave user equipment decapsulates the received (encapsulated) D2D service data according to the protocol configuration, and then transmits the decapsulated D2D service data to the application layer of the second slave user equipment. This completes one exchange of D2D service data.

[0035] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, comprising: a primary user equipment sending a broadcast message, the broadcast message including an identifier of a temporary microcell (ISC) and D2D service characteristics of the device-to-device (D2D) service supported by the ISC; wherein the ISC is constructed by the primary user equipment in the event of D2D service congestion in a first area; a first secondary user equipment receiving the broadcast message, and if the D2D service characteristics in the broadcast message match the D2D service characteristics of the first secondary user equipment, the first secondary user equipment accessing the ISC through the identifier of the ISC; accessing the ISC, for the first secondary user equipment, under the management of the primary user equipment, to exchange D2D service data with a second secondary user equipment that has also accessed the ISC through the primary user equipment; both the first secondary user equipment and the second secondary user equipment are located in the first area.

[0036] In the above embodiments, D2D service data refers to data carrying D2D services. When D2D service congestion occurs, the ISC (Integrated Service Center) built by the MUE centrally manages the transmission of D2D service data by UEs (SUEs) within its signal coverage area, thus controlling congestion. Furthermore, the D2D service characteristics of the SUE must match the D2D service characteristics supported by the ISC before it can access the ISC, ensuring that the ISC accurately provides services to service-compatible UEs. It should be noted that the SUE (including the first and second slave user equipment) is located in the first area, which includes: the SUE being within the signal coverage area of ​​the MUE, and being able to receive broadcast messages. The signal coverage area of ​​the MUE can also be understood as the signal coverage area of ​​the ISC.

[0037] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a first user equipment, including: one or more processors and a memory; the memory is coupled to one or more processors, the memory is used to store computer program code, the computer program code including computer instructions, and the one or more processors call the computer instructions to cause the first user equipment to perform the method as described in any of the first aspects.

[0038] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a second user equipment, characterized in that it includes: one or more processors and a memory; the memory is coupled to one or more processors, the memory is used to store computer program code, the computer program code including computer instructions, and the one or more processors invoke the computer instructions to cause the second user equipment to perform the method as described in any of the second aspects.

[0039] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip system applied to a first user equipment and / or a second electronic device, characterized in that the chip system includes one or more processors, the processors being configured to invoke computer instructions to cause the first user equipment to perform a method as described in any of the first aspects, and / or the second user equipment to perform a method as described in any of the second aspects.

[0040] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product containing instructions, characterized in that, when the computer program product is run on a first user equipment and / or a second user equipment, the first user equipment performs a method as described in any of the first aspects, and / or the second user equipment performs a method as described in any of the second aspects.

[0041] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium including instructions, characterized in that, when the instructions are executed on a first user equipment and / or a second user equipment, the first user equipment performs a method as described in any of the first aspects, and / or the second user equipment performs a method as described in any of the second aspects.

[0042] It is understood that the first user equipment provided in the fourth aspect, the second user equipment provided in the fifth aspect, the chip system provided in the sixth aspect, the computer program product provided in the seventh aspect, and the computer storage medium provided in the eighth aspect are all used to execute the methods provided in the embodiments of this application. Therefore, other beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates D2D communication and congestion control for D2D communication in the embodiments of this application.

[0044] Figure 2 An exemplary flowchart of D2D congestion control in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0045] Figure 3 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of a base station obtaining D2D service information of multiple UEs in region a where a soft-defined UE is located, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0046] Figure 4A schematic diagram illustrating the base station determining the MUE in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0047] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the spectrum patterns for D2D services is shown.

[0048] Figure 6 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the ISC construction information corresponding to the MUE generated by the base station in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the protocol stack in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0050] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating the MUE carrying D2D services via ISC in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0051] Figure 9 This illustrates another schematic diagram of the ISC construction information corresponding to the MUE generated by the base station in this embodiment of the application;

[0052] Figure 10 Another exemplary flowchart for D2D congestion control in this application embodiment is shown;

[0053] Figure 11 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of how a soft-defined UE obtains D2D service information of multiple UEs in its local area c in an embodiment of this application.

[0054] Figure 12 An exemplary system architecture diagram is shown in the embodiments of this application when implementing D2D service congestion control;

[0055] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the user equipment provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown in Figure (1), D2D technology supports direct communication between user equipment (UE), which can also be referred to as D2D communication. In D2D communication, D2D service data is directly transmitted from one UE to another without relying on relaying network equipment such as base stations and core networks. Before transmitting D2D service data, the UE needs to determine the transmission resources for transmitting the D2D service data, including: spectrum, bandwidth, transmission standard, etc. These transmission resources can be negotiated and configured between UEs. They can also be configured by the network, for example, by the base station for the UE.

[0057] However, when UEs transmit D2D service data, they lack an effective transmission management mechanism to coordinate and schedule the transmission of D2D service data. Once the amount of D2D service data increases, D2D service congestion is likely to occur. If D2D service congestion cannot be resolved, the increased amount of D2D service data transmitted between UEs will further lead to a decrease in transmission efficiency, and may even cause problems such as D2D communication delays or interruptions.

[0058] To address the issue of D2D service quality degradation caused by congestion, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. For example... Figure 1 As shown in (2), in this method, when D2D service is congested, a UE can be introduced to manage the transmission of D2D service data by UEs within its signal coverage area, thereby controlling the congestion. The UE that implements the management can also be called the master user equipment (MUE), and the managed UE can also be called the secondary user equipment (SUE).

[0059] The process by which the MUE manages D2D service data transmission includes: the MUE sending a broadcast message, which includes the identifier of the instant small cell (ISC) and the characteristics of the D2D services supported by the ISC (also known as D2D service characteristics). The ISC is constructed by the MUE when D2D service congestion exists in Region 1.

[0060] MUE receives a response message to the broadcast message. This response message indicates that SUE1 and SUE2 access the ISC through the ISC's identifier. Access to the ISC is used for MUE management, and SUE1 and SUE2 exchange D2D service data. Both SUE1 and SUE2 are in Area 1, and the D2D service characteristics of SUE1 and SUE2 match the D2D service characteristics in the broadcast message.

[0061] This can also be understood as follows: SUE1 receives a broadcast message, and if the D2D service characteristics in the broadcast message match the D2D service characteristics of SUE1, SUE1 accesses the ISC through the ISC's identifier. Accessing the ISC is used by SUE1, under the management of MUE, to exchange D2D service data with SUE2, which has also accessed the ISC, through the MUE.

[0062] The exchange includes: SUE1 sending D2D service data to SUE2 through MUE, and / or SUE1 receiving D2D service data from SUE2 through MUE.

[0063] It should be noted that SUE1 can also be referred to as the first slave user equipment, and SUE2 can also be referred to as the second slave user equipment. Area 1 can also be referred to as the first area.

[0064] Among them, D2D service characteristics may include, but are not limited to: D2D service type (such as image transmission service, video transmission service, etc.) and D2D service requirements (such as transmission latency, transmission rate, transmission service quality, etc.).

[0065] Therefore, when a SUE accessing an ISC transmits D2D service data, it needs to be forwarded by the MUE so that the MUE can determine the D2D service data transmission requirements of each SUE (including UEs accessing the ISC) and manage the D2D service data transmission. The MUE manages the D2D service data transmission in ways including, but not limited to, at least one of the following management methods.

[0066] Management Method 1: The MUE can centrally schedule the transmission of D2D service data by each SUE (SUE accessing the ISC). This can include allocating transmission time slots to each SUE, staggering the time periods for different SUEs to transmit D2D service data. For example, continue to refer to... Figure 1 As shown in Figure (2), when D2D service congestion occurs, if SUE(a)-SUE(d) all have D2D service data to transmit, MUE can first control SUE(a) and SUE(b) to transmit D2D service data. Then, it can control SUE(c) and SUE(d) to transmit D2D service data. Here, SUE(a) and SUE(b), and SUE(c) and SUE(d) can be regarded as an example of SUE1 and SUE2.

