Communication method and device

Abstract

This application relates to a communication method and apparatus. The communication method is applied to an access network device. The access network device is located in a data network, and a first UE communicates with the data network via a second UE. In response to receiving a first data packet during downlink transmission, the access network device obtains first data and second data from the first data packet. The access network device then transmits at least one of the first data or the second data to the second UE based on a first processing. The first processing is associated with a first link state and a second link state. The first link is a communication link between the first UE and the second UE, and the second link is a communication link between the second UE and the access network device. In this application, in a scenario in which the first UE communicates with the data network via a relay of the second UE, data transmission can be optimized and adverse effects on data transmission can be mitigated or reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of mobile communications, and more particularly, to communication methods and apparatuses.

Background Art

[0002] This application was filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on April 24, 2023, and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310472948.6 titled "QOS Communication Method and Apparatus", and Chinese Patent Application No. 202310947164.4 titled "Communication Method and Apparatus" filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on July 28, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Services such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR), or mixed reality (MR) have high requirements for data transmission speed, latency, etc. To execute services such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR), or mixed reality (MR), a user typically communicates with a data network by using a first user device (e.g., AR / VR glasses in a wearable device) and a second user device that functions as a relay device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a customer premise equipment (CPE)) (specifically, the first user device is communicatively connected to the second user device, and the first user device communicates with the data network via the second user device).

[0004] In the aforementioned scenario, congestion and other issues may occasionally occur during data transmission, affecting it. Therefore, providing communication methods and devices that optimize data transmission and mitigate or reduce its impact in such cases is an urgent technical problem that needs to be addressed. [Overview of the project]

[0005] For the sake of clarity, the communication link between the first user device (User Equipment, UE) and the second UE will be referred to as the first link, and the communication link between the second UE and the access network device will be referred to as the second link. The state of the first link will be referred to as the first link state, and the state of the second link will be referred to as the second link state. The requirements of the core network device (e.g., Session Management Function, SMF) for the first link will be referred to as the first parameter, and the requirements of the core network device for the second link will be referred to as the second parameter. The first or second parameter may be obtained by the core network device (SMF) based on the requirements of the application function (AF) entity in the application server for the core network. Data transmitted over the first link will be referred to as the first link data, and data transmitted over the second link will be referred to as the second link data. The transmission speed of first link data on the first link is referred to as the first transmission speed, and the transmission speed of second link data on the second link is referred to as the second transmission speed. The transmission delay of first link data on the first link is referred to as the first delay, and the transmission delay of second link data on the second link is referred to as the second delay. The first link state includes at least one of the following: the first transmission speed, the first delay, etc. The second link state includes at least one of the following: the second transmission speed, the second delay, etc.

[0006] Since the first link is different from the second link, the state of the first link is also different from the state of the second link. Accordingly, the transmission speeds of the first and second links are also different. In this way, the overall data transmission speed is affected by the lower of the first and second transmission speeds. Similarly, the overall delay is affected by the lower of the first and second delays. In other words, because the state of the first link is different from the state of the second link, the overall data transmission speed may not be high, and the overall delay may be high.

[0007] Conventionally, before data transmission on the second link, only the second link state is considered. Before data transmission on the first link, only the first link state is considered. Let's take data transmission on the first link as an example. In this case, if first link data is transmitted to the second link at the first transmission speed, the first link data may be limited by the second link state, resulting in a lower overall data transmission speed. Similarly, let's take data transmission on the second link as an example. In this case, if second link data is transmitted to the first link at the second transmission speed, the second link data may be limited by the first link state, resulting in a lower overall data transmission speed.

[0008] Cases concerning overall delays are similar to those described above, and therefore will not be described in detail again in this specification.

[0009] Therefore, in a scenario where the first UE communicates with the data network via the relay of the second UE, congestion and other issues may occasionally occur during data transmission, affecting the data transmission. Consequently, providing communication methods and devices to optimize data transmission and mitigate or reduce the impact on data transmission in the aforementioned cases is an urgent technical challenge that needs to be addressed.

[0010] In a scenario where, optionally, the first UE communicates with the data network via a relay in the second UE, multiple cases may occur from time to time during data transmission (e.g., congestion may occur during data transmission, or it may not). How to provide communication methods and devices that dynamically adjust to accommodate multiple cases in order to optimize data transmission is an urgent technical challenge that needs to be addressed.

[0011] In a scenario where, optionally, the first UE communicates with the data network via a relay from the second UE, a technical challenge that urgently needs to be addressed is how to mitigate the impact on data transmission and ensure a good user experience when the overall data transmission speed is not high or the overall latency is high.

[0012] In a scenario where, optionally, the first UE communicates with the data network via a relay of the second UE, providing communication methods and equipment to mitigate the impact on data transmission and ensure a reliable user experience during downlink transmission is an urgent technical challenge that needs to be addressed.

[0013] In a scenario where, optionally, the first UE communicates with the data network via a relay of the second UE, providing communication methods and equipment to mitigate the impact on data transmission and ensure a reliable user experience during uplink transmission is an urgent technical challenge that needs to be addressed.

[0014] In a scenario where, optionally, the first UE communicates with the data network via a relay of the second UE, providing communication methods and devices to facilitate data control or management during data transmission, improve efficiency, and ensure a user experience is an urgent technical challenge that needs to be addressed.

[0015] It should be noted that any two or more of the aforementioned listed technical problems may be freely combined, and the technical problems resulting from such combinations are also technical problems to be solved in this application.

[0016] For example, in a scenario where a first UE communicates with a data network via a relay in a second UE, it is an urgent technical issue to address how to provide communication methods and devices that can accommodate multiple cases during data transmission in order to optimize data transmission, as well as how to mitigate the impact on data transmission and ensure a good user experience during downlink transmission.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first UE may be referred to as a remote user device (remote UE), the second UE may be referred to as a relay user device (relay UE), and the access network device may be referred to as a radio access network (RAN).

[0018] To solve at least one of the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a communication method and apparatus.

[0019] According to the first aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a first network device. The first network device communicates with a second user equipment (UE), and the communication method is Receiving a first message, the first message including an identifier for a first quality of service (QoS) flow and a first QoS parameter based on a protocol data unit (PDU) set, The first network device determines that the second UE will provide the first UE with the functionality to support connection to the data network, The first PDU set-based processing is performed on a first QoS flow based on a first link state and a second link state, wherein the first link is a communication link between a first UE and a second UE, the second link is a communication link between the second UE and the first network device, the first QoS flow belongs to either the first UE or the second UE, the first link state indicates the state of the first link, and the second link state indicates the state of the second link. Includes.

[0020] In this way, in a scenario where the first UE communicates with the data network via the relay of the second UE, the link states of the different links involved in subsequent transmissions can be comprehensively considered for data transmission on the second link, thereby optimizing PDU set-based transmission.

[0021] According to the first aspect, before transmitting at least one of the first data or the second data to the second UE based on the first processing, the communication method During transmission over a second link, the first processing of the first data and the second data is determined, the first processing being determined based on the first link state and the second link state.

[0022] Thus, in a scenario where the first UE communicates with the data network via the relay of the second UE, the first process must be determined first, based on the first and second link states, in a way that is more scientific and rational, before the first process is executed.

[0023] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, the first QoS flow belongs to the second UE, Receiving the first instruction information, Based on the first network device, the second UE decides to provide the first UE with a function to support connection to the data network. Includes.

[0024] According to any one of the first aspect or the implementation of the first aspect, the communication method is that the first indication information is the first QoS flow is used by a second UE for transmitting relay data, and the relay data includes data transmitted between the first UE and a data network via the second UE, or by using the first QoS flow, the second UE provides the first UE with a function of supporting a connection to the network. further includes indicating that.

[0025] According to any one of the first aspect or the implementation of the first aspect, the first indication information is the first information from a second network device, or the first indication information is the second information from the second UE.

[0026] According to any one of the first aspect or the implementation of the first aspect, the communication method includes that the second UE provides the first UE with a function of supporting a connection to the data network by using L3 relay or a Wi-Fi hotspot.

[0027] According to any one of the first aspect or the implementation of the first aspect, the first QoS flow belongs to the first UE, it is determined that the second UE provides the first UE with a function of supporting a connection to the data network by using L2 relay.

[0028] According to any one of the first aspect or the implementation of the first aspect, receiving second indication information, where the second indication information indicates that when transmitting downlink data transmitted by using the first QoS flow to the second UE, PDU set information corresponding to the downlink data is transmitted to the second UE.

[0029] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, determining to perform a first process on a first QoS flow based on a first link state and a second link state is: During downlink transmission in the first QoS flow, the first data packet is received, and the first data and the second data are obtained from the first data packet. Based on the first processing, send at least one of the first data or the second data to the second UE, Includes.

[0030] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, the communication method, based on the first processing, transmits at least one of the first data or the second data to the second UE, During transmission over a second link, a first processing of the first data and the second data is determined, further comprising determining the first processing based on the first link state and the second link state.

[0031] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, When the first link state indicates the first state, the first process indicates the first processing method, or When the first link state indicates the second state, the first process indicates the second processing method.

[0032] The first state is different from the second state, and the first processing method is different from the second processing method.

[0033] In this way, in a scenario where the first UE communicates with the data network via the relay of the second UE, dynamic adjustments can be made based on the first and second link states, thereby optimizing transmission.

[0034] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, the first link state is obtained from the second UE by the RAN.

[0035] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, the second link state is sensed by the RAN.

[0036] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, during downlink transmission, prior to receiving a first data packet, the communication method includes obtaining a first link state from a second UE.

[0037] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, during downlink transmission, after receiving a first data packet, the communication method includes obtaining a first link state from a second UE.

[0038] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, during downlink transmission, before receiving a first data packet, the communication method includes the RAN sensing a second link state.

[0039] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, during downlink transmission, after receiving a first data packet, the communication method includes the RAN sensing a second link state.

[0040] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, the first data includes a first protocol data unit (PDU) set and first PDU set information, the second data includes a second PDU set and second PDU set information, the first PDU set information indicates the characteristics of the first PDU set, and the second PDU set information indicates the characteristics of the second PDU set.

[0041] In this way, in a scenario where the first UE communicates with the data network via the relay of the second UE, it is more convenient to control or manage the data while it is being transmitted over the first link.

[0042] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, "based on a first link state and a second link state" includes "based on a first link state, a second link state, a first PDU set information, and a second PDU set information."

[0043] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, When the first link state indicates a first state, and the first state is congested, and the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set, the first processing method is to transmit the first PDU set over the second link and discard the second PDU set.

[0044] Whether the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set is determined based on the information of both the first and second PDU sets.

[0045] It should be noted that importance or priority can be relative. For example, the importance of the first data point is level 1, and the importance of the second data point is level 2, with level 1 being higher than level 2 (i.e., the first data point is more important than the second). In another example, the priority of the first data point is level 1, and the priority of the second data point is level 2, with level 1 being higher than level 2 (i.e., the first data point takes precedence over the second).

[0046] In this way, in a scenario where the first UE communicates with the data network via the relay of the second UE, the transmission of high-priority data can be guaranteed, thereby ensuring a good user experience.

[0047] Furthermore, during downlink transmission, consideration is given to how to ensure the transmission of high-priority data after the transmission of the second link data and before the transmission of the first link data, thereby ensuring a good user experience.

[0048] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, When the first link state indicates a first state, and the first state is congested, and the first PDU set takes precedence over the second PDU set, the first processing method is to transmit the first PDU set over the second link and discard the second PDU set.

[0049] The preference for the first PDU set over the second PDU set is determined based on the information for both the first and second PDU sets.

[0050] In this way, in a scenario where the first UE communicates with the data network via the relay of the second UE, it is possible to ensure the transmission of high-priority data when the overall data transmission speed is not high, thereby ensuring a good user experience.

[0051] It should be noted that importance or priority can, alternatively, be absolute. For example, the importance of the first data point is level 1, and the importance of the second data point is level 2, with level 1 being high and level 2 being low (i.e., the first data point is more important than the second data point). In another example, the priority of the first data point is level 1, and the priority of the second data point is level 2, with level 1 being high and level 2 being low (i.e., the first data point is preferred over the second data point).

[0052] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, When the first link state indicates a first state, the first state is congested, the first PDU set is important, and the second PDU set is not important, the first processing method is to send the first PDU set over the second link and discard the second PDU set.

[0053] Whether the first PDU set is important is determined based on the information of the first PDU set, and whether the second PDU set is not important is determined based on the information of the second PDU set.

[0054] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, When the first link state indicates a first state, the first state is congested, the first PDU set is preferred, and the second PDU set is undesirable, the first processing method is to transmit the first PDU set over the second link and discard the second PDU set.

[0055] The preference for the first PDU set is determined based on the first PDU set information, and the undesirability of the second PDU set is determined based on the second PDU set information.

[0056] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, When the first link state indicates a first state and the first state is congested, the second link state indicates a second state and the second state is not congested, and the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set, the first processing method is to transmit the first PDU set over the second link and discard the second PDU set.

[0057] Whether the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set is determined based on the information of both the first and second PDU sets.

[0058] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, When the first link state indicates a first state and the first state is congested, the second link state indicates a second state and the second state is not congested, the first PDU set is important, and the second PDU set is not important, the first processing method is to transmit the first PDU set over the second link and discard the second PDU set.

[0059] Whether the first PDU set is important is determined based on the information of the first PDU set, and whether the second PDU set is not important is determined based on the information of the second PDU set.

[0060] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, When the first link state indicates a first state and the first state is congested, the second link state indicates a second state and the second state is not congested, the first PDU set is preferred and the second PDU set is undesirable, the first processing method is to transmit the first PDU set over the second link and discard the second PDU set.

[0061] The preference for the first PDU set is determined based on the first PDU set information, and the undesirability of the second PDU set is determined based on the second PDU set information.

[0062] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, When the first link state indicates a first state and the first state is congested, the second link state indicates a second state and the second state is not congested, and the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set, the first processing method is to transmit the first PDU set over the second link and discard the second PDU set.

[0063] Whether the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set is determined based on the information of both the first and second PDU sets.

[0064] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, When the first link state indicates a first state, which is congested, the second link state indicates a second state, which is not congested, and the first PDU set takes precedence over the second PDU set, the first processing method is to transmit the first PDU set over the second link and discard the second PDU set.

[0065] The preference for the first PDU set over the second PDU set is determined based on the information for both the first and second PDU sets.

[0066] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, When the first link state indicates the second state and the second state is not congested, and the second link state indicates the second state and the second state is not congested, and the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set, the first processing method is to transmit the first PDU set and the second PDU set over the second link.

[0067] Whether the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set is determined based on the information of both the first and second PDU sets.

[0068] In this way, in a scenario where the first UE communicates with the data network via the relay of the second UE, when the overall data transmission rate is high, it is possible to ensure the transmission of both high-priority and low-priority data, thereby ensuring a good user experience.

[0069] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, When the first link state indicates the second state and the second state is not congested, and the second link state indicates the second state and the second state is not congested, and the first PDU set takes precedence over the second PDU set, the first processing method is to transmit the first PDU set and the second PDU set over the second link.

[0070] The preference for the first PDU set over the second PDU set is determined based on the information for both the first and second PDU sets.

[0071] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, When the first link state indicates the second state and the second state is not congested, and the second link state indicates the second state and the second state is not congested, and the first PDU set is important and the second PDU set is not important, the first processing method is to transmit the first PDU set and the second PDU set over the second link.

[0072] Whether the first PDU set is important and the second PDU set is not is determined based on the information of the first and second PDU sets.

[0073] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, When the first link state indicates the second state and the second state is not congested, and the second link state indicates the second state and the second state is not congested, and the first PDU set is preferred and the second PDU set is not preferred, the first processing method is to transmit the first PDU set and the second PDU set over the second link.

[0074] The preference for the first PDU set is determined based on the first PDU set information, and the undesirability of the second PDU set is determined based on the second PDU set information.

[0075] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, When the first link state indicates the second state, the second state is not congested, and the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set, the second processing method is to transmit both the first and second PDU sets over the second link.

[0076] Whether the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set is determined based on the information of both the first and second PDU sets.

[0077] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, When the first link state indicates the second state, the second state is not congested, and the first PDU set takes precedence over the second PDU set, the second processing method is to transmit both the first and second PDU sets over the second link.

[0078] The preference for the first PDU set over the second PDU set is determined based on the information for both the first and second PDU sets.

[0079] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, When the first link state indicates the second state, the second state is not congested, the first PDU set is important, and the second PDU set is not important, the second processing method is to transmit the first PDU set and the second PDU set over the second link.

