Data stream transmission method and apparatus, and communication device, medium and program product

Abstract

The present application relates to a data stream transmission method and apparatus, and a communication device, a medium and a program product, and relates to the technical field of communications. The method comprises: a PCF network element receiving an AF session request sent by an AF network element by means of an NEF network element, then generating a PCC rule of each data stream under a target service, and sending a session management policy association modification request to an SMF network element, wherein the session management policy association modification request carries the PCC rule to instruct an RAN to coordinate and transmit each data stream.

Description

Data stream transmission method, device, communication equipment, medium and program product

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application number 2023112452210, filed on September 25, 2023, entitled “Data stream transmission method, device, communication equipment, medium and program product”, the entire text of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a data stream transmission method, apparatus, communication equipment, medium, and program product. Background Art

[0004] In multimedia service scenarios represented by Extended Reality (XR) technology, in order to better integrate the virtual environment of human-computer interaction, the same XR service usually includes multimodal data streams, such as video data streams, audio data streams, and tactile data streams.

[0005] Taking the tethered device in the XR device as an example, in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), for the downlink transmission process of the multimodal data stream, it is necessary to transmit the multimodal data stream sent by the application server in the 5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology System (5GS) to the tethered device through the User Equipment (UE).

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a data stream transmission method, applied to a PCF network element, the method comprising:

[0008] Receive AF session request sent by AF network element through NEF network element;

[0009] Generate PCC rules for each data flow under the target service based on the AF session request;

[0010] Send a session management policy association modification request to the SMF network element. The session management policy association modification request carries the PCC rule to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0011] In one embodiment, the AF session request includes an identifier of a target service. Before generating PCC rules for each data flow under the target service, the method further includes:

[0012] According to the identifier of the target service, determine the data flows under the target service.

[0013] In one embodiment, the AF session request includes service requirements for each data flow; generating PCC rules for each data flow under the target service based on the AF session request includes:

[0014] Determine the PCC rules for each data flow under the target service based on the service requirements of each data flow.

[0015] In one embodiment, the AF session request includes QoS monitoring requirements and tethered transmission delays for each data flow. Based on the AF session request, PCC rules for each data flow under the target service are generated, including:

[0016] According to QoS monitoring requirements, obtain the end-to-end transmission delay of each data flow; the end-to-end transmission delay indicates the time it takes for each data flow to be transmitted from the UPF network element to the UE;

[0017] Obtaining the actual transmission delay of each data stream based on the end-to-end transmission delay of each data stream and the tethered transmission delay of each data stream;

[0018] Generate PCC rules for each data flow under the target service based on the actual transmission delay of each data flow.

[0019] In one embodiment, the AF session request includes optional QoS parameter configuration for each data flow; based on the actual transmission delay of each data flow, a PCC rule for each data flow under the target service is generated, including:

[0020] Based on the actual transmission delay of each data stream, calculate the actual transmission delay difference between each data stream;

[0021] If there is a real transmission delay difference greater than the coordinated transmission threshold, the QoS parameters of each data flow are adjusted according to the optional QoS parameter configuration of each data flow;

[0022] According to the adjusted QoS parameters of each data flow, the PCC rule of each data flow under the target service is obtained.

[0023] In one embodiment, the PCC rule includes QoS parameters of each data flow, and the PCC rule is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate transmission of each data flow according to the QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0024] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0025] The end-to-end transmission delay of each data flow is sent to the NEF network element to instruct the NEF network element to send the end-to-end transmission delay of each data flow to the AF network element.

[0026] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0027] The actual transmission delay difference between each pair of data flows is sent to the NEF network element to instruct the NEF network element to send the actual transmission delay difference between each pair of data flows to the AF network element.

[0028] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0029] Send an AF session response to the NEF network element to instruct the NEF network element to send the AF session response to the AF network element.

[0030] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a data stream transmission method, which is applied to an SMF network element. The method includes:

[0031] Receive a session management policy association modification request sent by a PCF network element, where the session management policy association modification request carries a PCC rule; the PCC rule is generated by the PCF network element receiving an AF session request sent by the AF network element via the NEF network element;

[0032] According to the PCC rules, the RAN is instructed to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0033] In one embodiment, the PCC rule includes QoS parameters for each data flow, and the method further includes:

[0034] Generate an N4 session modification request based on PCC rules; the N4 session modification request carries the QoS parameters of each data flow;

[0035] Send an N4 session modification request to the UPF network element to instruct the UPF network element to update the parameter configuration of each data flow based on the QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0036] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0037] Receive the N4 session modification response sent by the UPF network element.

[0038] In one embodiment, the PCC rules include QoS parameters for each data flow, and according to the PCC rules, instructing the RAN to coordinate transmission of each data flow includes:

[0039] The QoS parameters of each data flow are sent to the RAN through the AMF network element to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0040] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a data stream transmission method, applied to a RAN, the method comprising:

[0041] Coordinate the transmission of each data flow according to the PCC rules of each data flow under the target service sent by the SMF network element; the PCC rules are carried in the session management policy association modification request, which is generated by the PCF network element after receiving the AF session request sent by the AF network element through the NEF network element and sent to the SMF network element.

[0042] In one embodiment, the PCC rule includes QoS parameters for each data flow, and the method further includes:

[0043] Receive QoS parameters of each data flow sent by the AMF network element;

[0044] Coordinate the transmission of each data flow based on its QoS parameters.

[0045] In one of the embodiments, the PCC rule includes QoS parameters of each data flow; the PCC rule is also used to instruct the UPF network element to update the parameter configuration of each data flow according to the QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0046] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a data stream transmission method, which is applied to a NEF network element. The method includes:

[0047] Receive AF session request sent by AF network element;

[0048] An AF session request is sent to the PCF network element to instruct the PCF network element to send a session management policy association modification request carrying the PCC rules to the SMF network element when generating PCC rules for each data flow under the target service; the session management policy association modification request is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0049] In one embodiment, before sending the AF session request to the PCF network element, the method further includes:

[0050] In response to the AF session request sent by the AF network element, the AF network element is authorized.

[0051] In one embodiment, the PCC rule includes QoS parameters of each data flow, and the PCC rule is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate transmission of each data flow according to the QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0052] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0053] Receive the end-to-end transmission delay of each data stream sent by the PCF network element;

[0054] End-to-end transmission delay of each data stream sent to the AF network element.

[0055] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0056] Receive the actual transmission delay difference between each pair of data streams sent by the PCF network element;

[0057] The actual transmission delay difference between each pair of data streams is sent to the AF network element.

[0058] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0059] Receive the AF session response sent by the PCF network element;

[0060] Send an AF session response to the AF network element.

[0061] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a data stream transmission method, which is applied to an AF network element. The method includes:

[0062] An AF session request is sent to the NEF network element. The AF session request is used to instruct the PCF network element through the NEF network element to send a session management policy association modification request carrying the PCC rules to the SMF network element when generating PCC rules for each data flow under the target service; the session management policy association modification request is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0063] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0064] The end-to-end transmission delay of each data stream sent by the receiving PCF network element through the NEF network element.

[0065] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0066] The actual transmission delay difference between each pair of data streams sent by the receiving PCF network element through the NEF network element.

[0067] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0068] Receive the AF session response sent by the PCF network element through the NEF network element.

[0069] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a data stream transmission device, the device comprising:

[0070] A first receiving module is configured to receive an AF session request sent by the AF network element via the NEF network element;

[0071] A rule generation module is used to generate PCC rules for each data flow under the target service according to the AF session request;

[0072] The first sending module is used to send a session management policy association modification request to the SMF network element, where the session management policy association modification request carries a PCC rule to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of various data flows.

[0073] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a data stream transmission device, the device comprising:

[0074] The second receiving module is used to receive a session management policy association modification request sent by a PCF network element, where the session management policy association modification request carries a PCC rule; the PCC rule is generated by the PCF network element receiving an AF session request sent by the AF network element through the NEF network element;

[0075] The transmission instruction module is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow according to the PCC rule.

[0076] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a data stream transmission device, the device comprising:

[0077] The coordinated transmission module is used to coordinate the transmission of each data flow according to the PCC rules of each data flow under the target service sent by the SMF network element; the PCC rules are carried in the session management policy association modification request, and the session management policy association modification request is generated by the PCF network element receiving the AF session request sent by the AF network element through the NEF network element and sent to the SMF network element.

[0078] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a data stream transmission device, the device comprising:

[0079] A third receiving module is used to receive an AF session request sent by the AF network element;

[0080] The second sending module is used to send an AF session request to the PCF network element to instruct the PCF to send a session management policy association modification request carrying the PCC rules to the SMF network element when generating PCC rules for each data flow under the target service; the session management policy association modification request is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0081] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a data stream transmission device, the device comprising:

[0082] The third sending module is used to send an AF session request to the NEF network element. The AF session request is used to instruct the PCF network element through the NEF network element to send a session management policy association modification request carrying the PCC rules to the SMF network element when generating PCC rules for each data flow under the target service; the session management policy association modification request is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0083] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device, the device comprising a receiver, a processor, and a transmitter;

[0084] A receiver, configured to receive an AF session request sent by the AF network element via the NEF network element;

[0085] A processor, configured to generate PCC rules for each data flow under a target service according to an AF session request;

[0086] The transmitter is used to send a session management policy association modification request to the SMF network element, where the session management policy association modification request carries PCC rules to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of various data flows.

[0087] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device, the device comprising a receiver, a processor, and a memory, the memory storing a computer program;

[0088] A receiver is configured to receive a session management policy association modification request sent by a PCF network element, where the session management policy association modification request carries a PCC rule; the PCC rule is generated by the PCF network element receiving an AF session request sent by an AF network element via an NEF network element;

[0089] The processor executes a computer program configured to instruct the RAN to coordinate transmission of each of the data flows according to the PCC rule.

