PDCP duplication

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) duplication. In an aspect, a terminal device determines a change in a priority level of a logical channel (LCH) of a radio bearer (RB). If the priority level increases, the terminal device activates PDCP duplication for the RB. If the priority level decreases, the terminal device deactivates PDCP duplication for the RB.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments relate to the field of communications, and more specifically to devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) replication. Background Technology

[0002] In communications technology, there is continuous evolution in order to provide efficient and reliable solutions for utilizing wireless communication networks. Each new generation presents its own technical challenges for the different situations and processes required to handle connections and services connected to wireless networks. To meet the demands of increased wireless data services since the deployment of fourth-generation (4G) communication systems, fifth-generation (5G), pre-5G, 5G Advanced Systems, or sixth-generation (6G) systems have been developed and improved. New communication systems can support a wide variety of service applications for terminal devices.

[0003] PDCP replication (also known as PDCP packet replication) was introduced as a component to improve reliability and reduce latency. With PDCP replication, one or more secondary RLC entities (i.e., one or more secondary links) can be used to send replications. However, some unresolved issues remain in PDCP replication, which will be investigated in the near future. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In general, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide a solution related to PDCP replication.

[0005] In a first aspect, a terminal device is provided. The terminal device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to at least: determine a change in the priority level of a logical channel (LCH) of a radio bearer (RB); and one of the following: activating Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) replication for the RB based on determining that the priority level has increased or the priority value of the LCH has decreased; or deactivating PDCP replication for the RB based on determining that the priority level has decreased or the priority value of the LCH has increased.

[0006] In a second aspect, a network device is provided. The network device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to at least: determine one or more thresholds for the priority level of a logical channel (LCH) of a radio bearer (RB), the one or more thresholds being used by an end device to activate or deactivate Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) replication for the RB; and transmit the one or more thresholds to the end device.

[0007] In a third aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: determining at a terminal device a change in the priority level of a logical channel (LCH) of a radio bearer (RB); and one of the following: activating Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) replication for the RB at the terminal device based on determining that the priority level has increased or the priority value of the LCH has decreased; or deactivating PDCP replication for the RB at the terminal device based on determining that the priority level has decreased or the priority value of the LCH has increased.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: determining one or more thresholds at a network device for a priority level of a logical channel (LCH) of a radio bearer (RB), the one or more thresholds being used by an end device to activate or deactivate Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) replication for the RB; and at the network device, sending the one or more thresholds to the end device.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: means for determining a change in the priority level of a logical channel (LCH) of a radio bearer (RB) at a terminal device; and one of the following: means for activating Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) replication for the RB at the terminal device based on determining that the priority level has increased or the priority value of the LCH has decreased; or means for deactivating PDCP replication for the RB at the terminal device based on determining that the priority level has decreased or the priority value of the LCH has increased.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: components for determining one or more thresholds at a network device for determining a priority level of a logical channel (LCH) of a radio bearer (RB), the one or more thresholds being used by an end device to activate or deactivate Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) replication for the RB; and components for transmitting the one or more thresholds to the end device at the network device.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, a non-temporary computer-readable medium is provided, the non-temporary computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform a method according to at least any of the third and fourth aspects described above.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, a computer program is provided, the computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the method according to any one of the third and fourth aspects described above.

[0013] In a ninth aspect, a terminal device is provided. The terminal device includes: a determining circuit configured to determine a change in the priority level of a logical channel (LCH) of a radio bearer (RB); and one of the following: an activation circuit configured to activate Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) replication for the RB based on determining that the priority level has increased or the priority value of the LCH has decreased; or a deactivation circuit configured to deactivate PDCP replication for the RB based on determining that the priority level has decreased or the priority value of the LCH has increased.

[0014] In a tenth aspect, a network device is provided. The network device includes: a determining circuit configured to determine one or more thresholds for a priority level of a logical channel (LCH) of a radio bearer (RB), the one or more thresholds being used by an end device to activate or deactivate Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) replication for the RB; and a transmitting circuit configured to transmit the one or more thresholds to the end device.

[0015] It should be understood that the summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1A An example environment in which example embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented is shown.

[0018] Figure 1B A schematic diagram of PDCP replication associated with some embodiments of this disclosure is shown;

[0019] Figure 2 The signaling flow between a terminal device and a network device is shown according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 3A flowchart is shown illustrating a method implemented at a terminal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 4 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method implemented at a network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 5 A simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing some example embodiments of this disclosure is shown; and

[0023] Figure 6 A block diagram illustrating an example of a computer-readable medium according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The principles of this disclosure will now be illustrated with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are intended to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. The embodiments described herein, in addition to those described below, can be implemented in various other ways.

[0026] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0027] The terms "an embodiment," "a particular embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," etc., used in this disclosure indicate that the described embodiment may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment must include that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, such expressions do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it should be understood that applying such features, structures, or characteristics in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, is within the capabilities of those skilled in the art.

[0028] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish different elements. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms “comprising,” “forming,” “having,” “containing,” and / or “including” are used herein, they specifically refer to the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions, wherein the list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”, means at least any one of them, or at least any two or more of them, or at least all of them.