[0080] Whether the first PDU set is important is determined based on the information of the first PDU set, and whether the second PDU set is not important is determined based on the information of the second PDU set.

[0081] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, When the first link state indicates the second state, the second state is not congested, the first PDU set is preferred, and the second PDU set is not preferred, the second processing method is to transmit the first PDU set and the second PDU set over the second link.

[0082] The preference for the first PDU set is determined based on the first PDU set information, and the undesirability of the second PDU set is determined based on the second PDU set information.

[0083] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, during downlink transmission, before receiving the first data packet, After receiving downlink data, the system decides to send protocol data unit (PDU) set information corresponding to the downlink data to a second UE, wherein the PDU set information describes the characteristics of the corresponding PDU set.

[0084] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, during downlink transmission, before receiving the first data packet, Receiving a first message, the first message containing first information and a first identifier, the first message being a message received through a first interface, and the first identifier indicating a first quality of service (QoS) flow, When the RAN decides to receive downlink data in response to receiving the first message, it decides to process the downlink data during transmission on the second link, based on the first and second link states. In response to receiving the first message, the first information indicates that when RAN decides to receive downlink data using the first QoS flow, it will decide to process the downlink data during transmission on the second link based on the first and second link states, or Upon receiving the first message, the first information indicates, using the first QoS flow, that the downlink data received by the RAN is relay data, and that the relay data is data to be transmitted from the second UE to the first UE.

[0085] Optionally, the first piece of information is relay indication information.

[0086] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, the first message includes PDU set quality of service (QoS) parameters, which indicate requirements that data transmitted using the first QoS flow must satisfy when transmitted from the RAN to the first UE.

[0087] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, both the first and second PDU sets are included in the data transmitted using the first QoS flow, and are within the first downlink data, the first downlink data originating from the AF in the application server.

[0088] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, during downlink transmission, before receiving the first data packet, the communication method The process involves receiving a second message, the second message indicating the establishment of a first QoS flow, and the second message being a message received through a second interface.

[0089] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, the first interface is an N2 interface, the second interface is an N1 interface, the first processing represents a first QoS handling, and the first QoS handling is associated with a first QoS flow.

[0090] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, during downlink transmission, before receiving the first data packet, the RAN learns that the second UE will perform a Layer 2 (L2) relay for the first UE.

[0091] In this way, the L2 relay scenario is covered.

[0092] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, the RAN learns, by using the first information, that the second UE will perform a Layer 3 (L3) relay for the first UE.

[0093] Optionally, the first piece of information is relay indication information.

[0094] In this way, the L3 relay scenario is covered.

[0095] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, The second UE is a relay user device (relay UE) and the first UE is a remote user device (remote UE), or The second UE is the hotspot UE, and the hotspot is the Wi-Fi hotspot.

[0096] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, the first link is a link established based on a Proximity Service Communication 5 (PC5) interface, and the second link is a link established based on a Universal Mobile Communications System Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network and the UE, Uu) interface.

[0097] According to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, a first link state indicates a relationship between a first network capacity and a first network load, a second link state indicates a relationship between a second network capacity and a second network load, where the first network capacity is the maximum communication traffic supported by the first network, the first network load is the load on the first network, the second network capacity is the maximum communication traffic supported by the second network, and the second network load is the load on the second network.

[0098] According to a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a second user equipment (UE). The second UE communicates with the first UE, and the first UE communicates with a data network via the second UE, and the communication method is The first parameter is obtained, the first parameter represents a protocol data unit (PDU) set-based QoS control parameter of a first quality of service (QoS) flow, and the first QoS flow is a QoS flow used for communication between a first UE and a second UE. Performing a second PDU set-based process for the first Quality of Service (QoS) flow, Includes.

[0099] In this way, in a scenario where the first UE communicates with the data network via the relay of the second UE, the transmission between the first UE and the second UE (hereinafter referred to as the first link) can satisfy the network requirements for transmission so that the overall transmission can be optimized.

[0100] According to the second aspect, based on the second processing, before sending at least one of the first data or the second data to the first UE, During transmission over the first link, a second processing of the third and fourth data is determined, the second processing is determined based on the first parameter.

[0101] Thus, in a scenario where the first UE communicates with the data network via the relay of the second UE, the second process must first be determined based on the parameters of the first UE in order to be more scientific and rational before the second process is executed.

[0102] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, The first parameter is obtained by the second UE from the second core network device, or The first parameter is obtained by the second UE based on the second parameter, and the second parameter is obtained by the second UE from the second core network device.

[0103] In this way, in a scenario where the first UE communicates with the data network via the relay of the second UE, two possible implementations can be provided: one that directly obtains the first parameter and one that indirectly obtains the first parameter.

[0104] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, the first parameter includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following parameters: A PC5 protocol data unit set delay budget (PC5 PDU Set Delay Budget, PC5-PSDB) is used to set a first preset delay, where the transmission delay of any set of PDUs between the first UE and the second UE is less than or equal to the first preset delay. The PC5 protocol data unit set error rate (PC5 PDU Set Error Rate, PC5-PSER) is used to set the ratio of the amount of PDU sets processed by the second UE but not successfully processed by the first UE, where the ratio includes a first preset error rate, the first ratio must be less than or equal to the first preset error rate, the first ratio is the ratio of the amount of the first PDU set to the amount of the second PDU set, the amount of the first PDU set is the amount of PDU sets transmitted by the second UE but not successfully received by the first UE, and the amount of the second PDU set is the amount of PDU sets transmitted by the second UE, or The first UE uses PC5 protocol data unit set integrated handling information (PC5-PSIHI), which is used to determine whether or not all PDUs in the PDU set are needed to perform subsequent processing, where subsequent processing includes decoding or direct use.

[0105] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, the communication method is: The first instruction information is transmitted to the first network device, wherein the first instruction information is second information transmitted by the second UE. Based on the first instruction information, the first network device determines that the second UE will provide the first UE with a function to support connection to the data network. It also includes.

[0106] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, during downlink transmission, before receiving a second data packet, the communication method includes obtaining a first parameter from a second core network device.

[0107] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, during downlink transmission, after receiving a second data packet, the communication method includes obtaining a first parameter from a second core network device.

[0108] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, the first parameter includes at least one of the following: The first preset delay, the transmission delay of any set of protocol data units (PDUs) on the first link, must be less than or equal to the first preset delay. The first preset error rate, the first ratio must be less than or equal to the first preset error rate, the first ratio is the ratio of the amount of the first PDU set to the amount of the second PDU set, the amount of the first PDU set is the amount of PDU sets transmitted by the second UE but not successfully received by the first UE, and the amount of the second PDU set is the amount of PDU sets transmitted by the second UE, or The minimum ratio of any set of PDUs that must be sent accurately.

[0109] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, the first PDU set information includes the SMF indicating a RAN for adding the first PDU set information to a second data packet during downlink transmission, which is then transmitted to the second UE.

[0110] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, obtaining first PDU set information based on third data includes obtaining first PDU set information from third data, where third data includes first PDU set information or The first PDU set information is derived based on the third data.

[0111] In this way, in a scenario where the first UE communicates with the data network via the relay of the second UE, two possible implementations can be provided: one that directly obtains the first PDU set information, and another that indirectly obtains the first parameters.

[0112] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, the second PDU set information includes the SMF indicating a RAN for adding the second PDU set information to a second data packet during downlink transmission, which is then transmitted to the second UE.

[0113] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, the acquisition of second PDU set information based on fourth data means that second PDU set information is acquired from fourth data, and fourth data includes second PDU set information, or This includes deriving second PDU set information based on fourth data.

[0114] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, the second process being associated with the first parameter, the first PDU set information, and the second PDU set information includes the second process being associated with the first parameter, the first link state, the first PDU set information, and the second PDU set information, wherein the first link state indicates the state of the first link.

[0115] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, the determination of the second processing based on the first parameter includes the determination of the second processing based on the first parameter, the first PDU set information, and the second PDU set information.

[0116] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, the second processing is determined based on a first parameter, a first PDU set information, and a second PDU set information, which includes the second processing being determined based on a first parameter, a first link state, a first PDU set information, and a second PDU set information, wherein the first link state indicates the state of a first link.

[0117] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, When the first link state indicates that the first link is congested and the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set, the second action is to send the first PDU set over the first link and discard the second PDU set.

[0118] Whether the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set is determined based on the information of both the first and second PDU sets.

[0119] In this way, in a scenario where the first UE communicates with the data network via the relay of the second UE, when the data transmission speed of the first link is not high, it is possible to ensure the transmission of high-priority data, thereby ensuring a good user experience.

[0120] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, the first link state is sensed by the second UE.

[0121] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, When the first link state indicates that the first link is congested, the first PDU set is important, and the second PDU set is not, the second action is to send the first PDU set over the first link and discard the second PDU set.

[0122] Whether the first PDU set is important is determined based on the information of the first PDU set, and whether the second PDU set is not important is determined based on the information of the second PDU set.

[0123] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, When the first link state indicates that the first link is not congested and the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set, the second action is to transmit both the first and second PDU sets over the first link.

[0124] Whether the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set is determined based on the information of both the first and second PDU sets.

[0125] In this way, in a scenario where the first UE communicates with the data network via the relay of the second UE, when the data transmission rate of the first link is high, it is possible to ensure the transmission of both high-priority and low-priority data, thereby ensuring a good user experience.

[0126] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, When the first link state indicates that the first link is not congested, the first PDU set is important, and the second PDU set is not important, the second action is to transmit the first PDU set and the second PDU set over the first link.

[0127] Whether the first PDU set is important is determined based on the information of the first PDU set, and whether the second PDU set is not important is determined based on the information of the second PDU set.

[0128] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, When the first link state indicates that the first link is congested and the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set, the second action is to send the first PDU set over the first link and discard the second PDU set.

[0129] Whether the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set is determined based on the information of both the first and second PDU sets.

[0130] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, When the first link state indicates that the first link is congested, the first PDU set is important, and the second PDU set is not, the second action is to send the first PDU set over the first link and discard the second PDU set.

[0131] Whether the first PDU set is important is determined based on the information of the first PDU set, and whether the second PDU set is not important is determined based on the information of the second PDU set.

[0132] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, When the first link state indicates that the first link is congested and the first PDU set takes precedence over the second PDU set, the second action is to send the first PDU set and discard the second PDU set over the first link.

[0133] The preference for the first PDU set over the second PDU set is determined based on the information for both the first and second PDU sets.

[0134] In this way, in a scenario where the first UE communicates with the data network via the relay of the second UE, when the data transmission speed of the first link is not high, it is possible to guarantee the transmission of data with high priority, thereby ensuring a good user experience.

[0135] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, When the first link state indicates that the first link is congested, and the first PDU set is preferred while the second PDU set is undesirable, the second process is to transmit the first PDU set and discard the second PDU set over the first link.

[0136] The preference for the first PDU set is determined based on the first PDU set information, and the undesirability of the second PDU set is determined based on the second PDU set information.

[0137] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, in downlink transmission, before receiving the second data packet, the communication method Determining a first rule, which, if downlink data is received, includes determining PDU set information corresponding to the PDU set in the downlink data.

[0138] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, When the transmission delay of the first PDU set on the first link is less than or equal to the first preset delay, the transmission of the first PDU set continues, or If the transmission delay of the second PDU set on the first link is greater than the first preset delay, the second PDU set is discarded.

[0139] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, during downlink transmission, before receiving the second data packet and before determining the first rule, the communication method Receiving a second message, the second message including a first identifier, the second message being a message received and forwarded by the RAN through a second interface, the second message indicating the establishment of a first quality of service (QoS) flow, and the first identifier indicating the first QoS flow.

[0140] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, both the first and second PDU sets are transmitted using the first QoS flow and are contained within the data in the first downlink data, the first downlink data originating from the AF in the application server.

[0141] According to either the second aspect or an implementation of the second aspect, the second message includes a first parameter, the first parameter includes a first PDU set quality of service (QoS) parameter, the first PDU set QoS parameter indicates the requirements that must be met when the data transmitted using the first QoS flow is transmitted over the first link.

[0142] According to either the second aspect or an implementation of the second aspect, the second message includes a second parameter, the second parameter includes a second PDU set quality of service (QoS) parameter, the second PDU set QoS parameter indicates the requirements that must be met when data transmitted using the first QoS flow is transmitted over the second link, and the first PDU set QoS parameter indicates the requirements that must be met when data transmitted using the first QoS flow is transmitted over the first link.

[0143] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, The second parameter includes the first mapping relationship, which is the mapping relationship between the first PDU set QoS parameter and the second PDU set QoS parameter. After receiving the second message, the communication method obtains the first PDU set QoS parameters based on the second PDU set QoS parameters and the first mapping relationship, wherein the first PDU set quality of service (QoS) parameters are contained within the first parameters, and the first parameters indicate the requirements of the first link.

[0144] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, prior to receiving the second message, the communication method includes the second UE knowing a first mapping relationship, the first mapping relationship being a mapping relationship between a first PDU set QoS parameter and a second PDU set QoS parameter.

[0145] The first PDU set QoS parameters indicate the requirements that must be met when data transmitted using the first QoS flow is transmitted over the first link, and the second PDU set QoS parameters indicate the requirements that must be met when data transmitted using the first QoS flow is transmitted over the second link.

[0146] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, after receiving the second message, the communication method is Obtaining a first PDU set QoS parameter based on a second PDU set QoS parameter and a first mapping relationship, wherein the first PDU set quality of service (QoS) parameter is included within the first parameter.

[0147] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, the second interface is an N1 interface, the second processing represents a second QoS processing, the second QoS processing is associated with a first QoS flow, the second core network device is an Access and Mobility Management Function Entity (AMF), the second UE is a relay user device (relay UE), and the first UE is a remote user device (remote UE).

[0148] According to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, the first link is a link established based on the PC5 interface, and the second link is a link established based on the Uu interface.

[0149] According to a third aspect, a communication method is provided. The communication method is applied to a first user equipment (UE), the first UE communicates with a second UE, and the first UE communicates with a data network via the second UE. The communication method is Before performing the uplink transmission of the first data packet to the second UE, determine the first and second data from the first data packet, Based on the first process, transmit at least one of the first data or the second data to the second UE, wherein the first process is associated with the first link state and the second link state. Includes.

[0150] The first link state indicates the state of the first link, the second link state indicates the state of the second link, the first link is the communication link between the first UE and the second UE, and the second link is the communication link between the second UE and the RAN.

[0151] In this way, in a scenario where the first UE communicates with the data network via the relay of the second UE, the link states of the different links involved in the subsequent transmission are comprehensively considered before the first UE sends uplink data to the second UE, thereby optimizing the transmission.

[0152] According to the third aspect, the first data includes a first protocol data unit (PDU) set and first PDU set information, the second data includes a second PDU set and second PDU set information, the first PDU set information indicates the characteristics of the first PDU set, and the second PDU set information indicates the characteristics of the second PDU set.

[0153] In this way, the PDU set is introduced into the first link on which the first UE transmits data to the second UE, to facilitate data control or management during the overall data transmission and to ensure a good user experience.

[0154] According to either the third embodiment or an implementation of the third embodiment, basing on the first and second link states includes basing on the first link state, the second link state, the first PDU set information, and the second PDU set information.

[0155] In this way, the PDU set is introduced into the first link on which the first UE transmits data to the second UE, to facilitate data control or management during the overall data transmission and to ensure a good user experience.

[0156] According to either the third embodiment or an implementation of the third embodiment, the communication method is: When the second link state indicates the first state, the first process indicates the first processing method, or When the second link state indicates the second state, the first process indicates the second processing method. Includes.

[0157] The first state is different from the second state, and the first processing method is different from the second processing method.

[0158] In this way, in a scenario where the first UE communicates with the data network via the relay of the second UE, dynamic adjustments can be performed based on the first and second link states, thereby optimizing transmission.

[0159] According to either the third embodiment or an implementation of the third embodiment, the communication method is: When the first link state indicates a first state and the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set, the first state is congested, and the first processing method includes transmitting the first PDU set over the first link and discarding the second PDU set.

[0160] The fact that the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set is determined based on the information of both the first and second PDU sets.

[0161] In this way, in a scenario where the first UE communicates with the data network via the relay of the second UE, when the first UE sends uplink data to the second UE, it is possible to ensure the transmission of high-priority data, thereby ensuring a good user experience.

[0162] According to either the third embodiment or an implementation of the third embodiment, When the first link state indicates a first state, the first state is congested, the first PDU set is important, and the second PDU set is not important, the first processing method is to send the first PDU set over the first link and discard the second PDU set.

[0163] Whether the first PDU set is important and the second PDU set is not is determined based on the information of the first and second PDU sets.

