Communication method and related apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and a related apparatus. In the method, a first network device determines an Ethernet data packet and sends the Ethernet data packet, wherein the format of the Ethernet data packet is an eCPRI message format, the Ethernet data packet comprises IQ data in N CPRI frames, and the packet header comprises an IQ flow identifier; and each CPRI frame comprises IQ data corresponding to X cells, each cell comprises one or more antenna channels, and the IQ flow identifier is used for determining an antenna channel of a cell to which the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet belongs, N being an integer greater than 1, and X being an integer greater than 0. By using the method provided in the present application, the transmission efficiency of CPRI data can be improved.

Description

Communication method and related device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on November 25, 2023, with application number 202311588936.6 and application name “Communication Methods and Related Devices”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

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

[0003] The Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) is the interface standard between distributed units (DUs) and radio units (RUs). The enhanced Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI) is an interface standard that evolved from CPRI. In some scenarios, to save fiber optic laying costs, a solution has been proposed whereby CPRI cells and eCPRI cells can share the transmission network between the RU and DU. For example, an "IWF Type 0" function can be deployed on a fronthaul gateway (FHGW) or an RU that supports the eCPRI protocol. This "IWF Type 0" is used for conversion between the eCPRI and CPRI protocols. However, the current solution for converting CPRI data into the eCPRI message format for transmission has low transmission efficiency.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and related devices, which are conducive to improving the transmission efficiency of CPRI data.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method. Optionally, the method may be performed by a first network device, a component or device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the first network device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network device. The method includes: determining an Ethernet data packet, wherein the format of the Ethernet data packet is an eCPRI message format, the Ethernet data packet includes IQ data in N CPRI frames, and the header of the Ethernet data packet includes an IQ flow identifier; wherein the CPRI frame includes IQ data corresponding to X cells, each cell including one or more antenna channels, and the IQ flow identifier is used to determine the antenna channel of the cell to which the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet belongs, wherein N is an integer greater than 1, and X is an integer greater than 0. Sending the Ethernet data packet.

[0007] In the present application, by encapsulating the IQ data in multiple CPRI frames in an eCPRI Ethernet data packet (i.e., an Ethernet data packet in the eCPRI message format) for transmission, the transmission efficiency of the CPRI data can be improved. In addition, by carrying an IQ stream identifier in the header of the eCPRI Ethernet data packet, the IQ stream identifier can be used to identify which antenna channel of which cell(s) the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet specifically belongs to, which is conducive to the correct parsing of the received eCPRI Ethernet data packet by the receiving end. It should be understood that the first network device in the present application can be a distributed unit (DU) supporting the eCPRI protocol, or the first network device can also be a radio unit (RU) supporting the eCPRI protocol, and the present application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0008] In one possible design, the method further includes:

[0009] Sending first indication information, where the first indication information indicates one or more of the following information:

[0010] the value of N;

[0011] The association relationship between the IQ stream identifier and the antenna channel of the cell; or,

[0012] Arrangement position of IQ data in the Ethernet data packet;

[0013] The arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet is the bit position of the IQ data corresponding to the antenna channel of the cell in the Ethernet data packet.

[0014] In this implementation, the first indication information can be carried in a control plane message / message. Generally speaking, the first indication information is the indication information sent / notified by the DU to the RU. Therefore, when the first network device acts as the sender of the first indication information, the first network device is typically a DU that supports the eCPRI protocol.

[0015] In one possible design, the value of N, the association between the IQ stream identifier and the antenna channel of the cell, or one or more of the information in the arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet are preconfigured or predefined; the arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet is the bit position of the IQ data corresponding to the antenna channel of the cell in the Ethernet data packet.

[0016] In this implementation, in addition to configuring the value of N through the control plane message / message, the association between the IQ stream identifier and the antenna channel of the cell, or the arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet, one or more of the information may also be predefined or preconfigured by the protocol, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0017] In one possible design, the header of the Ethernet data packet also includes a timestamp T, and the timestamp T is used to indicate the generation time or packaging time of the Ethernet data packet.

[0018] In this implementation, a timestamp T can also be carried in the header of the Ethernet data packet. The timestamp T indicates the generation time or packaging time of the Ethernet data packet, which helps the subsequent receiver of the Ethernet data packet to determine the receiving buffer time based on the timestamp T.

[0019] In one possible design, the method further includes:

[0020] Second indication information is sent, where the second indication information indicates a delay Z, and the Z is greater than an average transmission delay of the Ethernet data packet.

[0021] In this implementation, the second indication information can be carried in a control plane message / message. Generally speaking, the second indication information is the indication information sent / notified by the DU to the RU. Therefore, when the second network device acts as the sender of the second indication information, the second network device is generally the DU. Generally speaking, the first indication information and the second indication information can be carried in the same control plane message or sent, respectively. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0022] In one possible design, the timestamp T and delay Z are used to determine the receiving buffer time of the Ethernet data packet.

[0023] In this implementation, the timestamp T and the delay Z can be used to determine the receiving buffer time of the receiver of the Ethernet data packet. Specifically, for the receiver of the Ethernet data packet, it can send the first CPRI frame to the downstream processing node when the local time reaches T+Z based on the timestamp T and the delay Z. The first CPRI frame includes the IQ data in the first CPRI frame among N CPRI frames. This is conducive to absorbing the transmission delay jitter of the eCPRI link, making the transmission delay of the IQ data a stable value, and thus enabling the downstream processing node to obtain continuous CPRI frames without frame loss.

[0024] In one possible design, the timestamp T is the frame number of the first CPRI frame among the N CPRI frames.

[0025] In this implementation, the timestamp T may specifically be the frame number of the first CPRI frame among the N CPRI frames, which has strong operability and high applicability.

[0026] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method. Optionally, the execution subject of the method can be a second network device, or a component or device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the second network device, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second network device. The method includes: receiving an Ethernet data packet, the Ethernet data packet being in an eCPRI message format, the Ethernet data packet including IQ data in N CPRI frames, and the header of the Ethernet data packet including an IQ flow identifier; wherein the CPRI frame includes IQ data corresponding to X cells, each of the cells including one or more antenna channels, the IQ flow identifier being used to determine the antenna channel of the cell to which the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet belongs, N being an integer greater than 1, and X being an integer greater than 0.