[0030] As used in this article, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more, or all of the following: (a) Hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in analog-only and / or digital-only circuits) and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (as appropriate): (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits with software / firmware; and (ii) Any part of a hardware processor having software (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software, and (multiple) memories, working together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions, and (c) (Multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors (such as (multiple) microprocessors or portions of (multiple) microprocessors) that require software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may be absent when operation does not require it.

[0031] The definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term in this disclosure, including in any claim. As a further example, the term "circuit" as used herein also covers implementations consisting solely of hardware circuitry or a processor (or processors), or portions thereof, and its associated software and / or firmware. The term "circuit" also covers, for example, and if applicable to a particular claim element, baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0032] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard (such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc.). Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices within the communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocols, including but not limited to third-generation (3G), 4G, 4.5G, 5G, or 6G communication protocols, and / or any other currently known or future-developed protocols. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communication technologies, there will certainly be future types of communication technologies and systems that can be implemented through this disclosure. This disclosure should not be construed as limiting its scope to only the systems described above.

[0033] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services. Network devices can refer to base stations (BS) or access points (APs), such as Node B (NodeB or NB), Radio Access Network (RAN) nodes, Evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), NR NB (also referred to as gNB), Remote Radio Unit (RRU), Radio Head (RH), infrastructure equipment for V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communication, Transceiver Point (TRP), Receiver Point (RP), Remote Radio Head (RRH), repeater, Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, and low-power nodes (such as nanocells, picocells, etc.), depending on the terminology and technology used.

[0034] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device that may have communication capabilities. For illustrative purposes only and not as a limitation, a terminal device may be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices may include, but are not limited to: mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, VoIP phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image acquisition terminal devices (such as digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless terminal nodes, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEE), laptop mounted devices (LME), USB adapters, smart devices, wireless user terminal equipment (CPE), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of industrial and / or automated processing chains), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms “terminal equipment”, “communication equipment”, “terminal”, “user equipment” and “UE” may be used interchangeably.

[0035] As mentioned above, PDCP replication was introduced in New Radio (NR) version 15 (Rel-15) as a component to improve reliability and reduce latency. Through PDCP replication, secondary radio link control (RLC) entities (i.e., secondary links) can be used to transmit replication. Furthermore, in version 16 (Rel-16), one or more secondary links were introduced for Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC).

[0036] Additionally, UL scheduling enhancements that enable high Extended Reality (XR) capacity while meeting latency requirements or avoiding too-late Protocol Data Units (PDUs) have been discussed. Latency issues associated with PDCP replication have been noted. However, to date, no effective method has been found to address this problem.

[0037] Furthermore, the inventors note that Logical Channel Priority (LCP) priority adjustment is indeed a time-critical operation. LCP has been specified in 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.321. LCP enhancements have been discussed in Release 18 (Rel-18), but no consensus has been reached due to increased complexity. Both UE and chipset vendors are hesitant to introduce delay components in the multiple resource allocation cycles.

[0038] Given the above, optimizing PDCP replication remains an important problem to be solved. In particular, the potential interaction between PDCP replication and LCH priority adjustment may need to be investigated.

[0039] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a scheme for PDCP replication is provided. This scheme allows a terminal device to determine changes in the LCH priority level of an RB. If the priority level increases, the terminal device activates PDCP replication for the RB; if the priority level decreases, the terminal device deactivates PDCP replication for the RB.

[0040] By activating or deactivating PDCP replication through changes in LCH-based priority levels, end devices can send data to network devices in a timely manner, thereby increasing the probability that urgent data will reach network devices without additional delays and overhead. This allows for greater flexibility in data reporting and thus improves transmission efficiency.

[0041] The principles and embodiments of this disclosure will be discussed in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Firstly, regarding... Figure 1A For reference, the illustration shows an example environment 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented.

[0042] Environment 100 may be part of a communication network, including both terminal device 110 and network device 120. Communication between terminal device 110 and network device 120 may be direct or indirect. As an example, terminal device 110 and network device 120 may communicate with... Figure 1A One or more further device communications are not shown in the diagram.

[0043] To send data and / or control information, terminal device 110 may communicate with network device 120. The link from network device 120 to terminal device 110 is designated as a downlink (DL), and the link from terminal device 110 to network device 120 is designated as an uplink (UL).

[0044] Despite Figure 1A The terminal device 110 and network device 120 in the communication environment 100 are described, and the embodiments of this disclosure can be similarly applied to any other suitable communication devices communicating with each other. That is, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to... Figure 1A Example scenario. In this regard, it should be noted that, although in Figure 1AThe terminal device is schematically depicted as a mobile phone and the network device 120 is schematically depicted as a base station, but it should be understood that these depictions are exemplary by nature and do not imply any limitation. In other embodiments, the first device 110 and the network device 120 can be any other communication device, such as any other wireless communication device.

[0045] It should be understood that, Figure 1A The specific numbers of various communication devices and communication links shown are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitations. Communication environment 100 may include any suitable number of communication devices and any suitable number of communication links for implementing the various embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, it should be understood that various wireless and wired communications (if necessary) are possible between all communication devices.

