Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a communication method and a communication apparatus. The method provided in the present application comprises: a first network unit receiving first resource state information from a second network unit, wherein the first resource state information comprises current resource state information of a network slice of at least one cell; and the first network unit sending predicted resource state information to the second network unit, wherein the predicted resource state information is determined on the basis of the first resource state information and a first model, and the predicted resource state information comprises predicted future resource state information of the network slice of the at least one cell. Therefore, accurate reasoning is facilitated to obtain the future resource state information of the network slice of the at least one cell. It is beneficial for the second network unit to rationally allocate resources to the network slice of the at least one cell on the basis of the predicted resource state information.

Description

Communication method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on September 27, 2023, with application number 202311270201.9 and application name “Communication Method and Communication Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and a communication device. Background Art

[0003] In 5G communication systems, services are categorized into three main scenarios based on their network requirements: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine type communication (mMTC). To achieve the goal of enabling industry-wide digitalization, 5G communication systems require that services across different industries not only meet guaranteed service level agreements (SLAs) but also operate independently and maintain security isolation. Traditional QoS-based networks cannot independently operate and isolate services based on specific service requirements, nor can they effectively guarantee SLAs for all services. Therefore, the concept of network slicing has been proposed. Network slicing enables operators to build multiple, end-to-end, virtual, isolated, and customizable dedicated logical networks on a single physical network, enabling multiple uses of a single network to meet the diverse network capability requirements of customers across different industries.

[0004] Currently, the minimum control granularity of network slice resource management by access network equipment is the network slice group. A network slice group can include one or more network slices, and a network slice can only be configured in one network slice group. Resource management is divided into three categories according to the resource allocation method: quality of service (QoS) scheduling, resource block (RB) resource reservation, and carrier isolation. Among them, the resource allocation granularity based on RB resource reservation is the network slice group. The two resource allocation granularities based on QoS scheduling and carrier isolation are a single network slice.

[0005] However, how access network equipment allocates resources to network slices to achieve reasonable resource allocation is an issue worth considering.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present application provides a communication method and a communication device for a first network element to send predicted resource state information to a second network element. The predicted resource state information is determined based on the first resource state information and a first model. The predicted resource state information includes predicted future resource state information for a network slice of at least one cell. This facilitates accurate inference of the future resource state information for the network slice of the at least one cell. This facilitates the second network element to reasonably allocate resources to the network slice of the at least one cell based on the predicted resource state information.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a first network unit; the first network unit can be a network unit in an access network device, or a component in the access network device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device. The method includes:

[0009] The first network unit receives first resource status information from the second network unit, where the first resource status information includes current resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell; the first network unit sends predicted resource status information to the second network unit, where the predicted resource status information is determined based on the first resource status information and a first model, and the predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell.

[0010] As can be seen, the first network unit sends predicted resource status information to the second network unit. The predicted resource status information is determined based on the first resource status information and the first model. This enables accurate inference to obtain the predicted resource status information. This facilitates the second network unit to obtain the predicted resource status information. This facilitates the second network unit to reasonably allocate resources for the network slice of the at least one cell and manage radio resources.

[0011] Based on the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the predicted resource status information includes at least one of the following: the predicted data volume of each network slice of at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of radio resource control (RRC) connections, the predicted number of protocol data unit (PDU) sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice transmit, the predicted data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage. It can be seen that the predicted resource status information includes slice-level predicted resource status information and session-level predicted resource status information. This helps the second network unit to reasonably allocate resources of the network slice, place network slices to meet expected needs, and / or manage wireless resources.

[0012] Based on the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the first resource status information includes at least one of the following: the current number of active users in each cell of at least one cell, the current number of RRC connections, the current capacity value of each network slice of at least one cell, the current physical resource block usage, the current user performance, the current data volume, the current number of PDU sessions, the current number of active users, the current number of RRC connections, the maximum bit rate currently supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the total maximum bit rate currently supported when all terminal devices use the network slice for transmission, the current data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, the current physical resource block usage, or the current user performance. It can be seen that the first resource status information includes the current resource status information at the slice level and the current resource status information at the session level. This is conducive to the first network unit accurately inferring the predicted resource status information through the first model based on the first resource status information. This is conducive to the second network unit reasonably allocating the resources of the network slice based on the predicted resource status information, placing the network slice to meet the expected demand, and / or wireless resource management.

[0013] Based on the first aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first resource status information also includes at least one of the following: signal quality of a reference signal transmitted between at least one terminal device in at least one cell and the second network unit, channel information between the at least one terminal device and the second network unit, the number of transmitting antennas included in the second network unit, the number of receiving antennas included in the second network unit, or the power margin of the second network unit.

[0014] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, after the first network element sends the predicted resource status information to the second network element, the method further includes: the first network element receiving updated first resource status information from the second network element, where the updated first resource status information includes updated current resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell. In this implementation, the second network element adjusts resource allocation and radio resource management of the network slice. The first resource status information is also updated, and the second network element may send the updated first resource status information to the first network element.

[0015] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, before a first network element receives first resource status information from a second network element, the method further includes: the first network element sending a resource status request to the second network element, the resource status request being used to request the first resource status information; and the first network element receiving the first resource status information from the second network element, including: the first network element receiving a resource status response from the second network element, the resource status response including the first resource status information. In this implementation, the first resource status information can be carried in the resource status response. This enables the second network element to provide the first resource status information to the first network element. This eliminates the need to redefine a new message to carry the first resource status information, thereby improving the practicality of the solution.

[0016] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, a first network element receives first resource status information from a second network element, including: the first network element receives a resource status update from the second network element, where the resource status update includes the first resource status information. In this implementation, the resource status update carries the first resource status information. This enables the second network element to provide the first resource status information to the first network element. This eliminates the need to redefine a new message to carry the first resource status information, thereby improving the practicality of the solution.

[0017] A second aspect of the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a second network unit; the second network unit can be a network unit in an access network device, or a component in the access network device (for example, a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device. The method includes:

[0018] The second network unit sends first resource status information to the first network unit, where the first resource status information includes current resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell. The second network unit receives predicted resource status information from the first network unit, where the predicted resource status information is determined based on the first resource status information and the first model, and includes predicted future resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0019] As can be seen, the second network unit receives predicted resource state information from the first network unit. The predicted resource state information is determined based on the first resource state information and the first model. The predicted resource state information includes predicted future resource state information for the network slice of at least one cell. This ensures that the predicted resource state information is accurately derived through reasoning with the first model. This facilitates the second network unit's acquisition of the predicted resource state information, facilitating reasonable resource allocation and radio resource management for the network slice of the at least one cell.

[0020] Based on the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the predicted resource status information includes at least one of the following: the predicted data volume of each network slice of at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of RRC connections, the predicted number of PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice transmit, the predicted data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage. It can be seen that the predicted resource status information includes slice-level predicted resource status information and session-level predicted resource status information. This helps the second network unit to reasonably allocate resources of the network slice, place network slices to meet expected needs, and / or manage wireless resources.

[0021] Based on the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the first resource status information includes at least one of the following: the current number of active users in each cell in at least one cell, the current number of RRC connections, the current capacity value of each network slice in at least one cell, the current physical resource block usage, the current user performance, the current number of PDU sessions, the current number of active users, the current number of RRC connections, the maximum bit rate currently supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the total maximum bit rate currently supported when all terminal devices use the network slice for transmission, the current data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, the current physical resource block usage, or the current user performance. It can be seen that the first resource status information includes the current resource status information at the slice level and the current resource status information at the session level. This is conducive to the first network unit accurately inferring the predicted resource status information through the first model based on the first resource status information. This is conducive to the second network unit reasonably allocating the resources of the network slice based on the predicted resource status information, placing the network slice to meet the expected demand, and / or wireless resource management.

[0022] Based on the second aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first resource status information also includes at least one of the following: signal quality of a reference signal transmitted between at least one terminal device in at least one cell and the second network unit, channel information between the at least one terminal device and the second network unit, the number of transmitting antennas included in the second network unit, the number of receiving antennas included in the second network unit, or the power margin of the second network unit.

[0023] Based on the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: determining, by the second network unit, a resource reservation policy and a radio resource management policy for a network slice of at least one cell based on the predicted resource status information; and executing the resource reservation policy and the radio resource management policy by the second network unit. This enables the second network device to reasonably allocate resources of the network slice and manage radio resources.

[0024] Based on the second aspect, in one possible implementation, after the second network element executes the resource reservation policy and the radio resource management policy, the method further includes: the second network element sending updated first resource status information to the first network element, where the updated first resource status information includes updated current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell. In this implementation, the second network element adjusts resource allocation and radio resource management of the network slice. The first resource status information is also updated, and the second network element can send the updated first resource status information to the first network element.

[0025] Based on the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the second network element receiving a resource status request from the first network element, the resource status request being used to request first resource status information; and the second network element sending the first resource status information to the first network element, including: the second network element sending a resource status response to the first network element, the resource status response including the first resource status information. In this implementation, the first resource status information can be carried in the resource status response. This enables the second network element to provide the first resource status information to the first network element. This eliminates the need to redefine a new message to carry the first resource status information, thereby improving the practicality of the solution.

[0026] Based on the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the second network element sending the first resource status information to the first network element includes: the second network element sending a resource status update to the first network element, where the resource status update includes the first resource status information. This enables the second network element to provide the first resource status information to the first network element. This eliminates the need to redefine a new message to carry the first resource status information, thereby improving the practicality of the solution.

[0027] A third aspect of the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a first access network device; the first access network device can be a component in the first access network device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network device. The method includes:

[0028] The first access network device determines first resource status information, where the first resource status information includes resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell, and the at least one cell is a cell covered by the first access network device or the second access network device; the first access network device determines predicted resource status information based on the first resource status information and the first model, where the predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0029] In the above technical solution, the first access network device infers predicted resource state information based on the first resource state information and the first model. The predicted resource state information includes predicted future resource state information of a network slice of at least one cell. This enables the first access network device to accurately infer the predicted resource state information. This facilitates the first access network device or the second access network device to obtain the predicted resource state information and perform resource reservation and radio resource management (e.g., mobility management) for the network slice based on the predicted resource state information.

[0030] Based on the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the predicted resource status information includes at least one of the following: the predicted data volume of each network slice of at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of RRC connections, the predicted number of PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice transmit, the predicted data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage. It can be seen that the predicted resource status information includes slice-level predicted resource status information and session-level predicted resource status information. This helps the first access network device or the second access network device to reasonably perform resource reservation and / or mobility management of the network slice. This enables reasonable allocation of resources. This achieves goals such as load balancing.

[0031] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the first resource status information includes at least one of the following: the current number of active users in each of at least one cell, the current number of RRC connections, the current capacity value of each network slice in at least one cell, the current physical resource block usage, the current user performance, the current data volume, the current number of PDU sessions, the current number of active users, the current number of RRC connections, the maximum bit rate currently supported by each terminal device when transmitting using the network slice, the total maximum bit rate currently supported by all terminal devices when transmitting using the network slice, the current data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, the current physical resource block usage, or the current user performance. Therefore, it can be seen that the first resource status information includes slice-level current resource status information and session-level current resource status information. This facilitates the first access network device to accurately infer predicted resource status information based on the first resource status information through the first model. This helps the first access network device or the second access network device to reasonably perform resource reservation and / or mobility management for the network slice, achieve reasonable resource allocation, and thereby achieve objectives such as load balancing.

[0032] Based on the third aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first resource status information also includes at least one of the following: signal quality of a reference signal transmitted between at least one terminal device in the at least one cell and the first access network device, channel information between the at least one terminal device and the first access network device, the number of transmitting antennas included in the first access network device, the number of receiving antennas included in the first access network device, or the power margin of the first access network device.

[0033] Based on the third aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first resource status information also includes at least one of the following: signal quality of a reference signal transmitted between at least one terminal device in the at least one cell and the second access network device, channel information between the at least one terminal device and the second access network device, the number of transmitting antennas included in the second access network device, the number of receiving antennas included in the second access network device, or the power margin of the second access network device.

[0034] Based on the third aspect, in a possible implementation, at least one cell is a cell covered by a first access network device; the method further includes: the first access network device sends predicted resource status information to the second access network device. It can be seen that the predicted resource status information can be the future resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell covered by the first access network device. The first access network device (i.e., this station) obtains the first resource status information of this station. The first access network device (i.e., this station) sends the predicted resource status information to the second access network device (i.e., the neighboring station). This enables the second access network device to obtain the predicted resource status information of the first access network device. This facilitates the second access network device to reasonably perform resource reservation and / or mobility management of the network slice based on the predicted resource status information. This enables reasonable allocation of resources. This achieves goals such as load balancing.

[0035] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, before the first access network device sends the predicted resource status information to the second access network device, the method further includes: the first access network device receiving a first request from the second access network device, the first request being for requesting future predicted resource status information for a network slice of at least one cell. In this implementation, the second access network device may request the predicted resource status information, thereby facilitating the second access network device to obtain the predicted resource status information.

[0036] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the first request also includes the predicted quantity requested by the second access network device for feedback. In this implementation, the first request may also include the requested predicted quantity. This enables the first access network device to provide the second access network device with the corresponding predicted quantity. This facilitates the second access network device to properly reserve resources and manage radio resources for the network slice.

[0037] Based on the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the predicted amount includes at least one of the following: the predicted data volume of each network slice of at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of RRC connections, the predicted number of PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice transmit, the predicted data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage. It can be seen that the predicted amount includes the slice-level predicted amount and the session-level predicted amount. This helps the second access network device to reasonably perform resource reservation and / or mobility management of the network slice. It realizes the reasonable allocation of resources. It achieves the goals of load balancing.

[0038] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: executing a first handover decision and / or a first dual-connectivity decision between the first access network device and the second access network device, the first handover decision and / or the first dual-connectivity decision being determined based on the predicted resource state information, the first handover decision including handing over a first terminal device from the second access network device to the first access network device, the first terminal device being a terminal device served by the second access network device, and the first dual-connectivity decision including establishing a connection between the first access network device and the second terminal device as a secondary access network device for the second terminal device, the second terminal device being a terminal device served by the second access network device. This achieves objectives such as mobility management and load balancing between the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0039] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, after a first handover decision or a first dual connectivity decision is executed between a first access network device and a second access network device, the method further includes: the first access network device updating first resource status information, where the updated first resource status information includes updated current resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell. In this implementation, after the first handover decision or the first dual connectivity decision is executed between the first access network device and the second access network device, the first resource status information is updated, and the first access network device can determine the updated first resource status information, thereby achieving reasonable allocation of network slice resources.