[0164] According to either the third embodiment or an implementation of the third embodiment, When the first link state indicates the second state, the second state is not congested, the first PDU set is important, and the second PDU set is not important, the first processing method is to transmit the first PDU set and the second PDU set over the first link.

[0165] Whether the first PDU set is important and the second PDU set is not is determined based on the information of the first and second PDU sets.

[0166] According to either the third embodiment or an implementation of the third embodiment, The first UE is a remote user device (remote UE), the second UE is a relay user device (relay UE), or The second UE is the hotspot UE, and the hotspot is a Wi-Fi hotspot.

[0167] According to a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. The communication method is applied to a communication system. The communication system includes an access network device (RAN) and a second user device (UE), where the RAN communicates with the second UE, the second UE communicates with the first UE, and the first UE communicates with a data network via the second UE. The communication method is: Upon receiving the first data packet during downlink transmission, the RAN retrieves the first data, the second data, and the third data from the first data packet. The RAN transmits a second data packet to a second UE based on a first process, the second data packet containing the first data and the second data, and the first process is associated with a first link state and a second link state. Upon receiving the second data packet, the second UE retrieves the fourth and fifth data from the second data packet, wherein both the fourth and first data contain the first content, and both the fifth and second data contain the second content. Based on the second process, transmit at least one of the fourth data or the fifth data to the first UE, wherein the second process is associated with the first parameter. Includes.

[0168] The first link state indicates the state of the first link, the second link state indicates the state of the second link, the first link is a communication link between the first UE and the second UE, the second link is a communication link between the second UE and the RAN, and the first parameter indicates the requirements that must be met when data transmission is performed over the first link.

[0169] According to the fourth aspect, based on the first processing, before sending the second data packet to the second UE, During transmission over the second link, a first processing of the first data and the second data is determined, the first processing is determined based on the first link state and the second link state.

[0170] According to either the fourth aspect or an implementation of the fourth aspect, When the first link state indicates the first state, the first process indicates the first processing method, or When the first link state indicates the second state, the first process indicates the second processing method.

[0171] The first state is different from the second state, and the first processing method is different from the second processing method.

[0172] According to either the fourth aspect or an implementation of the fourth aspect, based on the second processing, before sending at least one of the fourth data or the fifth data to the first UE, During transmission over the first link, a second processing of the fourth and fifth data is determined, the second processing is determined based on the first parameter.

[0173] According to either the fourth aspect or an implementation of the fourth aspect, the first data includes a first set of protocol data units (PDUs), the second data includes a second set of PDUs, the third data includes a third set of PDUs, the fourth data includes a first set of PDUs, the fifth data includes a second set of PDUs, the first content includes a first set of PDUs, and the second content includes a second set of PDUs.

[0174] According to either the fourth embodiment or an implementation of the fourth embodiment, the association of the second process with the first parameter includes the association of the second process with the first parameter, the first PDU set information, and the second PDU set information.

[0175] The first PDU set information describes the characteristics of the first PDU set, the second PDU set information describes the characteristics of the second PDU set, the first PDU set information is obtained based on the fourth data, and the second PDU set information is obtained based on the fifth data.

[0176] According to either the fourth aspect or an implementation of the fourth aspect, The first parameter is obtained by the second UE from the second core network device, or The first parameter is obtained by the second UE based on the second parameter, and the second parameter is obtained by the second UE from the second core network device.

[0177] According to either the fourth embodiment or an implementation of the fourth embodiment, the first parameter includes at least one of the following: The first preset delay, the transmission delay of any set of protocol data units (PDUs) on the first link, must be less than or equal to the first preset delay. The first preset error rate, the first ratio must be less than or equal to the first preset error rate, the first ratio is the ratio of the amount of the first PDU set to the amount of the second PDU set, the amount of the first PDU set is the amount of PDU sets transmitted by the second UE but not successfully received by the first UE, and the amount of the second PDU set is the amount of PDU sets transmitted by the second UE, or The minimum ratio of any set of PDUs that must be sent accurately.

[0178] According to either the fourth embodiment or an implementation of the fourth embodiment, during downlink transmission, before receiving the first data packet, the communication method Receiving first information and first identifier, wherein the first identifier indicates a first quality of service (QoS) flow, When the RAN decides to receive downlink data in response to receiving the first information and the first identifier, it decides to process the downlink data during transmission on the second link, based on the first and second link states. Includes, Upon receiving the first information and the first identifier, the first information indicates that when the RAN decides to receive downlink data using the first QoS flow, it will decide to process the downlink data during transmission on the second link based on the first and second link states, or Upon receiving the first information and the first identifier, the first information, using the first QoS flow, indicates that the downlink data received by the RAN is relay data, and that the relay data is data to be transmitted to the first UE by the second UE.

[0179] According to either the fourth aspect or an implementation of the fourth aspect, the second processing being determined based on the first parameter includes the second processing being determined based on the first parameter, the first PDU set information, and the second PDU set information.

[0180] According to either the fourth embodiment or an implementation of the fourth embodiment, basing on a first parameter, a first PDU set information, and a second PDU set information includes basing on a first parameter, a first link state, a first PDU set information, and a second PDU set information, wherein the first link state indicates the state of the first link.

[0181] According to either the fourth embodiment or an implementation of the fourth embodiment, the first interface is an N2 interface, the second interface is an N1 interface, the first process represents a first QoS process, the second process represents a second QoS process, the first QoS process is associated with a first QoS flow, and the second QoS process is associated with a first QoS flow.

[0182] According to either the fourth aspect or an implementation of the fourth aspect, the first link is a link established based on the PC5 interface, and the second link is a link established based on the Uu interface.

[0183] For technical effects corresponding to either the fourth aspect or an implementation of the fourth aspect, please refer to the technical effects corresponding to either the first aspect or an implementation of the first aspect, and the technical effects corresponding to either the second aspect or an implementation of the second aspect. Further details will not be provided.

[0184] According to the fifth aspect, an access network device is provided, which is referred to herein as a RAN. The RAN communicates with a second user device (UE), the second UE communicates with a first UE, and the first UE communicates with a data network via the second UE. The RAN is, Processor and A memory coupled to a processor, the memory storing computer instructions, and when a computer instruction is executed by the processor, the RAN can execute a communication method according to either a first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment, Includes.

[0185] For technical effects corresponding to either the fifth aspect or an implementation of the fifth aspect, please refer to the technical effects corresponding to either the first aspect or an implementation of the first aspect. Further details are not described again in this specification.

[0186] According to the sixth aspect, a second user equipment (UE) is provided. The second UE communicates with the first UE, and the first UE communicates with a data network via the second UE. The second UE is Processor and Memory coupled to a processor, the memory storing computer instructions, and when a computer instruction is executed by the processor, the second UE can execute a communication method according to either the second embodiment or an implementation of the second embodiment, Includes.

[0187] For technical effects corresponding to either the sixth aspect or an implementation of the sixth aspect, please refer to the technical effects corresponding to either the second aspect or an implementation of the second aspect. Further details are not described again in this specification.

[0188] According to the seventh aspect, a first user equipment (UE) is provided. The first UE communicates with a second UE, and the first UE communicates with a data network via the second UE. The first UE is Processor and Memory coupled to a processor, the memory stores computer instructions, and when a computer instruction is executed by the processor, the first UE can execute a communication method according to either the third aspect or an implementation of the third aspect, Includes.

[0189] For technical effects corresponding to either the seventh aspect or an implementation of the seventh aspect, please refer to the technical effects corresponding to either the third aspect or an implementation of the third aspect. Further details are not described again in this specification.

[0190] According to the eighth aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes an access network device (RAN) and a second user device (UE), wherein the RAN communicates with the second UE, the second UE communicates with the first UE, and the first UE communicates with a data network via the second UE.

[0191] The RAN is configured to perform a communication method relating to either the first embodiment or an implementation of the first embodiment.

[0192] The second UE is configured to perform a communication method relating to either the second aspect or an implementation of the second aspect.

[0193] For technical effects corresponding to either the eighth aspect or an implementation of the eighth aspect, please refer to the technical effects corresponding to either the first aspect or an implementation of the first aspect, and the technical effects corresponding to either the second aspect or an implementation of the second aspect. Details are not described again in this specification.

[0194] According to the ninth aspect, a chip is provided. The chip includes a processor and memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing a computer program, and when the processor executes the computer program, it executes a communication method according to either the first aspect or an implementation of the first aspect.

[0195] For technical effects corresponding to either the ninth aspect or an implementation of the ninth aspect, please refer to the technical effects corresponding to either the first aspect or an implementation of the first aspect. Further details are not described again in this specification.

[0196] According to the tenth aspect, a chip is provided. The chip includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing a computer program, and when the processor executes the computer program, it executes a communication method according to either the second aspect or an implementation of the second aspect.

[0197] For technical effects corresponding to either the tenth aspect or an implementation of the tenth aspect, please refer to the technical effects corresponding to either the second aspect or an implementation of the second aspect. Further details are not described again in this specification.

[0198] According to the eleventh aspect, a chip is provided. The chip includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing a computer program, and when the processor executes the computer program, it executes a communication method according to either the third aspect or an implementation of the third aspect.

[0199] For technical effects corresponding to either the eleventh aspect or an implementation of the eleventh aspect, please refer to the technical effects corresponding to either the third aspect or an implementation of the third aspect. Further details are not described again in this specification.

[0200] According to the twelfth aspect, a computer program product is provided. When the computer program product is executed, a communication method according to either the first aspect or an implementation of the first aspect is executed.

[0201] For technical effects corresponding to either the twelfth aspect or an implementation of the twelfth aspect, please refer to the technical effects corresponding to either the first aspect or an implementation of the first aspect. Further details are not described again in this specification.

[0202] According to the 13th aspect, a computer program product is provided. When the computer program product is executed, a communication method according to either the second aspect or an implementation of the second aspect is executed.

[0203] For technical effects corresponding to either the 13th aspect or an implementation of the 13th aspect, please refer to the technical effects corresponding to either the second aspect or an implementation of the second aspect. Further details are not described again in this specification.

[0204] According to the fourteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided. When the computer program product is executed on a first user device (UE), the first UE can execute a communication method according to either the third aspect or an implementation of the third aspect.

[0205] For technical effects corresponding to either the 14th aspect or an implementation of the 14th aspect, please refer to the technical effects corresponding to either the third aspect or an implementation of the third aspect. Further details are not described again in this specification.

[0206] From the above description, it can be seen that in a scenario in which a first UE communicates with a data network via a relay of a second UE, the transmission of first link data or second link data can be performed after comprehensively considering the link states of the different links involved in subsequent transmissions, thereby mitigating the impact of data congestion on data transmission and optimizing transmission.

[0207] Optionally, in a scenario in which a first UE communicates with a data network via a relay of a second UE, the link states of different links involved in subsequent transmission (e.g., the first link state and the second link state) can be comprehensively considered, and dynamic adjustments can be performed based on the first and second link states, thereby optimizing the transmission.

[0208] For example, based on the first and second link states, when the overall data transmission rate is low, during the transmission of first link data or second link data, the transmission of high-importance data is guaranteed (high importance may be replaced by high priority), and low-importance data is discarded (low importance may be replaced by low priority). When the overall data transmission rate is high, during the transmission of first link data or second link data, the transmission of both high-importance and low-importance data is guaranteed, or the transmission of high-importance data and a specific percentage of low-importance data is guaranteed.

[0209] Optionally, in a scenario where a first UE communicates with a data network via a relay of a second UE, when the overall data transmission speed is not high and the overall latency is high, the technical solution of this application can ensure the transmission of data of high importance or high priority in order to mitigate the adverse effects on data transmission when the link is unfavorable and to enhance data transmission in a timely manner when the link is favorable, thereby fully utilizing the link case, optimizing data transmission, and ensuring a good user experience.

[0210] Optionally, in the technical solution of this application, in a scenario in which a first UE communicates with a data network via a relay of a second UE, the transmission of the second link data can be coordinated during downlink transmission, before the transmission of the second link data (for example, the data can be coordinated during the transmission of the second link data), and the first and second link states can be taken into consideration to ensure the transmission of data of high importance or high priority at appropriate occasions, thereby ensuring a good user experience.

[0211] Optionally, in the technical solution of this application, in a scenario in which a first UE communicates with a data network via a relay of a second UE, the transmission of the first link data can be adjusted during uplink transmission, before the transmission of the first link data (for example, adjusting the data during the transmission of the first link data), and the first and second link states can be taken into consideration to ensure the transmission of data of high importance or high priority at appropriate occasions, thereby ensuring a good user experience.

[0212] Optionally, in a scenario in which a first UE communicates with a data network via a relay of a second UE, the transmission of the first link data can be adjusted (for example, the data can be adjusted during the transmission of the first link data) during downlink transmission, after the transmission of the second link data, and before the transmission of the first link data, and the first link state or first parameters can be taken into consideration to ensure the transmission of data of high importance or high priority at appropriate occasions, thereby ensuring a good user experience.

[0213] Optionally, in the technical solution of this application, in a scenario in which a first UE communicates with a data network via a relay of a second UE, the overall data control during data transmission is considered with respect to data control during data transmission of the first link data, in order to facilitate data control or management during the transmission of first link data, improve efficiency, and ensure a user experience.

[0214] Accordingly, the technical solution of this application can achieve the technical effects obtained by combining any two or more of the aforementioned technical effects in a scenario in which a first UE communicates with a data network via a relay of a second UE. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0215] To provide a clearer explanation of the prior art and the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings required in the prior art and the embodiments of this application are briefly described below. It is clear that the accompanying drawings in the following description are relevant to some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art will be able to derive other drawings from these accompanying drawings without any creative effort.

[0216] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating a scenario to which this application applies. [Figure 2] This is a diagram of the architecture of the communication system to which this application applies. [Figure 3] This is a diagram of the Layer 3 (L3) relay network architecture to which this application applies. [Figure 4] This is a diagram of the network architecture of a Layer 2 (L2) relay to which this application applies. [Figure 5] This is a diagram of the first pretreatment procedure according to Embodiment 1 of this application. [Figure 6] This is a diagram of the first signaling procedure according to Embodiment 1 of this application. [Figure 7] This is a diagram of the data transmission procedure according to Embodiment 1 of this application. [Figure 8] This is a diagram of the second signaling procedure according to Embodiment 1 of this application. [Figure 9] This is a diagram of the second pretreatment procedure according to Embodiment 1 of this application. [Figure 10] This is a diagram of the third signaling procedure according to Embodiment 1 of this application. [Figure 11] This is a diagram of the first pretreatment procedure according to Embodiment 2 of this application. [Figure 12] This is a diagram of the first signaling procedure according to Embodiment 2 of the present application. [Figure 13] This is a diagram illustrating the data transmission procedure according to Embodiment 2 of this application. [Figure 14]This is a diagram of an extended SDAP used by the RAN to transfer PDU set information to a second UE, according to Embodiment 2 of this application. [Figure 15] This is a diagram of a newly added protocol layer used by the RAN to transfer PDU set information to a second UE, according to Embodiment 2 of this application. [Figure 16] This is a diagram of a newly added protocol layer used by the RAN to transfer PDU set information to a second UE, according to Embodiment 2 of this application. [Figure 17] This is a diagram of the second pretreatment procedure according to Embodiment 2 of this application. [Figure 18A] This is a diagram of the second signaling procedure according to Embodiment 2 of this application. [Figure 18B] This is a diagram of the second signaling procedure according to Embodiment 2 of this application. [Figure 18C] This is a diagram of the second signaling procedure according to Embodiment 2 of this application. [Figure 19A] This is a diagram of the signaling procedure according to Embodiment 3 of this application. [Figure 19B] This is a diagram of the signaling procedure according to Embodiment 3 of this application. [Figure 19C] This is a diagram of the signaling procedure according to Embodiment 3 of this application. [Figure 20] This is a diagram illustrating the data transmission procedure according to Embodiment 3 of this application. [Figure 21A] This is a diagram of the second signaling procedure according to Embodiment 3 of this application. [Figure 21B] This is a diagram of the second signaling procedure according to Embodiment 3 of this application. [Figure 21C] This is a diagram of the second signaling procedure according to Embodiment 3 of this application. [Figure 22A] This is a diagram of a third signaling procedure according to Embodiment 3 of the present application. [Figure 22b] This is a diagram of a third signaling procedure according to Embodiment 3 of the present application. [Figure 22C] This is a diagram of a third signaling procedure according to Embodiment 3 of the present application. [Figure 23] This is an implementation diagram of an uplink data procedure initiated by a first UE according to Embodiment 3 of this application. [Figure 24] This is an implementation diagram of the procedure after the uplink data reaches the second UE, according to Embodiment 3 of this application. [Figure 25] This is a diagram showing the structure of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0217] Further details are provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. While several embodiments of this application are shown in the accompanying drawings, this application can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided for a more complete understanding of this application. The accompanying drawings and embodiments of this application are used merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. All other embodiments that can be obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are included within the scope of this application.

