Communication method, network element, communication system, and storage medium

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a network element, a communication system, and a storage medium. The method is executed by a first network element and comprises: sending first information, wherein the first information is used for indicating a function associated with a DSCP marking. By means of the embodiments of the present disclosure, resource optimization processing can be performed on XRM services.

Description

Communication method, network element, communication system and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of wireless communications, and in particular to a communication method, a network element, a communication system, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In a communication system, a packet data unit (PDU) set can be used to provide quality of service (QoS) assurance for extended reality for multimedia (XRM) services.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] At the transport layer of the communication system, resource optimization processing for XRM services can be considered.

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a first network element. The method includes: sending first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a function associated with a Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) marking.

[0006] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a third network element. The method includes: receiving first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a function associated with a DSCP marking.

[0007] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, which includes: a first network element sending first information to a third network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate a function associated with a DSCP mark.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network element is provided. The first network element includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: send first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a function associated with a DSCP marking.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a third network element is provided. The third network element includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: receive first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a function associated with a DSCP marking.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network element is provided. The first network element includes one or more processors and is configured to execute the communication method described in the first aspect.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a third network element is provided. The third network element includes one or more processors and is configured to execute the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a first network element and a third network element. The first network element is configured to implement the communication method described in the first aspect. The third network element is configured to implement the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0013] According to a ninth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method described in any one of the first, second, and third aspects.

[0014] According to a tenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a program product is provided, which, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to execute the communication method as described in any one of the first, second, and third aspects.

[0015] According to an eleventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to execute the communication method as described in any one of the first, second, and third aspects.

[0016] According to a twelfth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a chip or chip system is provided. The chip or chip system includes a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to execute the communication method as described in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first network element can indicate the function associated with the DSCP mark by sending the first information, thereby acquiring and selecting a network element that supports the function associated with the DSCP mark.

[0018] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory and do not constitute limitations on the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] FIG1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG2A is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG2B is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG2C is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG3 is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG4A is an exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG4B is an exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG4C is an exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG5 is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG6A is an exemplary interaction diagram of a specific implementation of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG6B is an exemplary interaction diagram of a specific implementation of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG6C is an exemplary interaction diagram of a specific implementation of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG6D is an exemplary interaction diagram of a specific implementation of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG7A is an exemplary structural diagram of a first network element provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG7B is an exemplary structural diagram of a third network element provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG7C is an exemplary structural diagram of a fourth network element provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG8A is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG8B is a schematic structural diagram of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a network element, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0039] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method. The method is performed by a first network element. The method includes: sending first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a function associated with a DSCP marking.

[0040] Through this embodiment, the first network element can indicate the function associated with the DSCP marking by sending the first information, thereby obtaining and selecting a network element that supports the function associated with the DSCP marking. In this way, resource scheduling and configuration of the transport layer can be optimized based on the function associated with the DSCP marking, more effectively ensuring that QoS requirements are met.

[0041] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the functions associated with DSCP marking may include at least one of the following: supporting DSCP marking at the outer packet header of the downlink data packet of the PDU set; supporting DSCP marking associated with at least one of high-rate low-latency services, extended reality services, and interactive media services.

[0042] Through this embodiment, the functions associated with DSCP marking can take PDU sets into account, or can be used to support high-speed, low-latency services, extended reality services, interactive media services, etc. In this way, for services such as XRM services that have large data volumes, low latency requirements, and low bit error rates, resources can be optimized at the transport layer to better adapt to resource needs and allocation.

[0043] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the DSCP mark at the outer header of the downlink data packet of the PDU set can be associated with at least one of the following: PDU set information of the PDU set; PDU set QoS parameters of the PDU set.

[0044] Through this embodiment, the DSCP marking can be associated with at least one of the PDU set information and the PDU set QoS parameters. In this way, the DSCP marking can be configured based on at least one of the PDU set information and the PDU set QoS parameters, thereby improving the comprehensiveness and flexibility of resource configuration.

[0045] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the PDU set information may include at least one of the following: PDU set sequence number; the start PDU or end PDU of the PDU set; the PDU sequence number within the PDU set; the number of PDUs within the PDU set; the PDU set importance; the PDU set size; and the end of the data burst.

[0046] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the PDU set QoS parameters may include at least one of the following: PDU set control indication; PDU set delay budget (PSDB); PDU set error rate (PSER); PDU set integrated control information (PSIHI).

[0047] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can be used for at least one of the following: discovery of the second network element; selection of the second network element; and reselection of the second network element.

[0048] Through this embodiment, the first information carrying the function associated with the DSCP mark can be used for discovering, selecting, and reselecting the second network element, so that the second network element determined by the first network element during discovery, selection, and reselection supports the function associated with the DSCP mark.

[0049] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may be carried in at least one of the following: a subscription message; an N4 association establishment request message; an N4 association establishment response message; or an N4 session establishment request message.

[0050] Through this embodiment, the first information can be carried in messages of different interaction processes, so that support for DSCP marking-related functions can be implemented in different interaction processes.

[0051] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: receiving second information, wherein the second information is used to indicate that the second network element supports a function associated with the DSCP mark.

[0052] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second information can be carried in at least one of the following: a notification message; an N4 association establishment request message; an N4 association establishment response message; or an N4 session establishment response message.

[0053] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, before sending the first information, the above method may further include: receiving third information, wherein the third information is used to instruct the first network element to provide a function associated with the DSCP mark.

[0054] Through this embodiment, the network element in the communication system can send the third information to the first network element. In this way, according to specific service requirements, policy requirements, QoS requirements, functional requirements, etc., the first network element can be actively instructed to provide functions associated with DSCP marking.

[0055] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the function associated with the DSCP marking may be provided by the first network element according to the third information.

[0056] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the functionality associated with the DSCP marking may be provided by the first network element based on at least one of: operation, administration and maintenance (OAM) configuration; operator policy; local configuration; single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI); data network name (DNN); and XRM service capability.

[0057] Through this embodiment, for specific OAM configuration, operator policy, local configuration, S-NSSAI, DNN, XRM service capabilities, etc., the first network element can independently determine to provide functions associated with DSCP marking.

[0058] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method. The method is performed by a third network element. The method includes: receiving first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a function associated with a DSCP marking.

[0059] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the functions associated with DSCP marking may include at least one of the following: supporting DSCP marking at the outer packet header of the downlink data packet of the PDU set; supporting DSCP marking associated with at least one of high-rate low-latency services, extended reality services, and interactive media services.

[0060] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the DSCP mark at the outer header of the downlink data packet of the PDU set can be associated with at least one of the following: PDU set information of the PDU set; PDU set QoS parameters of the PDU set.

[0061] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the PDU set information may include at least one of the following: PDU set sequence number; the start PDU or end PDU of the PDU set; the PDU sequence number within the PDU set; the number of PDUs within the PDU set; the PDU set importance; the PDU set size; and the end of the data burst.

[0062] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the PDU set QoS parameter may include at least one of the following: PDU set control indication; PSDB; PSER; PSIHI.

[0063] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can be used for at least one of the following: discovery of the second network element; selection of the second network element; and reselection of the second network element.

[0064] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can be carried in at least one of the following: a subscription message; an N4 association establishment request message; an N4 association establishment response message; or an N4 session establishment request message.

[0065] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: sending second information, wherein the second information is used to indicate that the second network element supports a function associated with the DSCP mark.

[0066] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second information can be carried in at least one of the following: a notification message; an N4 association establishment request message; an N4 association establishment response message; or an N4 session establishment response message.

[0067] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the third network element may include one of the following: UPF; NRF.

[0068] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, which includes: a first network element sending first information to a third network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate a function associated with a DSCP mark.

[0069] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: the third network element sends second information to the first network element, wherein the second information is used to indicate that the second network element supports a function associated with the DSCP mark.

[0070] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: the first network element receives third information from a fourth network element, wherein the third information is used to indicate that the first network element provides a function associated with the DSCP mark.

[0071] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first network element, comprising a transceiver module configured to send first information indicating a function associated with a DSCP marking.

[0072] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the functions associated with the DSCP marking may include at least one of the following: supporting DSCP marking at the outer packet header of the downlink data packet of the PDU set; supporting DSCP marking associated with at least one of high-rate low-latency services, extended reality services, and interactive media services.

[0073] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the DSCP mark at the outer header of the downlink data packet of the PDU set can be associated with at least one of the following: PDU set information of the PDU set; PDU set QoS parameters of the PDU set.

[0074] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the PDU set information may include at least one of the following: PDU set sequence number; the start PDU or end PDU of the PDU set; the PDU sequence number within the PDU set; the number of PDUs within the PDU set; the PDU set importance; the PDU set size; and the end of the data burst.

[0075] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the PDU set QoS parameter may include at least one of the following: PDU set control indication; PSDB; PSER; PSIHI.