[0040] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the first access network device determining decision-assisting information based on the predicted resource status information, the decision-assisting information being used to assist the second access network device in determining the first handover decision and / or the first dual connectivity decision; and the first access network device sending the decision-assisting information to the second access network device. This enables the second access network device to obtain the decision-assisting information. This facilitates the second access network device to reasonably perform resource reservation and / or mobility management for the network slice based on the decision-assisting information, thereby achieving reasonable resource allocation and, in turn, achieving load balancing and other objectives.

[0041] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the decision-assistance information includes at least one of the following: access probabilities of respective network slices of at least one cell, slice information of a first-type network slice, or slice information of a second-type network slice; wherein the first-type network slice is a network slice having an access probability greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the second-type network slice is a network slice having an access probability less than or equal to a second threshold. This facilitates the second access network device to reschedule the terminal device based on the access probabilities of the respective network slices, thereby implementing mobility management.

[0042] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: executing a first handover decision and / or a first dual connectivity decision between the first access network device and the second access network device, wherein the first handover decision or the first dual connectivity decision is determined by the second access network device based on decision-assistance information, the first handover decision including handing over the first terminal device from the second access network device to the first access network device, and the first dual connectivity decision including establishing a connection between the first access network device as a secondary access network device for the second terminal device, wherein the second terminal device is a terminal device served by the second access network device. This achieves objectives such as mobility management and load balancing between the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0043] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, after a first handover decision or a first dual connectivity decision is executed between a first access network device and a second access network device, the method further includes: the first access network device receiving updated first resource status information from the second access network device, where the updated first resource status information includes updated current resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell. In this implementation, after the first handover decision or the first dual connectivity decision is executed between the first access network device and the second access network device, the first resource status information is updated, and the first access network device receives the updated first resource status information from the second access network device. This achieves reasonable allocation of network slice resources.

[0044] Based on the third aspect, in a possible implementation method, before the first access network device sends decision-making assistance information to the second access network device, the method also includes: the first access network device receives a second request from the second access network device, and the second request is used to request decision-making assistance information for assisting the second access network device in determining the first switching decision or the first dual connection decision.

[0045] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the second request includes a decision assistance amount requested to be fed back by the second access network device, thereby facilitating the second access network device to perform reasonable allocation of network slice resources and reasonable mobility management based on the decision assistance information.

[0046] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the decision-assisting quantity includes at least one of the following: access probabilities of respective network slices of at least one cell, slice information of a first-type network slice, or slice information of a second-type network slice; wherein the first-type network slice is a network slice having an access probability greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the second-type network slice is a network slice having an access probability less than or equal to a second threshold. This facilitates the second access network device to reschedule the terminal device based on the access probabilities of the respective network slices, thereby implementing mobility management.

[0047] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, at least one cell is covered by a second access network device, and the first access network device determines first resource status information, including: the first access network device receives the first resource status information from the second access network device. In this implementation, the first resource status information is the current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell covered by the second access network device. That is, the first access network device (i.e., the current station) obtains the first resource status information of the second access network device (i.e., the neighboring station). This enables the first access network device (i.e., the current station) to determine the predicted resource status information of the neighboring station based on the first resource status information.

[0048] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the first access network device determining a second handover decision or a second dual connectivity decision based on the predicted resource state information, the second handover decision including handing over a third terminal device from the first access network device to the second access network device, the third terminal device being a terminal device served by the first access network device. The second dual connectivity decision including establishing a connection between the second access network device and the fourth terminal device as a secondary access network device for the fourth terminal device, the fourth terminal device being a terminal device served by the first access network device; and the second handover decision or the second dual connectivity decision being executed between the first access network device and the second access network device. This implements mobility management and rationally allocates network slice resources.

[0049] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, at least one cell is covered by a second access network device. The method further includes: the first access network device sending predicted resource status information to the second access network device. This enables the second access network device (i.e., the neighboring station) to obtain the predicted resource status information. This facilitates the second access network device to perform resource reservation and / or mobility management for the network slice based on the predicted resource status information. This enables reasonable resource allocation, thereby achieving load balancing and other objectives.

[0050] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: a first access network device receiving updated first resource status information from a second access network device, where the updated first resource status information includes updated current resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell. In this implementation, the first access network device and the second access network device execute a second handover decision or a second dual connectivity decision. A change in the first resource status information indicates a change in the resource status of the network slice. The second access network device may send the updated first resource status information to the first access network device, thereby achieving reasonable resource allocation.

[0051] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: a first access network device receiving second resource status information from a core network device, the second resource status information including future resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell predicted by the core network device; and the first access network device determining the predicted resource status information based on the first resource status information, the second resource status information, and the first model, including: the first access network device inputting the first resource status information and the second resource status information into the first model to obtain the predicted resource status information output by the first model. In this implementation, the first access network device can further determine the predicted resource status information in combination with the second resource status information provided by the core network device. This enables the first access network device to more accurately infer the predicted resource status information.

[0052] A fourth aspect of the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a second access network device; the second access network device can be a component in the second access network device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second access network device. The method includes:

[0053] The second access network device receives predicted resource status information from the first access network device, where the predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell, and the at least one cell is a cell covered by the first access network device or the second access network device; the predicted resource status information is determined based on the first resource status information and the first model, where the first resource status information includes resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0054] As can be seen from the above solution, the second access network device can receive predicted resource state information. The predicted resource state information includes predicted future resource state information of a network slice of at least one cell. The first resource state information includes resource state information of the network slice of at least one cell. The predicted resource state information is determined based on the first resource state information and the first model. This enables accurate reasoning to obtain the predicted resource state information. This facilitates the second access network device to perform resource reservation and radio resource management (e.g., mobility management) for the network slice based on the predicted resource state information.

[0055] Based on the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, before the second access network device receives the predicted resource status information from the first access network device, the method further includes: the second access network device sending a first request to the first access network device, where the first request is used to request the predicted resource status information for the future network slice of at least one cell. This enables the second access network device to obtain the predicted resource status information, facilitating reasonable resource allocation and radio resource management by the second access network device.

[0056] Based on the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first request also includes a predicted quantity requested to be fed back by the second access network device. This enables the first access network device to feed back the corresponding predicted quantity to the second access network device. This helps the second access network device to reasonably reserve resources and manage radio resources for the network slice.

[0057] Based on the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation, the predicted amount includes at least one of the following: the predicted data volume of each network slice of the at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of RRC connections, the number of PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice transmit, the predicted data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage. It can be seen that the predicted amount includes the slice-level predicted amount and the session-level predicted amount. This helps the second access network device to reasonably perform resource reservation and / or mobility management of the network slice. It realizes reasonable allocation of resources. It achieves goals such as load balancing.

[0058] Based on the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the second access network device determining a first handover decision or a first dual connectivity decision based on the predicted resource status information; and the second access network device executing the first handover decision or the first dual connectivity decision with the first access network device. This achieves mobility management and load balancing between the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0059] Based on the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: after the second access network device and the first access network device execute a first handover decision or a first dual connectivity decision, the method further includes: the second access network device sending updated first resource status information to the first access network device, where the updated first resource status information includes updated current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell. In this implementation, after the first access network device and the second access network device execute the first handover decision or the first dual connectivity decision, the first resource status information is updated, and the second access network device may send the updated first resource status information to the first access network device. This achieves reasonable allocation of network slice resources.

[0060] Based on the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, before the second access network device receives the predicted resource status information from the first access network device, the method further includes: the second access network device sending the first resource status information to the first access network device. In this implementation, the second access network device may provide the first resource status information to the first access network device. This facilitates the first access network device to accurately derive the predicted resource status information based on the first resource status information.

[0061] Based on the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation, the first resource status information includes at least one of the following: the current number of active users in each cell in at least one cell, the current number of RRC connections, the current capacity value of each network slice in at least one cell, the current physical resource block usage, the current user performance, the current data volume, the current number of PDU sessions, the current number of active users, the current number of RRC connections, the maximum bit rate currently supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the total maximum bit rate currently supported when all terminal devices use the network slice for transmission, the current data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, the current physical resource block usage, or the current user performance. It can be seen that the first resource status information includes the current resource status information at the slice level and the current resource status information at the session level. This facilitates the first access network device to obtain the predicted resource status information based on the first resource status information through accurate reasoning of the first model.

[0062] The second access network device obtains the predicted resource status information, and performs resource reservation and wireless resource management (for example, mobility management) of the network slice based on the predicted resource status information.

[0063] Based on the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first resource status information also includes at least one of the following: signal quality of a reference signal transmitted between at least one terminal device in the at least one cell and the first access network device, channel information between the at least one terminal device and the first access network device, the number of transmitting antennas included in the first access network device, the number of receiving antennas included in the first access network device, or the power margin of the first access network device.

[0064] Based on the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first resource status information also includes at least one of the following: signal quality of a reference signal transmitted between at least one terminal device in the at least one cell and the second access network device, channel information between the at least one terminal device and the second access network device, the number of transmitting antennas included in the second access network device, the number of receiving antennas included in the second access network device, or the power margin of the second access network device.

[0065] Based on the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the predicted resource status information includes at least one of the following: the predicted data volume of each network slice of at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of RRC connections, the predicted number of coordinated PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice transmit, the predicted data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage. It can be seen that the predicted resource status information includes slice-level predicted resource status information and session-level predicted resource status information. This facilitates the second access network device to perform resource reservation and wireless resource management (for example, mobility management) of the network slice based on the predicted resource status information.

[0066] A fifth aspect of the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a second access network device; the second access network device can be a component in the second access network device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second access network device. The method includes:

[0067] The second access network device receives decision-making assistance information from the first access network device, where the decision-making assistance information is determined based on predicted resource status information, where the predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell, where the at least one cell is a cell covered by the first access network device or the second access network device; the predicted resource status information is determined based on the first resource status information and a first model, where the first resource status information includes current resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell.

[0068] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the second access network device receives decision-making assistance information. The decision-making assistance information is determined based on the predicted resource state information, which includes predicted future resource state information of the network slice of at least one cell. The predicted resource state information is determined based on the first resource state information and the first model, where the first resource state information includes the current resource state information of the network slice of at least one cell. This enables accurate reasoning to obtain the predicted resource state information. The decision-making assistance information is determined based on the predicted resource state information, thereby facilitating the second access network device to perform resource reservation and radio resource management (e.g., mobility management) for the network slice based on the decision-making assistance information.

[0069] Based on the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: the second access network device determining a first switching decision or a first dual connectivity decision based on the decision assistance information, the first switching decision including switching the first terminal device from the second access network device to the first access network device, the first terminal device being a terminal device served by the second access network device, the first dual connectivity decision including using the first access network device as a secondary access network device of the second terminal device and establishing a connection with the second terminal device, the second terminal device being a terminal device served by the second access network device;

[0070] The second access network device executes the first handover decision or the first dual connectivity decision with the first access network device, thereby achieving mobility management, load balancing, and other goals between the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0071] Based on the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation, after the second access network device and the first access network device execute a first handover decision or a first dual connectivity decision, the method further includes: the second access network device transmitting updated first resource status information to the first access network device, where the updated first resource status information includes updated current resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell. In this implementation, the second access network device and the first access network device execute the first handover decision or the first dual connectivity decision. A change in the first resource status information, i.e., a change in the resource status of the network slice, can cause a change in the resource status of the network slice. The second access network device can send the updated first resource status information to the first access network device, thereby achieving reasonable resource allocation.

[0072] Based on the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation, before the second access network device receives the decision-assistance information from the first access network device, the method further includes: the second access network device sending a second request to the first access network device, where the second request is used to request decision-assistance information for assisting the second access network device in determining the first handover decision or the first dual connectivity decision. This facilitates the second access network device to perform reasonable allocation of network slice resources and reasonable mobility management based on the decision-assistance information.

[0073] Based on the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the second request also includes a decision-making assistance amount requested to be fed back by the second access network device.

[0074] Based on the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation, the decision-assisting quantity includes at least one of the following: access probabilities of respective network slices of at least one cell, slice information of a first-type network slice, or slice information of a second-type network slice; wherein the first-type network slice is a network slice having an access probability greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the second-type network slice is a network slice having an access probability less than or equal to a second threshold. This facilitates the second access network device to reschedule the terminal device based on the access probabilities of the respective network slices, thereby implementing mobility management.

[0075] Based on the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first resource status information includes at least one of the following: the current number of active users in each cell in at least one cell, the current number of RRC connections, the current capacity value of each network slice of at least one cell, the current physical resource block usage, the current user performance, the current data volume, the current number of PDU sessions, the current number of active users, the current number of RRC connections, the maximum bit rate currently supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the total maximum bit rate currently supported when all terminal devices use the network slice for transmission, the current data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, the current physical resource block usage, or the current user performance. It can be seen that the predicted resource status information includes slice-level predicted resource status information and session-level predicted resource status information. This facilitates the second access network device to perform resource reservation and wireless resource management (for example, mobility management) of the network slice.

[0076] Based on the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first resource status information also includes at least one of the following: signal quality of a reference signal transmitted between at least one terminal device in the at least one cell and the first access network device, channel information between the at least one terminal device and the first access network device, the number of transmitting antennas included in the first access network device, the number of receiving antennas included in the first access network device, or the power margin of the first access network device.

[0077] Based on the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first resource status information also includes at least one of the following: signal quality of a reference signal transmitted between at least one terminal device in the at least one cell and the second access network device, channel information between the at least one terminal device and the second access network device, the number of transmitting antennas included in the second access network device, the number of receiving antennas included in the second access network device, or the power margin of the second access network device.

[0078] Based on the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the predicted resource status information includes at least one of the following: the predicted data volume of each network slice of at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of radio resource control RRC connections, the predicted number of protocol data unit PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice transmit, the predicted data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage. It can be seen that the first resource status information includes the current resource status information at the slice level and the current resource status information at the session level. This facilitates the first access network device to obtain the predicted resource status information based on the first resource status information through accurate reasoning of the first model.

[0079] A sixth aspect of the present application provides a communication device, including:

[0080] The transceiver module is used to receive first resource status information from the second network unit, where the first resource status information includes current resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell; and send predicted resource status information to the second network unit, where the predicted resource status information is determined based on the first resource status information and a first model, and the predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell.

[0081] Based on the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the predicted resource status information includes at least one of the following: the predicted data volume of each network slice of at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of RRC connections, the predicted number of PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice for transmission, the predicted data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage.

[0082] Based on the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first resource status information includes at least one of the following: the current number of active users in each cell in at least one cell, the current number of RRC connections, the current capacity value of each network slice of at least one cell, the current physical resource block usage, the current user performance, the current data volume, the current number of PDU sessions, the current number of active users, the current number of RRC connections, the maximum bit rate currently supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the total maximum bit rate currently supported when all terminal devices use the network slice for transmission, the current data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, the current physical resource block usage, or the current user performance.