[0067] Management Method 2: The MUE can construct an ISC to manage D2D service data transmission. It supports customizing new protocol configurations for the ISC and reconstructing transmission resources, replacing the protocol configuration used for transmitting D2D service data before congestion (the original protocol configuration). Furthermore, the new protocol configuration must also meet the D2D service requirements of each SUE. When the MUE controls the SUE to transmit D2D service data through the new protocol configuration, the transmission resources used are more adapted to the D2D service transmission of each SUE compared to the original transmission resources, effectively controlling congestion. The original transmission resources are those used when transmitting D2D service data through the original protocol configuration. For example, compared to the original protocol configuration, the physical layer (PHY layer) in the new protocol configuration can have a higher throughput than the PHY layer in the original protocol configuration, thereby accelerating transmission efficiency and controlling congestion. A detailed description of Management Method 2 can be found in step S14 below, which will not be elaborated here.

[0068] When the MUE manages the D2D service data transmission of the SUE (UE accessing the ISC) through management method 2, the aforementioned broadcast message also includes a protocol configuration for transmitting the D2D service data. This protocol configuration indicates at least one protocol layer used for transmitting the D2D service data and the corresponding configuration of each protocol layer. After receiving the broadcast message, the aforementioned SUE1 sends the D2D service data and the identifier of the peer UE (e.g., SUE2) to the MUE according to the protocol configuration. The identifier of SUE2 is used to instruct the MUE to send the D2D service data to SUE2.

[0069] It should be noted that an ISC needs to be established before the MUE can send a broadcast message.

[0070] Optionally, the process of establishing an ISC includes: the MUE uses its hardware resources to virtualize at least one functional module using ISC construction information to build the ISC. The ISC construction information includes the aforementioned protocol configurations. In addition to protocol configurations, it also includes access configurations and local switching configurations. At least one functional module includes: an access function module and a local switching function module; the access function module is used by the ISC to implement access functions according to the protocol configuration and access configuration. The local switching function module is used by the ISC to implement local switching functions according to the protocol configuration and local switching configuration.

[0071] The access function module can also be referred to as the first function module, and the local switching function module can also be referred to as the second function module.

[0072] Optionally, the ISC construction information is determined based on the D2D service requirements of the UE in Region 2. Region 2 includes the signal coverage area of ​​the MUE. D2D service requirements include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: transmission latency, transmission service quality, and transmission rate. When transmitting D2D service data, the ISC constructed by the MUE using the ISC construction information must meet the D2D service requirements of the UE in Region 2. For details regarding this process, please refer to the descriptions of steps S141 and S142 below; they will not be repeated here.

[0073] It should be noted that the UEs in Area 2 include not only SUEs accessing the ISC, but also MUEs themselves if they also have D2D services. MUEs can also transmit their own D2D service data through the ISC.

[0074] The aforementioned MUE is crucial for achieving congestion control. It should also be noted that the MUE is selected based on software-defined user equipment (SD-UE). The MUE is a SD-UE that meets the conditions for constructing an ISC. In the embodiments of this application, the operation of determining the MUE may not require the participation of network devices and may be completed autonomously by the SD-UE. Alternatively, it may involve the participation of network devices (e.g., base stations), with the base station assisting the SD-UE in completing the process.

[0075] Based on whether or not a base station is involved in congestion control, this application embodiment divides congestion control into a scenario where a base station assists the software-defined UE to complete the task (referred to as congestion control scenario 1), and a scenario where no base station assists the task and it is completed autonomously by the software-defined UE (referred to as congestion control scenario 2).

[0076] The following describes in detail the details of how congestion is controlled using the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application under congestion control scenario 1 and congestion control scenario 2.

[0077] First, the details of controlling D2D service congestion using the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application are described in congestion control scenario 1.

[0078] In congestion control scenario 1, the base station divides its signal coverage area into different regions (Region 1 mentioned above) and detects whether D2D service congestion exists in each region. Then, it controls congestion in the regions where D2D service congestion exists. For example, Region 1 can be a sector of the base station connected to the MUE (denoted as Sector 1), which is the sector accessed by the MUE. The base station can determine the soft-defined UEs that meet the ISC construction conditions from the soft-defined UEs in Region 1 and designate them as MUEs. Then, the base station generates ISC construction information and sends it to the MUE. This allows the MUE to construct an ISC using the ISC construction information and control congestion.

[0079] Therefore, in congestion control scenario 1, the base station can not only perform the operation of determining the MUE, but also participate in the execution of other operations, including but not limited to: determining that there is D2D service congestion in area 1, and generating ISC construction information. The process for implementing D2D congestion control in congestion control scenario 1 can be referenced below. Figure 2 Description of steps S11-S14.

[0080] S11. The base station obtains D2D service information of multiple UEs in the soft-defined UE area a.

[0081] In this context, region a is an exemplary region 1 under congestion control scenario 1. For example, when the soft-defined UE in S11 is determined to be MUE, region a can be understood as the sector of the base station to which the MUE is connected (e.g., sector a of the base station), and sector a is the sector accessed by the MUE.

[0082] Optionally, the process by which the base station obtains D2D service information for multiple UEs in the soft-defined UE location area 'a' can be referenced. Figure 3 The steps involved are S111-S115.

[0083] S111. The soft-defined UE sends a probe request to the base station.

[0084] Here, "probe request" can be understood as a probe request.

[0085] The soft-defined UE in step S111 is located in region a. A soft-defined UE may include one or more soft-defined UEs, such as soft-defined UE1 and soft-defined UE2. Here, a soft-defined UE refers to a UE that can support the construction of an ISC.

[0086] The timing at which a soft-defined UE sends a probe request to a base station includes, but is not limited to, the following timings.

[0087] Transmission timing 1. The delay in which the soft-defined UE receives D2D service data is greater than the delay threshold 1.

[0088] 2. The soft-defined UE detects that the average delay of UEs receiving D2D service data within its signal coverage area is greater than the delay threshold 2.

[0089] S112. The base station determines that the soft definition EU that sent the probe request belongs to sector a.

[0090] S113. The base station sends a broadcasting probe request.

[0091] A broadcasting probe request can be understood as a request to broadcast probes. This broadcasting probe request is used to instruct UEs with D2D services within area a to send their D2D service information.

[0092] After a UE receives the broadcast probe request, it parses the broadcast probe request. After determining that it (the UE) belongs to area a, it can perform the following step S114 to send its D2D service information to the base station.

[0093] S114. A UE with D2D service sends a broadcasting probe response to the base station.

[0094] The broadcasting probe response can be understood as a response message to a broadcast probe request, including D2D service information (from a UE with D2D service). The UE with D2D service in step S114 can include at least one UE, such as UE1 and UE2.

[0095] It is understandable that UEs with D2D services in area a can send D2D service information to the base station after receiving a broadcasting probe request. A large amount of D2D service information can be used to analyze whether there is D2D service congestion in area a. The description of D2D service information and the process of determining whether there is congestion in area a based on D2D service information can be found in the following description of step S12, which will not be repeated here.

[0096] S115. The base station sends a probe response to the probe request to the soft-defined UE.

[0097] The probe response involved in S115 can be used to indicate that the base station has received the probe request involved in step S111.

[0098] It should be noted that steps S111 and S112 mentioned above are optional. The base station can also execute step S113 at preset time intervals to obtain D2D service information of multiple UEs in the soft-defined UE area a.

[0099] See step S12 below. D2D service information can be used by the base station to determine the D2D service distribution in the soft-defined UE area a and to determine whether there is D2D service congestion.

[0100] S12. The base station determines whether there is D2D service congestion in area a based on D2D service information.

[0101] The base station determines whether there is congestion in the D2D service, including but not limited to the following methods.

[0102] Method 1: The UE's D2D service information may include, but is not limited to, the amount of D2D service data transmitted by the UE per unit time. Thus, by using the D2D service information of multiple UEs in area a, the base station can determine the total amount of D2D service data in area a. When the total amount of service data exceeds a service data volume threshold, the base station can determine that D2D service congestion exists in area a.

[0103] Method 2: The UE's D2D service information may include, but is not limited to, the UE's D2D service status, including spectral efficiency and retransmission count when the UE transmits D2D service data. Multiple UEs are scored for their D2D service status. A better D2D service status results in a higher score, and vice versa. When the score is below a threshold, the base station can determine that D2D service congestion exists in domain a. Lower spectral efficiency and more retransmissions result in a lower score.

[0104] If it is determined that there is no service congestion in region a, continue to execute the aforementioned step S11 and continue to monitor whether there is D2D service congestion in region a.

[0105] If service congestion is detected in region a, the following steps S13 and S14 are executed to control the congestion.