[0090] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device, the device comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program;

[0091] The processor executes a computer program to coordinate the transmission of each data flow according to the PCC rules of each data flow under the target service sent by the SMF network element; the PCC rules are carried in the session management policy association modification request, and the session management policy association modification request is generated by the PCF network element after receiving the AF session request sent by the AF network element through the NEF network element and sent to the SMF network element.

[0092] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device, the device comprising a receiver and a transmitter;

[0093] A receiver, configured to receive an AF session request sent by an AF network element;

[0094] The transmitter is used to send an AF session request to the PCF network element to instruct the PCF to send a session management policy association modification request carrying the PCC rules to the SMF network element when generating PCC rules for each data flow under the target service; the session management policy association modification request is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0095] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device, the device including a transmitter;

[0096] The transmitter is used to send an AF session request to the NEF network element. The AF session request is used to instruct the PCF network element through the NEF network element to send a session management policy association modification request carrying the PCC rules to the SMF network element when generating PCC rules for each data flow under the target service; the session management policy association modification request is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0097] In the sixteenth aspect, the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method in any one of the embodiments of the first to fifth aspects above.

[0098] In the seventeenth aspect, the present application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method in any one of the embodiments of the first to fifth aspects above.

[0099] The details of one or more embodiments of the present application are set forth in the following drawings and description. Other features, objects, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0100] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the conventional technology, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the conventional technology descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the disclosed drawings without any creative work.

[0101] FIG1 is a diagram illustrating an application environment of a data stream transmission method according to an embodiment;

[0102] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of interaction of data stream transmission control signaling in another embodiment;

[0103] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of a data stream transmission method according to an embodiment;

[0104] FIG4 is a schematic flow chart of the PCC rule generation step in one embodiment;

[0105] FIG5 is a flow chart of a PCC rule generation step in another embodiment;

[0106] FIG6 is a schematic flow chart of a data stream transmission method according to another embodiment;

[0107] FIG7 is a flow chart of a data stream parameter updating step in one embodiment;

[0108] FIG8 is a schematic flow chart of a data stream transmission step in another embodiment;

[0109] FIG9 is a schematic flow diagram of a data stream coordinated transmission step in another embodiment;

[0110] FIG10 is a schematic flow chart of a data stream transmission method according to another embodiment;

[0111] FIG11 is a schematic flow diagram of end-to-end delay transmission steps in one embodiment;

[0112] FIG12 is a schematic flow chart of a delay difference transmission step in one embodiment;

[0113] FIG13 is a flow chart of application function session modification steps in one embodiment;

[0114] FIG14 is a flow chart of a data stream coordinated transmission step according to another embodiment;

[0115] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of signaling interaction in a data flow coordinated transmission step according to an embodiment;

[0116] FIG16 is a structural block diagram of a data stream transmission device according to an embodiment;

[0117] FIG17 is a structural block diagram of a data stream transmission device according to another embodiment;

[0118] FIG18 is a structural block diagram of a data stream transmission device according to another embodiment;

[0119] FIG19 is a structural block diagram of a data stream transmission device according to another embodiment;

[0120] FIG20 is a structural block diagram of a data stream transmission device according to another embodiment;

[0121] FIG21 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a communication device according to an embodiment;

[0122] FIG22 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a communication device according to another embodiment;

[0123] FIG23 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a communication device according to another embodiment;

[0124] FIG24 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a communication device according to another embodiment;

[0125] FIG25 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a communication device in another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0126] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application more clear, the following further describes this application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0127] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario for a data stream transmission method provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1 , the scenario includes a tethered device 100, a user device 200, and an application function network element 300. Figure 1 uses two tethered devices 100 as an example. Data streams are transmitted between the tethered device 100 and the user device 200 via a wired connection, while data streams are transmitted between the user device 200 and the application function network element 300 via a fifth-generation mobile communication technology system (5GS) core network element.

[0128] It should be noted that the data flow transmission process between the tethered device 100 and the user equipment (UE) 200, and between the user equipment 200 and the application function (AF) network element 300 can be unidirectional or bidirectional. In the embodiment of the present application, the downlink transmission of multiple data flows under one service is used for illustration, that is, the process of transmitting each data flow under the same service from the application function network element 300 to the tethered device 100 through the user equipment 200.

[0129] Among them, the tethered device 100 refers to an XR device in an immersive, interactive multimedia service scenario represented by Extended Reality (XR) technology, such as a head-mounted device, which is usually connected to a user device 200 that can be accessed in 5GS via a wired connection.

[0130] The user equipment 200 may be a device that provides voice data streams, video data streams, haptic data streams, or other service data connectivity to the tethered device 100, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem. The user equipment 200 may communicate with one or more core networks via a radio access network (RAN). The user equipment 200 may also be a computer with a mobile terminal, such as a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, built-in computer, or vehicle-mounted mobile device, which exchanges voice and / or data with the radio access network.

[0131] The application function network element 300 refers to various service devices at the application layer. It can be an internal operator application such as Volte AF or a third-party AF, such as a video server or game server. It should be noted that if the application function network element 300 is an internal operator AF and is in the same trusted domain as other network function (NF) network elements, it can directly interact with other NF network elements, such as the Policy Control Function (PCF) network element. If the application function network element 300 and other NF network elements are not in the same trusted domain, it accesses other NF network elements through the Network Exposure Function (NEF) network element.

[0132] Taking the AF network element through the NEF network element to control the transmission of multiple data streams under the same service as an example, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of downlink transmission control of a typical data stream transmission method. The transmission link includes the AF network element, the NEF network element, the PCF network element, the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element, the Session Management Function (SMF) network element, the base station RAN, the user equipment UE and the tethered device. In this scenario, the AF network element carries the transmission configuration parameters of each data stream under the same service to be received by the tethered device in the AF session request and sends it to the PCF network element through the NEF network element. When the PCF network element receives the AF session request, it identifies the data streams under different XR services and obtains multiple data streams under the target service (that is, the same service), and then generates the policy and charging control (PCC) rules for each data stream under the same service. Next, the PCF network element sends the PCC rules to the SMF network element, and the SMF network element sends the QoS (Quality of Service) parameters configured for each data flow under the same service to the RAN through the AMF network element to instruct the RAN to adjust the downlink transmission delay of each data flow, and minimize the transmission delay difference of each data flow under the same service from the UE to the corresponding tethered device, so as to achieve coordinated transmission of each data flow under the same service. In addition, the SMF network element can also communicate with the user plane function (UPF) network element according to the PCC rules to instruct the UPF network element to update the parameter configuration of each data flow. Specifically, the SMF network element generates the N4 rule according to the PCC rule, and sends it to the UPF network element through the N4 interface to instruct the UPF network element to perform the corresponding configuration update according to the N4 rule.

[0133] It should be noted that the same service corresponds to multiple data streams, and the multiple data streams can be transmitted to one tethered device or to different tethered devices respectively.

[0134] In the related art, the tethered device in the XR device is connected to a UE that can access 5GS through a wire, so that the actual processing of the audio data stream, video data stream, and tactile data stream is placed in the UE, without the need to process the data in each tethered device.

[0135] Taking into account the differences in transmission delays of various data flows under the same service during the downlink transmission of data flows, which leads to the problem of uncoordinated transmission of various data flows, a data flow transmission method is provided in an embodiment of the present application. The PCF network element identifies and obtains each data flow under the target service based on the AF session request, and on this basis, generates a set of PCC rules corresponding to each data flow under the target service, and configures the QoS parameters of each data flow under the target service according to the PCC rules through the UPF network element, adjusts the downlink transmission delay of each data flow under the target service, and realizes coordinated transmission of each data flow under the target service.

[0136] It should be noted that the beneficial effects or technical problems solved by the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this one, and may also include other implicit or related problems. For details, please refer to the description of the following embodiments. In order to clearly and unambiguously describe the data stream transmission method in the embodiments of the present application, the embodiments of the present application take the data stream transmission including two modes under the same service as an example to illustrate a specific embodiment.

[0137] The following specific embodiments describe in detail the technical solution of the present application and how the technical solution of the present application solves the above-mentioned technical problems. The following specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments. The embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0138] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG3 , a data stream transmission method is provided. The method is described by taking the application of the method to a PCF network element as an example, including the following steps:

[0139] S301: Receive an AF session request sent by an AF network element via an NEF network element.

[0140] In the embodiment of the present application, the AF session request is generated by the AF network element based on the demand for adjusting the downlink transmission delay of the data stream, and is used to coordinate the transmission of multiple data streams under the same service.

[0141] In a communication scenario, the transmission process of each data stream under the same service can be divided into two transmission phases: the transmission of each data stream under the service from the UPF network element in the 5GS to the UE, and the transmission from the UE to the tethered device via a wired connection. Furthermore, the coordinated transmission of each data stream under the same service means that the total transmission delay of each data stream under the same service in the two transmission phases is within a preset transmission threshold.

[0142] The AF network element sends the AF session request to the PCF network element through the NEF network element to instruct the PCF network element to convert the AF session request into a data flow transmission policy applied to the PDU session.

[0143] In some embodiments, upon receiving the AF session request sent by the AF network element, the NEF network element may directly send the AF session request to the PCF network element. In this case, what the PCF network element receives is the original AF session request sent by the AF network element.

[0144] In some embodiments, upon receiving an AF session request from an AF network element, the NEF network element may assign a transaction ID to the AF session request, authorize the AF session request, and send the AF session request to the PCF network element. In this case, the PCF network element receives an AF session request from an AF network element that has been authorized by the NEF network element and has passed the authorization.

[0145] After the PCF network element receives the AF session request sent by the NEF network element, the PCF network element may respond according to the AF session request, for example, by sending an AF session response to the AF network element through the NEF network element.

[0146] In one scenario, the PCF network element sends an AF session response to the NEF network element to instruct the NEF network element to send the AF session response to the AF network element.