[0076] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can be used for at least one of the following: discovery of the second network element; selection of the second network element; and reselection of the second network element.

[0077] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can be carried in at least one of the following: a subscription message; an N4 association establishment request message; an N4 association establishment response message; or an N4 session establishment request message.

[0078] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may further be configured to: receive second information, wherein the second information is used to indicate that the second network element supports a function associated with the DSCP mark.

[0079] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the second information can be carried in at least one of the following: a notification message; an N4 association establishment request message; an N4 association establishment response message; or an N4 session establishment response message.

[0080] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may further be configured to: receive third information, wherein the third information is used to instruct the first network element to provide a function associated with the DSCP mark.

[0081] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the function associated with the DSCP marking can be provided by the first network element based on the third information.

[0082] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the functionality associated with the DSCP marking may be provided by the first network element based on at least one of the following: OAM configuration; operator policy; local configuration; S-NSSAI; DNN; XRM service capability.

[0083] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a third network element. The third network element includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: receive first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a function associated with a DSCP mark.

[0084] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the functions associated with the DSCP marking may include at least one of the following: supporting DSCP marking at the outer packet header of the downlink data packet of the PDU set; supporting DSCP marking associated with at least one of high-rate low-latency services, extended reality services, and interactive media services.

[0085] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the DSCP mark at the outer header of the downlink data packet of the PDU set can be associated with at least one of the following: PDU set information of the PDU set; PDU set QoS parameters of the PDU set.

[0086] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the PDU set information may include at least one of the following: PDU set sequence number; the start PDU or end PDU of the PDU set; the PDU sequence number within the PDU set; the number of PDUs within the PDU set; the PDU set importance; the PDU set size; and the end of the data burst.

[0087] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the PDU set QoS parameter may include at least one of the following: PDU set control indication; PSDB; PSER; PSIHI.

[0088] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can be used for at least one of the following: discovery of the second network element; selection of the second network element; and reselection of the second network element.

[0089] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can be carried in at least one of the following: a subscription message; an N4 association establishment request message; an N4 association establishment response message; or an N4 session establishment request message.

[0090] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can also be configured to: send second information, where the second information is used to indicate that the second network element supports a function associated with the DSCP mark.

[0091] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the second information can be carried in at least one of the following: a notification message; an N4 association establishment request message; an N4 association establishment response message; or an N4 session establishment response message.

[0092] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the third network element may include one of the following: a user plane function (UPF); a network repository function (NRF).

[0093] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first network element. The first network element includes one or more processors and is configured to execute the communication method as described in any one of the first aspect and possible embodiments thereof.

[0094] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a third network element. The third network element includes one or more processors and is configured to execute the communication method as described in any one of the second aspect and possible embodiments thereof.

[0095] In an eighth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication system. The communication system includes a first network element and a third network element. The first network element is configured to implement the communication method described in any one of the first aspect and possible embodiments thereof. The third network element is configured to implement the communication method described in any one of the second aspect and possible embodiments thereof.

[0096] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to execute the communication method described in any one of the first, second, and third aspects and possible embodiments thereof.

[0097] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a program product. When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method as described in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, and possible embodiments thereof.

[0098] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program. When the computer program is executed on a computer, the computer executes the communication method as described in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, and possible embodiments thereof.

[0099] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or a chip system. The chip or chip system includes a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to execute the communication method as described in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, and possible embodiments thereof.

[0100] It is understandable that the first network element, the third network element, the communication system, the storage medium, the program product, the computer program, the chip, and the chip system are all used to perform the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding methods and will not be repeated here.

[0101] The present disclosure provides a communication method, network element, communication system, and storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms communication method, information processing method, and information transmission method are interchangeable; the terms network element, network device, network function, and network entity are interchangeable; and the terms communication system and information processing system are interchangeable.

[0102] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0103] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0104] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0105] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English are used in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0106] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more than two.

[0107] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one", "one or more", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0108] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0109] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0110] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for example, if the description object is "information", then the "second information" and the "first information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0111] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0112] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0113] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0114] In some embodiments, devices, etc. can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as "device", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", and "subject" can be used interchangeably.

[0115] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.). For example, a network device may include at least one access network device. For another example, a network device may include at least one core network device. For another example, a network device may include at least one access network device and at least one core network device.

[0116] In some embodiments, the core network device may include at least one network element. Then, the network device including the core network device means that the network device may include at least one network element.

[0117] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station" "fixed station", "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / reception point (TRP)" "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0118] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0119] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced by a terminal. For example, the various embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which the communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (for example, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, it is also possible to set the structure in which the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can also be replaced by terms corresponding to communication between terminals (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channels, downlink channels, etc. can be replaced by side channels, and uplinks, downlinks, etc. can be replaced by side links.

[0120] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device may have a structure that has all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0121] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0122] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0123] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0124] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG1 , a communication system 100 includes a terminal 110 and a network device 120 .

[0125] In some embodiments, the terminal 110 includes, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0126] In some embodiments, the network device 120 may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0127] In some embodiments, the access network device may be, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a satellite base station, a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0128] In some embodiments, the terminal and the core network device may interact through the access network device. In some embodiments, the terminal and the core network device may interact directly. This is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0129] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0130] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can be used to split the protocol layer of the access network device, with the functions of some protocol layers centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0131] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a device including one or more network elements, or may be multiple devices or device groups, each including all or part of the one or more network elements. The network element may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0132] As shown in FIG. 1 , the network device 120 may include at least one of the following: a first network element 121 , a second network element 122 , a third network element 123 , a fourth network element 124 , and a fifth network element 125 .

[0133] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 may be, for example, a session management function (SMF).

[0134] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 can be used to implement session management functions, mainly performing session management, execution of PCF control policies, UPF selection, UE Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and other functions, the name is not limited to this.

[0135] In some embodiments, the second network element 122 may be, for example, a user plane function (UPF).

[0136] In some embodiments, the second network element 122 can be used to implement functions such as user plane (UP) data forwarding, session / flow-level billing statistics, bandwidth limitation, UP QoS processing, etc., and the name is not limited thereto.

[0137] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 may be, for example, a UPF. In this case, the third network element 123 and the second network element 122 may be the same network element.

[0138] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 may be, for example, a network repository function (NRF). In this case, the third network element 123 and the second network element 122 may be different network elements.

[0139] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 can be used to implement service discovery functions, and is mainly responsible for network function service registration, status monitoring, etc., and the name is not limited to this.

[0140] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 124 may be, for example, another network element in the core network except the SMF and the UPF.

[0141] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 124 may be, for example, a policy control function (PCF).

[0142] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 124 can be used to implement policy control functions, and is mainly responsible for policy decisions related to charging policies, QoS bandwidth guarantees and policies for sessions and business flows, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0143] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 124 may be, for example, an application function (AF).

[0144] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 124 may be used to provide policy management for business services, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0145] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 124 may be, for example, a UPF. In this case, the fourth network element 124 and the second network element 122 may be different UPFs.

[0146] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 124 may be, for example, operation, administration and maintenance (OAM).

[0147] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 124 can be used to complete network management according to the actual needs of the operator's network operation, and is mainly responsible for OAM discovery, link monitoring, remote fault indication, remote loopback testing, and scalability, the name is not limited to this.

[0148] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 124 may be, for example, a unified data management (UDM).

[0149] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 124 may be responsible for the management of user identification, subscription data, authentication data, and service network element registration management of the user.

[0150] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 124 may be, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0151] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 124 may be responsible for registration management, connection management, and mobility management, but the names are not limited thereto.

[0152] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 124 may be deployed in the core network or independently of the core network.

[0153] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 125 may be, for example, an OAM.

[0154] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0155] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1, or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in Figure 1 are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or part of the entities shown in Figure 1, or may include other entities outside of Figure 1. The number and form of the entities may be arbitrary. The connection relationship between the entities is illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0156] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, the fourth generation mobile communication system (4 th generation mobile communication system, 4G), fifth generation mobile communication system (5 thgeneration mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wide Band (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) network, Device-to-Device (D2D) system, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) system, Internet of Things (IoT) Things (IoT) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X), systems using other communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extended from them. In addition, multiple systems can also be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A and 5G).

[0157] In some cases, services such as mobile media services, online AR / VR and other XR services, online gaming, and video-based remote control of machines or drones are expected to contribute increasingly high traffic volumes to communication networks. XR services involve multimodal data streams. Multimodal data is data describing the same service / application that is input from the same device or different devices (including sensors) and may be output to one or more destination devices. The data streams within multimodal data often have some, or even strong, correlation, such as synchronization between audio and video streams, or between touch and vision. These media services share common characteristics within their data streams, between the data streams themselves, and in terms of the network transmission requirements. Effectively identifying and leveraging these characteristics will facilitate network and service transmission and control, as well as enhance service assurance and user experience.

