Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application can be applied to the field of communications. Provided are a communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: when a first donor node receives first information requesting that a first service function be provided for a terminal device, on the basis of the first information, the first donor node being able to send first configuration information to a first IAB DU, and to send second configuration information to a second IAB DU comprised in an access IAB node of the terminal device, wherein the first IAB node comprises the first IAB DU and a first IAB MT, and the first IAB MT has the first service function; and the first donor node further being able to send RRC reconfiguration information to both the first IAB MT and the terminal device, so as to align PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information on a terminal device side and a first IAB MT side, so that communication between the terminal device and the first IAB MT having the first service function can be realized, and thus the first IAB MT can provide the first service function for the terminal device.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on September 13, 2023, with application number 202311184906.9 and invention name "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly, to a communication method and apparatus. Background Art

[0003] In an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) network, an IAB node provides wireless access services for terminal devices. Service data from terminal devices is transmitted via wireless backhaul links from the IAB node to an IAB donor. An IAB donor, also known as a donor node or donor gNodeB (DgNB), consists of a mobile termination (MT) and a distributed unit (DU). IAB nodes can connect to the core network via the IAB donor. For example, the IAB donor can connect to core network elements serving terminal devices and provide wireless backhaul functionality for the IAB node.

[0004] Service-based architecture (SBA) is a key feature of the fifth-generation (5G) core network architecture. It divides network functions into reusable service function modules, which communicate with each other using a unified, lightweight interface. With the evolution of the sixth-generation (6G) network architecture, most equipment vendors and operators have proposed the need for service-oriented radio access networks (RANs). This requires introducing the core network's service-based architecture philosophy into the next-generation RAN architecture design to enable rapid rollout and flexible deployment of new service functions on the RAN side, while also simplifying the network. However, current RAN functions are highly coupled, with a high degree of algorithm integration between RAN functions and uncertain integration, making it difficult to integrate service function modules on the RAN side.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus, which can integrate service functions on the IAB MT side, so that the IAB MT with service functions can provide service functions for terminal devices.

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be performed by a first host node or a chip or chip system in the first host node. The method includes: the first host node receives first information, the first information being used to request provision of a first service function for a terminal device; the first host node sends first configuration information to a first access-backhaul integrated IAB distributed unit DU based on the first information, the first configuration information indicating a correspondence between a first data radio bearer (DRB) identifier and a first backhaul adaptation protocol (BAP) routing identifier, the first IAB node including the first IAB DU and a first IAB mobile terminal MT, the first IAB MT having the first service function; the first host node sends second configuration information to a second IAB DU based on the first information, the second configuration information indicating a correspondence between a second DRB identifier and a second BAP routing identifier, the second IAB node including the second IAB DU, the second IAB node being the access IAB node of the terminal device; and the first host node sends first RRC reconfiguration information to the first IAB MT and the terminal device based on the first information, the first RRC reconfiguration information indicating PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information.

[0008] Based on the above technical solution, the service function is integrated on the IAB MT side. When the first host node receives the first information requesting to provide the first service function for the terminal device, the first host node can send the first configuration information to the first IAB DU based on the first information, and send the second configuration information to the second IAB DU included in the access IAB node of the terminal device, wherein the first IAB node includes the first IAB DU and the first IAB MT, and the first IAB MT has the first service function; the first host node can also send RRC reconfiguration information to the first IAB MT and the terminal device respectively based on the first information to align the PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information on the terminal device side and the first IAB MT side, so as to realize communication between the terminal device and the first IAB MT having the first service function, thereby enabling the first IAB MT to provide the first service function for the terminal device.

[0009] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first host node determining, based on the first information, a first data transmission path between the terminal device and the first IAB MT and first quality of service requirement information corresponding to the first service function within the topology of the first host node; the first host node determining, based on the first data transmission path and the first quality of service requirement information, the first configuration information and the second configuration information.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first host node sending second information to the first IAB MT based on the first information, the second information being used to request provision of the first service function for the terminal device; and the first host node receiving third information from the first IAB MT, the third information being used to indicate that the first IAB MT permits provision of the first service function for the terminal device. Based on this implementation, the first host node may determine, based on the third information, that the first IAB MT permits provision of the first service function for the terminal device.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first host node receiving the first information includes: the first host node receiving the first information from the terminal device.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first host node sending first service function list information to the terminal device, where the first service function list information indicates at least one first service function supported by an IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the first host node, wherein the at least one first service function includes the first service function, and the at least one IAB node includes the first IAB node. Based on this implementation, the terminal device can learn which service functions can be provided within the topology of the first host node.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first host node receives the first information, including: the first host node receives the first information from the access and mobility management function AMF.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first host node receives registration request information from at least one IAB MT, the registration request information being used to indicate at least one second service function that the IAB MT requests to register, and the at least one IAB MT including the first IAB MT; the first host node sends registration request feedback information to the at least one IAB MT respectively, the registration request feedback information being used to indicate the second service function that is authorized for registration and / or the second service function that is refused authorization for registration among the at least one second service function that the IAB MT requests to register, wherein the at least one first service function includes the second service function that is authorized for registration.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first host node sending the registration request information to the AMF; and the first host node receiving the registration request feedback information from the AMF.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the registration request information includes at least one item of identification information, service type information, or service status information corresponding to the at least one second service function; the registration request feedback information includes the identification information corresponding to the second service function for which the registration is authorized, and / or the identification information corresponding to the second service function for which the registration is denied authorization.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the registration request feedback information includes reason information for refusing authorization corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is refused.

[0018] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first host node or a chip or chip system in the first host node. The method includes: a first host node receives first information, where the first information is used to request provision of a first service function for a terminal device; the first host node sends third configuration information to a second IAB DU based on the first information, where the third configuration information indicates a correspondence between a third bearer DRB identifier and a third BAP routing identifier; the second IAB node includes the second IAB DU, the second IAB node is an access IAB node of the terminal device, and at least one IAB node served by the first host node includes the second IAB node; the first host node sends management request information to the second host node, where the management request information includes third quality of service requirement information corresponding to the first service function within the topology of the second host node, first identification information allocated by the first host node to a first IAB MT, transmission network layer information corresponding to the DU included by the first host node, and information about the third BAP routing identifier; the first IAB node served by the second host node includes the first IAB MT, and the first IAB MT has the first service function; the first host node receives management request response information from the second host node, where the management request response information includes second identification information allocated by the second host node to the first IAB MT, transmission network layer information corresponding to the DU included by the second host node, and information about the first IAB The first host node also includes the first IAB DU; the first host node sends second RRC reconfiguration information to the terminal device according to the management request response information, and the second RRC reconfiguration information indicates PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information. The PDCP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device is the same as the PDCP configuration information corresponding to the first IAB MT, and the SDAP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device is the same as the SDAP configuration information corresponding to the first IAB MT.

[0019] Based on the above technical solution, the service function is integrated on the IAB MT side. When the first host node receives first information requesting to provide the first service function for the terminal device, the first host node can send third configuration information to the second IAB DU based on the first information. The second IAB node served by the first host node includes the second IAB DU, and the second IAB node is the access IAB node of the terminal device. The first host node can send management request information to the second host node based on the first information. The first IAB node served by the second host node includes a first IAB MT with the first service function. The second host node can send fourth configuration information to the first IAB DU based on the received management request information. The first IAB node also includes the first IAB DU. The second host node can also send RRC reconfiguration information to the first IAB MT. After receiving the management request response information from the second host node, the first host node can also send RRC reconfiguration information to the terminal device to align PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information on the terminal device side and the first IAB MT side, thereby enabling communication between the terminal device and the first IAB MT with the first service function, thereby enabling the first IAB MT to provide the first service function for the terminal device.

[0020] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method also includes: the first host node determines the second data transmission path between the terminal device and the first host node, the second service quality requirement information corresponding to the first service function within the topology of the first host node, and the third service quality requirement information based on the first information; the first host node determines the third configuration information based on the second data transmission path, the second service quality requirement information and the third service quality requirement information.

[0021] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the first host node sends service request information to the second host node based on the first information, and the service request information is used to request that the first service function be provided for the terminal device; the first host node receives service request response information from the second host node, and the service request response information is used to indicate that the first IAB MT allows the first service function to be provided for the terminal device.

[0022] Based on this implementation, the first host node may determine, according to the service request response information, that the first IAB MT is allowed to provide the first service function for the terminal device.

[0023] In conjunction with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the first host node sending first indication information to the second host node, the first indication information indicating at least one first service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the first host node; and the first host node receiving second indication information from the second host node, the second indication information indicating at least one third service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the second host node, wherein the at least one third service function includes the first service function, and the at least one IAB node served by the second host node includes the first IAB node. Based on this implementation, the first host node and the second host node can learn about the service functions supported within their respective topologies through interaction.

[0024] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first host node receives the first information, including: the first host node receives the first information from the terminal device.

[0025] In conjunction with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the first host node sending second service function list information to the terminal device, where the second service function list information indicates at least one first service function supported by an IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the first host node and at least one third service function supported by an IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the second host node. Based on this implementation, the terminal device can learn which service functions can be provided to the terminal device through the first host node.

[0026] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first host node receives the first information, including: the first host node receives the first information from the AMF.

[0027] According to a third aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second host node or a chip or chip system in the second host node. The method includes: a second host node receives management request information from a first host node, the management request information including third service quality requirement information corresponding to a first service function within the topology of the second host node, first identifier information allocated by the first host node to a first IAB MT, transmission network layer information corresponding to a DU included by the first host node, and information about a third BAP routing identifier corresponding to a second IAB DU served by the first host node, a first IAB node served by the second host node including the first IAB MT, the first IAB MT having the first service function, wherein the second IAB node served by the first host node includes the second IAB DU, and the second IAB node is an access IAB node of a terminal device; the second host node sends fourth configuration information to the first IAB DU according to the management request information, the fourth configuration information indicating a correspondence between a fourth DRB identifier and a fourth BAP routing identifier, the first IAB node also including the first IAB DU; the second host node sends first RRC reconfiguration information to the first IAB MT according to the management request information, the first RRC reconfiguration information indicating PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information, the first IAB The PDCP configuration information corresponding to the MT is the same as the PDCP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device, and the SDAP configuration information corresponding to the first IAB MT is the same as the SDAP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device; the second host node sends a management request response message to the first host node, and the management request response message includes the second identification information assigned by the second host node to the first IAB MT, the transmission network layer information corresponding to the DU included in the second host node, and the fourth BAP routing identifier information.

[0028] The method provided in the third aspect is a method on the second host node side corresponding to the second aspect, and its beneficial effects can refer to the second aspect.

[0029] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: the second host node determining a third data transmission path and the third service quality requirement information between the second host node and the first IAB MT based on the management request information; the second host node determining the fourth configuration information based on the third data transmission path and the third service quality requirement information.

[0030] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: the second host node receives service request information from the first host node, where the service request information is used to request that the first service function be provided for the terminal device; the second host node sends fourth information to the first IAB MT based on the service request information, where the fourth information is used to request the first IAB MT to provide the first service function for the terminal device; the second host node receives fifth information from the first IAB MT, where the fifth information is used to indicate that the first IAB MT allows the provision of the first service function for the terminal device; and the second host node sends service request response information to the first host node based on the fifth information, where the service request response information is used to indicate that the first IAB MT allows the provision of the first service function for the terminal device.

[0031] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: the second host node receives first indication information from the second host node, the first indication information indicating at least one first service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the first host node; the second host node receives second indication information sent to the second host node, the second indication information indicating at least one third service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the second host node, wherein the at least one third service function includes the first service function, and the at least one IAB node served by the second host node includes the first IAB node.

[0032] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, which can be applied to the first host node described in the first aspect, and the device includes: a transceiver unit for implementing the receiving and sending functions of the method described in the first aspect; a processing unit for implementing the processing functions such as determining the first configuration information and the second configuration information of the method described in the first aspect.

[0033] In the fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, which can be applied to the first host node described in the second aspect, and the device includes: a transceiver unit for implementing the receiving and sending functions of the method described in the second aspect; a processing unit for implementing the processing functions such as determining the third configuration information of the method described in the second aspect.

[0034] In the sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, which can be applied to the second host node described in the third aspect, and the device includes: a transceiver unit for implementing the receiving and sending functions of the method described in the third aspect; a processing unit for implementing the processing functions such as determining the fourth configuration information of the method described in the third aspect.

[0035] In the seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a transceiver, wherein the transceiver is used to receive computer code or instructions and transmit them to the processor, and the processor runs the computer code or instructions so that the method in any possible implementation of the first to third aspects or the first to third aspects is executed.

[0036] In the eighth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: the first host node in the method described in the second aspect and other communication devices communicating with the first host node; the second host node in the method described in the third aspect and other communication devices communicating with the second host node.

[0037] In the ninth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable medium stores a computer program; when the computer program runs on a computer, the method in the above-mentioned first to third aspects and any possible implementation of the first to third aspects is executed.

[0038] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program, which, when executed, enables the communication method in the above-mentioned first to third aspects and any possible implementation method of the first to third aspects to be implemented.

[0039] The solutions provided in the fourth to tenth aspects are used to implement or cooperate with the methods provided in the first to third aspects, and therefore can achieve the same or corresponding beneficial effects as the first to third aspects, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless relay scenario.

[0041] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a control plane protocol stack in an IAB network.