[0218] In this application, “at least one” means one or more, and “multiple” means at least two (including two). The term “or” describes a relationship between related objects and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A or B can indicate that only A exists, both A and B exist, and only B exists, and A and B can be singular or plural. “At least one of the following items (pieces)” or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of singular or plural items (pieces). For example, at least one of a, b, or c indicates at least one of seven combinations of a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, and a, b, and c can be singular or plural.

[0219] In this application, ordinal numbers such as "First" and "Second" are intended to distinguish multiple objects, and are not intended to limit the size, content, order, chronological order, priority, importance, etc., of multiple objects. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the step numbers in the embodiments described in this application are used solely to distinguish different steps, and are not used to limit the order of the steps. The execution order of each step should be determined based on the function and internal logic of the step.

[0220] The embodiments of this application may be implemented in accordance with any suitable communication protocol, including, but not limited to, cellular communication protocols such as 3rd Generation (3G), 4th Generation (4G), 5th Generation (5G), and 6th Generation (6G) cellular communication protocols, wireless local area network communication protocols such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0221] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application are applicable to communication systems conforming to any suitable communication protocol, such as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rate For GSM Evolution (EDGE) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000) system, Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA) system, Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, Time Division Duplex (TDD) system, Fifth Generation or New Radio (NR) system, or future evolving Sixth Generation communication systems.

[0222] For example, Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an application scenario of this application. As shown in Figure 1, a wearable device 16, such as a watch, band, AR glasses, or VR glasses, is used as a remote device (hereinafter collectively referred to as the first UE) and accesses a base station 12 via a wireless link between the wearable device 16 and a relay device (hereinafter collectively referred to as the second UE), such as a smartphone 14 or CPE, to perform data transmission between the first UE and the application server.

[0223] For example, Figure 2 is a diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which this application applies. In Figure 2, a 5G network architecture is used as an example for illustrative purposes. Note that the architectures of other communication systems are also applicable to this application. The following describes the dataset and functions of the network elements in the communication system shown in Figure 2.

[0224] A radio access network (RAN) network element includes multiple RAN nodes and implements radio physical layer functions, resource scheduling and radio resource management, radio access control, and mobility management functions. The 5G RAN connects to user plane function (UPF) network elements via user plane interface N3 to transfer data from the UE. The RAN establishes control plane signaling connections to core network access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements via control plane interface N2 to implement functions such as radio access bearer control. The RAN may also be referred to as a radio access network device.

[0225] AMF network elements are primarily responsible for functions such as UE authentication, UE mobility management, network slice selection, and selection of Session Management Function (SMF) network elements. AMF network elements act as anchors for connecting N1 and N2 signaling, route N1 and N2 Session Management (SM) messages to SMF network elements, and maintain and manage UE state information.

[0226] SMF network elements are connected to AMF network elements via interface N11 and are primarily responsible for all control plane functions in UE session management, including User Plane Function (UPF) network element selection, Internet Protocol (IP) address assignment, session Quality of Service (QoS) attribute management, and Policy Control Function (PCF) retrieval of policy control and charging (PCC) rules from network elements.

[0227] The PCF network element is connected to the SMF network element through interface N7 and to the AMF network element through interface N15. The PCF network element is configured to generate and store PCC rules related to session management and to provide PCC rules to the SMF network element, and is further configured to generate policy information related to mobility management and to provide policy information to the AMF network element.

[0228] The UPF network element connects to the SMF network element through interface N4. The UPF network element acts as a session connection anchor for the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) and is responsible for data packet filtering, data transmission or forwarding, speed control, and billing information generation for the UE.

[0229] The NEF network element is a network capability exposure capability entity responsible for providing network capabilities to external parties in 3GPP. This includes monitoring capability, used to monitor specific events of the UE in a 5G system; provisioning capability, used to enable external parties to provide information that can be used for the UE in a 5G system; policy / charging capability, used to process QoS and charging policies for the UE based on requests from external parties; and analytics reporting capability, used to enable external parties to obtain or subscribe to / unsubscribe from analytics information generated by the 5G system.

[0230] It should be understood that all network elements shown in Figure 2 may be independent of each other, or two or more network elements may be integrated together. This is not particularly limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0231] The terminal, also referred to as UE, may include mobile phones, tablets, CPEs, computers, in-vehicle devices, or terminal equipment having similar functionality to wireless access.

[0232] Packet Data Unit Set (PDU Set): A PDU set consists of one or more PDUs that carry the payload of an information unit generated by the application layer (for example, a frame or video slice used in an augmented reality (XR) service).

[0233] Several relay network architectures are described below. For example, Figure 3 shows a Layer 3 Relay (L3 Relay) network architecture. As shown in Figure 3, the first UE 50 establishes a link connection 20 only with the second UE 55, and the second UE 55 obtains services from the data network 34 through the connection between the access network 30 and the core network 32. In a Layer 3 relay network, the link connection 20 includes a Proximity Service Communication (PC5) interface between the UEs, and the PC5 link is a direct communication link so that the L3 relay network architecture is formed. Hereafter, "link" refers to an interaction channel including connections, networks, etc., between two devices, and "interface" refers to a logical concept used for communication between one device and another network element. Interface interaction between two devices forms a link. Furthermore, the network connection 20 may include non-3GPP networks such as Wi-Fi so that a hotspot relay network architecture is formed. In the L3 relay network architecture and the hotspot relay network architecture, the access network 30 and the core network 32 serve the second UE 55, and there is no access network or core network that serves the first UE 50 (the first UE 50 does not have an access network or core network within its architecture). The first UE 50 performs network transmissions only through the second UE 55 and the access network 30 or core network 32 that serves the second UE 55. In this architecture, since the access network 30 and the core network 32 serve the second UE 55, neither the access network 30 nor the core network 32 is aware of the presence of the first UE 50.

[0234] For example, FIG. 4 shows a Layer 2 Relay (L2 Relay) network architecture. As shown in FIG. 4, the architecture includes a core network 32 and a core network 40. The core network 32 provides services to a second UE 55, and the core network 40 provides services to a first UE 50. The first UE 50 communicates with an access network 30 and a core network 40 via the second UE 55. In this case, the link between the first UE 50 and the access network 30 is a Uu interface link 28, and the link between the first UE 50 and the core network 40 is an N1 interface link 26. That is, in the L2 Relay network architecture, the first UE 50 accesses the network via the second UE 55 (the first UE 50 communicates with the access network 30 and the core network 40 that provide services to the first UE 50 via the second UE 55). In this architecture, since the first UE 50 has an access network 30 and a core network 40 that provide services to the first UE 50, both the access network 30 and the core network 40 can sense the presence of the first UE 50.

[0235] Note that the network architecture described above is merely an example, and other network architectures are also applicable to this application. For ease of explanation, only an application server, a core network, an access network, a first UE, and a second UE are used as examples for the description in this application. Note that the network architecture applicable to this application may include more devices.

[0236] In the following, a more detailed description will be further provided with reference to specific embodiments and corresponding attached drawings. Although some embodiments of this application are shown in the attached drawings, it should be understood that this application may be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the described embodiments. Instead, these embodiments are provided for a more complete understanding of this application.

[0237] Embodiment 1 Embodiment 1 relates to two network architectures, namely the L3 relay and the L2 relay. The L3 relay includes two solutions, corresponding to FIGS. 5 to 8. The L2 relay includes one solution, corresponding to FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0238] The overall solution of Embodiment 1 is an implementation where, before data transmission, the RAN comprehensively considers the link states of different transmission links involved later, determines QoS processing, and performs QoS processing on downlink data.

[0239] The following is a specific description. First, the first solution of Embodiment 1 belongs to the L3 relay network architecture.

[0240] The preprocessing procedure of the first solution is shown in FIG. 5.

[0241] S101: The first UE 50 and the second UE 55 discover each other.

[0242] The discovery procedure may have two implementations. The difference is that the discovery request entity is different.

[0243] In possible implementations, the discovery procedure is performed in a manner referred to as Model A. In this manner, the second UE55 broadcasts an Announcement message, which includes a Relay Service Code (RSC) used to announce a relay service identifier that may be provided by the second UE55, and the first UE50 performs an action to select the second UE55 based on the Announcement message broadcast by the second UE55 and the requirements of the first UE50. For example, if the first UE50 finds that the RSC broadcast by the second UE55 matches an RSC that has relay requirements and belongs to the first UE50, then the first UE50 initiates establishing a connection to the second UE55 in order to perform the relay service.

[0244] In possible implementations, the discovery procedure is performed in a manner referred to as Model B. In this manner, the first UE50 broadcasts a Solicitation message, which includes a Relay Service Code (RSC) used to request the relay service identifier that the first UE50 expects to be provided. The second UE55 decides whether to respond to the first UE50 (specifically, whether to provide the relay service required by the first UE50) based on the Solicitation message sent by the first UE50 and the relay capabilities of the second UE55. For example, if a terminal finds that the RSC requested by the first UE50 matches the RSC of a relay service that may be provided, that terminal sends a Response message to the first UE50. If there are multiple terminals that send Response messages, the first UE50 selects one of these terminals as the second UE55 to perform the subsequent relay service and begins establishing a connection to that terminal.

[0245] S102a: The first UE50 and the selected second UE55 establish a first link used for direct communication.

[0246] S102b: The second UE55 establishes a relay PDU session, and in the procedure for establishing the relay PDU session, the SMF70 learns that the second UE55 will perform L3 relay to the first UE50.

[0247] In a possible implementation, the second UE55 initiating a PDU session to be used for relaying to the network includes the second UE55 sending a PDU session establishment request message to the SMF70 via the AMF65, and the SMF70, after deciding to accept the request from the second UE55, sending a PDU session establishment acceptance message to the second UE55.

[0248] In a possible implementation, the first UE50 uses the Wi-Fi hotspot of the second UE55 to perform access. In this case, at this step, the second UE55 indicates to the SMF70 that it will provide Wi-Fi hotspot access to the other UE. Alternatively, the second UE55 indicates that it will use the first PDU session to provide data relay service to the other UE by using the Wi-Fi hotspot. For example, this instruction is included in the PDU session establishment request message.

[0249] S103: In this case, the relay data transmission conditions are met.

[0250] The first UE50 may perform data transmission with the network via the second UE55.

[0251] Based on the preprocessing steps described above, the data transmission conditions were met. However, in this case, data can be transferred using only the default QoS parameters. To ensure the QoS required for service data transmission by the wearable device, a new QoS flow needs to be added thereafter. The signaling procedure for the first solution is described below, as shown in Figure 6.

[0252] S104: The server (AF85) sends a first request to the policy-controlled network element (PCF) 80, where the first request includes PDU set QoS parameters.

[0253] The first requirement further includes descriptive information for the Service Data Flow (SDF), which is used to determine the data corresponding to the SDF. The SDF descriptive information and PDU set QoS parameters are used to describe the data corresponding to the SDF, which must satisfy the QoS requirements indicated by the PDU set QoS parameters.

[0254] In possible implementations, the PDU Set QoS parameters include at least one of the following parameters: PDU Set Delay Budget (PSDB), PDU Set Error Rate (PSER), or PDU Set Integrated Handling Information (PSIHI).

[0255] In possible implementations, the first request includes a policy permission creation request message, an AF session creation request message (AF session with QoS Create request), or an AF session update request message (AF session with QoS Create update).

[0256] In a possible implementation, when AF85 can directly communicate with PCF80, AF85 may send a request message to the policy control network element. Or when AF85 cannot directly communicate with PCF80, AF85 may send a request message to PCF80 via the network capability exposure function network element (NEF).

[0257] S105: PCF80 sends a second request to SMF70. Here, the second request includes PDU set QoS parameters.

[0258] The second request further includes the description information of the SDF. The description information is used to determine the data corresponding to the SDF. The description information of the SDF and the PDU set QoS parameters are used to describe the data corresponding to the SDF, and the data here needs to meet the QoS requirements indicated by the PDU set QoS parameters.

[0259] In a possible implementation, the second request is sent by using the PCF-initiated SM policy association modification procedure. PCF80 sends an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify request message to SMF70, and the message includes policy and charging control (PCC) rules. The PCC rules include PDU set QoS parameters.

[0260] In a possible implementation, the second request is sent by using the SM policy association modification establishment procedure. SMF70 sends Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create to PCF80, and PCF80 returns a response message Npcf_SMPolicyControl_CreateResponse to SMF70. The response message includes PCC rules. The PCC rules include PDU set QoS parameters.

[0261] S106: SMF70 decides to initiate the execution of the PDU session correction procedure to establish the first QoS flow, and SMF70 generates a first identifier for the first QoS flow.

[0262] The first QoS flow is used for transmitting data corresponding to the SDF, and PDU set-based control is performed on the first QoS flow based on the PDU set QoS parameters.

[0263] In a possible implementation, upon receiving the second request, the SMF70 decides to initiate the execution of a PDU session correction procedure to establish the first QoS flow, and the SMF generates a first identifier for the first QoS flow.

[0264] In a possible implementation, upon receiving the second request, SMF70 decides to initiate the execution of a PDU session modification procedure to establish a first QoS flow, which belongs to the PDU session established in S102. Furthermore, SMF generates a first identifier for the first QoS flow. SMF70 then decides that the first QoS flow will be used for relay data transmission, which is data transmitted between the network and the second UE55 using the first QoS flow and actually belongs to the first UE50. For example, for a downlink, data transmitted by the network to the second UE55 using the first QoS flow is transmitted by the second UE55 to the first UE50 over the first link (i.e., relayed to the first UE50 via the second UE55). For the uplink, the second UE55 receives data from the first UE50 on the first link, and the second UE55 transmits the uplink data to the network device using the first QoS flow (i.e., the uplink data is relayed to the network via the second UE55). Furthermore, the SMF70 determines the PDU set QoS parameters to be used by the second link based on the PDU set QoS parameters included in the second request. For example, the PDU set QoS parameters may be the PDU set QoS parameters of the Uu interface link. The PDU set QoS parameters used by the second link are associated with the first QoS flow.

[0265] The first identifier is the QoS Flow Identifier (QFI).

[0266] S107: SMF70 sends a first N4 message to UPF75, where the first N4 message indicates the establishment of a first QoS flow and includes a first identifier.

[0267] In possible implementations, the first N4 message is an N4 session modification request.

[0268] S108: SMF70 sends a first N1 message and a first N2 message to AMF65. Here, the first N1 message indicates that the second UE55 establishes a first QoS flow, and the first N2 message indicates that the RAN60 establishes a first QoS flow. The first N2 message includes the PDU set QoS parameters for the second link, a first identifier, and first information, where the first identifier indicates the first QoS flow. For example, the first identifier is a QoS flow identifier (QFI). The first information indicates that the QoS flow is used for relay data transmission. The combination of the first identifier and the first information indicates that the first QoS flow is used for relay data transmission.

[0269] When the SMF70 determines that the first QoS flow will be used for relay data transmission, it includes the first information in the SM information of the first N2 message. The SMF70 also delivers the first information when it determines that the second UE55 will perform L3 relay or Wi-Fi hotspot functions, or will perform PDU set-based control over the first QoS flow (based on PDU set QoS parameters).

[0270] Based on the first information, the first identifier, and the PDU set QoS parameters, the RAN60 refers to the first and second link states and decides to perform PDU set-based QoS control (first QoS processing) for the first QoS flow on the second link.

[0271] In possible implementations, when the first information is set to a first value (e.g., "true"), it indicates that the corresponding first QoS flow is used for relay data transmission, or when the first information is set to a second value (e.g., "false"), it indicates that the data transmitted using the corresponding QoS flow is non-relay data.

[0272] In possible implementations, the first N1 message and the first N2 message are sent to the AMF65 using Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer.

[0273] In a possible implementation, the message should only be sent when the session (PDU session) is modified or when the session is established.

[0274] S109a: AMF65 sends the first N1 message to the second UE55 via RAN60.

[0275] S109b:AMF65 sends the first N2 message to RAN60.

[0276] The first N2 message contains first information. The first information indicates to RAN60 that the first QoS flow associated with the first information will be used for relay data transmission.

[0277] S110:RAN60 sends a first N2 response message to AMF65, where the first N2 response message indicates that QoS processing may be performed at the PDU set granularity.