[0046] Communications in Environment 100 may follow any suitable communication standards or protocols, including existing or future standards such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), 5G New Radio (NR), 6G, Wi-Fi, and Global Microwave Access Interoperability (WiMAX) standards, and may employ any suitable communication technologies, including, for example, Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), Code Division Multiplexing (CDM), Bluetooth, ZigBee, Machine-Type Communications (MTC), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC), Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC), Carrier Aggregation (CA), Dual Connectivity (DC), and New Radio Unlicensed Spectrum (NR-U) technologies.

[0047] Figure 1B A schematic diagram of PDCP replication associated with some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. For example... Figure 1B As shown, the primary RLC entity and the secondary RLC entity can be used for data transmission. The secondary RLC entity can be used to send data copies.

[0048] Figure 2 Signaling flow 200 between a terminal device and a network device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. For the purposes of discussion, signaling flow 200 will be referred to... Figure 1A Described.

[0049] like Figure 2As shown, at 205, terminal device 110 determines a change in the LCH priority level of the RB. For example, terminal device 110 may determine a change in the priority value of the LCH, which reflects a change in the priority level of the LCH. A higher priority level may correspond to a lower priority value. For example, the RB may be configured to have PDCP replication. As an example, the LCH may include the primary LCH of the RB. In this case, PDCP replication may be associated with a change in the priority level of the primary LCH. Alternatively or additionally, the LCH may include a secondary LCH, such as a specific secondary LCH or a selected secondary LCH. The following discussion uses a change in the priority of the primary LCH as an example to illustrate some embodiments for PDCP replication; it should be understood that similar steps or features can be applied in the same or similar way to changes in the priority of the secondary LCH.

[0050] In some example embodiments, terminal device 110 can determine a change in the priority level of the primary LCH in various scenarios. As an example, terminal device 110 may receive an indication from network device 120 indicating a change in the priority level of the primary LCH, and based on this, terminal device 110 can determine that the priority level of the primary LCH may be changed. As another example, the change in the priority level of the primary LCH may be determined by terminal device 110 itself, without requiring an indication associated with the change from network device 120. As an example embodiment, terminal device 110 may determine that the priority level of the primary LCH may need to be changed based on a latency criterion associated with the buffered data. For example, if the remaining time for the buffered data is less than (or equal to) a first time threshold, terminal device 110 may determine to increase the priority level of the primary LCH. If the remaining time for the buffered data exceeds a second time threshold, terminal device 110 may determine to decrease the priority level of the primary LCH. The aforementioned time thresholds(s) may be predefined or configured by network device 120. As another implementation, terminal device 110 may determine that the priority of the primary LCH may need to be changed based on the amount of buffered data. For example, if the amount of buffered data is above a first data threshold, terminal device 110 can increase the priority level of the main LCH; and if the amount of buffered data is below a second data threshold, it can decrease the priority level of the main LCH. These data thresholds(s) can be predefined or configured by network device 120.

[0051] Subsequently, as Figure 2As shown, at 210, if the priority level of the primary LCH increases, terminal device 110 activates PDCP replication for the RB; if the priority level of the primary LCH decreases, PDCP replication is deactivated for the RB. In other words, if the priority value of the primary LCH decreases, terminal device 110 can activate PDCP replication for the RB; if the priority value of the primary LCH increases, PDCP replication is deactivated for the RB. It should be understood that the following discussion of some embodiments will use the increase or decrease of the priority level of the primary LCH as an example, but it should be understood that similar steps or features can be applied in the same or similar way to the decrease or increase of the priority value of the primary LCH. The activation or deactivation of PDCP replication can be performed considering one or more priority thresholds of the primary LCH.

[0052] In some example embodiments, only one priority threshold (also referred to as the first threshold) can be configured and used to activate and deactivate PDCP replication. In some implementations, terminal device 110 can activate PDCP replication for RB if the priority level of the primary LCH is higher than or equal to the first threshold, and deactivate PDCP replication for RB if the priority level of the primary LCH is lower than the first threshold. For example, if the priority level of the primary LCH is higher than or equal to the first threshold, terminal device 110 can activate PDCP replication on one or more secondary LCHs (e.g., all(multiple) secondary LCHs), and if the priority level of the primary LCH is lower than the first threshold, activate PDCP replication on one or more secondary LCHs (e.g., all(multiple) secondary LCHs). In other words, considering that a higher priority level corresponds to a lower priority value, PDCP replication can be deactivated, for example, on all secondary LCHs, if the priority value of the primary LCH is higher than the priority value threshold; and PDCP replication can be activated, for example, on all secondary LCHs, if the priority value of the primary LCH is lower than or equal to the priority value threshold. Alternatively, in some other implementations, if the priority level of the primary LCH is higher than a first threshold, the terminal device 110 can activate PDCP replication for the RB, and if the priority level of the primary LCH is lower than or equal to the first threshold, PDCP replication is deactivated for the RB. The implementation details are similar and will not be elaborated here for simplicity.