[0042] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a user plane protocol stack in an IAB network.

[0043] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of an IAB network architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0044] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a service-oriented architecture based on IAB MT according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0045] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a user plane protocol stack from a terminal device to an IAB MT according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0046] FIG7 is a schematic flow chart of the communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0047] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of an IAB node within the topology of a first host node.

[0048] FIG9 is a schematic flow chart of an example of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0049] FIG10 is another schematic flow chart of the communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0050] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of an IAB node within a topology of a first host node and a second host node.

[0051] FIG12 is a schematic flow diagram of another example of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0052] 13 to 16 are schematic block diagrams of communication devices according to embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] The embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as wireless local area network (WLAN), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), global system for mobile communications (GSM), enhanced data rate for GSM evolution (EDGE), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), code division multiple access 2000 (CDMA2000), time division-synchronization code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA), long term evolution (LTE), satellite communication, sidelink (SL), fourth generation (4G) system, 5G system, 6G system, or new communication systems that will appear in the future.

[0055] The terminal devices involved in the embodiments of the present application may include various handheld devices with wireless communication functions, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. The terminal device may be a subscriber unit (SU), user equipment (UE), a cellular phone, a smart phone, a wireless data card, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a wireless modem (modulator demodulator, modem), a laptop computer, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, and a wireless terminal in a self-driving vehicle.

[0056] Exemplarily, the network device may be an access network device, an evolved Node B (eNB), a radio network controller (RNC), a Node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home evolved NodeB (or home Node B, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a device that performs base station functions in device to device (D2D), an access point (AP) in a wireless fidelity (WIFI) system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission point (TP) or a transmission and reception point (TRP), etc. It may also be a gNB or transmission point (e.g., TRP or TP) in NR, one or a group (including multiple) antenna panels of a base station in NR, or a network node constituting a gNB or transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU) or a distributed unit (D2D). The network device may also be a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a network device in a 6G network, a network device in a future evolved PLMN network, or a network device deployed on a satellite, without limitation. In addition, depending on the size of the service coverage area provided, a base station (BS) can be divided into a macro base station for providing macro cells, a micro base station for providing micro cells (pico cells), a femto base station for providing femto cells, a relay station, and an access point. With the continuous evolution of wireless communication technology, future base stations may also adopt other names.

[0057] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the technical solutions related to the embodiments of the present application.

[0058] Compared to 4G, 5G imposes even more stringent requirements on various network performance indicators. For example, it requires a 1,000-fold increase in capacity, wider coverage, ultra-high reliability, and ultra-low latency. Given the abundance of high-frequency carrier frequencies, the use of high-frequency small base stations in hotspots is becoming increasingly popular to meet 5G's ultra-high capacity requirements. However, high-frequency carriers have poor propagation characteristics, resulting in severe signal attenuation when obscured, and limited coverage. This necessitates the dense deployment of large numbers of small base stations. Providing fiber backhaul for these densely deployed small base stations is costly and difficult to implement, necessitating the need for economical and convenient backhaul solutions. Furthermore, to meet the need for wide coverage, providing network coverage in remote areas is challenging and expensive due to the difficulty of deploying fiber, necessitating the design of flexible and convenient access and backhaul solutions. IAB technology offers a solution to both of these issues, utilizing wireless transmission for both the access link and the backhaul link (BL), reducing fiber deployment requirements.

[0059] In an IAB network, a relay node (RN) or IAB node can provide wireless access services for terminal devices. The service data of the terminal devices can be transmitted by the IAB node to the IAB host through a wireless backhaul link. In this application, the IAB donor can also be referred to as a host node or a host base station. The IAB node consists of an MT part and a DU part. When the IAB node faces its parent node, the IAB node can be regarded as a terminal device. At this time, the IAB node plays the role of an MT, and the parent node may be an IAB host. When the IAB node faces its child node, the IAB node can be regarded as a network device. At this time, the IAB node plays the role of a DU, and the child node may be another IAB node or a terminal device. The host base station can be an access network element with complete base station functions, or it can be an access network element with a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) separated. For ease of expression, the centralized unit of the donor base station can be referred to as a donor CU or simply CU, and the distributed unit of the donor base station can be referred to as a donor DU or simply DU. The donor CU may also be in a form with a separated control plane (CP) and user plane (UP). For example, the donor CU may consist of a CU-CP and one or more CU-UPs.

[0060] The IAB node can be connected to the core network via the IAB host. For example, the IAB host can be connected to the core network element that serves the terminal device and provide wireless backhaul functions for the IAB node. For example, in the standalone (SA) 5G architecture, the IAB node is connected to the 5G core (5G core, 5GC) via the IAB host. In the dual connectivity (DC) or multi-connectivity (MC) 5G architecture, the IAB node can be connected to the evolved packet core (EPC) via the evolved NodeB (eNB) or the 5G core via the IAB host.

[0061] In an IAB network, a transmission path between a terminal device and an IAB host may include one or more IAB nodes. Each IAB node needs to maintain a wireless backhaul link with its parent node and a wireless link with its child nodes. If an IAB node's child node is a terminal device, the wireless link between the IAB node and the child node (terminal device) is a wireless access link. If an IAB node's child node is another IAB node, the wireless link between the IAB node and the child node (other IAB node) is a wireless backhaul link.

[0062] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a wireless relay scenario. In the path "terminal device 1 → IAB node 4 → IAB node 3 → IAB node 1 → IAB host," terminal device 1 accesses IAB node 4 via a wireless access link. IAB node 4 connects to IAB node 3 via a wireless backhaul link. IAB node 3 connects to IAB node 1 via a wireless backhaul link. Finally, IAB node 1 connects to the IAB host via a wireless backhaul link.

[0063] The access IAB node in the embodiment of the present application refers to the IAB node accessed by the terminal device, and the intermediate IAB node refers to the IAB node that provides wireless backhaul services for the terminal device or IAB node. As shown in Figure 1, in the path "terminal device 1→IAB node 4→IAB node 3→IAB node 1→IAB host", IAB node 4 is the access IAB node, and IAB node 3 and IAB node 1 are intermediate IAB nodes. It should be noted that an IAB node is an access IAB node for the terminal device accessing the IAB node, and is an intermediate IAB node for the terminal device accessing other IAB nodes. Therefore, whether an IAB node is an access IAB node or an intermediate IAB node is not fixed and needs to be determined according to the specific application scenario.

[0064] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the control plane protocol stack in the IAB network, which is explained below in conjunction with Figure 2. A Uu interface is established between terminal device 1 and the IAB2-DU. The corresponding protocol layers include the radio link control (RLC) layer, the medium access control (MAC) layer, and the physical layer (PHY). An F1-C interface is established between the IAB2-DU and the IAB donor CU 1. The corresponding protocol layers include the F1 application protocol (F1AP) layer and the stream control transmission protocol (SCTP) layer. The IAB donor DU 1 and IAB donor CU 1 are connected via a wired network. The corresponding protocol layers include the internet protocol (IP), layer 2 (L2), and layer 1 (L1). BLs are established between IAB node 2 and IAB node 3, between IAB node 3 and IAB node 1, and between IAB node 1 and IAB donor DU 1. The peer protocol layers include the backhaul adaptation protocol (BAP), RLC, MAC, and PHY layers. Furthermore, the peer radio resource control (RRC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layers are established between terminal device 1 and IAB donor CU 1, and the peer IP layer is established between IAB2-DU and IAB donor DU 1.

[0065] As can be seen, compared to the control plane protocol stack for a single air interface, the DU connected to the IAB node implements the functions of a single air interface gNB-DU. This includes the RLC, MAC, and PHY layer functions for establishing peer relationships with terminal devices, as well as the F1AP and SCTP layer functions for establishing peer relationships with the CU. Therefore, the DU connected to the IAB node in the IAB network implements the functions of a single air interface gNB-DU, while the IAB donor CU implements the functions of a single air interface gNB-CU.

[0066] On the control plane, RRC messages are encapsulated in F1AP messages and transmitted between the access IAB node and the IAB donor CU. Specifically, in the uplink, terminal device 1 encapsulates the RRC message in a PDCP protocol data unit (PDU), which is processed sequentially by the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers before being sent to the IAB2-DU. The IAB2-DU is processed sequentially by the PHY, MAC, and RLC layers to obtain a PDCP PDU. This PDCP PDU is then encapsulated in an F1AP message and processed sequentially by the SCTP and IP layers to obtain an IP packet. The IAB2-MT then processes the IP packet through the BAP, RLC, MAC, and PHY layers before sending it to the IAB3-DU. The IAB3-DU is processed sequentially by the PHY, MAC, RLC, and BAP layers to obtain an IP packet. The IAB3-MT then uses similar operations to the IAB2-MT to send the IP packet to the IAB1-DU. Similarly, the IAB1-MT sends the IP packet to the IAB donor DU 1. After IAB donor DU 1 parses the IP packet, it sends it to IAB donor CU 1. IAB donor CU 1 processes the IP packet through the SCTP layer, the F1AP layer, and the PDCP layer, obtaining an RRC message. The downlink direction is similar and will not be described here.

[0067] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the user plane protocol stack in the IAB network, which will be explained below in conjunction with Figure 3. A Uu interface is established between terminal device 1 and IAB2-DU. The corresponding protocol layers include the RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer. An F1-U interface is established between the IAB2-DU and IAB donor CU 1. The corresponding protocol layers include the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) user plane tunneling protocol (GTP-U) layer and the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) layer. IAB donor DU 1 and IAB donor CU 1 are connected via a wired network. The corresponding protocol layers include the IP layer, Layer 2, and Layer 1. BLs are established between IAB node 2 and IAB node 3, between IAB node 3 and IAB node 1, and between IAB node 1 and IAB donor DU 1. The corresponding protocol layers include the BAP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer. In addition, a peer-to-peer service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer and PDCP layer are established between the terminal device 1 and the IAB donor CU 1, and a peer-to-peer IP layer is established between the IAB2-DU and the IAB donor DU 1.

[0068] As can be seen, compared to the user plane protocol stack for a single air interface, the user plane protocol stack of the IAB network access node implements some of the functions of a single air interface gNB-DU. This includes establishing peer RLC, MAC, and PHY layers with the terminal device, and establishing peer GTP-U and UDP layers with the IAB donor CU 1. This means that the DU accessing the IAB node implements the functions of a single air interface gNB-DU, while the IAB donor CU implements the functions of a single air interface gNB-CU.

[0069] On the user plane, PDCP packets are encapsulated and transmitted in a GTP-U tunnel between the access IAB node and the IAB donor CU. The GTP-U tunnel is established on the F1-U interface.

[0070] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an IAB network architecture applicable to embodiments of the present application. This application is primarily applicable to IAB networks, including SA IAB networks and NSA IAB networks. Figure 4 further illustrates an architecture in which IAB nodes are connected to IAB donors via wireless backhaul links, illustrating the specific node composition.

[0071] There is an F1 interface between the DU part of each IAB node and the IAB donor CU. The F1 interface consists of two parts: the control plane and the user plane. The user plane part is maintained between the IAB-DU and the IAB donor CU-UP, while the control plane part is maintained between the IAB-DU and the IAB donor CU-CP.

[0072] When an IAB node operates in SA mode, it can be connected to a single parent node or dually to two parent nodes. These two parent nodes can be controlled by the same IAB donor or different IAB donors. The DU of the IAB node establishes an F1 interface with an IAB donor, which can be connected to the 5GC, as shown by the dark dashed line in Figure 4. The IAB Donor CU-CP connects to the control plane elements in the 5GC, such as the access and mobility management function (AMF), via the NG control plane interface. The IAB Donor CU-UP connects to the user plane elements in the 5GC, such as the user plane function (UPF), via the NG user plane interface.

[0073] When the IAB node operates in NSA mode or EN-DC mode, the IAB Donor CU-UP can be connected to the EPC through the S1 user plane interface, for example, connected to the serving gateway (SGW). There is an LTE Uu air interface connection between the master eNodeB (MeNB) and the MT of the IAB node, and an X2-C interface between the MeNB and the IAB Donor CU-CP. The MeNB is connected to the EPC through the S1 interface, as shown in the light dotted line in Figure 4.

[0074] In another possible scenario, the MeNB in ​​Figure 4 can also be replaced with a 5G base station gNB. The light dashed LTE-Uu interface in the figure is correspondingly replaced with an NR-Uu interface. The gNB can establish a user plane and / or control plane interface with the 5GC. The gNB and IAB Donor provide dual connectivity services for the IAB node. The gNB can act as the primary base station or the secondary base station of the IAB node.

[0075] SBA is a key feature of the 5G core network architecture. It divides network functions into reusable service modules, which communicate with each other using a unified, lightweight interface. Traditional 2G, 3G, and 4G network architectures employ a point-to-point service architecture, requiring interfaces between network elements to be predefined and configured. These interfaces can only be used between specific types of network elements, limiting flexibility.

[0076] The characteristics of the service-oriented architecture include the following: 1) Splitting of control plane network elements: the functions of the original network elements are decoupled, and the same functions are aggregated in the form of network functions (NFs); 2) Service-oriented management: in the first step, after the new NF goes online, it registers with the network repository function (NRF); in the second step, the NRF notifies the surrounding NFs of the information of the NF; in the third step, the surrounding NFs and the new NF interact using the communication method obtained in the second step; 3) Interface unification: all service-oriented interfaces are implemented based on the Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS). In the embodiments of the present application, network functions can be understood as service functions.