[0083] Based on the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first resource status information also includes at least one of the following: signal quality of a reference signal transmitted between at least one terminal device in at least one cell and the second network unit, channel information between the at least one terminal device and the second network unit, the number of transmitting antennas included in the second network unit, the number of receiving antennas included in the second network unit, or the power margin of the second network unit.

[0084] Based on the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the transceiver module is also used to: receive updated first resource status information from the second network unit, and the updated first resource status information includes the updated current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0085] Based on the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the transceiver module is also used to: send a resource status request to the second network unit, the resource status request is used to request the first resource status information; the transceiver module is specifically used to: receive a resource status response from the second network unit, the resource status response includes the first resource status information.

[0086] Based on the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module is specifically used to: receive a resource status update from the second network unit, where the resource status update includes first resource status information.

[0087] A seventh aspect of the present application provides a communication device, including:

[0088] The transceiver module is used to send first resource status information to the first network unit, where the first resource status information includes current resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell; and receive predicted resource status information from the first network unit, where the predicted resource status information is determined based on the first resource status information and a first model, and the predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell.

[0089] Based on the seventh aspect, in a possible implementation method, the predicted resource status information includes at least one of the following: the predicted data volume of each network slice of at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of RRC connections, the predicted number of PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice for transmission, the predicted data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage.

[0090] Based on the seventh aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first resource status information includes at least one of the following: the current number of active users in each cell in at least one cell, the current number of RRC connections, the current capacity value of each network slice in at least one cell, the current physical resource block usage, the current user performance, the current data volume, the current number of PDU sessions, the current number of active users, the current number of RRC connections, the maximum bit rate currently supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the total maximum bit rate currently supported when all terminal devices use the network slice for transmission, the current data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, the current physical resource block usage, or the current user performance.

[0091] Based on the seventh aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first resource status information includes at least one of the following: signal quality of a reference signal transmitted between at least one terminal device in at least one cell and the communication device, channel information between the at least one terminal device and the communication device, the number of transmitting antennas included in the communication device, the number of receiving antennas included in the communication device, or the power margin of the communication device.

[0092] Based on the seventh aspect, in a possible implementation method, the communication device also includes a processing module; the processing module is used to determine the resource reservation strategy and wireless resource management strategy of the network slice of at least one cell based on the predicted resource status information; and execute the resource reservation strategy and the wireless resource management strategy.

[0093] Based on the seventh aspect, in a possible implementation method, the transceiver module is also used to: send updated first resource status information to the first network unit, and the updated first resource status information includes the updated current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0094] Based on the seventh aspect, in a possible implementation method, the transceiver module is also used to: receive a resource status request from the first network unit, the resource status request is used to request the first resource status information; the transceiver module is specifically used to: send a resource status response to the first network unit, the resource status response includes the first resource status information.

[0095] Based on the seventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module is specifically used to: send a resource status update to the first network unit, where the resource status update includes first resource status information.

[0096] An eighth aspect of the present application provides a communication device, including:

[0097] A processing module is used to determine first resource status information, where the first resource status information includes resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell, and the at least one cell is a cell covered by a communication device or a second access network device; and determine predicted resource status information based on the first resource status information and a first model, where the predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell.

[0098] Based on the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the predicted resource status information includes at least one of the following: the predicted data volume of each network slice of at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of RRC connections, the predicted number of PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice for transmission, the predicted data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage.

[0099] Based on the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first resource status information includes at least one of the following: the current number of active users in each cell in at least one cell, the current number of RRC connections, the current capacity value of each network slice in at least one cell, the current physical resource block usage, the current user performance, the current data volume, the current number of PDU sessions, the current number of active users, the current number of RRC connections, the maximum bit rate currently supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the total maximum bit rate currently supported when all terminal devices use the network slice for transmission, the current data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, the current physical resource block usage, or the current user performance.

[0100] Based on the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first resource status information also includes at least one of the following: the signal quality of the reference signal transmitted between at least one terminal device in the at least one cell and the communication device, the channel information between the at least one terminal device and the communication device, the number of transmitting antennas included in the communication device, the number of receiving antennas included in the communication device, or the power margin of the communication device.

[0101] Based on the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first resource status information also includes at least one of the following: signal quality of a reference signal transmitted between at least one terminal device in the at least one cell and the second access network device, channel information between the at least one terminal device and the second access network device, the number of transmitting antennas included in the second access network device, the number of receiving antennas included in the second access network device, or the power margin of the second access network device.

[0102] Based on the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation method, at least one cell is a cell covered by the communication device; the communication device also includes a transceiver module; the transceiver module is used to send predicted resource status information to the second access network device.

[0103] Based on the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the communication device also includes a transceiver module; the transceiver module is used to receive a first request from the second access network device, and the first request is used to request future predicted resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell.

[0104] Based on the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation, the first request further includes a predicted amount requested for feedback by the second access network device. In this implementation, the first request may further include the requested predicted amount.

[0105] Based on the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the predicted amount includes at least one of the following: the predicted data amount of each network slice of at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of RRC connections, the predicted number of PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice for transmission, the predicted data amount of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage.

[0106] Based on the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the processing module is also used to: execute a first switching decision and / or a first dual connection decision with the second access network device, the first switching decision and / or the first dual connection decision is determined based on the predicted resource status information, the first switching decision includes switching the first terminal device from the second access network device to the communication device, the first terminal device is a terminal device served by the second access network device, the first dual connection decision includes using the communication device as an auxiliary access network device of the second terminal device, and establishing a connection with the second terminal device, and the second terminal device is a terminal device served by the second access network device.

[0107] Based on the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the processing module is also used to: update the first resource status information, and the updated first resource status information includes the updated current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0108] Based on the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the processing module is also used to: determine decision-making assistance information based on the predicted resource status information, and the decision-making assistance information is used to assist the second access network device in determining the first switching decision and / or the first dual connection decision; the transceiver module is also used to: send decision-making assistance information to the second access network device.

[0109] Based on the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the decision-making auxiliary information includes at least one of the following: the access probability of each network slice of at least one cell, slice information of a first type of network slice, or slice information of a second type of network slice; wherein, the first type of network slice is a network slice whose access probability is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the second type of network slice is a network slice whose access probability is less than or equal to a second threshold.

[0110] Based on the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the processing module is also used to: execute a first switching decision and / or a first dual connection decision with the second access network device, the first switching decision or the first dual connection decision is determined by the second access network device based on decision-making auxiliary information, the first switching decision includes switching the first terminal device from the second access network device to the communication device, the first dual connection decision includes using the communication device as an auxiliary access network device of the second terminal device, establishing a connection with the second terminal device, and the second terminal device is a terminal device served by the second access network device.

[0111] Based on the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the communication device also includes a transceiver module; the transceiver module is used to receive updated first resource status information from the second access network device, and the updated first resource status information includes the updated current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0112] Based on the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the transceiver module is also used to: receive a second request from the second access network device, the second request being used to request decision assistance information for assisting the second access network device in determining the first switching decision or the first dual connection decision.

[0113] Based on the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the second request includes a decision assistance amount requested to be fed back by the second access network device.

[0114] Based on the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the decision-making assistance quantity includes at least one of the following: the access probability of each network slice of at least one cell, the slice information of the first type of network slice, or the slice information of the second type of network slice; wherein, the first type of network slice is a network slice whose access probability is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the second type of network slice is a network slice whose access probability is less than or equal to a second threshold.

[0115] Based on the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, at least one cell is a cell covered by the second access network device, and the processing module is specifically used to: receive first resource status information from the second access network device.

[0116] Based on the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the processing module is also used to: determine a second switching decision or a second dual connection decision based on the predicted resource status information, the second switching decision includes switching the third terminal device from the communication device to the second access network device, and the third terminal device is a terminal device served by the communication device; the second dual connection decision includes using the second access network device as a secondary access network device of the fourth terminal device, establishing a connection with the fourth terminal device, and the fourth terminal device is a terminal device served by the communication device; and executing the second switching decision or the second dual connection decision between the second access network device.

[0117] Based on the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation method, at least one cell is a cell covered by the second access network device; the communication device also includes a transceiver module; the transceiver module is used to send predicted resource status information to the second access network device.

[0118] Based on the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the communication device also includes a transceiver module; the transceiver module is used to receive updated first resource status information from the second access network device, and the updated first resource status information includes the updated current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0119] Based on the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the communication device also includes a transceiver module; the transceiver module is used to receive second resource status information from the core network device, and the second resource status information includes future resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell predicted by the core network device; the processing module is specifically used to: input the first resource status information and the second resource status information into the first model to obtain the predicted resource status information output by the first model.

[0120] A ninth aspect of the present application provides a communication device, including:

[0121] The transceiver module is used to receive predicted resource status information from the first access network device, where the predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell, and the at least one cell is a cell covered by the first access network device or communication device; the predicted resource status information is determined based on the first resource status information and the first model, and the first resource status information includes resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0122] Based on the ninth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the transceiver module is also used to: send a first request to the first access network device, and the first request is used to request the future predicted resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0123] Based on the ninth aspect, in a possible implementation, the first request also includes a predicted amount that the communication device requests feedback.

[0124] Based on the ninth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the predicted amount includes at least one of the following: the predicted data amount of each network slice of the at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of RRC connections, the number of PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice for transmission, the predicted data amount of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage.

[0125] Based on the ninth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the communication device also includes a processing module; the processing module is used to determine a first switching decision or a first dual connection decision based on the predicted resource status information; and execute the first switching decision or the first dual connection decision between the first access network device.

[0126] Based on the ninth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the transceiver module is also used to: send updated first resource status information to the first access network device, and the updated first resource status information includes the updated current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0127] Based on the ninth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module is further used to: send first resource status information to the first access network device.

[0128] Based on the ninth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first resource status information includes at least one of the following: the current number of active users in each cell in at least one cell, the current number of RRC connections, the current capacity value of each network slice of at least one cell, the current physical resource block usage, the current user performance, the current data volume, the current number of PDU sessions, the current number of active users, the current number of RRC connections, the maximum bit rate currently supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the total maximum bit rate currently supported when all terminal devices use the network slice for transmission, the current data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, the current physical resource block usage, or the current user performance.

[0129] Based on the ninth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first resource status information also includes at least one of the following: signal quality of a reference signal transmitted between at least one terminal device in the at least one cell and the first access network device, channel information between the at least one terminal device and the first access network device, the number of transmitting antennas included in the first access network device, the number of receiving antennas included in the first access network device, or the power margin of the first access network device.

[0130] Based on the ninth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first resource status information also includes at least one of the following: the signal quality of the reference signal transmitted between at least one terminal device in the at least one cell and the communication device, the channel information between the at least one terminal device and the communication device, the number of transmitting antennas included in the communication device, the number of receiving antennas included in the communication device, or the power margin of the communication device.

[0131] Based on the ninth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the predicted resource status information includes at least one of the following: the predicted data volume of each network slice of at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of RRC connections, the predicted number of coordinated PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice for transmission, the predicted data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage.

[0132] A tenth aspect of the present application provides a communication device, including:

[0133] The transceiver module is used to receive decision-making assistance information from the first access network device, where the decision-making assistance information is determined based on predicted resource status information, where the predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell, and the at least one cell is a cell covered by the first access network device or communication device; the predicted resource status information is determined based on the first resource status information and a first model, where the first resource status information includes current resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell.

[0134] Based on the tenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a processing module; the processing module is configured to determine a first handover decision or a first dual-connectivity decision based on the decision-assistance information, the first handover decision including handing over a first terminal device from the communication device to a first access network device, the first terminal device being a terminal device served by the communication device; the first dual-connectivity decision including establishing a connection with the second terminal device using the first access network device as a secondary access network device for the second terminal device, the second terminal device being a terminal device served by the communication device; and executing the first handover decision or the first dual-connectivity decision between the first access network device and the communication device. This achieves objectives such as mobility management and load balancing between the first access network device and the communication device.

[0135] Based on the tenth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the transceiver module is also used to: send updated first resource status information to the first access network device, where the updated first resource status information includes the updated current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0136] Based on the tenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module is further used to: send a second request to the first access network device, where the second request is used to request decision assistance information for assisting the communication device in determining the first switching decision or the first dual connection decision.

[0137] Based on the tenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the second request also includes a decision assistance amount requested to be fed back by the communication device.

[0138] Based on the tenth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the decision-making assistance quantity includes at least one of the following: the access probability of each network slice of at least one cell, the slice information of the first type of network slice, or the slice information of the second type of network slice; wherein, the first type of network slice is a network slice whose access probability is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the second type of network slice is a network slice whose access probability is less than or equal to a second threshold.

[0139] Based on the tenth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first resource status information includes at least one of the following: the current number of active users in each cell in at least one cell, the current number of RRC connections, the current capacity value of each network slice of at least one cell, the current physical resource block usage, the current user performance, the current data volume, the current number of PDU sessions, the current number of active users, the current number of RRC connections, the maximum bit rate currently supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the total maximum bit rate currently supported when all terminal devices use the network slice for transmission, the current data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, the current physical resource block usage, or the current user performance.

[0140] Based on the tenth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first resource status information also includes at least one of the following: signal quality of a reference signal transmitted between at least one terminal device in the at least one cell and the first access network device, channel information between the at least one terminal device and the first access network device, the number of transmitting antennas included in the first access network device, the number of receiving antennas included in the first access network device, or the power margin of the first access network device.

[0141] Based on the tenth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first resource status information also includes at least one of the following: the signal quality of the reference signal transmitted between at least one terminal device in the at least one cell and the communication device, the channel information between the at least one terminal device and the communication device, the number of transmitting antennas included in the communication device, the number of receiving antennas included in the communication device, or the power margin of the communication device.

[0142] Based on the tenth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the predicted resource status information includes at least one of the following: the predicted data volume of each network slice of at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of RRC connections, the predicted number of PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice for transmission, the predicted data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage.

[0143] In an eleventh aspect of the present application, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a memory. The memory stores a computer program or computer instructions, and the processor is configured to call and execute the computer program or computer instructions stored in the memory, so that the processor implements any one of the implementations of any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[0144] Optionally, the communication device further includes a transceiver, and the processor is used to control the transceiver to transmit and receive signals.

[0145] In a twelfth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the processor is configured to communicate with other devices via the interface circuit and execute the method described in any one of the first to fifth aspects. The processor comprises one or more.

[0146] In a thirteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor, connected to a memory, configured to call a program stored in the memory to execute the method described in any one of aspects 1 to 5 above. The memory may be located within or outside the communication device. The processor may include one or more processors.

[0147] In one implementation, the communication device of any one of the sixth to tenth aspects may be a chip or a chip system.