[0158] In further cases, XRM services and interactive media services require the communication system to comprehensively consider the QoS characteristics of service data flows. Such QoS characteristics may include, for example, at least one of the following: whether parameters such as delay-sensitive guaranteed bit rate (GBR) data flows, guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR), packet delay budget (PDB), and default maximum data burst volume (MDBV) can be simultaneously met and coordinated. It also involves multiple XRM data flows of a terminal, and XRM data flows of multiple terminals, and the consistency of QoS authorization and execution between each other.

[0159] In some embodiments, the service data flow (SDF) of the XRM may support PDU set-based processing, thereby enhancing QoS awareness and assurance of the SDF and improving the user's quality of experience (QoE).

[0160] In some embodiments, in systems such as 4G, 5G, 6G, and V2X, the AF may provide PDU set QoS parameters and a protocol description. In some embodiments, the PDU set QoS parameters may include at least one of the following: a PDU set control indication, a PDU set delay budget (PSDB), a PDU set error rate (PSER), and a PDU set integrated handling information (PSIHI). Then, the SMF and the UPF may extend the header of the PDU in the PDU set of the SDF in combination with the protocol description and protocol header extension provided by the AF to carry the PDU set information. The PDU information carried may be used by the access network to perform PDU set-based QoS control.

[0161] In some embodiments, the PDU set information may include at least one of the following: a PDU set sequence number, a start PDU or end PDU of a PDU set, a PDU sequence number within a PDU set, the number of PDUs within a PDU set, PDU set importance, PDU set size, and end of data burst (EDB). Here, the PDU set importance is used to indicate the importance of a PDU set relative to other PDU sets in the same QoS flow.

[0162] This enhanced PDU set feature can achieve QoS guarantees for XRM service requirements. Simultaneously, resource optimization for XRM at the transport layer of the communication system can achieve a better allocation between resource demand and supply, further enhancing the QoE and QoS optimization achieved through the enhanced PDU set feature.

[0163] Figure 2A is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is applied to a communication system 100. As shown in Figure 2A, the method includes steps S2101 to S2108.

[0164] In step S2101 , the fourth network element 124 sends third information to the first network element 121 .

[0165] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 may receive third information from the fourth network element 124 .

[0166] In some embodiments, the third information may be used to instruct the first network element 121 to provide a function related to DSCP marking. In one example, the third information may be used to directly instruct the first network element 121 to provide a function related to DSCP marking. In another example, the third information may be used to indirectly instruct the first network element 121 to provide a function related to DSCP marking.

[0167] In some embodiments, the third information may include DSCP marking indication information, which is not limited to this. In some embodiments, the DSCP marking indication information may be used to request the first network element 121 to provide a function associated with the DSCP marking. In this case, the first network element 121 can directly determine that the function associated with the DSCP marking is to be provided based on the DSCP marking indication information. In some embodiments, the DSCP marking indication information may include service requirements for the function associated with the DSCP marking. In this case, the first network element 121 may determine or decide to provide the function associated with the DSCP marking based on the service requirements indicated by the DSCP marking indication information.

[0168] In some embodiments, a DSCP (differentiated services code point) may be used to prioritize data packets, PDUs, or PDU sets. Specifically, the DSCP may include at least one bit. By encoding these one or more bits, distinction between multiple priorities may be achieved. In some embodiments, the DSCP may include 8 bits. In some embodiments, the DSCP may include 6 used bits and 2 unused bits in a type of service (TOS) identifier. In some embodiments, the DSCP may include 6 bits.

[0169] In some embodiments, DSCP marking may refer to the operation of using DSCP to prioritize data packets, PDUs, PDU sets, etc. Specifically, DSCP marking may include adding a DSCP value to a data packet, PDU, PDU set, etc. The DSCP value may be used to indicate the priority of the data packet, PDU, PDU set, etc.

[0170] In some embodiments, the functions associated with DSCP marking may include at least one of the following: supporting DSCP marking at the outer header of the downlink data packet of the PDU set; supporting DSCP marking associated with at least one of high-rate low-latency services, extended reality services, and interactive media services.

[0171] In some embodiments, the DSCP marking in the outer header of a downlink data packet supporting a PDU set may be associated with at least one of the following: PDU set information of the PDU set, or PDU set QoS parameters of the PDU set. In this case, the DSCP marking in the outer header of a downlink data packet supporting a PDU set may, for example, be: a DSCP marking in the outer header of a downlink data packet supporting a PDU set through an N3 / N9 interface of a transport network, wherein the DSCP marking takes into account the PDU set information and / or the PDU set QoS parameters.

[0172] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 124 may include at least one of the following: PCF, AF, UPF, OAM, UDM. Of course, the fourth network element 124 may also be other network elements in the communication system, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0173] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 124 may be a PCF. In one example, the PCF may send DSCP marking indication information to the first network element 121. In one example, the DSCP marking indication information may be included in a policy and charging control (PCC) rule. Specifically, the PCF may send a PCC rule to the first network element 121. The PCC rule may include the DSCP marking indication information. In one example, the DSCP marking indication information may be used to indicate a policy and / or QoS requirement that takes into account the DSCP marking of the PDU set.

[0174] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 124 may be an AF. In one example, the AF may send DSCP marking indication information to the first network element 121. In one example, the AF may send the DSCP marking indication information to the first network element 121 via a network element such as a PCF. In one example, the AF may send the DSCP marking indication information directly to the first network element 121. In one example, the DSCP marking indication information may be used to indicate a service requirement that considers the DSCP marking of a PDU set.

[0175] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 124 may be a UPF. In one example, the fourth network element 124 may be an old UPF. Accordingly, the first network element 121 may be a new UPF. In one example, the fourth network element 124 may be a serving UPF. Accordingly, the first network element 121 may be a target UPF. In one example, the old UPF may send DSCP marking indication information to the first network element 121. In one example, the serving UPF may send DSCP marking indication information to the first network element 121.

[0176] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 124 may be an OAM. In one example, the OAM may send DSCP marking indication information to the first network element 121. In one example, the DSCP marking indication information may be included in an OAM configuration. Specifically, the OAM may send an OAM configuration to the first network element 121. The OAM configuration may include the DSCP marking indication information.

[0177] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 124 may be a UDM. In one example, the UDM may send DSCP marking indication information to the first network element 121 .

[0178] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 124 may be an AMF. In one example, the AMF may send DSCP marking indication information to the first network element 121.

[0179] In some embodiments, the DSCP marking indication information may be used to indicate a functional requirement to consider the DSCP marking of a PDU set.

[0180] In some embodiments, the DSCP marking indication information may be used for at least one of discovering, selecting, and reselecting the second network element 122. In some embodiments, the DSCP marking indication information may be used for discovering, selecting, and reselecting a UPF and / or a UPF instance. In some embodiments, the DSCP marking policy and / or QoS requirements may be used for discovering, selecting, and reselecting a UPF and / or a UPF instance. In some embodiments, the DSCP marking service requirements may be used for discovering, selecting, and reselecting a UPF and / or a UPF instance. In some embodiments, the DSCP marking functional requirements may be used for discovering, selecting, and reselecting a UPF and / or a UPF instance.

[0181] In some embodiments, the function associated with the DSCP marking may be provided by the first network element 121 according to the third information. It is understandable that, in some embodiments, the function associated with the DSCP marking may be provided by the first network element 121 according to at least one of the following: OAM configuration information, operator policy, local configuration, single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), data network name (DNN), and XRM service capability.

[0182] In some embodiments, the local configuration may include configuration information for a region. For example, for the same service, based on different local configurations associated with different regions, the function associated with the DSCP marking may be provided in one region, but not provided in another region.

[0183] In some embodiments, S-NSSAI can be used to identify a network slice. The network slice identified by S-NSSAI can be related to or dedicated to XRM services. In this case, functions associated with DSCP marking can be provided for XRM services related to the network slice identified by S-NSSAI.

[0184] In some embodiments, the DNN can be used to identify data networks. The network identified by the DNN can be related to or dedicated to XRM services. In this case, functions associated with DSCP marking can be provided for XRM services related to the network identified by the DNN. It should be noted that the DNN can be used alone or in conjunction with S-NSSAI, and this is not specifically limited in the present embodiment.

[0185] In some embodiments, the XRM service capability may include DSCP marking in consideration of a PDU set. More specifically, the XRM service capability may be used to indicate a capability to support DSCP marking in consideration of a PDU set.

[0186] In step S2102 , the first network element 121 sends first information to the third network element 123 .

[0187] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 may receive the first information.

[0188] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 and the second network element 122 may be different network elements.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to indicate a function associated with the DSCP mark. Through the first information, the first network element 121 may inform the third network element 123 of the function associated with the DSCP mark.