[0106] S13. The base station selects at least one soft-defined UE with the highest utility value from the soft-defined UEs in region a as the MUE.

[0107] Among them, the soft-defined UE in region a is the UE in region a that supports the construction of ISC.

[0108] It should be noted that if there is only one soft-defined UE in region a, the utility value of that soft-defined UE is the highest by default, and it is regarded as the MUE.

[0109] If there are multiple (e.g., N1) soft-defined UEs in region a, the base station can select the N2 soft-defined UEs with the highest utility values ​​from the N1 soft-defined UEs as MUEs. Here, N1 is an integer greater than 1, and N2 is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N1.

[0110] For a detailed explanation of the process by which the base station determines the MUE, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 4 Description of steps S131 and S132.

[0111] S131. The base station determines the capability assessment parameters of the soft-defined UE in area a. The capability assessment parameters include at least the signal strength of the soft-defined UE.

[0112] Optionally, in the aforementioned step S111, the soft-defined UE may send its capability assessment parameters along with the probe request to the base station.

[0113] Optionally, the base station can also send a request to the soft-defined UE to obtain capability assessment parameters. This request is used to request the soft-defined UE to send its capability assessment parameters to the base station. Here, the base station needs to record the identifier of the soft-defined UE in area a. The request to obtain capability assessment parameters needs to carry the identifier of the soft-defined UE so that the soft-defined UE can respond to the request.

[0114] S132. Based on the capability assessment parameters of the soft-defined UE, the base station determines the utility value of the soft-defined UE and selects at least one soft-defined UE with the highest utility value as the MUE. When other capability assessment parameters are the same or there are no other capability assessment parameters, the greater the signal strength, the higher the utility value.

[0115] The signal strength of a soft-defined UE can be expressed as either the average coverage signal strength or the coverage edge signal strength. The average coverage signal strength indicates the signal strength level received by the UE within the soft-defined UE's coverage area. The coverage edge signal strength indicates the signal strength level received by the UE at the edge of the soft-defined UE's coverage area. The signal received by the UE refers to the signal transmitted to that UE by the soft-defined UE. Compared to a soft-defined UE with weaker signal strength, a soft-defined UE with stronger signal strength can provide better communication quality for UEs at the same distance.

[0116] The signal strength of a soft-defined UE can represent its ability to transmit signals. The stronger the signal strength of a soft-defined UE, the more reliable its communication is, and the more suitable it is to be a MUE.

[0117] Optional, but not limited to, the signal strength of the soft-defined UE. Other capability evaluation parameters may also include other parameters. It may also be a combination of signal strength and other parameters. For example, other parameters may include, but are not limited to, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and bit error rate (BER) of the soft-defined UE transmitted signal. The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0118] S14. The base station generates ISC construction information based on the D2D service requirements of multiple UEs in area b, and sends the ISC construction information to the MUE. The MUE uses the ISC construction information to construct an ISC and schedule the D2D service of the UEs in area b. Area b includes the signal coverage area of ​​the MUE.

[0119] Optionally, in some possible cases, the D2D service requirements of multiple UEs in area b can be obtained by the MUE and sent to the base station. In other possible cases, the D2D service information of the UE in the aforementioned step S11 can carry the D2D service requirements, and the base station can obtain the D2D service requirements of multiple UEs in area b from the D2D service information obtained in step S11.

[0120] For each MUE, the base station generates ISC construction information corresponding to that MUE, enabling the MUE to construct an ISC and control congestion. It supports customizing new protocol configurations for the ISC and reconstructing transmission resources, replacing the protocol configuration (original protocol configuration) used to transmit D2D service data before D2D service congestion. The process of the base station generating ISC construction information for an MUE can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 6 Steps S141-S142 in the process.

[0121] S141. Based on the D2D service requirements of the UE in region b, the base station determines the protocol stack, access function and local switching function used to build the ISC. Region b includes the signal coverage area of ​​the MUE.

[0122] The base station acquires the D2D service requirements of the UE in region b, where region b includes the signal coverage area of ​​the MUE. These D2D service requirements include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: transmission latency, transmission quality of service, and transmission rate. It should be noted that D2D service requirements are transmission demands that must be met to ensure transmission quality when transmitting D2D service data; they are attributes. For example, if a transmission latency of T1 is required, and transmission failure is determined when T1 arrives, retransmission can be performed.

[0123] In step S141, the protocol stack is a set of protocols organized in a layered structure. It is used to standardize the format and interaction logic of D2D service data transmission by UEs (such as the SUE mentioned above) accessing the ISC. The access function is the ability of the MUE to identify, authenticate, and manage UEs (such as the SUE mentioned above) through the ISC. The local switching function is the ability of the MUE to complete D2D service data routing, which can transmit D2D service data from one UE to another.

[0124] After D2D service data is generated at the application layer of the local UE, it needs to be encapsulated at the transport layer and transmitted at the link layer before it can reach the remote UE. For example... Figure 7 As shown, in existing D2D communication, the protocol stack involved in the transport layer can include, but is not limited to: the packet data convergence protocol layer (PDCP layer), the radio link control layer (RLC layer), and the medium access control layer (MAC layer). The protocol stack involved in the link layer can include, but is not limited to: the physical layer (PHY layer).

[0125] In this embodiment of the application, the base station determines the protocol stack for constructing the ISC based on the D2D service requirements of the UE in region b, including: Among them, S ′ The protocol stack used to construct the ISC comprises all protocol layers. S represents the total protocol stack involved in the transport and link layers. To satisfy the D2D service requirements of the UE in area b, only a subset of protocol layers is needed to control congestion. Under the premise of satisfying the D2D service requirements of the UE in area b, the base station can trim the protocol stack used to construct the ISC, making the number of layers in the protocol stack S′ used to construct the ISC less than the total number of protocol layers S. For example, it can include only the PHY layer, or only the PHY and MAC layers, or only the PHY, MAC, and RLC layers. If satisfying the D2D service requirements of the UE in area b requires all protocol layers, the base station can determine the protocol stack used to construct the ISC, including the PHY, MAC, RLC, and PDCP layers.

[0126] It should be noted that the foregoing description uses the four protocol layers involved in the transport and link layers—PHY, MAC, RLC, and PDCP—as an example. In practice, more or fewer protocol layers may be included; for example, a radio resource control layer (RRC) may also be included. This application does not limit this.

[0127] Meeting the D2D service requirements of UEs in region b includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following methods: determining the average service requirements of UEs in region b and using the average service requirements as the D2D service requirements to be met; or using the D2D service requirements of the target UE as the D2D service requirements to be met. Here, the target UE includes, but is not limited to, the UE in region b with the highest D2D service requirements. The following explanation uses the D2D service requirements of the target UE as an example of the D2D service requirements to be met; other cases can refer to this description.

[0128] Based on the D2D service requirements of the UEs in area b, the base station determines the access function and local switching function used to construct the ISC. This includes configuring the UE to access the ISC only when its D2D service requirements are lower than or equal to the D2D service requirements that the ISC can meet. Then, the base station uses the ISC's local switching function to exchange D2D service data for the UEs accessing the ISC. The D2D requirements that the ISC can meet are determined through the protocol stack, access function, and local switching function, along with their configuration parameters. For determining the configuration parameters, refer to step S142 below.

[0129] S142. Determine the configuration parameters of the protocol stack, access function and local switching function to obtain the protocol configuration, access configuration and local switching configuration, and record them in the ISC construction information. Each configuration in the ISC construction information must meet the D2D service requirements of the target UE in area a. The target UE includes, but is not limited to: the UE in area b with the highest D2D service requirements.

[0130] In step S142, the target UE is defined as the UE in area b with the highest demand for D2D services, and the D2D service demand of the target UE is used as an example to illustrate the D2D service demand to be met. In this way, all UEs in area b can access the ISC. In practice, the target UE can be changed. After the change, the UEs that can access the ISC also change accordingly. For example, if the target UE is a UE in area b with an intermediate level of D2D service demand, UEs with D2D service demand higher than that intermediate level can be set to be unable to access the ISC. This application embodiment does not limit the D2D service demand to be met.

[0131] Optionally, the ISC build information can be in the form of a software package. It can also be in other forms, such as files. This application does not limit this to specific formats.

[0132] The base station maps the target UE's D2D service requirements into ISC configuration requirements, including throughput requirements, latency requirements, and reliability requirements.