[0148] In a fourteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising computer instructions, characterized in that when the computer program product is run on a computer, the computer is enabled to execute any one of the implementation methods of any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[0149] In a fifteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium comprising computer instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute any one of the implementation methods in any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[0150] In the sixteenth aspect, the present application provides a chip device, comprising a processor for calling a computer program or computer instruction in a memory so that the processor executes any one of the implementation methods of any one of the first to fifth aspects above.

[0151] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0152] A seventeenth aspect of the present application provides a communication system, the communication system comprising a first network unit and a second network unit; the first network unit is used to execute the method as shown in the first aspect, and the second network unit is used to execute the method as shown in the second aspect; or,

[0153] The communication system includes a first access network device and a second access network device, the first access network device is used to execute the method shown in the third aspect, and the second access network device is used to execute the method shown in the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect.

[0154] As can be seen from the above technical solution, a first network unit receives first resource status information from a second network unit. The first resource status information includes current resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell. The first network unit then sends predicted resource status information to the second network unit. The predicted resource status information is determined based on the first resource status information and a first model. The predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell. This facilitates accurate inference of the future resource status information of the network slice of the at least one cell, facilitates the second network unit to obtain the predicted resource status information, and facilitates the second network unit to reasonably allocate resources to the network slice of the at least one cell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0155] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0156] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of an access network device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0157] FIG3A is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0158] FIG3B is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0159] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication method according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0160] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication method according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0161] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication method according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0162] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication method according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0163] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0164] FIG9 is another schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0165] FIG10 is another structural diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0166] FIG11 is another structural diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0167] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of a base station according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0168] Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and a communication apparatus for a first network element to send predicted resource state information to a second network element. The predicted resource state information is determined based on the first resource state information and a first model. The predicted resource state information includes predicted future resource state information for a network slice of at least one cell. This facilitates accurate inference of the future resource state information for the network slice of the at least one cell. This facilitates the second network element to reasonably allocate resources to the network slice of the at least one cell based on the predicted resource state information.

[0169] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0170] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in this application mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the application. Thus, phrases such as "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," and "in other embodiments" appearing in various places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more but not all embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "including," "comprising," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0171] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, " / " means "or", for example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this article is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, "at least one" means one or more, and "plurality" means two or more. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a, b, and c. Among them, a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0172] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG1 , the communication system includes a terminal device 101 , an access network device 102 , an access network device 103 , and a core network device 104 .

[0173] The access network device 102 can support access and communication of the terminal device 101.

[0174] Optionally, the core network device 104 is used for access control, registration management, service management, mobility management, etc. for the terminal device 101 to access the network. For example, the core network device is an access and mobility management function (AMF). Alternatively, the core network device can also be a management data analytics function (MDAF) in network management (operations administration and maintenance, OAM), or other data analysis modules in network servitization, or a network data analytics function (NWDAF).

[0175] FIG1 above only shows an example of a communication system. In practical applications, the communication system includes at least one access network device. Optionally, the communication system also includes at least one terminal device and at least one core network device.

[0176] The technical solution of the present application can be applied to cellular communication systems related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). For example, the fourth generation (4G) communication system, the fifth generation (5G) communication system, and the communication system after the fifth generation communication system. For example, the sixth generation communication system. For example, the fourth generation communication system may include a long term evolution (LTE) communication system. The fifth generation communication system may include a new radio (NR) communication system. The technical solution of the present application can also be applied to wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, communication systems that support the integration of multiple wireless technologies, device-to-device (D2D) systems, vehicle to everything (V2X) communication systems, or satellite communication systems, etc. The wireless communication systems involved in this application also include but are not limited to: narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) system, global system for mobile communications (GSM), enhanced data rate for GSM evolution (EDGE), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), code division multiple access 2000 (CDMA2000), or time division-synchronization code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA).

[0177] The following introduces the terminal equipment and access network equipment involved in this application.

[0178] Terminal equipment, also known as user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), or customer premise equipment (CPE), is a device that includes wireless communication capabilities (providing voice and data connectivity to users). Examples include handheld devices, in-vehicle devices, and machine-type communication (MTC) terminals with wireless connectivity. Currently, terminal equipment can include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals used in industrial control, self-driving vehicles, remote medical surgery, smart grids, transportation safety, smart cities, and smart homes. For example, wireless terminals in unmanned driving can be drones, helicopters, or airplanes. For example, wireless terminals in the Internet of Vehicles can be onboard equipment, complete vehicle equipment, onboard modules, vehicles, or ships. Wireless terminals in industrial control can be cameras, robots, or robotic arms. Wireless terminals in smart homes can be televisions, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, speakers, or set-top boxes.

[0179] It should be noted that the terminal device can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus with integrated circuits, or a chip, module or control unit in the device or apparatus shown above, and this application does not limit this specifically.

[0180] Access network equipment is a device deployed in a radio access network to provide wireless communication capabilities for terminal devices. Access network equipment can also be called an access network (RAN) entity, access node, network node, or communication device.

[0181] Specifically, the access network device may be an access network device of a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). For example, a fourth-generation (4G) mobile communication system or a 5G mobile communication system. The access network device may also be an access network device in an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN or ORAN) or a cloud radio access network (CRAN). Alternatively, the access network device may also be an access network device in a communication system obtained by integrating two or more of the above communication systems.

[0182] Access network equipment includes, but is not limited to: evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP) in wireless fidelity (WIFI) system, macro base station, micro base station, wireless relay node, donor node, wireless controller in CRAN scenario, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP) or transmission and receiving point (TRP). Access network equipment can also be access network equipment in 5G mobile communication system. For example, next generation NodeB (gNB) in new radio (NR) system, TRP, TP, or one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in 5G mobile communication system. Alternatively, the access network device may also be a network node constituting a gNB or a transmission point. For example, a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). The CU and DU may be configured separately or included in the same network element. For example, a BBU. The RU may be included in a radio frequency device or radio frequency unit. For example, in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). Alternatively, the access network device may also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle, or an onboard device. For example, in V2X technology, the network device may be a road side unit (RSU).

[0183] It should be noted that in different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in an open radio access network (ORAN) system, CU may also be called an open centralized unit (O-CU) or an open CU, DU may also be called an open distributed unit (O-DU), a centralized unit control plane (CU-CP) may also be called an open centralized unit control plane (O-CU-CP) or an open CU-CP, a centralized unit user plane (CU-UP) may also be called an open centralized unit user plane (O-CU-UP) or an open CU-UP, and RU may also be called an open radio unit (O-RU). This application does not limit this. Any of the CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU in this application may be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0184] Optionally, for network elements in the ORAN system, each network element may implement the protocol layer functions shown in Table 1 below.

[0185] Table 1

[0186] It should be noted that the access network device can be one or more network elements shown in Table 1 above, and this application does not make any specific limitations.

[0187] It should be noted that Table 1 above is merely an example. In actual applications, the protocol layer functions supported by each network element are not limited. For example, each network element may support more protocol layer functions, or the protocol layer functions supported by each network element may be specifically configured based on actual conditions. This application does not impose any specific limitations.

[0188] The following describes the architecture of the CU and DU of an access network device. The access network device includes at least one CU and at least one DU. Optionally, the access network device also includes at least one RU.

[0189] The following is an introduction using the example of an access network device including a CU and a DU. The CU has some functions of the core network, and the CU may include a CU-CP and a CU-UP. The CU and the DU may be configured according to the protocol layer functions of the wireless network they implement. For example, the CU is configured to implement the functions of the PDCP layer and the protocol layers above it (for example, the RRC layer and / or the SDAP layer). The DU is configured to implement the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer (for example, the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and / or the PHY layer). For another example, the CU is configured to implement the functions of the protocol layers above the PDCP layer (such as the RRC layer and / or the SDAP layer), and the DU is configured to implement the functions of the PDCP layer and the protocol layers below it (for example, the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and / or the PHY layer, etc.).

[0190] When a CU includes a CU-CP and a CU-UP, the CU-CP is used to implement the control plane functions of the CU, and the CU-UP is used to implement the user plane functions of the CU. For example, when the CU is configured to implement the functions of the PDCP layer, RRC layer, and SDAP layer, the CU-CP is used to implement the RRC layer functions and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer, and the CU-UP is used to implement the SDAP layer functions and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0191] The CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network that are used to implement control plane functions. The network elements in the core network that are used to implement control plane functions can be access and mobility function network elements, such as the AMF in the 5G mobile communication system. The AMF is responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as location update of terminal devices, registration network of terminal devices, switching of terminal devices, etc. The CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network that are used to implement user plane functions. The network elements in the core network that are used to implement user plane functions, such as the user plane function (UPF) in the 5G mobile communication system, are responsible for forwarding and receiving data in the terminal device.

[0192] The above configuration of CU and DU is only an example, and the functions of CU and DU can also be configured as needed. For example, the CU or DU can be configured to have the functions of more protocol layers, or the CU or DU can be configured to have partial processing functions of the protocol layer. For example, some functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers above the RLC layer are set in the CU, and the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers below the RLC layer are set in the DU. For another example, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to the service type or other system requirements. For example, according to the delay, the functions whose processing time needs to meet the smaller delay requirement are set in the DU, and the functions that do not need to meet the delay requirement are set in the CU.

[0193] The DU and RU can work together to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of the DU and RU can be configured in various ways according to the design. For example, the DU is configured to implement the baseband function, and the RU is configured to implement the mid-RF function. For another example, the DU is configured to implement the high-layer functions in the PHY layer, and the RU is configured to implement the low-layer functions in the PHY layer or to implement the low-layer functions and the RF functions. The high-layer functions in the physical layer may include a part of the functions of the physical layer, which is closer to the MAC layer, and the low-layer functions in the physical layer may include another part of the functions of the physical layer, which is closer to the mid-RF side.

[0194] It should be noted that the access network device can be the device or apparatus shown above, or it can be a component (for example, a chip), module, or unit in the device or apparatus shown above, and this application does not limit it specifically.

[0195] The following is a schematic diagram of the structure of the access network equipment including the CU and DU. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the access network equipment according to an embodiment of the present application. Taking the access network equipment as a gNB as an example, please refer to Figure 2. In the 5G communication system, gNBs are connected to each other via the Xn interface, and gNBs are connected to the 5th generation mobile communication technology core (5GC) via the NG interface. As shown in Figure 2, gNB1 and gNB2 are connected via the Xn interface. gNB1 is connected to the 5GC via NG interface 1, and gNB2 is connected to the 5GC via NG interface 2.

[0196] A gNB can include a CU and a DU. This means that base station functions are divided, with some functions deployed in a gNB-CU and the remaining functions in a gNB-DU. Multiple gNB-DUs share a single gNB-CU, saving costs and facilitating network expansion. For example, as shown in Figure 2, gNB1 includes gNB-CU1, gNB-DU1, and gNB-DU2. gNB-CU1 connects to gNB-DU1 via F1 interface 1 and to gNB-DU2 via F1 interface 2. The structure of gNB2 is similar to that of gNB1 and will not be explained here.

[0197] Figure 2 above is only an example. A gNB-CU can be connected to one or more gNB-DUs, which is not limited in this application.

[0198] The gNB-CU and gNB-DU can be divided according to protocol stacks. For example, the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP layer protocol stacks are deployed in the gNB-CU. The radio link control (RLC), MAC, and PHY layer protocol stacks are deployed in the gNB-DU. The gNB-CU and gNB-DU are connected via the F1 interface. The above example is only for the purpose of introducing the gNB-CU and gNB-DU. This application does not limit the protocol stacks deployed in the gNB-CU and gNB-DU.

[0199] In this application, in the following solutions where the access network equipment adopts the CU and DU structures, the gNB-CU is referred to as CU and the gNB-DU is referred to as DU.

[0200] It should be noted that CU and DU are a way of implementing the division of access network equipment into network units. The functions contained in CU and DU can be divided according to evolution or demand. This application does not limit the functions contained in CU and DU. This application does not limit the names corresponding to CU and DU.

[0201] In the present application, the access network device can be divided into a first network unit and a second network unit. The first network unit and the second network unit can be divided into CU and DU according to the division method described above. This application does not limit the functions respectively contained in the CU and DU, and the functions can be divided in combination with actual functional requirements. The names corresponding to the CU and DU are also not limited. That is, the first network unit and the second network unit can also have other names, which are not limited in this application. In one possible implementation, the first network unit can be the CU shown above, and the second network unit can be the DU shown above. In another possible implementation, the first network unit can be the DU shown above, and the second network unit can be the CU shown above. The following text mainly introduces the technical solution of the present application by taking the example that the first network unit can be the CU shown above and the second network unit can be the DU shown above as an example.

[0202] At present, the minimum control granularity of network slice resource management by access network equipment is the network slice group. A network slice group can include one or more network slices, and a network slice can only be configured into one network slice group. Resource management is divided into three categories according to the resource allocation method: QoS scheduling-based, RB resource reservation-based, and carrier isolation-based. Among them, the resource allocation granularity based on RB resource reservation is the network slice group. The two resource allocation granularities based on QoS scheduling and carrier isolation are a single network slice. However, how access network equipment allocates resources to network slices to achieve reasonable resource allocation is a problem worthy of consideration. This application provides a corresponding technical solution, please refer to the relevant introduction of the embodiments below for details.

[0203] The technical solution of this application is introduced below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0204] FIG3A is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG3A , the method includes:

[0205] 301. A second network element sends first resource status information to a first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the first resource status information from the second network element.

[0206] The first resource status information includes current resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell. The first network unit and the second network unit are two network units in an access network device. For example, the first network unit is a CU and the second network unit is a DU. The at least one cell is a cell covered by the access network device.

[0207] Optionally, the first resource status information includes at least one of the following: the current number of active users in each cell of at least one cell, the current number of RRC connections, the current capacity value of each network slice of at least one cell, the current physical resource block usage, the current user performance, the current data volume (volume), the current number of PDU sessions, the current number of active users, the current number of RRC connections, the maximum bit rate currently supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the total maximum bit rate currently supported when all terminal devices use the network slice for transmission, the current data volume (volume) of each PDU session contained in the network slice, the current physical resource block usage, the maximum bit rate currently supported when each terminal device uses the PDU session, the total maximum bit rate currently supported when all terminal devices use the PDU session, or the current user performance. Among them, the current user performance of each network slice includes at least one of the following: the throughput, packet delay, or packet loss rate of each user or all users of each network slice. It can be seen from this that the first network unit and the second network unit can exchange slice-level resource status information and session-level resource status information. This is conducive to the first network unit to accurately infer the predicted resource status information based on the first resource status information.