[0278] S111: AMF65 sends a first transmission message to SMF70, where the first transmission message indicates that QoS processing may be performed at the PDU set granularity.

[0279] Specifically, the first transmitted message indicates that RAN60 can perform QoS processing at the PDU set granularity.

[0280] S112: SMF70 sends a second N4 message to UPF75, where the second N4 message indicates that UPF75 identifies the PDU set information corresponding to the data transmitted using the first QoS flow.

[0281] PDU set information includes, but is not limited to, the sequence number of the PDU set, the designation of the last PDU in the PDU set, the PDU sequence number of the PDU set, the size of the PDU set (e.g., size in bytes), or the importance of the PDU set. The importance of the PDU set is used to identify the importance of the PDU set and relay data transmitted using the first QoS flow relative to other PDU sets. If congestion occurs, RAN60 may discard data packets of relatively low importance for PDU sets by determining the importance of the PDU set in the first QoS flow.

[0282] In possible implementations, SMF70 indicates that UPF75 can identify PDU sets based on the protocol description in the Packet Detection Rule (PDR) in order to transmit PDU set information to RAN60 by using the downlink GTP-U header of each PDU identified as belonging to the PDU set, thereby deriving PDU set information of the relay data transmitted using a first QoS flow. PDU set identification may be implemented by UPF75 or completed by detecting the RTP / SRTP header or payload.

[0283] In possible implementations, when the first downlink data is a Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) or Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP), the identification action may specifically be a derivation from the header or a derivation from the payload of the first downlink data.

[0284] S113: The second UE55 initiates the first link correction procedure.

[0285] In possible implementations, the second UE55 initiates PC5 link modification to create a new PC5 QoS flow or to modify an existing PC5 QoS flow. The PC5 QoS flow is used to transfer data between the second UE55 and the first UE50 that would otherwise be transferred by the second UE55 using the first QoS flow. In other words, for the downlink, relay data received by the second UE55 using the first QoS flow is sent to the first UE50 using the PC5 QoS flow, and for the uplink, data received by the second UE55 at the first UE50 is transferred to the network side using the first QoS flow.

[0286] In a possible implementation, the second UE55 uses a Wi-Fi link to transfer XR service data between the second UE55 and the first UE50.

[0287] The data transmission procedure for the first solution is shown in Figure 7.

[0288] S114: UPF75 receives the first downlink data transmitted by AF85.

[0289] UPF75 derives information for each PDU set from the application layer or PDU layer of the first downlink data. For example, if the first downlink data is a video service, UPF75 may thus derive that data packets obtained by splitting the same video frame belong to the same PDU set.

[0290] S115:UPF75 transmits a first data packet to RAN60, where the first data packet includes first data and second data, the first data includes first PDU set information and first PDU set, the second data includes second PDU set information and second PDU set, both of which are transmitted using first QoS flow and are at least part of the data in first downlink data, the first PDU set information describes the characteristics of first PDU set, and the second PDU set information describes the characteristics of second PDU set.

[0291] The first data packet may also be referred to as the second downlink data.

[0292] In possible implementations, PDU set information is added to the GTP-U header field of the data packet of the first data.

[0293] S116: The second UE55 sends a third message to RAN60.

[0294] The second UE55 may, based on the link status, send a third message to RAN60 in real time, or it may send a third message periodically. In this case, there is no time-series relationship between this step and any other step in the solution. In another case, this step may instead be triggered by data transmission.

[0295] If the second UE55 transmits a message through the control plane, that message is a third message. In this case, the second UE55 may transmit the third message directly to the RAN60 using an RRC message, or it may transmit the third message to the core network using a NAS message, and the core network device then transmits the third message to the RAN60. If the second UE55 transmits a message through the user plane, that message is transmitted in informational format.

[0296] In one implementation, the third message includes the link state of the first message (this is done explicitly).

[0297] In one implementation, the third message does not include the first link state, and RAN60 obtains the first link state based on the third message (this is an implicit method).

[0298] In one implementation, the third message includes the state of the first link between the second UE55 and the first UE50, e.g., the state of PC5 or Wi-Fi, or the third message directly instructs the RAN60 to discard PDU sets with low importance. Direct instruction to discard packets may occur because the link between the second UE55 and the first UE50 is congested. For example, the transmission rate, delay, or packet drop rate is below a certain threshold compared to the average value.

[0299] RAN60 may further determine the first link state. If RAN60 determines the first link state, step S116 may be omitted. Specific cases in which RAN60 determines the first link state are as follows:

[0300] In possible implementations, RAN60 determines the state of the first link based on whether a second UE55 requests radio resources for the first link from RAN60 and whether RAN60 is able to allocate radio resources. For example, if RAN60 cannot meet the radio resource requirements for the first link required by the second UE55, or if the radio resource requirements for the first link required by the second UE55 are greater than the amount of radio resources that RAN60 can allocate, RAN60 determines that the state of the first link is degraded or congested.

[0301] In a possible implementation, RAN60 determines the state of the first link based on sensing state reporting instances related to the first link from the second UE55. For example, an additional step is added in which the second UE55 determines the state of the first link and reports the state of the first link to RAN60 using an RRC message.

[0302] In possible implementations, RAN60 determines the state of the Wi-Fi link based on the second UE55's report to RAN60. For example, if the Uu interface link is in good condition but the Wi-Fi link is in poor condition, RAN60 directly discards data with lower importance on the Uu interface link. For example, the importance of the first PDU set may be high and the importance of the second PDU set may be low, corresponding marks may be added, or the difference between PDU sets may be used for distinction. Link state level 0 indicates a good PC5 link, and link state level 1 indicates a bad PC5 link. When the link state level is 0, both the first and second PDU sets are transmitted. When the link state level is 1, the second PDU set with lower importance is discarded, and only the transmission of the first PDU set is performed.

[0303] In possible implementations, determining whether the first link is in a degraded or congested state is based on information such as the data transmission rate and delay on the first link. For example, the first link may be considered in a degraded or congested state when the rate is below a preset threshold or when the delay exceeds a preset threshold.

[0304] S117:RAN60 obtains the second link status.

[0305] In a possible implementation, RAN60 obtains the status of the Uu interface link between the second UE55 and RAN60.

[0306] In possible implementations, RAN60 obtains its state by periodically measuring messages.

[0307] In possible implementations, RAN60 acquires the link status once before data transmission and periodically acquires the link status during data transmission.

[0308] S118:RAN60 obtains the first PDU set and the second PDU set from the first data packet.

[0309] Here, the first and second PDU sets are merely illustrative examples, and the first data packet may contain multiple PDU sets. Here, the first data packet is a data packet corresponding to relay data transmitted using SDF, i.e., the first QoS flow.

[0310] S119: Having received the first information, RAN60 determines the first QoS processing for the first PDU set and the second PDU set on the second link based on the third message and the second link status.

[0311] In possible implementations, RAN60 determines the first and second PDU sets in S115 by using the first and second PDU set information.

[0312] In possible implementations, RAN60 makes an overall decision by combining the state of the Uu interface link obtained in S117 with the state of the first link obtained in S116. In other words, transmission control of the second link must be combined with the transmission capacity of the first link (e.g., current maximum transmission capacity, where transmission capacity may be information such as data transmission rate and delay). For example, a decision is made based on the states of the two links. If the current transmission capacity of the first link cannot meet the transmission requirements for relay data transmitted by using the first QoS flow on the second link, packet discarding is performed on the second link based on the importance level of the relay data (e.g., PDU sets with low importance are discarded) to ensure that data transmitted by using the first QoS flow on the second link can be transmitted to the first UE50 through the first link (this is equivalent to ensuring that PDU sets with high importance are transmitted preferentially).

[0313] Instead, the decision to discard PDU sets with lower importance on the second link, based on the PDU set for data transmitted using the first QoS flow, is made directly based on the packet discard instruction obtained in S116.

[0314] In possible implementations, when the link condition is good, RAN60 performs a transmission to the second UE55 based on the requirements of the PDU set granularity and PDU set QoS parameters in the first N2 message.

[0315] In possible implementations, different packet discard mechanisms are executed for the first QoS flow on the second link based on the transmission capability of the first link, depending on the transmission capability of the first link. A mapping relationship is established between the different transmission capabilities of the first link and the importance of the PDU sets on the second link. Different transmission capabilities may also correspond to different link state levels, and different packet discard mechanisms are executed for different link state levels. A mapping relationship is established between the level of the first link state and the importance of the PDU sets to be discarded. For a given level of the first link state, RAN60 discards data packets with the corresponding importance based on the PDU set granularity. For example, if the importance of a PDU set to be discarded is 8, and the congestion level of the first link is 1, then the PDU set with importance 8 is discarded, or if the congestion level of the first link is 2, then the PDU sets with importance 8 and 7 are discarded. Based on the different definitions of the first link state levels, the second UE55 may report to RAN60 the state level of the first link, or information such as the transmission speed and delay of the first link, or information indicating that the first link is degraded or congested. The importance of the PDU sets is distinguished as described in S116.

[0316] In a possible implementation, the second UE55 could directly notify the RAN60 to discard a set of PDUs with a specific importance on the Uu interface link, for example, a second set of PDUs with a lower importance, based on the state of the Wi-Fi link or PC5 link.

[0317] In this method, RAN60 can avoid unnecessary waste of transmission resources and improve the user experience by discarding PDU sets with low priority. For example, if the PC5 link is congested, RAN60 will not discard non-critical PDU sets on the Uu interface link. In this case, critical PDU sets may be discarded because the speed of the PC5 link is limited, which degrades the user experience.

[0318] S120:RAN60 sends at least one of the first PDU set and the second PDU set to the second UE55 based on the first QoS processing.

[0319] In a possible implementation, the RAN60 transmits downlink data to a second UE55 by using a data radio bearer (DRB) on the Uu interface link.

[0320] In a possible implementation, when the first link is in good condition, RAN60 may send all PDU sets to the second UE55 based on the PDU set QoS parameters of the second link.

[0321] S121: The second UE55 sends at least one of the first PDU set and the second PDU set to the first UE50.

[0322] In possible implementations, according to the communication method of this embodiment, in L3 relay scenarios and Wi-Fi hotspot scenarios, SMF70 instructs RAN60 to decide to perform first QoS processing on first data packets to be sent to first UE50 at PDU set granularity. The first data packets are in the first QoS flow. Furthermore, RAN60 comprehensively determines the first QoS processing based on the second link status and third messages reported by the second UE55. The first link status is used as a factor that needs to be considered to avoid waste of transmission resources from RAN60 to the second UE55 when the first QoS processing is performed on the second link, and waste caused by packets being discarded after being sent to the second UE55 when the first link status is poor or congested.

[0323] The steps described above in this embodiment can be combined into a complete procedure. This embodiment further provides another implementation, which is described in detail below.

[0324] The preprocessing steps for the second solution are the same as those in Figure 5.

[0325] The signaling procedure for the second solution is shown in Figure 8. Compared to the procedure in Figure 6, the differences are in the following steps.

[0326] S208: SMF70 sends a first N1 message and a first N2 message to AMF65, where the first N1 message indicates the establishment of a first QoS flow, the first N1 message includes first information and a first identifier, the first identifier indicates the first QoS flow, and the first N2 message includes PDU set QoS parameters.

[0327] The main difference between this step and S108 is as follows: In this step, the first N1 message contains the first information and is ultimately sent to the second UE. However, in S108, the first N2 message contains the first information and is ultimately sent to the RAN.

[0328] In a possible implementation, the first information contained in the first N1 message may be an instruction parameter indicating that the first QoS flow is used for relay data transmission and / or that PDU set-based QoS control is performed on the first QoS flow. Alternatively, the first information may indicate that the first QoS flow is used for relay data and / or PDU set QoS parameters, and the second UE55 decides to perform PDU set-based QoS control on the first QoS flow using the PDU set QoS parameters, where performing PDU set-based QoS control on the first QoS flow is the QoS processing.

[0329] In possible implementations, the SM information in the first N2 message includes the first information only when the SMF70 determines that a PDU session or a first QoS flow is to be used for relay data transmission and / or that PDU set-based QoS control is to be performed.

[0330] In possible implementations, when the first information is set to a first value, it indicates that the data transmitted using the corresponding QoS flow is relay data, or when the first information is set to a second value, it indicates that the data transmitted using the corresponding QoS flow is non-relay data.

[0331] In possible implementations, the first N1 message and the first N2 message are sent to the AMF65 using Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer.

[0332] In possible implementations, the message may be sent when a session (PDU session) is modified or when a session is established.

[0333] S213: The second UE55 sends the first request message to the RAN60, where the first request message includes a first identifier and second information.

[0334] In possible implementations, prior to this step, the second UE55 forwards the first information and first identifier obtained from the first N1 message to the second UE55's AS layer so that the second UE55's AS layer sends the first request message to the RAN60. For example, the second UE55's AS layer sends the first request message to the RAN60 using an RRC message.

[0335] In a possible implementation, the second UE55 decides that the first QoS flow is to be used for relay data transmission (this decision may be made based on the first information in S208, or by the second UE55, for example, the second UE55 decides that the PDU session is to be used for relay data transmission and that the first QoS flow belongs to the PDU session), and / or decides to perform PDU set-based QoS control on the first QoS flow (this decision is made based on the first information described in S208), and sends the first request message. Based on the first request message, the RAN60, referring to the first and second link states, decides to perform PDU set-based QoS control on the first QoS flow on the second link. Furthermore, based on the first request message and the PDU set QoS parameters contained in the first N2 message, RAN60 refers to the first and second link states and decides to perform PDU set-based QoS control on the first QoS flow on the second link (where the PDU set-based QoS control performed on the first QoS flow is the first QoS process).

[0336] S214:RAN60 sends the first response message to the second UE55.

[0337] The data transmission procedure for the second solution is the same as the procedure shown in Figure 7.

[0338] In this implementation, in L3 relay and Wi-Fi scenarios, the second UE55 instructs RAN60 to decide to perform first QoS processing on first data packets sent to the first UE50 at PDU set granularity. The first data packets are within the first quality of service flow. Furthermore, RAN60 makes a comprehensive decision on first QoS processing based on the state of the second link and a third message reported by the second UE55. The state of the first link is used as a factor that needs to be considered when first QoS processing is performed on the second link, in order to avoid waste of transmission resources from RAN60 to the second UE55, which is caused by packets being discarded after being sent to the second UE55 when the first link is in poor condition or congested.

[0339] In addition to the two solutions described above, this embodiment further provides a third solution based on an L2 relay, based on an L3 relay. A specific description is provided below.

[0340] The difference between the third solution and the two solutions mentioned above is that the third solution is a network architecture based on L2 relays. In this scenario, RAN60 may sense the QoS flow used for relay data transmission without instruction. This will be explained in detail below with reference to the diagrams.

[0341] The pre-processing steps for the third solution are shown in Figure 9. Compared to Figure 5, the difference lies in the changes in S302a, which occur after the first UE50 and the second UE55 establish a link connection, due to the different network architecture. The main different steps are as follows:

[0342] S302b: The first UE50 establishes a link connection with the RAN60 via the second UE55, and in the establishment procedure, the RAN60 learns that the second UE55 will perform L2 relay to the first UE50.

[0343] S303: Based on the L2 relay architecture, the first UE50 establishes a relay PDU session with the network via the second UE55.

[0344] The signaling procedure for the third solution is shown in Figure 10. In this implementation, RAN60 may sense the first QoS flow used for relay data transmission without instruction. Therefore, when SMF70 delivers N1 and N2 messages, the procedure differs from that of the L3 relay solution described above. The specific differences are in the following steps.

[0345] S309: SMF70 sends a first N1 message and a first N2 message to AMF65, where the first N1 message indicates the establishment of a first QoS flow, and the first N2 message includes PDU set QoS parameters and a first identifier, the first identifier indicating the first QoS flow.

[0346] In other words, the first N2 message here does not convey any additional relevant information to RAN60 indicating the QoS flow for relay data transmission.

[0347] The data transmission procedure for the third solution is the same as the procedure shown in Figure 7.

[0348] In summary, in this implementation, in an L2 relay scenario, RAN60 may determine the first data packet to be sent to the first UE50 by sensing methods of RAN60, and may perform first QoS processing on the first data packet at PDU set granularity. The first data packet is in the first quality of service flow. Furthermore, RAN60 comprehensively determines the first QoS processing based on the second link status and third messages reported by the second UE55. The first link status is used as a factor that needs to be considered to avoid waste of transmission resources from RAN60 to the second UE55 when the first QoS processing is performed on the second link, and waste caused by packets being discarded after being sent to the second UE55 when the first link status is poor or congested.