[0053] In some example embodiments, two different priority thresholds (also referred to as a first threshold and a second threshold) can be configured and used to activate and deactivate PDCP replication, respectively. If the priority level of the primary LCH is not lower than (or higher than) the first threshold, the terminal device 110 can activate PDCP replication for the RB; and if the priority level of the primary LCH is lower than (or not higher than) the second threshold, PDCP replication is deactivated for the RB. For example, if the priority level of the primary LCH is not lower than (or higher than) the first threshold, the terminal device 110 can activate PDCP replication on one or more secondary LCHs (e.g., all(multiple) secondary LCHs); if the priority level of the primary LCH is lower than (or not higher than) the second threshold, the terminal device 110 can activate PDCP replication on one or more secondary LCHs (e.g., all(multiple) secondary LCHs). In other words, as an example implementation, considering a higher priority level corresponding to a lower priority value, a first priority threshold can be configured for PDCP replication to change from deactivated to activated, and a second priority threshold can be configured for PDCP replication to change from activated to deactivated. In this case, once PDCP replication is deactivated, it can remain deactivated as long as the priority value of the primary LCH remains at or above the first priority threshold. And once PDCP replication is activated, it can remain activated as long as the priority value remains below or above the second priority threshold.

[0054] In some example embodiments, when multiple secondary LCHs are configured for an RB with PDCP replication, multiple priority thresholds can be configured and used to activate and deactivate PDCP replication on different secondary LCHs, respectively. For example, if the priority level of the primary LCH is not lower than (or higher than) a third threshold, the terminal device 110 can activate PDCP replication on a first number of secondary LCHs (i.e., a first group of secondary LCHs), and if the priority level of the primary LCH is not lower than (or higher than) a fourth threshold, it can activate PDCP replication on a second number of secondary LCHs (i.e., a second group of secondary LCHs). Secondary LCHs can be selected for activation based on their identifiers. As an example, the third threshold can be configured for PDCP replication on the first secondary LCH, and the fourth threshold can be configured for PDCP replication on the second secondary LCH. As a possible result, the higher the priority level on the primary LCH, the larger the number of secondary LCHs used for PDCP replication. Alternatively, if the priority level of the primary LCH is lower than (or not higher than) the fifth threshold, the terminal device 110 may deactivate PDCP replication on the third number of secondary LCHs, and if the priority level of the primary LCH is lower than (or not higher than) the sixth threshold, deactivate PDCP replication on the fourth number of secondary LCHs. The implementation details are similar and will not be repeated here for the purpose of simplification.

[0055] The aforementioned priority thresholds can be configured in various ways. For example, such as... Figure 2 As shown, at 215, network device 120 can determine one or more priority thresholds, and at 220, sends the one or more priority thresholds to terminal device 110. The one or more priority thresholds can be transmitted via RRC signaling and / or MAC CE. For example, each of the one or more priority thresholds can be indicated by the absolute value of the corresponding priority threshold. As another example, each of the one or more priority thresholds can be indicated by the difference (i.e., delta) associated with a previous priority level. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more priority thresholds can be predefined.

[0056] In some example embodiments, the aforementioned PDCP replication based on the terminal device may be limited to situations where network device 120 is not congested, for example, when drop based on Protocol Data Unit (PDU) Total Importance (PSI) is not activated. In other words, in this case, if it is determined that network device 120 is not congested, terminal device 110 can activate PDCP replication for RB. If drop based on PSI is not activated, terminal device 110 can determine that network device 120 is not congested.

[0057] In some example embodiments, different priority thresholds can be configured when network device 120 is congested or not congested. In this case, each of one or more of the aforementioned priority thresholds may include a first target threshold when network device 120 is congested, or a second target threshold when network device 120 is not congested.

[0058] refer to Figure 2 According to some embodiments, by configuring an RB with PDCP replication (and optionally, appropriate priority thresholds), a priority change of the primary LCH occurring at the end device can be automatically accompanied by the activation or deactivation of PDCP replication. This increases the probability that urgent data can reach the network device without the additional latency and overhead caused by downlink MAC CEs (multiple MAC CEs). Otherwise, by the time the network device realizes that the LCH needs to increase its priority and sends a MAC CE in the DL to activate PDCP replication, the corresponding data may have already been discarded.

[0059] Figure 3 A flowchart 300 illustrating a method implemented at a terminal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purposes of discussion, method 300 will be referred to Figure 1A It is described from the perspective of terminal device 110.

[0060] At box 310, terminal device 110 determines a change in the priority level of the logical channel (LCH) of the radio bearer (RB).

[0061] At box 320, terminal device 110 activates Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) replication for the RB based on determining that the priority level is rising; or deactivates PDCP replication for the RB based on determining that the priority level is falling.

[0062] In some example embodiments, the main LCH may include the main LCH of the RB.