[0208] Optionally, the first resource status information also includes at least one of the following: signal quality of a reference signal transmitted between at least one terminal device in the at least one cell and the second network unit, channel information between the at least one terminal device and the second network unit, the number of transmitting antennas included in the second network unit, the number of receiving antennas included in the second network unit, or the power headroom of the second network unit. Optionally, the signal quality includes at least one of the following: reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), or signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR). The channel information includes at least one of the following: precoding matrix indication (PMI), channel quality indicator (CQI), or rank indicator (RI). The power headroom of the second network unit is the power that the second network unit can provide for sending signals under the constraint of total power. In this implementation, the first network unit can be a CU and the second network unit can be a DU.

[0209] The following introduces two possible implementations of the carrier carried by the first resource status information in step 301. This application is still applicable to other implementations, and this application does not limit them specifically.

[0210] Implementation 1 is described below in conjunction with steps 301a and 301b. Optionally, as shown in FIG3B , step 301a in FIG3B may be performed before step 301 .

[0211] 301a. The first network element sends a resource status request to the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element receives the resource status request from the first network element.

[0212] The resource status request is used to request the current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0213] Optionally, the above step 301 specifically includes step 301b shown in the above FIG. 3B .

[0214] 301b. The second network element sends a resource status response to the first network element. The resource status response includes the first resource status information. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the resource status response from the second network element.

[0215] It can be seen from this that the second network element can send the first resource status information to the first network element via a resource status response.

[0216] Implementation 2 is described below in conjunction with steps 301c to 301e. Optionally, as shown in FIG3B , steps 301c to 301d in FIG3B may be performed before step 301.

[0217] 301c: The first network element sends a resource status request to the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element receives the resource status request from the first network element.

[0218] 301d: The second network element sends a resource status response to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the resource status response from the second network element.

[0219] Optionally, the above step 301 specifically includes step 301e shown in the above FIG. 3B .

[0220] 301e. The second network element sends a first resource status update to the first network element. The first resource status update includes first resource status information. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the first resource status update from the second network element.

[0221] Therefore, it can be seen that the second network device can send the first resource status information to the first network unit through the first resource status update.

[0222] For example, a signaling format for updating the first resource status is shown below. This application is still applicable to other signaling formats, and this application does not limit them specifically.

[0223] >>per cell-No.of Active UEs,RRC Connections

[0224] >>per slice-PRB usage,Capacity Value

[0225] >>per slice-UE performance(per-UE / all-UE Throughput / Pkt Delay,Loss)

[0226] >>Per slice-volume (UL / DL, request includes time-interval / stamp)

[0227] >>per slice-No.of PDU sessions, No.of Active UEs, No.of RRC Conn.

[0228] >>per slice–UE Slice Max Bit Rate(per-UE / all-UE MBR,per-MBR UE num)

[0229] >>per session–volume,PRB usage,UE Slice Max Bit Rate,UE perf

[0230] It can be seen that per cell-No.of Active UEs indicates the current number of active users in each cell. per cell-RRC Connections indicates the current number of RRC connections in each cell. per slice-PRB usage indicates the current physical resource block usage of each network slice. per slice-Capacity Value indicates the current capacity value of each network slice. per slice-UE performance indicates the current user performance of each terminal device in each network slice, or the current user performance of all terminal devices in each network slice. per slice-volume indicates the current data volume of each network slice. per slice-No.of PDU sessions indicates the current number of PDU sessions in each network slice. per slice-No.of Active UEs indicates the current number of active users in each network slice. per slice-No.of RRC Conn indicates the current number of RRC connections in each network slice. per slice-UE Slice Max Bit Rate indicates the maximum bit rate currently supported by each terminal device when transmitting using the network slice, or the total maximum bit rate supported by the network slice when all network slices using the terminal device are transmitting. per session-volume indicates the current data volume of each PDU session. per session–UE Slice Max Bit Rate indicates the maximum bit rate currently supported by each terminal device using the PDU session, or the total maximum bit rate currently supported by all sessions using the PDU. per session–UE per indicates the current user performance of each PDU session.

[0231] 302. The first network element sends predicted resource status information to the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element receives the predicted resource status information from the first network element.

[0232] The predicted resource status information is determined based on the first resource status information and the first model. The predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell.

[0233] In one possible implementation, the first network unit inputs the first resource state information into the first model to obtain predicted resource state information output by the first model. Optionally, the first model is an AI model. For example, the first model is a neural network. Thus, it can be seen that the first network unit can obtain the predicted resource state information through AI model reasoning.

[0234] In another possible implementation, another AI node may determine the predicted resource state information based on the first resource state information and the first model. The first network unit obtains the predicted resource state information from the other AI node. Optionally, the other AI node may be a third-party AI node or an AI node in the core network.

[0235] Optionally, the predicted resource status information includes at least one of the following: the predicted data volume of each network slice of at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of RRC connections, the predicted number of PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice for transmission, the predicted data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage.

[0236] It should be noted that the various predicted quantities included in the above-mentioned predicted resource status information can be instantaneous predicted quantities, average predicted quantities, or maximum predicted quantities, and this application does not impose any specific limitations.

[0237] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG3A further includes steps 303 and 304. Steps 303 and 304 may be performed after step 302.

[0238] 303. The second network unit determines the resource reservation strategy and wireless resource management strategy of the network slice of at least one cell based on the predicted resource status information.

[0239] The resource reservation strategy includes adjusting resource allocation for the network slice of the at least one cell. The radio resource strategy includes at least one of the following: the second network unit allocates corresponding radio resources to the new user, or adjusts the radio resources occupied by existing users. For example, the second network unit allocates corresponding radio resources to the new user based on at least one of system load, interference conditions, and user priority.

[0240] Optionally, the wireless resources include at least one of the following: codeword, frequency, power, time slot, or spatial angle.

[0241] 304. The second network unit executes the resource reservation policy and the radio resource management policy.

[0242] The second network unit adjusts the resource allocation and radio resource management of the network slice. This helps improve resource utilization, network QoS indicators, and user quality of experience (QoE) indicators. Improving resource utilization can also be understood as increasing system capacity. The network QoS indicators and user QoE indicators are generally reflected in service quality, access success rate, call drop rate, and handover success rate.

[0243] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG3A further includes step 305. Step 305 may be performed after step 304.

[0244] 305. The second network element sends updated first resource status information to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the updated first resource status information from the second network element.

[0245] The updated first resource status information includes the updated current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0246] As can be seen, the second network unit adjusts the resource allocation and radio resource management of the network slice. The first resource status information is also updated, thereby achieving reasonable allocation of network slice resources and radio resource management.

[0247] Optionally, the updated first resource status information is carried in the second resource status update.

[0248] In an embodiment of the present application, a first network unit receives first resource status information from a second network unit. The first resource status information includes current resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell. The first network unit then sends predicted resource status information to the second network unit. The predicted resource status information is determined based on the first resource status information and a first model. The predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell. This facilitates accurate inference of the future resource status information of the network slice of the at least one cell, facilitates the second network unit to obtain the predicted resource status information, and facilitates the second network unit to reasonably allocate resources and perform radio resource management for the network slice of the at least one cell.

[0249] This application also provides another embodiment, which is similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 3A , except that steps 301 to 302 can be replaced by the second network unit determining predicted resource status information based on the first resource status information and the first model. In other words, the second network unit predicts the resource status information by inferring the first model. The predicted resource status information does not need to be inferred by the first network unit. The remaining steps of this embodiment are similar to those of the embodiment shown in Figure 3A and are not further described here.

[0250] The present application also provides another embodiment, in which a first access network device determines first resource status information. The first resource status information includes resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell. The at least one cell is a cell covered by the first access network device or the second access network device. The first access network device then determines predicted resource status information based on the first resource status information and a first model. The predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of the network slice of the at least one cell.

[0251] Thus, it can be seen that the first resource status information may be the current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell covered by the first access network device, and therefore the predicted resource status information is the predicted future resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell covered by the first access network device. Alternatively, the first resource status information may be the current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell covered by the second access network device, and therefore the predicted resource status information is the predicted future resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell covered by the second access network device. The following describes some application scenarios of the predicted resource status information in conjunction with specific embodiments. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7 below.

[0252] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication method of the present application. Referring to FIG4 , the method includes:

[0253] 401. A first access network device determines first resource status information.

[0254] The first resource status information includes resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell. The at least one cell is a cell covered by the first access network device.

[0255] Optionally, the first resource status information includes at least one of the following: the current number of active users in each cell in at least one cell, the current number of RRC connections, the current capacity value of each network slice in at least one cell, the current physical resource block usage, the current user performance, the current data volume, the current number of PDU sessions, the current number of active users, the current number of RRC connections, the maximum bit rate currently supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the total maximum bit rate currently supported when all terminal devices use the network slice for transmission, the current data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, the current physical resource block usage, or the current user performance.

[0256] Optionally, the first resource status information also includes at least one of the following: signal quality of a reference signal transmitted between at least one terminal device in the at least one cell and the first access network device, channel information between the at least one terminal device and the first access network device, the number of transmitting antennas included in the first access network device, the number of receiving antennas included in the first access network device, or the power headroom of the first access network device. Optionally, the signal quality includes at least one of the following: RSRP, RSRQ, or SINR. The channel information includes at least one of the following: PMI, CQI, or RI. The power headroom of the first access network device is the power that the first access network device can provide for sending signals under the constraint of total power.

[0257] The first resource status information is similar to the first resource status information in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A . For details, please refer to the relevant introduction of the first resource status information in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A .

[0258] Optionally, the first access network device includes a CU and a DU, the first access network device may be the CU, and the DU sends the first resource status information to the CU. Accordingly, the above step 401 specifically includes: the CU receives the first resource status information from the DU.

[0259] 402. The first access network device determines predicted resource status information according to the first resource status information and the first model.

[0260] Specifically, the first access network device inputs the first resource status information into the first model to obtain the predicted resource status information output by the first model. That is, the first access network device inputs the first resource status information into the first model as an input parameter of the first model to obtain the predicted resource status information output by the first model.

[0261] Optionally, the predicted resource status information includes at least one of the following: the predicted data volume of each network slice of at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of RRC connections, the predicted number of PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice for transmission, the predicted data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage.

[0262] The predicted resource status information is similar to the predicted resource status information in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A . For details, please refer to the relevant introduction of the predicted resource status information in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A .

[0263] Optionally, the first access network device includes a CU and a DU, and the above-mentioned first access network device may be a CU. The above-mentioned step 402 specifically includes: the CU determines the predicted resource status information according to the first resource status information and the first model.

[0264] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG4 further includes step 402a. Step 402a may be performed before step 402.

[0265] 402a: The second access network device sends a first request to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the first request from the second access network device.

[0266] The first request is used to request future predicted resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell.

[0267] Optionally, the first request also includes the predicted amount requested for feedback by the second access network device. For example, the predicted amount includes at least one of the following: the predicted data amount of each network slice of at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of RRC connections, the predicted number of PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice transmit, the predicted data amount of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage. For the predicted amount, please refer to the relevant introduction to the predicted resource status information in the embodiment shown in Figure 3A above.

[0268] It should be noted that there is no fixed order for executing step 402a and step 401. Step 402a may be executed first, then step 401; or step 401 may be executed first, then step 402a; or, depending on the circumstances, step 401 and step 402a may be executed simultaneously, which is not limited in this application.

[0269] Optionally, the first access network device includes a CU and a DU, and the second access network device includes a CU and a DU. Step 402a specifically includes: the DU of the second access network device sends a first request to the CU of the first access network device. Correspondingly, the CU of the first access network device receives the first request from the DU of the second access network device.

[0270] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG4 further includes step 401a. Step 401a may be performed before step 402.

[0271] 401a. The core network device sends second resource status information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the second resource status information from the core network device.

[0272] The second resource status information includes future resource status information of the network slice of the at least one cell predicted by the core network device. The second resource status information includes slice-level resource status information predicted by the core network device. Optionally, the second resource status information also includes session-level resource status information of each network slice predicted by the core network device. For the content of the second resource status information, please refer to the relevant introduction to the content included in the predicted resource status information.

[0273] Optionally, the core network device may be a network data analytics function (NWDAF) or MDAF in a network management device (OAM) or other data analysis functions under the core network service.

[0274] Optionally, step 402 includes determining, by the first access network device, predicted resource status information based on the first resource status information, the second resource status information, and the first model. Specifically, the first access network device inputs the first resource status information and the second resource status information into the first model to obtain predicted resource status information output by the first model.

[0275] It should be noted that there is no fixed order for executing step 401a and step 401. Step 401 may be executed first, then step 401a; or step 401a may be executed first, then step 401; or, depending on the circumstances, step 401 and step 401a may be executed simultaneously, which is not limited in this application.

[0276] Optionally, if the embodiment shown in FIG4 further includes step 402a, there is no fixed order for executing step 401a and steps 401 to 402a. Step 401a may be executed first, followed by steps 401 to 402a; or steps 401 to 402a may be executed first, followed by step 401a; or, depending on the circumstances, steps 401a and 401 to 402a may be executed simultaneously, which is not limited in this application.

[0277] Optionally, the first access network device includes a CU and a DU, and the above step 401a specifically includes: the core network device sends the second resource status information to the CU.

[0278] 403. The first access network device sends predicted resource status information to the second access network device. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the predicted resource status information from the first access network device.

[0279] Optionally, the predicted resource status information includes at least one of the following: the predicted data volume of each network slice of at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of RRC connections, the predicted number of PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice for transmission, the predicted data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage.

[0280] It should be noted that the various predicted quantities included in the above-mentioned predicted resource status information can be instantaneous predicted quantities, average predicted quantities, or maximum predicted quantities, and this application does not impose any specific limitations.

[0281] Optionally, the first access network device includes a CU and a DU, and the second access network device includes a CU and a DU. In step 403 above, the CU in the first access network device sends the predicted resource status information to the DU in the second access network device.

[0282] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG4 further includes steps 404 and 405. Steps 404 and 405 may be performed after step 403.

[0283] 404. The second access network device determines a first switching decision and / or a first dual connectivity decision according to the predicted resource status information.

[0284] The first handover decision includes handing over the first terminal device from the second access network device to the first access network device. The first terminal device is a terminal device served by the second access network device. Specifically, the second access network device may hand over the first terminal device from the second access network device to the first access network device using an existing handover process.

[0285] The first dual connectivity decision includes establishing a connection between the first access network device and the second terminal device, using the first access network device as a secondary access network device for the second terminal device. The second terminal device is the terminal device served by the second access network device. Specifically, the second access network device may establish the first access network device as a secondary access network device for the second terminal device through an existing dual connectivity process.

[0286] Optionally, the second access network device includes a CU and a DU, and the above step 404 specifically includes: the DU in the second access network device determines the first switching decision and / or the first dual connectivity decision according to the predicted resource status information.