[0027] In one possible design, the method further includes:

[0028] Receive first indication information, where the first indication information indicates one or more of the following information:

[0029] the value of N;

[0030] The association relationship between the IQ stream identifier and the antenna channel of the cell; or,

[0031] Arrangement position of IQ data in the Ethernet data packet;

[0032] The arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet is the bit position of the IQ data corresponding to the antenna channel of the cell in the Ethernet data packet.

[0033] In one possible design, the value of N, the association between the IQ stream identifier and the antenna channel of the cell, or one or more of the information in the arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet are preconfigured or predefined; the arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet is the bit position of the IQ data corresponding to the antenna channel of the cell in the Ethernet data packet.

[0034] In one possible design, the header of the Ethernet data packet also includes a timestamp T, and the timestamp T is used to indicate the generation time or packaging time of the Ethernet data packet.

[0035] In one possible design, the method further includes:

[0036] Second indication information is received, where the second indication information indicates a delay Z, and the Z is greater than an average transmission delay of the Ethernet data packet.

[0037] In one possible design, the timestamp T and delay Z are used to determine the receiving buffer time of the Ethernet data packet.

[0038] In one possible design, the timestamp T is the frame number of the first CPRI frame among the N CPRI frames.

[0039] In one possible design, the method further includes:

[0040] According to the timestamp T and the time delay Z, when the local time reaches T+Z, a first CPRI frame is sent, where the first CPRI frame includes the IQ data in the first CPRI frame of the N CPRI frames.

[0041] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be a first network device or a module or chip in the first network device. The communication device includes:

[0042] a processing unit, configured to determine an Ethernet data packet, where the Ethernet data packet is in an eCPRI message format, the Ethernet data packet includes IQ data in N CPRI frames, and the header of the Ethernet data packet includes an IQ stream identifier; wherein the CPRI frame includes IQ data corresponding to X cells, each cell including one or more antenna channels, and the IQ stream identifier is used to identify the antenna channel of the cell to which the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet belongs, where N is an integer greater than 1, and X is an integer greater than 0.

[0043] The transceiver unit is used to send the Ethernet data packet.

[0044] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is configured to:

[0045] Sending first indication information, where the first indication information indicates one or more of the following information:

[0046] the value of N;

[0047] The association relationship between the IQ stream identifier and the antenna channel of the cell; or,

[0048] Arrangement position of IQ data in the Ethernet data packet;

[0049] The arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet is the bit position of the IQ data corresponding to the antenna channel of the cell in the Ethernet data packet.

[0050] In one possible design, the value of N, the association between the IQ stream identifier and the antenna channel of the cell, or one or more of the information in the arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet are preconfigured or predefined; the arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet is the bit position of the IQ data corresponding to the antenna channel of the cell in the Ethernet data packet.

[0051] In one possible design, the header of the Ethernet data packet also includes a timestamp T, and the timestamp T is used to indicate the generation time or packaging time of the Ethernet data packet.

[0052] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0053] Second indication information is sent, where the second indication information indicates a delay Z, and the Z is greater than an average transmission delay of the Ethernet data packet.

[0054] In one possible design, the timestamp T and delay Z are used to determine the receiving buffer time of the Ethernet data packet.

[0055] In one possible design, the timestamp T is the frame number of the first CPRI frame among the N CPRI frames.

[0056] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be a second network device or a module or chip in the second network device. The communication device includes:

[0057] A transceiver unit is configured to receive an Ethernet data packet, where the Ethernet data packet is in an eCPRI message format, the Ethernet data packet includes IQ data in N CPRI frames, and the header of the Ethernet data packet includes an IQ flow identifier. The CPRI frame includes IQ data corresponding to X cells, each cell including one or more antenna channels. The IQ flow identifier is used to identify the antenna channel of the cell to which the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet belongs. N is an integer greater than 1, and X is an integer greater than 0.

[0058] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0059] Receive first indication information, where the first indication information indicates one or more of the following information:

[0060] the value of N;

[0061] The association relationship between the IQ stream identifier and the antenna channel of the cell; or,

[0062] Arrangement position of IQ data in the Ethernet data packet;

[0063] The arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet is the bit position of the IQ data corresponding to the antenna channel of the cell in the Ethernet data packet.

[0064] In one possible design, the value of N, the association between the IQ stream identifier and the antenna channel of the cell, or one or more of the information in the arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet are preconfigured or predefined; the arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet is the bit position of the IQ data corresponding to the antenna channel of the cell in the Ethernet data packet.

[0065] In one possible design, the header of the Ethernet data packet also includes a timestamp T, and the timestamp T is used to indicate the generation time or packaging time of the Ethernet data packet.

[0066] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0067] Second indication information is received, where the second indication information indicates a delay Z, and the Z is greater than an average transmission delay of the Ethernet data packet.

[0068] In one possible design, the timestamp T and delay Z are used to determine the receiving buffer time of the Ethernet data packet.

[0069] In one possible design, the timestamp T is the frame number of the first CPRI frame among the N CPRI frames.

[0070] In one possible design, the communication device further includes a processing unit, wherein the processing unit is configured to:

[0071] According to the timestamp T and the delay Z, when the local time reaches T+Z, the first CPRI frame is sent through the transceiver unit, where the first CPRI frame includes IQ data in the first CPRI frame of the N CPRI frames.

[0072] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor, and the processor is used to execute a computer program so that the communication device executes any one of the methods described in any one of the first to second aspects.

[0073] In one possible design, the communication device may be a chip that implements the method of any one of the first to second aspects or a device including a chip.

[0074] In one possible design, the communication device further includes a transceiver, and the processor is coupled to the transceiver.

[0075] In one possible design, the communication device further includes a memory. The processor and the memory are coupled, the memory stores a computer program, and the processor is further configured to call the computer program in the memory. For example, the processor and the memory may be integrated.

[0076] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor, and the processor is used to implement any of the methods described in any of the first to second aspects through logic circuits or execution code instructions.

[0077] Optionally, the communication device further includes an interface circuit, which is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device.