[0147] In an embodiment of the present application, taking into account the situation that the AF network element and the network function network element in 5GS are not in the same trusted domain, the NEF network element is used as the intermediate network element, and an interactive process is performed in which the AF network element sends an AF session request to the PCF network element through the NEF network element, and the PCF network element sends an AF session response to the AF network element through the NEF network element, so as to facilitate the AF network elements in different network domains to transmit data streams through 5GS.

[0148] S302: Generate PCC rules for each data flow under the target service according to the AF session request.

[0149] In an embodiment of the present application, each data stream under the same service includes data streams of at least two modes among video data stream, audio data stream and tactile data stream. The target service in an embodiment of the present application refers to a multimedia service that requires support from at least two modal data streams.

[0150] For example, the target service may be a video call service, which may include video data stream transmission and audio data stream transmission. The target service may also be a game experience service, which may include video data stream transmission and tactile data stream transmission.

[0151] In actual communication scenarios, a target service corresponds to a set of PCC rules. The PCC rules include the QoS parameters for each data flow under the target service. Each data flow is transmitted using the QoS parameters corresponding to the PCC rules. Embodiments of the present application can adjust the QoS parameters for each data flow under the target service by updating the PCC rules, thereby reducing the difference in transmission delay between each data flow under the target service and coordinating the transmission of each data flow under the target service.

[0152] Based on this, the PCF network element first determines the data flows under the target service according to the AF session request, and then further determines the PCC rules of each data flow under the target service.

[0153] Exemplarily, the AF session request includes an identifier of a target service. Before generating PCC rules for each data flow under the target service, the method further includes:

[0154] According to the identifier of the target service, each data flow under the target service is determined.

[0155] A target service corresponds to at least two modal data streams, each data stream carries a corresponding service identifier, and the service identifiers of multiple data streams under the same service are the same.

[0156] The PCF network element determines, from the multiple data flows under the multiple services, a data flow corresponding to a service identifier identical to an identifier of a target service as a data flow under the target service.

[0157] In the case of determining each data flow under the target service, the PCF network element may further determine the PCC rule of each data flow under the target service according to the AF session request.

[0158] In some embodiments, the AF session request carries data flow synchronization transmission coordination configuration information, including the UE address, AF network element identifier, data flow description information, data flow service identifier, and QoS parameters for each data flow. In this case, the PCF network element preliminarily determines the QoS parameters for each data flow under the target service based on the QoS parameters of each data flow, and then adjusts the QoS parameters for each data flow based on the data flow description information to generate PCC rules for each data flow under the target service.

[0159] S303: Send a session management policy association modification request to the SMF network element. The session management policy association modification request carries PCC rules to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of various data flows.

[0160] The PCC rule includes the QoS parameters of each data flow, and the PCC rule is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow according to the QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0161] When the PCF network element generates PCC rules for each data flow under the target service, the PCC rules need to be further deployed so that each data flow is transmitted according to the QoS parameters configured in the PCC rules.

[0162] The PCF network element carries the PCC rules in the session management policy association modification request and sends it to the SMF network element to instruct the RAN to deploy the PCC rules and coordinate the transmission of various data flows.

[0163] In some embodiments, the SMF network element sends a session management policy association modification response to the PCF network element, and correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the session management policy association modification response sent by the SMF network element.

[0164] It should be noted that in actual applications, the SMF network element has communication connections with both the RAN and PCF network elements. In this case, when the SMF receives the PCC rules in the session management policy association modification request, the SMF network element can instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow while also synchronously instructing the UPF network element to update the corresponding configuration parameters. For example, the SMF network element generates an N4 session modification request based on the PCC rules and sends the N4 session modification request to the UPF network element to instruct the UPF network element to perform the corresponding configuration update.

[0165] In an embodiment of the present application, the PCF network element receives the AF session request sent by the AF network element through the NEF network element, then generates the PCC rules for each data flow under the target service, and sends a session management policy association modification request to the SMF network element. The session management policy association modification request carries the PCC rules to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow. This is equivalent to the PCF network element needing to generate the PCC rules corresponding to each data flow under the target service on the basis of identifying each data flow under the target service in the process of data flow transmission to coordinate the transmission of each data flow. This way of obtaining PCC rules not only takes into account the transmission differences between data flows under different services, but also takes into account the transmission differences between different data flows under the target service, thereby adjusting the downlink transmission delay of each data flow under the target service and coordinating the transmission of each data flow under the same service.

[0166] During data flow transmission, each data flow needs to be parameterized and transmitted according to the QoS policy in the PCC rules issued by the PCF network element. Based on this, the following describes an implementation method for the PCF network element to generate PCC rules.

[0167] In one embodiment, the AF session request includes service requirements for each data flow. Generating PCC rules for each data flow under the target service based on the AF session request includes:

[0168] Determine the PCC rules for each data flow under the target service based on the service requirements of each data flow.

[0169] In the embodiment of the present application, the service requirement of each data stream refers to the transmission delay requirement for supporting the coordinated transmission of each data stream under the target service.

[0170] It should be noted that, in actual situations, if the transmission delay of each data stream under the target service is less than the preset time value, and the relative transmission delay of each data stream under the target service is lower than the synchronous transmission threshold, then the data streams are confirmed to be coordinated transmission.

[0171] Taking the data streams under the target service including audio data stream and tactile data stream as an example, the corresponding service requirements may be that the transmission delay of the audio data stream does not exceed 25ms, the transmission delay of the tactile data stream does not exceed 12ms, and the synchronization transmission threshold between the transmission delay of the audio data stream and the transmission delay of the tactile data stream is 13ms.

[0172] The PCF network element takes into account that the transmission delay and relative transmission delay of each data flow must meet the service requirements, determines the QoS parameters of each data flow under the target service, generates a QoS policy, and then determines the PCC rules for each data flow under the target service.

[0173] During data flow transmission, each data flow may be affected by various factors, such as network congestion and network element failure. In such cases, data flows within the same service may not be able to coordinate transmission. To ensure that data flows within the same service maintain coordinated transmission, the transmission delay of each data flow can be monitored and dynamically adjusted. The following describes the steps for generating and updating PCC rules by a PCF network element using an example.

[0174] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG4 , the AF session request includes QoS monitoring requirements and the tethered transmission delay of each data flow. Based on the AF session request, PCC rules for each data flow under the target service are generated, including:

[0175] S401. According to QoS monitoring requirements, obtain the end-to-end transmission delay of each data flow; the end-to-end transmission delay represents the time it takes for each data flow to be transmitted from the UPF network element to the UE.

[0176] The PCF network element monitors the time it takes for each data flow to be transmitted from the UPF network element to the UE, and obtains the end-to-end transmission delay of each data flow.

[0177] It should be noted that the time it takes for data flows to be transmitted from the UPF network element to the UE depends on the QoS parameters in the PCC rules issued by the PCF, and the QoS parameters can be adjusted through PCC rule updates, which means that the end-to-end transmission delay of each data flow is adjustable.

[0178] In one embodiment, the PCF network element may send the end-to-end transmission delay of each data flow to the NEF network element to instruct the NEF network element to send the end-to-end transmission delay of each data flow to the AF network element.

[0179] S402: Obtain the actual transmission delay of each data stream according to the end-to-end transmission delay of each data stream and the tethered transmission delay of each data stream.

[0180] Tethered transmission delay refers to the time it takes for data to travel from the UE to the tethered device. Since the connection between the tethered device and the UE is wired, the corresponding transmission delay is inherent and cannot be adjusted.

[0181] The actual transmission delay refers to the time it takes for a data stream to be transmitted from the UPF network element to the tethered device. In the embodiments of the present application, the actual transmission delay refers to the cumulative result of the time it takes for a data stream to be transmitted from the UPF network element to the UE and the time it takes for a data stream to be transmitted from the UE to the tethered device.

[0182] For any data flow, the end-to-end transmission delay and the tethered transmission delay of the data flow are superimposed to obtain the actual transmission delay of the data flow. Similarly, the PCF network element obtains the actual transmission delay of each data flow under the target service.

[0183] S403: Generate PCC rules for each data flow under the target service according to the actual transmission delay of each data flow.

[0184] After obtaining the actual transmission delay of each data flow under the target service, the system adjusts the actual transmission delay difference between the data flows by configuring the QoS parameters of each data flow until the actual transmission delay difference between the data flows is less than the coordinated transmission threshold. Based on the adjusted QoS parameters of each data flow, the PCC rules for each data flow under the target service are determined.

[0185] In this embodiment, the actual transmission process of each data stream is divided into two stages: end-to-end transmission and tethered transmission. Each stage is quantitatively described by transmission delay. Based on this, for each data stream, the end-to-end transmission delay and tethered transmission delay are superimposed to obtain an accurate and objective actual transmission delay for each data stream. This delay is then used as a basis for generating accurate and effective PCC rules.

[0186] Next, another possible implementation method of the PCF network element generating the PCC rules for the multimodal data stream under the target service according to the actual transmission delay of each modal data stream is described.

[0187] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG5 , the AF session request includes optional QoS parameter configurations for each data flow. Based on the actual transmission delay of each data flow, PCC rules for each data flow under the target service are generated, including:

[0188] S501: Calculate the actual transmission delay difference between each pair of data streams based on the actual transmission delay of each data stream.

[0189] During the transmission of data streams within the same service, different transmission requirements vary depending on the data stream modality. For example, for audio, video, and haptic data streams, the requirement is typically "audio later than video, and video later than haptic." Based on this, the actual transmission delay of the video data stream is greater than the actual transmission delay of the haptic data stream, and the actual transmission delay of the audio data stream is greater than the actual transmission delay of the video data stream. The actual transmission delay difference between each data stream can be calculated by subtracting the actual transmission delay of each data stream.