[0190] In some embodiments, the first information may be carried in a subscription message. The subscription message may be used to subscribe the third network element 123 to the information of the second network element 122 .

[0191] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 may send first information to the third network element 123 in the process of using NRF to provide UPF instances to SMF (SMF provisioning of UPF instances using NRF procedure). In one example, the third network element 123 may be, for example, an NRF. In one example, the first network element 121 may send a subscription message to the third network element 123. Correspondingly, the third network element 123 may receive the subscription message from the first network element 121. The first information may be carried in the subscription message. For example, the subscription message may be an Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusSubscribe message. The first information may be included in the target UPF provisioning information (target UPF provisioning information) in the Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusSubscribe message.

[0192] In step S2103 , the third network element 123 sends fourth information to the first network element 121 .

[0193] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 may receive fourth information.

[0194] In some embodiments, the fourth information may be used to indicate that the sixth network element (not shown) supports the function associated with the DSCP marking. Based on the fourth information, the third network element 123 may inform the first network element 121 of the sixth network element's support for the function associated with the DSCP marking.

[0195] In some embodiments, the fourth information may be carried in a notification message. The notification message may be used to notify the first network element 121 of the information of the sixth network element.

[0196] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 may send fourth information to the first network element 121 during the process of using the NRF to provide a UPF instance to the SMF. In one example, the third network element 123 may be, for example, an NRF, and the sixth network element may be, for example, a UPF that has been deployed and configured in the communication system. In one example, the third network element 123 may send a notification message to the first network element 121. Correspondingly, the first network element 121 may receive the notification message from the third network element 123. The fourth information may be carried in the notification message. For example, the notification message may be an Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusNotify message. The fourth information may be included in the Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusNotify message. After obtaining the fourth information, the first network element 121 may obtain information about the UPF that supports functions associated with the DSCP based on the fourth information.

[0197] In step S2104 , the second network element 122 is deployed.

[0198] In some embodiments, the deployed second network element 122 may include at least one of the following: a UPF, a UPF instance.

[0199] In some embodiments, the second network element 122 may complete the deployment by interacting with the fifth network element 125. In one example, in the process of using NRF to provide the UPF instance to the SMF, the second network element 122 may interact with the fifth network element 125 to complete the deployment of the second network element 122 (e.g., UPF and / or UPF instance).

[0200] In step S2105 , the second network element 122 is configured.

[0201] In some embodiments, the second network element 122 can complete the configuration by interacting with the fifth network element 125. The second network element 122 can obtain configuration information from the fifth network element 125 and save it locally. In one example, in the process of using NRF to provide the UPF instance to the SMF, the second network element 122 can interact with the fifth network element 125 to complete the configuration of the second network element 122 (e.g., UPF and / or UPF instance).

[0202] In some embodiments, the configuration information may include UPF provisioning information. That is, the UPF provisioning information may indicate that the second network element 122 supports functions associated with DSCP markings. The second network element 122 and the fifth network element 125 may both obtain the UPF provisioning information and thereby determine that the second network element 122 supports functions associated with DSCP markings.

[0203] In step S2106 , the second network element 122 sends registration information to the third network element 123 .

[0204] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 may receive registration information.

[0205] In some embodiments, the registration information may be used to register the second network element 122 on the third network element 123 .

[0206] In some embodiments, the registration information may include UPF provision information. In this way, the third network element 123 may obtain the second information and know that the second network element 122 supports the function associated with the DSCP marking.

[0207] In some embodiments, the registration information may be carried in a registration message. In one example, the registration message may be an Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister message.

[0208] It should be noted that, through steps S2105 and S2106, the third network element 123 can know that the second network element 122 supports the function associated with the DSCP mark.

[0209] In step S2107 , the fifth network element 125 sends configuration information to the third network element 123 .

[0210] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 may receive configuration information.

[0211] In some embodiments, the configuration information may be used for the fifth network element 125 to register the second network element 122 with the third network element 123 .

[0212] In some embodiments, the configuration information may include configuration information of the second network element 122. In one example, the configuration information may include configuration information of the second network element 122 in the third network element 123. In one example, the configuration information may include OAM configuration information of the second network element 122.

[0213] In some embodiments, the configuration information may include UPF provision information, thereby indicating that the second network element 122 supports the function associated with the DSCP marking. The third network element 123 may know from the configuration information that the second network element 122 supports the function associated with the DSCP marking.

[0214] It should be noted that, through step S2107, the third network element 123 can also know that the second network element 122 supports the function associated with the DSCP mark. It can be seen that step S2107 and steps S2105 and S2106 can be alternatives.

[0215] In step S2108 , the third network element 123 sends second information to the first network element 121 .

[0216] The optional implementation of step S2108 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0217] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 may receive the second information.

[0218] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate that the second network element 122 supports the function associated with the DSCP marking. Based on the second information, the third network element 123 may inform the first network element 121 of the support of the function associated with the DSCP marking by the second network element 122.

[0219] In some embodiments, the second information may be carried in a notification message. The notification message may be used to notify the first network element 121 of the information of the second network element 122.

[0220] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 may send second information to the first network element 121 during the process of using the NRF to provide a UPF instance to the SMF. In one example, the third network element 123 may be, for example, an NRF, and the second network element may be, for example, a UPF. In one example, the third network element 123 may send a notification message to the first network element 121. Correspondingly, the first network element 121 may receive the notification message from the third network element 123. The second information may be carried in the notification message. For example, the notification message may be an Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusNotify message. The second information may be included in the Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusNotify message. After obtaining the second information, the first network element 121 may obtain information about the UPF that supports functions associated with the DSCP based on the second information.

[0221] It should be noted that the sixth network element and the second network element 122 can be network elements of the same type and / or function. For example, the sixth network element and the second network element 122 can be UPFs. The difference between the sixth network element and the second network element 122 may be that the sixth network element was already deployed in the communication system before step S2102, and the fourth information of the sixth network element already exists in the third network element 123; the second network element 122 was deployed in the communication system after step S2102, and after the deployment and configuration of the second network element 122, the third network element 123 can obtain the second information of the second network element 122. It is understandable that the sixth network element can be considered to be the second network element 122 that has already been deployed in the communication system. Similarly, the fourth information and the second information can have the same function, namely, indicating support for functions associated with DSCP. However, the fourth information is associated with the sixth network element, while the second information is associated with the second network element 122.

[0222] In some embodiments, both step S2103 and step S2108 are optional steps. For example, step S2103 and step S2108 may be performed in whole, in part, or in part. In one example, after step S2102 is completed, the third network element 123 may not contain any fourth information (i.e., no sixth network element has been deployed and configured in the communication system). Therefore, the third network element 123 may not perform step S2103. In another example, after step S2102 is completed, the third network element 123 may contain the fourth information (i.e., a sixth network element has been deployed and configured in the communication system). Therefore, the third network element 123 may perform step S2103. In another example, after step S2102 is completed, the second network element 122 may not be deployed. Therefore, the third network element 123 may not contain the second information of the newly deployed second network element 122. Therefore, the third network element 123 may not perform step S2108. In another example, after step S2102 is completed, the second network element 122 may be deployed. Then, the third network element 123 may include the second information of the newly deployed second network element 122. Then, the third network element 123 may execute step S2108. In some scenarios, after step S2102 is completed, the sixth network element may not be deployed in the communication system, in which case step S2103 is not executed. Subsequently, the second network element 122 may be deployed, in which case step S2108 may be executed. The second information in step S2108 may indicate that the second network element 122 supports functions associated with DSCP. In some scenarios, after step S2102 is completed, the sixth network element may be present in the communication system, in which case step S2103 may be executed. Subsequently, if the new second network element 122 is not deployed, step S2108 may not be executed. The second information in step S2103 may indicate that the sixth network element supports functions associated with DSCP. In some scenarios, after step S2103 is completed, the sixth network element may already exist in the network, in which case step S2103 may be executed. Subsequently, the second network element 122 may be deployed, in which case step S2108 may be executed. The fourth information in step S2103 may be used to indicate that the sixth network element supports the function associated with DSCP. The second information in step S2108 may be used to indicate that the second network element 122 supports the function associated with DSCP, and may also be used to indicate that the sixth network element and the second network element 122 support the function associated with DSCP.

[0223] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2108. For example, S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, S2108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S2101 and S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S2102 and S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S2102 and S2108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of steps S2101, S2102, and S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0224] In some embodiments, steps S2101, S2103, S2104, S2105, S2106, S2107, and S2108 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0225] In some embodiments, steps S2101, S2102, S2104, S2105, S2106, S2107, and S2108 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0226] In some embodiments, steps S2102, S2103, S2104, S2105, S2106, S2107, and S2108 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0227] Figure 2B is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is applied to a communication system 100. As shown in Figure 2B, the method includes steps S2201 to S2203.

[0228] In step S2201 , the fourth network element 124 sends third information to the first network element 121 .