[0077] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) defines the following service functions: authentication server function (AUSF), AMF, session management function (SMF), NRF, policy control function (PCF), unified data management function (UDM), and network exposure function (NEF).

[0078] In response to the evolution of 6G network architecture, most equipment vendors and operators have proposed the need for RAN service-oriented architecture. This approach incorporates the core network's service-oriented architecture into next-generation RAN architecture design. By servitizing interfaces and functions, they aim to enable rapid rollout and flexible deployment of new service functions on the RAN, simplifying the network. However, the current RAN functions are highly coupled, and the algorithms between them are highly integrated, leading to uncertain integration and difficulty integrating service function modules on the RAN. Furthermore, the rollout of new service functions still relies on the core network, increasing system complexity.

[0079] To this end, an embodiment of the present application proposes a communication method that can integrate service functions on the IAB MT side based on the IAB network architecture, so that the IAB MT with service functions can provide service functions to terminal devices; in addition, it can also achieve rapid launch / update of new service functions, simplify the network, and reduce implementation complexity.

[0080] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a service-oriented architecture based on IAB MT in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. Unlike traditional IAB architectures, where the IAB MT serves only as a terminal device, accessing the parent node's IAB-DU or IAB Donor DU to provide wireless backhaul services, the service-oriented architecture based on IAB MT in accordance with an embodiment of the present application has the following features:

[0081] (1) Maintain the existing CU / DU architecture of the IAB host, keep the traditional RAN communication functions closed, and do not design them into service-oriented functions;

[0082] (2) Network functions / service functions are integrated on the IAB MT side, such as NF1 to NF4 in Figure 5. The IAB MT can communicate with the remote server through PDU sessions to implement online deployment and upgrade of new functions.

[0083] (3) Referring to D2D communication, IAB MT can act as a remote server to directly serve terminal devices and networks as a terminal device, meeting the needs of localized services. There is no need to deploy local UPF / AMF, which can reduce the latency of service access and simplify the network structure.

[0084] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the user plane protocol stack from a terminal device to an IAB MT according to an embodiment of the present application. Different from the user plane protocol stack in the IAB network shown in Figure 3, the user plane protocol stack from a terminal device to an IAB MT according to an embodiment of the present application has the following features:

[0085] (1) For RAN localization services, data transmission from terminal devices is terminated at the IAB MT, and the data does not need to go through the IAB Donor CU to the core network;

[0086] (2) The data of the terminal device does not pass through the IAB Donor CU, so the F1-U related protocol layer, such as GTP-U / UDP / IP protocol layer, is not required;

[0087] (3) The application layer of the terminal device can act as a client to connect to the server of the application layer of the IAB MT to obtain NF services;

[0088] (4) There may be an IP / TCP protocol layer above the SDAP protocol layer to identify the NF.

[0089] In an embodiment of the present application, the control plane protocol stack from the terminal device / IAB MT to the IAB Donor CU can reuse the control plane protocol stack in the IAB network shown in Figure 2, and the IAB Donor CU is responsible for aligning the PDCP and / or SDAP configuration between the terminal device and the IAB MT.

[0090] Figure 7 is a schematic flow diagram of a communication method 700 according to an embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, the first donor node may be referred to as a first donor base station or a first IAB host. The data transmission path in the IAB network includes a terminal device <-> second IAB DU <-> second IAB MT <-> first IAB DU <-> first IAB MT.

[0091] 710. A first host node receives first information for requesting provision of a first service function for a terminal device. For example, the first service function in the embodiment of the present application includes any one of AUSF, AMF, SMF, NRF, PCF, UDM, or NEF.

[0092] Optionally, the first information may be sent by the terminal device to the first host node, or may be sent by the AMF to the first host node.

[0093] In one implementation, the terminal device sends the first information to the first host node, and correspondingly, the first host node receives the first information from the terminal device.

[0094] Optionally, before the terminal device sends the first information to the first host node, the first host node sends first service function list information to the terminal device, and the first service function list information can indicate at least one first service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the first host node; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first service function list information from the first host node, wherein the at least one first service function includes the first service function, the at least one IAB node includes the first IAB node, the first IAB node includes the first IAB MT, and the first IAB MT has the first service function. Optionally, the first host node can inform the terminal device of the first service function list information by broadcast or unicast. Based on this example, the terminal device can know which service functions can be provided within the topology of the first host node.

[0095] In another implementation, the AMF sends the first information to the first host node, and correspondingly, the first host node receives the first information from the AMF.

[0096] Optionally, before the AMF sends the first information to the first host node, the terminal device sends the first information to the AMF, where the first information is used to request that the first service function be provided for the terminal device; correspondingly, the AMF receives the first information from the terminal device and determines whether the first service function can be provided within the topology of the first host node based on the first information; if the AMF determines that the first service function can be provided within the topology of the first host node, the first information is sent (forwarded) to the first host node.

[0097] Exemplarily, the terminal device sends the first information to the AMF through a non-access stratum (NAS) message. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the NAS message from the terminal device and obtains the first information based on the NAS message; the AMF determines that the first service function can be provided within the topology of the first host node based on the first information, and the AMF sends (forwards) the first information to the first host node.

[0098] Optionally, while the AMF sends the first information to the first host node, it may also send identification information of the first IAB MT having the first service function and / or identification information of the cell corresponding to the first IAB MT to the first host node.

[0099] Optionally, before the terminal device sends the first information to the AMF, the AMF may send first service function list information to the terminal device (through a NAS message), where the first service function list information may indicate at least one first service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the first host node; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first service function list information from the AMF, where the at least one first service function includes the first service function, the at least one IAB node includes the first IAB node, the first IAB node includes the first IAB MT, and the first IAB MT has the first service function. Based on this example, the terminal device can know which service functions can be provided within the topology of the first host node.

[0100] Optionally, the first service function list information may also indicate at least one first service function supported by the cell to which the terminal device is currently accessed, or at least one first service function supported by the cell included in the tracking area (TA) where the terminal device is currently located, or at least one first service function supported by the cell included in the current registration area (RA) of the terminal device.

[0101] Optionally, before the first host node / AMF sends the first service function list information to the terminal device, at least one IAB Mobile Address (IMA) MT sends registration request information to the first host node, where the registration request information indicates at least one second service function that the IAB MT requests to register, and the at least one IAB MT includes the first IAB MT. Correspondingly, the first host node receives the registration request information from the at least one IAB MT. The first host node sends registration request feedback information to the at least one IAB MT, where the registration request feedback information indicates which second service function, among the at least one second service function that the IAB MT requests to register, is authorized for registration and / or which second service function is denied authorization for registration. The at least one IAB MT is an IAB MT within the topology of the first host node. Optionally, the at least one first service function includes the authorized second service function. One of the at least one IAB MT receives the registration request feedback information corresponding to the IAB MT from the first host node. Optionally, the one of the at least one IAB MT communicates with a remote server via a PDU session based on the registration request feedback information to download the authorized second service function.

[0102] Optionally, any IAB MT among the at least one IAB MT may send registration request information to the first donor node through an RRC message, and the first donor node may send registration request feedback information to the at least one IAB MT through an RRC message.

[0103] Exemplarily, after the first host node receives registration request information from at least one IAB MT, the first host node sends registration request information corresponding to the at least one IAB MT to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives registration request information corresponding to the at least one IAB MT from the first host node. Based on the registration request information, the AMF sends registration request feedback information corresponding to the at least one IAB MT to the first host node. Correspondingly, the first host node receives the registration request feedback information from the AMF and sends registration request feedback information to the at least one IAB MT.

[0104] Exemplarily, after the first host node receives registration request information from at least one IAB MT, the first host node sends registration request feedback information to at least one IAB MT based on the registration request information corresponding to the at least one IAB MT; the first host node sends the registration request information to the AMF; correspondingly, the AMF receives the registration request information from the first host node; the AMF sends registration request feedback information corresponding to the at least one IAB MT to the first host node based on the registration request information; correspondingly, the first host node receives the registration request feedback information from the AMF. The registration request feedback information sent by the first host node to the at least one IAB MT is the same as the registration request feedback information sent by the AMF to the first host node.

[0105] Optionally, at least one IAB MT sends registration request information to the AMF via a NAS message, where the registration request information indicates at least one second service function that the IAB MT requests to register. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the registration request information from the at least one IAB MT. Based on the registration request information corresponding to the at least one IAB MT, the AMF sends registration request feedback information to the at least one IAB MT via a NAS message, where the registration request feedback information indicates the second service function that is authorized for registration and / or the second service function that is denied authorization for registration among the at least one second service function that the IAB MT requests to register. Optionally, the at least one first service function includes the second service function that is authorized for registration. Optionally, the AMF may send registration request feedback information corresponding to the at least one IAB MT to the first host node via an N2 message.

[0106] Optionally, the registration request information includes at least one item of identification information, service type information, and service status information corresponding to at least one second service function; the registration request feedback information includes identification information corresponding to the second service function for which registration is authorized, and / or identification information corresponding to the second service function for which registration is denied authorization.

[0107] Exemplarily, the service type indicated by the service type information includes service types such as artificial intelligence (AI), perception, positioning, or computing. Exemplarily, the state information indicated by the service status information includes stateful and stateless. For example, when the state information indicated by the service status information corresponding to the second service function is stateful, in the case where there is a context corresponding to the second service function, the context corresponding to the second service function needs to be saved in order to maintain the service continuity of the second service function. For another example, when the state information indicated by the service status information corresponding to the second service function is stateless, the service continuity of the second service function can be maintained without saving the context corresponding to the second service function.

[0108] Exemplarily, the registration request feedback information includes identification information corresponding to the second service function for which the registration is authorized. Exemplarily, the registration request feedback information includes identification information corresponding to the second service function for which the registration is denied. Exemplarily, the registration request feedback information includes identification information corresponding to the second service function for which the registration is authorized, and identification information corresponding to the second service function for which the registration is denied.

[0109] Optionally, the registration request feedback information includes reason information for refusal of authorization corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is refused. Exemplarily, the registration request feedback information includes identification information corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is refused, and reason information for refusal of authorization corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is refused. Exemplarily, the registration request feedback information includes identification information corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is authorized, identification information corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is refused, and reason information for refusal of authorization corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is refused.

[0110] Optionally, at least one IAB Mobile Address (MT) sends a service configuration update request message to the first host node. The service configuration update request message is used to request an update of the service function list of the IAB MT. The service configuration update request message includes at least one of the following: identification information corresponding to the service function requested to be added, identification information corresponding to the service function requested to be deleted, or identification information corresponding to the service function requested to be updated, and service parameter information. The service parameter information includes at least one of the service type information or service status information. The first host node receives the service configuration update request message from the at least one IAB MT. Based on the service configuration update request message from the at least one IAB MT, the first host node sends a service configuration update response message to the at least one IAB MT. The service configuration update response message includes at least one of the following: identification information corresponding to the service function authorized to be added, identification information corresponding to the service function authorized to be deleted, or identification information corresponding to the service function authorized to be updated. The IAB MT receives the service configuration update response message from the first host node. Optionally, based on the service configuration update response message, the IAB MT communicates with a remote server via a PDU session to download the authorized service function to be added and / or update the authorized service function to be updated.

[0111] Optionally, the service configuration update response information may include at least one of the following: identification information corresponding to a service function for which authorization to add is refused, identification information corresponding to a service function for which authorization to delete is refused, or identification information corresponding to a service function for which authorization to update is refused. This application does not limit this.

[0112] Exemplarily, at least one IAB MT sends a service configuration update request message to the first host node. Correspondingly, the first host node receives the service configuration update request message from the at least one IAB MT. The first host node sends the service configuration update request message corresponding to the at least one IAB MT to the AMF. The AMF receives the service configuration update request message corresponding to the at least one IAB MT from the first host node and sends at least one service configuration update response message corresponding to the IAB MT to the first host node based on the service configuration update request message. Correspondingly, the first host node receives the service configuration update response message corresponding to the at least one IAB MT from the AMF and sends the service configuration update response message to the at least one IAB MT. The IAB MT receives the service configuration update response message from the first host node. Optionally, the IAB MT communicates with a remote server via a PDU session based on the service configuration update response message to download authorized added service functions and / or update authorized updated service functions.

[0113] Exemplarily, any IAB MT among the at least one IAB MT may send service configuration update request information to the first donor node through an RRC message, and the first donor node may send service configuration update response information to the at least one IAB MT through an RRC message.

[0114] Optionally, at least one IAB MT sends a service configuration update request message to the AMF via a NAS message. The service configuration update request message is used to request an update of the service function list of the IAB MT. The service configuration update request message includes at least one of the following: identification information corresponding to the service function requested to be added, identification information corresponding to the service function requested to be deleted, or identification information and service parameter information corresponding to the service function requested to be updated. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the service configuration update request message from the at least one IAB MT. Based on the service configuration update request message corresponding to the at least one IAB MT, the AMF sends a service configuration update response message to the at least one IAB MT via a NAS message. The service configuration update response message includes at least one of the following: identification information corresponding to the service function authorized to be added, identification information corresponding to the service function authorized to be deleted, or identification information corresponding to the service function authorized to be updated. Optionally, the AMF may send the service configuration update response message corresponding to the at least one IAB MT to the first donor node via an N2 message.