[0078] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a computer, it implements the method described in any one of the first to second aspects.

[0079] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product. When a computer reads and executes the computer program product, the computer executes any one of the methods described in any one of the first to second aspects.

[0080] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which includes a communication device for implementing the method described in any one of the first aspects above, and a communication device for implementing the method described in any one of the second aspects above.

[0081] The beneficial effects of the second to ninth aspects can refer to the beneficial effects of the first aspect and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0082] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system used in an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the transmission network between the RU and DU shared by the CPRI cell and the eCPRI cell;

[0084] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the deployment scenario of IWF Type 0;

[0085] FIG4 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0086] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an Ethernet data packet provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a package assembly scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0088] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the time delay Z provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0089] FIG8 is another schematic flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0090] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a network applicable to the communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0091] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a possible communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0092] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a possible communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] The specific embodiments of the present application are further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0094] The terms "first" and "second" and the like in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish between different objects, not to describe a particular order. Furthermore, the terms "including" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus comprising a series of steps or elements is not limited to the listed steps or elements, but may optionally include steps or elements not listed, or may optionally include other steps or elements inherent to the process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0095] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0096] In this application, "at least one (item)" refers to one or more, "more than one" refers to two or more, "at least two (items)" refers to two or three and more than three, and "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0097] The following first explains the relevant technical features involved in the embodiments of the present application. It should be noted that these explanations are intended to make the embodiments of the present application easier to understand and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection claimed by the present application.

[0098] 1. Radio access network (RAN) nodes

[0099] A RAN node, sometimes also referred to as a network device, access network device, RAN entity, access node, or base station, refers to a wireless communication site installed at a fixed location in a cellular mobile communication network. The main function of a RAN node is to provide wireless coverage and support communication between terminals and the core network. RAN nodes include, but are not limited to, evolutionary Node Bs (eNBs or e-NodeBs) in long-term evolution (LTE), gNodeBs (gNBs) in fifth-generation (5G) networks such as New Radio (NR), next-generation base stations in sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication systems, base stations in future mobile communication systems, or access nodes in WiFi systems. RAN nodes can also be macro base stations, micro base stations, or indoor stations, relay nodes or donor nodes, or wireless controllers in CRAN scenarios.

[0100] The physical structure of a RAN node mainly includes a baseband unit (BU) and a radio unit (RU).

[0101] 2. BU

[0102] A BU is a module or device that performs baseband signal processing and / or manages RUs. Baseband signal processing includes channel coding, multiplexing, modulation, spread spectrum, carrier power limiting, power limiting cancellation, and more. For example, a BU can be an indoor baseband unit (BBU), a centralized unit (CU), or a distributed unit (DU).

[0103] 3.RU

[0104] A RU is a module or device that processes intermediate frequency (IF) signals, radio frequency (RF) signals, or IF / RF signals. For example, a RU can be a remote radio unit (RRU) or an active antenna unit (AAU).

[0105] 4. Distributed base station (DBS)

[0106] A DBS refers to a base station with a separate baseband unit (BBU) and radio frequency unit (RFU). The core concept of a distributed base station is to divide traditional macro base station equipment into two functional modules. The baseband, main control, transmission, and clock functions of the base station are integrated into a single baseband unit (commonly called a BU or BBU), which is compact and highly flexible in installation. The radio frequency functions, such as the transceiver and power amplifier, are integrated into a separate RF unit (commonly called a RU), which is installed at the antenna end. The RF unit and BBU are connected by optical fiber, forming a distributed base station.

[0107] 5. CU and DU

[0108] In 5G networks, the BBU evolves into two entities: the CU and the DU. The CU primarily handles non-real-time functions, such as processing high-level protocol stacks, such as the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer and the radio resource control (RRC) layer. Optionally, the CU also handles some core network functions and edge application services. The DU primarily handles real-time functions within the BBU, such as the media access control (MAC) layer and the radio link control protocol (RLC) layer functional modules.

[0109] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN or ORAN) system, CU may also be called O-CU (open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. For the convenience of description, this application takes CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU as examples for description. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0110] 6. AAU

[0111] The RRU and passive antenna are integrated into the AAU. The AAU implements both the RRU and antenna functions. Optionally, the AAU also implements some physical layer functions in the BBU.

[0112] 7. Common public radio interface (CPRI)

[0113] CPRI is an interface standard between the BBU and RRU, replacing traditional coaxial cable connections. The CPRI protocol specifies the communication interface between radio equipment control (REC) and radio equipment (RE) in cellular wireless networks. CPRI is a cable-based interface standard that uses time-division multiplexing (TDM) for data multiplexing, requiring exclusive transmission bandwidth. It defines three types of data streams: user, control, and management, and synchronization. The user-plane data stream is used to transmit quantized IQ modulated (I for in-phase, Q for quadrature) signals from the RRU antenna.

[0114] A typical example of REC is BBU, and a typical example of RE is RRU. In some scenarios, REC is also called DU supporting CPRI protocol, and RE is also called RU supporting CPRI protocol.

[0115] Data between the REC and the RE is usually transmitted through a CPRI frame defined by the CPRI protocol.

[0116] 8. CPRI frame

[0117] CPRI frames can be divided into superframes and CPRI basic frames. Each superframe contains 256 CPRI basic frames, and a CPRI basic frame is the basic unit of CPRI transmission. CPRI basic frames have a specific frame structure. The transmission period of each CPRI basic frame is 1 / 3.84 MHz, or 260.416667 ns. Furthermore, each CPRI basic frame contains 16 words, including one control word and 15 words for carrying in-phase / quadrature (IQ) data, commonly referred to as the IQ data area. The control word carries control data other than IQ data, as well as control word information customized by each manufacturer. IQ data refers to the digital representation of the antenna carrier. User plane data to be transmitted is mapped into the CPRI basic frame on an antenna carrier basis, resulting in the corresponding IQ data. The antenna carrier is an electromagnetic wave modulated in frequency, amplitude, or phase, enabling the transmission of signals such as text, audio, or images. This electromagnetic wave can be transmitted through an antenna for delivery to a terminal device. In other words, based on the CPRI basic frame, both control plane data and user plane data can be transmitted. For example, when an RU receives a CPRI basic frame sent by a DU, the RU extracts the control word from the CPRI basic frame to obtain the control plane data from the DU. Similarly, the RU extracts the IQ data from the CPRI basic frame to obtain the user plane data to be transmitted to the terminal device via the antenna carrier.