[0190] Taking the target service as an example, where the target service includes a video data stream and a tactile data stream, the actual transmission delay difference between the two data streams is expressed as: Actual transmission delay difference = (end-to-end transmission delay of the video data stream + tethered transmission delay of the video data stream) - (end-to-end transmission delay of the tactile data stream + tethered transmission delay of the tactile data stream)

[0191] Optionally, in one embodiment, the PCF network element sends the actual transmission delay difference between each pair of data streams to the NEF network element to instruct the NEF network element to send the actual transmission delay difference between each pair of data streams to the AF network element.

[0192] S502: If there is a real transmission delay difference greater than the coordinated transmission threshold, adjust the QoS parameters of each data flow according to the optional QoS parameter configuration of each data flow.

[0193] It should be noted that each pair of data streams corresponds to a set of calculated actual transmission delay differences and coordinated transmission thresholds. The coordinated transmission thresholds for different groups can be the same or different. For example, the coordinated transmission threshold between the audio and video data streams is 20ms, while the coordinated transmission threshold between the video and tactile data streams is 15ms.

[0194] If there is a real transmission delay difference greater than the coordinated transmission threshold, it means that there is at least one group of data flows with a real transmission delay difference between each other that is greater than the coordinated transmission threshold, and coordinated transmission cannot be achieved. Then the PCF network element can uniformly downgrade or upgrade the QoS parameters of each data flow according to the optional QoS parameter configuration of each data flow to adjust the real transmission delay difference between each data flow, and then coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0195] The optional QoS parameter configuration (Alternative QoS Parameter, AQP) of each data flow includes the AQP of each data flow under the target service, and the correspondence between the AQP of each data flow and the AQP of other data flows under the target service. When the actual transmission delay difference between any two data flows does not meet the coordinated transmission threshold, the PCF network element selects the QoS parameters of each data flow under the target service from the AQP of each data flow, adjusts the actual transmission delay of each data flow and the actual transmission delay difference between two data flows, and thus coordinates the transmission of each data flow.

[0196] S503: Obtain the PCC rules of each data flow under the target service according to the adjusted QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0197] According to the adjusted QoS parameters of each data flow, a QoS policy for each data flow under the target service is generated, and then the PCC rule for each data flow under the target service is obtained.

[0198] In an embodiment of the present application, the actual transmission delay difference between each data flow is compared with the corresponding coordinated transmission threshold to determine whether the PCC rule of each data flow needs to be updated. If any actual transmission delay difference is greater than the coordinated transmission threshold, the QoS parameters of each data flow are uniformly adjusted according to the AQP of each data flow to coordinate the transmission of each data flow under the target service.

[0199] The above is an explanation of the embodiment related to the PCF network element as the execution subject. Based on this, the embodiment of the present application also provides corresponding embodiments of the above process with the SMF network element, base station, NEF network element and AF network element as the execution subject.

[0200] Next, relevant embodiments of the data stream transmission method using the SMF network element as the execution body are described.

[0201] Since all the implementation principles and detailed processes in the aforementioned embodiment with PCF network elements as the execution body, as well as the technical effects that can be achieved are the same as those in the following embodiment with SMF network elements as the execution body, for the sake of brevity and clarity, the following embodiments will not be described one by one. The implementation process and implementation effects of each embodiment can be found in the description of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0202] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG6 , a data stream transmission method is provided, which is described by taking the method applied to an SMF network element as an example, including the following steps:

[0203] S601: Receive a session management policy association modification request sent by a PCF network element, where the session management policy association modification request carries a PCC rule. The PCC rule is generated by the PCF network element when it receives an AF session request sent by an AF network element via an NEF network element.

[0204] The PCF network element generates PCC rules for each data flow under the target service based on the AF session request sent by the AF network element through the NEF network element, and sends the PCC rules to the SMF network element to instruct the SMF network element to configure or update the PCC rules.

[0205] The PCF network element carries the PCC rules in a session management policy association modification request and sends it to the SMF network element. In this case, the SMF network element receives the session management policy association modification request sent by the PCF network element and configures the QoS parameters of each data flow based on the PCC rules carried in the session management policy association modification request.

[0206] S602: Instruct the RAN to coordinate transmission of each data flow according to the PCC rule.

[0207] The PCC rules include the QoS parameters for each data flow. These rules instruct the RAN to configure or modify the parameters of each data flow based on the QoS parameters, adjusting the end-to-end transmission delay of each data flow and, in turn, the actual transmission delay of each data flow, to improve the coordination between the actual transmission delays of each data flow under the target service.

[0208] In the 5G core network, the SMF network element and the base station communicate through the AMF network element. The connection relationship between the AMF network element, the SMF network element and the RAN is as follows: the AMF network element provides services to the SMF based on the interface of the Namf service, such as the N11 interface, and the AMF network element and the RAN are connected through the N2 interface.

[0209] In one embodiment, the SMF network element sends the QoS parameters of each data flow to the RAN through the AMF network element to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each of the data flows.

[0210] In an embodiment of the present application, the SMF network element receives a session management policy association modification request sent by the PCF network element, and instructs the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data stream based on the PCC rule carried in the session management policy association modification request. Among them, the PCC rule is generated by the PCF network element when it receives the AF session request sent by the AF network element through the NEF network element. This is equivalent to the PCF network element needing to generate the PCC rules corresponding to each data stream under the target service on the basis of identifying each data stream under the target service in the process of data stream transmission to coordinate the transmission of each data stream. This way of obtaining PCC rules not only takes into account the transmission differences between data streams under different services, but also takes into account the transmission differences between different data streams under the target service, thereby adjusting the downlink transmission delay of each data stream under the target service and coordinating the transmission of each data stream under the same service.

[0211] In actual applications, the SMF network element uses PCC rules as a basis to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of various data flows. This is equivalent to providing a new QoS policy for each data flow under the target service. Therefore, the SMF network element also needs to encapsulate the PCC rules and send them to the UPF network element, instructing the UPF network element to perform the corresponding configuration update. Based on this, the following describes an implementation method for the SMF network element to instruct the UPF network element to coordinate the transmission of data flows based on PCC rules.

[0212] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG7 , the PCC rule includes QoS parameters for each data flow, and the method further includes:

[0213] S701 : Generate an N4 session modification request according to PCC rules; the N4 session modification request carries QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0214] In an embodiment of the present application, the N4 session modification request generated by the SMF network element according to the PCC rule carries the modification requirements and the modification basis (QoS parameters of each data flow in the PCC rule), which is used to instruct the UPF network element to configure the transmission parameters of each data flow according to the QoS parameters of each data flow in the PCC rule.

[0215] In the scenario where each data flow is transmitted for the first time under the target service, the N4 session modification request generated by the SMF network element is used to instruct the UPF network element to pre-configure the QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0216] In the scenario where each data flow continues to flow under the target service, the N4 session modification request generated by the SMF network element is used to instruct the UPF network element to update the QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0217] S702, send an N4 session modification request to the UPF network element to instruct the UPF network element to update the parameter configuration of each data flow according to the QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0218] Among them, the N4 interface is the communication interface between the SMF network element and the UPF network element. The N4 session modification request carries the modification requirements and modification basis, that is, the QoS parameters of each data flow in the PCC rule, which is used to instruct the UPF network element to configure the QoS parameters for each data flow according to the N4 rule.

[0219] The SMF network element sends an N4 session modification request to the UPF network element through the N4 interface to instruct the UPF network element to update the parameter configuration of each data flow according to the QoS parameters of each data flow in the N4 session modification request.

[0220] Optionally, when the SMF network element sends an N4 session modification request to the UPF network element, the UPF network element modifies the corresponding N4 rule according to the received N4 session modification request, and sends an interface session modification response to the SMF network element.

[0221] In one embodiment, the SMF network element receives the N4 session modification response sent by the UPF network element.

[0222] In an embodiment of the present application, the SMF network element carries the QoS parameters of each data flow in the PCC rule in the N4 session modification request and sends it to the UPF network element. In this way, the UPF network element can obtain the modification request and the QoS parameters of each data flow in the PCC rule at one time, reducing the number of signaling interactions between the UPF network element and the SMF network element, and speeding up the speed at which the UPF network element receives the PCC rule updated QoS parameter configuration.

[0223] The above is an explanation of the relevant embodiments with the SMF network element as the execution subject. Next, the relevant embodiments of the data stream transmission method with the RAN as the execution subject are explained.

[0224] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG8 , a data stream transmission method is provided. The method is described by taking the application of the method to a RAN as an example, including the following steps:

[0225] S801, coordinate the transmission of each data flow according to the PCC rules of each data flow under the target service sent by the SMF network element; the PCC rules are carried in the session management policy association modification request, and the session management policy association modification request is generated by the PCF network element after receiving the AF session request sent by the AF network element through the NEF network element and sent to the SMF network element.

[0226] The PCF network element generates PCC rules for each data flow under the target service based on the AF session request sent by the AF network element through the NEF network element, and carries the PCC rules in the session management policy association modification request and sends it to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element instructs the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0227] The PCC rules include QoS parameters for each data flow. The RAN configures parameters for each data flow based on the QoS parameters for each data flow in the PCC rules to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0228] The RAN determines the data flows under the target service based on the QoS parameters of each data flow in the PCC rule, and configures the transmission parameters of each data flow to the corresponding QoS parameters in the PCC rule to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0229] In addition, the PCC rules are also used to instruct the UPF network element to update the parameter configuration of each data flow based on the QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0230] In one embodiment, the UPF network element receives the N4 session modification request sent by the SMF network element and sends an N4 session modification response to the SMF network element.