[0063] In some example embodiments, to activate PDCP replication for the RB, the terminal device 110 may activate PDCP replication for the RB based on determining that the priority level is higher than or equal to a first threshold. In some example embodiments, to activate PDCP replication for the RB, the terminal device 110 may activate PDCP replication on one or more secondary LCHs. In some example embodiments, to deactivate PDCP replication for the RB, the terminal device 110 may deactivate PDCP replication for the RB based on determining that the priority level is lower than the first threshold. In some example embodiments, to activate PDCP replication for the RB, the terminal device 110 may activate PDCP replication for the RB based on determining that the priority level is lower than a second threshold. In some example embodiments, to activate PDCP replication for the RB, the terminal device 110 may activate PDCP replication on one or more secondary LCHs.

[0064] In some example embodiments, to activate PDCP replication for the RB, the terminal device 110 may activate PDCP replication on a first number of secondary LCHs based on determining that the priority level is higher than or equal to a third threshold; and activate PDCP replication on a second number of secondary LCHs based on determining that the priority level is higher than or equal to a fourth threshold. In some example embodiments, to deactivate PDCP replication for the RB, the terminal device 110 may activate PDCP replication on a third number of secondary LCHs based on determining that the priority level is lower than a fifth threshold; and activate PDCP replication on a fourth number of secondary LCHs based on determining that the priority level is lower than a sixth threshold.

[0065] In some example embodiments, at least one of the first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, or the sixth threshold may be received from network device 120. In some example embodiments, at least one of the first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, or the sixth threshold is received via at least one of: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; or Media Access Control (MAC) element. In some example embodiments, the corresponding threshold of the first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, or the sixth threshold is indicated by one of: the absolute value of the corresponding threshold; or the difference relative to a previous priority level.

[0066] In some example embodiments, in order to activate PDCP replication for the RB, terminal device 110 may activate PDCP replication for the RB based on determining that the network device is not congested. In some example embodiments, in order to determine that the network device 120 is not congested, the terminal device may determine that dropping based on Protocol Data Unit (PDU) Set Importance (PSI) has not been activated.

[0067] In some example embodiments, the corresponding threshold of the first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, or the sixth threshold includes one of the following: a first target threshold when the network device is congested; or a second target threshold when the network device is not congested.

[0068] In some example embodiments, in order to determine the change in the priority level of the primary LCH, terminal device 110 may determine the change in priority level based on an indication of the change from network device 120.

[0069] In some example embodiments, to determine the change in the priority level of the primary LCH, terminal device 110 may determine the change at the terminal device without any indication associated with the change from network device 120. In some example embodiments, to determine the change in the priority level of the primary LCH, terminal device 110 may determine the change based on one of the following: a latency criterion associated with buffered data; or the amount of buffered data.

[0070] In some example embodiments, in order to determine that the priority level has increased, the terminal device may determine that the priority value of the LCH has decreased, and / or in order to determine that the priority level has decreased, the terminal device 110 may determine that the priority value of the LCH has increased.

[0071] Figure 4 A flowchart 400 illustrating a method implemented at a network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purposes of discussion, method 400 will be referred to Figure 1A It is described from the perspective of network device 120.

[0072] At box 410, network device 120 determines one or more thresholds for the priority level of the logical channel (LCH) of a radio bearer (RB), which are used by terminal device 110 to activate or deactivate Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) replication for that RB.

[0073] At box 420, network device 120 sends one or more thresholds to terminal device 110.

[0074] In some example embodiments, the one or more thresholds may be sent via at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; or Media Access Control (MAC) control element (MAC CE).

[0075] In some example embodiments, the corresponding threshold of the one or more thresholds may be indicated by one of the following: the absolute value of the corresponding threshold; or the difference relative to a previous priority level.

[0076] In some example embodiments, the corresponding threshold of the one or more thresholds may include one of the following: a first target threshold when the network device 120 is congested; or a second target threshold when the network device 120 is not congested.

[0077] In some example embodiments, the main LCH includes the main LCH of the RB.

[0078] In some example embodiments, the one or more thresholds may include a first threshold, and if the priority level is higher than or equal to the first threshold, the terminal device 110 may activate PDCP replication for the RB. In some example embodiments, the terminal device 110 may activate PDCP on one or more secondary LCHs. In some example embodiments, if the priority level is lower than the first threshold, the terminal device 110 may deactivate PDCP for the RB. In some example embodiments, the one or more thresholds may also include a second threshold, and if the priority level is lower than the second threshold, the terminal device 110 may activate PDCP replication for the RB. In some example embodiments, the terminal device 110 may activate PDCP replication on one or more secondary LCHs.

[0079] In some example embodiments, the one or more thresholds include a third threshold and a fourth threshold, and if the priority level is higher than or equal to the third threshold, the terminal device 110 may activate PDCP replication on a first number of secondary LCHs, and if the priority level is higher than or equal to the fourth threshold, the terminal device 110 may activate PDCP replication on a second number of secondary LCHs.

[0080] In some example embodiments, the one or more thresholds include a fifth threshold and a sixth threshold, and if the priority level is lower than the fifth threshold, the terminal device 110 may activate PDCP replication on a third number of secondary LCHs, and if the priority level is lower than the sixth threshold, the terminal device 110 may activate PDCP replication on a fourth number of secondary LCHs.

[0081] In some example embodiments, network device 120 may also send an indication to terminal device 110 indicating a change in the priority level of the primary LCH.