[0133] Subsequently, the configuration parameters of each protocol layer in the protocol stack are set according to the throughput, latency, and reliability requirements. For example, in building the ISC protocol stack, the PHY layer needs to meet the throughput requirements, the MAC layer needs to meet the latency requirements, and the RLC layer, or the RLC layer and PDCP layer, need to meet the reliable transmission requirements.

[0134] Optionally, throughput requirements can be expressed as parameters such as the maximum bandwidth and highest modulation order supported by the PHY layer. Latency requirements can be expressed as one of four levels: high, medium, low, and very low. Reliability transmission requirements can be expressed as one of five levels: no acknowledgment, GTP acknowledgment only, LLC acknowledgment, RLC acknowledgment, and full acknowledgment.

[0135] Optionally, the base station maps the target UE's D2D service requirements to ISC configuration requirements, including but not limited to: mapping the transmission rate in the target UE's D2D service requirements to throughput requirements. The faster the transmission rate, the higher the mapped throughput requirement, requiring more bandwidth to meet the requirement. Mapping the transmission latency in the target UE's D2D service requirements to one of four levels: high, medium, low, and very low. The lower the transmission latency, the higher the corresponding level of the mapped latency requirement. Mapping the transmission service quality in the target UE's D2D service requirements to one of five levels: no acknowledgment, GTP acknowledgment only, LLC acknowledgment, RLC acknowledgment, and full acknowledgment. The higher the transmission service quality, the higher the corresponding level of the mapped reliability transmission requirement.

[0136] Continue to refer to Figure 7 The PHY layer parameters can be configured according to throughput requirements, including but not limited to at least one of the following: multiple input multiple output (MIMO) / single antenna transmission, hybrid automatic repeat reQuest (HARQ) count (HARQ retransmission count), number of uplink and downlink antenna transmission ports (e.g., 4×4 MIMO), uplink and downlink channel bandwidth, maximum uplink and downlink modulation order, radio access standard, spectrum, etc. The PHY layer parameter configuration must meet throughput requirements. For example, the higher the throughput requirement, the more uplink and downlink antenna transmission ports are required. The MAC layer parameters can be configured according to latency requirements, including but not limited to at least one of the following: MAC layer resource allocation, user equipment scheduling. For example, scheduler type (e.g., preemptive, proportional fairness, small packet aggregation, etc.), minimum scheduling interval, etc. The RLC and PDCP layer parameters can be configured according to reliability transmission requirements, including but not limited to at least one of the following: setting RLC layer data segmentation parameters and automatic repeat reQuest (ARQ) count (ARQ retransmission count), and setting PDCP layer encryption algorithm.

[0137] The base station can also configure access and local switching functions according to throughput, latency, and reliability requirements. Access function configuration parameters include the channel and power allocated to UEs accessing the ISC to ensure effective ISC access and stable communication connections. Local switching function configuration parameters include user scheduling and retransmission configurations for transmitting D2D service data, ensuring D2D service data is transmitted from one UE to another.

[0138] It should also be noted that each protocol layer involved in building the ISC corresponds to a service. After the ISC is built, each service runs on the MUE as software, possessing corresponding attributes such as computational complexity, processing latency, and reliability. Generally, the fewer protocol layers involved in implementing the local switching function of the ISC, the lower the processing complexity, the lower the data transmission latency, and the relatively higher the transmission rate, but the lower the reliability. For example, when the MUE provides a switching service that only includes the PHY layer, the service run by the MUE only includes the service corresponding to the PHY layer, and the processing latency is also low, but it cannot provide packet ordering. This is suitable for D2D services that are sensitive to latency but not to packet order (e.g., online live streaming). Starting from the PHY layer, the i-th layer protocol corresponds to the i-th service. The i-th service has a computational complexity C. i Latency level T i Reliability level L i and throughput R i The entire protocol stack used to build ISC consists of all protocol layers. Furthermore, it makes S ′ Independent of its complement S ′ The total computational complexity ∑ for all services corresponding to all protocol layers in the middle i C i It needs to be less than the computing power of MUE. Furthermore, S ′ The latency level T of all protocol layers in the middle i Reliability level L i and throughput R i The D2D service requirements of the UE in region b must be met.

[0139] After the ISC construction information is generated, the base station executes step S143 to enable the MUE to construct the ISC and control congestion. For details, please refer to the following descriptions of steps S143 and S144.

[0140] S143. The base station sends ISC construction information to the MUE.

[0141] S144.MUE constructs the ISC based on the ISC construction information.

[0142] The process of establishing an ISC includes: the MUE uses its hardware resources (e.g., processor, memory, antenna, RF module, etc.) to virtualize access function modules and local switching functions through ISC construction information to build the ISC. Specifically, the MUE uses its hardware resources to virtualize access function modules according to protocol and access configurations to implement access functions. Furthermore, the MUE uses its hardware resources to virtualize local switching modules according to protocol and local switching configurations to implement local switching functions.

[0143] Subsequently, the MUE can carry D2D services through the ISC to control congestion. For a description of this process, please refer to [link to relevant documentation / section]. Figure 8 Description of steps S151-S155.

[0144] S151.MUE sends an ISC broadcast message, which includes the ISC identifier and the D2D service features supported by the ISC. The ISC is constructed by MUE.

[0145] This broadcast message can be received by UEs within the signal coverage area (area b) of the MUE. After receiving the broadcast message, if the UE determines that the D2D service characteristics in the broadcast message match its own D2D service characteristics, it can choose to access the ISC. Under the management of the MUE, D2D service data is transmitted according to the protocol configuration used by the MUE to construct the ISC. The following explanation uses SUE1 as an example. Please refer to the description of steps S152-S153 below for details.

[0146] S152.SUE1 determines that the D2D service characteristics in the broadcast message match the D2D service characteristics of SUE1.

[0147] In step S152, the D2D service characteristics of SUE1 may include the D2D service requirements when SUE2 transmits D2D service data. The D2D service characteristics in the broadcast message include the D2D service requirements that the ISC can satisfy. A matching indication indicates that the D2D service characteristics in the broadcast message satisfy the D2D service characteristics of SUE1. For example, the D2D service requirements that the ISC can satisfy are higher than or equal to the D2D service requirements of SUE1.

[0148] S153.SUE1 accesses the ISC created by MUE.

[0149] S154. SUE1 sends D2D service data to MUE, carrying the identifier of SUE2.

[0150] When SUE1 sends D2D service data to MUE, it can also carry SUE1's identifier so that MUE can identify the source of the D2D service data.

[0151] Under the management of MUE, SUE1 sends D2D service data to MUE according to the protocol configuration, carrying the identifier of SUE2. The identifier of SUE2 is used to instruct MUE to send the D2D service data to SUE2, which is also connected to the ISC. For details, please refer to the description of step S155 below.

[0152] S155.MUE sends D2D service data to SUE2, which is also connected to the ISC.

[0153] MUE sends D2D service data to SUE2 according to the protocol configuration.

[0154] It should be noted that the process of SUE2 accessing the ISC is the same as that of SUE1 accessing the ISC, and will not be repeated here.

[0155] In some possible implementations, it is also possible to distinguish the types of D2D service congestion. Different types of D2D service congestion can be addressed by constructing different ISCs through MUE, thus resolving different types of D2D service congestion in a targeted manner.

[0156] Optionally, D2D services can be categorized according to their spectrum patterns. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the spectrum modes of D2D services can include out-band mode and in-band mode.

[0157] In out-band mode, the spectrum used for transmitting D2D service data is independent of the licensed spectrum of the cellular network and there is no overlap.

[0158] In in-band mode, the D2D communication spectrum lies within the network's licensed spectrum. This can also be understood as the spectrum used for transmitting D2D service data overlapping with the spectrum used for cellular communication in in-band mode. In-band mode is further divided into an underlay sub-mode and an overlay sub-mode. In underlay mode, the spectrum used for transmitting D2D service data overlaps with but is not orthogonal to the cellular network's licensed spectrum (cellular spectrum). In overlay mode, the spectrum used for transmitting D2D service data overlaps with and is orthogonal to the cellular spectrum.

[0159] In some cases, depending on the cause of D2D service congestion, it can be divided into D2D service congestion in underlay mode and D2D service congestion in non-underlay mode. Non-underlay mode D2D service congestion includes D2D service congestion in out-band mode and D2D service congestion in overlay mode.