[0229] The optional implementation of step S2201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0230] In step S2202 , the first network element 121 sends first information to the third network element 123 .

[0231] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 may receive the first information.

[0232] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 and the second network element 122 may be the same network element.

[0233] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to indicate a function associated with the DSCP mark. Through the first information, the first network element 121 may inform the third network element 123 of the function associated with the DSCP mark.

[0234] In some embodiments, the first information may be carried in one of the following: an N4 association establishment request message, or an N4 association establishment response message.

[0235] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 may send the first information to the third network element 123 during an N4 association setup procedure initiated by the SMF. In one example, the third network element 123 may be, for example, a UPF. In one example, the first network element 121 may send an N4 association setup request message to the third network element 123. Correspondingly, the third network element 123 may receive the N4 association setup request message from the first network element 121. The first information may be carried in the N4 association setup request message.

[0236] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 may send the first information to the third network element 123 during an N4 association setup procedure initiated by a UPF. In one example, the third network element 123 may be, for example, a UPF. In one example, the first network element 121 may send an N4 association setup response message to the third network element 123. Correspondingly, the third network element 123 may receive the N4 association setup response message from the first network element 121. The first information may be carried in the N4 association setup response message.

[0237] In step S2203 , the third network element 123 sends second information to the first network element 121 .

[0238] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 may receive the second information.

[0239] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate that the second network element 122 supports the function associated with the DSCP marking. Based on the second information, the third network element 123 may inform the first network element 121 of the support of the function associated with the DSCP marking by the second network element 122.

[0240] In some embodiments, the second information may be carried in one of the following: an N4 association establishment request message, or an N4 association establishment response message.

[0241] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 may send the second information to the first network element 121 during the N4 association establishment process initiated by the SMF. In one example, the third network element 123 may be, for example, a UPF. In one example, the third network element 123 may send an N4 association establishment response message to the first network element 121. Correspondingly, the first network element 121 may receive the N4 association establishment response message from the third network element 123. The second information may be carried in the N4 association establishment response message. After obtaining the second information, the first network element 121 may determine, based on the second information, that the UPF supports functions associated with DSCP.

[0242] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 may send the second information to the first network element 121 during the N4 association establishment process initiated by the UPF. In one example, the third network element 123 may be the UPF. In one example, the third network element 123 may send an N4 association establishment request message to the first network element 121. Correspondingly, the first network element 121 may receive the N4 association establishment request message from the third network element 123. The second information may be carried in the N4 association establishment request message. After obtaining the second information, the first network element 121 may determine, based on the second information, that the UPF supports functions associated with DSCP.

[0243] In some embodiments, N4 may be an interface (or reference point) between the SMF and the UPF. Messages such as an N4 association establishment request message and an N4 association establishment response message may be transferred between the SMF and the UPF via the N4 interface.

[0244] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2203. For example, S2202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S2203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S2201 and S2202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S2202 and S2203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of steps S2201, S2202, and S2203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0245] In some embodiments, steps S2202 and S2203 may be performed in an interchanged order or simultaneously.

[0246] In some embodiments, step S2201 and step S2203 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0247] In some embodiments, step S2201 and step S2202 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0248] Figure 2C is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is applied to a communication system 100. As shown in Figure 2C, the method includes steps S2301 to S2305.

[0249] In step S2301 , the fourth network element 124 sends third information to the first network element 121 .

[0250] The optional implementation of step S2201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0251] In step S2302 , the first network element 121 determines to establish a session.

[0252] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 is triggered to perform at least one of the following: establishing a PDU session, reallocating a UPF. It is understandable that both establishing a PDU session and reallocating a UPF can be implemented through an N4 session setup procedure.

[0253] In some embodiments, the network element that triggers the N4 session establishment process may be the fourth network element 124, or other network elements, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the network element that triggers the N4 session establishment process may include at least one of the following: AMF, PCF.

[0254] In some embodiments, the third information may be carried in a trigger message and sent, or may be independent of the trigger message, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0255] In step S2303 , the first network element 121 sends first information to the third network element 123 .

[0256] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 may receive the first information.

[0257] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 and the second network element 122 may be the same network element.

[0258] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to indicate a function associated with the DSCP mark. Through the first information, the first network element 121 may inform the third network element 123 of the function associated with the DSCP mark.

[0259] In some embodiments, the first information may be carried in an N4 session establishment request message.

[0260] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 may send first information to the third network element 123 during an N4 session establishment procedure. In one example, the third network element 123 may be, for example, a UPF. In one example, the first network element 121 may send an N4 association setup request message to the third network element 123. Correspondingly, the third network element 123 may receive the N4 session establishment request message from the first network element 121. The first information may be carried in the N4 session establishment request message.

[0261] In step S2304 , the third network element 123 sends second information to the first network element 121 .

[0262] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 may receive the second information.

[0263] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate that the second network element 122 supports the function associated with the DSCP marking. Based on the second information, the third network element 123 may inform the first network element 121 of the support of the function associated with the DSCP marking by the second network element 122.

[0264] In some embodiments, the second information may be carried in an N4 session establishment response message.

[0265] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 may send the second information to the first network element 121 during the N4 session establishment process. In one example, the third network element 123 may be, for example, a UPF. In one example, the third network element 123 may send an N4 session establishment response message to the first network element 121. Correspondingly, the first network element 121 may receive the N4 session establishment response message from the third network element 123. The second information may be carried in the N4 session establishment response message. After obtaining the second information, the first network element 121 may determine, based on the second information, that the UPF supports functions associated with the DSCP.

[0266] In some embodiments, N4 may be an interface (or reference point) between the SMF and the UPF. Messages such as an N4 session establishment request message and an N4 session establishment response message may be transferred between the SMF and the UPF via the N4 interface.

[0267] In step S2305 , the first network element 121 performs interaction.

[0268] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 may interact with the network element that triggers the N4 session establishment process to complete the N4 session establishment process.

[0269] The communication method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2301 to S2305. For example, step S2303 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2304 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S2301 and S2303 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of steps S2303 and S2304 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0270] In some embodiments, steps S2301 and S2302 may be executed in an interchanged order or simultaneously.

[0271] In some embodiments, steps S2301, S2302, S2304, and S2305 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0272] In some embodiments, steps S2301, S2302, S2303, and S2305 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0273] Figure 3 is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is applied to a communication system 100. As shown in Figure 3, the method includes steps S301 to S303.

[0274] In step S301 , the fourth network element 124 sends third information to the first network element 121 .

[0275] The optional implementation of step S301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A, step S2201 in Figure 2B, step S2301 in Figure 2C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0276] In step S302 , the first network element 121 sends first information to the third network element 123 .

[0277] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 may receive the first information.

[0278] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to indicate a function associated with the DSCP marking. According to the first information, the first network element 121 may inform the fifth network element 125 of the function associated with the DSCP marking.

[0279] In some embodiments, the first information may be carried in at least one of the following: a subscription message, an N4 association establishment request message, an N4 association establishment response message, or an N4 session establishment request message. It should be noted that the first information may be carried in other messages, which is not specifically limited in the present embodiment.

[0280] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 may include one of the following: UPF, NRF.

[0281] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 may send first information to the third network element 123 in the process of using NRF to provide UPF instances to SMF (SMF provisioning of UPF instances using NRF procedure). In one example, the third network element 123 may be, for example, an NRF. In one example, the first network element 121 may send a subscription message to the third network element 123. Correspondingly, the third network element 123 may receive the subscription message from the first network element 121. The first information may be carried in the subscription message. For example, the subscription message may be an Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusSubscribe message. The first information may be included in the target UPF provisioning information (target UPF provisioning information) in the Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusSubscribe message.

[0282] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 may send the first information to the third network element 123 during an N4 association setup procedure initiated by the SMF. In one example, the third network element 123 may be, for example, a UPF. In one example, the first network element 121 may send an N4 association setup request message to the third network element 123. Correspondingly, the third network element 123 may receive the N4 association setup request message from the first network element 121. The first information may be carried in the N4 association setup request message.

[0283] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 may send the first information to the third network element 123 during an N4 association setup procedure initiated by a UPF. In one example, the third network element 123 may be, for example, a UPF. In one example, the first network element 121 may send an N4 association setup response message to the third network element 123. Correspondingly, the third network element 123 may receive the N4 association setup response message from the first network element 121. The first information may be carried in the N4 association setup response message.

[0284] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 may send first information to the third network element 123 during an N4 session establishment procedure. In one example, the third network element 123 may be, for example, a UPF. In one example, the first network element 121 may send an N4 association setup request message to the third network element 123. Correspondingly, the third network element 123 may receive the N4 session establishment request message from the first network element 121. The first information may be carried in the N4 session establishment request message.

[0285] In step S303 , the third network element 123 sends second information to the first network element 121 .

[0286] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 may receive the second information.