[0082] In some example embodiments, the apparatus capable of performing method 300 (e.g., terminal device 110) may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 300. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit or software module.

[0083] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes components for determining a change in the priority level of a logical channel (LCH) of a radio bearer (RB); and one of the following: components for activating Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) replication for the RB based on determining that the priority level has increased; or components for deactivating PDCP replication for the RB based on determining that the priority level has decreased.

[0084] In some example embodiments, the main LCH may include the main LCH of the RB.

[0085] In some example embodiments, the components for activating PDCP replication for the RB include: components for activating PDCP replication for the RB based on determining that the priority level is higher than or equal to a first threshold. In some example embodiments, the components for activating PDCP replication for the RB include: components for activating PDCP replication on one or more secondary LCHs. In some example embodiments, the components for deactivating PDCP replication for the RB include: components for deactivating PDCP replication for the RB based on determining that the priority level is lower than the first threshold. In some example embodiments, the components for deactivating PDCP replication for the RB include: components for deactivating PDCP replication for the RB based on determining that the priority level is lower than a second threshold. In some example embodiments, the components for deactivating PDCP replication for the RB include: components for deactivating PDCP replication on one or more secondary LCHs.

[0086] In some example embodiments, the components for activating PDCP replication for the RB include: components for activating PDCP replication on a first number of auxiliary LCHs based on determining that the priority level is higher than or equal to a third threshold; and components for activating PDCP replication on a second number of auxiliary LCHs based on determining that the priority level is higher than or equal to a fourth threshold.

[0087] In some example embodiments, the components for deactivating PDCP replication for the RB include: components for deactivating PDCP replication in a third number of auxiliary LCHs based on determining that the priority level is lower than the fifth threshold; and components for deactivating PDCP replication in a fourth number of auxiliary LCHs based on determining that the priority level is lower than the sixth threshold.

[0088] In some example embodiments, at least one of the first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, or the sixth threshold may be received from network device 120. In some example embodiments, at least one of the first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, or the sixth threshold is received via at least one of: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; or Media Access Control (MAC) element. In some example embodiments, the corresponding threshold of the first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, or the sixth threshold is indicated by one of: the absolute value of the corresponding threshold; or the difference relative to a previous priority level.

[0089] In some example embodiments, the component for activating PDCP replication for the RB includes: a component for activating PDCP replication for the RB based on determining that the network device is not congested. In some example embodiments, the component for determining that the network device 120 is not congested includes: a component for determining to discard inactive components based on Protocol Data Unit (PDU) Set Importance (PSI).

[0090] In some example embodiments, the corresponding threshold of the first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, or the sixth threshold includes one of the following: a first target threshold when the network device is congested; or a second target threshold when the network device is not congested.

[0091] In some example embodiments, the component for determining the change in the priority level of the primary LCH includes: a component for determining the change in the priority level based on an indication from a network device indicating the change.

[0092] In some example embodiments, the components for determining the change in the priority level of the primary LCH include: components for determining the change in the priority level at the terminal device in the absence of an indication associated with the change from network device 120. In some example embodiments, the components for determining the change in the priority level of the primary LCH include components for determining the change in the priority level based on one of the following: a latency criterion associated with buffered data; or the amount of buffered data.

[0093] In some example embodiments, the component for determining the increase in priority level includes: a component for determining the decrease in priority value of the LCH, and / or the component for determining the decrease in priority level includes: a component for determining the increase in priority value of the LCH.

[0094] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 300. In some embodiments, the components include at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to cause the apparatus to execute via the at least one processor.

[0095] In some example embodiments, the apparatus capable of performing method 400 (e.g., network device 120) may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 400. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit or a software module.

[0096] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes components for determining one or more thresholds for a priority level of a logical channel (LCH) of a radio bearer (RB), the one or more thresholds being used by an end device to activate or deactivate Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) replication for the RB; and components for sending the one or more thresholds to the end device.

[0097] In some example embodiments, the one or more thresholds may be sent via at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; or Media Access Control (MAC) control element (MAC CE).

[0098] In some example embodiments, the corresponding threshold of the one or more thresholds may be indicated by one of the following: the absolute value of the corresponding threshold; or the difference relative to a previous priority level.

[0099] In some example embodiments, the corresponding threshold of the one or more thresholds may include one of the following: a first target threshold when the network device is congested; or a second target threshold when the network device is not congested.

[0100] In some example embodiments, the main LCH includes the main LCH of the RB.

[0101] In some example embodiments, the one or more thresholds may include a first threshold, and if the priority level is higher than or equal to the first threshold, the terminal device activates PDCP replication for the RB. In some example embodiments, the terminal device activates PDCP on one or more secondary LCHs. In some example embodiments, if the priority level is lower than the first threshold, the terminal device deactivates PDCP for the RB. In some example embodiments, the one or more thresholds may also include a second threshold, and if the priority level is lower than the second threshold, the terminal device deactivates PDCP replication for the RB. In some example embodiments, the terminal device deactivates PDCP replication on one or more secondary LCHs.