[0160] In non-underlay mode, D2D service congestion is mainly due to insufficient resource allocation. In underlay mode, however, congestion is primarily caused by a poor interference mechanism. Please refer to the following for details.

[0161] Non-underlay D2D services include out-band and overlay modes. Overlay D2D services utilize spectrum allocated from cellular spectrum specifically for D2D data transmission. This allocated spectrum is orthogonal to the licensed cellular spectrum and is a dedicated resource for D2D services, easily distinguishable. Out-band D2D services use non-cellular spectrum, also easily distinguishable. Therefore, non-underlay D2D data transmission is less susceptible to interference from other signals, and signal interference has a smaller impact on D2D congestion. Whether non-underlay D2D services are prone to congestion is more influenced by network resource planning and D2D traffic volume. For example, non-underlay D2D services are more affected by network resources such as the spectrum or bandwidth allocation used for D2D data transmission. A higher spectrum or bandwidth allocation generally reduces the likelihood of congestion in non-underlay D2D services. The following explanation uses spectrum allocation as an example. The spectrum allocation indicates the ratio of the spectrum used to transmit D2D service data in non-underlay mode (the spectrum allocated to D2D services in underlay mode) to the cellular spectrum. The bandwidth allocation indicates the ratio of the bandwidth used to transmit D2D service data in non-underlay mode to the licensed bandwidth of the cellular network.

[0162] Optionally, in congestion control scenario 1, the spectrum used for transmitting D2D service data in non-underlay mode includes: the spectrum used by UEs in area a for transmitting D2D service data in out-band mode, plus the spectrum used by UEs in area a for transmitting D2D service data in overlay mode. The spectrum percentage can be obtained from statistics compiled by the base station. Alternatively, the spectrum used for transmitting D2D service data in non-underlay mode includes: the spectrum used by UEs in the signal coverage area of ​​the soft-defined UE for transmitting D2D service data in out-band mode, plus the spectrum used by UEs in the signal coverage area of ​​the soft-defined UE for transmitting D2D service data in overlay mode. The spectrum percentage can also be obtained from statistics compiled by the base station, and this spectrum percentage can be calculated by the soft-defined UE and then reported to the base station.

[0163] In underlay mode, D2D services use the same cellular spectrum for transmitting D2D data as cellular network services, although this spectrum resource is generally greater than that of non-underlay mode D2D services. However, because the spectrum used by underlay mode D2D services overlaps and is not orthogonal to the spectrum used by cellular network services, mutual interference is inevitable. Even with interference mechanisms to reduce interference, the actual effect is not ideal under high traffic volumes. Significant interference can easily lead to packet loss and retransmission in D2D services, which is a major negative factor causing congestion in underlay mode D2D services.

[0164] Based on the foregoing, it can be understood that D2D service congestion in the aforementioned region a (an example of region 1) includes: D2D service congestion in non-underlay mode and / or D2D service congestion in underlay mode. Non-underlay mode includes out-band mode and overlay mode. When D2D service data in non-underlay mode is transmitted in region a, the spectrum used does not overlap with the cellular spectrum or overlaps but is orthogonal. When D2D service data in underlay mode is transmitted in region a, the spectrum used overlaps with the cellular spectrum and is not orthogonal. MUEs include: MUE1 and / or MUE2. MUE1 constructs an ISC using ISC construction information 1, which is used by SUE1 and SUE2 to exchange D2D service data in underlay mode after access. MUE2 constructs an ISC using ISC construction information 2, which is used by SUE1 and SUE2 to exchange D2D service data in non-underlay mode after access.

[0165] In this context, D2D service congestion in underlay mode can be referred to as the first type of D2D service congestion, while D2D service congestion in non-underlay mode can be referred to as the second type of D2D service congestion. Similarly, D2D service data in underlay mode can be referred to as the first type of D2D service data, and D2D service data in non-underlay mode can be referred to as the second type of D2D service data.

[0166] When D2D service congestion includes D2D service congestion in underlay mode and / or D2D service congestion in non-underlay mode, the capability assessment parameters involved in the aforementioned step S131 include, in addition to the signal strength of the soft-defined UE, the spectrum ratio, the average interference intensity of the D2D service of the soft-defined UE (referred to as D2D interference intensity), and the average D2D power.

[0167] The aforementioned step S132, in which the base station determines the utility value of the soft-defined UE based on the capability evaluation parameters of the soft-defined UE, and selects at least one soft-defined UE with the highest utility value as the MUE, may include the following:

[0168] S132a. In the event of D2D service congestion in underlay mode in region a, the base station selects an underlay mode MUE (denoted as MUE1) from at least one soft-defined UE with the highest utility value 1. The utility value 1 of the soft-defined UE is determined based on the signal strength and D2D interference strength of the soft-defined UE.

[0169] The base station can determine the utility value 1 of the soft-defined UE based on the capability assessment parameters of the soft-defined UE. The formula for determining the utility value 1 can be found in the following formula (1).

[0170] U1=logP1+logI formula 1(1)

[0171] In formula (1), U1 can be represented as the utility value 1 of the soft-defined UE. P1 is the signal strength of the soft-defined UE, which can be expressed as the average coverage signal strength or coverage edge signal strength of the soft-defined UE. The larger P1 is, the stronger the communication capability of the soft-defined UE, and the better the effect of acting as a MUE. I is the D2D interference intensity measured by the soft-defined UE, which refers to the degree of influence of other D2D signals on the communication quality of the soft-defined UE when receiving or transmitting D2D signals. In addition, logarithmic operation is used in formula (1) to avoid U1 imbalance caused by P1 or I being too large.

[0172] Here, D2D signals refer to signals carrying D2D services. Other D2D signals refer to D2D signals from sources where neither the sender nor the receiver is a soft-defined UE. For the D2D service of a soft-defined UE, these other signals are interference signals. The lower the D2D interference intensity, the less interference the soft-defined UE experiences when receiving or transmitting D2D signals. The higher the D2D interference intensity of a soft-defined UE, the more UEs with D2D services are around it, or the greater the D2D service volume of the UEs around the soft-defined UE, which also indicates more significant D2D service congestion around the soft-defined UE. Therefore, the more D2D interference the soft-defined UE can avoid as an MUE, the better it resolves D2D service congestion. It can be seen that the utility value 1 of a soft-defined UE is positively correlated with its signal strength and also positively correlated with its D2D interference intensity. This means that the MUE determined by formula (1) has at least one of the following characteristics: the MUE has a high signal strength, which is conducive to exchanging D2D service data in the underlay mode, and / or the MUE is located in a high congestion area of ​​D2D service in the underlay mode, which has high deployment value.

[0173] As explained above, the higher the signal strength of a soft-defined UE, the greater the degree of D2D interference, and the more likely it is to be selected as MUE1. Thus, the determined MUE1 is more suitable for scheduling D2D services in underlay mode. This can effectively control D2D service congestion caused by insufficient interference mechanisms in underlay mode.

[0174] S132b. In the event of D2D service congestion in non-underlay mode in region a, the base station selects a non-underlay mode MUE (denoted as MUE2) from at least one soft-defined UE with the highest utility value 2. The utility value 2 of the soft-defined UE is determined based on the spectrum ratio, the signal strength of the soft-defined UE, and the average D2D power. The spectrum ratio is the ratio of the spectrum used to transmit D2D service data in non-underlay mode to the spectrum of the cellular network.

[0175] The base station determines the utility value 2 of the soft-defined UE based on the capability assessment parameters of the soft-defined UE. The formula for determining the utility value 2 can be found in the following formula (2).

[0176] U1=N×logP1+×logP2 (Formula 2)

[0177] In formula (2), U2 can be represented as the utility value 2 of the soft-defined UE. P1 is the average power used by the soft-defined UE when transmitting D2D signals (also known as the average D2D power), N is the spectrum share of the soft-defined UE, and P2 is the signal strength of the soft-defined UE. The larger P2 is, the stronger the communication capability of the soft-defined UE. It can be seen that the utility value 2 of a soft-defined UE is positively correlated with its signal strength, and positively correlated with its spectrum share and its average D2D power. The larger N×logP1 is, the larger the spectrum allocated to D2D services in non-underlay mode in the signal coverage area of ​​the soft-defined UE, indicating that the capability of the soft-defined UE is stronger. When using MUE2 to schedule D2D services in non-underlay mode, D2D service congestion can be reduced to the greatest extent. This means that the MUE determined by formula (2) has at least one of the following characteristics, including: the MUE has a high signal strength, which is conducive to exchanging D2D service data in non-underlay mode, and / or the MUE is located in a high-congestion area of ​​D2D services in non-underlay mode, and has high deployment value.