[0118] It should be understood that the CPRI frame mentioned in the following embodiments mainly refers to the CPRI basic frame.

[0119] 9. eCPRI

[0120] eCPRI is an interface standard evolved from CPRI. The eCPRI protocol defines the connection between the eCPRI REC (eREC) and the eCPRI RE (eRE) via the fronthaul network. Unlike CPRI, eCPRI is a packet-based interface standard that does not specify a network implementation format and can be implemented over any network, such as Ethernet (ETH), Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), and Optical Transport Network (OTN). eCPRI proposes several reference partitioning schemes based on the BBU-RRU partitioning scheme defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). By partitioning some or all physical layer functions into the RRU, the data transmitted between the BBU and RRU is converted from IQ signals at the antenna to modulation symbols (IID), coded bit sequences (ID), and even raw data bits (D). Compared with CPRI, eCPRI helps reduce the transmission bandwidth between the baseband unit and the radio frequency unit, thereby meeting the bandwidth resource requirements of large-bandwidth multi-antenna services such as massive multiple-input multiple-output (massive MIMO).

[0121] The eCPRI protocol resides at the same level in the protocol stack as standard application layer protocols (such as the Hypertext Transport Protocol (HTTP) and the File Transfer Protocol (FTP)). The underlying transport layer protocol of the eCPRI protocol can optionally be TCP / IP or an Ethernet MAC layer protocol. In other words, from a message format perspective, the outer header of an eCPRI message may be a UDP header or a TCP header, or it may skip the TCP / IP protocol stack and directly encapsulate the MAC Ethernet frame header within the outer layer of the eCPRI message.

[0122] The eCPRI protocol provides three interfaces: the user plane (U-plane, also known as the data plane), the synchronization plane (S-plane), and the control and management plane (C&M plane or C-plane).

[0123] The user plane interface is used to transmit service data between the base station and the user equipment, such as IQ data, i.e., sampled data modulated by orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). Optionally, the user plane interface is also used to transmit real-time control data related to the service data.

[0124] The synchronization plane interface is used to transmit data synchronization and timing information between the BBU and RRU.

[0125] The control and management plane interface is used to transmit the operation, maintenance and management (OAM) data of the BBU to the RRU.

[0126] A typical example of an eREC is a BBU, and a typical example of an eRE is an AAU or RRU. In some scenarios, an eREC is also called a DU supporting the eCPRI protocol, and an eRE is also called a RU supporting the eCPRI protocol.

[0127] 10. Fronthaul interface and fronthaul network

[0128] The fronthaul interface refers to the communication interface between the baseband unit and the radio frequency unit. The fronthaul interface includes but is not limited to CPRI or eCPRI. Of course, the fronthaul interface may also be other interfaces evolved from CPRI or eCPRI. The fronthaul network is the network between the baseband unit and the radio frequency unit. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 10 is any system that communicates based on wireless communication technology, such as: wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, general packet radio service (GPRS), long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) system and future sixth generation communication system. The communication system 10 includes a baseband unit 101 and at least one radio frequency unit 102 , and the baseband unit 101 and the at least one radio frequency unit 102 are connected via a fronthaul network.

[0129] It should be noted that the fronthaul network involved in this application is mainly the network between eREC (i.e., baseband units such as BBU) and eRE (i.e., radio frequency units such as AAU and RRU). That is to say, the baseband unit 101 in Figure 1 can be specifically an eREC, and the radio frequency unit 102 can be specifically an eRE. The fronthaul interface of the baseband unit 101 and the fronthaul interface of the radio frequency unit 102 in Figure 1 are both eCPRI. The fronthaul interface of the baseband unit 101 and the fronthaul interface of the radio frequency unit 102 in Figure 1 include but are not limited to U-plane interface, S-plane interface or C&M-plane interface.

[0130] The baseband unit 101 and the radio frequency unit 102 are connected via a fronthaul network. The fronthaul network includes, but is not limited to, a wired network or a wireless network. The fronthaul network includes, but is not limited to, a TCP / IP network, an Ethernet network, or a private network. The hardware based on which the fronthaul network is implemented includes, but is not limited to, optical fibers, feeder lines, switches, routers, etc.

[0131] Currently, in order to save the cost of laying optical fiber, a solution has been proposed in which CPRI cells can share the transmission network between the RU and DU with eCPRI cells. For example, the CPRI cells of the 3G universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) / 4G can share the transmission network between the RU and DU with the eCPRI cells of NR. Figure 2 shows an architectural diagram of the transmission network between the RU and DU shared by CPRI cells and eCPRI cells.

[0132] Among them, in order to adapt to the solution of sharing the transmission network between RU and DU between CPRI cells and eCPRI cells, the eCPRI 2.0 specification defines the "IWF Type0" function (Function), which is used to connect eREC (i.e. DU that supports the eCPRI protocol) and RE (i.e. RU that supports the CPRI protocol) and undertake the conversion between the eCPRI protocol and the CPRI protocol. Generally speaking, IWF Type0 can be deployed on eRE, FrontHaul GateWay, or eREC. This application mainly uses the deployment of IWF Type0 on eRE as an example for schematic explanation.

[0133] For example, as shown in Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of a scenario where IWF Type 0 is deployed, CPRI data is transmitted between the RE and the eRE using the CPRI protocol. The IWF Type 0 deployed in the eRE then converts the CPRI data from the RE into an eCPRI message format (i.e., an eCPRI Ethernet data packet), which is then transmitted to the eREC via the Ethernet fronthaul network. The IWF Type 0 deployed in the eREC then parses the CPRI data from the eCPRI Ethernet data packet, which is then passed by the eREC to the downstream processing node.