[0287] 405. The second access network device and the first access network device execute a first switching decision and / or a first dual connectivity decision.

[0288] The second access network device and the first access network device execute the first switching decision, including: the second access network device and the first access network device can switch the first terminal device from the second access network device to the first access network device through the existing switching process.

[0289] The second access network device and the first access network device execute the first dual connection decision, including: the second access network device and the first access network device use the first access network device as the auxiliary access network device of the second terminal device through the existing dual connection process.

[0290] Optionally, the first access network device includes a CU and a DU, and the second access network device includes a CU and a DU. The DU in the second access network device and the DU in the first access network device execute a first handover decision and / or a first dual connectivity decision.

[0291] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG4 further includes step 406. Step 406 may be performed after step 405.

[0292] 406. The first access network device updates the first resource status information.

[0293] The updated first resource status information includes the updated current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0294] Thus, it can be seen that the first access network device and the first access network device execute the first handover decision and / or the first dual connectivity decision. The first resource status information is also updated. For example, the current resource status of the network slice of the at least one cell changes, and the radio resource status, available capacity value, and / or number of active users of each cell in the at least one cell changes.

[0295] Optionally, the first access network device includes a CU and a DU, and the above step 406 specifically includes: the CU in the first access network device updates the first resource status information.

[0296] In an embodiment of the present application, a first access network device determines first resource status information. The first resource status information includes the current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell covered by the first access network device. The first access network device determines predicted resource status information based on the first resource status information and the first model. The predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell. The first access network device sends the predicted resource status information to the second access network device. It can be seen that the first access network device can accurately infer the future resource status information of the network slice of the at least one cell. It is convenient for the second access network device to obtain the predicted resource status information and perform resource reservation and wireless resource management (for example, mobility management) of the network slice based on the predicted resource status information.

[0297] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication method of the present application. Referring to FIG5 , the method includes:

[0298] 501. A first access network device determines first resource status information.

[0299] 502. The first access network device determines predicted resource status information according to the first resource status information and the first model.

[0300] Steps 501 to 502 are similar to steps 401 to 402 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 . For details, please refer to the relevant introduction of steps 401 to 402 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , which will not be repeated here.

[0301] 503. The first access network device determines decision-making auxiliary information according to the predicted resource status information.

[0302] The decision assistance information is used to assist the second access network device in determining the first switching decision and / or the first dual connectivity decision.

[0303] Optionally, the decision-making assistance information includes at least one of the following: access probability of each network slice of at least one cell, slice information of a first type of network slice, or slice information of a second type of network slice. The first type of network slice is a network slice whose access probability is greater than or equal to a first threshold. The second type of network slice is a network slice whose access probability is less than or equal to a second threshold.

[0304] Optionally, the slice information of the first type of network slice includes an identifier of the first type of network slice. The slice information of the second type of network slice includes an identifier of the second type of network slice.

[0305] For example, the first threshold is 80% or 90%. The second threshold is 30% or 40%. For example, if the capacity of the first type of network slice is large in the future, the first access network device may determine that the access probability of the first type of network slice is high. The first access network device may indicate the first type of network slice to the second access network device.

[0306] Optionally, the first access network device includes a CU and a DU, and the first access network device may be a CU. The step 503 specifically includes the CU determining decision-making auxiliary information according to the predicted resource status information.

[0307] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG5 further includes step 502a. Step 502a may be performed before step 502.

[0308] 502a: The second access network device sends a second request to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the second request from the second access network device.

[0309] The second request is used to request decision assistance information for assisting the second access network device in determining the first switching decision or the first dual connectivity decision.

[0310] Optionally, the second request also includes a decision assistance quantity requested for feedback by the second access network device. For example, the decision assistance quantity includes at least one of the following: the access probability of each network slice of the at least one cell, slice information of the first type of network slice, or slice information of the second type of network slice.

[0311] It should be noted that there is no fixed order for executing step 502a and steps 501 to 502. Step 502a may be executed first, followed by steps 501 to 502; or steps 501 to 502 may be executed first, followed by step 502a; or, depending on the circumstances, both steps 502a and 501 to 502 may be executed simultaneously, which is not limited in this application.

[0312] Optionally, the first access network device includes a CU and a DU, and the second access network device includes a CU and a DU. Step 502a specifically includes: the DU of the second access network device sends a second request to the CU of the first access network device. Correspondingly, the CU of the first access network device receives the second request from the DU of the second access network device.

[0313] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG5 further includes step 501a. Step 501a may be performed before step 502.

[0314] 501a. The core network device sends second resource status information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the second resource status information from the core network device.

[0315] The second resource status information includes future resource status information of the network slice of the at least one cell predicted by the core network device.

[0316] Optionally, the core network device may be NWDAF or MDAF in OAM or other network data analysis and processing modules in network service.

[0317] Optionally, step 503 includes: the first access network device determines decision-making auxiliary information based on the first resource status information and the second resource status information. Specifically, the first access network device inputs the first resource status information and the second resource status information into the first model to obtain predicted resource status information output by the first model.

[0318] It should be noted that there is no fixed execution order between step 501a and steps 501 to 502. Step 501a may be executed first, and then steps 501 to 502; or, steps 501 to 502 may be executed first, and then step 501a; or, steps 501a and steps 501 to 502 may be executed simultaneously depending on the circumstances, and this application does not limit this. Optionally, if the embodiment shown in Figure 5 also includes step 502a, there is no fixed execution order between step 501a and step 502a. Step 501a may be executed first, and then step 502a; or, step 502a may be executed first, and then step 501a; or, steps 501a and 502a may be executed simultaneously depending on the circumstances, and this application does not limit this.

[0319] Optionally, the first access network device includes a CU and a DU, and the above step 501a specifically includes: the core network device sends the second resource status information to the CU.

[0320] 504. The first access network device sends decision-making assistance information to the second access network device. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the decision-making assistance information from the first access network device.

[0321] For more information about decision-making support, please refer to the above introduction and we will not elaborate on it here.

[0322] Optionally, the first access network device includes a CU and a DU, and the second access network device includes a CU and a DU. Step 504 specifically includes: the CU of the first access network device sends decision-making assistance information to the DU of the second access network device. Accordingly, the DU of the second access network device receives the decision-making assistance information from the DU of the first access network device.

[0323] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG5 further includes steps 505 to 506. Steps 505 to 506 may be performed after step 504.

[0324] 505. The second access network device determines a first switching decision and / or a first dual connectivity decision according to the decision-making assistance information.

[0325] 506. The second access network device and the first access network device execute a first switching decision and / or a first dual connectivity decision.

[0326] Steps 505 to 506 are similar to steps 404 to 405 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 . For details, please refer to the relevant introduction of steps 404 to 405 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , which will not be repeated here.

[0327] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG5 further includes step 507. Step 507 may be performed after step 506.

[0328] 507. The second access network device sends the updated first resource status information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the updated first resource status information from the second access network device.

[0329] Step 507 is similar to step 406 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 . For details, please refer to the relevant introduction of step 406 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , which will not be repeated here.

[0330] In an embodiment of the present application, a first access network device determines first resource status information. The first resource status information includes the current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell covered by the first access network device. The first access network device determines predicted resource status information based on the first resource status information and the first model. The predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell. The first access network device determines decision-making assistance information based on the predicted resource status information, and the decision-making assistance information is used to assist the second access network device in determining the first switching decision and / or the first dual connection decision. The first access network device sends the decision-making assistance information to the second access network device. It can be seen that the first access network device can obtain the predicted resource status information through accurate reasoning of the first model. Then, the first access network device determines the decision-making assistance information based on the predicted resource status information and sends the decision-making assistance information to the second access network device. This facilitates the second access network device to perform resource reservation and wireless resource management (for example, mobility management) of the network slice based on the decision-making assistance information.

[0331] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication method of the present application. Referring to FIG6 , the method includes:

[0332] 601. A second access network device sends first resource status information to a first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the first resource status information from the second access network device.

[0333] The first resource status information is the current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell covered by the second access network device.

[0334] Optionally, the first resource status information includes at least one of the following: signal quality of a reference signal transmitted between at least one terminal device in the at least one cell and the second access network device, channel information between the at least one terminal device and the second access network device, the number of transmitting antennas included in the second access network device, the number of receiving antennas included in the second access network device, or the power headroom of the second access network device. Optionally, the signal quality includes at least one of the following: RSRP, RSRQ, or SINR. The channel information includes at least one of the following: PMI, CQI, or RI. The power headroom of the second access network device is the power that the second access network device can provide for sending signals under the constraint of total power.

[0335] Regarding the first resource status information, please refer to the relevant introduction of step 401 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , which will not be repeated here.

[0336] Optionally, the first access network device includes a CU and a DU, and the second access network device includes a CU and a DU. The DU of the second access network device sends the first resource status information to the CU of the first access network device. Correspondingly, the CU of the first access network device receives the first resource status information from the DU of the second access network device.

[0337] 602. The first access network device determines predicted resource status information according to the first resource status information and the first model.

[0338] Step 602 is similar to step 402 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 . For details, please refer to the relevant introduction of step 402 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , which will not be repeated here.

[0339] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG6 further includes step 601a. ​​Step 601a may be performed before step 602.

[0340] 601a. ​​The core network device sends second resource status information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the second resource status information from the core network device.

[0341] Optionally, the above step 602 specifically includes: the first access network device determines predicted resource status information according to the first resource status information and the second resource status information.

[0342] Step 601a is similar to step 401a in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 . For details, please refer to the relevant introduction of step 401a in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , which will not be repeated here.

[0343] It should be noted that there is no fixed order for executing step 601 and step 601a. ​​Step 601 may be executed first, then step 601a; or step 601a may be executed first, then step 601; or, depending on the circumstances, step 601 and step 601a may be executed simultaneously. This application does not impose any specific restrictions.

[0344] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG6 further includes steps 603 and 604. Steps 603 and 604 may be performed after step 602.

[0345] 603. The first access network device determines a second switching decision and / or a second dual connectivity decision according to the predicted resource status information.

[0346] The second handover decision includes handing over the third terminal device from the first access network device to the second access network device. The third terminal device is a terminal device served by the first access network device. Specifically, the first access network device can hand over the third terminal device to the second access network device through an existing handover process.

[0347] The second dual connectivity decision includes establishing a connection between the second access network device and the fourth terminal device, using the second access network device as a secondary access network device for the fourth terminal device. The fourth terminal device is a terminal device served by the first access network device. Specifically, the first access network device may establish the second access network device as a secondary access network device for the fourth terminal device through an existing dual connectivity process.

[0348] Optionally, the first access network device includes a CU and a DU, and the CU in the first access network device sends predicted resource status information to the DU in the first access network device. The above step 603 specifically includes: the DU in the first access network device determines the second switching decision and / or the second dual connectivity decision based on the predicted resource status information.

[0349] 604. The second access network device and the first access network device execute a second switching decision and / or a second dual connectivity decision.

[0350] The second access network device and the first access network device execute the second switching decision including: the second access network device and the first access network device can switch the third terminal device from the first access network device to the second access network device through the existing switching process.

[0351] The second access network device and the first access network device execute the second dual connection decision, including: the second access network device and the first access network device use the second access network device as the auxiliary access network device of the fourth terminal device through the existing dual connection process.

[0352] Optionally, the first access network device includes a CU and a DU, and the second access network device includes a CU and a DU. The DU in the second access network device and the DU in the first access network device perform a second handover decision and / or a second dual connectivity decision.

[0353] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG6 further includes step 605. Step 605 may be performed after step 604.

[0354] 605. The second access network device sends the updated first resource status information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the updated first resource status information from the second access network device.

[0355] The updated first resource status information includes the updated current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0356] Thus, it can be seen that the second access network device and the first access network device execute a second handover decision and / or a second dual connectivity decision. The first resource status information is also updated. For example, the current resource status of the network slice of the at least one cell changes, and the radio resource status, available capacity value, and / or number of active users of each cell in the at least one cell changes.

[0357] In an embodiment of the present application, a first access network device receives first resource status information from a second access network device. The first resource status information includes current resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell covered by the second access network device. The first access network device determines predicted resource status information based on the first resource status information and a first model. The predicted resource status information includes future resource status information of the network slice of the at least one cell. The first access network device then determines a second handover decision and / or a second dual connectivity decision based on the predicted resource status information, and executes the second handover decision and / or the second dual connectivity decision with the second access network device. It can be seen that the first access network device can accurately infer the future resource status information of the network slice of the at least one cell. This enables the first access network device to perform resource reservation and wireless resource management for the network slice based on the predicted resource status information. This thereby achieves reasonable allocation of network slice resources and wireless resource management.

[0358] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication method of the present application. Referring to FIG7 , the method includes:

[0359] 701. A second access network device sends first resource status information to a first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the first resource status information from the second access network device.

[0360] 702. The first access network device determines predicted resource status information according to the first resource status information and the first model.

[0361] Steps 701 to 702 are similar to steps 601 to 602 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 . For details, please refer to the relevant introduction of steps 601 to 602 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , which will not be repeated here.

[0362] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG7 further includes step 701a. Step 701a may be performed before step 702.

[0363] 701a. The core network device sends the second resource status information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the second resource status information from the core network device.

[0364] Step 701a is similar to step 601a in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 . For details, please refer to the relevant introduction of step 601a in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , which will not be repeated here.

[0365] Optionally, step 702 includes determining, by the first access network device, predicted resource status information based on the first resource status information, the second resource status information, and the first model. Specifically, the first access network device inputs the first resource status information and the second resource status information into the first model to obtain predicted resource status information output by the first model.

[0366] It should be noted that there is no fixed order for executing step 701a and step 701. Step 701 may be executed first, then step 701a; or step 701a may be executed first, then step 701; or, depending on the circumstances, step 701 and step 701a may be executed simultaneously, which is not limited in this application.

[0367] 703. The first access network device sends predicted resource status information to the second access network device. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the predicted resource status information from the first access network device.

[0368] Step 703 is similar to step 403 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 . For details, please refer to the relevant introduction of step 403 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , which will not be repeated here.

[0369] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 further includes step 704 and step 705 , and step 704 and step 705 may be performed after step 703 .

[0370] 704. The second access network device determines a first switching decision and / or a first dual connectivity decision according to the predicted resource status information.

[0371] 705. The second access network device and the first access network device execute a first switching decision and / or a first dual connectivity decision.

[0372] Steps 704 to 705 are similar to steps 404 to 405 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 . For details, please refer to the relevant introduction of steps 404 to 405 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , which will not be repeated here.

[0373] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG7 further includes step 706. Step 706 may be performed after step 705.

[0374] 706. The second access network device sends the updated first resource status information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the updated first resource status information from the second access network device.