[0178] Steps S132a and S132b are optional. When D2D service congestion exists in underlay mode, the base station only executes step S132a when it needs to determine MUE1. And / or, when D2D service congestion exists in non-underlay mode, the base station only executes step S132b when it needs to determine MUE2.

[0179] For MUEs (e.g., MUE1 and MUE2) with different congestion types, when the base station generates the ISC construction information corresponding to the MUE, it needs to refer to the requirements of D2D services that have already experienced congestion within the signal coverage area of ​​the MUE, so that the ISC constructed for the MUE can specifically control existing D2D service congestion. The following explanation uses D2D service congestion in underlay mode as an example. After the base station determines MUE1 through the aforementioned step S132a, the process of generating the ISC construction information corresponding to MUE1 can be referred to... Figure 9 The steps involved are S14a-S14d.

[0180] S14a. The base station obtains the D2D service requirements of the UE in area b1, where area b1 is the signal coverage area of ​​MUE1.

[0181] S14b. The base station generates ISC construction information 1 based on the D2D service requirements of the UE in area b1.

[0182] In step S14b, the D2D service requirement of the UE in region b1 refers to the D2D service requirement in underlay mode within region b1. The ISC construction information 1 generated by the base station needs to satisfy the D2D service requirement of the UE in underlay mode within region b1, including but not limited to at least one of the following methods: determining the average service requirement of the UE in underlay mode within region b1 and using this average service requirement as the D2D service requirement to be satisfied, or using the D2D service requirement of the target UE as the D2D service requirement to be satisfied. Here, the target UE includes, but is not limited to, the UE in region b1 with the highest D2D service requirement in underlay mode. This can also be understood as, when generating the ISC construction information 1 corresponding to MUE1, only the D2D service in underlay mode needs to be referenced, and the D2D service in non-underlay mode does not need to be referenced.

[0183] The detailed process of generating ISC construction information 1 in S14b can be found in the description of generating ISC construction information in step S14 above. Appropriate modifications can be made to meet the required D2D business needs; this embodiment will not describe it further.

[0184] S14c. The base station sends a service sets and configurations message to MUE1.

[0185] The service sets and configurations message can be understood as a service set and configuration message, which may include ISC build information.

[0186] When MUE receives ISC construction information 1, it can construct ISC1 to carry D2D services in underlay mode. This process can be referred to the previous description of steps S151-S155, and will not be repeated here.

[0187] S14d.MUE1 sends a configuration confirm message to the base station.

[0188] The configuration confirm message can be understood as a configuration confirmation message. It is used to indicate that MUE1 has received ISC build information 1, or that the SIC build has been completed.

[0189] It should be noted that steps S14a-S14d described the generation of SIC construction information 1 by the base station for MUE1 and the sending of ISC construction information 1 to MUE1. The generation of SIC construction information 2 by the base station for MUE2 and the sending of ISC construction information 2 to MUE2, which controls D2D service congestion in underlay mode, can be referenced in this description. Adaptive modifications can be made, such as changing MUE1 to MUE2, changing the underlay mode to a non-underlay mode, or changing SIC construction information 1 to SIC construction information 2, etc. This application embodiment will not elaborate further on these details.

[0190] It should also be noted that when D2D service congestion includes D2D service congestion in underlay mode and / or D2D service congestion in non-underlay mode, in the aforementioned step S12, the base station determines whether D2D service congestion exists in region a based on the D2D service information. Specifically, this includes: the base station determining whether D2D service congestion exists in underlay mode and / or D2D service congestion in non-underlay mode based on the D2D service information. Here, the D2D service information needs to carry the spectrum mode of the D2D service. The base station divides the D2D service information into D2D service information in underlay mode and D2D service information in non-underlay mode. It determines whether D2D service congestion exists in underlay mode based on the D2D service information in underlay mode, and it determines whether D2D service congestion exists in non-underlay mode based on the D2D service information in non-underlay mode. The determination process can refer to the aforementioned description of step S12 and be adapted accordingly; this embodiment will not repeat it here.

[0191] It should also be noted that when both underlay mode D2D service congestion and non-underlay mode D2D service congestion exist simultaneously in area a, the base station needs to select MUE1 from the soft-defined UEs to control D2D service congestion in underlay mode. It also needs to select MUE2 from the soft-defined UEs to control D2D service congestion in non-underlay mode. When there are more than one soft-defined UE, the MUE1 and MUE2 determined by the base station can be different. This can also be understood as follows: when a soft-defined UE is selected as MUE1, it may not be selected as MUE2; and when a soft-defined UE is selected as MUE2, it may not be selected as MUE1.

[0192] The foregoing described a scenario where the base station assists the soft-defined UE in completing congestion control (congestion control scenario 1). The following describes a scenario where the soft-defined UE autonomously completes congestion control (congestion control scenario 2). In congestion control scenario 2, the detailed content of controlling D2D service congestion using the communication method provided in this application embodiment can be found in the following... Figure 10 Description of steps S21-S24.

[0193] S21. The soft-defined UE obtains D2D service information of multiple UEs in area c. The D2D service information includes: D2D service characteristics of UEs in area a (including D2D service requirements and D2D service modes). Area c is the signal coverage area of ​​the soft-defined UE.

[0194] Among them, region c is an exemplary region 1 under congestion control scenario 2.

[0195] Optionally, the process for a soft-defined UE to obtain D2D service information from multiple UEs in region c can be referenced. Figure 11 The steps involved are S211-S212b.

[0196] S211. Soft-defined UE, broadcasting probe request.

[0197] A broadcasting probe request can be understood as a broadcast probe request. A soft-defined UE broadcasts a probe request, which can be received by a UE located in area c. Upon receiving this request, a UE in area c with D2D services can send a broadcasting probe response to the soft-defined UE. This broadcasting probe response can be understood as a broadcast probe response.

[0198] For example, refer to steps S212a and S212b below.

[0199] S212a.UE1 sends a broadcasting probe response to a soft-defined UE, which includes UE1's D2D service information.

[0200] S212b.UE2 sends a broadcasting probe response to the soft-defined UE, which includes UE2's D2D service information.

[0201] S22. The soft-defined UE determines whether there is D2D service congestion in region c based on D2D service information.

[0202] The details of step S22 can be found in the foregoing description of step S12, with appropriate modifications. For example, the base station operation can be modified to be a soft-defined UE operation; however, this embodiment will not elaborate further.

[0203] S23. When a soft-defined UE determines that it meets the conditions for constructing an ISC, it is selected as a MUE.

[0204] A soft-defined UE can determine its own capability assessment parameters. Based on these parameters, when its utility value reaches a threshold, it selects itself as a MUE. The description of the capability assessment parameters and the utility value of the soft-defined UE can be found in the description of the utility value of the soft-defined UE in step S13 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0205] S24.MUE generates ISC construction information based on the D2D service requirements of multiple UEs in area c, and constructs an ISC using this ISC construction information to schedule the D2D services of UEs in area c.

[0206] Optionally, in some possible cases, the D2D service requirements of multiple UEs in area c can be obtained after the soft-defined UE determines itself as an MUE. In other possible cases, the D2D service information of the UE in the aforementioned step S21 can carry the D2D service requirements, and the MUE can obtain the D2D service requirements of multiple UEs in area c from the D2D service information obtained in step S21.

[0207] The details of step S24 can be found in the foregoing description of step S14, with appropriate modifications. For example, the base station operation can be modified to be a soft-defined UE operation, and the operation of the base station sending SIC construction information to the MUE can be removed. This embodiment will not elaborate further in this regard.

[0208] It should be noted that the content of congestion control scenario 1 mentioned above can be reused in congestion control scenario 2. Adaptive modifications are all that's needed; for example, removing the interactions between the base station and the software-defined UE, and then modifying the base station's operations to be those of the software-defined UE. For instance, the differentiation of D2D service congestion types involved in congestion control scenario 1—where different types of D2D service congestion can be addressed by constructing different ISCs through the MUE—is also applicable to congestion control scenario 2.