[0134] However, when CPRI data is converted to the eCPRI message format for transmission, existing specifications require that the IQ data for a single cell or a single antenna channel (physical channel) be encapsulated in a single eCPRI Ethernet packet for transmission. Generally, the IQ data size for a single antenna channel ranges from 2 to 30 bytes. Therefore, this approach of encapsulating IQ data for a single antenna channel into a single eCPRI Ethernet packet results in a short payload and excessive header overhead, resulting in low data transmission efficiency. Furthermore, when IQ data from multiple cells and multiple antenna channels is transmitted simultaneously, the receiver cannot identify from the eCPRI Ethernet packet which IQ data belongs to which antenna channel in which cell.

[0135] Based on this, this application proposes a communication method that helps improve transmission efficiency and enables the receiving end to identify which cell or antennas of which cells the IQ data carried in the eCPRI Ethernet data packet belongs to. In addition, to address the problem of jitter in the transmission delay of eCPRI Ethernet data packets, which causes data frame loss, this application also proposes a solution to absorb the jitter in the transmission delay of the eCPRI link, which helps improve communication performance.

[0136] The communication method and communication device provided by this application are described in detail below:

[0137] It should be noted that the first network device mentioned below may be a DU (or eREC) supporting the eCPRI protocol, and the second network device may be a RU (or eRE) or FHGW supporting the eCPRI protocol, or the first network device may be a RU (or eRE) or FHGW supporting the eCPRI protocol, and the second network device may be a DU (or eREC) supporting the eCPRI protocol. It should be understood that both eRE / FHGW and eREC can send IQ data (or user plane data or service data), but for control plane messages, they are usually sent / notified by the eREC to the eRE or FHGW.

[0138] Please refer to Figure 4, which is a flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 4, the communication method includes the following steps S401 to S402. The execution subject of the method shown in Figure 4 can be a first network device and a second network device, or the execution subject of the method shown in Figure 4 can also be a chip in the first network device and a chip in the second network device. Exemplarily, the second network device can be a non-terrestrial second network device (such as a satellite) or an access network device (such as a base station), etc., and this application does not limit this. For the convenience of description, Figure 4 mainly uses the first network device and the second network device as an example to illustrate the execution subject of the method. It should be noted that Figure 4 is a schematic flow chart of an embodiment of the method of the present application, showing the detailed communication steps or operations of the method, but these steps or operations are only examples. The embodiment of the present application can also perform other operations or variations of the various operations in Figure 4. In addition, the various steps in Figure 4 can be performed in a different order from that presented in Figure 4, and it is possible that not all operations in Figure 4 need to be performed. Among them:

[0139] S401: A first network device determines an Ethernet data packet.

[0140] Here, the format of the Ethernet data packet is the eCPRI message format, that is, the Ethernet data packets mentioned in the embodiments of the present application are all eCPRI Ethernet data packets (hereinafter referred to as Ethernet data packets). Each Ethernet data packet includes IQ data in N CPRI frames, each CPRI frame includes IQ data corresponding to X cells, each cell includes one or more antenna channels (physical channels), N is an integer greater than 1, and X is an integer greater than 0. In other words, the first network device can package the IQ data in multiple consecutive CPRI frames received into an eCPRI Ethernet data packet for transmission. This multi-frame packaging method can significantly reduce the header overhead bandwidth, which is conducive to improving data transmission efficiency.

[0141] In addition, the Ethernet packet header includes an IQ stream identifier, which is used to identify the antenna channel of the cell to which the IQ data in the Ethernet packet belongs. Specifically, the IQ stream identifier can be used to determine which antenna channels in which cells the IQ data in the Ethernet packet originates. Specifically, based on the IQ stream identifier carried in the Ethernet packet header and the association between each IQ stream identifier and the antenna channel of a cell, the antenna channel of the cell to which the IQ data in the Ethernet packet belongs can be determined.

[0142] It should be understood that the antenna channel (physical channel) involved in this application can be understood as the physical channel for base stations to transmit and receive wireless signals. Multiple input multiple output (MIMO) cells simultaneously use multiple antenna channels for wireless signal transmission and reception. Optionally, antenna channels are sometimes also referred to as transceiver channels, physical channels, etc., and this application does not specifically limit this.

[0143] Optionally, the Ethernet data packet header may further include a timestamp T, which is used to indicate the time when the Ethernet data packet was generated or packaged. Typically, timestamp T may be the frame number of the first CPRI frame among the N CPRI frames, or the frame number of the last CPRI frame among the N CPRI frames, etc., although this application does not impose any limitations thereto. For ease of understanding, the following description assumes that timestamp T is the frame number of the first CPRI frame among the N CPRI frames.

[0144] For example, see Figure 5, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of an Ethernet data packet provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 5, the Ethernet data packet consists of a data packet header and a message payload. The header includes information such as an IQ flow identifier and a timestamp, and the payload includes the IQ data in N CPRI frames.

[0145] S402: The first network device sends an Ethernet data packet to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the Ethernet data packet from the first network device.

[0146] In some feasible implementations, the first network device may send an Ethernet data packet to the second network device via an Ethernet fronthaul network (or Ethernet). Here, when the first network device is an eREC, the second network device may be an eRE or a FHGW; and when the first network device is an eRE or a FHGW, the second network device may be an eREC.

[0147] It should be understood that for the second network device, the second network device can parse the received Ethernet data packet. Generally speaking, the second network device can determine the antenna channel of the cell to which the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet belongs based on the IQ stream identifier carried in the packet header of the Ethernet data packet, combined with the association relationship between each IQ stream identifier and the antenna channel of the cell. In addition, the second network device can also obtain the arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet, and parse the IQ data carried in the Ethernet data packet based on the arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet. Here, the arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet is the bit position of the IQ data corresponding to the antenna channel of the cell in the Ethernet data packet.

[0148] Optionally, the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet can be arranged by cell or by antenna channel. For example, assuming X = 4, that is, each CPRI frame includes IQ data corresponding to three cells (i.e., cell 0 to cell 2), and each cell includes four antenna channels. ① If the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet is arranged by cell, the arrangement can be: cell 0 (antenna channel 0, antenna channel 1, antenna channel 2, antenna channel 3); cell 1 (antenna channel 0, antenna channel 1, antenna channel 2, antenna channel 3); cell 2 (antenna channel 0, antenna channel 1, antenna channel 2, antenna channel 3). ② If the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet is arranged by antenna channel, the arrangement can be: antenna channel 0 (cell 0, cell 1, cell 2); antenna channel 1 (cell 0, cell 1, cell 2); antenna channel 2 (cell 0, cell 1, cell 2); antenna channel 3 (cell 0, cell 1, cell 2).