[0115] The IAB MT can update the service function list of the IAB MT by sending a service configuration update request message, thereby enabling rapid launch / update of new service functions.

[0116] 720. The first donor node sends first configuration information to the first IAB DU based on the first information, where the first configuration information indicates a correspondence between a first data radio bearer (DRB) identifier and a first backhaul adaptation protocol (BAP) routing identity (routing ID), wherein the first IAB node includes a first IAB MT and a first IAB DU.

[0117] 730. The first host node sends second configuration information to the second IAB DU based on the first information. The second configuration information indicates a correspondence between a second DRB identifier and a second BAP routing identifier. The second IAB node includes the second IAB DU. The second IAB node is an access IAB node of the terminal device.

[0118] Among them, step 720 and step 730 can be executed simultaneously, and step 730 can also be executed before step 720. This embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0119] Optionally, before the first host node sends the first configuration information and the second configuration information, the first host node determines, based on the first information, a first data transmission path between the terminal device and the first IAB MT and first quality of service requirement information corresponding to the first service function within the topology of the first host node; the first host node determines the first configuration information and the second configuration information based on the first data transmission path and the first quality of service requirement information.

[0120] Optionally, the first host node establishes the context of the terminal device at the second IAB DU, and there is no need to establish an F1-U tunnel for the DRB. Therefore, the data does not need to pass through the first host node.

[0121] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an IAB node within the topology of a first host node. Taking NF1 as an example, the first data transmission path between a terminal device and a first IAB MT is: terminal device <-> second IAB DU <-> second IAB MT <-> first IAB DU <-> first IAB MT. The second IAB node includes the second IAB DU and the second IAB MT. When the first IAB DU receives a data packet from the first IAB MT, it replaces the first DRB identifier carried in the data packet with the first BAP routing identifier and sends the data packet to the second IAB MT. When the second IAB DU receives a data packet from the terminal device, it replaces the second DRB identifier carried in the data packet with the second BAP routing identifier and sends the data packet to the second IAB MT.

[0122] For example, when the first IAB DU receives a data packet from the second IAB MT, the first IAB DU determines whether the BAP routing identifier carried by the data packet is the same as the BAP routing identifier configured by the first host node. If they are the same, the first IAB DU removes the BAP header of the data packet; and further determines whether the data packet carries a full tunnel endpoint identifier (FTEID). If it does not carry the FTEID, the first IAB DU sends the data packet to the first IAB MT.

[0123] Optionally, when routing a data packet, the IAB node may search both the upstream routing table and the downstream routing table according to the BAP routing ID of the data packet. If a next-hop IAB node matching the BAP routing ID is found, the data packet is sent to the next-hop IAB node.

[0124] Optionally, before step 720 and step 730, the first host node determines, based on the first information, that the first IAB MT is allowed to provide the first service function for the terminal device.

[0125] Optionally, in 721, the first host node sends second information to the first IAB MT based on the first information, where the second information requests providing a first service function for the terminal device. The first IAB MT has the first service function, and the first IAB node served by the first host node includes the first IAB MT.

[0126] 722. The first IAB MT receives second information from the first host node. The first IAB MT determines whether to provide the first service function for the terminal device based on the current load. If the first IAB MT determines to provide the first service function for the terminal device based on the current load, the first IAB MT sends third information to the first host node, where the third information indicates that the first IAB MT allows provision of the first service function for the terminal device. The first host node receives the third information from the first IAB MT. For example, when the current load of the first IAB MT is low, the first IAB MT determines to provide the first service function for the terminal device. When the current load of the first IAB MT is high, the first IAB MT determines not to provide the first service function for the terminal device.

[0127] Exemplarily, the first host node determines, based on the first information, that the first IAB MT included in the first IAB node served by the first host node has the first service function; the first host node sends second information to the first IAB MT through an RRC message, and the second information requests that the first service function be provided for the terminal device; the first IAB MT receives the RRC message from the first host node and obtains the second information based on the RRC message; if the first IAB MT determines to provide the first service function for the terminal device based on the current load, the first IAB MT sends third information to the first host node through an RRC message, and the third information is used to indicate that the first IAB MT allows the provision of the first service function for the terminal device; the first host node receives the RRC message from the first IAB MT and obtains the third information based on the RRC message.

[0128] Exemplarily, the first host node determines, based on the first information, that the first IAB MT included in the first IAB node served by the first host node has the first service function; the first host node sends second information including the first IAB DU to the first IAB node through an F1 message, and the second information requests that the first service function be provided for the terminal device; the first IAB DU receives the F1 message from the first host node and obtains the second information based on the F1 message; the first IAB DU forwards the second information to the first IAB MT; if the first IAB MT determines to provide the first service function for the terminal device based on the current load, the first IAB MT sends third information to the first IAB DU, and the third information is used to indicate that the first IAB MT allows the first service function to be provided for the terminal device; the first IAB DU sends (forwards) the third information to the first host node through the F1 message; the first host node receives the F1 message from the first IAB DU and obtains the third information based on the F1 message.

[0129] Optionally, since the first IAB MT has the first service function, the first donor node may assume that the first IAB MT is allowed to provide the first service function for the terminal device, thereby not needing to send the second information to the first IAB MT.

[0130] At 740, the first donor node sends first RRC reconfiguration information to the first IAB MT and the terminal device based on the first information, where the first RRC reconfiguration information indicates PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information. Correspondingly, the first IAB MT receives the first RRC reconfiguration information from the first donor node, and the terminal device receives the first RRC reconfiguration information from the first donor node. The RRC reconfiguration information sent by the first donor node to the first IAB MT and the terminal device is identical and is used to align the PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information on the terminal device side and the first IAB MT (first IAB node) side.

[0131] Exemplarily, the first donor node performs RRC reconfiguration on the first IAB MT and the terminal device to generate first RRC reconfiguration information; the first donor node sends the first RRC reconfiguration information to the first IAB MT and the terminal device respectively.

[0132] Optionally, the terminal device and the first IAB MT communicate with each other for the first service function, so that the first IAB MT can provide the first service function for the terminal device.

[0133] In the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application, the service function is integrated on the IAB MT side. When the first host node receives first information requesting the provision of the first service function for the terminal device, the first host node can, based on the first information, send first configuration information to the first IAB DU and send second configuration information to the second IAB DU included in the access IAB node of the terminal device, wherein the first IAB node includes the first IAB DU and the first IAB MT, and the first IAB MT has the first service function. The first host node can also send RRC reconfiguration information to the first IAB MT and the terminal device respectively based on the first information to align the PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information on the terminal device side and the first IAB MT side, thereby enabling communication between the terminal device and the first IAB MT having the first service function, thereby enabling the first IAB MT to provide the first service function for the terminal device. In addition, integrating the service function on the IAB MT side can simplify the network and reduce implementation complexity.

[0134] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application is described below with reference to specific examples.

[0135] Figure 9 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating an example of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The first host node may be referred to as a first host base station or a first IAB host. The data transmission path in the IAB network includes a terminal device <-> second IAB DU <-> second IAB MT <-> first IAB DU <-> first IAB MT.

[0136] 901. At least one IAB MT sends registration request information to a first host node. The registration request information is used to indicate at least one second service function for which the IAB MT requests registration. The at least one IAB MT includes a first IAB MT. Correspondingly, the first host node receives the registration request information from the at least one IAB MT. The at least one IAB MT is an IAB MT within the topology of the first host node.

[0137] 902: The first host node sends registration request feedback information to at least one IAB MT. The registration request feedback information indicates which second service function, among the at least one second service function requested by the IAB MT, is authorized for registration and / or which second service function is denied authorization for registration. Correspondingly, the at least one IAB MT receives the registration request feedback information corresponding to the IAB MT from the first host node. Optionally, the at least one IAB MT communicates with a remote server via a PDU session based on the registration request feedback information to download the authorized second service function.

[0138] Exemplarily, after the first host node receives registration request information from at least one IAB MT, the first host node sends registration request information corresponding to the at least one IAB MT to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives registration request information corresponding to the at least one IAB MT from the first host node. Based on the registration request information, the AMF sends registration request feedback information corresponding to the at least one IAB MT to the first host node. Correspondingly, the first host node receives the registration request feedback information from the AMF and sends registration request feedback information to the at least one IAB MT.

[0139] Optionally, any IAB MT among the at least one IAB MT may send registration request information to the first donor node through an RRC message, and the first donor node may send registration request feedback information to the at least one IAB MT through an RRC message.

[0140] Optionally, the registration request information includes at least one item of identification information, service type information, and service status information corresponding to at least one second service function; the registration request feedback information includes identification information corresponding to the second service function for which registration is authorized, and / or identification information corresponding to the second service function for which registration is denied authorization.

[0141] Exemplarily, the service type indicated by the service type information includes service types such as AI, perception, positioning, or computing. Exemplarily, the state information indicated by the service status information includes stateful and stateless. For example, when the state information indicated by the service status information corresponding to the second service function is stateful, in the case where there is a context corresponding to the second service function, the context corresponding to the second service function needs to be saved in order to maintain the service continuity of the second service function. For another example, when the state information indicated by the service status information corresponding to the second service function is stateless, the service continuity of the second service function can be maintained without saving the context corresponding to the second service function.

[0142] Optionally, the registration request feedback information includes reason information for refusal of authorization corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is refused. Exemplarily, the registration request feedback information includes identification information corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is refused, and reason information for refusal of authorization corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is refused. Exemplarily, the registration request feedback information includes identification information corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is refused, identification information corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is refused, and reason information for refusal of authorization corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is refused.

[0143] 903. The first host node sends first service function list information to the terminal device. The first service function list information indicates at least one first service function supported by an IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the first host node. The at least one first service function includes a second service function authorized for registration by the at least one IAB MT, the at least one first service function / the second service function authorized for registration by the at least one IAB MT includes the first service function, the at least one IAB node served by the first host node includes the first IAB node, and the first IAB node includes the first IAB MT. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first service function list information from the first host node.

[0144] Optionally, at least one IAB MT sends a service configuration update request message to the first host node. The service configuration update request message is used to request an update of the service function list of the IAB MT. The service configuration update request message includes at least one of the following: identification information corresponding to the service function requested to be added, identification information corresponding to the service function requested to be deleted, or identification information and service parameter information corresponding to the service function requested to be updated. The first host node receives the service configuration update request message from the at least one IAB MT. Based on the service configuration update request message from the at least one IAB MT, the first host node sends a service configuration update response message to the at least one IAB MT. The service configuration update response message includes at least one of the following: identification information corresponding to the service function authorized to be added, identification information corresponding to the service function authorized to be deleted, or identification information corresponding to the service function authorized to be updated. The IAB MT receives the service configuration update response message from the first host node. Optionally, based on the service configuration update response message, the IAB MT communicates with a remote server via a PDU session to download the authorized service function to be added and / or update the authorized service function to be updated.

[0145] Exemplarily, at least one IAB MT sends a service configuration update request message to the first host node. Correspondingly, the first host node receives the service configuration update request message from the at least one IAB MT. The first host node sends the service configuration update request message corresponding to the at least one IAB MT to the AMF. The AMF receives the service configuration update request message corresponding to the at least one IAB MT from the first host node and sends at least one service configuration update response message corresponding to the IAB MT to the first host node based on the service configuration update request message. Correspondingly, the first host node receives the service configuration update response message corresponding to the at least one IAB MT from the AMF and sends the service configuration update response message to the at least one IAB MT. The IAB MT receives the service configuration update response message from the first host node. Optionally, the IAB MT communicates with a remote server via a PDU session based on the service configuration update response message to download authorized added service functions and / or update authorized updated service functions.

[0146] Exemplarily, any IAB MT among the at least one IAB MT may send service configuration update request information to the first donor node through an RRC message, and the first donor node may send service configuration update response information to the at least one IAB MT through an RRC message.

[0147] 904. The terminal device sends first information to the first host node, where the first information is used to request provision of a first service function for the terminal device. Correspondingly, the first host node receives the first information from the terminal device.

[0148] 905: The first host node determines, based on the first information, that a first IAB MT included in a first IAB node served by the first host node has the first service function. The first host node sends second information to the first IAB MT, where the second information is used to request provision of the first service function for the terminal device. Correspondingly, the first IAB MT receives the first information from the first host node.

[0149] 906: The first IAB MT determines whether to provide the first service function for the terminal device according to the current load.

[0150] 907. If the first IAB MT determines to provide the first service function for the terminal device based on the current load, the first IAB MT sends third information to the first host node, where the third information is used to indicate that the first IAB MT is allowed to provide the first service function for the terminal device. Correspondingly, the first host node receives the third information from the first IAB MT.

[0151] Exemplarily, the first donor node may send the second information to the first IAB MT through an RRC message, and the first IAB MT may send the third information to the first donor node through an RRC message.

[0152] 908. The first IAB MT determines, based on the third information, a first data transmission path between the terminal device and the first IAB MT and first quality of service requirement information corresponding to a first service function in the topology of the first host node.