[0349] In addition to the three solutions of this embodiment, we further provide another implementation solution. Embodiment 2 will be described in detail below.

[0350] Embodiment 2 This embodiment is an implementation in which a second UE55 performs data transmission by referring to the status and link requirements of the subsequent link. Two solutions are specifically included, based on how the link requirements are obtained. These will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0351] The preprocessing procedure for the first solution is shown in Figure 11. Compared to Figure 5, the difference lies in the following steps.

[0352] S402b: Establish a relay PDU session. In the procedure for establishing a relay PDU session, the SMF70 learns that the second UE55 will perform L3 relay for the first UE50. Here, the second UE55 has at least one of the first, second, or third capabilities, where the first capability indicates that the second UE55 has the ability to perform PDU set-based QoS control on the first link, the second capability indicates that the second UE55 has the ability to determine PDU set information corresponding to a data packet by parsing the data packet, and the third capability indicates that the second UE55 has the ability to perform relay functions (including, for example, L3 relay, L2 relay, or Wi-Fi relay).

[0353] In one implementation, after the first capability, second capability, and third capability are reported to the SMF70, the SMF70 decides to perform PDU set-based QoS control on the first link (by sending the PC5 PDU set QoS parameters to the second UE55 and / or instructing the RAN60 to send the PDU set information for downlink data to the second UE55), as described in S409. Also, after learning the first and third capabilities reported by the second UE55 (the second UE55 can perform PDU set-based QoS control on the first link only when it has the first and third capabilities), the SMF70 needs to decide to perform PDU set-based QoS control on the first link. Regarding the second capability, SMF70 decides that the second UE55 derives PDU set information, or that the second UE55 parses data packets delivered by RAN60 in order to obtain PDU set information.

[0354] The signaling procedure for the first solution is shown in Figure 12. Compared to the procedure in Figure 8, the differences are in the following steps.

[0355] S406: SMF70 determines the first PDU set QoS parameters for the first link based on the PDU set QoS parameters.

[0356] In a possible implementation, the SMF70 determines the first PDU set QoS parameters for the first link based on the PDU set QoS parameters in the second request.

[0357] In possible implementations, the SMF70 determines a first PDU set QoS parameter for the first link and a second PDU set QoS parameter for the second link based on the PDU set QoS parameters. The first PDU set QoS parameters include, but are not limited to, one of the following: • The PC5 PDU Set Delay Budget (PC5-PSDB) is the upper limit of the delay that may be experienced when performing data transmission between the second UE55 and the first UE50 at the PDU set granularity. The PC5 PDU Set Error Rate (PC5-PSER) is used to set the ratio of the amount of PDU sets processed by the second UE but not successfully processed by the first UE, and includes a first preset error rate, the first ratio must be less than or equal to the first preset error rate, the first ratio is the ratio of the amount of first PDU sets to the amount of second PDU sets, the amount of first PDU sets is the amount of PDU sets transmitted by the second UE but not successfully received by the first UE, the amount of second PDU sets is the amount of PDU sets transmitted by the second UE, or the error rate is the upper limit of the ratio of the amount of PDU sets processed by the transmitter's link layer protocol (e.g., the RLC layer of the second UE55 accessed by 3GPP) but not successfully transmitted to a higher layer (e.g., the PDCP layer of the first UE50 accessed by 3GPP) by the corresponding receiver. • PC5 PDU Set Integrated Handling Information (PC5-PSIHI): This indicates whether the receiving application layer requires all PDUs in the entire PDU set for processing, whether the processing includes decoding, etc., or whether the receiving side requires all PDUs in the entire PDU set.

[0358] S409: SMF70 sends a first N1 message and a first N2 message to AMF65, where the first N1 message indicates that a first QoS flow has been established, and the first N1 message includes a first identifier and a first PDU set QoS parameter, the first identifier indicating the first QoS flow, and the first N2 message includes a PDU set QoS parameter.

[0359] In a possible implementation, the first N2 message further includes instructing the RAN60 that the SMF70 add PDU set information to the header of the relay data subsequently sent to the second UE55. This corresponds to a scenario in which the RAN60 delivers the PDU set information in the subsequent S419.

[0360] In a possible implementation, the first N1 message includes the first PDU set QoS parameter only when the second UE55 reports at least one of the first, second, or third capabilities in S402b.

[0361] In possible implementations, the first N1 message and the first N2 message are sent to the AMF65 using Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer.

[0362] In possible implementations, the message may be sent when a session (PDU session) is modified or when a session is established.

[0363] In possible implementations, the first N1 message may include first instruction information. After receiving the first instruction information, in S414, the second UE55 decides to parse the PDU set information corresponding to the downlink data after receiving the downlink data.

[0364] In a possible implementation, the first N1 message includes a first identifier and first PDU set QoS parameters, but does not include first instruction information. In this case, after the second UE55 receives the first identifier and first PDU set QoS parameters, in S414, the second UE55 subsequently receives downlink data and then decides to parse the PDU set information corresponding to the downlink data.

[0365] In possible implementations, the first PDU set QoS parameter may be a PC5 PS QoS parameter.

[0366] In possible implementations, the PDU set QoS parameters included in the first N2 message are used for the second link.

[0367] S414: If the second UE55 receives downlink data, the second UE55 determines the PDU set information corresponding to the downlink data.

[0368] In a possible implementation, after receiving the first N1 message, the second UE55 decides to parse the PDU set information corresponding to the PDU set in the downlink data after receiving the downlink data. The second UE55 also decides to perform PDU set-based QoS control on the first link based on the PC5 PS QoS parameters contained in the first N1 message, and parses the corresponding PDU set information for subsequently received data using the first QoS flow. In this way, the RAN60 appends the PDU set information to the downlink data, for example, by appending the PDU set information to the AS layer header of the downlink data.

[0369] In possible implementations, after receiving the first N1 message, the second UE55 decides to derive PDU set information corresponding to the PDU set in the downlink data after receiving the downlink data. The second UE55 also decides to perform PDU set-based QoS control on the first link based on the PC5 PS QoS parameters included in the first N1 message, and derives the corresponding PDU set information for subsequently received data using the first QoS flow. In scenarios where derivation is required, the second UE55 obtains PDU set information by deriving the application layer header and / or transport layer header of the data, for example, deriving PDU set information based on the RTP / SRTP layer header information of the data. The execution method is described in S420.

[0370] S415: After receiving the downlink data transmitted by UPF75, RAN60 decides to send the downlink data, including PDU set information, to the relay UE.

[0371] This step is optional. Specifically, RAN60 does not need to add PDU set information when sending downlink data to the second UE55.

[0372] The data transmission procedure for the first solution is shown in Figure 13. Compared to Figure 7, the differences when data is transmitted to RAN60 are as follows:

[0373] S419:RAN60 sends a second data packet to the second UE55, where the second data packet includes a third data and a fourth data, the third data including the first PDU set and the fourth data including the second PDU set.

[0374] The second data packet here is different from the first data packet. The protocol stack between RAN60 and UPF75 is different from the protocol stack between RAN60 and the second UE55, so a different header is used.

[0375] In possible implementations, the second data packet may be referred to as the third downlink data.

[0376] After receiving the third message and obtaining the first data packet, RAN60 processes the packet in S415 depending on whether it decides to send the PDU set information to the second UE55. There are at least two possible processing methods.

[0377] Method 1: The first PDU set information is obtained from the first header, the second PDU set information is obtained from the second header, the first PDU set information is set in the third header, the second PDU set information is set in the fourth header, the third data includes the third header and the first PDU set, and the fourth data includes the fourth header and the second PDU set. The third header is placed in the second data packet and corresponds to the first PDU set, and the fourth header is placed in the second data packet and corresponds to the second PDU set.

[0378] The method by which RAN60 transmits PDU set information to the second UE55 may be by using the AS layer. For example, this method is one of the following:

[0379] SDAP may be enhanced. As shown in Figure 14, the SDAP data transmitted by RAN60 to the second UE55 includes PDU set information (PSI01 in the figure).

[0380] The PSI layer may be newly added on top of SDAP, and the PSI layer contains PDU set information. As shown in Figure 15, in the protocol stack, the newly added PSI layer may be PSI layer 02 and PSI layer 03 in the second UE55 and RAN60.

[0381] The PDCP layer may be enhanced, and PDU set information is added to the PDCP layer header. The solution is applicable to L3 relay scenarios.

[0382] The RLC layer may be reinforced, and PSI information is added to the RLC layer header. The solution is applicable to L2 and L3 relay scenarios.

[0383] The PSI layer may be newly added on top of the adaptive layer. The PSI layer contains PDU set information. The solution is applicable to L2 relay scenarios. As shown in Figure 16, in the protocol stack, the newly added PSI layer may be PSI layer 56 and PSI layer 61 in the second UE55 and RAN60.

[0384] Method 2: The first PDU set information is obtained from the first header, the second PDU set information is obtained from the second header, the first PDU set information is not set in the third header, the second PDU set information is not set in the fourth header, the third data includes the third header and the first PDU set, and the fourth data includes the fourth header and the second PDU set. The third header is placed within the second data packet, and the fourth header is placed within the second data packet. Also, the third header does not include information corresponding to the first PDU set, and the fourth header does not include information corresponding to the second PDU set.

[0385] S420: The second UE55 obtains the first PDU set, the second PDU set, the first PDU set information, and the second PDU set information based on the second data packet.

[0386] In one implementation, the second UE55 directly obtains the first PDU set, the second PDU set, the first PDU set information, and the second PDU set information from the second data packet. This implementation corresponds to method 1 in S418. The second UE55 can directly and quickly obtain the aforementioned content from the second data packet.

[0387] In one implementation, the first and second PDU sets are obtained directly from the second data packet, and the first and second PDU set information is derived from the second data packet. This implementation corresponds to method 2 in S418. The second UE55 can obtain the first and second PDU sets directly and quickly from the second data packet, but it cannot obtain the first or second PDU set information directly and quickly from the second data packet. In this implementation, the second UE55 needs to derive the first and second PDU set information based on the second data packet. This method is time-consuming. For example, the second UE55 detects the forwarding layer or application layer (e.g., RTP / SRTP) header or payload in the second data packet to identify the first and second PDU sets and determine the first and second PDU set information.

[0388] Furthermore, in any of the aforementioned implementations, after the first PDU set, the second PDU set, the first PDU set information, and the second PDU set information are obtained from the second data packet, the first PDU set information and the second PDU set information are forwarded to the AS layer.

[0389] S421: The second UE55 determines the first QoS processing for the first and second PDU sets on the first link based on the first PDU set QoS parameters, the first PDU set information, and the second PDU set information.

[0390] The first QoS process is to satisfy the first PDU set QoS parameters as much as possible based on the PDU set granularity, and to discard PDU sets with low importance when network or link congestion problems occur.

[0391] S422: The second UE55 transmits at least one of the first PDU set and the second PDU set based on the first QoS processing.

[0392] In addition to the aforementioned technical solutions, this embodiment further provides a second implementation, which is described in detail below.

[0393] The preprocessing procedure for the second solution is shown in Figure 17. Compared to Figure 5, the differences are as follows:

[0394] S501a:PCF80 learns that the second UE55 has at least one of the first, second, or third capabilities, where the first capability is used to perform PDU set-based QoS control on the first link, the second capability is used to parse PDU set information corresponding to downlink data, and the third capability is the capability to perform relay functions.

[0395] In a possible implementation, the PCF80 learns whether the second UE55 is in the process of registering with the network or has already registered with the network.

[0396] In the network registration procedure, the second UE55 sends a registration request message to the AMF65, which includes at least one of the first, second, or third capabilities. The AMF65 sends a message to the PCF80, which includes at least one of the first, second, or third capabilities.

[0397] S501b:PCF80 constitutes a first mapping relationship between the first PDU set QoS parameters of the first link and the second PDU set QoS parameters of the second link for the second UE55.

[0398] In possible implementations, instead of steps S501a and S501b, the first mapping relationship may be set at the factory or pre-configured. In this case, steps S501a and S501b may be directly replaced.

[0399] Step S503b, which establishes a relay PDU session, may be combined with S501b in S503b.

[0400] The signaling procedure for the second solution is shown in Figures 18A to 18C. Compared to Figure 12, the main differences are in the following steps.

[0401] S507: SMF70 determines the second PDU set QoS parameters for the second link based on the PDU set QoS parameters.

[0402] In possible implementations, the SMF70 determines the second PDU set QoS parameters for the second link based on the PDU set QoS parameters in the second request.

[0403] In possible implementations, the SMF70 determines the first PDU set QoS parameter for the first link and the second PDU set QoS parameter for the second link based on the PDU set QoS parameters.

[0404] S510:SMF70 sends a first N1 message and a first N2 message to AMF65, where the first N1 message indicates the establishment of a first QoS flow, and the first N1 message includes a first identifier and a second PDU set QoS parameter, the first identifier indicating the first QoS flow, and the first N2 message includes a PDU set QoS parameter.

[0405] In a possible implementation, the first N1 message includes the second PDU set QoS parameter only if, in S402b, the second UE55 reports at least one of the first, second, or third capabilities.

[0406] In possible implementations, the first N1 message and the first N2 message are sent to the AMF using Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer.

[0407] In possible implementations, the message may be sent when a session (PDU session) is modified or when a session is established.

[0408] In possible implementations, the first N1 message may include first instruction information. After receiving the first instruction information, the second UE55 decides in S515b to parse the PDU set information corresponding to the downlink data after receiving the downlink data.

[0409] In a possible implementation, the first N1 message does not contain the first instruction information, but contains the first identifier and the second PDU set QoS parameters. After receiving the first identifier and the second PDU set QoS parameters, the second UE55 decides in S515b to parse the PDU set information corresponding to the downlink data after receiving the downlink data.

[0410] In possible implementations, the second PDU set QoS parameter may be the PDU set QoS parameter used for the Uu interface link.

[0411] S515a: The second UE55 obtains the first PDU set QoS parameters based on the first mapping relationship and the second PDU set QoS parameters.

[0412] The data transmission procedure for the second solution is the same as that shown in Figure 13. The mechanism by which the second UE55 acquires PDU set information is also the same as the mechanism described in the first solution. Below, unless otherwise specified, it will be shown that when the data transmission procedure is the same, the mechanism for acquiring PDU set information is also the same.

[0413] In this application, in addition to separately implementing the technical solutions in the two embodiments described above, the technical solutions in the two embodiments may also be used in combination, which is equivalent to performing control over two nodes on a network and yields a more complete technical effect. Embodiment 3 will be described in detail below.

[0414] Embodiment 3 This embodiment is an implementation in which the network comprehensively considers the state or link requirements of two subsequent links during data transmission, and the relay device, i.e., the second UE55, also considers the state or link requirements of the subsequent links. This embodiment is a combination of the first solution of Embodiment 1 and the first solution of Embodiment 2. This embodiment corresponds to Figures 19 to 22. It will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0415] First, the first solution is a combination of the first implementation of Embodiment 1 and the second implementation of Embodiment 2.

[0416] The preprocessing steps for the first solution are the same as those shown in Figure 11.

[0417] The signaling procedure for the first solution is a combination of Figures 6 and 12. As shown in Figures 19A to 19C, the following changes are caused by the combination.

[0418] S609: SMF70 sends a first N1 message and a first N2 message to AMF65, where the first N1 message indicates the establishment of a first QoS flow, and the first N1 message includes a first PDU set QoS parameter, and the first N2 message includes a PDU set QoS parameter, a first identifier, and first information, where the first identifier indicates the first QoS flow, and the first information indicates that the first QoS flow will be used for relay data transmission.

[0419] In possible implementations, the first N1 message and the first N2 message are sent to the AMF using Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer.

[0420] In possible implementations, the message may be sent when a session (PDU session) is modified or when a session is established.

[0421] In possible implementations, the first N1 message may include first instruction information. After receiving the first instruction information, the second UE55 decides in S614 to parse the PDU set information corresponding to the downlink data after receiving the downlink data.

[0422] In a possible implementation, the first N1 message does not contain the first instruction information, but contains the first identifier and the first PDU set QoS parameters. After receiving the first identifier and the first PDU set QoS parameters, the second UE55 decides in S614 to parse the PDU set information corresponding to the downlink data after receiving the downlink data.

[0423] In possible implementations, the first PDU set QoS parameters are applied to the first link. For example, if the first link is PC5, the parameters may be PC5 PS QoS parameters.