[0209] For example, D2D service congestion in the aforementioned area c (an example of area 1) includes: D2D service congestion in underlay mode and / or D2D service congestion in non-underlay mode. Non-underlay mode includes out-band mode and overlay mode. When D2D service data in non-underlay mode is transmitted in area c, the spectrum used does not overlap with the cellular spectrum or overlaps but is orthogonal to it. When D2D service data in underlay mode is transmitted in area c, the spectrum used overlaps with the cellular spectrum and is not orthogonal to it. MUEs include: MUE1 and / or MUE2. MUE1 constructs an ISC using ISC construction information 1, which is used by SUE1 and SUE2 to exchange D2D service data in underlay mode after access. MUE2 constructs an ISC using ISC construction information 2, which is used by SUE1 and SUE2 to exchange D2D service data in non-underlay mode after access.

[0210] Region c is the signal coverage area of ​​the MUE. Before the MUE constructs the ISC, the following steps are also included: When the MUE is a soft-defined UE, if it meets the conditions for constructing the ISC, it is selected as the MUE. The MUE generates the ISC construction information for constructing the ISC. In the case where the MUE includes MUE1 and MUE2, when the MUE is a soft-defined UE, it is determined that it meets the conditions for constructing the ISC, which may specifically include the following:

[0211] In the event of D2D service congestion in underlay mode within region c, the soft-defined UE determines its utility value 1 to be higher than threshold 1. The utility value 1 of the soft-defined UE is determined based on the signal strength and D2D interference intensity of the soft-defined UE.

[0212] In the event of D2D service congestion in non-underlay mode within region c, the soft-defined UE determines its utility value 2 to be higher than threshold 2. The utility value 2 of the soft-defined UE is determined based on spectrum allocation, the soft-defined UE signal strength, and the average D2D power. Here, spectrum allocation indicates the ratio of the spectrum used to transmit D2D service data in non-underlay mode to the cellular network spectrum. This includes: the spectrum used by the UE in the signal coverage area of ​​the soft-defined UE to transmit D2D service data in out-band mode, plus the spectrum used by the UE in the signal coverage area of ​​the soft-defined UE to transmit D2D service data in overlay mode. This spectrum allocation can be obtained from base station statistics, and the soft-defined UE can then report this statistics to the base station.

[0213] The relevant content regarding determining whether D2D service congestion exists in underlay mode in region c, whether D2D service congestion exists in non-underlay mode in region c, determining the utility value 1 and utility value 2 of the soft-defined UE can be found in the aforementioned description of the relevant content in congestion control scenario 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0214] It should also be noted that the technical solutions involved in the above congestion control scenario 1 and congestion control scenario 2 are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. For example, in step S11 of congestion control scenario 1, after the base station obtains the D2D service information of multiple UEs in area a where the soft-defined UE is located, it can also feed back the D2D service information of the multiple UEs to the soft-defined UE through a probe response message. The soft-defined UE can then determine whether there is D2D service congestion in area a based on the D2D service information, and determine whether it is called an MUE.

[0215] The following describes the exemplary system architecture involved in implementing D2D service congestion control in the aforementioned congestion control scenario 1 and congestion control scenario 2.

[0216] like Figure 12 As shown in Figure (1), this is an exemplary system architecture involved in implementing D2D service congestion control in congestion control scenario 1.

[0217] The system architecture involved in congestion control scenario 1 includes a base station, a MUE (Multi-User Equipment), and a SUE (Supply-User Equipment). It should be noted that there can be one or more MUEs and SUEs.

[0218] The base station includes a MUE management module. This module integrates functional modules for base station participation in D2D service congestion control, such as computer commands. The base station's MUE management module can be responsible for, but is not limited to, the following operations: MUE selection, MUE configuration management, and ISC construction information generation.

[0219] MUE includes the UE module, the MUE management module, and the ISC management module.

[0220] The UE module integrates the MUE as a basic functional module of the UE. For example, it includes communication functions with the base station.

[0221] The MUE management module, under network control, is responsible for receiving base station management configurations, configuring, running, and activating ISCs, and managing local switching.

[0222] The ISC management module integrates functions for managing ISCs. This includes managing ISC access and local switching functions, and is responsible for managing UEs (SUEs) accessing the ISC, enabling D2D service data exchange between SUEs.

[0223] The SUE includes an ISC monitoring module and a D2D service transmission module.

[0224] The ISC monitoring module is responsible for monitoring and identifying ISCs and initiating access requests to the matched ISCs.

[0225] The D2D service transmission module is responsible for sending and receiving D2D service data.

[0226] like Figure 12 As shown in Figure (2), the system architecture involved in congestion control scenario 2 includes MUE and SUE. It should be noted that the number of MUE and SUE can be one or more.

[0227] MUE includes the MUE management module and the ISC management module.

[0228] The MUE management module integrates the functional module for building ISCs (Integrated Service Controllers). This includes generating ISC construction information and completing the construction of the ISC based on that information.

[0229] The ISC management module integrates functions for managing ISCs. This includes managing ISC access and local switching functions, and is responsible for managing UEs (SUEs) accessing the ISC, enabling D2D service data exchange between SUEs.

[0230] The SUE includes an ISC monitoring module and a D2D service transmission module.

[0231] The ISC monitoring module is responsible for monitoring and identifying ISCs and initiating access requests to the matched ISCs.

[0232] The D2D service transmission module is responsible for sending and receiving D2D service data.

[0233] It should be noted here that the aforementioned Figure 12 The modules in the exemplary system architecture described herein are merely illustrative examples, and in practice, more or fewer modules may be included, and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application.

[0234] The following describes an exemplary user equipment provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0235] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the user equipment provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0236] The following describes the embodiments using a user equipment as an example. It should be understood that the user equipment may have more than Figure 13 The more or fewer components shown can be combined into two or more components, or they can have different component configurations. Figure 13 The various components shown can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, including one or more signal processing and / or application-specific integrated circuits.

[0237] User equipment may include: processor 110, external memory interface 120, internal memory 121, universal serial bus (USB) interface 130, charging management module 140, power management module 141, battery 142, antenna 1, antenna 2, mobile communication module 150, wireless communication module 160, audio module 170, speaker 170A, receiver 170B, microphone 170C, headphone jack 170D, sensor module 180, buttons 190, motor 191, indicator 192, camera 193, display screen 194, and subscriber identification module (SIM) card interface 195, etc. The sensor module 180 may include a pressure sensor 180A, a gyroscope sensor 180B, a barometric pressure sensor 180C, a magnetic sensor 180D, an accelerometer sensor 180E, a distance sensor 180F, a proximity sensor 180G, a fingerprint sensor 180H, a temperature sensor 180J, a touch sensor 180K, an ambient light sensor 180L, a bone conduction sensor 180M, etc.

[0238] In this embodiment, the user equipment can be the aforementioned soft-defined UE, and / or SUE. The processor 110 can call computer instructions stored in the internal memory 121 to cause the user equipment to execute the methods in this embodiment.

[0239] It should also be noted that the soft-defined UE involved in the embodiments of this application refers to a UE that supports the construction of an ISC. Its core capability lies in its ability to autonomously construct an ISC according to the needs of D2D services when D2D services are congested, and undertake some base station functions (such as resource scheduling, protocol configuration, and data routing) without relying on hardware modifications. The implementation forms of soft-defined UEs include, but are not limited to: mobile phones, computers, vehicle communication devices, portable emergency communication devices, IoT gateways, edge computing servers, etc.

[0240] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0241] As used in the above embodiments, depending on the context, the term "when..." can be interpreted as meaning "if...", "after...", "in response to determining...", or "in response to detecting...". Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase "when determining..." or "if (the stated condition or event) is interpreted as meaning "if determining...", "in response to determining...", "when (the stated condition or event) is detected", or "in response to detecting (the stated condition or event)".

[0242] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” “the,” and “this” are intended to include the plural expressions as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used in this application refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items.

[0243] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as implying or suggesting relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0244] 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 instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) 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 (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state drive), etc.