[0153] 909. The first host node determines, based on the first data transmission path and the first quality of service requirement information, first configuration information corresponding to the first IAB DU and second configuration information corresponding to the second IAB DU, where the first configuration information indicates a correspondence between the first DRB identifier and the first BAP routing identifier, and the second configuration information indicates a correspondence between the second DRB identifier and the second BAP routing identifier, wherein the first IAB node includes the first IAB DU and the first IAB MT, the second IAB node includes the second IAB DU, and the second IAB node is an access IAB node of the terminal device.

[0154] 910. The first donor node sends first configuration information to the first IAB DU. Correspondingly, the first IAB DU receives the first configuration information from the first donor node.

[0155] At 911, the first host node sends the second configuration information to the second IAB DU; correspondingly, the second IAB DU receives the second configuration information from the first host node. Steps 910 and 911 may be performed simultaneously, or step 911 may be performed before step 910, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0156] 912. The first host node establishes a context of the terminal device at the second IAB DU. There is no need to establish an F1-U tunnel for the DRB. Therefore, the data does not need to pass through the first host node.

[0157] 913. The first donor node sends first RRC reconfiguration information to the first IAB MT and the terminal device, respectively. The first RRC reconfiguration information indicates PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information. Correspondingly, the first IAB MT receives the first RRC reconfiguration information from the first donor node, and the terminal device receives the first RRC reconfiguration information from the first donor node. The RRC reconfiguration information sent by the first donor node to the first IAB MT and the terminal device is identical and is used to align the PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information on the terminal device side and the first IAB MT (first IAB node) side.

[0158] Exemplarily, the first donor node performs RRC reconfiguration on the first IAB MT and the terminal device to generate first RRC reconfiguration information; the first donor node sends the first RRC reconfiguration information to the first IAB MT and the terminal device respectively.

[0159] 914. The terminal device communicates with the first IAB MT, so that the first IAB MT can provide the first service function for the terminal device.

[0160] Figure 10 is another schematic flow diagram of a communication method 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment of the present application, the first host node may be referred to as a first host base station or a first IAB host, and the second host node may be referred to as a second host base station or a second IAB host. The data transmission path in the IAB network includes a terminal device <-> second IAB DU <-> second IAB MT <-> first host node <-> second host node <-> first IAB MT.

[0161] 1010. A first host node receives first information, where the first information is used to request provision of a first service function for a terminal device.

[0162] Optionally, the first information may be sent by the terminal device to the first host node, or may be sent by the AMF to the first host node.

[0163] In one implementation, the terminal device sends the first information to the first host node, and correspondingly, the first host node receives the first information from the terminal device.

[0164] Optionally, before the terminal device sends the first information to the first host node, the first host node sends second service function list information to the terminal device, where the second service function list information indicates at least one first service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the first host node and at least one third service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the second host node. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second service function list information from the first host node, wherein the at least one third service function includes the first service function, the at least one IAB node served by the second host node includes the first IAB node, the first IAB node includes the first IAB MT, and the first IAB MT has the first service function. Optionally, the first host node can inform the terminal device of the second service function list information by broadcast or unicast. Based on this example, the terminal device can know which service functions can be provided to the terminal device through the first host node.

[0165] In another implementation, the AMF sends the first information to the first host node, and correspondingly, the first host node receives the first information from the AMF.

[0166] Optionally, before the AMF sends the first information to the first host node, the terminal device sends the first information to the AMF, where the first information is used to request provision of the first service function for the terminal device; correspondingly, the AMF receives the first information from the terminal device and sends (forwards) the first information to the first host node. Exemplarily, the terminal device may send the first information to the AMF via a NAS message.

[0167] Optionally, while the AMF sends the first information to the first host node, it may also send identification information of the first IAB MT having the first service function and / or identification information of the cell corresponding to the first IAB MT to the first host node.

[0168] Optionally, before the terminal device sends the first information to the AMF, the AMF may send second service function list information to the terminal device (through a NAS message), where the second service function list information indicates at least one first service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the first host node and at least one third service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the second host node. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second service function list information from the first host node, wherein the at least one third service function includes the first service function, the at least one IAB node served by the second host node includes the first IAB node, the first IAB node includes the first IAB MT, and the first IAB MT has the first service function. Based on this example, the terminal device can know which service functions can be provided to the terminal device through the first host node.

[0169] Optionally, before the first host node receives the first information, the first host node sends first indication information to the second host node, where the first indication information indicates at least one first service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the first host node; correspondingly, the second host node receives the first indication information from the first host node. The second host node sends second indication information to the first host node, where the second indication information indicates at least one third service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the second host node; correspondingly, the first host node receives the second indication information from the second host node. Exemplarily, the first host node and the second host node interact via an Xn interface. Based on this optional solution, the first host node and the second host node can learn about the service functions supported within their respective topologies through interaction.

[0170] Optionally, before the first host node / AMF sends the second service function list information to the terminal device, at least one IAB Mobile Equipment (MT) served by the first host node sends a first registration request message to the first host node, where the first registration request message indicates the at least one second service function that the IAB MT requests to register. Correspondingly, the first host node receives the first registration request message from the at least one IAB MT served by the first host node. The first host node sends first registration request feedback information to the at least one IAB MT served by the first host node, where the first registration request feedback information indicates which second service function, among the at least one second service function that the IAB MT requests to register, is authorized for registration and / or which second service function is denied authorization for registration. Optionally, the at least one first service function includes an authorized second service function. The at least one IAB MT served by the first host node receives the first registration request feedback information corresponding to the IAB MT from the first host node. Optionally, the at least one IAB MT served by the first host node communicates with a remote server via a PDU session based on the first registration request feedback information to download the authorized second service function.

[0171] Optionally, any IAB MT of the at least one IAB MT served by the first donor node may send first registration request information to the first donor node through an RRC message, and the first donor node may send first registration request feedback information to the at least one IAB MT through an RRC message.

[0172] Exemplarily, after the first host node receives the first registration request information from at least one IAB MT served by the first host node, the first host node sends the first registration request information corresponding to the at least one IAB MT served by the first host node to the AMF; correspondingly, the AMF receives the first registration request information corresponding to the at least one IAB MT from the first host node. Based on the first registration request information, the AMF sends first registration request feedback information corresponding to the at least one IAB MT to the first host node; correspondingly, the first host node receives the first registration request feedback information from the AMF and sends the first registration request feedback information to the at least one IAB MT served by the first host node.

[0173] Optionally, at least one IAB MT served by the first host node sends a first registration request message to the AMF via a NAS message, where the first registration request message is used to indicate at least one second service function that the IAB MT requests to register. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the first registration request message from the at least one IAB MT served by the first host node. The AMF sends a first registration request feedback message to the at least one IAB MT served by the first host node via a NAS message based on the first registration request message corresponding to the at least one IAB MT. The first registration request feedback message is used to indicate the second service function that is authorized to register and / or the second service function that is rejected from being authorized to register among the at least one second service function that the IAB MT requests to register. Optionally, the at least one first service function includes the second service function that is authorized to register. Optionally, the AMF may send the first registration request feedback message corresponding to the at least one IAB MT served by the first host node to the first host node via an N2 message.

[0174] Optionally, the first registration request information includes at least one item of identification information, service type information, and service status information corresponding to at least one second service function; the first registration request feedback information includes identification information corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is authorized, and / or identification information corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is rejected.

[0175] Optionally, the first registration request feedback information includes reason information for refusal of authorization corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is refused. Exemplarily, the first registration request feedback information includes identification information corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is refused, and reason information for refusal of authorization corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is refused. Exemplarily, the first registration request feedback information includes identification information corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is authorized, identification information corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is refused, and reason information for refusal of authorization corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is refused.

[0176] Optionally, before the first host node / AMF sends the second service function list information to the terminal device, at least one IAB Mobile Equipment (MT) served by the second host node sends a second registration request message to the second host node, where the second registration request message indicates at least one fourth service function that the IAB MT requests to register. Correspondingly, the second host node receives the second registration request message from the at least one IAB MT served by the second host node. The second host node sends second registration request feedback information to the at least one IAB MT served by the second host node, where the second registration request feedback information indicates which of the at least one fourth service function that the IAB MT requests to register is authorized for registration and / or which of the at least one third service function that the IAB MT requests to register is denied. Optionally, the at least one third service function includes the authorized fourth service function. The at least one IAB MT served by the second host node receives the second registration request feedback information corresponding to the IAB MT from the second host node. Optionally, the at least one IAB MT served by the second host node communicates with a remote server via a PDU session based on the second registration request feedback information to download the authorized fourth service function.

[0177] Optionally, any IAB MT among the at least one IAB MT served by the second donor node may send second registration request information to the second donor node through an RRC message, and the second donor node may send second registration request feedback information to the at least one IAB MT through an RRC message.

[0178] Exemplarily, after the second host node receives the second registration request information from at least one IAB MT served by the second host node, the second host node sends the second registration request information corresponding to the at least one IAB MT served by the second host node to the AMF; correspondingly, the AMF receives the second registration request information corresponding to the at least one IAB MT from the second host node. Based on the second registration request information, the AMF sends second registration request feedback information corresponding to the at least one IAB MT to the second host node; correspondingly, the second host node receives the second registration request feedback information from the AMF and sends the second registration request feedback information to the at least one IAB MT served by the second host node.

[0179] Optionally, at least one IAB MT served by the second host node sends a second registration request message to the AMF via a NAS message, where the second registration request message is used to indicate at least one fourth service function that the IAB MT requests to register. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the second registration request message from the at least one IAB MT served by the second host node. Based on the second registration request message corresponding to the at least one IAB MT, the AMF sends a second registration request feedback message to the at least one IAB MT served by the second host node via a NAS message, where the second registration request feedback message is used to indicate the fourth service function that is authorized to register and / or the fourth service function that is rejected from the at least one fourth service function that the IAB MT requests to register. Optionally, the at least one third service function includes the fourth service function that is authorized to register. Optionally, the AMF may send the second registration request feedback message corresponding to the at least one IAB MT served by the second host node to the second host node via an N2 message.

[0180] Optionally, the second registration request information includes at least one item of identification information, service type information, and service status information corresponding to at least one fourth service function; the second registration request feedback information includes identification information corresponding to the fourth service function for which registration is authorized, and / or identification information corresponding to the fourth service function for which registration is denied authorization.

[0181] Optionally, the second registration request feedback information includes reason information for refusal of authorization corresponding to the fourth service function for which authorization for registration is refused. Exemplarily, the second registration request feedback information includes identification information corresponding to the fourth service function for which authorization for registration is refused, and reason information for refusal of authorization corresponding to the fourth service function for which authorization for registration is refused. Exemplarily, the second registration request feedback information includes identification information corresponding to the fourth service function for which authorization for registration is authorized, identification information corresponding to the fourth service function for which authorization for registration is refused, and reason information for refusal of authorization corresponding to the fourth service function for which authorization for registration is refused.

[0182] Exemplarily, the service type indicated by the service type information includes AI, perception, positioning, or computing service types. Exemplarily, the state information indicated by the service state information includes stateful and stateless.

[0183] Optionally, at least one IAB MT served by the first host node sends a first service configuration update request message to the first host node. The first service configuration update request message is used to request an update of the service function list of the IAB MT. The first service configuration update request message includes at least one of the following: identification information corresponding to the service function requested to be added, identification information corresponding to the service function requested to be deleted, or identification information and service parameter information corresponding to the service function requested to be updated. The first host node receives the first service configuration update request message from the at least one IAB MT served by the first host node. Based on the first service configuration update request message of the at least one IAB MT, the first host node sends a first service configuration update response message to the at least one IAB MT served by the first host node. The first service configuration update response message includes at least one of the following: identification information corresponding to the service function authorized to be added, identification information corresponding to the service function authorized to be deleted, or identification information corresponding to the service function authorized to be updated. The IAB MT receives the first service configuration update response message from the first host node. Optionally, the IAB MT of the at least one IAB MT served by the first host node communicates with the remote server through a PDU session according to the first service configuration update response information to download the authorized added service function and / or update the authorized updated service function.

[0184] Optionally, the first service configuration update response information may include at least one of the following: identification information corresponding to a service function for which authorization to add is refused, identification information corresponding to a service function for which authorization to delete is refused, or identification information corresponding to a service function for which authorization to update is refused. This application does not limit this.

[0185] Based on this optional solution, the IAB MT can update the service function list of the IAB MT by sending the first service configuration update request information, thereby enabling rapid launch / update of new service functions.

[0186] Optionally, at least one IAB MT served by the second host node sends a second service configuration update request message to the second host node. The second service configuration update request message is used to request an update of the service function list of the IAB MT. The second service configuration update request message includes at least one of the following: identification information corresponding to the service function requested to be added, identification information corresponding to the service function requested to be deleted, or identification information and service parameter information corresponding to the service function requested to be updated. The second host node receives the second service configuration update request message from the at least one IAB MT served by the second host node. Based on the second service configuration update request message of the at least one IAB MT, the second host node sends a second service configuration update response message to the at least one IAB MT served by the second host node. The second service configuration update response message includes at least one of the following: identification information corresponding to the service function authorized to be added, identification information corresponding to the service function authorized to be deleted, or identification information corresponding to the service function authorized to be updated. The IAB MT receives the second service configuration update response message from the second host node. Optionally, the IAB MT of the at least one IAB MT served by the second host node communicates with the remote server through the PDU session according to the second service configuration update response information to download the authorized added service function and / or update the authorized updated service function.