[0102] In some example embodiments, the one or more thresholds include a third threshold and a fourth threshold, and if the priority level is higher than or equal to the third threshold, the terminal device activates PDCP replication on a first number of secondary LCHs, and if the priority level is higher than or equal to the fourth threshold, the terminal device activates PDCP replication on a second number of secondary LCHs.

[0103] In some example embodiments, the one or more thresholds include a fifth threshold and a sixth threshold, and if the priority level is lower than the fifth threshold, the terminal device 110 may activate PDCP replication on a third number of secondary LCHs, and if the priority level is lower than the sixth threshold, the terminal device may activate PDCP replication on a fourth number of secondary LCHs.

[0104] In some example embodiments, the apparatus also includes a component for sending to the terminal device an indication of a change in the priority level of the master LCH.

[0105] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 400. In some embodiments, the components include at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to cause the apparatus to execute via the at least one processor.

[0106] Figure 5 A simplified block diagram of a device 500 suitable for implementing some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Device 500 may be provided to implement a communication device, such as... Figure 1A The terminal device 110 or network device 120 shown is illustrated. As shown, device 500 includes one or more processors 510, one or more memories 520 coupled to processors 510, and one or more communication modules 540 coupled to processors 510.

[0107] Communication module 540 is used for bidirectional communication. Communication module 540 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface can represent any interface necessary for communicating with other network elements.

[0108] Processor 510 can be any type suitable for the local technology network and can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. Device 500 can have multiple processors (such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are subordinate to a clock synchronized with the main processor in time).

[0109] Memory 520 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to: read-only memory (ROM) 524, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, optical disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), optical disc, laser disc, and other magnetic and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to: random access memory (RAM) 522 and other volatile memories that cannot be retained during power outages.

[0110] Computer program 530 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 510. Program 530 may be stored in ROM 524. Processor 510 may perform any suitable operations and processes by loading program 530 into RAM 522.

[0111] Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by components of program 530, enabling device 500 to execute reference... Figure 2 Any process discussed in this disclosure. Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may also be implemented using hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0112] In some example embodiments, program 530 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in device 500 (such as in memory 520) or in other storage devices accessible by device 500. Device 500 may load program 530 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 522 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of non-volatile storage medium (such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc.).

[0113] Figure 6 A block diagram of an example of a computer-readable medium 600 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The computer-readable medium 600 has a program 530 stored thereon. It should be noted that although the computer-readable medium 600... Figure 6The medium is described as being in the form of a CD or DVD, but the computer-readable medium 600 may be any other suitable form for carrying or storing the program 530.

[0114] Generally, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented in hardware, and others can be implemented in firmware or software, which can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or any combination thereof, as not limited to these examples.

[0115] Some example embodiments of this disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions (such as those included in program modules) that are executed at a target physical or virtual processor in a device to implement the above-described references. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Any of the methods described herein. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, or the like that perform a specific task or implement a specific abstract data type. In various embodiments, the functionality of a program module can be combined or divided among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions for a program module can be executed locally or on a distributed device. In a distributed device, a program module can be located on both local and remote storage media.

[0116] Program code for implementing the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, and when executed by the processor or controller, causes the functions / operations indicated in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0117] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried on any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0118] Computer-readable media can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media may include: electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer floppy disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. The term "non-temporary," as used herein, is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), not a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., the difference between RAM and ROM).

[0119] Furthermore, although the operations are described in a specific order, it should not be construed as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in a sequential sequence, or that all of the shown operations be performed, to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while a number of specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Some features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in combinations of features in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented separately in multiple embodiments, or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0120] Although this disclosure is described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features or actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A terminal device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to at least: Determine changes to the priority level of the logical channel (LCH) of the radio bearer (RB); as well as One of the following: Based on the determined priority level increase, activate Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) replication for the RB; or Based on the determined priority level decrease, PDCP replication is deactivated for the RB.

2. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the main LCH includes the main LCH of the RB.

3. The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein activating PDCP replication for the RB includes: Based on the determination that the priority level is higher than or equal to the first threshold, PDCP replication is activated for the RB.

4. The terminal device according to claim 3, wherein activating PDCP replication for the RB includes: Activate PDCP replication on one or more auxiliary LCHs.

5. The terminal device according to claim 3, wherein deactivating PDCP replication for the RB comprises: Based on the determination that the priority level is lower than the first threshold, PDCP replication is deactivated for the RB.

6. The terminal device according to claim 3, wherein deactivating PDCP replication for the RB comprises: Based on the determination that the priority level is lower than the second threshold, PDCP replication is deactivated for the RB.

7. The terminal device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein deactivating PDCP replication for the RB comprises: Activate PDCP replication on one or more auxiliary LCHs.

8. The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein activating PDCP replication for the RB includes: Based on determining that the priority level is higher than or equal to the third threshold, PDCP replication is activated on the first number of auxiliary LCHs; as well as Based on determining that the priority level is higher than or equal to the fourth threshold, PDCP replication is activated on the second number of auxiliary LCHs.

9. The terminal device according to claim 2 or 8, wherein deactivating PDCP replication for the RB comprises: Based on the determination that the priority level is below the fifth threshold, PDCP replication is deactivated in the third number of auxiliary LCHs; as well as Based on the determination that the priority level is below the sixth threshold, PDCP replication is deactivated in the fourth number of auxiliary LCHs.