[0245] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes described in the above method embodiments. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as ROM or random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The primary user equipment sends a broadcast message, which includes the identifier of the temporary microcell ISC and the D2D service characteristics of the device-to-device (D2D) service supported by the ISC; wherein, the ISC is constructed by the primary user equipment in the event of D2D service congestion in the first area; The primary user equipment receives a response message to the broadcast message, the response message indicating that: the first and second slave user equipments access the ISC through the ISC's identifier; access to the ISC is for management by the primary user equipment; the first and second slave user equipments exchange D2D service data; both the first and second slave user equipments are located in the first area, and the D2D service characteristics of the first and second slave user equipments match the D2D service characteristics in the broadcast message.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The broadcast message further includes: a protocol configuration for transmitting D2D service data, the protocol configuration indicating: at least one protocol layer used for transmitting D2D service data and the configuration corresponding to each protocol layer; the method further includes: The primary user equipment receives D2D service data and the identifier of the second slave user equipment; the D2D service data is sent by the first slave user equipment to the primary user equipment according to the protocol configuration. The primary user equipment sends the D2D service data to the second secondary user equipment according to the protocol configuration.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Before the primary user equipment sends a broadcast message, the method further includes: The primary user equipment uses its hardware resources to virtualize at least one functional module through ISC construction information to construct the ISC; the ISC construction information includes the protocol configuration, access configuration, and local switching configuration. The at least one functional module includes: a first functional module and a second functional module; the first functional module is used for the ISC to implement access function according to the protocol configuration and the access configuration; the second functional module is used for the ISC to implement local switching function according to the protocol configuration and local switching configuration.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ISC construction information is determined based on the D2D service requirements of user equipment in the second region; wherein, the second region includes: the signal coverage area of ​​the primary user equipment, and the D2D service requirements include at least one of the following: transmission latency, transmission service quality, and transmission rate.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first area is congested with D2D services, including: first D2D service congestion and / or second D2D service congestion; the spectrum used by the first D2D service data for transmission in the first area overlaps with the cellular spectrum but is not orthogonal; the spectrum used by the second D2D service data for transmission in the first area does not overlap with the cellular spectrum or overlaps but is orthogonal; the primary user equipment includes: a first primary user equipment and / or a second primary user equipment; the first primary user equipment constructs an ISC using first ISC construction information, which is used to exchange first D2D service data after the first and second secondary user equipments access the network; the second primary user equipment constructs an ISC using second ISC construction information, which is used to exchange second D2D service data after the first and second secondary user equipments access the network.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first area is the signal coverage area of ​​the primary user equipment. Before the primary user equipment constructs the ISC, the method further includes: When the primary user equipment is a candidate user equipment, it is selected as the primary user equipment if it meets the conditions for constructing the ISC. The primary user equipment generates the ISC construction information for constructing the ISC.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The primary user equipment includes: a first primary user equipment, and / or, in the case of a second primary user equipment, when the primary user equipment is a candidate user equipment, it is determined that it meets the conditions for constructing the ISC, specifically including: In the event of a first D2D service congestion in the first region, the candidate user equipment determines that its first utility value is higher than a first threshold. The first utility value of the candidate user equipment is determined based on the signal strength and D2D interference intensity of the candidate user equipment, and / or... In the event of second D2D service congestion in the first region, the candidate user equipment determines that its second utility value is higher than a second threshold; the second utility value of the candidate user equipment is determined based on the spectrum ratio, the signal strength of the candidate user equipment, and the average D2D power; the spectrum ratio indicates the ratio of the spectrum used by the user equipment in the signal coverage area of ​​the candidate user equipment to transmit the second D2D service data to the cellular spectrum.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first area includes the first sector of the base station connected to the primary user equipment, and the first sector is the sector accessed by the primary user equipment; Before the primary user equipment constructs the ISC, the method further includes: The base station determines candidate user equipment that meets the conditions for constructing the ISC, and designates it as the primary user equipment; The candidate user equipment is the user equipment in the first region that supports the construction of an ISC; The base station generates the ISC construction information and sends the ISC construction information to the primary user equipment.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The primary user equipment includes: a first primary user equipment, and / or, in the case of a second primary user equipment, the base station determines candidate user equipment that meets the conditions for constructing the ISC as the primary user equipment, specifically including: In the event of first D2D service congestion in the first region, the base station selects the first primary user equipment from at least one candidate user equipment with the highest first utility value. The first utility value of the candidate user equipment is determined based on the signal strength and D2D interference intensity of the candidate user equipment, and / or... In the event of congestion of the second D2D service in the first region, the base station selects the second primary user equipment from at least one candidate user equipment with the highest second utility value; the second utility value of the candidate user equipment is determined based on the spectrum ratio, the signal strength of the candidate user equipment, and the average D2D power; the spectrum ratio indicates the ratio of the spectrum used by the user equipment in the signal coverage area of ​​the candidate user equipment or the user equipment in the first region to transmit the second D2D service data to the spectrum of the cellular network.

10. The method according to claim 7 or 9, characterized in that, The first utility value of the candidate user equipment is positively correlated with the signal strength of the candidate user equipment, and is also positively correlated with the D2D interference strength of the candidate user equipment; The second utility value of the candidate user equipment is positively correlated with the signal strength of the candidate user equipment, and is also positively correlated with the spectrum share and the D2D average power of the candidate user equipment.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: First, the user equipment receives a broadcast message from the primary user equipment; the broadcast message includes the identifier of the temporary microcell (ISC) and the D2D service characteristics of the device-to-device (D2D) service supported by the ISC; wherein the ISC is constructed by the primary user equipment in the event of D2D service congestion in the first area. If the D2D service characteristics in the broadcast message match the D2D service characteristics of the first slave user equipment, the first slave user equipment accesses the ISC through the ISC's identifier; accessing the ISC allows the first slave user equipment, under the management of the master user equipment, to exchange D2D service data with a second slave user equipment that is also accessing the ISC through the master user equipment; both the first slave user equipment and the second slave user equipment are located in the first area.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The broadcast message further includes: a protocol configuration for transmitting D2D service data, the protocol configuration indicating: at least one protocol layer used for transmitting D2D service data and the configuration corresponding to each protocol layer; after receiving the broadcast message from the primary user equipment from the user equipment, the method further includes: The first slave user equipment sends the D2D service data and the identifier of the second slave user equipment to the master user equipment according to the protocol configuration. The identifier of the second slave user equipment is used to instruct the master user equipment to send the D2D service data to the second slave user equipment.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The primary user equipment sends a broadcast message, which includes the identifier of the temporary microcell ISC and the D2D service characteristics of the device-to-device (D2D) service supported by the ISC; wherein, the ISC is constructed by the primary user equipment in the event of D2D service congestion in the first area; A first slave user equipment receives the broadcast message. If the D2D service characteristics in the broadcast message match the D2D service characteristics of the first slave user equipment, the first slave user equipment accesses the ISC through the ISC's identifier. Accessing the ISC allows the first slave user equipment, under the management of the master user equipment, to exchange D2D service data with a second slave user equipment that is also accessing the ISC through the master user equipment. Both the first slave user equipment and the second slave user equipment are located in the first area.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The broadcast message further includes: a protocol configuration for transmitting D2D service data, the protocol configuration indicating: at least one protocol layer used for transmitting D2D service data and the configuration corresponding to each protocol layer; after receiving the broadcast message from the user equipment, the method further includes: The first slave user equipment sends the D2D service data and the identifier of the second slave user equipment to the master user equipment according to the protocol configuration. The identifier of the second slave user equipment is used to instruct the master user equipment to send the D2D service data to the second slave user equipment.

15. A first user equipment, characterized in that, include: One or more processors and a memory; the memory is coupled to the one or more processors, the memory being used to store computer program code, the computer program code including computer instructions, the one or more processors invoking the computer instructions to cause the first user equipment to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

16. A second user equipment, characterized in that, include: One or more processors and a memory; the memory is coupled to the one or more processors, the memory being used to store computer program code, the computer program code including computer instructions, the one or more processors invoking the computer instructions to cause the second user equipment to perform the method as described in claim 11 or 12.

17. A chip system, said chip system being applied to a first user equipment and / or a second electronic device, characterized in that, The chip system includes one or more processors, which are configured to invoke computer instructions to cause the first user equipment to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-7, and / or the second user equipment to perform the method as described in claim 11 or 12.

18. A computer program product containing instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run on a first user equipment and / or a second user equipment, the first user equipment performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-7, and / or the second user equipment performs the method as described in claim 11 or 12.

19. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on the first user equipment and / or the second user equipment, the first user equipment performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-7, and / or the second user equipment performs the method as described in claim 11 or 12.

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