[0149] For example, please refer to Figure 6, which is a schematic diagram of a packet grouping scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 6 (a), it is assumed that the CPRI data stream is the IQ data of antenna channel 0 to antenna channel 3 of cell 1, and the IQ data of antenna channel 0 to antenna channel 3 of cell 2. The N CPRI frames are CPRI frame 1 to CPRI frame N, and the IQ data of antenna channel 0 to antenna channel 3 of cell 1 and the IQ data of antenna channel 0 to antenna channel 3 of cell 2 in the CPRI frame 1 to CPRI frame N are encapsulated in an Ethernet data packet for transmission. Taking a CPRI frame (for example, CPRI frame 1) among the N CPRI frames as an example, assuming that the arrangement of the IQ data of antenna channel 0 to antenna channel 3 of cell 1 and the IQ data of antenna channel 0 to antenna channel 3 of cell 2 included in the CPRI frame 1 in the Ethernet data packet is arranged according to the cells, then the arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet can be described as:

[0150] The IQ data of antenna channel 0 of cell 1 is located in the first byte (or the first to eighth bits) of the payload of the Ethernet data packet with the IQ stream identifier 1.

[0151] The IQ data of antenna channel 1 of cell 1 is located in the second byte (or the 9th to 16th bits) of the payload of the Ethernet data packet with the IQ stream identifier 1.

[0152] The IQ data of antenna channel 2 of cell 1 is located in the third byte (or the 17th to 24th bits) of the payload of the Ethernet data packet with the IQ stream identifier 1.

[0153] The IQ data of antenna channel 3 of cell 1 is located in the fourth byte (or the 25th to 32nd bits) of the payload of the Ethernet data packet with the IQ flow identifier 1.

[0154] The IQ data of antenna channel 0 of cell 2 is located in the fifth byte (or the 33rd to 40th bits) of the payload of the Ethernet data packet with the IQ stream identifier 1.

[0155] The IQ data of antenna channel 1 of cell 2 is located in the sixth byte (or the 41st to 48th bits) of the payload of the Ethernet data packet with the IQ stream identifier 1.

[0156] The IQ data of antenna channel 2 of cell 2 is located in the seventh byte (or the 49th to 56th bits) of the payload of the Ethernet data packet with the IQ stream identifier 1.

[0157] The IQ data of antenna channel 3 of cell 2 is located in the eighth byte (or the 57th to 64th bits) of the payload of the Ethernet data packet with the IQ stream identifier being 1.

[0158] For another example, as shown in FIG6(b), assume that the CPRI data stream is the IQ data of antenna channels 0 to 3 of cell 1, and the IQ data of antenna channels 0 to 3 of cell 2. N CPRI frames are CPRI frame 1 to CPRI frame N, respectively. The IQ data of antenna channels 0 to 3 of cell 1 and the IQ data of antenna channels 0 to 3 of cell 2 in CPRI frames 1 to CPRI frame N are encapsulated in an Ethernet data packet for transmission. Taking one CPRI frame (e.g., CPRI frame 1) among the N CPRI frames as an example, assuming that the arrangement of the IQ data of antenna channels 0 to 3 of cell 1 and the IQ data of antenna channels 0 to 3 of cell 2 included in CPRI frame 1 in the Ethernet data packet is arranged according to antenna channels, then the arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet can be described as:

[0159] The IQ data of antenna channel 0 of cell 1 is located in the first byte (or the first to eighth bits) of the payload of the Ethernet data packet with the IQ stream identifier 1.

[0160] The IQ data of antenna channel 0 of cell 2 is located in the second byte (or the 9th to 16th bits) of the payload of the Ethernet data packet with the IQ stream identifier 1;

[0161] The IQ data of antenna channel 1 of cell 1 is located in the third byte (or the 17th to 24th bits) of the payload of the Ethernet data packet with the IQ stream identifier 1.

[0162] The IQ data of antenna channel 1 of cell 2 is located in the fourth byte (or the 25th to 32nd bits) of the payload of the Ethernet data packet with the IQ stream identifier 1.

[0163] The IQ data of antenna channel 2 of cell 1 is located in the fifth byte (or the 33rd to 40th bits) of the payload of the Ethernet data packet with the IQ stream identifier 1.

[0164] The IQ data of antenna channel 2 of cell 2 is located in the sixth byte (or the 41st to 48th bits) of the payload of the Ethernet data packet with the IQ stream identifier being 1.

[0165] The IQ data of antenna channel 3 of cell 1 is located in the seventh byte (or the 49th to 56th bits) of the payload of the Ethernet data packet with the IQ stream identifier 1.

[0166] The IQ data of antenna channel 3 of cell 2 is located in the eighth byte (or the 57th to 64th bits) of the payload of the Ethernet data packet with the IQ stream identifier being 1.

[0167] Optionally, in some feasible implementations, for the receiving end of the Ethernet data packet (i.e., the second network device), the second network device may further obtain a delay Z, which is greater than the average transmission delay of the Ethernet data packet. For example, see FIG7 , which is a schematic diagram of delay Z provided in an embodiment of the present application. Specifically, the second network device may send a first CPRI frame to a downstream processing node of the second network device when the local time reaches T+Z based on the timestamp T and delay Z. Here, the timestamp T is the frame number of the first CPRI frame among N CPRI frames, and the first CPRI frame includes the IQ data within the first CPRI frame among the N CPRI frames. In other words, the delay Z indicates that regardless of the transmission delay, when the receiving end of the Ethernet data packet receives the Ethernet data packet, it outputs the IQ data to the downstream processing node after the local time reaches T+Z based on the timestamp T carried in the Ethernet data packet. This can absorb the transmission delay jitter of the eCPRI link, making the IQ data transmission delay a stable value, so that the downstream can obtain continuous CPRI frames without frame loss, which is beneficial to improving communication performance. Here, the downstream processing node can be an RU running the CPRI protocol, or a baseband unit processing IQ data inside the DU, etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this.