[0231] The UPF network element determines the data flows under the target service based on the QoS parameters of each data flow in the PCC rule, and configures the transmission parameters of each data flow to the corresponding QoS parameters in the PCC rule to update the QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0232] In an embodiment of the present application, the RAN coordinates the transmission of each data flow according to the PCC rules of each data flow under the target service sent by the SMF network element. The PCC rules are carried in the session management policy association modification request, which is generated by the PCF network element after receiving the AF session request sent by the AF network element through the NEF network element and sent to the SMF network element. This is equivalent to the PCF network element needing to generate the PCC rules corresponding to each data flow under the target service based on the identification of each data flow under the target service in the process of data flow transmission to coordinate the transmission of each data flow. This way of obtaining PCC rules not only takes into account the transmission differences between data flows under different services, but also takes into account the transmission differences between different data flows under the target service, thereby adjusting the downlink transmission delay of each data flow under the target service and coordinating the transmission of each data flow under the same service.

[0233] In actual applications, the SMF network element sends the QoS parameters of each data flow to the RAN through the AMF network element. Therefore, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG9 , the method further includes:

[0234] S901, receiving QoS parameters of each data flow sent by the AMF network element;

[0235] S902: Coordinate transmission of each data flow according to the QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0236] The above is a description of the relevant embodiments with the RAN as the execution entity. Since all the implementation principles, detailed processes, and technical effects achieved in the aforementioned embodiments with PCF network elements / SMF network elements as the execution entity are the same as those in the embodiments with the RAN as the execution entity, for the sake of brevity and clarity, the following embodiments will not be described in detail one by one. The implementation process and effects of each embodiment can be referred to the description of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0237] Next, relevant embodiments of the data stream transmission method using the NEF network element as the execution body are described.

[0238] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG10 , a data stream transmission method is provided. The method is described by taking an NEF network element as an example, including the following steps:

[0239] S1001: Receive an AF session request sent by an AF network element.

[0240] The AF session request is generated by the AF network element based on the need to adjust the downlink transmission delay of the data flow, and is used to coordinate the transmission of multiple data flows under the same service.

[0241] In the embodiment of the present application, the AF network element sends an AF session request to the NEF network element to instruct the NEF network element to send the AF session request to the PCF network element.

[0242] S1002, sending an AF session request to the PCF network element to instruct the PCF network element to send a session management policy association modification request carrying the PCC rules to the SMF network element when generating PCC rules for each data flow under the target service; the session management policy association modification request is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0243] The NEF network element may directly send the received AF session request to the PCF network element, or may parse the received AF session request and send the AF session request to the PCF network element after parsing.

[0244] In one embodiment, before sending the application function session modification request to the PCF network element, the method further includes:

[0245] In response to the application function session modification request sent by the AF network element, the AF network element is authorized.

[0246] When the NEF network element receives the AF session request sent by the AF network element, it allocates a service identifier to the AF network element, authorizes the AF network element, and sends the AF session request to the PCF network element.

[0247] The PCF network element identifies each data flow under the target service according to the received AF session request, and generates a PCC rule for each data flow under the target service.

[0248] The PCC rule includes the QoS parameters of each data flow, and the PCC rule is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow according to the QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0249] The NEF network element sends an AF session request to the PCF network element, instructing the PCF network element to generate PCC rules for each data flow under the target service, and carries the PCC rules in the session management policy association modification request and sends it to the SMF network element, instructing the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0250] In an embodiment of the present application, the NEF network element sends an AF session request to the PCF network element to instruct the PCF network element to send a session management policy association modification request carrying the PCC rules to the SMF network element when generating PCC rules for each data flow under the target service; the session management policy association modification request is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow. This is equivalent to the PCF network element needing to generate PCC rules corresponding to each data flow under the target service on the basis of identifying each data flow under the target service in the process of data flow transmission to coordinate the transmission of each data flow. This way of obtaining PCC rules not only takes into account the transmission differences between data flows under different services, but also takes into account the transmission differences between different data flows under the target service, thereby adjusting the downlink transmission delay of each data flow under the target service and coordinating the transmission of each data flow under the same service.

[0251] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG11 , the method further includes:

[0252] S1101, receiving the end-to-end transmission delay of each data stream sent by the PCF network element;

[0253] S1102: Send the end-to-end transmission delay of each data flow to the AF network element.

[0254] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG12 , the method further includes:

[0255] S1201, receiving the actual transmission delay difference between each pair of data streams sent by the PCF network element;

[0256] S1202: Send the actual transmission delay difference between each pair of data streams to the AF network element.

[0257] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG13 , the method further includes:

[0258] S1301, receiving an AF session response sent by a PCF network element;

[0259] S1302: Send an AF session response to the AF network element.

[0260] The above is a description of the relevant embodiments with NEF network elements as the execution entity. Since all the implementation principles and detailed processes, as well as the technical effects achievable in the aforementioned embodiments with PCF network elements / SMF network elements / RAN as the execution entity, are the same as those in the embodiments with NEF network elements as the execution entity, for the sake of brevity and clarity, the aforementioned embodiments will not be described in detail one by one. The implementation process and effects of each embodiment can be referred to the description of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0261] Next, relevant embodiments of the data stream transmission method using the AF network element as the execution body are described.

[0262] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG14 , a data stream transmission method is provided. The method is described by taking the application of the method to an AF network element as an example, including the following steps:

[0263] S1401, send an AF session request to the NEF network element. The AF session request is used to instruct the PCF network element through the NEF network element to send a session management policy association modification request carrying the PCC rules to the SMF network element when generating PCC rules for each data flow under the target service; the session management policy association modification request is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0264] The AF network element carries the coordinated transmission configuration information for each data flow under the target service in the AF session request and sends it to the PCF network element through the NEF network element. Then, the PCF network element generates the PCC rules for each data flow under the target service based on the AF session request and carries the PCC rules in the session management policy association modification request and sends it to the SMF network element. The SMF network element sends the PCC rules to the RAN through the AMF network element, instructing the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0265] In an embodiment of the present application, the AF network element sends an AF session request to the NEF network element. The AF session request is used to instruct the PCF network element through the NEF network element to send a session management policy association modification request carrying PCC rules to the SMF network element when generating PCC rules for each data flow under the target service; the session management policy association modification request is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow. This is equivalent to the PCF network element needing to generate PCC rules corresponding to each data flow under the target service on the basis of identifying each data flow under the target service in the process of data flow transmission to coordinate the transmission of each data flow. This way of obtaining PCC rules not only takes into account the transmission differences between data flows under different services, but also takes into account the transmission differences between different data flows under the target service, thereby adjusting the downlink transmission delay of each data flow under the target service and coordinating the transmission of each data flow under the same service.

[0266] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0267] The end-to-end transmission delay of each data stream sent by the receiving PCF network element through the NEF network element.

[0268] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0269] The actual transmission delay difference between each pair of data streams sent by the receiving PCF network element through the NEF network element.

[0270] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0271] Receive the AF session response sent by the PCF network element through the NEF network element.

[0272] Since all the implementation principles and detailed processes in the aforementioned embodiments with the AF network element as the execution subject, as well as the technical effects that can be achieved are the same as those in the aforementioned embodiments with the PCF network element / SMF network element / RAN / NEF network element as the execution subject, for the sake of brevity and clarity, the above embodiments will not be described one by one. The implementation process and implementation effects of each embodiment can be found in the description of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0273] In one embodiment, FIG15 provides a signaling interaction flow chart of a data stream transmission method. As shown in FIG15 , the method includes the following steps:

[0274] S1. The AF network element sends an AF session request to the NEF network element.

[0275] Among them, the AF session request carries data flow coordination transmission configuration information such as the tethered transmission delay between the UE and each tethered device, the UE address, the AF network element identifier, the data flow description information, the service identifier of the data flow, the QoS requirement parameters of each data flow, the monitoring requirements of each data flow, and the correspondence between the optional service quality parameters of each data flow.

[0276] S2. The NEF network element authorizes the AF network element.

[0277] S3. The NEF network element sends an AF session request to the PCF network element.

[0278] S4. The PCF network element sends an AF session response to the NEF network element.

[0279] S5. The NEF network element sends an AF session response to the AF network element.

[0280] S6. The PCF network element generates PCC rules corresponding to each data flow under the same service.

[0281] The PCF network element coordinates the transmission configuration information based on the data flow carried in the AF session request and generates PCC rules for each data flow of the same service.

[0282] S7. The PCF network element and the SMF network element modify the session management policy association.

[0283] Specifically, the PCF network element sends a session management policy association modification request to the SMF network element, and the SMF network element sends a session management policy association modification response to the PCF network element. The session management policy association request carries the PCC rules generated by the PCF network element in S6.

[0284] S8. The SMF network element sends an N4 session modification request to the UPF network element.

[0285] The N4 session modification request carries the PCC rule generated by the PCF network element at S6.

[0286] At the same time, the SMF network element can also send PCC rules to the RAN through the AMF network element to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of various data flows.

[0287] S9. The UPF network element sends an N4 session modification response to the SMF network element.

[0288] S10. The PCF network element obtains the QoS monitoring results and calculates the actual transmission delay difference of each data flow.

[0289] The QoS monitoring result is the end-to-end transmission delay of each data flow. The actual delay difference of each data flow is determined based on the end-to-end delay of each data flow and the tethered transmission delay of each data flow.

[0290] S11. The PCF network element reports the QoS monitoring results and the actual delay difference to the AF network element through the NEF network element.

[0291] S12. The PCF network element updates the PCC rules.

[0292] The PCF network element updates the PCC rules until the actual delay difference between the data flows of each mode is lower than the synchronous transmission threshold.

[0293] S13. The PCF network element and the SMF network element modify the session management policy association.

[0294] Specifically, the PCF network element sends a session management policy association modification request to the SMF network element, and the SMF network element sends a session management policy association modification response to the PCF network element.

[0295] Different from S7, the session management policy association request in S13 carries the PCC rules updated by the PCF network element in S12.

[0296] S14. The SMF network element sends an N4 session modification request to the UPF network element.

[0297] The N4 session modification request carries the PCC rules updated by the PCF network element in S12.