[0187] Optionally, the second service configuration update response information may include at least one of the following: identification information corresponding to a service function for which authorization to add is rejected, identification information corresponding to a service function for which authorization to delete is rejected, or identification information corresponding to a service function for which authorization to update is rejected. This application does not limit this.

[0188] Based on this optional solution, the IAB MT can update the service function list of the IAB MT by sending the second service configuration update request information, thereby enabling rapid launch / update of new service functions.

[0189] At 1020, the first host node sends third configuration information to the second IAB DU based on the first information. The third configuration information indicates a correspondence between a third bearer DRB identifier and a third BAP routing identifier. The second IAB node includes the second IAB DU. The second IAB node is an access IAB node of the terminal device. The at least one IAB node served by the first host node includes the second IAB node. Correspondingly, the second IAB DU receives the third configuration information from the first host node.

[0190] Optionally, before the first host node sends the third configuration information to the second IAB DU, the first host node determines, based on the first information, a second data transmission path between the terminal device and the first host node, second quality of service requirement information corresponding to the first service function within the topology of the first host node, and third quality of service requirement information corresponding to the first service function within the topology of the second host node; the first host node determines the third configuration information based on the second data transmission path, the second quality of service requirement information, and the third quality of service requirement information.

[0191] Optionally, before step 1020, the first host node determines, based on the first information, that the first IAB MT is allowed to provide the first service function for the terminal device.

[0192] Optionally, 1021, the first host node sends service request information to the second host node based on the first information, where the service request information is used to request provision of the first service function for the terminal device; correspondingly, the second host node receives the service request information from the first host node.

[0193] 1022. The second host node sends fourth information to the first IAB MT according to the service request information. The fourth information is used to request the first IAB MT to provide the first service function for the terminal device. The first IAB MT has the first service function. Correspondingly, the first IAB MT receives the fourth information from the second host node.

[0194] At 1023, the first IAB MT determines whether to provide the first service function for the terminal device based on the current load. If the first IAB MT provides the first service function for the terminal device based on the current determination, the first IAB MT sends fifth information to the second host node, where the fifth information indicates that the first IAB MT is permitted to provide the first service function for the terminal device. Correspondingly, the second host node receives the fifth information from the first IAB MT. For example, when the current load of the first IAB MT is low, the first IAB MT determines to provide the first service function for the terminal device. When the current load of the first IAB MT is high, the first IAB MT determines not to provide the first service function for the terminal device.

[0195] Exemplarily, the second host node determines, based on the service request information, that the first IAB MT included in the first IAB node served by the second host node has the first service function; the second host node sends fourth information to the first IAB MT through an RRC message, and the fourth information requests that the first service function be provided for the terminal device; the first IAB MT receives the RRC message from the first host node and obtains the fourth information based on the RRC message; if the first IAB MT determines to provide the first service function for the terminal device based on the current load, the first IAB MT sends fifth information to the first host node through an RRC message, and the fifth information is used to indicate that the first IAB MT allows the provision of the first service function for the terminal device; the first host node receives the RRC message from the first IAB MT and obtains the fifth information based on the RRC message.

[0196] 1024. The second host node sends service request response information to the first host node based on the fifth information. The service request response information is used to indicate that the first IAB MT allows providing the first service function for the terminal device. Correspondingly, the first host node receives the service request response information from the second host node.

[0197] Optionally, since the first IAB MT has the first service function, the first host node may assume that the first IAB MT is allowed to provide the first service function for the terminal device, thereby not needing to send service request information to the second host node.

[0198] At 1030, the first host node sends a management request message to the second host node. The management request message includes third quality of service requirement information corresponding to the first service function within the topology of the second host node, first identification information assigned by the first host node to the first IAB MT, transport network layer (TNL) information corresponding to the DU included in the first host node, and information about the third BAP routing identifier. Correspondingly, the second host node receives the management request message from the first host node. The management request message sent by the first host node to the second host node is used to establish a data channel between the first host node and the second host node.

[0199] At 1040, the second host node sends fourth configuration information to the first IAB DU based on the management request information. The fourth configuration information indicates a correspondence between a fourth DRB identifier and a fourth BAP routing identifier. The first IAB node served by the second host node includes the first IAB MT and the first IAB DU. Correspondingly, the first IAB DU receives the fourth configuration information from the second host node.

[0200] Optionally, before the second host node sends the fourth configuration information to the first IAB DU, the second host node determines a third data transmission path and third service quality requirement information between the second host node and the first IAB MT based on the management request information from the first host node; the second host node determines the fourth configuration information based on the third data transmission path and the third service quality requirement information.

[0201] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of an IAB node within a topology consisting of a first host node and a second host node. Taking NF3 as an example, the data transmission path between a terminal device and a first IAB MT is: terminal device <-> second IAB DU <-> second IAB MT <-> third IAB DU <-> third IAB MT <-> first host node (DU of the first host node) <-> second host node (DU of the second host node) <-> first IAB MT. The second IAB node includes the second IAB DU and the second IAB MT, and the third IAB node includes the third IAB DU and the third IAB MT. When the second IAB DU receives a data packet from a terminal device, it replaces the third DRB identifier carried in the data packet with the third BAP routing identifier and sends the data packet to the second IAB MT. When the first IAB MT receives a data packet from the DU of the second host node, it sends the data packet to the first IAB DU. The first IAB DU can determine that the data packet is intended for itself based on the fourth BAP routing identifier and fourth configuration information carried in the data packet.

[0202] At 1050, the second donor node sends first RRC reconfiguration information to the first IAB MT based on the management request information. The first RRC reconfiguration information indicates PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information. The PDCP configuration information corresponding to the first IAB MT is the same as the PDCP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device, and the SDAP configuration information corresponding to the first IAB MT is the same as the SDAP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the first IAB MT receives the first RRC reconfiguration information from the second donor node.

[0203] At 1060, the second host node sends a management request response message to the first host node. The management request response message includes the second identifier information allocated by the second host node to the first IAB MT, the transport network layer information corresponding to the DU included in the second host node, and the fourth BAP routing identifier information. Correspondingly, the first host node receives the management request response message from the second host node.

[0204] Optionally, the first host node establishes the context of the terminal device at the second IAB DU, and does not need to establish an F1-U tunnel for the DRB. Therefore, the data does not need to pass through the CU of the first host node.

[0205] 1070. The first donor node sends second RRC reconfiguration information to the terminal device based on the management request response information. The second RRC reconfiguration information indicates PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information. The PDCP configuration information corresponding to the first IAB MT is the same as the PDCP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device. The SDAP configuration information corresponding to the first IAB MT is the same as the SDAP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second RRC reconfiguration information from the first donor node.

[0206] Optionally, the management request information also includes third indication information, which indicates the PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information corresponding to the first IAB MT; or, the management request response information also includes fourth indication information, which indicates the PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device.

[0207] Optionally, the terminal device and the first IAB MT communicate with each other for the first service function, so that the first IAB MT can provide the first service function for the terminal device.

[0208] In the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application, the service function is integrated on the IAB MT side. When the first host node receives the first information requesting to provide the first service function for the terminal device, the first host node can send third configuration information to the second IAB DU based on the first information. The second IAB node served by the first host node includes the second IAB DU, and the second IAB node is the access IAB node of the terminal device; the first host node can send management request information to the second host node based on the first information. The first IAB node served by the second host node includes the first IAB MT with the first service function; the second host node can send fourth configuration information to the first IAB DU based on the received management request information. The first IAB node also includes the first IAB DU; the second host node can also send RRC reconfiguration information to the first IAB MT; after the first host node receives the management request response information from the second host node, it can also send RRC reconfiguration information to the terminal device to align the PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information on the terminal device side and the first IAB MT side, so as to realize communication between the terminal device and the first IAB MT with the first service function, thereby realizing the first IAB The MT provides the first service function for the terminal device. In addition, integrating the service function on the IAB MT side can simplify the network and reduce implementation complexity.

[0209] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application is described below with reference to specific examples.

[0210] Figure 12 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating another example of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The first host node may be referred to as a first host base station or a first IAB host; the second host node may be referred to as a second host base station or a second IAB host. The data transmission path in the IAB network includes a terminal device <-> second IAB DU <-> second IAB MT <-> first host node <-> second host node <-> first IAB MT.

[0211] 1201. At least one IAB MT served by a first host node sends first registration request information to the first host node. The registration request information is used to indicate at least one second service function that the IAB MT requests to register. Correspondingly, the first host node receives the first registration request information from the at least one IAB MT served by the first host node.

[0212] At 1202, the first host node sends first registration request feedback information to at least one IAB MT served by the first host node. The first registration request feedback information indicates which second service function, among the at least one second service function requested by the IAB MT, is authorized for registration and / or which second service function is denied authorization for registration. Correspondingly, the at least one IAB MT served by the first host node receives the first registration request feedback information corresponding to the IAB MT from the first host node. Optionally, the at least one IAB MT served by the first host node communicates with a remote server via a PDU session based on the first registration request feedback information to download the authorized second service function.

[0213] Optionally, any IAB MT of the at least one IAB MT served by the first donor node may send first registration request information to the first donor node through an RRC message, and the first donor node may send first registration request feedback information to the at least one IAB MT through an RRC message.

[0214] Exemplarily, after the first host node receives the first registration request information from at least one IAB MT served by the first host node, the first host node sends the first registration request information corresponding to the at least one IAB MT served by the first host node to the AMF; correspondingly, the AMF receives the first registration request information corresponding to the at least one IAB MT from the first host node. Based on the first registration request information, the AMF sends first registration request feedback information corresponding to the at least one IAB MT to the first host node; correspondingly, the first host node receives the first registration request feedback information from the AMF and sends the first registration request feedback information to the at least one IAB MT served by the first host node.

[0215] Optionally, the first registration request information includes at least one item of identification information, service type information, and service status information corresponding to at least one second service function; the first registration request feedback information includes identification information corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is authorized, and / or identification information corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is rejected.

[0216] Optionally, the first registration request feedback information includes reason information for refusal of authorization corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is refused. Exemplarily, the first registration request feedback information includes identification information corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is refused, and reason information for refusal of authorization corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is refused. Exemplarily, the first registration request feedback information includes identification information corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is authorized, identification information corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is refused, and reason information for refusal of authorization corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is refused.

[0217] 1203. At least one IAB MT served by the second host node sends a second registration request message to the second host node. The second registration request message is used to indicate at least one fourth service function for which the IAB MT requests registration. Correspondingly, the second host node receives the second registration request message from the at least one IAB MT served by the second host node.

[0218] At 1204, the second host node sends second registration request feedback information to at least one IAB mobile equipment (MT) served by the second host node. The second registration request feedback information indicates which of the at least one fourth service function requested by the IAB MT is authorized for registration and / or which is denied for registration. The at least one IAB MT served by the second host node receives the second registration request feedback information corresponding to the IAB MT from the second host node. Optionally, the at least one IAB MT served by the second host node communicates with a remote server via a PDU session based on the second registration request feedback information to download the authorized fourth service function.

[0219] Optionally, any IAB MT among the at least one IAB MT served by the second donor node may send second registration request information to the second donor node through an RRC message, and the second donor node may send second registration request feedback information to the at least one IAB MT through an RRC message.

[0220] Exemplarily, after the second host node receives the second registration request information from at least one IAB MT served by the second host node, the second host node sends the second registration request information corresponding to the at least one IAB MT served by the second host node to the AMF; correspondingly, the AMF receives the second registration request information corresponding to the at least one IAB MT from the second host node. Based on the second registration request information, the AMF sends second registration request feedback information corresponding to the at least one IAB MT to the second host node; correspondingly, the second host node receives the second registration request feedback information from the AMF and sends the second registration request feedback information to the at least one IAB MT served by the second host node.

[0221] Optionally, the second registration request information includes at least one item of identification information, service type information, and service status information corresponding to at least one fourth service function; the second registration request feedback information includes identification information corresponding to the fourth service function for which registration is authorized, and / or identification information corresponding to the fourth service function for which registration is denied authorization.

[0222] Optionally, the second registration request feedback information includes reason information for refusal of authorization corresponding to the fourth service function for which authorization for registration is refused. Exemplarily, the second registration request feedback information includes identification information corresponding to the fourth service function for which authorization for registration is refused, and reason information for refusal of authorization corresponding to the fourth service function for which authorization for registration is refused. Exemplarily, the second registration request feedback information includes identification information corresponding to the fourth service function for which authorization for registration is authorized, identification information corresponding to the fourth service function for which authorization for registration is refused, and reason information for refusal of authorization corresponding to the fourth service function for which authorization for registration is refused.

[0223] Exemplarily, the service type indicated by the service type information includes AI, perception, positioning, or computing service types. Exemplarily, the state information indicated by the service state information includes stateful and stateless.

[0224] Optionally, step 1203 may be executed before step 1201, or step 1201 and step 1203 may be executed simultaneously; similarly, step 1204 may be executed before step 1202, or step 1202 and step 1204 may be executed simultaneously, and this application does not limit this.

[0225] 1205. The first host node sends first indication information to the second host node. The first indication information indicates at least one first service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the first host node. Correspondingly, the second host node receives the first indication information from the first host node.

[0226] At 1206, the second host node sends second indication information to the first host node. The second indication information indicates at least one third service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the second host node. Correspondingly, the first host node receives the second indication information from the second host node. Exemplarily, the first host node and the second host node interact via an Xn interface. Based on the second indication information, the first host node can learn about the service functions supported within the topology of the second host node.