10. The terminal device according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein at least one of the first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, or the sixth threshold is received from the network device.

11. The terminal device of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, or the sixth threshold is received via at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; or Media Access Control Element (MAC CE).

12. The terminal device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the corresponding threshold of the first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, or the sixth threshold is indicated by one of the following: The absolute value of the corresponding threshold; or The difference relative to the previous priority level.

13. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein activating PDCP replication for the RB comprises: Based on the premise that the network devices are not congested, PDCP replication is activated for the RB.

14. The terminal device according to claim 13, wherein determining that the network device is not congested includes: It was determined that discarding based on Protocol Data Unit (PDU) set importance (PSI) was not activated.

15. The terminal device according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the corresponding threshold of the first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, or the sixth threshold includes one of the following: The first target threshold when network devices are congested; or The second target threshold when network devices are not congested.

16. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein determining the change in the priority level of the primary LCH comprises: The change in the priority level is determined based on an instruction from the network device that indicates the change.

17. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein determining the change in the priority level of the primary LCH comprises: The change in priority level is determined at the terminal device in the absence of any indication from the network device associated with the change.

18. The terminal device of claim 17, wherein determining the change in the priority level of the master LCH comprises: The change in the priority level is determined based on one of the following: The latency standard associated with the buffered data; or The amount of buffered data.

19. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the following: Determining the priority level increase includes: The priority value of the LCH is determined to decrease; or Determining the priority level decrease includes determining the priority value of the LCH to increase.

20. A network device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to at least: One or more thresholds are used by an end device to determine the priority level of a logical channel (LCH) for a radio bearer (RB), the one or more thresholds being used to activate or deactivate Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) replication for the RB. as well as Send one or more threshold values ​​to the terminal device.

21. The network device of claim 20, wherein the one or more thresholds are transmitted via at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; or Media Access Control Element (MAC CE).

22. The network device of claim 20 or 21, wherein the respective threshold of said one or more thresholds is indicated by one of the following: The absolute value of the corresponding threshold; or The difference relative to the previous priority level.

23. The network device according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the respective threshold of the one or more thresholds includes one of the following: A first target threshold when the network device is congested; or The second target threshold when the network device is not congested.

24. The network device according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the primary LCH includes the primary LCH of the RB.

25. The network device of claim 24, wherein the one or more thresholds include a first threshold, and the terminal device activates PDCP replication for the RB if the priority level is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

26. The network device of claim 25, wherein the terminal device activates PDCP replication on one or more secondary LCHs.

27. The network device of claim 25, wherein if the priority level is lower than the first threshold, the terminal device deactivates PDCP replication for the RB.

28. The network device of claim 25, wherein the one or more thresholds further include a second threshold, and if the priority level is lower than the second threshold, the terminal device deactivates PDCP replication for the RB.

29. The network device according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the terminal device activates PDCP replication on one or more secondary LCHs.

30. The network device of claim 24, wherein the one or more thresholds include a third threshold and a fourth threshold, and if the priority level is higher than or equal to the third threshold, the terminal device activates PDCP replication on a first number of secondary LCHs, and if the priority level is higher than or equal to the fourth threshold, the terminal device activates PDCP replication on a second number of secondary LCHs.

31. The network device of claim 24 or 30, wherein the one or more thresholds include a fifth threshold and a sixth threshold, and if the priority level is lower than the fifth threshold, the terminal device activates PDCP replication on a third number of secondary LCHs, and if the priority level is lower than the sixth threshold, the terminal device activates PDCP replication on a fourth number of secondary LCHs.

32. The network device according to any one of claims 24 to 31, wherein the network device is further configured to: Send an instruction to the terminal device indicating a change in the priority level of the main LCH.

33. A method comprising: At the terminal device, the change in priority level of the logical channel (LCH) of the radio bearer (RB) is determined; as well as One of the following: Based on the determination of the increased priority level, at the terminal device, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) replication is activated for the RB; or Based on the determination of the priority level decrease, PDCP replication is deactivated for the RB at the terminal device.

34. A method comprising: At the network device, one or more thresholds are determined for the priority level of the logical channel (LCH) of the radio bearer (RB), and the one or more thresholds are used by the terminal device to activate or deactivate Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) replication for the RB. as well as At the network device, one or more thresholds are sent to the terminal device.

35. An apparatus comprising: A component for determining changes in the priority level of the logical channel (LCH) of a radio bearer (RB) at the terminal device; as well as One of the following: Components for activating Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) replication for the RB at the terminal device based on determining an increase in the priority level; or A component for deactivating PDCP replication for the RB at the terminal device based on determining that the priority level has decreased.

36. An apparatus comprising: A component for determining one or more thresholds at a network device the priority level of a logical channel (LCH) of a radio bearer (RB), the one or more thresholds being used by an end device to activate or deactivate Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) replication for the RB. as well as A component for sending the one or more thresholds to the terminal device at the network device.

37. A non-temporary computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to claim 33 or 34.

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