[0424] The data transmission procedure for the first solution is shown in Figure 20, which is a combination of Figures 7 and 13. Downlink data is processed from the server to the RAN60 via UPF75, which is the same as in Figure 7. Downlink data is processed from the RAN60 to the first UE50, which is the same as in Figure 13. Two data sets containing two PDU sets are used as an example to illustrate the downlink data packets in the procedure, but it should be noted that in reality there is more data. In this embodiment, based on the case where the RAN60 and the second UE55 process the data separately, the RAN60 and the second UE55 may discard some data (PDU sets) based on the processing determined by the RAN60 and the processing determined by the second UE55, respectively.

[0425] This embodiment further provides another implementation for the combined technical solution. A second implementation of this embodiment is described below.

[0426] The second solution is specifically a combination of the first implementation of Embodiment 1 and the second implementation of Embodiment 2.

[0427] The preprocessing steps for the second solution are the same as those in Figure 17.

[0428] The signaling procedure for the second solution is a combination of Figures 6 and 18A-18C. As shown in Figures 21A-21C, the changes caused by the combination are as follows:

[0429] S710: SMF70 sends a first N1 message and a first N2 message to AMF65. Here, the first N1 message indicates the establishment of a first QoS flow and includes a first identifier and a second PDU set QoS parameter, the first identifier indicating the first QoS flow; the first N2 message includes a PDU set QoS parameter and first information, the first information indicating that the first QoS flow will be used for relay data transmission. AMF65 sends the first N1 message to the second UE55 and the first N2 message to RAN60. That is, it includes both S108 in Figure 6 and S510 in Figures 18A to 18C.

[0430] The data transmission procedure for the second solution is the same as that shown in Figure 20.

[0431] This embodiment further provides another implementation for the combined technical solution. A third solution of this embodiment is described below.

[0432] The third solution is specifically a combination of the second implementation of Embodiment 1 and the first implementation of Embodiment 2.

[0433] The preprocessing step portion of the third solution is the same as that of the first implementation of Embodiment 2, i.e., that shown in Figure 11.

[0434] The signaling procedure for the third solution is shown in Figures 22A to 22C, which is a combination of Figures 8 and 12 and includes all the procedures in both figures. Specifically, the main differences are as follows:

[0435] S809: SMF70 sends a first N1 message and a first N2 message to AMF65. Here, the first N1 message indicates the establishment of a first QoS flow and includes first information, a first identifier, and first PDU set QoS parameters, the first identifier indicating the first QoS flow, and the first N2 message includes PDU set QoS parameters. This is a combination of the steps in the two diagrams.

[0436] The data transmission procedure for the third solution is the same as that shown in Figure 20.

[0437] This method is used in L3 relay scenarios.

[0438] First, SMF70 instructs RAN60 via the second UE55 to determine the relay data, and RAN60 comprehensively determines the first QoS processing for the relay data based on the PDU set granularity, referring to the states of the first and second links.

[0439] Next, the SMF70 transmits the first PDU set QoS parameters to the second UE55, which then refers to the PDU set information corresponding to each PDU set of relay data to determine the second QoS processing of the relay data on the first link.

[0440] This embodiment further provides another implementation for the combined technical solution. A fourth solution of this embodiment is described below.

[0441] Specifically, the fourth solution is a combination of the second implementation of Embodiment 1 and the second implementation of Embodiment 2.

[0442] The pre-processing step portion of the fourth solution is the same as that shown in Figure 17.

[0443] The signaling procedure for the fourth solution is a combination of Figures 8 and 18A-18C, and includes all the steps in both figures. Specifically, the main differences are as follows:

[0444] SMF70 sends a first N1 message and a first N2 message to AMF65. The first N1 message indicates the establishment of a first QoS flow and includes first information, a first identifier, and second PDU set QoS parameters. The first identifier indicates the first QoS flow, and the first N2 message includes PDU set QoS parameters. This is a combination of the steps in the two diagrams.

[0445] The data transmission procedure for the fourth solution is the same as that shown in Figure 20.

[0446] This method is used in L3 relay scenarios.

[0447] First, SMF70 instructs RAN60 via the second UE55 to determine the relay data, and comprehensively determines the first QoS processing for the relay data based on the PDU set granularity, referencing the status of the first and second links.

[0448] Next, the SMF70 transmits the second PDU set QoS parameters to the second UE55. The second UE55 uses the mapping relationships obtained in the previous step to refer to the parameters and determine the first PDU set QoS parameters, and then uses the first PDU set QoS parameters to refer to the PDU set information corresponding to each PDU set of relay data to determine the second QoS processing of the relay data on the first link.

[0449] This embodiment further provides another implementation for the combined technical solution. A fifth solution of this embodiment is described below.

[0450] Specifically, the solution is a combination of the third solution of Embodiment 1 and the first solution of Embodiment 2.

[0451] The preprocessing steps for the fifth solution are the same as those in Figure 9.

[0452] The signaling procedure for the fifth solution is a combination of Figures 10 and 12, encompassing all the steps in both figures. The main differences are as follows:

[0453] SMF70 sends a first N1 message and a first N2 message to AMF65, the first N1 message indicating the establishment of a first QoS flow, the first N1 message containing a first identifier and a first PDU set QoS parameter, the first identifier indicating the first QoS flow, and the first N2 message containing a PDU set QoS parameter and a first identifier. This is a combination of the steps in the two diagrams.

[0454] The data transmission procedure for the fifth solution is the same as that shown in Figure 20.

[0455] The solution is used in the L2 relay scenario.

[0456] First, RAN60 may determine the relay data based on the L2 relay, and RAN60 comprehensively determines the first QoS processing for the relay data based on the PDU set granularity, referring to the states of the first and second links.

[0457] Next, the SMF70 transmits the first PDU set QoS parameters to the second UE55, which then refers to the PDU set information corresponding to each PDU set of relay data to determine the second QoS processing of the relay data on the first link.

[0458] This embodiment further provides another implementation for the combined technical solution. A sixth solution of this embodiment is described below.

[0459] The solution is specifically a combination of the third implementation of Embodiment 1 and the second implementation of Embodiment 2.

[0460] The preprocessing steps for the sixth solution are the same as those in Figure 9.

[0461] The signaling procedure for the sixth solution is a combination of Figures 10 and 18A-18C, and includes all the procedures in both figures. The main differences are as follows:

[0462] SMF70 sends a first N1 message and a first N2 message to AMF65, the first N1 message indicating the establishment of a first QoS flow, the first N1 message containing a first identifier and a second PDU set QoS parameter, the first identifier indicating the first QoS flow, and the first N2 message containing a PDU set QoS parameter. This is a combination of the steps in the two diagrams.

[0463] The data transmission procedure for the sixth solution is the same as that shown in Figure 20.

[0464] The six solutions described above organically combine the control capabilities for data transmission of the network and relay wireless devices so that the real-time link state can provide a better user experience. In addition to the solutions described above in this embodiment, there is another solution, as mentioned above. Embodiment 4 will be described below.

[0465] Embodiment 4 This embodiment is an implementation in which a wearable device, i.e., the first UE50, comprehensively considers the state or link requirements of two subsequent links when performing uplink data transmission. Compared to the downlink data scenario described above, there is a scenario in which the first UE50 initiates uplink data triggering.

[0466] Regarding the procedure before data transmission, the procedure for establishing the first QoS flow between the second UE55 and the RAN60 remains the same as in the previously described embodiment. Since the first UE50 can trigger AF85 to send the first request by using the uplink application data of the second UE55, the steps after the second UE55 initiates the link correction procedure in Figure 7 may instead form the procedure in Figure 23.

[0467] S1214: The second UE55 sends a fourth message to the first UE50, where the fourth message includes at least one of the second link state, the first PDU set QoS parameter of the first link, or the second PDU set QoS parameter of the second link.

[0468] Here, if the second UE55 sends a message through the control plane, that message is a fourth message, or if the second UE55 sends a message through the user plane, that message is sent in informational format.

[0469] In possible implementations, the fourth message includes the second link state (this is done explicitly).

[0470] In possible implementations, the fourth message does not include the second link state, and the first UE50 obtains the second link state based on the fourth message (where this is done implicitly).

[0471] In possible implementations, the fourth message may include the state of the second link between the second UE55 and RAN60, for example, the state of the Uu interface link, or the fourth message may directly instruct the first UE50 to discard PDU sets of low importance. Direct instruction to discard packets may be due to network or link congestion between the second UE55 and RAN60. For example, the transmission rate, delay, or packet drop rate may be lower than a certain threshold compared to the average value.

[0472] In a possible implementation, the first UE50 determines the state of the Uu interface link based on measurements from the second UE55 or deliveries from RAN60.

[0473] In possible implementations, determining that the second link is degraded or congested is based on information such as the data transmission rate and delay on the second link. For example, the second link may be considered degraded or congested when the rate is below a preset threshold or when the delay exceeds a preset threshold.

[0474] In a possible implementation, when the second PDU set QoS parameters are delivered, the first UE50 obtains the first PDU set QoS parameters by using the first mapping relationship that was obtained beforehand.

[0475] S1215: The first UE50 obtains the first link state.

[0476] Before transmitting uplink data, the first UE50 first obtains a first link state between the second UE55 and the first UE50 by means of measurement or notification by the second UE55.

[0477] S1216: The first UE50 determines the first PDU set, the second PDU set, the PDU set information corresponding to the first PDU set, and the PDU set information corresponding to the second PDU set for the first data packet.

[0478] Since the first UE50 constructs the first data packet, the first UE50 may determine the PDU set information corresponding to each PDU set in the first data packet.

[0479] In a possible implementation, the first UE50 includes PDU set information in the protocol header of the PDU set.

[0480] In possible implementations, the first data packet may also be the first uplink data.

[0481] S1217: The first UE50 determines the first QoS processing for the first and second PDU sets on the first link based on the fourth message, the first link state, and the PDU set information.

[0482] QoS processing as used herein may also be expressed as QoS control.

[0483] In possible implementations, the first UE50 makes an overall decision by combining the state of the Uu interface link obtained in S1215 and the state of the PC5 / Wi-Fi link obtained in S1216, or directly determines the first QoS processing of the first data packet on the PC5 / Wi-Fi link at the PDU set granularity based on the packet discard instruction obtained in S1216.

[0484] In a possible implementation, when the link condition is good, the first UE50 performs a transmission to the second UE55 based on the requirements of the PDU set granularity and the first PDU set QoS parameters.

[0485] In possible implementations, the first UE50 may determine a specific link state level based on information such as data transmission rate and PC5 link state delay, implement different packet discard mechanisms for different link state levels, and establish a mapping relationship between PC5 link state levels and PDU set importance. For a specific state level of the PC5 link, the RAN60 discards data packets with the corresponding importance based on the PDU set granularity. Based on different definitions of PC5 link state levels, the second UE55 may report to the RAN60 the PC5 link state level, or information such as the transmission rate and delay of the PC5 link, or information indicating that the PC5 link is degraded or congested. For example, the importance of the first PDU set may be high, and the importance of the second PDU set may be low. Link state level 0 indicates that the PC5 link is in good condition, and link state level 1 indicates that the PC5 link is in poor condition. When the link state level is 0, both the first and second PDU sets are transmitted. When the link state level is 1, the second PDU set with lower importance is discarded, and only the transmission of the first PDU set is performed.

[0486] In a possible implementation, the second UE55 may directly notify the first UE50 to discard a set of PDUs with a certain importance on the first link, for example, a second set of PDUs with a lower importance, based on the state of the Uu link.

[0487] In this method, the first UE50 discards data packets with low priority in its PDU set so as to avoid unnecessary waste of transmission resources.

[0488] S1218: The first UE50 transmits a first data packet to the second UE55 based on the first QoS processing, where the first data packet includes first data and second data, the first data includes first PDU set information and first PDU set, the second data includes second PDU set information and second PDU set, both of which are transmitted using the first QoS flow and are at least part of the data in the first downlink data, the first PDU set information describes the characteristics of the first PDU set, and the second PDU set information describes the characteristics of the second PDU set.

[0489] In possible implementations, the first and second data sets do not need to include PDU set information.

[0490] After sending uplink data to the second UE55, possible steps are shown in Figure 24.

[0491] S1219: The second UE55 transmits the second uplink data to the RAN60, where the second uplink data includes the third data and the fourth data, the third data includes the first PDU set information and the first PDU set, and the fourth data includes the second PDU set information and the second PDU set.

[0492] In a possible implementation, the first and second data sets do not contain PDU set information, and the second UE55 derives the PDU set information and processes the second uplink data based on the PDU set granularity.

[0493] In possible implementations, the third and fourth data points do not need to include PDU set information.

[0494] In possible implementations, the second data packet may be the second uplink data.

[0495] S1220:RAN60 determines the second QoS processing at the PDU set granularity on the third link.

[0496] The RAN60 can determine the second QoS processing based on the instructions of the SMF70 or the second UE55, or, in the case of an L2 relay architecture, the RAN60 can determine the second QoS processing independently.

[0497] The PDU set information is either obtained directly from the third message sent by the second UE55 (the second UE55 includes the PDU set information in its header), or it can be deduced that the second UE55 does not include the PDU set information in its header.

[0498] The third link may be interface N3 between RAN60 and UPF75.

[0499] In possible implementations, RAN60 does not include PDU set information.

[0500] In possible implementations, RAN60 uploads data in a way that uploads common data without performing additional processing, based on PDU set granularity, and without uploading data itself.

[0501] S1221: RAN60 transmits third uplink data to UPF75 based on second QoS processing. Here, the third uplink data includes fifth and sixth data, the fifth data includes first PDU set information and first PDU set, and the sixth data includes second PDU set information and second PDU set.

[0502] In possible implementations, the fifth and sixth data points do not need to include PDU set information.

[0503] In possible implementations, based on any option in S1220, PDU sets are not considered for upload here.

[0504] In possible implementations, the third data packet may also be the third uplink data.

[0505] S1222:UPF75 transmits the fourth uplink data.

[0506] The above-described procedure for transmitting data packets may be used in combination with the signaling procedure in the above-described embodiment.

[0507] The method described above in the embodiments of this application is applicable to a communication system. The communication system includes a first server, a first network device, a first wireless device, and a first terminal. The first server performs the steps performed by the server (AF85) in the method described above in the embodiments of this application. The first network device performs the steps performed by AMF65, SMF70, UPF75, and PCF80 in the method described above in the embodiments of this application. The first wireless device performs the steps performed by RAN60 in the method described above in the embodiments of this application. The first terminal performs the steps performed by the first UE50 and the second UE55 in the method described above in the embodiments of this application.

[0508] One embodiment of the present application further provides a chip, which may include an input interface, an output interface, and a processing circuit. In this embodiment of the present application, the input interface and the output interface may exchange signaling or data relating to a first server, a first network device, a first wireless device, or a first terminal, and the processing circuit may generate and process signaling or data information relating to the first server, a first network device, a first wireless device, or a first terminal.

[0509] One embodiment of this application further provides a chip system including a processor configured to support a computing device in implementing the functions of any one of the embodiments described above. In a possible design, the chip system may further include memory configured to store the necessary program instructions and data. When the processor executes a program instruction, the device on which the chip system is installed can implement a communication method associated with a first server, a first network device, a first wireless device, or a first terminal in any one of the embodiments described above. For example, the chip system may include one or more chips, or a chip and another discrete device.

[0510] One embodiment of the present application further provides a processor configured to be coupled to memory, which stores instructions. When the processor executes an instruction, the processor can perform communication methods and functions associated with a first server, a first network device, a first wireless device, or a first terminal in any one of the embodiments described above.

[0511] One embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product including instructions. When the computer program product operates on a first server, a first network device, a first wireless device, or a first terminal, the first server, the first network device, the first wireless device, or the first terminal can perform communication methods and functions related to the first server, the first network device, the first wireless device, or the first terminal in any one of the embodiments described above.

[0512] One embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium that stores computer instructions. When a processor executes an instruction, the processor can perform communication methods and functions related to a first server, a first network device, a first wireless device, or a first terminal in any one of the embodiments described above.

[0513] For example, Figure 25 is a diagram of the structure of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present application. The device may be a terminal or a network device, or a chip (system) or other component or part that may be located in a terminal or network device. As shown in Figure 25, the device 2500 may include a processor 2501. Optionally, the device 2500 may further include a memory 2502 or a transceiver 2503. The processor 2501, memory 2502, and transceiver 2503 may be coupled to each other and connected to each other, for example, through a communication bus.

[0514] The components of the apparatus 2500 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 25.

[0515] The processor 2501 is the control center of the device 2500 and may be a processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, the processor 2501 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs), or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement embodiments of this application, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs) or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0516] Optionally, the processor 2501 may perform various functions of the device 2500 by starting or executing software programs stored in memory 2502, and by retrieving data stored in memory 2502.