[0227] Optionally, at least one first service function includes the above-mentioned second service function of authorization registration, and at least one third service function includes the above-mentioned fourth service function of authorization registration.

[0228] 1207. The first host node sends second service function list information to the terminal device. The second service function list information indicates at least one first service function supported by an IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the first host node and at least one third service function supported by an IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the second host node. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second service function list information from the first host node, wherein the at least one third service function includes the first service function, the at least one IAB node served by the second host node includes the first IAB node, the first IAB node includes the first IAB MT, and the first IAB MT has the first service function. Based on the second service function list information, the terminal device can learn which service functions can be provided to the terminal device through the first host node.

[0229] Optionally, at least one IAB Mobile Equipment (MT) served by the first host node sends a first service configuration update request message to the first host node. The first service configuration update request message is used to request an update of the service function list of the IAB MT. The first service configuration update request message includes at least one of the following: identification information corresponding to the service function requested to be added, identification information corresponding to the service function requested to be deleted, or identification information corresponding to the service function requested to be updated, and service parameter information. The first host node receives the first service configuration update request message from the at least one IAB MT served by the first host node. Based on the first service configuration update request message from the at least one IAB MT, the first host node sends a first service configuration update response message to the at least one IAB MT served by the first host node. The first service configuration update response message includes at least one of the following: identification information corresponding to the service function authorized to be added, identification information corresponding to the service function authorized to be deleted, or identification information corresponding to the service function authorized to be updated. The IAB MT receives the first service configuration update response message from the first host node. Optionally, based on the first service configuration update response message, the IAB MT communicates with a remote server via a PDU session to download the authorized added service function and / or update the authorized updated service function.

[0230] Optionally, the first service configuration update response information may include at least one of the following: identification information corresponding to a service function for which authorization to add is refused, identification information corresponding to a service function for which authorization to delete is refused, or identification information corresponding to a service function for which authorization to update is refused. This application does not limit this.

[0231] Optionally, at least one IAB Mobile Equipment (MT) served by the second host node sends a second service configuration update request message to the second host node. The second service configuration update request message is used to request an update of the service function list of the IAB MT. The second service configuration update request message includes at least one of the following: identification information corresponding to the service function requested to be added, identification information corresponding to the service function requested to be deleted, or identification information and service parameter information corresponding to the service function requested to be updated. The second host node receives the second service configuration update request message from the at least one IAB MT served by the second host node. Based on the second service configuration update request message from the at least one IAB MT, the second host node sends a second service configuration update response message to the at least one IAB MT served by the second host node. The second service configuration update response message includes at least one of the following: identification information corresponding to the service function authorized to be added, identification information corresponding to the service function authorized to be deleted, or identification information corresponding to the service function authorized to be updated. The IAB MT receives the second service configuration update response message from the second host node. Optionally, based on the second service configuration update response message, the IAB MT communicates with a remote server via a PDU session to download the authorized added service function and / or update the authorized updated service function.

[0232] Optionally, the second service configuration update response information may include at least one of the following: identification information corresponding to a service function for which authorization to add is rejected, identification information corresponding to a service function for which authorization to delete is rejected, or identification information corresponding to a service function for which authorization to update is rejected. This application does not limit this.

[0233] 1208. The terminal device sends first information to the first host node, where the first information is used to request provision of a first service function for the terminal device. Correspondingly, the first host node receives the first information from the terminal device.

[0234] 1209. The first host node determines, based on the first information, that a first IAB MT included in a first IAB node served by the second host node has a first service function. The first host node sends service request information to the second host node, where the service request information is used to request that the first service function be provided to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the second host node receives the service request information from the first host node.

[0235] 1210. The second host node sends fourth information to the first IAB MT according to the service request information. The fourth information is used to request the first IAB MT to provide the first service function for the terminal device. The first IAB MT has the first service function. Correspondingly, the first IAB MT receives the fourth information from the second host node.

[0236] At 1211, the first IAB MT determines whether to provide the first service function for the terminal device based on the current load. If the first IAB MT determines to provide the first service function for the terminal device based on the current determination, the first IAB MT sends fifth information to the second host node, where the fifth information indicates that the first IAB MT is permitted to provide the first service function for the terminal device. Correspondingly, the second host node receives the fifth information from the first IAB MT. For example, when the current load of the first IAB MT is low, the first IAB MT determines to provide the first service function for the terminal device. When the current load of the first IAB MT is high, the first IAB MT determines not to provide the first service function for the terminal device.

[0237] 1212. The second host node sends service request response information to the first host node based on the fifth information. The service request response information is used to indicate that the first IAB MT allows providing the first service function for the terminal device. Correspondingly, the first host node receives the service request response information from the second host node.

[0238] 1213. The first host node determines, based on the service request response information, a second data transmission path between the terminal device and the first host node, second quality of service requirement information corresponding to the first service function within the topology of the first host node, and third quality of service requirement information corresponding to the first service function within the topology of the second host node; the first host node determines, based on the second data transmission path, the second quality of service requirement information, and the third quality of service requirement information, the third configuration information indicating a correspondence between a third bearer DRB identifier and a third BAP routing identifier, the second IAB node including a second IAB DU, the second IAB node being an access IAB node of the terminal device, and the at least one IAB node served by the first host node including the second IAB node.

[0239] 1214. The first donor node sends third configuration information to the second IAB DU. Correspondingly, the second IAB DU receives the third configuration information from the first donor node.

[0240] At 1215, the first host node sends a management request message to the second host node. The management request message includes the third quality of service requirement information corresponding to the first service function within the second host node's topology, the first identifier information assigned by the first host node to the first IAB MT, the transport network layer information corresponding to the DU included in the first host node, and the third BAP routing identifier information. Correspondingly, the second host node receives the management request message from the first host node. The management request message sent by the first host node to the second host node is used to establish a data channel between the first and second host nodes.

[0241] 1216. The second host node determines, based on the management request information from the first host node, a third data transmission path and third quality of service requirement information between the second host node and the first IAB MT. The second host node determines, based on the third data transmission path and the third quality of service requirement information, fourth configuration information, where the fourth configuration information indicates a correspondence between a fourth DRB identifier and a fourth BAP routing identifier. The first IAB node served by the second host node includes the first IAB MT and the first IAB DU.

[0242] 1217 : The second donating node sends fourth configuration information to the first IAB DU. Correspondingly, the first IAB DU receives the fourth configuration information from the second donating node.

[0243] At 1218, the second donor node sends first RRC reconfiguration information to the first IAB MT based on the management request information from the first donor node. The first RRC reconfiguration information indicates PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information corresponding to the first IAB MT. The PDCP configuration information corresponding to the first IAB MT is the same as the PDCP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device, and the SDAP configuration information corresponding to the first IAB MT is the same as the SDAP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the first IAB MT receives the first RRC reconfiguration information from the second donor node.

[0244] At 1219, the second host node sends a management request response message to the first host node. The management request response message includes the second identifier information assigned by the second host node to the first IAB MT, the transport network layer information corresponding to the DU included in the second host node, and the fourth BAP routing identifier information. Correspondingly, the first host node receives the management request response message from the second host node.

[0245] 1220. The first host node establishes a context for the terminal device at the second IAB DU based on the management request response information from the second host node. There is no need to establish an F1-U tunnel for the DRB. Therefore, the data does not need to pass through the CU of the first host node.

[0246] 1221. The first donor node sends second RRC reconfiguration information to the terminal device based on the management request response information from the second donor node. The second RRC reconfiguration information indicates PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device. The PDCP configuration information corresponding to the first IAB MT is the same as the PDCP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device. The SDAP configuration information corresponding to the first IAB MT is the same as the SDAP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second RRC reconfiguration information from the first donor node.

[0247] Optionally, the management request information also includes third indication information, which indicates the PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information corresponding to the first IAB MT; or, the management request response information also includes fourth indication information, which indicates the PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device.

[0248] 1222. The terminal device communicates with the first IAB MT, so that the first IAB MT provides the first service function for the terminal device.

[0249] The above describes the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application. The following describes the execution entity used to execute the above communication method.

[0250] FIG13 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1300 according to an embodiment of the present application. The device can be applied to or deployed in the first host node in the method embodiment of FIG7 or FIG9. The communication device 1300 includes:

[0251] The transceiver unit 1310 is configured to receive first information, where the first information is used to request provision of a first service function for a terminal device;

[0252] The transceiver unit 1310 is further configured to send first configuration information to a first IAB DU based on the first information, where the first configuration information indicates a correspondence between a first DRB identifier and a first BAP routing identifier, the first IAB node including the first IAB DU and a first IAB MT, and the first IAB MT having the first service function;

[0253] The transceiver unit 1310 is further configured to send second configuration information to a second IAB DU based on the first information, where the second configuration information indicates a correspondence between a second DRB identifier and a second BAP routing identifier, the second IAB node including the second IAB DU, and the second IAB node being an access IAB node of the terminal device;

[0254] The transceiver unit 1310 is further configured to send first radio resource control RRC reconfiguration information to the first IAB MT and the terminal device respectively according to the first information, where the first RRC reconfiguration information indicates PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information.

[0255] Optionally, the communication device 1300 further includes: a processing unit 1320, configured to determine, based on the first information, a first data transmission path between the terminal device and the first IAB MT and first quality of service requirement information corresponding to the first service function within the topology of the communication device;

[0256] The processing unit 1320 is further configured to determine the first configuration information and the second configuration information according to the first data transmission path and the first quality of service requirement information.

[0257] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1310 is further configured to: send second information to the first IAB MT based on the first information, where the second information is used to request that the first service function be provided for the terminal device; and receive third information from the first IAB MT, where the third information is used to instruct the first IAB MT to allow the first service function to be provided for the terminal device.

[0258] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1310 is specifically used to receive the first information from the terminal device.

[0259] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1310 is also used to send first service function list information to the terminal device, wherein the first service function list information indicates at least one first service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the communication device, wherein the at least one first service function includes the first service function, and the at least one IAB node includes the first IAB node.

[0260] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1310 is specifically used to receive the first information from the access and mobility management function AMF.

[0261] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1310 is further used to: receive registration request information from at least one IAB MT, the registration request information being used to indicate at least one second service function that the IAB MT requests to register, and the at least one IAB MT including the first IAB MT; and send registration request feedback information to the at least one IAB MT respectively, the registration request feedback information being used to indicate the second service function that is authorized for registration and / or the second service function that is refused authorization for registration among the at least one second service function that the IAB MT requests to register, wherein the at least one first service function includes the second service function that is authorized for registration.

[0262] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1310 is further used to: send the registration request information to the AMF; and receive the registration request feedback information from the AMF.

[0263] Optionally, the registration request information includes at least one item of identification information, service type information, or service status information corresponding to the at least one second service function; the registration request feedback information includes the identification information corresponding to the second service function for which the registration is authorized, and / or the identification information corresponding to the second service function for which the registration is denied authorization.

[0264] Optionally, the registration request feedback information includes reason information for refusing authorization corresponding to the second service function for which authorization for registration is rejected.

[0265] FIG14 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device 1400 according to an embodiment of the present application. The device can be applied to or deployed in the first host node in the method embodiment of FIG10 or FIG12. The communication device 1400 includes:

[0266] The transceiver unit 1410 is configured to receive first information, where the first information is used to request provision of a first service function for a terminal device;

[0267] The transceiver unit 1410 is further configured to send third configuration information to a second IAB DU based on the first information, where the third configuration information indicates a correspondence between a third bearer DRB identifier and a third BAP routing identifier, where the second IAB node includes the second IAB DU, where the second IAB node is an access IAB node of the terminal device, and where the at least one IAB node served by the communication device includes the second IAB node;

[0268] The transceiver unit 1410 is further configured to send management request information to a second host node, where the management request information includes third quality of service requirement information corresponding to the first service function within the topology of the second host node, first identification information allocated by the communication device to the first IAB MT, transmission network layer information corresponding to the DU included in the communication device, and information about the third BAP routing identifier, wherein the first IAB node served by the second host node includes the first IAB MT, and the first IAB MT has the first service function;

[0269] The transceiver unit 1410 is further configured to receive management request response information from the second host node, where the management request response information includes second identification information allocated by the second host node to the first IAB MT, transport network layer information corresponding to the DU included in the second host node, and information of a fourth BAP routing identifier corresponding to the first IAB DU, and the first IAB node also includes the first IAB DU;

[0270] The transceiver unit 1410 is also used to send second RRC reconfiguration information to the terminal device according to the management request response information, where the second RRC reconfiguration information indicates PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information, and the PDCP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device is the same as the PDCP configuration information corresponding to the first IAB MT, and the SDAP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device is the same as the SDAP configuration information corresponding to the first IAB MT.

[0271] Optionally, the communication device 1400 further includes: a processing unit 1420, configured to determine, based on the first information, a second data transmission path between the terminal device and the communication device, second quality of service requirement information corresponding to the first service function within the topology of the communication device, and the third quality of service requirement information;

[0272] The processing unit 1420 is further configured to determine the third configuration information according to the second data transmission path, the second quality of service requirement information, and the third quality of service requirement information.