[0298] S15. The UPF network element sends an N4 session modification response to the SMF network element.

[0299] S16. The PCF network element re-reports the QoS monitoring results and the actual delay difference to the AF network element through the NEF network element.

[0300] In an embodiment of the present application, the PCF network element receives the AF session request sent by the AF network element through the NEF network element, then generates the PCC rules for each data flow under the target service, and sends a session management policy association modification request to the SMF network element. The session management policy association modification request carries the PCC rules to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow. This is equivalent to the PCF network element needing to generate the PCC rules corresponding to each data flow under the target service on the basis of identifying each data flow under the target service in the process of data flow transmission to coordinate the transmission of each data flow. This way of obtaining PCC rules not only takes into account the transmission differences between data flows under different services, but also takes into account the transmission differences between different data flows under the target service, thereby adjusting the downlink transmission delay of each data flow under the target service and coordinating the transmission of each data flow under the same service.

[0301] It should be understood that, although the various steps in the flowchart of Figure 3-15 are shown in sequence as indicated by the arrows, these steps are not necessarily performed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise specified herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and these steps can be performed in other orders. Moreover, at least a portion of the steps in Figure 3-15 may include multiple steps or multiple stages, and these steps or stages are not necessarily performed at the same time, but can be performed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily to be performed in sequence, but can be performed in turn or alternately with other steps or at least a portion of steps or stages in other steps.

[0302] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG16 , a data stream transmission device is provided, including: a first receiving module 1601 , a rule generating module 1602 , and a first sending module 1603 , wherein:

[0303] The first receiving module 1601 is configured to receive an AF session request sent by the AF network element via the NEF network element;

[0304] A rule generation module 1602 is configured to generate PCC rules for each data flow under a target service according to an AF session request;

[0305] The first sending module 1603 is used to send a session management policy association modification request to the SMF network element. The session management policy association modification request carries a PCC rule to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0306] In one embodiment, the data stream transmission device further includes a data stream identification module, wherein the data stream identification module is configured to determine each data stream under the target service according to an identifier of the target service.

[0307] In one embodiment, the rule generation module 1602 includes a first generation unit, where the first generation unit is configured to determine a PCC rule for each data flow under a target service according to a service requirement of each data flow.

[0308] In one embodiment, the rule generation module 1602 further includes an end-to-end delay acquisition unit, a real delay acquisition unit, and a second generation unit, wherein:

[0309] The end-to-end delay acquisition unit is used to obtain the end-to-end transmission delay of each data flow according to the QoS monitoring requirements; the end-to-end transmission delay represents the time it takes for each data flow to be transmitted from the UPF network element to the UE;

[0310] a real delay acquisition unit, configured to acquire the real transmission delay of each data stream based on the end-to-end transmission delay of each data stream and the tethered transmission delay of each data stream;

[0311] The second generating unit is configured to generate a PCC rule for each data flow under the target service according to the actual transmission delay of each data flow.

[0312] In one embodiment, the second generating unit includes a delay difference calculating subunit, a parameter adjusting subunit, and a rule determining subunit, wherein:

[0313] The delay difference calculation subunit is used to calculate the actual transmission delay difference between each data stream according to the actual transmission delay of each data stream;

[0314] a parameter adjustment subunit, configured to adjust the QoS parameters of each data flow according to the optional QoS parameter configuration of each data flow if there is an actual transmission delay difference greater than the coordinated transmission threshold;

[0315] The rule determination subunit is used to obtain the PCC rule of each data flow under the target service according to the adjusted QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0316] In one embodiment, the PCC rule includes QoS parameters of each data flow, and the PCC rule is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate transmission of each data flow according to the QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0317] In one embodiment, the data stream transmission device further includes an end-to-end delay sending module, which is used to send the end-to-end transmission delay of each data stream to the NEF network element to instruct the NEF network element to send the end-to-end transmission delay of each data stream to the AF network element.

[0318] In one embodiment, the data stream transmission device further includes a delay difference sending module, which is used to send the actual transmission delay difference between each data stream to the NEF network element, so as to instruct the NEF network element to send the actual transmission delay difference between each data stream to the AF network element.

[0319] In one embodiment, the data stream transmission device further includes a first response sending module, wherein the first response sending module is configured to send an AF session response to the NEF network element to instruct the NEF network element to send the AF session response to the AF network element.

[0320] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG17 , a data stream transmission device is provided, including: a second receiving module 1701 and a transmission instruction module 1702 , wherein:

[0321] The second receiving module 1701 is configured to receive a session management policy association modification request sent by a PCF network element, where the session management policy association modification request carries a PCC rule; the PCC rule is generated by the PCF network element receiving an AF session request sent by the AF network element via the NEF network element;

[0322] The transmission instruction module 1702 is configured to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow according to the PCC rule.

[0323] In one embodiment, the transmission instruction module 1702 further includes an interface modification request generating unit and an interface modification request sending unit, wherein:

[0324] An interface modification request generating unit is configured to generate an N4 session modification request according to a PCC rule; the N4 session modification request carries QoS parameters of each data flow;

[0325] The interface modification request sending unit is used to send an N4 session modification request to the UPF network element to instruct the UPF network element to update the parameter configuration of each data flow according to the QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0326] In one embodiment, the data stream transmission device further includes an interface response receiving module for receiving an N4 session modification response sent by a UPF network element.

[0327] In one embodiment, the transmission indication module 1702 includes a parameter sending unit, configured to send QoS parameters of each data flow to the RAN via the AMF network element to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0328] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 18, a data stream transmission device is provided, including: a coordinated transmission module 1801, the coordinated transmission module 1801 is used to coordinate the transmission of each data stream according to the PCC rules of each data stream under the target service sent by the SMF network element; the PCC rules are carried in the session management policy association modification request, and the session management policy association modification request is generated by the PCF network element receiving the AF session request sent by the AF network element through the NEF network element and then sent to the SMF network element.

[0329] In one embodiment, the data stream transmission device further includes an interface modification request receiving module and an interface modification response sending module, wherein:

[0330] An interface modification request receiving unit, configured to receive QoS parameters of each data flow sent by the AMF network element;

[0331] The interface modification response sending unit is used to coordinate the transmission of each data flow according to the QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0332] In one embodiment, the PCC rule includes QoS parameters of each data flow; the PCC rule is also used to instruct the UPF network element to update the parameter configuration of each data flow according to the QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0333] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG19 , a data stream transmission device is provided, including: a third receiving module 1901 and a second sending module 1902 , wherein:

[0334] The third receiving module 1901 is configured to receive an AF session request sent by an AF network element;

[0335] The second sending module 1902 is used to send an AF session request to the PCF network element to instruct the PCF network element to send a session management policy association modification request carrying the PCC rules to the SMF network element when generating PCC rules for each data flow under the target service; the session management policy association modification request is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0336] In one embodiment, the data stream transmission device further includes: a network element authorization module, configured to authorize the AF network element in response to an AF session request sent by the AF network element.

[0337] In one embodiment, the PCC rule includes QoS parameters of each data flow, and the PCC rule is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate transmission of each data flow according to the QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0338] In one embodiment, the data stream transmission device further includes: an end-to-end delay receiving module and an end-to-end delay forwarding module, wherein:

[0339] End-to-end delay receiving module, used to receive the end-to-end transmission delay of each data stream sent by the PCF network element;

[0340] The end-to-end delay forwarding module is used to send the end-to-end transmission delay of each data flow to the AF network element.

[0341] In one embodiment, the data stream transmission device further includes: a delay difference receiving module and a delay difference forwarding module, wherein:

[0342] The delay difference receiving module is used to receive the actual transmission delay difference between each pair of data streams sent by the PCF network element;

[0343] The delay difference forwarding module is used to send the actual transmission delay difference between each pair of data flows to the AF network element.

[0344] In one embodiment, the data stream transmission device further includes: a first response receiving module and a first response forwarding module, wherein:

[0345] A first response receiving module is used to receive an AF session response sent by a PCF network element;

[0346] The first response forwarding module is configured to send an AF session response to the AF network element.

[0347] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG20 , a data stream transmission device is provided, including: a third sending module 2001, configured to send an AF session request to an NEF network element, wherein the AF session request is used to instruct the PCF network element through the NEF network element to send a session management policy association modification request carrying the PCC rule to the SMF network element when generating the PCC rule for each data stream under the target service; the session management policy association modification request is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data stream.

[0348] In one embodiment, the data stream transmission device further includes: an end-to-end delay acquisition module, configured to receive the end-to-end transmission delay of each data stream sent by the PCF network element via the NEF network element.

[0349] In one embodiment, the data stream transmission device further includes: a delay difference acquisition module, configured to receive the actual transmission delay difference between each pair of data streams sent by the PCF network element via the NEF network element.

[0350] In one embodiment, the data stream transmission device further includes: a first response acquisition module, configured to receive an AF session response sent by the PCF network element via the NEF network element.

[0351] For the specific definition of the data stream transmission device, please refer to the definition of the data stream transmission method above and will not be repeated here. Each module in the above-mentioned data stream transmission device can be implemented in whole or in part through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Each of the above-mentioned modules can be embedded in or independent of the processor in the computer device in hardware form, or can be stored in the memory of the computer device in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the corresponding operations of each of the above modules.

[0352] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG21 , a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device is provided. The communication device may be a PCF network element device, which may include a receiver 2101, a memory 2102, a processor 2103, at least one communication bus 2104, and a transmitter 2105. The communication bus 2104 is used to implement communication connections between components. The memory 2102 may include a high-speed RAM memory (Random Access Memory) and may also include a non-volatile memory (NVM), such as at least one disk storage. Various programs may be stored in the memory 2102 to perform various processing functions and implement the method steps of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the transmitter 2105 can be a radio frequency processing module or a baseband processing module in a PCF network element device, and the receiver 2101 can also be a radio frequency processing module or a baseband processing module in a PCF network element device. The transmitter 2105 and the receiver 2101 can be integrated together to form a transceiver. Both the transmitter 2105 and the receiver 2101 can be coupled to the processor 2103, and they can perform receiving or transmitting actions under the instruction or control of the processor 2103.