[0168] It should be noted that one or more of the above-mentioned N value, the association between the IQ flow identifier and the antenna channel of the cell, the arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet, or the delay Z, etc. can be configured through a control plane message. Generally speaking, the control plane message is a message sent by the eREC to the eRE or FHGW. The control plane message may include first indication information, which indicates one or more of the following information: ①N value, ②IQ flow identifier and the antenna channel of the cell, ③The arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet. Optionally, the control plane message may also include second indication information, which indicates the size of the delay Z. It should be understood that the first indication information and the second indication information can be carried in the same control plane message or the first indication information and the second indication information can be carried in different control plane messages respectively. This application does not limit this. It should be noted that for user plane data (such as Ethernet data packets), both eREC and eRE can serve as the transmitter of user plane data. For example, if eREC serves as the transmitter of user plane data, then eRE can be the receiver of user plane data. For another example, if eRE serves as the transmitter of user plane data, then eREC is the receiver of user plane data. However, for control plane messages, eREC usually serves as the transmitter of control plane messages, while eRE serves as the receiver of control plane messages. For example, as shown in Figure 8, Figure 8 (a) shows the Ethernet data packet transmission situation when the first network device is eREC and the second network device is eRE, and Figure 8 (b) shows the Ethernet data packet transmission situation when the first network device is eRE and the second network device is eREC. For another example, please refer to Figure 9, which is a network diagram applicable to the communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 9 (a) shows the networking of eREC and eRE, where CPRI cells and eCPRI cells coexist (or share a common transmission network) on the eRE. Ethernet data packets can be sent from the eREC to the eRE via the Ethernet fronthaul network, or from the eRE to the eREC via the Ethernet fronthaul network. Control plane messages are sent / notified to the eRE by the eREC. Figure 9 (b) shows the networking of eREC, FHGW, and RE. Ethernet data packets can be sent from the eREC to the FHGW via the Ethernet fronthaul network, or from the FHGW to the eREC via the Ethernet fronthaul network. Control plane messages are sent / notified to the FHGW by the eREC.

[0169] Optionally, one or more of the aforementioned N value, the association between the IQ stream identifier and the cell's antenna channel, the arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet, or the delay Z, etc., may be preconfigured or predefined, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this. For example, the N value may be preconfigured or predefined, and this preconfiguration or predefinition can save transmission bandwidth.

[0170] In an embodiment of the present application, by encapsulating the IQ data in multiple CPRI frames into a single eCPRI Ethernet packet (i.e., an Ethernet packet in the eCPRI message format) for transmission, the transmission efficiency of CPRI data can be improved. Furthermore, by carrying an IQ flow identifier in the header of the eCPRI Ethernet packet, the IQ flow identifier can be used to identify which antenna channel(s) of which cell(s) the IQ data in the Ethernet packet specifically belongs to, thereby facilitating the correct parsing of the received eCPRI Ethernet packet by the receiving end. Furthermore, by carrying a timestamp T in the Ethernet packet, the receiving end of the Ethernet packet can, based on the timestamp T and the obtained delay Z, begin sending CPRI frames sequentially to downstream processing nodes when the local time reaches T+Z. This absorbs the jitter of the eCPRI link transmission delay, stabilizes the IQ data transmission delay, and enables the downstream end to obtain continuous CPRI frames without frame loss, thereby improving the delay stability of IQ data transmission in Ethernet networks.

[0171] The communication device provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 .

[0172] It is understood that in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. It should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that, in combination with the units and method steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed in this application, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or in a manner driven by computer software depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0173] Figures 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams of the structures of possible communication devices provided in embodiments of the present application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the first network device or the second network device in the above-mentioned method embodiment, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects possessed by the above-mentioned method embodiment. In the embodiments of the present application, these communication devices can be the first network device or the second network device, or can be components or devices (such as processors, chips, or chip systems, etc.) applied to the first network device or the second network device, or can be logic modules or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first network device or the second network device.

[0174] As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 1000 includes a processing unit 1010 and a transceiver unit 1020. The communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of the first network device or the second network device in the method embodiment shown in Figure 4 above.

[0175] When the communication apparatus 1000 is used to implement the function of the first network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG4 :

[0176] A processing unit 1010 is configured to determine an Ethernet data packet, where the Ethernet data packet is in an eCPRI message format, the Ethernet data packet includes IQ data in N CPRI frames, and the header of the Ethernet data packet includes an IQ stream identifier. The CPRI frames include IQ data corresponding to X cells, each cell including one or more antenna channels. The IQ stream identifier is used to identify the antenna channel of the cell to which the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet belongs. N is an integer greater than 1, and X is an integer greater than 0.

[0177] The transceiver unit 1020 is configured to send the Ethernet data packet.

[0178] When the communication apparatus 1000 is used to implement the function of the second network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG4 :

[0179] The transceiver unit 1020 is configured to receive an Ethernet data packet in an eCPRI message format, the Ethernet data packet including IQ data in N CPRI frames, and the header of the Ethernet data packet including an IQ stream identifier. The CPRI frame includes IQ data corresponding to X cells, each cell including one or more antenna channels. The IQ stream identifier is used to identify the antenna channel of the cell to which the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet belongs. N is an integer greater than 1, and X is an integer greater than 0.

[0180] The processing unit 1010 is configured to send a first CPRI frame through the transceiver unit 1020 according to the timestamp T and the delay Z when the local time reaches T+Z, where the first CPRI frame includes the IQ data in the first CPRI frame of the N CPRI frames.

[0181] For other possible implementations of the communication device, reference may be made to the description of the functions of the relevant devices in the method embodiment corresponding to FIG4 above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0182] As shown in Figure 11, the communication device 1100 includes a processor 1110 and an interface circuit 1120. The processor 1110 and the interface circuit 1120 are coupled to each other. It will be appreciated that the interface circuit 1120 may be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device may further include a memory 1130 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1110, input data required by the processor 1110 to execute instructions, or data generated by the processor 1110 after executing instructions.