[0375] The updated first resource status information includes the updated current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0376] Thus, it can be seen that the first access network device and the first access network device execute the first handover decision and / or the first dual connectivity decision. The first resource status information is also updated. For example, the current resource status of the network slice of the at least one cell changes, and the radio resource status, available capacity value, and / or number of active users of each cell in the at least one cell changes.

[0377] In an embodiment of the present application, a first access network device receives first resource status information from a second access network device. The first resource status information includes current resource status information for a network slice of at least one cell covered by the second access network device. The first access network device determines predicted resource status information based on the first resource status information and a first model. The predicted resource status information includes future resource status information for the network slice of the at least one cell. The first access network device then sends the predicted resource status information to the second access network device. This facilitates the second access network device to perform resource reservation and radio resource management for the network slice based on the predicted resource status information. This enables reasonable allocation of network slice resources and radio resource management.

[0378] The communication device provided in the embodiments of the present application is described below.

[0379] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG8 , the communication device 800 can be used to execute the process executed by the first network unit or the second network unit in the embodiments shown in FIG3A and FIG3B . For details, please refer to the relevant description of the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0380] The communication device 800 includes a transceiver module 801. Optionally, the communication device 800 further includes a processing module 802.

[0381] The processing module 802 is used to perform data processing. The transceiver module 801 can implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver module 801 can also be called a communication interface or a communication module.

[0382] Optionally, the communication device 800 may further include a storage module, which may be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 802 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device implements the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0383] In one possible implementation, the communication device 800 can be used to perform the actions performed by the first network unit in the above method embodiment. The communication device 800 can be the first network unit or a component configurable in the first network unit. The processing module 802 is used to perform the processing-related operations on the first network unit side in the above method embodiment. The transceiver module 801 is used to perform the reception-related operations on the first network unit side in the above method embodiment.

[0384] In another possible implementation, the communication device 800 can be used to perform the actions performed by the second network unit in the above method embodiment. The communication device 800 can be a second network unit or a component that can be configured in the first network unit. The processing module 802 is used to perform the processing-related operations on the second network unit side in the above method embodiment. The transceiver module 801 is used to perform the reception-related operations on the second network unit side in the above method embodiment.

[0385] Optionally, the transceiver module 801 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiment. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiment.

[0386] It should be noted that the communication device 800 may include a sending module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 800 may include a receiving module but not a sending module. The specific implementation depends on whether the above solution executed by the communication device 800 includes a sending action and a receiving action.

[0387] Optionally, the communication device 800 is configured to execute the actions executed by the first network unit or the second network unit in the embodiments shown in Figures 3A and 3B. For details, please refer to the relevant introductions in the embodiments shown in Figures 3A and 3B, which will not be elaborated here.

[0388] For example, the communication device 800 is used to perform the actions performed by the first network unit in the embodiments shown in Figures 3A and 3B. The communication device 800 is used to perform the following scheme:

[0389] The transceiver module 801 is used to receive first resource status information from the second network unit, where the first resource status information includes current resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell; and send predicted resource status information to the second network unit, where the predicted resource status information is determined based on the first resource status information and the first model, and the predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell.

[0390] In one possible implementation, the predicted resource status information includes at least one of the following: the predicted data volume of each network slice of at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of RRC connections, the predicted number of PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice for transmission, the predicted data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage.

[0391] In another possible implementation, the first resource status information includes at least one of the following: the current number of active users in each cell in at least one cell, the current number of RRC connections, the current capacity value of each network slice of at least one cell, the current physical resource block usage, the current user performance, the current data volume, the current number of PDU sessions, the current number of active users, the current number of RRC connections, the maximum bit rate currently supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the total maximum bit rate currently supported when all terminal devices use the network slice for transmission, the current data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, the current physical resource block usage, or the current user performance.

[0392] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 801 is also used to: receive updated first resource status information from the second network unit, where the updated first resource status information includes updated current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0393] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 801 is also used to: send a resource status request to the second network unit, the resource status request is used to request the first resource status information; the transceiver module 801 is specifically used to: receive a resource status response from the second network unit, the resource status response includes the first resource status information.

[0394] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 801 is specifically configured to receive a resource status update from the second network unit, where the resource status update includes the first resource status information.

[0395] For another example, the communication device 800 is used to execute the actions executed by the second network unit in the embodiments shown in Figures 3A and 3B. The communication device 800 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0396] The transceiver module 801 is used to send first resource status information to the first network unit, where the first resource status information includes current resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell; and receive predicted resource status information from the first network unit, where the predicted resource status information is determined based on the first resource status information and a first model, and the predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell.

[0397] In one possible implementation, the predicted resource status information includes at least one of the following: the predicted data volume of each network slice of at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of RRC connections, the predicted number of PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice for transmission, the predicted data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage.

[0398] In another possible implementation, the first resource status information includes at least one of the following: the current number of active users in each cell in at least one cell, the current number of RRC connections, the current capacity value of each network slice in at least one cell, the current physical resource block usage, the current user performance, the current data volume, the current number of PDU sessions, the current number of active users, the current number of RRC connections, the maximum bit rate currently supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the total maximum bit rate currently supported when all terminal devices use the network slice for transmission, the current data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, the current physical resource block usage, or the current user performance.

[0399] In another possible implementation, the processing module 802 is used to determine the resource reservation strategy and wireless resource management strategy of the network slice of at least one cell based on the predicted resource status information; and execute the resource reservation strategy and the wireless resource management strategy.

[0400] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 801 is also used to: send updated first resource status information to the first network unit, where the updated first resource status information includes the updated current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0401] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 801 is also used to: receive a resource status request from the first network unit, the resource status request is used to request first resource status information; the transceiver module 801 is specifically used to: send a resource status response to the first network unit, the resource status response includes the first resource status information.

[0402] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 801 is specifically configured to send a resource status update to the first network unit, where the resource status update includes first resource status information.

[0403] It should be understood that the specific process of each module executing the above corresponding process has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0404] The processing module 802 in the above embodiment can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuits. The transceiver module 801 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuits. The transceiver module 801 can also be referred to as a communication module or communication interface. The storage module can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0405] FIG9 is another structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG9 , a communication device 900 can be used to execute the process executed by the first access network device in the embodiments shown in FIG4 to FIG7 , and for details, please refer to the relevant description in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0406] The communication device 900 includes a processing module 901. Optionally, the communication device 900 also includes a transceiver module 902.

[0407] The processing module 901 is used to process data. The transceiver module 902 can implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver module 902 can also be called a communication interface or a communication module.

[0408] Optionally, the communication device 900 may further include a storage module, which may be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 901 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device implements the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0409] The communication device 900 can be used to perform the actions performed by the first access network device in the method embodiments described above. The communication device 900 can be the first access network device or a component configurable on the first access network device. The processing module 901 is used to perform processing-related operations on the first access network device side in the method embodiments described above. The transceiver module 902 is used to perform reception-related operations on the first access network device side in the method embodiments described above.

[0410] Optionally, the transceiver module 902 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiment. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiment.

[0411] It should be noted that the communication device 900 may include a sending module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 900 may include a receiving module but not a sending module. The specific implementation depends on whether the above solution executed by the communication device 900 includes a sending action and a receiving action.

[0412] Optionally, the communication device 900 is configured to execute the actions executed by the first access network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7. For details, please refer to the relevant introductions in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7, which will not be elaborated here.

[0413] For example, the communication device 900 is used to perform the actions performed by the first access network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7. The communication device 900 is used to perform the following scheme:

[0414] Processing module 901 is used to determine first resource status information, where the first resource status information includes resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell, and the at least one cell is a cell covered by the communication device 900 or the second access network device; and determine predicted resource status information based on the first resource status information and the first model, where the predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0415] In one possible implementation, the predicted resource status information includes at least one of the following: the predicted data volume of each network slice of at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of RRC connections, the predicted number of PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice for transmission, the predicted data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage.

[0416] In another possible implementation, the first resource status information includes at least one of the following: the current number of active users in each cell in at least one cell, the current number of RRC connections, the current capacity value of each network slice in at least one cell, the current physical resource block usage, the current user performance, the current data volume, the current number of PDU sessions, the current number of active users, the current number of RRC connections, the maximum bit rate currently supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the total maximum bit rate currently supported when all terminal devices use the network slice for transmission, the current data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, the current physical resource block usage, or the current user performance.

[0417] In another possible implementation, at least one cell is a cell covered by the communication apparatus 900; the transceiver module 902 is configured to send the predicted resource status information to the second access network device.

[0418] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 902 is used to receive a first request from a second access network device, where the first request is used to request future predicted resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell.

[0419] In another possible implementation, the first request further includes a predicted quantity requested to be fed back by the second access network device.

[0420] In another possible implementation, the predicted amount includes at least one of the following: the predicted data amount of each network slice of at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of RRC connections, the predicted number of PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice for transmission, the predicted data amount of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage.

[0421] In another possible implementation, the processing module 901 is also used to: execute a first switching decision and / or a first dual connection decision with the second access network device, the first switching decision and / or the first dual connection decision is determined based on the predicted resource status information, the first switching decision includes switching the first terminal device from the second access network device to the communication device 900, the first terminal device is a terminal device served by the second access network device, the first dual connection decision includes using the communication device 900 as a secondary access network device of the second terminal device, establishing a connection with the second terminal device, and the second terminal device is a terminal device served by the second access network device.

[0422] In another possible implementation, the processing module 901 is also used to: update the first resource status information, and the updated first resource status information includes the updated current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0423] In another possible implementation, the processing module 901 is also used to: determine decision-making assistance information based on the predicted resource status information, and the decision-making assistance information is used to assist the second access network device in determining the first switching decision and / or the first dual connection decision; the transceiver module 902 is also used to: send decision-making assistance information to the second access network device.

[0424] In another possible implementation, the decision-making auxiliary information includes at least one of the following: the access probability of each network slice of at least one cell, slice information of a first type of network slice, or slice information of a second type of network slice; wherein, the first type of network slice is a network slice whose access probability is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the second type of network slice is a network slice whose access probability is less than or equal to a second threshold.

[0425] In another possible implementation, the processing module 901 is also used to: execute a first switching decision and / or a first dual connection decision with the second access network device, the first switching decision or the first dual connection decision is determined by the second access network device based on the decision auxiliary information, the first switching decision includes switching the first terminal device from the second access network device to the communication device 900, the first dual connection decision includes using the communication device 900 as an auxiliary access network device of the second terminal device, establishing a connection with the second terminal device, and the second terminal device is a terminal device served by the second access network device.

[0426] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 902 is used to receive updated first resource status information from the second access network device, where the updated first resource status information includes updated current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0427] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 902 is further used to: receive a second request from the second access network device, where the second request is used to request decision assistance information for assisting the second access network device in determining the first switching decision or the first dual connectivity decision.

[0428] In another possible implementation, the second request includes a decision assistance amount requested to be fed back by the second access network device.

[0429] In another possible implementation, the decision-making assistance quantity includes at least one of the following: the access probability of each network slice of at least one cell, slice information of a first type of network slice, or slice information of a second type of network slice; wherein, the first type of network slice is a network slice whose access probability is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the second type of network slice is a network slice whose access probability is less than or equal to a second threshold.

[0430] In another possible implementation, the at least one cell is a cell covered by the second access network device, and the processing module 901 is specifically configured to receive first resource status information from the second access network device.

[0431] In another possible implementation, the processing module 901 is also used to: determine a second switching decision or a second dual connection decision based on the predicted resource status information, the second switching decision includes switching the third terminal device from the communication device 900 to the second access network device, and the third terminal device is a terminal device served by the communication device 900; the second dual connection decision includes using the second access network device as a secondary access network device of the fourth terminal device, establishing a connection with the fourth terminal device, and the fourth terminal device is a terminal device served by the communication device 900; and executing the second switching decision or the second dual connection decision between the second access network device.

[0432] In another possible implementation, at least one cell is a cell covered by the second access network device; the transceiver module 902 is configured to send the predicted resource status information to the second access network device.

[0433] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 902 is used to receive updated first resource status information from the second access network device, where the updated first resource status information includes updated current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0434] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 902 is used to receive second resource status information from the core network device, where the second resource status information includes future resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell predicted by the core network device; the processing module 901 is specifically used to input the first resource status information and the second resource status information into the first model to obtain the predicted resource status information output by the first model.

[0435] It should be understood that the specific process of each module executing the above corresponding process has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0436] The processing module 901 in the above embodiment can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuits. The transceiver module 902 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuits. The transceiver module 902 can also be referred to as a communication module or communication interface. The storage module can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0437] FIG10 is another structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG10 , a communication device 1000 can be used to execute the process executed by the second access network device in the embodiments shown in FIG4 to FIG7 , and for details, please refer to the relevant description in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0438] The communication device 1000 includes a transceiver module 1001. Optionally, the communication device 1000 further includes a processing module 1002.

[0439] The processing module 1002 is used to process data. The transceiver module 1001 can implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver module 1001 can also be called a communication interface or a communication module.

[0440] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a storage module, which may be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 1002 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device implements the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0441] The communication device 1000 can be used to perform the actions performed by the second access network device in the method embodiments described above. The communication device 1000 can be a second access network device or a component configurable on the second access network device. The processing module 1002 is used to perform processing-related operations on the second access network device in the method embodiments described above. The transceiver module 1001 is used to perform reception-related operations on the second access network device in the method embodiments described above.

[0442] Optionally, the transceiver module 1001 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiment. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiment.

[0443] It should be noted that the communication device 1000 may include a sending module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 1000 may include a receiving module but not a sending module. The specific implementation depends on whether the above solution executed by the communication device 1000 includes a sending action and a receiving action.

[0444] Optionally, the communication device 1000 is configured to execute the actions executed by the second access network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7. For details, please refer to the relevant introductions in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7, which will not be elaborated here.

[0445] For example, the communication device 1000 is used to perform the actions performed by the second access network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7. The communication device 1000 is used to perform the following scheme:

[0446] The transceiver module 1001 is used to receive predicted resource status information from the first access network device, where the predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell, where the at least one cell is a cell covered by the first access network device or the communication device 1000; the predicted resource status information is determined based on the first resource status information and the first model, where the first resource status information includes resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0447] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1001 is also used to: send a first request to the first access network device, where the first request is used to request future predicted resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell.

[0448] In another possible implementation, the first request further includes a predicted quantity that the communication apparatus 1000 requests feedback.

[0449] In another possible implementation, the predicted amount includes at least one of the following: the predicted data amount of each network slice of the at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of RRC connections, the number of PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported when each terminal device uses the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported when all terminal devices using the network slice for transmission, the predicted data amount of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage.

[0450] In another possible implementation, the processing module 1002 is configured to determine a first handover decision or a first dual connectivity decision according to the predicted resource status information; and execute the first handover decision or the first dual connectivity decision with the first access network device.