[0353] In one embodiment, the receiver 2101 is configured to receive an AF session request sent by the AF network element via the NEF network element;

[0354] Processor 2103, configured to generate PCC rules for each data flow under the target service according to the AF session request;

[0355] The transmitter 2105 is used to send a session management policy association modification request to the SMF network element. The session management policy association modification request carries PCC rules to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of various data flows.

[0356] In one embodiment, the processor 2103 is further configured to determine each data flow under the target service according to an identifier of the target service.

[0357] In one embodiment, the processor 2103 is further configured to determine a PCC rule for each data flow under the target service according to a service requirement of each data flow.

[0358] In one embodiment, the processor 2103 is further used to obtain the end-to-end transmission delay of each data flow according to QoS monitoring requirements; the end-to-end transmission delay represents the time for each data flow to be transmitted from the UPF network element to the UE; based on the end-to-end transmission delay of each data flow and the tethered transmission delay of each data flow, the actual transmission delay of each data flow is obtained; based on the actual transmission delay of each data flow, the PCC rules of each data flow under the target service are generated.

[0359] In one embodiment, the processor 2103 is further configured to calculate the actual transmission delay difference between each pair of data flows based on the actual transmission delay of each data flow; if there is an actual transmission delay difference greater than the coordinated transmission threshold, the QoS parameters of each data flow are adjusted according to the optional QoS parameter configuration of each data flow; and based on the adjusted QoS parameters of each data flow, the PCC rules of each data flow under the target service are obtained.

[0360] In one embodiment, the PCC rule includes QoS parameters of each data flow, and the PCC rule is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate transmission of each data flow according to the QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0361] In one embodiment, the transmitter 2105 is further configured to send the end-to-end transmission delay of each data stream to the NEF network element, to instruct the NEF network element to send the end-to-end transmission delay of each data stream to the AF network element.

[0362] In one embodiment, the transmitter 2105 is further configured to send the actual transmission delay difference between each pair of data streams to the NEF network element, so as to instruct the NEF network element to send the actual transmission delay difference between each pair of data streams to the AF network element.

[0363] In one embodiment, the transmitter 2105 is further configured to send an AF session response to the NEF network element, to instruct the NEF network element to send the AF session response to the AF network element.

[0364] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG22 , a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device is provided. The communication device may be an SMF network element device. The SMF network element device may include a receiver 2201, a memory 2202, a processor 2203, at least one communication bus 2204, and a transmitter 2205. The communication bus 2204 is used to implement communication connections between the components. The memory 2202 may include a high-speed RAM memory or a non-volatile memory NVM, such as at least one disk storage device. The memory 2202 may store various programs for performing various processing functions and implementing the method steps of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the transmitter 2205 may be a radio frequency processing module or a baseband processing module in the SMF network element device, and the receiver 2201 may also be a radio frequency processing module or a baseband processing module in the SMF network element device. The transmitter 2205 and receiver 2201 may be integrated together to form a transceiver. Both the transmitter 2205 and receiver 2201 may be coupled to the processor 2203 and may perform receiving or transmitting operations under the instruction or control of the processor 2203.

[0365] In one embodiment, the receiver 2201 is configured to receive a session management policy association modification request sent by a PCF network element, where the session management policy association modification request carries a PCC rule; the PCC rule is generated by the PCF network element receiving an AF session request sent by the AF network element via the NEF network element;

[0366] The processor 2203 is configured to instruct the RAN to coordinate transmission of each data flow according to the PCC rule.

[0367] In one embodiment, the processor 2203 is further configured to generate an N4 session modification request according to the PCC rule; the N4 session modification request carries the QoS parameters of each data flow;

[0368] Transmitter 2205 is used to send an N4 session modification request to the UPF network element to instruct the UPF network element to update the parameter configuration of each data flow according to the QoS parameters of each data flow carried in the N4 session modification request.

[0369] In one embodiment, the receiver 2201 is further used to receive an N4 session modification response sent by the UPF network element.

[0370] In one embodiment, the transmitter 2205 is configured to send the QoS parameters of each data flow to the RAN through the AMF network element to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0371] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG23 , a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device is provided. The communication device may be a RAN access network device. The RAN access network device may include a receiver 2301, a memory 2302, a processor 2303, at least one communication bus 2304, and a transmitter 2305. The communication bus 2304 is used to implement communication connections between components. The memory 2302 may include high-speed RAM memory or non-volatile storage (NVM), such as at least one disk storage. The memory 2302 may store various programs for performing various processing functions and implementing the method steps of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the transmitter 2305 may be a radio frequency processing module or a baseband processing module in the RAN access network device, and the receiver 2301 may also be a radio frequency processing module or a baseband processing module in the RAN access network device. The transmitter 2305 and receiver 2301 may be integrated together to form a transceiver. Both the transmitter 2305 and receiver 2301 may be coupled to the processor 2303 and may perform receiving or transmitting operations under the instructions or control of the processor 2303.

[0372] In one embodiment, the processor 2303 is used to coordinate the transmission of each data flow according to the PCC rules of each data flow under the target service sent by the SMF network element; the PCC rules are carried in the session management policy association modification request, and the session management policy association modification request is generated by the PCF network element after receiving the AF session request sent by the AF network element through the NEF network element and then sent to the SMF network element.

[0373] In one embodiment, the receiver 2301 is configured to receive QoS parameters of each data flow sent by the AMF network element;

[0374] The processor 2303 is configured to coordinate transmission of each data flow according to the QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0375] In one embodiment, the PCC rule includes QoS parameters of each data flow; the PCC rule is also used to instruct the UPF network element to update the parameter configuration of each data flow according to the QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0376] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG24 , a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device is provided. The communication device may be a NEF network element device. The NEF network element device may include a receiver 2401, a memory 2402, a processor 2403, at least one communication bus 2404, and a transmitter 2405. The communication bus 2404 is used to implement communication connections between the components. The memory 2402 may include high-speed RAM memory or non-volatile memory NVM, such as at least one disk storage device. The memory 2402 may store various programs for performing various processing functions and implementing the method steps of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the transmitter 2405 may be a radio frequency processing module or baseband processing module in the NEF network element device, and the receiver 2401 may also be a radio frequency processing module or baseband processing module in the NEF network element device. The transmitter 2405 and receiver 2401 may be integrated together to form a transceiver. Both the transmitter 2405 and receiver 2401 may be coupled to the processor 2403 and may perform receiving or transmitting operations under the instruction or control of the processor 2403.

[0377] In one embodiment, the receiver 2401 is configured to receive an AF session request sent by an AF network element;

[0378] Transmitter 2405 is used to send an AF session request to the PCF network element to instruct the PCF network element to send a session management policy association modification request carrying the PCC rules to the SMF network element when generating PCC rules for each data flow under the target service; the session management policy association modification request is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0379] In one embodiment, the processor 2403 is configured to authorize the AF network element in response to an AF session request sent by the AF network element.

[0380] In one embodiment, the PCC rule includes QoS parameters of each data flow, and the PCC rule is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate transmission of each data flow according to the QoS parameters of each data flow.

[0381] In one embodiment, the receiver 2401 is configured to receive the end-to-end transmission delay of each data stream sent by the PCF network element;

[0382] The transmitter 2405 is further configured to send the end-to-end transmission delay of each data stream to the AF network element.

[0383] In one embodiment, the receiver 2401 is further configured to receive the actual transmission delay difference between each pair of data streams sent by the PCF network element;

[0384] The transmitter 2405 is further configured to send the actual transmission delay difference between each pair of data streams to the AF network element.

[0385] In one embodiment, the receiver 2401 is further configured to receive an AF session response sent by the PCF network element;

[0386] The transmitter 2405 is further configured to send an AF session response to the AF network element.

[0387] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG25 , a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device is provided. The communication device may be an AF network element device. The AF network element device may include a receiver 2501, a memory 2502, a processor 2503, at least one communication bus 2504, and a transmitter 2505. The communication bus 2504 is used to implement communication connections between components. The memory 2502 may include a high-speed RAM memory or a non-volatile memory NVM, such as at least one disk storage device. The memory 2502 may store various programs for performing various processing functions and implementing the method steps of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the transmitter 2505 may be a radio frequency processing module or a baseband processing module in the AF network element device, and the receiver 2501 may also be a radio frequency processing module or a baseband processing module in the AF network element device. The transmitter 2505 and receiver 2501 may be integrated together to form a transceiver. Both the transmitter 2505 and receiver 2501 may be coupled to the processor 2503 and may perform receiving or transmitting operations under the instruction or control of the processor 2503.

[0388] In one embodiment, the transmitter 2505 is used to send an AF session request to the NEF network element. The AF session request is used to instruct the PCF network element through the NEF network element to send a session management policy association modification request carrying the PCC rules to the SMF network element when generating PCC rules for each data flow under the target service; the session management policy association modification request is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

[0389] In one embodiment, the receiver 2501 is configured to receive the end-to-end transmission delay of each data stream sent by the PCF network element through the NEF network element.

[0390] In one embodiment, the receiver 2501 is further configured to receive the actual transmission delay difference between each pair of data streams sent by the PCF network element through the NEF network element.

[0391] In one embodiment, the receiver 2501 is further configured to receive an AF session response sent by the PCF network element via the NEF network element.

[0392] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, any method step in each embodiment of the data stream transmission method in the above embodiments is implemented.

[0393] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a processor, any one of the method steps in each embodiment of the data stream transmission method in the above embodiments is implemented.