[0273] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1410 is also used to: send service request information to the second host node based on the first information, wherein the service request information is used to request that the first service function be provided to the terminal device; and receive service request response information from the second host node, wherein the service request response information is used to indicate that the first IAB MT allows the first service function to be provided to the terminal device.

[0274] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1410 is also used to: send first indication information to the second host node, the first indication information indicating at least one first service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the communication device; receive second indication information from the second host node, the second indication information indicating at least one third service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the second host node, wherein the at least one third service function includes the first service function, and the at least one IAB node served by the second host node includes the first IAB node.

[0275] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1410 is specifically used to receive the first information from the terminal device.

[0276] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1410 is also used to send second service function list information to the terminal device, wherein the second service function list information indicates at least one first service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the communication device and at least one third service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the second host node.

[0277] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1410 is specifically used to receive the first information from AMF.

[0278] FIG15 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device 1500 according to an embodiment of the present application. The device can be applied to or deployed in the second host node in the method embodiment of FIG10 or FIG12. The communication device 1500 includes:

[0279] The transceiver unit 1510 is configured to receive management request information from a first host node, where the management request information includes third quality of service requirement information corresponding to a first service function within the topology of the communication device, first identification information allocated by the first host node to a first IAB MT, transport network layer information corresponding to a DU included in the first host node, and information about a third BAP routing identifier corresponding to a second IAB DU served by the first host node. The first IAB node served by the communication device includes the first IAB MT, and the first IAB MT has the first service function. The second IAB node served by the first host node includes the second IAB DU, and the second IAB node is an access IAB node of a terminal device.

[0280] The transceiver unit 1510 is further configured to send fourth configuration information to the first IAB DU according to the management request information, where the fourth configuration information indicates a correspondence between a fourth DRB identifier and a fourth BAP routing identifier, and the first IAB node also includes the first IAB DU;

[0281] The transceiver unit 1510 is further configured to send first RRC reconfiguration information to the first IAB MT according to the management request information, where the first RRC reconfiguration information indicates PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information, where the PDCP configuration information corresponding to the first IAB MT is the same as the PDCP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device, and the SDAP configuration information corresponding to the first IAB MT is the same as the SDAP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device;

[0282] The transceiver unit 1510 is further configured to send management request response information to the first host node, the management request response information including the second identification information allocated by the communication device to the first IAB MT, the transmission network layer information corresponding to the DU included in the communication device, and the fourth BAP routing identification information.

[0283] Optionally, the communication device 1500 further includes: a processing unit 1520, configured to determine, according to the management request information, a third data transmission path and the third quality of service requirement information between the communication device and the first IAB MT;

[0284] The processing unit 1520 is further configured to determine the fourth configuration information according to the third data transmission path and the third quality of service requirement information.

[0285] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1510 is further used to: receive service request information from the first host node, the service request information being used to request the provision of the first service function for the terminal device; send fourth information to the first IAB MT based on the service request information, the fourth information being used to request the first IAB MT to provide the first service function for the terminal device; receive fifth information from the first IAB MT, the fifth information being used to indicate that the first IAB MT allows the provision of the first service function for the terminal device; and send service request response information to the first host node based on the fifth information, the service request response information being used to indicate that the first IAB MT allows the provision of the first service function for the terminal device.

[0286] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1510 is also used to: receive first indication information from the communication device, the first indication information indicating at least one first service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the first host node; receive second indication information sent to the communication device, the second indication information indicating at least one third service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the communication device, wherein the at least one third service function includes the first service function, and the at least one IAB node served by the communication device includes the first IAB node.

[0287] FIG16 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device 1600 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1600 includes:

[0288] Processor 1610 and transceiver 1620, the transceiver 1620 is used to receive computer code or instructions and transmit them to the processor 1610, and the processor 1610 executes the computer code or instructions to implement the method in the embodiment of the present application. The communication device can be the first host node or the second host node in the embodiment of the present application.

[0289] The processor 1610 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the method embodiment described above may be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits within the processor or by software instructions. The processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component. The methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application may be implemented or executed. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application may be directly implemented and executed by a hardware decoding processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules within the decoding processor. The software module may be located in a storage medium known in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, or registers. The storage medium is located in a memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the method described above.

[0290] An embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, including: a first host node in the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application and other communication devices communicating with the first host node, a second host node and other communication devices communicating with the second host node.

[0291] An embodiment of the present application provides another communication system, including: the first host node, a terminal device, a first IAB node, and a second IAB node in the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0292] An embodiment of the present application provides another communication system, including: the first host node, the second host node, the terminal device, the first IAB node, and the second IAB node in the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0293] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for implementing the method in the above method embodiment. When the computer program is executed on a computer or processor, the computer can implement the method in the above method embodiment.

[0294] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code. When the computer program code runs on a computer, the method in the above method embodiment is executed.

[0295] An embodiment of the present application also provides a chip, including a processor, wherein the processor is connected to a memory, the memory is used to store computer programs, and the processor is used to execute the computer programs stored in the memory, so that the chip executes the method in the above method embodiment.

[0296] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the numbers "first", "second"... are only for distinguishing different objects, such as to distinguish different host nodes or different information, and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the embodiments of the present application. The embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0297] In addition, the term "and / or" in this application is merely a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship; the term "at least one" in this application can mean "one" and "two or more". For example, A, B and C can represent seven situations: A exists alone, B exists alone, C exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, A and C exist at the same time, C and B exist at the same time, and A, B and C exist at the same time.

[0298] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0299] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0300] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0301] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0302] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0303] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0304] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The first host node receives first information, where the first information is used to request to provide a first service function for the terminal device; The first host node sends first configuration information to a first access backhaul integrated IAB distributed unit DU according to the first information, wherein the first configuration information indicates a correspondence between a first data radio bearer DRB identifier and a first backhaul adaptation protocol BAP routing identifier, and the first IAB node includes the first IAB DU and a first IAB mobile terminal MT, and the first IAB MT has the first service function; The first host node sends second configuration information to the second IAB DU according to the first information, where the second configuration information indicates a correspondence between a second DRB identifier and a second BAP routing identifier, the second IAB node includes the second IAB DU, and the second IAB node is an access IAB node of the terminal device; The first host node sends first radio resource control RRC reconfiguration information to the first IAB MT and the terminal device respectively according to the first information, where the first RRC reconfiguration information indicates packet data convergence protocol PDCP configuration information and / or service data adaptation protocol SDAP configuration information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The first host node determines, according to the first information, a first data transmission path between the terminal device and the first IAB MT and first service quality requirement information corresponding to the first service function in the topology of the first host node; The first host node determines the first configuration information and the second configuration information according to the first data transmission path and the first quality of service requirement information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The first host node sends second information to the first IAB MT according to the first information, where the second information is used to request to provide the first service function for the terminal device; The first host node receives third information from the first IAB MT, where the third information is used to indicate that the first IAB MT is allowed to provide the first service function for the terminal device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first host node receives the first information, including: The first host node receives the first information from the terminal device.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first host node sends first service function list information to the terminal device, wherein the first service function list information indicates at least one first service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the first host node, wherein the at least one first service function includes the first service function, and the at least one IAB node includes the first IAB node.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first host node receives the first information, including: The first host node receives the first information from an access and mobility management function AMF.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first host node receives registration request information from at least one IAB MT, where the registration request information is used to indicate at least one second service function that the IAB MT requests to register, and the at least one IAB MT includes the first IAB MT; The first host node sends registration request feedback information to the at least one IAB MT respectively, where the registration request feedback information is used to indicate the second service function authorized for registration and / or the second service function refused to be authorized for registration among the at least one second service function requested to be registered by the IAB MT, wherein the at least one first service function includes the second service function authorized for registration.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first host node sends the registration request information to the AMF; The first host node receives the registration request feedback information from the AMF.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The registration request information includes at least one of identification information, service type information, or service status information corresponding to the at least one second service function; The registration request feedback information includes identification information corresponding to the second service function for the authorized registration and / or identification information corresponding to the second service function for the rejected authorized registration.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that The registration request feedback information includes reason information for refusing authorization corresponding to the second service function for which the registration authorization is refused.

11. A method of communication, characterized in that: include: The first host node receives first information, where the first information is used to request to provide a first service function for the terminal device; The first host node sends third configuration information to the second IAB DU according to the first information, where the third configuration information indicates a correspondence between a third bearer DRB identifier and a third BAP routing identifier, the second IAB node includes the second IAB DU, the second IAB node is an access IAB node of the terminal device, and the at least one IAB node served by the first host node includes the second IAB node; The first host node sends management request information to the second host node, where the management request information includes third service quality requirement information corresponding to the first service function in the topology of the second host node, first identification information allocated by the first host node to the first IAB MT, transmission network layer information corresponding to the DU included in the first host node, and information of the third BAP routing identifier, the first IAB node served by the second host node includes the first IAB MT, and the first IAB MT has the first service function; The first host node receives management request response information from the second host node, the management request response information including second identification information allocated by the second host node to the first IAB MT, transmission network layer information corresponding to the DU included in the second host node, and information of a fourth BAP routing identifier corresponding to the first IAB DU, and the first IAB node also includes the first IAB DU; The first host node sends second RRC reconfiguration information to the terminal device based on the management request response information, and the second RRC reconfiguration information indicates PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information, the PDCP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device is the same as the PDCP configuration information corresponding to the first IAB MT, and the SDAP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device is the same as the SDAP configuration information corresponding to the first IAB MT.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first host node determines, based on the first information, a second data transmission path between the terminal device and the first host node, second quality of service requirement information corresponding to the first service function in the topology of the first host node, and the third quality of service requirement information; The first host node determines the third configuration information according to the second data transmission path, the second quality of service requirement information and the third quality of service requirement information.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The first host node sends service request information to the second host node according to the first information, where the service request information is used to request to provide the first service function for the terminal device; The first host node receives service request response information from the second host node, where the service request response information is used to indicate that the first IAB MT allows providing the first service function for the terminal device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first host node sends first indication information to the second host node, where the first indication information indicates at least one first service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the first host node; The first host node receives second indication information from the second host node, the second indication information indicating at least one third service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the second host node, wherein the at least one third service function includes the first service function, and the at least one IAB node served by the second host node includes the first IAB node.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that The first host node receives the first information, including: The first host node receives the first information from the terminal device.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first host node sends second service function list information to the terminal device, wherein the second service function list information indicates at least one first service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the first host node and at least one third service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the second host node.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that The first host node receives the first information, including: The first host node receives the first information from the AMF.

18. A method of communication, characterized in that: include: The second host node receives management request information from the first host node, the management request information including third service quality requirement information corresponding to the first service function in the topology of the second host node, first identification information allocated by the first host node to the first IAB MT, transmission network layer information corresponding to the DU included in the first host node, and information of a third BAP routing identifier corresponding to the second IAB DU served by the first host node, the first IAB node served by the second host node includes the first IAB MT, the first IAB MT has the first service function, wherein the second IAB node served by the first host node includes the second IAB DU, and the second IAB node is an access IAB node of a terminal device; The second host node sends fourth configuration information to the first IAB DU according to the management request information, wherein the fourth configuration information indicates a correspondence between a fourth DRB identifier and a fourth BAP routing identifier, and the first IAB node also includes the first IAB DU; The second donor node sends first RRC reconfiguration information to the first IAB MT according to the management request information, where the first RRC reconfiguration information indicates PDCP configuration information and / or SDAP configuration information, the PDCP configuration information corresponding to the first IAB MT is the same as the PDCP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device, and the SDAP configuration information corresponding to the first IAB MT is the same as the SDAP configuration information corresponding to the terminal device; The second host node sends management request response information to the first host node, and the management request response information includes the second identification information allocated by the second host node to the first IAB MT, the transmission network layer information corresponding to the DU included in the second host node, and the fourth BAP routing identification information.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second host node determines, according to the management request information, a third data transmission path and the third quality of service requirement information between the second host node and the first IAB MT; The second host node determines the fourth configuration information according to the third data transmission path and the third quality of service requirement information.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second host node receives service request information from the first host node, where the service request information is used to request to provide the first service function for the terminal device; The second host node sends fourth information to the first IAB MT according to the service request information, where the fourth information is used to request the first IAB MT to provide the first service function for the terminal device; The second host node receives fifth information from the first IAB MT, where the fifth information is used to indicate that the first IAB MT allows providing the first service function for the terminal device; The second host node sends service request response information to the first host node according to the fifth information, where the service request response information is used to indicate that the first IAB MT allows providing the first service function for the terminal device.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second host node receives first indication information from the second host node, where the first indication information indicates at least one first service function supported by an IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the first host node; The second host node receives second indication information sent to the second host node, wherein the second indication information indicates at least one third service function supported by the IAB MT included in at least one IAB node served by the second host node, wherein the at least one third service function includes the first service function, and the at least one IAB node served by the second host node includes the first IAB node.

22. A communication device, characterized in that: Comprising means for performing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processor and a transceiver, wherein the transceiver is used to receive computer codes or instructions and transmit the instructions to the processor, and the processor runs the computer codes or instructions so that the method according to any one of claims 1 to 21 is executed.

24. A communication system, characterized in that: include: A first host node and a second host node, wherein the first host node is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, and the second host node is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 18 to 21.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: include: The computer readable medium stores a computer program; When the computer program is run on a computer or a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 21 is executed.

26. A computer program product, characterized in that A computer program is included which, when executed, causes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 21 to be implemented.

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