[0183] When the communication device is used to implement the method in the above method embodiment, the processor 1110 is used to execute the function of the above processing unit 1010, and the interface circuit 1120 is used to execute the function of the above transceiver unit 1020.

[0184] When the communication device is a chip used in the first network device, the chip implements the functions of the first network device in the above method embodiment. The chip receives information from other devices; or the first network device chip sends information to other devices.

[0185] When the above-mentioned communication device is a chip applied to the second network device, the second network device chip implements the function of the second network device in the above-mentioned method embodiment, and the second network device chip receives information from other devices; or, the second network device chip sends information to other devices.

[0186] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a CPU, or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0187] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, mobile hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in the first network device or the second network device. Of course, the processor and storage medium can also be present in the first network device or the second network device as discrete components.

[0188] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instruction is loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is executed in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program or instruction can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted via the computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital versatile disc (DVD); it can also be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid state drive (SSD).

[0189] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0190] It is understood that the various numbers used in the embodiments of this application are merely for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the sequence numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not necessarily imply a specific order of execution; the order of execution of the processes should be determined by their functions and inherent logic.

[0191] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed, the method executed by the first network device or the second network device in the above method embodiment is implemented.

[0192] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program. When the computer program is executed, the method performed by the first network device or the second network device in the above method embodiment is implemented.

[0193] The present application also provides a communication system including a first network device and a second network device, wherein the first network device is configured to execute the method executed by the first network device in the above method embodiment, and the second network device is configured to execute the method executed by the second network device in the above method embodiment.

[0194] It should be noted that, for the aforementioned method embodiments, for simplicity of description, they are all expressed as a series of action combinations, but those skilled in the art should be aware that this application is not limited by the order of the actions described, because according to this application, certain steps can be performed in other orders or simultaneously. Secondly, those skilled in the art should also be aware that the embodiments described in this specification are all preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily required by this application.

[0195] The descriptions of the various embodiments provided in this application can refer to each other. The descriptions of each embodiment have their own focus. For parts not described in detail in a particular embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments. For the convenience and brevity of description, for example, the functions and execution steps of the various devices and equipment provided in the embodiments of this application can refer to the relevant descriptions of the method embodiments of this application. The various method embodiments and the various device embodiments can also refer to, be combined with, or quote each other.

[0196] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a first network device, comprising: Determine an Ethernet data packet, wherein the format of the Ethernet data packet is an enhanced common public radio interface eCPRI message format, the Ethernet data packet includes in-phase orthogonal IQ data in N common public radio interface CPRI frames, and the header of the Ethernet data packet includes an IQ stream identifier; wherein the CPRI frame includes IQ data corresponding to X cells, each of the cells includes one or more antenna channels, and the IQ stream identifier is used to determine the antenna channel of the cell to which the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet belongs, wherein N is an integer greater than 1, and X is an integer greater than 0; The Ethernet data packet is sent.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending first indication information, where the first indication information indicates one or more of the following information: The value of N; The association relationship between the IQ stream identifier and the antenna channel of the cell; or, The arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet; The arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet is the bit position of the IQ data corresponding to the antenna channel of the cell in the Ethernet data packet.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that One or more of the value of N, the association between the IQ stream identifier and the antenna channel of the cell, or the arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet is preconfigured or predefined; The arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet is the bit position of the IQ data corresponding to the antenna channel of the cell in the Ethernet data packet.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The packet header of the Ethernet data packet also includes a timestamp T, and the timestamp T is used to indicate the generation time or packaging time of the Ethernet data packet.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending second indication information, where the second indication information indicates a delay Z, and the Z is greater than an average transmission delay of the Ethernet data packet.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The timestamp T and the delay Z are used to determine the receiving buffer time of the Ethernet data packet.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that: The timestamp T is the frame number of the first CPRI frame among the N CPRI frames.

8. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to the second network device, comprising: An Ethernet data packet is received, wherein the format of the Ethernet data packet is an enhanced common public radio interface eCPRI message format, the Ethernet data packet includes in-phase orthogonal IQ data in N common public radio interface CPRI frames, and the header of the Ethernet data packet includes an IQ stream identifier; wherein the CPRI frame includes IQ data corresponding to X cells, each of the cells includes one or more antenna channels, the IQ stream identifier is used to determine the antenna channel of the cell to which the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet belongs, N is an integer greater than 1, and X is an integer greater than 0.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive first indication information, where the first indication information indicates one or more of the following information: The value of N; The association relationship between the IQ stream identifier and the antenna channel of the cell; or, The arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet; The arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet is the bit position of the IQ data corresponding to the antenna channel of the cell in the Ethernet data packet.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that One or more of the value of N, the association between the IQ stream identifier and the antenna channel of the cell, or the arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet is preconfigured or predefined; The arrangement position of the IQ data in the Ethernet data packet is the bit position of the IQ data corresponding to the antenna channel of the cell in the Ethernet data packet.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that: The packet header of the Ethernet data packet also includes a timestamp T, and the timestamp T is used to indicate the generation time or packaging time of the Ethernet data packet.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: Second indication information is received, where the second indication information indicates a delay Z, and the Z is greater than an average transmission delay of the Ethernet data packet.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The timestamp T and the delay Z are used to determine the receiving buffer time of the Ethernet data packet.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that: The timestamp T is the frame number of the first CPRI frame among the N CPRI frames.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The method further comprises: According to the timestamp T and the delay Z, when the local time reaches T+Z, a first CPRI frame is sent, where the first CPRI frame includes the IQ data in the first CPRI frame of the N CPRI frames.

16. A communication device, comprising a unit or module for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or comprising a unit or module for executing the method according to any one of claims 8 to 15.

17. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises a processor and a transceiver, wherein the processor and the transceiver are used to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or to implement the method according to any one of claims 8 to 15.

18. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The storage medium stores a computer program or an instruction. When the computer program or the instruction is executed by the communication device, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 8 to 15 is implemented.

19. A computer program product, characterized in that The method comprises a computer program code, and when the computer program code is executed on a computer, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 8 to 15 is implemented.

20. A communication system, characterized in that: The invention comprises a first network device for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and a second network device comprising the method according to any one of claims 8 to 15.

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