[0451] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 1001 is also used to: send updated first resource status information to the first access network device, where the updated first resource status information includes the updated current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0452] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 1001 is further configured to: send first resource status information to the first access network device.

[0453] For another example, the communication device 1000 is further configured to execute the following solution:

[0454] The transceiver module 1001 is used to receive decision-making assistance information from the first access network device, where the decision-making assistance information is determined based on predicted resource status information, where the predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell, where the at least one cell is a cell covered by the first access network device or the communication device 1000; the predicted resource status information is determined based on the first resource status information and a first model, where the first resource status information includes current resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell.

[0455] In one possible implementation, the processing module 1002 is used to determine a first switching decision or a first dual connection decision based on decision-making auxiliary information, the first switching decision includes switching the first terminal device from the communication device 1000 to the first access network device, the first terminal device is a terminal device served by the communication device 1000, the first dual connection decision includes using the first access network device as an auxiliary access network device of the second terminal device, establishing a connection with the second terminal device, the second terminal device is a terminal device served by the communication device 1000; and executing the first switching decision or the first dual connection decision between the first access network device and the first access network device.

[0456] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 1001 is also used to: send updated first resource status information to the first access network device, where the updated first resource status information includes the updated current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

[0457] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 1001 is further configured to: send a second request to the first access network device, where the second request is configured to request decision assistance information for assisting the communication apparatus 1000 in determining the first switching decision or the first dual connectivity decision.

[0458] In another possible implementation, the second request further includes a decision assistance amount requested to be fed back by the communication device 1000 .

[0459] In another possible implementation, the decision-making assistance quantity includes at least one of the following: the access probability of each network slice of at least one cell, slice information of a first type of network slice, or slice information of a second type of network slice; wherein, the first type of network slice is a network slice whose access probability is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the second type of network slice is a network slice whose access probability is less than or equal to a second threshold.

[0460] It should be understood that the specific process of each module executing the above corresponding process has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0461] The processing module 1002 in the above embodiment can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuits. The transceiver module 1001 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuits. The transceiver module 1001 can also be referred to as a communication module or communication interface. The storage module can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0462] The present application also provides a communication device 1100. Referring to Figure 11 , communication device 1100 includes a processor 1110 coupled to a memory 1120. Memory 1120 is configured to store computer programs, instructions, and / or data. Processor 1110 is configured to execute the computer programs, instructions, and / or data stored in memory 1120, thereby executing the method described in the method embodiments described above. Communication device 1100 is configured to implement the operations performed by the first network unit, the second network unit, the first access network device, or the second access network device described in the method embodiments described above.

[0463] Optionally, the communication device 1100 includes one or more processors 1110.

[0464] Optionally, as shown in FIG11 , the communication device 1100 may further include a memory 1120 .

[0465] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may include one or more memories 1120 .

[0466] Optionally, the memory 1120 may be integrated with the processor 1110 or provided separately.

[0467] Optionally, as shown in Figure 11 , the communication device 1100 may further include a transceiver 1130, which is configured to receive and / or transmit signals. For example, the processor 1110 is configured to control the transceiver 1130 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0468] The present application also provides a communication device 1200, which can be a network device or a chip. The communication device 1200 can be used to perform the operations performed by the first network unit, the second network unit, the first access network device, or the second access network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 3A, 3B, and 4 to 7 above.

[0469] When the communication device 1200 is a network device, such as a base station, FIG12 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a base station structure. The base station includes parts 1210, 1220, and 1230.

[0470] Part 1210 is mainly used for baseband processing, controlling the base station, etc.; Part 1210 is usually the control center of the base station, which can usually be called a processor, and is used to control the base station to execute the processing operations on the first network unit, the second network unit, the first access network device or the second access network device side in the above method embodiment.

[0471] Part 1220 is mainly used to store computer program code and data.

[0472] Part 1230 is primarily used for receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals and converting radio frequency signals into baseband signals. Part 1230 can generally be referred to as a transceiver module, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver. The transceiver module in part 1230, which can also be referred to as a transceiver or transceiver, includes an antenna 1233 and a radio frequency circuit (not shown in the figure), wherein the radio frequency circuit is primarily used for radio frequency processing. Optionally, the device used to implement the receiving function in part 1230 can be considered a receiver, and the device used to implement the transmitting function can be considered a transmitter, that is, part 1230 includes a receiver 1232 and a transmitter 1231. A receiver can also be referred to as a receiving module, a receiver, or a receiving circuit, and a transmitter can be referred to as a transmitting module, a transmitter, or a transmitting circuit.

[0473] Sections 1210 and 1220 may include one or more boards, each of which may include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processor is used to read and execute programs in the memory to implement baseband processing functions and control the base station. If multiple boards are present, the boards may be interconnected to enhance processing capabilities. As an optional implementation, multiple boards may share one or more processors, multiple boards may share one or more memories, or multiple boards may simultaneously share one or more processors.

[0474] For example, in one implementation, the transceiver module in section 1230 is used to execute the transceiver-related processes performed by the first network unit or the second network unit in the embodiments shown in Figures 3A and 3B. The processor in section 1210 is used to execute the processing-related processes performed by the first network unit or the second network unit in the embodiments shown in Figures 3A and 3B.

[0475] For another example, in one implementation, the transceiver module in section 1230 is used to execute the transceiver-related processes performed by the first access network device or the second access network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7. The processor in section 1210 is used to execute the processing-related processes performed by the first access network device or the second access network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7.

[0476] It should be understood that FIG12 is merely an example and not a limitation, and the network device including the processor, memory, and transceiver may not rely on the structures shown in FIG8 to FIG10.

[0477] When communication device 1200 is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver, a memory, and a processor. The transceiver may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processor may be a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. In the above method embodiments, the sending operations of the first network unit, the second network unit, the first access network device, or the second access network device can be understood as chip outputs, and the receiving operations of the first network unit, the second network unit, the first access network device, or the second access network device in the above method embodiments can be understood as chip inputs.

[0478] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the method executed by the first network unit, the second network unit, the first access network device or the second access network device in the above method embodiment.

[0479] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the method performed by the first network unit, the second network unit, the first access network device or the second access network device in the above method embodiment.

[0480] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, enables the computer to implement the method performed by the first network unit, the second network unit, the first access network device or the second access network device in the above method embodiment.

[0481] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system, comprising a first network unit and a second network unit. The first network unit is configured to perform some or all of the operations performed by the first network unit in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B above, and the second network unit is configured to perform some or all of the operations performed by the second network unit in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B above.

[0482] An embodiment of the present application also provides another communication system, which includes a first access network device and a second access network device. The first access network device is configured to perform some or all of the operations performed by the first access network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7 above, and the second access network device is configured to perform some or all of the operations performed by the second access network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7 above.

[0483] An embodiment of the present application also provides a chip device, including a processor, for calling computer programs or computer instructions stored in the memory so that the processor executes the methods provided in the embodiments shown in Figures 3A, 3B, and 4 to 7 above.

[0484] In one possible implementation, the input of the chip device corresponds to the receiving operation in any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 3A, 3B, and 4 to 7 above, and the output of the chip device corresponds to the sending operation in any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 3A, 3B, and 4 to 7 above.

[0485] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0486] Optionally, the chip device further includes a memory, in which computer programs or computer instructions are stored.

[0487] The processor mentioned in any of the above may be a general-purpose central processing unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of the program of the method provided in any of the embodiments shown in Figures 3A, 3B, and 4 to 7. The memory mentioned in any of the above may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0488] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity of description, the explanation of the relevant contents and beneficial effects of any of the above-mentioned devices can refer to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0489] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0490] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0491] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a single processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The aforementioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional units.

[0492] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the part that essentially contributes to the technical solution of the present application or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0493] As described above, the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The first access network device determines first resource status information, where the first resource status information includes resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell, where the at least one cell is a cell covered by the first access network device or the second access network device; The first access network device determines predicted resource status information based on the first resource status information and the first model, and the predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of a network slice of the at least one cell.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The predicted resource status information includes at least one of the following: the predicted data volume of each network slice of the at least one cell, the predicted physical resource block usage, the predicted capacity value, the predicted number of active users, the predicted number of wireless resource control RRC connections, the predicted number of protocol data unit PDU sessions, the predicted maximum bit rate supported by each terminal device when using the network slice for transmission, the predicted total maximum bit rate supported by all terminal devices using the network slice for transmission, the predicted data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, or the predicted physical resource block usage.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first resource status information includes at least one of the following: the current number of active users in each cell of the at least one cell, the current number of radio resource control (RRC) connections, the current capacity value of each network slice in the at least one cell, the current physical resource block usage, the current user performance, the current data volume, the current number of protocol data unit (PDU) sessions, the current number of active users, the current number of RRC connections, the maximum bit rate currently supported by each terminal device when using the network slice for transmission, the total maximum bit rate currently supported by all terminal devices when using the network slice for transmission, the current data volume of each PDU session contained in the network slice, the current physical resource block usage, or the current user performance.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The at least one cell is a cell covered by the first access network device; the method further includes: The first access network device sends the predicted resource status information to the second access network device.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that Before the first access network device sends the predicted resource status information to the second access network device, the method further includes: The first access network device receives a first request from the second access network device, where the first request is used to request future predicted resource status information of a network slice of the at least one cell.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The first request also includes a predicted amount that the second access network device requests feedback.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: A first switching decision and / or a first dual connection decision is executed between the first access network device and the second access network device, wherein the first switching decision and / or the first dual connection decision is determined based on the predicted resource status information, wherein the first switching decision includes switching the first terminal device from the second access network device to the first access network device, and the first dual connection decision includes using the first access network device as a secondary access network device of the second terminal device to establish a connection with the second terminal device, wherein the second terminal device is a terminal device served by the second access network device.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that After performing a first switching decision or a first dual connection decision between the first access network device and the second access network device, the method further includes: The first access network device updates the first resource status information, and the updated first resource status information includes updated current resource status information of the network slice of at least one cell.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first access network device determines decision-making assistance information according to the predicted resource status information, where the decision-making assistance information is used to assist the second access network device in determining a first switching decision and / or a first dual connectivity decision; The first access network device sends the decision-making auxiliary information to the second access network device.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The decision-making auxiliary information includes at least one of the following: the access probability of each network slice of the at least one cell, slice information of the first type of network slice, or slice information of the second type of network slice; wherein, the first type of network slice is a network slice whose access probability is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the second type of network slice is a network slice whose access probability is less than or equal to a second threshold.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The first switching decision and / or the first dual connection decision is executed between the first access network device and the second access network device. The first switching decision or the first dual connection decision is determined by the second access network device according to the decision auxiliary information. The first switching decision includes switching the first terminal device from the second access network device to the first access network device, and the first terminal device is a terminal device served by the second access network device. The first dual connection decision includes using the first access network device as an auxiliary access network device of the second terminal device to establish a connection with the second terminal device, and the second terminal device is a terminal device served by the second access network device.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that After performing the first switching decision or the first dual connectivity decision between the first access network device and the second access network device, the method further includes: The first access network device receives updated first resource status information from the second access network device, and the updated first resource status information includes updated current resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that Before the first access network device sends the decision assistance information to the second access network device, the method further includes: The first access network device receives a second request from the second access network device, where the second request is used to request decision assistance information for assisting the second access network device in determining the first switching decision or the first dual connectivity decision.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The second request includes the decision assistance amount requested to be fed back by the second access network device.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The at least one cell is a cell covered by the second access network device, and the first access network device determines the first resource status information, including: The first access network device receives the first resource status information from the second access network device.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first access network device determines a second switching decision or a second dual connection decision according to the predicted resource state information, the second switching decision includes switching a third terminal device from the first access network device to the second access network device, the second dual connection decision includes using the second access network device as a secondary access network device of a fourth terminal device, and establishing a connection with the fourth terminal device, the fourth terminal device being a terminal device served by the first access network device; The second switching decision or the second dual connectivity decision is performed between the first access network device and the second access network device.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The at least one cell is a cell covered by the second access network device, and the method further includes: The first access network device sends the predicted resource status information to the second access network device.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first access network device receives updated first resource status information from the second access network device, and the updated first resource status information includes updated current resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first access network device receives second resource status information from a core network device, where the second resource status information includes future resource status information of a network slice of the at least one cell predicted by the core network device; The first access network device determines predicted resource status information according to the first resource status information, the second resource status information and the first model, including: The first access network device inputs the first resource status information and the second resource status information into the first model to obtain predicted resource status information output by the first model.

20. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The second access network device receives predicted resource status information from the first access network device, wherein the predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell, and the at least one cell is a cell covered by the first access network device or the second access network device; the predicted resource status information is determined based on the first resource status information and a first model, and the first resource status information includes resource status information of the network slice of the at least one cell.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that Before the second access network device receives the predicted resource status information from the first access network device, the method further includes: The second access network device sends a first request to the first access network device, wherein the first request is used to request the at least one small The predicted resource status information of the network slice in the zone in the future.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second access network device determines a first switching decision or a first dual connection decision according to the predicted resource state information; The first switching decision or the first dual connection decision is performed between the second access network device and the first access network device.

23. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The second access network device receives decision-making assistance information from the first access network device, where the decision-making assistance information is determined based on predicted resource status information, where the predicted resource status information includes predicted future resource status information of a network slice of at least one cell, and the at least one cell is a cell covered by the first access network device or the second access network device; the predicted resource status information is determined based on first resource status information and a first model, where the first resource status information includes current resource status information of a network slice of the at least one cell.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second access network device determines a first switching decision or a first dual connection decision according to the decision auxiliary information, the first switching decision includes switching a first terminal device from the second access network device to the first access network device, the terminal device is a terminal device served by the second access network device, and the first dual connection decision includes using the first access network device as an auxiliary access network device of the second terminal device to establish a connection with the second terminal device, the second terminal device is a terminal device served by the second access network device; The first switching decision or the first dual connection decision is performed between the second access network device and the first access network device.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that Before the second access network device receives the decision assistance information from the first access network device, the method further includes: The second access network device sends a second request to the first access network device, where the second request is used to request decision assistance information for assisting the second access network device in determining the first switching decision or the first dual connectivity decision.

26. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises a processing module, and the processing module is used to perform the processing operation of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

27. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device includes a transceiver module; the transceiver module is used to perform the transceiver operation of the method as described in any one of claims 20 to 22; or, the transceiver module is used to perform the transceiver operation of the method as described in any one of claims 23 to 25.

28. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises a processor; the processor is used to execute a computer program or computer instructions in a memory to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

29. The communication device according to claim 28, characterized in that The communication device further comprises the memory, which is used to store the computer program or computer instructions.

30. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: A computer program is stored thereon, and when the computer program is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

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