[0287] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate that the second network element 122 supports the function associated with the DSCP marking. Based on the second information, the third network element 123 may inform the first network element 121 of the support of the function associated with the DSCP marking by the second network element 122.

[0288] In some embodiments, the second information may be carried in at least one of the following: a notification message, an N4 association establishment response message, an N4 association establishment request message, or an N4 session establishment request message. It should be noted that the first information may be carried in other messages, which is not specifically limited in the present embodiment.

[0289] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 may send the second information to the first network element 121 during the process of using the NRF to provide the UPF instance to the SMF. In one example, the third network element 123 may be, for example, the NRF. In one example, the third network element 123 may send a notification message to the first network element 121. Correspondingly, the first network element 121 may receive the notification message from the third network element 123. The second information may be carried in the notification message. For example, the notification message may be an Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusNotify message. The second information may be included in the UPF list in the Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusNotify message. After obtaining the second information, the first network element 121 may obtain information about the UPF that supports functions associated with the DSCP based on the second information.

[0290] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 may send the second information to the first network element 121 during the N4 association establishment process initiated by the SMF. In one example, the third network element 123 may be, for example, a UPF. In one example, the third network element 123 may send an N4 association establishment response message to the first network element 121. Correspondingly, the first network element 121 may receive the N4 association establishment response message from the third network element 123. The second information may be carried in the N4 association establishment response message. After obtaining the second information, the first network element 121 may determine, based on the second information, that the UPF supports functions associated with DSCP.

[0291] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 may send the second information to the first network element 121 during the N4 association establishment process initiated by the UPF. In one example, the third network element 123 may be the UPF. In one example, the third network element 123 may send an N4 association establishment request message to the first network element 121. Correspondingly, the first network element 121 may receive the N4 association establishment request message from the third network element 123. The second information may be carried in the N4 association establishment request message. After obtaining the second information, the first network element 121 may determine, based on the second information, that the UPF supports functions associated with DSCP.

[0292] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 may send the second information to the first network element 121 during the N4 session establishment process. In one example, the third network element 123 may be, for example, a UPF. In one example, the third network element 123 may send an N4 session establishment response message to the first network element 121. Correspondingly, the first network element 121 may receive the N4 session establishment response message from the third network element 123. The second information may be carried in the N4 session establishment response message. After obtaining the second information, the first network element 121 may determine, based on the second information, that the UPF supports functions associated with the DSCP.

[0293] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc. are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codeword", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0294] In some embodiments, terms such as "uplink", "uplink", "physical uplink" can be interchangeable with each other, and terms such as "downlink", "downlink", "physical downlink" can be interchangeable with each other, and terms such as "side", "sidelink", "side communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", "direct link communication" can be interchangeable with each other.

[0295] In some embodiments, the terms "radio", "wireless", "radio access network (RAN)", "access network (AN)", "RAN-based" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0296] In some embodiments, "obtain", "get", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be interchangeable, and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining by self-processing, autonomous implementation, etc.

[0297] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0298] In some embodiments, terms such as "service" and "business" may be used interchangeably.

[0299] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "preset", "setting", "indicated", "some", "any", and "first" can be interchangeable. "Specific A", "preset A", "preset A", "setting A", "indicated A", "some A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-specified in a protocol, etc., or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or indication, etc., or as specific A, some A, any A, or first A, etc., but not limited to this.

[0300] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be performed by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (Boolean value) represented by true or false, or by comparison of numerical values ​​(for example, comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0301] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S301 to S303. For example, S302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S303 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S301 and S302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S302 and S303 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of steps S301, S302, and S303 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0302] In some embodiments, steps S302 and S303 may be performed in an interchanged order or simultaneously.

[0303] In some embodiments, step S301 and step S303 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0304] In some embodiments, step S301 and step S302 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0305] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 2A , FIG. 2B , FIG. 2C , and FIG. 3 .

[0306] Figure 4A is an exemplary flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4A, an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method in this embodiment can be performed by the first network element 121. The method includes steps S4101 to S4103.

[0307] In step S4101, the third information is obtained.

[0308] The optional implementation of step S4101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A, step S2201 in Figure 2B, step S2301 in Figure 2C, step S301 in Figure 3, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0309] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 receives the third information sent by the fourth network element 124, but is not limited thereto and may also receive the third information sent by other entities.

[0310] In some embodiments, the third information may be used to instruct the first network element 121 to provide a function associated with the DSCP marking.

[0311] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 may obtain third information specified by the protocol.

[0312] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 may obtain the third information from an upper layer.

[0313] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 may perform processing to obtain the third information.

[0314] In some embodiments, step S4101 may be omitted, and the first network element 121 may autonomously implement the function indicated by the third information, or the above function may be default or by default.

[0315] In step S4102, the first information is sent.

[0316] The optional implementation of step S4102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A, step S2202 in Figure 2B, step S2303 in Figure 2C, step S302 in Figure 3, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0317] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 may send the first information to the third network element 123 , but is not limited thereto and may also send the first information to other entities.

[0318] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to indicate a function associated with the DSCP marking.

[0319] In step S4103, the second information is obtained.

[0320] The optional implementation of step S4103 can be found in step S2103 of Figure 2A, step S2203 of Figure 2B, step S2304 of Figure 2C, the optional implementation of step S303 of Figure 3, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0321] In some embodiments, the first network element 121 receives the second information sent by the third network element 123, but is not limited thereto. The first network element 121 may also receive the second information sent by other entities.

[0322] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate that the second network element 122 supports a function associated with a DSCP marking.

[0323] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4103. For example, S4102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S4101 and S4102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S4102 and S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of steps S4101, S4102, and S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0324] In some embodiments, steps S4102 and S4103 may be executed in an interchanged order or simultaneously.

[0325] In some embodiments, step S4101 and step S4103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0326] In some embodiments, step S4101 and step S4102 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0327] Figure 4B is an exemplary flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4B, an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method in this embodiment can be performed by the third network element 123. The method includes steps S4201 to S4202.

[0328] In step S4201, first information is obtained.

[0329] The optional implementation of step S4201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A, step S2202 in Figure 2B, step S2303 in Figure 2C, step S302 in Figure 3, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0330] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 receives the first information sent by the first network element 121, but is not limited thereto and may also receive the first information sent by other entities.

[0331] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to indicate that the second network element 122 supports a function associated with a DSCP marking.

[0332] In step S4202, the second information is sent.

[0333] The optional implementation of step S4202 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A, step S2203 in Figure 2B, step S2304 in Figure 2C, step S303 in Figure 3, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0334] In some embodiments, the third network element 123 may send the second information to the first network element 121 , but is not limited thereto and may also send the second information to other entities.

[0335] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate support for a function associated with a DSCP marking.

[0336] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4201 and S4202. For example, S4201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S4202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of steps S4201 and S4202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0337] In some embodiments, steps S4201 and S4202 may be executed in an interchanged order or simultaneously.

[0338] In some embodiments, step S4201 is optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0339] In some embodiments, step S4202 is optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0340] FIG4C is an exemplary flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4C , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method in this embodiment can be performed by the fourth network element 124. The method includes step S4301.

[0341] In step S4301, the third information is sent.

[0342] The optional implementation of step S4301 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A, step S2201 in Figure 2B, step S2301 in Figure 2C, step S301 in Figure 3, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0343] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 124 may send the third information to the first network element 121 , but is not limited thereto and may also send the third information to other entities.

[0344] Figure 5 is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The method includes step S501.

[0345] In step S501 , the first network element 121 sends first information to the third network element 123 .

[0346] The optional implementation of step S501 can be found in step S2102 of Figure 2A, step S2202 of Figure 2B, step S2303 of Figure 2C, the optional implementation of step S302 of Figure 3, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0347] Hereinafter, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure are exemplarily described through specific implementation methods.

[0348] In some embodiments, the UPF selection function in the SMF discovers, selects, or reselects a UPF, taking into account the functionality associated with the DSCP marking. The functionality associated with the DSCP marking indicates support for the DSCP marking at the outer header of the downstream data packets of the PDU set through the N3 / N9 interface of the transport network. The DSCP marking takes into account the PDU set information and / or the PDU set QoS parameters.

[0349] In some embodiments, the SMF's selection and reselection of the UPF takes into account the following parameters and / or information: support for functionality associated with DSCP markings (functionality associated with DSCP markings indicates support for DSCP markings at the outer header of downlink data packets of a PDU set through the N3 / N9 interface of the transport network, which DSCP markings take into account PDU set information and / or PDU set QoS parameters); or, support for functionality associated with DSCP markings that is associated with high-rate low-latency services, extended reality services, and interactive media services.

[0350] In some embodiments, the UPF selection function in the SMF can use the NRF to discover, select, or reselect a UPF and / or UPF instance. In this case, the SMF sends a request to the NRF to discover the UPF. Functionality associated with DSCP marking is provided in the request for discovering, selecting, or reselecting the UPF and / or UPF instance.