[0517] In a particular implementation, in one embodiment, the processor 2501 may include one or more CPUs, for example, CPU0 and CPU1 shown in Figure 25.

[0518] In a particular implementation, in one embodiment, the device 2500 may instead include multiple processors, for example, processors 2501 and 2504 shown in Figure 25. Each processor may be a single-core processor (single CPU) or a multi-core processor (multi-CPU). A processor as used herein may be one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores configured to process data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0519] Memory 2502 is configured to store a software program for executing the solution of this application, and processor 2501 controls the execution of the software program. For specific implementations, please refer to the embodiments of the method described above. Details will not be described again in this specification.

[0520] Optionally, memory 2502 may be read-only memory (ROM), another type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM), or another type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions; or it may be electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), another optical disc storage device, optical disc storage device (including compact discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital multipurpose discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage medium, another magnetic storage device, or any other medium accessible by a computer that can be used to carry or store expected program code in the form of instructions or data structures. However, it is not limited to these. Memory 2502 may be integrated with processor 2501 or exist independently, and may be coupled to processor 2501 through an interface circuit of device 2500 (not shown in Figure 8). This is not particularly limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0521] The transceiver 2503 is configured to communicate with another communication device. For example, device 2500 is a terminal, and the transceiver 2503 may be configured to communicate with a network device or with another terminal device. In another example, device 2500 is a network device, and the transceiver 2503 may be configured to communicate with a terminal device or with another network device.

[0522] Optionally, the transceiver 2503 may include a receiver and a transmitter (not shown separately in Figure 25). The receiver is configured to implement receiving functions, and the transmitter is configured to implement transmitting functions.

[0523] Optionally, the transceiver 2503 may be integrated with the processor 2501 or exist independently, and is coupled to the processor 2501 through an interface circuit of the device 2500 (not shown in Figure 25). This is not particularly limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0524] It should be noted that the structure of apparatus 2500 shown in Figure 25 does not constitute any limitation to apparatus 2500. Actual apparatuses may include more or fewer components, combinations of components, or different arrangements of components than those shown.

[0525] Furthermore, for the technical effects of the device 2500, please refer to the technical effects of the communication method in the embodiment of the method described above.

[0526] Typically, various embodiments of this application may be implemented by hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some embodiments may be implemented by hardware, while others may be implemented by firmware or software, or executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. While embodiments of this application are illustrated and described as block diagrams or flowcharts, or by several other examples, it should be understood that any blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented, for example, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware, controllers, other computing devices, or combinations thereof.

[0527] This application further provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored in a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as instructions contained in a program module, which are executed on a device on a real or virtual target processor to perform the process / method described above, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform a specific task or realize a specific abstract data type. In various embodiments, the functions of program modules may be combined or divided among program modules as needed. Machine-executable instructions for a program module may be executed locally or on a distributed device. In a distributed device, the program module may be located locally or on a remote storage medium.

[0528] The computer program code for implementing the communication method of this application may be written in one or more programming languages. The computer program code may be provided for the processor of a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, or another programmable data processing device such that when the program code is executed by a computer or another programmable data processing device, the functions / operations specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram are implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a computer, partially on a computer, as a standalone software package, partially on a computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server.

[0529] In the context of this application, computer program code or related data may be contained in any suitable carrier so that a device, apparatus, or processor can perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, etc. Examples of signals may include electrical signals, optical signals, radio signals, audio signals, or other forms of propagating signals such as carrier waves and infrared signals.

[0530] Computer-readable media may be any tangible medium that contains or stores programs used for or associated with instruction execution systems, apparatus, or devices. Computer-readable media may be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More detailed examples of computer-readable storage media include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0531] Furthermore, although the operation of the communication method in this application is described in a specific order in the accompanying drawings, this does not require or imply that these operations must be performed in a specific order, or that all of the illustrated operations must be performed, in order to achieve the desired result. Instead, the order in which the steps shown in the flowchart are performed may be changed. Alternatively, some steps may be omitted, multiple steps may be combined into one step for execution, and / or one step may be broken down into multiple steps for execution. It should be further noted that the features and functions of two or more devices relating to this application may be specific to one device. Conversely, the features and functions of one device described above may be specific to multiple devices.

[0532] In the embodiments of this application, as used in the specification and appended claims, the singular expressions “a,” “the,” “the foregoing,” “this,” and “the one” are also intended to include expressions such as “one or more,” unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. In the following embodiments of this application, it should be further understood that “at least one” and “one or more” mean one or more (including two).

[0533] References in this specification to “one embodiment,” “several embodiments,” etc., indicate that one or more embodiments of this application include certain features, structures, or characteristics described by reference to the embodiments. Therefore, phrases such as “in one embodiment,” “several embodiments,” “several other embodiments,” and “other embodiments,” appearing elsewhere in this specification, do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Instead, the phrases mean “one or more embodiments, but not all of them,” unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms “include,” “have,” and their variations all mean “include, but not limited to,” unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The term “connection” includes direct and indirect connections unless otherwise specified. “First” and “second” are for illustrative purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance, or as implicitly indicating the quantity of the technical features shown.

[0534] In the embodiments of this application, terms such as “example” and “for example” are used to provide an example, illustration, or explanation. Any embodiment or design described as “example” or “for example” in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being preferable or advantageous to another embodiment or design. More precisely, the use of terms such as “example” and “for example” is intended to present a relevant concept in a particular way.

[0535] Provided that there are no mutual contradictions or that no mutual contradictions are introduced, it should be noted that any embodiment of this application and any feature in any embodiment of this application may be combined with each other, and that any combined technical solution is also included in the scope of this application.

[0536] The implementation of this application has been described above. The foregoing description is illustrative and not exhaustive, and is not limited to the disclosed implementation. Many modifications and changes will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and intent of the described implementation. The choice of terms used herein is intended to adequately describe the principles of the implementation, its practical application, or improvements to the technology in the market, or to enable those skilled in the art to understand the implementation disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A communication method applied to a first network device, wherein the first network device communicates with a second user device (UE), and the communication method is Receiving a first message, wherein the first message includes an identifier for a first quality of service (QoS) flow and a first QoS parameter based on a protocol data unit (PDU) set. The first network device determines that the second UE will provide the first UE with a function to support connection to the data network, The first PDU set-based processing is performed on the first QoS flow based on a first link state and a second link state, wherein the first link is a communication link between the first UE and the second UE, the second link is a communication link between the second UE and the first network device, the first QoS flow belongs to either the first UE or the second UE, the first link state indicates the state of the first link, and the second link state indicates the state of the second link. A communication method that includes this.

2. The first QoS flow belongs to the second UE, Receiving the first instruction information, Based on the first network device, the second UE decides to provide the first UE with the function that supports connection to the data network, The communication method according to claim 1, including the method described in claim 1.

3. The first instruction information described above is: The first QoS flow is used by the second UE for the transmission of relay data, and the relay data includes data transmitted between the first UE and the data network via the second UE, or By using the first QoS flow, the second UE provides the first UE with the function that supports connection to the data network. Further including demonstrating, The communication method according to claim 2.

4. The first instruction information is either the first information from the second network device, or The first instruction information is the second information from the second UE. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The second UE provides the first UE with the function that supports connection to the data network by using an L3 relay or a Wi-Fi hotspot. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The first QoS flow belongs to the first UE, and the communication method is The second UE further includes deciding to provide the first UE with the function that supports connection to the data network by using an L2 relay. The communication method according to claim 1.

7. Receiving a second instruction information, wherein the second instruction information is When transmitting downlink data sent using the first QoS flow to the second UE, the PDU set information corresponding to the downlink data is also transmitted to the second UE. Further including demonstrating, The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The first network device determines, based on the first link state and the second link state, to perform the first process for the first QoS flow. During downlink transmission in the first QoS flow, a first data packet is received, and first data and second data are obtained from the first data packet. Based on the first processing, transmit at least one of the first data or the second data to the second UE, including, The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Based on the first processing, before transmitting at least one of the first data or the second data to the second UE, the communication method: During transmission over the second link, the first processing of the first data and the second data is determined, further comprising determining the first processing based on the first link state and the second link state. The communication method according to claim 8.

10. When the first link state indicates a first state, the first process indicates a first processing method, or When the first link state indicates the second state, the first process indicates the second processing method. The first state is different from the second state, and the first processing method is different from the second processing method. The communication method according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The first data includes a first protocol data unit (PDU) set and first PDU set information, the second data includes a second PDU set and second PDU set information, the first PDU set information indicates the characteristics of the first PDU set, and the second PDU set information indicates the characteristics of the second PDU set. The communication method according to claim 10.

12. Based on the first link state and the second link state includes based on the first link state, the second link state, the first PDU set information, and the second PDU set information. The communication method according to claim 11.

13. When the first link state indicates the first state, and the first state is congested, and the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set, the first processing method is to transmit the first PDU set over the second link and discard the second PDU set. The fact that the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set is determined based on the first PDU set information and the second PDU set information. The communication method according to claim 12.

14. When the first link state indicates the first state, the first state is congested, the first PDU set is important, and the second PDU set is not important, the first processing method is to transmit the first PDU set over the second link and discard the second PDU set. Whether the first PDU set is important is determined based on the first PDU set information, and whether the second PDU set is not important is determined based on the second PDU set information. The communication method according to claim 12.

15. When the first link state indicates the second state, the second state is not congested, and the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set, the second processing method is to transmit the first PDU set and the second PDU set over the second link. The fact that the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set is determined based on the first PDU set information and the second PDU set information. The communication method according to claim 12.

16. When the first link state indicates the second state, the second state is not congested, the first PDU set is important, and the second PDU set is not important, the second processing method is to transmit the first PDU set and the second PDU set over the second link. Whether the first PDU set is important is determined based on the first PDU set information, and whether the second PDU set is not important is determined based on the second PDU set information. The communication method according to claim 12.

17. A communication method applied to a second user device (UE), wherein the second UE communicates with a first UE, the first UE communicates with a data network via the second UE, and the communication method is The method involves obtaining a first parameter, wherein the first parameter represents a protocol data unit (PDU) set-based QoS control parameter of a first quality of service (QoS) flow, and the first QoS flow is a QoS flow used for communication between the first UE and the second UE. Performing a second PDU set-based process on the first Quality of Service (QoS) flow, A communication method that includes this.

18. The first parameter is obtained by the second UE from the second network device, or The first parameter is obtained by the second UE based on the second parameter, and the second parameter is obtained by the second UE from the second network device. The communication method according to claim 17.

19. The first parameter includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following parameters: A PC5 protocol data unit set delay budget (PC5 PDU Set Delay Budget, PC5-PSDB) is used to set a first preset delay, where the transmission delay of any set of PDUs between the first UE and the second UE is less than or equal to the first preset delay. The PC5 protocol data unit set error rate (PC5-PSER), used to set the ratio of the amount of PDU sets that were processed by the second UE but not successfully processed by the first UE, or PC5 protocol data unit set integrated handling information (PC5-PSIHI), used to determine whether the first UE requires all PDUs in the PDU set. The communication method according to claim 17 or 18.

20. Transmitting first instruction information to a first network device, the first instruction information further includes indicating to the second UE that it provides the first UE with a function to support connection to the data network. The communication method according to any one of claims 17 to 19.

21. Performing the second PDU set-based processing on the first Quality of Service (QoS) flow means that The second process involves transmitting at least one of the first data or the second data to the first UE, wherein the second process includes associating the first parameter, the first PDU set information, and the second PDU set information. The first PDU set information describes the characteristics of the first PDU set, the second PDU set information describes the characteristics of the second PDU set, the first PDU set information is obtained based on third data, and the second PDU set information is obtained based on fourth data. The communication method according to claim 20.

22. The first PDU set information is obtained based on the third data, and the second PDU set information is obtained based on the fourth data, The first PDU set information is obtained from the third data, and the third data includes the first PDU set information; the second PDU set information is obtained from the fourth data, and the fourth data includes the second PDU set information; or The first PDU set information is derived based on the third data, and the second PDU set information is derived based on the fourth data. including, The communication method according to claim 21.

23. The first PDU set information is derived based on the third data, the second PDU set information is derived based on the fourth data, and the communication method is The first terminal determines the first PDU set information corresponding to the third data and the second PDU set information corresponding to the fourth data by analyzing the packet header information of the first protocol layer corresponding to the third data and the packet header information of the first protocol layer corresponding to the fourth data. The aforementioned first protocol layer is the IP layer or a protocol layer on the IP layer. The communication method according to claim 22.

24. The second process is associated with the first parameter, the first PDU set information, and the second PDU set information. The second process is associated with the first parameter, the first link state, the first PDU set information, and the second PDU set information, wherein the first link is a transmission link between the second UE and the first UE, the first QoS flow is a QoS flow on the first link, and the first link state indicates the state of the first link. The communication method according to any one of claims 21 to 23.

25. When the first link state indicates that the first link is congested and the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set, the second process includes transmitting the first PDU set and discarding the second PDU set on the first link. The fact that the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set is determined based on the first PDU set information and the second PDU set information. The communication method according to claim 24.

26. When the first link state indicates that the first link is congested, the first PDU set is important, and the second PDU set is not important, the second process includes transmitting the first PDU set and discarding the second PDU set on the first link. Whether the first PDU set is important is determined based on the first PDU set information, and whether the second PDU set is not important is determined based on the second PDU set information. The communication method according to claim 25.

27. When the first link state indicates that the first link is not congested and the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set, the second process includes transmitting the first PDU set and the second PDU set over the first link. Whether the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set is determined based on the first PDU set information and the second PDU set information, or When the first link state indicates that the first link is not congested, the first PDU set is important, and the second PDU set is not important, the second process includes transmitting the first PDU set and the second PDU set over the first link. Whether the first PDU set is important is determined based on the first PDU set information, and whether the second PDU set is not important is determined based on the second PDU set information. The communication method according to claim 25 or 26.

28. A communication method applied to a first user equipment (UE), wherein the first UE communicates with a second UE, and the first UE communicates with an access network device via the second UE, and the communication method is Before performing the uplink transmission of the first data packet to the second UE, the first data and the second data are determined from the first data packet, Based on the first process, transmit at least one of the first data or the second data to the second UE, wherein the first process is associated with the first link state and the second link state. Includes, The first link state indicates the state of the first link, the second link state indicates the state of the second link, the first link is a communication link between the first UE and the second UE, and the second link is a communication link between the second UE and the access network device. Communication method.

29. The first data includes a first protocol data unit (PDU) set and first PDU set information, the second data includes a second PDU set and second PDU set information, the first PDU set information indicates the characteristics of the first PDU set, and the second PDU set information indicates the characteristics of the second PDU set. Based on the first link state and the second link state includes based on the first link state, the second link state, the first PDU set information, and the second PDU set information. The communication method according to claim 28.

30. When the second link state indicates the first state, the first process indicates either the first processing method or When the second link state indicates the second state, the first process indicates the second processing method. Includes, The first state is different from the second state, and the first processing method is different from the second processing method. The communication method according to claim 28 or 29.

31. When the first link state indicates the first state, and the first state is congested, and the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set, the first processing method includes transmitting the first PDU set and discarding the second PDU set on the first link. The fact that the first PDU set is more important than the second PDU set is determined based on the first PDU set information and the second PDU set information. The communication method according to claim 30.

32. When the first link state indicates the second state, the second state is not congested, the first PDU set is important, and the second PDU set is not important, the first processing method includes transmitting the first PDU set and the second PDU set over the first link. Whether the first PDU set is important and the second PDU set is not is determined based on the information of the first PDU set and the information of the second PDU set. The communication method according to claim 30 or 31.

33. A first network device, the first network device communicates with a second user device (UE), the second UE communicates with the first UE, the first UE communicates with the data network via the second UE, and the first network device, Processor and A memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores computer instructions, and when the computer instructions are executed by the processor, the first network device can execute the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 16. including, The first network device.

34. User equipment (UE), Processor and A memory coupled to the aforementioned processor, Equipped with, The memory stores computer instructions, and when the computer instructions are executed by the processor, the UE can execute the communication method described in any one of claims 17 to 27, or the communication method described in any one of claims 28 to 32. User device.

35. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the computer instructions are executed, the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 16, any one of claims 17 to 27, any one of claims 17 to 27, or any one of claims 28 to 32 is executed. A computer-readable storage medium.

36. The system comprises a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and when the processor executes the computer program, the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 16, any one of claims 17 to 27, or any one of claims 28 to 32 is executed. Tip.

37. A computer program product stored in a computer-readable storage medium, wherein when the computer program product is executed, the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 16, any one of claims 17 to 27, or any one of claims 28 to 32 is executed. Computer program products.

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