[0394] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that all or part of the processes in the above-mentioned embodiment methods can be implemented by instructing the relevant hardware through a computer program, which can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above-mentioned methods. Among them, any reference to memory, storage, database or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory or optical memory, etc. Volatile memory may include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory. As an illustration and not limitation, RAM can be in various forms, such as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM).

[0395] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0396] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art could make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present patent application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A data stream transmission method, applied to a policy control function (PCF) network element, the method comprising: Receiving an AF session request sent by an application function (AF) network element through a network exposure function (NEF) network element; Generate a policy and charging control (PCC) rule for each data flow under the target service according to the AF session request; A session management policy association modification request is sent to a session management function (SMF) network element, wherein the session management policy association modification request carries the PCC rule to instruct a radio access network (RAN) to coordinate transmission of each of the data flows.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The AF session request includes an identifier of the target service. Before generating the PCC rule for each data flow under the target service, the method further includes: According to the identifier of the target service, each data flow under the target service is determined.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The AF session request includes a service requirement of each of the data flows; and generating a PCC rule for each of the data flows under the target service according to the AF session request includes: According to the service requirements of the data flows, a PCC rule for each data flow under the target service is determined.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The AF session request includes a quality of service (QoS) monitoring requirement and a tethered transmission delay of each of the data flows, and generating a PCC rule for each data flow under the target service according to the AF session request includes: According to the QoS monitoring requirement, an end-to-end transmission delay of each of the data flows is obtained; the end-to-end transmission delay represents the time for each data flow to be transmitted from a user plane function (User Plane Function, UPF) network element to a user equipment (User Equipment, UE); Obtaining a real transmission delay of each of the data flows according to the end-to-end transmission delay of each of the data flows and the tethered transmission delay of each of the data flows; A PCC rule for each data flow under the target service is generated according to the actual transmission delay of each data flow.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: The AF session request includes optional QoS parameter configuration of each of the data flows; Generating the PCC rule of each data flow under the target service according to the actual transmission delay of each data flow includes: Calculating the actual transmission delay difference between each pair of the data streams according to the actual transmission delay of each data stream; If there is a real transmission delay difference greater than the coordinated transmission threshold, adjusting the QoS parameters of each of the data flows according to the optional QoS parameter configuration of each of the data flows; According to the adjusted QoS parameters of each of the data flows, a PCC rule of each data flow under the target service is obtained.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The PCC rule includes the QoS parameters of each of the data flows, and the PCC rule is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each of the data flows according to the QoS parameters of each of the data flows.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The method further comprises: The end-to-end transmission delay of each of the data flows is sent to the NEF network element to instruct the NEF network element to send the end-to-end transmission delay of each of the data flows to the AF network element.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The method further comprises: The actual transmission delay difference between each pair of the data streams is sent to the NEF network element to instruct the NEF network element to send the actual transmission delay difference between each pair of the data streams to the AF network element.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The method further comprises: An AF session response is sent to the NEF network element to instruct the NEF network element to send the AF session response to the AF network element.

10. A data stream transmission method, applied to an SMF network element, the method comprising: receiving a session management policy association modification request sent by a PCF network element, wherein the session management policy association modification request carries a PCC rule; The PCC rule is generated by the PCF network element receiving an AF session request sent by the AF network element through the NEF network element; According to the PCC rule, the RAN is instructed to coordinate transmission of each of the data flows.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The PCC rule includes a QoS parameter of each of the data flows, and the method further includes: Generate an N4 session modification request according to the PCC rule; the N4 session modification request carries the QoS parameters of each of the data flows; The N4 session modification request is sent to the UPF network element to instruct the UPF network element to update the parameter configuration of each data flow according to the QoS parameters of each data flow.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The method further comprises: Receive the N4 session modification response sent by the UPF network element.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The PCC rule includes a QoS parameter of each of the data flows, and instructing the RAN to coordinate transmission of each of the data flows according to the PCC rule includes: The QoS parameters of each of the data flows are sent to the RAN through an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each of the data flows.

14. A data stream transmission method, applied to RAN, the method comprising: Coordinate the transmission of each data flow under the target service according to the PCC rules of each data flow sent by the SMF network element; The PCC rule is carried in a session management policy association modification request, and the session management policy association modification request is generated by the PCF network element after receiving the AF session request sent by the AF network element through the NEF network element and then sent to the SMF network element.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The PCC rule includes a QoS parameter of each of the data flows, and the method further includes: Receiving QoS parameters of each of the data flows sent by the AMF network element; The transmission of each of the data flows is coordinated according to the QoS parameters of each of the data flows.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: The PCC rule includes the QoS parameters of each of the data flows; the PCC rule is also used to instruct the UPF network element to update the parameter configuration of each of the data flows according to the QoS parameters of each of the data flows.

17. A data stream transmission method, applied to a NEF network element, the method comprising: Receiving an AF session request sent by an AF network element; The AF session request is sent to the PCF network element to instruct the PCF network element to send a session management policy association modification request carrying the PCC rules to the SMF network element when generating PCC rules for each data flow under the target service; the session management policy association modification request is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each of the data flows.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: Before sending the AF session request to the PCF network element, the method further includes: In response to the AF session request sent by the AF network element, the AF network element is authorized.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The PCC rule includes the QoS parameters of each of the data flows, and the PCC rule is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each of the data flows according to the QoS parameters of each of the data flows.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein: The method further comprises: receiving the end-to-end transmission delay of each of the data streams sent by the PCF network element; The end-to-end transmission delay of each of the data flows is sent to the AF network element.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein: The method further comprises: Receive the actual transmission delay difference between each pair of the data streams sent by the PCF network element; The actual transmission delay difference between each pair of the data streams is sent to the AF network element.

22. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein: The method further comprises: Receiving an AF session response sent by the PCF network element; Sending the AF session response to the AF network element.

23. A data stream transmission method, applied to an AF network element, the method comprising: Send an AF session request to the NEF network element, the AF session request is used to instruct the PCF network element to send a session management policy association modification message carrying the PCC rule to the SMF network element when generating the PCC rule for each data flow under the target service through the NEF network element Request; the session management policy association modification request is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each of the data flows.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein: The method further comprises: Receive the end-to-end transmission delay of each of the data flows sent by the PCF network element through the NEF network element.

25. The method according to claim 23, wherein: The method further comprises: The actual transmission delay difference between each pair of the data streams sent by the PCF network element through the NEF network element is received.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein: The method further comprises: Receive an AF session response sent by the PCF network element through the NEF network element.

27. A data stream transmission device, the device comprising: A first receiving module, configured to receive an AF session request sent by the AF network element via the NEF network element; A rule generation module, used to generate PCC rules for each data flow under the target service according to the AF session request; The first sending module is used to send a session management policy association modification request to the SMF network element, wherein the session management policy association modification request carries the PCC rule to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each of the data flows.

28. A data stream transmission device, the device comprising: A second receiving module is used to receive a session management policy association modification request sent by a PCF network element, wherein the session management policy association modification request carries a PCC rule; The PCC rule is generated by the PCF network element receiving an AF session request sent by the AF network element through the NEF network element; The transmission instruction module is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each of the data flows according to the PCC rule.

29. A data stream transmission device, the device comprising: A coordinated transmission module, used to coordinate the transmission of each data flow under the target service sent by the SMF network element according to the PCC rules of each data flow; The PCC rule is carried in a session management policy association modification request, and the session management policy association modification request is generated by the PCF network element after receiving the AF session request sent by the AF network element through the NEF network element and then sent to the SMF network element.

30. A data stream transmission device, the device comprising: A third receiving module, configured to receive an AF session request sent by the AF network element; The second sending module is used to send the AF session request to the PCF network element to instruct the PCF to send a session management policy association modification request carrying the PCC rules to the SMF network element when generating PCC rules for each data flow under the target service; the session management policy association modification request is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each data flow.

31. A data stream transmission device, the device comprising: The third sending module is used to send an AF session request to the NEF network element, where the AF session request is used to instruct the PCF network element through the NEF network element to send a session management policy association modification request carrying the PCC rules to the SMF network element when generating PCC rules for each data flow under the target service; the session management policy association modification request is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each of the data flows.

32. A communication device comprising: Receivers, processors, and transmitters; The receiver is used to receive an AF session request sent by the AF network element through the NEF network element; The processor is used to generate a PCC rule for each data flow under the target service according to the AF session request; The transmitter is used to send a session management policy association modification request to the SMF network element, wherein the session management policy association modification request carries the PCC rule to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each of the data flows.

33. A communication device comprising: a receiver, a processor and a memory, said memory storing a computer program; The receiver is used to receive a session management policy association modification request sent by a PCF network element, wherein the session management policy association modification request carries a PCC rule; the PCC rule is generated by the PCF network element receiving an AF session request sent by an AF network element through a NEF network element; The processor executes the computer program to instruct the RAN to coordinate transmission of each of the data flows according to the PCC rule.

34. A communication device comprising: a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program; The processor executes the computer program to coordinate the transmission of each data flow according to the PCC rule of each data flow under the target service sent by the SMF network element; The PCC rule is carried in a session management policy association modification request, and the session management policy association modification request is generated by the PCF network element after receiving the AF session request sent by the AF network element through the NEF network element and then sent to the SMF network element.

35. A communication device comprising: Receivers and transmitters; The receiver is used to receive an AF session request sent by the AF network element; The transmitter is used to send the AF session request to the PCF network element to instruct the PCF to send a session management policy association modification request carrying the PCC rules to the SMF network element when generating PCC rules for each data flow under the target service; the session management policy association modification request is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each of the data flows.

36. A communication device comprising: Transmitter; The transmitter is used to send an AF session request to the NEF network element, wherein the AF session request is used to instruct the PCF network element through the NEF network element to send a session management policy association modification request carrying the PCC rules to the SMF network element when generating PCC rules for each data flow under the target service; the session management policy association modification request is used to instruct the RAN to coordinate the transmission of each of the data flows.

37. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

38. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

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