[0351] In some embodiments, the SMF provides functionality associated with DSCP marking for the discovery, selection, and reselection of UPFs and / or UPF instances, taking into account at least one of the following conditions: a DSCP marking indication from the PCF (for example, indicated by a PCC rule); a DSCP marking indication from the AF via the PCF; a DSCP marking indication from the old UPF / serving UPF; OAM configuration, and / or operator policy, and / or local configuration; S-NSSAI, or S-NSSAI and DNN, related to or dedicated to XRM services; and XRM service capabilities including DSCP markings that take into account PDU sets.

[0352] In some embodiments, the functionality associated with DSCP marking may indicate support for DSCP marking at the outer header of downstream data packets of a PDU set through the N3 / N9 interface of the transport network. The DSCP marking takes into account PDU set information and / or PDU set QoS parameters.

[0353] In some embodiments, the DSCP marking indication may indicate that the PDU set QoS information may be used for DSCP marking at the outer header of the downlink data packet of the PDU set through the N3 / N9 interface of the transport network (i.e., enabling differentiated handling of the transport data packets carrying the PDU set in the QoS flow).

[0354] In some embodiments, the AF may provide a DSCP marking indication to the SMF to indicate the service requirements of the DSCP marking. The DSCP marking takes into account the PDU set and is used for the discovery, selection, and reselection of the UPF and / or UPF instance.

[0355] In some embodiments, the PCF may provide a DSCP marking indication to the SMF to indicate the DSCP marking policy and QoS requirements. The DSCP marking takes into account the PDU set and is used for the discovery, selection, and reselection of the UPF and / or UPF instance.

[0356] In some embodiments, the AMF, UDM, OAM, and old UPF may provide a DSCP marking indication to the SMF to indicate the functional requirement of the DSCP marking. The DSCP marking takes into account the PDU set and is used for the discovery, selection, and reselection of the UPF and / or UPF instance.

[0357] FIG6A is an exemplary interaction diagram of a specific implementation of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This communication method is applied to the process of an NRF providing a UPF instance to an SMF. This process can be applied when the SMF wants to learn about the UPFs available in the network and supporting a set of parameters. As shown in FIG6A , this process can be executed when the SMF wants to learn about the UPFs available in the network.

[0358] In the first step, the SMF (first network element) issues the Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusSubscribe service operation and provides the target UPF of interest with information.

[0359] In some embodiments, the SMF sends a request to the NRF (third network element) to discover the UPF, and functions associated with the DSCP are provided in the request for discovery, selection, and reselection of the UPF and / or UPF instance.

[0360] In some embodiments, the functionality associated with DSCP marking indicates support for DSCP marking at the outer header of downstream data packets of a PDU set through the N3 / N9 interface of the transport network. The DSCP marking takes into account PDU set information and / or PDU set QoS parameters.

[0361] In some embodiments, the SMF's selection and reselection of the UPF takes into account the following parameters and / or information: support for functionality associated with DSCP markings (functionality associated with DSCP markings indicates support for DSCP markings at the outer header of downlink data packets of a PDU set through the N3 / N9 interface of the transport network, which DSCP markings take into account PDU set information and / or PDU set QoS parameters); or, support for functionality associated with DSCP markings that is associated with high-rate low-latency services, extended reality services, and interactive media services.

[0362] In some embodiments, the SMF provides functionality associated with DSCP marking for the discovery, selection, and reselection of UPFs and / or UPF instances, taking into account at least one of the following conditions: a DSCP marking indication from the PCF (for example, indicated by a PCC rule); a DSCP marking indication from the AF via the PCF; a DSCP marking indication from the old UPF / serving UPF; OAM configuration, and / or operator policy, and / or local configuration; S-NSSAI, or S-NSSAI and DNN, related to or dedicated to XRM services; and XRM service capabilities including DSCP markings that take into account PDU sets.

[0363] In the second step, NRF issues Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusNotify along with a list of all UPFs that currently satisfy the SMF subscription. This notification indicates the subset of target UPF provided information supported by each UPF.

[0364] In some embodiments, for UPFs that support the functions required by the SMF for UPF selection and reselection, the NRF sends these UPFs to the SMF: support for functions associated with DSCP markings (functions associated with DSCP markings indicate support for DSCP markings at the outer header of downlink data packets of a PDU set through the N3 / N9 interface of the transport network, which DSCP markings take into account PDU set information and / or PDU set QoS parameters); or, support for functions associated with DSCP markings that are associated with high-rate low-latency services, extended reality services, and interactive media services.

[0365] When deploying a new UPF instance, you can perform the following steps.

[0366] In the third step, new UPF instances are deployed at any time.

[0367] In the fourth step, the UPF instance is configured with the NRF identity to be contacted for registration and its UPF provided information. The UPF (second network element) does not need to understand the UPF provided information, but only needs to use the information to register in the fifth step.

[0368] In the fifth step, the UPF instance issues a Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister request operation, providing its NF type, the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) or IP address of the N4 interface, and the UPF provisioning information configured in the fourth step.

[0369] In the sixth step, as an alternative to the fourth and fifth steps, the OAM registers the UPF on the NRF, instructing the same UPF provided in the fifth step to provide information.

[0370] In the seventh step, based on the subscription in the first step, the NRF issues Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusNotify to all SMFs whose subscription matches the UPF provisioning information of the new UPF.

[0371] In some embodiments, if the new UPF supports the functions required by the SMF for UPF selection and reselection, the NRF will issue a new UPF to the SMF: support for functions associated with DSCP markings (functions associated with DSCP markings indicate support for DSCP markings at the outer header of downlink data packets of a PDU set through the N3 / N9 interface of the transport network, which DSCP markings take into account PDU set information and / or PDU set QoS parameters); or, support for functions associated with DSCP markings, which are associated with high-rate low-latency services, extended reality services, and interactive media services.

[0372] The UPF selection for PDU session establishment, UE mobility, or UE traffic offloading may include at least one of the following processes: a UPF selection process for creating a new PDU session when there is no PDU session (for example, an N4 association establishment process, in which the UPF and SMF exchange information on whether relevant functions are supported, for example, support for functions associated with DSCP marking); selecting a UPF for a specific PDU session (for example, an N4 session management process).

[0373] In some embodiments, the N4 association establishment process is used to establish an N4 association between the SMF and the UPF so that the SMF can use the resources of the UPF and then establish an N4 session. In this process, the SMF and the UPF can exchange the functions they support.

[0374] In this process, whether the functions associated with DSCP are supported will be exchanged. In addition, the SMF can select or reselect the UPF that supports the functions associated with DSCP required by the SMF.

[0375] Figure 6B is an exemplary interaction diagram of a specific implementation of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This communication method is applied to the N4 association establishment process initiated by the SMF. As shown in Figure 6B, the SMF (first network element) initiates the N4 association establishment process to request the establishment of an N4 association with the UPF (both the third network element and the second network element) before establishing the first N4 session on the UPF. Upon receiving the N4 association establishment request, the UPF shall send an N4 association establishment response.

[0376] Figure 6C is an exemplary interaction diagram of a specific implementation of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This communication method is applied to the N4 association establishment process initiated by the UPF. As shown in Figure 6C, the UPF can initiate the N4 association establishment process to request the establishment of an N4 association to the SMF before establishing the first N4 session on the UPF (both the third network element and the second network element). Upon receiving the N4 association establishment request, the SMF (the first network element) shall send an N4 association establishment response.

[0377] Figure 6D is an exemplary interaction diagram of a specific implementation of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method is applied to N4 session establishment in the N4 session management process.

[0378] In some embodiments, the N4 session establishment process is used to create an initial N4 session context for a PDU session on the UPF. The SMF allocates a new N4 session identifier and provides it to the UPF. The N4 session identifier is stored in the SMF and UPF and is used to identify the N4 session context during interactions between the SMF and UPF. The SMF may also store the relationship between the N4 session identifier and the PDU session for the UE.

[0379] In the first step, the SMF receives a trigger to establish a new PDU Session or change the UPF for an already established PDU Session.

[0380] In some embodiments, in the selection and reselection of UPF, the SMF considers the following parameters and / or information: support for functions associated with DSCP markings (functions associated with DSCP markings indicate support for DSCP markings at the outer header of downlink data packets of a PDU set through the N3 / N9 interface of the transport network, which DSCP markings take into account PDU set information and / or PDU set QoS parameters); or, support for functions associated with DSCP markings that are associated with high-rate low-latency services, extended reality services, and interactive media services.

[0381] In the second step, the SMF (first network element) sends an N4 session establishment request message to the UPF (both the third network element and the second network element). The N4 session establishment request message contains structured control information. The control information defines how the UPF needs to operate.

[0382] In the third step, the UPF responds with an N4 Session Setup Response message. The N4 Session Setup Response message contains any information that the UPF must provide to the SMF in response to the received control information.

[0383] In some embodiments, if the UPF (through configuration or other means) uses the network data analytics function (NWDAF), the UPF adds the NWDAF that provides the service UE. The NWDAF is identified by the NWDAF instance identifier. For each NWDAF service instance, an analysis identifier may also be included.

[0384] In the fourth step, the SMF interacts with the network function (e.g., AMF or PCF) that triggers the N4 session establishment process.

[0385] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0386] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a communication device for implementing any of the above methods. For example, the embodiments of the present disclosure also provide another communication device, including units or modules for implementing each step performed by the network device in any of the above methods.

[0387] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above devices is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and the memory stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the various units or modules of the above devices, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory within the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which realizes the functions of some or all of the above units or modules by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0388] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit, a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP); in another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of the hardware circuit. The logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by a dedicated integrated circuit or a programmable logic device, such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and implementing the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0389] Figure 7A is an exemplary structural diagram of a first network element provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7A, the first network element 7100 may include a transceiver module 7101 and a processing module 7102. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7101 is configured to send first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a function associated with a DSCP mark. Optionally, the transceiver module 7101 can be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first network element 7100 in any of the above methods (for example, steps S2101, S2102, S2103, S2201, S2202, S2203, S2301, S2303, S2304, S301, S302, S303), which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the processing module 7102 can be configured to perform at least one of the other steps (for example, steps S2302, S2305) other than the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first network element 7100 in any of the above methods, which are not repeated here.

[0390] Figure 7B is an exemplary structural diagram of a third network element provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7B, the third network element 7200 may include a transceiver module 7201 and a processing module 7202. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7201 is configured to receive first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a function associated with a DSCP mark. Optionally, the transceiver module 7201 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the third network element 7100 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2102, S2103, S2202, S2203, S2303, S2304, S302, S303), which are not described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 7202 may be configured to perform at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S2104, S2105) other than the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the third network element 7200 in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here.

[0391] Figure 7C is an exemplary structural diagram of a fourth network element provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7C, the fourth network element 7300 may include a transceiver module 7301. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7301 is configured to send third information, wherein the third information is used to indicate that the first network element provides a function associated with a DSCP mark. Optionally, the transceiver module 7301 can be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2201, S2301, and S301) performed by the fourth network element 7300 in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0392] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module. The transmitting module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with the transceiver.

[0393] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a single module or can include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules respectively execute all or part of the steps required to be executed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module can be interchangeable with the processor.

[0394] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 8100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 8100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods. Communication device 8100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments.

[0395] As shown in Figure 8A, the communication device 8100 includes one or more processors 8101. The processor 8101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process the communication protocol and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 8100 is used to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 8101 are used to call instructions to enable the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods.

[0396] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8102. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8102, the transceiver 8102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, S2103, S2201, S2202, S2203, S2301, S2303, S2304, S301, S302, S303, but not limited thereto), and the processor 8101 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S2104, S2105, S2302, S2305, but not limited thereto). In an optional embodiment, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, and the receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, terms such as transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface can be replaced with each other, terms such as transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit can be replaced with each other, and terms such as receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit can be replaced with each other.

[0397] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more memories 8103 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 8103 may be located outside the communication device 8100. In alternative embodiments, the communication device 8100 may include one or more interface circuits 8104. Optionally, the interface circuits 8104 are connected to the memories 8103 and may be configured to receive data from the memories 8103 or other devices, or to send data to the memories 8103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 8104 may read data stored in the memories 8103 and send the data to the processor 8101.

[0398] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 may not be limited by FIG. 8A. The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0399] FIG8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 8200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 8100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 8200 shown in FIG8B , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0400] The chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201. The chip 8200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0401] In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202. Terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pins may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of memory 8203 may be located external to chip 8200. Optionally, interface circuit 8202 is connected to memory 8203 and may be used to receive data from memory 8203 or other devices, or may be used to send data to memory 8203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 8202 may read data stored in memory 8203 and send the data to processor 8201.

[0402] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 8202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, S2103, S2201, S2202, S2203, S2301, S2303, S2304, S301, S302, and S303, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 8202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, for example, means that the interface circuit 8202 performs data exchange between the processor 8201, the chip 8200, the memory 8203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 8201 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., S2104, S2105, S2302, and S2305, but not limited thereto).

[0403] The modules and / or devices described in various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be arbitrarily combined or separated according to circumstances. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0404] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a storage medium having instructions stored thereon. When the instructions are executed on the communication device 8100, the communication device 8100 executes any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0405] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 8100, enables the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0406] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute any of the above methods.

[0407] Other embodiments of the present invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow from the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

[0408] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exact construction described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, performed by a first network element, comprising: First information is sent, wherein the first information is used to indicate a function associated with a Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) marking.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The functions associated with the DSCP marking include at least one of the following: Support DSCP marking at the outer header of the downlink data packet of the packet data unit PDU set; Support DSCP marking associated with at least one of high-rate low-latency services, extended reality services, and interactive media services.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The DSCP mark at the outer header of the downlink data packet of the PDU set is associated with at least one of the following: PDU set information of the PDU set; A PDU set quality of service QoS parameter of the PDU set.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The PDU set information includes at least one of the following: PDU set sequence number; The start PDU or end PDU of a PDU set; The PDU sequence number within the PDU set; The number of PDUs in the PDU set; PDU set importance; PDU set size; The data burst ends.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The PDU set QoS parameter includes at least one of the following: PDU set control indication; PDU set delay budget PSDB; PDU set bit error rate PSER; PDU set integrated control information PSIHI.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The first information is used for at least one of the following: Discovery of the second network element; Selection of the second network element; Reselection of the second network element.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The first information is carried in at least one of the following: Subscribe to news; N4 association establishment request message; N4 association establishment response message; N4 session establishment request message.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The method further comprises: Second information is received, wherein the second information is used to indicate that the second network element supports a function associated with the DSCP mark.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The second information is carried in at least one of the following: Notification message; N4 association establishment request message; N4 association establishment response message; N4 session establishment response message.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: Before sending the first information, the method further includes: Receive third information, wherein the third information is used to indicate that the first network element provides a function associated with the DSCP mark.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The function associated with the DSCP mark is provided by the first network element according to the third information.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The functionality associated with the DSCP marking is provided by the first network element according to at least one of the following: Operation and maintenance management OAM configuration; Operator strategy; Local configuration; Single network slice selection auxiliary information S-NSSAI; Data network name DNN; Multimedia extended reality XRM business capabilities.

13. A communication method, performed by a third network element, comprising: First information is received, wherein the first information is used to indicate a function associated with a Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) marking.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The functions associated with the DSCP marking include at least one of the following: Support DSCP marking at the outer header of the downlink data packet of the packet data unit PDU set; Support DSCP marking associated with at least one of high-rate low-latency services, extended reality services, and interactive media services.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The DSCP mark at the outer header of the downlink data packet of the PDU set is associated with at least one of the following: PDU set information of the PDU set; A PDU set quality of service QoS parameter of the PDU set.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The PDU set information includes at least one of the following: PDU set sequence number; The start PDU or end PDU of a PDU set; The PDU sequence number within the PDU set; The number of PDUs in the PDU set; PDU set importance; PDU set size; The data burst ends.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The PDU set QoS parameter includes at least one of the following: PDU set control indication; PDU set delay budget PSDB; PDU set bit error rate PSER; PDU set integrated control information PSIHI.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein: The first information is used for at least one of the following: discovery of the second network element; selection of the second network element; Reselection of the second network element.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein: The first information is carried in at least one of the following: Subscribe to news; N4 association establishment request message; N4 association establishment response message; N4 session establishment request message.

20. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein: The method further comprises: Sending second information, wherein the second information is used to indicate that the second network element supports a function associated with the DSCP mark.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein: The second information is carried in at least one of the following: Notification message; N4 association establishment request message; N4 association establishment response message; N4 session establishment response message.

22. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein: The third network element includes one of the following: User plane function UPF; Network storage function NRF.

23. A communication method, comprising: The first network element sends first information to a third network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate a function associated with a Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) marking.

24. A first network element, comprising: The transceiver module is configured to send first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a function associated with a Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) marking.

25. A third network element, comprising: A transceiver module is configured to receive first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a differential service code point DSCP mark Associated functions.

26. A first network element, comprising: one or more processors; The first network element is used to execute the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

27. A third network element, comprising: one or more processors; The third network element is used to execute the communication method as described in any one of claims 13 to 22.

28. A communication system, comprising a first network element and a third network element, wherein: The first network element is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and the third network element is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 13 to 22.

29. A storage medium storing instructions, wherein: When the instruction is executed on a communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

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